Author Rebecca Barone contrasts the 1910 race to the South Pole between Scott and Amundsen with the 2018 race to complete the first successful solo crossing of Antarctica between Louis Rudd and Colin O'Brady. These twin stories of polar exploration, endurance, and national pride could easily have been reduced to feats of men against the harsh elements, but Barone and narrator Kate Mulligan combine efforts to add emotional depth and broaden the appeal. Mulligan's easy pacing and warm, clear voice smoothly pull the listener into the grueling journeys. We hear Scott's bitter disappointment upon discovering the Norwegian flag at the Pole and O'Brady's happiness as he chats with Paul Simon on his satellite phone. Particularly poignant is Rudd's carrying the family crest of his friend Henry Worsley to honor the fallen explorer.
(Nonfiction. 11-14)Pub Date: Jan. 19, 2021
Duration: 5 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This production reflects both the sweep of history and the intimate resilience of one family.
A talented ensemble cast brings this fictionalized graphic memoir to life in a vivid, fully immersive listening experience. Young Carlos, voiced by Cuban American narrator Giordan Diaz, anchors the story with a performance that captures innocence, fear, and curiosity as revolution begins to shadow his childhood in Cuba. Daniel Miyares narrates in a steady, serious tone, skillfully weaving the historical context of 1950s Cuba into the family’s perilous journey toward Key West, Florida. The contrast between his grounded narration and the emotionally charged family scenes adds depth and authenticity. Cuban music and layered sound design, like rolling waves, hushed conversations, and distant protesters, create a cinematic atmosphere.
This production reflects both the sweep of history and the intimate resilience of one family. (Graphic memoir. 8-12)Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 1 hr, 27 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217346066
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: March 10, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2026
A powerful contemplation of the impact of women's anger and a call to action.
Narrator Cynthia Farrell channels author Traister's conviction, passion, and sense of urgency. Engaging from the start, the audiobook is part history lesson and part personal reflection, providing listeners with a wide-ranging survey of how women's anger has powered social justice movements from the French Revolution to the Civil Rights Movement to the 2017 Women's March on Washington. With well-researched examples, Traister chronicles the many ways that women's rage is ignored, dismissed, and ridiculed, even though it is often the thing that spurs change. This audiobook will stay with listeners and will prompt awareness, reflection, and conversation.
A powerful contemplation of the impact of women's anger and a call to action. (Nonfiction. 10-16)Pub Date: Feb. 17, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 52 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668156506
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: April 20, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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