The thumbnail sketch most people have of rock-and-roll pioneer Chuck Berry doesn't come close to capturing the powerful way he used his intelligence and confidence throughout his career. Phil Morris's energetic narration sounds right for the music legend's relentless ambition and unhinged appetites. Imprisoned twice and harassed often while touring in mid-century America, Berry resisted illegitimate authority and aggressively dismissed efforts by club owners, music executives, and other musicians to disrespect or shortchange him. From an early age, he demanded what was his, suffered fools poorly, and scrupulously avoided feeling victimized by anyone. Morris's vocal gifts, clarity, and skill with dialects allow effortless listening, though his steady enthusiasm for the singer's story sometimes misses opportunities to convey the mystery and contradictions in Berry's colorful life.
Pub Date: Nov. 8, 2022
Duration: 14 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781549194740
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Panettiere’s performance captures her memoir’s honesty, vulnerability, and emotional intensity.
In her signature slightly husky voice, Panettiere narrates her journey from child actor in more than 50 commercials to fame on Heroes and Nashville and to life as a mother, domestic abuse survivor, recovered addict, and grieving sister. Her voice wavers when recalling loss, and she sounds small when she describes auditioning at age 5 under the guidance of her demanding mother, herself a former actor. Panettiere warmly reflects on the gifts acting gave her, from working with revered stars to filming abroad and her advocacy for animal welfare. She makes a shark encounter sound thrilling, and she uses a playful accent for her Ukrainian ex-fiancé, professional boxer Wladimir Klitschko, relaying his fights with fast-paced excitement.
Panettiere’s performance captures her memoir’s honesty, vulnerability, and emotional intensity.Pub Date: May 19, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 47 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668655627
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: June 25, 2026
An essential listen for Sondheim enthusiasts.
For those who know Sondheim best as the lyricist of Broadway giants such as Gypsy and West Side Story, this extremely well-researched, rather concise audiobook will enlighten and inform. Author Okrent’s boundless enthusiasm is clear in his performance as he discusses Sondheim’s personal and professional journey. Sondheim, who passed in 2021, was an intensely private man, but fans of Company, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, and more of Sondheim's work will appreciate that Okrent was able to mine previously unexamined archives and other resources.
An essential listen for Sondheim enthusiasts.Pub Date: May 16, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 21 mins
DD ISBN: 9798228745124
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: April 28, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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