Five narrators give fine voice to Aoyama's newest collection of gentle, wise stories. This time the bestselling author introduces five people who live near Hinode Park playground. Each is struggling in some way, and each soon finds the playground's pink cement hippo, rumored to heal the wounded. The visitors include a schoolboy with failing grades; a new mother without friends; a wedding planner wishing to help others find happiness; a fellow who claims a fake injury, only to find that he's really hurt; and a man who seeks joy despite creeping blindness. The narrators' sensitive characterizations believably voice everyone from kids to seniors in this comforting, hopeful audio.
Pub Date: Sept. 23, 2025
Duration: 5 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781488235986
Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In this sequel to Terms of Endearment, Larry McMurtry brings back Aurora Greenway, who is now dealing with her various lovers and friends plus three grown grandchildren with a variety of problems. He presents a tale of growing up and growing old which is bittersweet and funny. Narrator Ivey uses a slight east Texas accent which authenticates the setting of the story. Each character's voice has a slightly different inflection to differentiate it. It all works together well. As you listen, you feel as if you might actually be in Houston sharing the lives of these resilient and refreshing people.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 20 hrs
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
To Fred Fairly, a Cambridge Fellow, truth is everything. What then is the truth about the woman he finds beside him when he awakens? English conventions and mores of 1912 Cambridge are central to this period piece. Callow's wonderful voice and interpretation make accents, personalities and gender come alive, and help make sense of the frequent time and character shifts. His delivery enhances a most clever "choose your own ending."
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 5 hrs
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America/ Chivers
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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