Chanté McCormick rises to the challenge of narrating Jacobs's comprehensive biography of Althea Gibson with grace, energy, and a rich voice. Gibson charted a host of firsts. She was the first Black tennis player to win Wimbledon and the US Open--and to be ranked Number 1 in the world. She was also the first Black player in the Ladies Professional Golf Association. These achievements occurred before such accomplishments came with any financial reward and at the same time that she was sometimes being refused service in hotels and restaurants. Gibson also cut a record, costarred in a John Wayne movie, and became New Jersey's Athletic Commissioner. McCormick has excellent timing and vocal variation. She beautifully matches Jacobs's view of Gibson as ambivalent about her trailblazing status.
Pub Date: Aug. 15, 2023
Duration: 19 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781250880659
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A different kind of rock star memoir, rooted in astrology and conveyed with gentle grace and intelligence.
Orzabal relates his history as a rock star with a conscience. Orzabal is a member of Tears for Fears, the 1980s pop duo that continues to record and perform. Their early ubiquitous hits remain staples on streaming services and movie soundtracks. Orzabal relates his unique path to stardom and shares the difficult story of his life of artistry and tragedy in a weathered British lilt. While his artistic compatriots may have enjoyed the usual spoils of pop stardom, Orzabal sought primal scream therapy. Orzabal's performance here is engaging and therapeutic.
A different kind of rock star memoir, rooted in astrology and conveyed with gentle grace and intelligence.Pub Date: Aug. 4, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 18 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063455153
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 21, 2026
Joseph does his energetic best to explain the games and puzzles, but without visuals, this audiobook leaves us wanting more.
Joseph offers a completely original look at Stephen Sondheim’s life—as a game and puzzle aficionado. A master of musical theater, Sondheim believed lyrics were “an elegant form of puzzle.” He hosted game nights at his home with celebrities Leonard Bernstein, Meryl Streep, Tony Kushner, and many others. Joseph describes games such as Hostilities, The Murder Game, and cutthroat Anagrams. Quotes from other Sondheim biographies and numerous personal anecdotes reveal that some critics felt Sondheim’s game nights were self-indulgent, held only to prove he was the smartest person in the room, while others agreed that the nights were occasionally mean-spirited and frequently naughty but always fun.
Joseph does his energetic best to explain the games and puzzles, but without visuals, this audiobook leaves us wanting more.Pub Date: July 28, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 29 mins
DD ISBN: 9798216552475
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: Sept. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
