Deepa Samuel's narration brings steadiness and emotional clarity to this story of the longstanding friendship between Ruchi and Deepa, who are shaped by class, migration, and unspoken longing. Samuel softly portrays the girls' intimate friendship during their Indian school days. Samuel's voice gradually deepens as the narrative moves into adulthood and the pressures of marriage, motherhood, and resettlement in suburban Connecticut. Samuel's pacing allows the evolving tension between the women to surface naturally, especially as jealousy, obligation, and affection collide across decades. Subtle tonal adjustments distinguish private interior moments from scenes of family and community life. Samuel's attentive performance supports the novel's exploration of devotion, distance, consequence, and friendship.
Pub Date: Feb. 3, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781639737871
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Farr’s well-matched performance makes the complicated Rothstein family feel as real and frustrating and loving as our...
In an understated narration, Kimberly Farr delivers the many individual stories inherent in being part of a family. In chapters that are small jewels of revelation, Goodman’s careful prose spotlights the minutiae of the Rothstein family’s daily life and interactions. Farr handles each memorable moment flawlessly. She is subtle as she shows each character’s awareness of which buttons to push to elicit responses from desired targets. Listeners encounter sibling rivalries and long-held grudges, religious beliefs and inconsistencies, and ruminations on living a good life and speculations about death. Farr delivers all the opinions and philosophical musings with respect and care.
Farr’s well-matched performance makes the complicated Rothstein family feel as real and frustrating and loving as our own.Pub Date: Feb. 10, 2026
Duration: 12 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593612750
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 9, 2026
The climbing scenes can drag a bit on audio but the crux of this coming-of age story is whether heart and grit are enough.
Teens Dan and Tamma are climbing buddies and best friends. As they scale rocks in Joshua Tree National Park, they dream of making a living as “dirtbag” climbers. They rely solely on each other—no safety gear, supportive adults, or health insurance. With a low-pitched, restrained narration, Elaine Wang sets the scene in the early dawn or late evening as Dan and Tamma carefully place a foot or hand in a small dint of rock. She sharpens her tone for Tamma’s mother, who blames her daughter for her bitter disappointment in life. But Wang really lets fly each time the voluble Tamma goes on rants about the world, climbers, and her dreams.
The climbing scenes can drag a bit on audio but the crux of this coming-of age story is whether heart and grit are enough.Pub Date: Jan. 20, 2026
Duration: 12 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217163496
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 9, 2026
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