This collection of Hanukkah noir, edited by Tod Goldberg, offers 11 gritty crime-filled stories better suited for listeners who are noir enthusiasts than those seeking lighthearted holiday tales. Contributors include Ivy Pochoda, David L. Ulin, Lee Goldberg, Liska Jacobs, and Tod Goldberg. Each story is narrated by one of four masterful narrators who expertly flex their timbre, tone, and tempo to deliver the characters and dark, frequently violent, plots that unfold in multiple settings and timeframes. While the connections to Hanukkah can seem tenuous at times, noir listeners will appreciate the well-written characters and plots, along with the skilled performances. This is an entertaining listen for those who prefer their holidays served with a twist.
Pub Date: 2024
Duration: 8 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798892746656
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In this sequel to Terms of Endearment, Larry McMurtry brings back Aurora Greenway, who is now dealing with her various lovers and friends plus three grown grandchildren with a variety of problems. He presents a tale of growing up and growing old which is bittersweet and funny. Narrator Ivey uses a slight east Texas accent which authenticates the setting of the story. Each character's voice has a slightly different inflection to differentiate it. It all works together well. As you listen, you feel as if you might actually be in Houston sharing the lives of these resilient and refreshing people.
Pub Date:
Duration: 20 hrs
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
An unusual and inspiring piece of WWII propaganda, this 1942 novella was composed as a play, published as a book and made into a finely acted film. Steinbeck presents an impossibly noble Norwegian village under Fascist occupation. George Guidall’s wonted cordiality makes him sound like a warm-hearted neighbor inviting you to make yourself comfortable in his parlor. And the experience and technique of his many years as an actor and audiobook narrator enable him to give this work’s many characters individuality and soul without resorting to vocal tricks. He has wisely chosen simplicity and sincerity as the best approach. It’s an amazing and immensely satisfying performance of--if not one of the greatest of Steinbeck’s works--then one of the best paeans to liberty and community of its age.
Pub Date:
Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781101530948
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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