by Thomas Lockley ; read by Gary Furlong ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 21, 2024
In a British accent, Gary Furlong briskly describes the sea battle that led to a Japanese man joining explorer/navigator Thomas Cavendish's ship's crew in 1588. Christopher, who was being held on a Spanish galleon, was the first Japanese man to set foot on British soil--and other places worldwide. Furthermore, his map-reading skills added to British knowledge of the world. Furlong delivers Christopher's day-to-day dialogue in a hesitant voice but makes him sound full of wonder when he meets Queen Elizabeth I. Furlong softens his voice when describing the horrors faced by Africans in the cargo hold of a Spanish ship. Thomas Lockley's research could satisfy listeners' curiosity about the realities behind the novel SHOGUN and the Japanese manga series ONE PIECE.
Pub Date: May 21, 2024
Duration: 8 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781488230813
Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Kate Bowler ; read by Kate Bowler ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 7, 2026
Listeners looking to examine joy from a faith-based perspective will find much to reflect on.
In this audiobook, Bowler poses the question, "What is joy?" Narrating her own work, she muses on this theme, discussing finding joy in the ordinary, the role of emotions, recapturing past joy, and the way her faith has shaped her interpretation and experience of joy. Bowler’s narration is down to earth as she talks about her experience battling Stage 4 cancer shortly after her mother's death. She also tackles big ideas about duty and obligation, shared emotion, toxic positivity, how to convert faith into something concretely good, the secret of miracles, and taking risks to achieve joy.
Listeners looking to examine joy from a faith-based perspective will find much to reflect on.Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 58 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217176564
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: April 1, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2026
by Arthur C. Brooks ; read by Arthur C. Brooks ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 31, 2026
Listeners in search of purpose may find this audiobook transformative.
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
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Author and narrator Brooks challenges listeners to find meaning in their lives when distractions abound. The audiobook offers deep dives into topics including relationships, work, leisure, and faith, as well as formulas for finding happiness and meaning. Brooks delivers the material with the confidence of a professional, and his pace is fast but easy to follow. He shares scientific research, examples from history and literature, and stories of contemporary individuals, including himself. Listeners may want to be ready to pause and take notes to answer the questions Brooks poses about finding one’s own life's meaning.
Listeners in search of purpose may find this audiobook transformative.Pub Date: March 31, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 41 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217282111
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: May 5, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2026
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