Sue Johnson's slow-paced narration doesn't give her thoughtful book the personality or verve it deserves. But her voice, with its British accent and academic tone, sounds kind and genuine, and her writing is top-notch, so it's easy to adjust to her narrative style. Her book reveals a poet's grasp of the history of romantic love, especially its largely utilitarian foundations and the unrealistic expectations we moderns have regarding our romantic partnerships. Then, focusing on what works for most people and what science has discovered, she explains the core concepts of attachment, emotional security, sexual attraction, and mature love paradigms. The audio is a helpful reminder of why self-knowledge, persistent communication, and the ability to navigate differences are essential for romantic attachments to remain viable.
Pub Date: Dec. 31, 2013
Duration: 12 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781478925255
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A gentle listening experience celebrating friendship, shared lives, and connection.
Jessica Lee and Sofia Jin narrate this audiobook as a compelling two-voice performance that highlights emotional intimacy and balance. The memoir follows two Korean women who choose to live together and to reflect on their friendship and shared lives in alternating essays. Lee and Jin perform their perspectives with clarity, giving each chapter a distinct rhythm while maintaining cohesion across the narrative. Their warm, conversational delivery allows listeners to experience humor and vulnerability in equal measure. Subtle vocal shifts convey affection, tension, and reflection without exaggeration, enhancing authenticity. Lee and Jin’s beautifully matched narration makes the evolving partnership feel immediate, sincere, and deeply personal.
A gentle listening experience celebrating friendship, shared lives, and connection.Pub Date: Jan. 20, 2026
Duration: 12 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780063473409
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: yesterday
Griffiths narrates her poetic memoir, marked by two traumatic life events, with precision. Griffiths' emotive narration takes measure of the joys and sorrows she experiences in tender moments spent with her best friend, Kamilah Aisha Moon, a talented poet, as they share a deep connection and support each other's work. Despair comes on "the best and worst day" of her life, when Aisha dies on the same day that Griffiths weds author Salman Rushdie. Despite her own marital bliss, Griffiths is consumed by an overwhelming grief, and it has only begun to subside a year later when Rushdie is stabbed, nearly fatally. Again, Griffiths is plunged into depression. This story of love and loss is as strong in emotion as it is in poignant imagery and lyricism.
Pub Date: Jan. 20, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217176441
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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