by Michael Norton ; read by Michael Norton ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 9, 2024
The need for rituals to promote a life of meaning is greater than ever, according to this inspiring audiobook. Harvard Professor Michael Norton's easy-listening performance makes his insights accessible. His confidence sounds professional and never overworked, allowing his knowledge and suggestions to speak for themselves. He says rituals have a broader purpose than habits because they create deep emotional associations, rather than simply automating behavior. Most interestingly, he shows how to turn ordinary habits into rituals by intentionally elevating their status and magnifying their impact on our lives. With powerful examples and a tone of encouragement, he shows how we can become more intentional with the rituals we create for ourselves and our communities.
Pub Date: April 9, 2024
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781797175195
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by s.e. smith ; read by Em Grosland ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 28, 2026
Listeners are in good hands with Grosland’s expert performance.
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
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Em Grosland performs this in-depth look at the multifaceted nature of grief. Author smith has loved many cats in their life, and after each loss, they have had to grapple with grief in different ways. Each chapter uses the story of a different cat as a springboard into a discussion of the complexities of grief and the many ways it shows up in our lives. Grosland narrates with a clear, direct tone, understanding when to be more expressive and when to let the text speak for itself. This strategy allows them to highlight moments of emotional weight without overwhelming the listener with the subject matter.
Listeners are in good hands with Grosland’s expert performance.Pub Date: July 28, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063446038
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: July 28, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2026
by Bruce Feiler ; read by Bruce Feiler ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 19, 2026
Feiler’s heartfelt performance emphasizes his message that rituals are key to forging community.
Awards & Accolades
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Feiler is interested in how we use rituals to connect with others in an age in which fewer people than ever are baptized, get married, or are eventually buried. He casts a wide net: filing down teeth for coming-of-age ceremonies, divorce parties, placenta burials, gender reveals, and more. Feiler isn’t a professional narrator, but his authenticity and gentle humor are clearly apparent in his voice, which lends the whole endeavor the feeling of a memoir. That seems appropriate, given that Feiler travels the world participating in Vegas weddings and Nordic cold plunges and develops his own new rituals with his family to celebrate beating cancer.
Feiler’s heartfelt performance emphasizes his message that rituals are key to forging community.Pub Date: May 19, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 27 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217336692
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: June 30, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2026
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