Unnerving, entertaining performances balance the absurd with a too-close reality.
This chilling collection of dystopian stories, read by three narrators along with author Khong, grapples with capitalism, race, sex, AI, and friendship. East Asian and Asian American women are centered in each of these performances, where precise irony collides with bleak humor. Jialing Pan narrates with eerie clarity in “The Freshening,” where humans receive an injection so they see everyone as belonging to their own race. Jen Zhao maintains a riveting pace in “The Family O,” where women confront a man who serial-dates Asian women. Annie Q. Riegel’s soothing, breathy, low pitch lends itself to an alien allegory in “Colors from Everywhere.” Khong narrates the last story, “D Day,” in a gripping, near-perfect reading that brings this collection to an uncomfortable close.
Unnerving, entertaining performances balance the absurd with a too-close reality.Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 56 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217174379
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: May 5, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 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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