Mena Suvari, an actor featured in AMERICAN PIE and AMERICAN BEAUTY, narrates her memoir, which is replete with ego, self-righteous negativity, and childlike pouting at every turn. Providing no clear context for what follows, Suvari plunges into explaining that a poem she wrote as a teen called "The Great Peace" has provided valued comfort throughout her significant life challenges, which include drug dependence and abusive relationships. Her tone and affect are workmanlike, varying little throughout despite a life that has thus far included great trauma. Listeners will likely empathize, but the weak conversational writing and bland narration compromise a potentially fascinating listening experience.
Pub Date: July 27, 2021
Duration: 8 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781549156311
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
The late Reiner recounts the bizarre origin of the mock rock band Spinal Tap and traces its evolution through the past 40 years. With band members Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer, Reiner talks tongue-in-cheek about the world's most infamous fake band. They narrate in and out of character about the craziness of the movie project, which was pitched with no script or budget. The guest list of music celebrities in the audiobook seems endless. McKean, Shearer, and Guest are actors and writers who have appeared in countless movies and television shows, both serious and comedic. Spinal Tap is their way of letting off steam with inside jokes about the rock industry that surprisingly hit very close to home. Hilarious--a must for Spinal Tap fans.
Pub Date: Nov. 25, 2025
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668123904
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Award-winning performer Cynthia Erivo narrates her own memoir in which she focuses on what it means to fully embrace yourself, even if others do not. Today, Erivo is beloved for her role as Elphaba in the film adaptation of the musical WICKED, but as a child she was frequently told she asked too many questions and to stop being "too much." Performing her story herself, Erivo takes back her power. As she explores her own life, she takes time to ask listeners about their own experiences. With her performance skills and melodic voice, Erivo captures listeners' attention and leaves them feeling inspired to be themselves.
Pub Date: Nov. 18, 2025
Duration: 3 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250435156
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
