Author Steven Rowley brings humor, whimsy, and heart to his narration of his charming novel about a transformative summer. Patrick is a middle-aged gay man and retired actor who has retreated from the world to avoid facing his fears and past heartbreaks. When his sister-in-law dies and his brother checks himself into rehab, it falls upon him to look after his niece and nephew for the summer. Rowley infuses his voice with all of Patrick's coy humor and self-indulgence, and breathes life into his dramatic asides and over-the-top monologues. But he's equally good at modulating his voice during Patrick's most tender and vulnerable moments. Quick pacing and a clear delivery make this the perfect beach read: a lighthearted but moving story about grief and forgiveness.
Pub Date: May 25, 2021
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593347522
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Berg narrates her tale of friendship with candor and wit, creating a touching portrait of one woman’s memorable view...
Author/narrator Berg delves into the life of 92-year-old Florence "Flo" Greene. Flo has been given weeks to live and writes a letter to her dearest friend and heir, Ruthie, explaining what Ruthie will find in the house when she inherits it. In this epistolary novel, Berg allows Flo to ponder the meaning of life, love, friendship, and belief. Berg’s slight accent for Flo gives the novel a folksy touch, distinguishing Flo from her new friend Theresa, who happens to be a death doula. As the two women become fast friends, Flo’s reflections grow more intimate and personal.
Berg narrates her tale of friendship with candor and wit, creating a touching portrait of one woman’s memorable view of life.Pub Date: March 17, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593677643
Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2026
Whelan is a genius when it comes to tone, pitch, and delivery.
Julia Whelan’s deliberate and alluring voice places the listener smack in the middle of Serle's magical novel of the Novak women and the "do-over" gift each receives just once in their lifetime. Third-generation Lauren revisits her childhood home of Malibu Beach after her husband, Leo, decides to take a new job and rent out their New York apartment for months. As Lauren spends more time with her family and is reacquainted with her first love, Stone, she takes the summer to contemplate the serious question: "What if I chose this life event to reverse instead of that one?"
Whelan is a genius when it comes to tone, pitch, and delivery.Pub Date: March 10, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 50 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668103005
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: March 3, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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