Narrator Nicol Zanzarella portrays Vanya Erickson as resilient and forgiving in her memoir about her erratic upbringing by a father suffering from PTSD after WWII and a Christian Scientist mother. Zanzarella plunges herself into Erickson's life and surroundings to sincerely describe the strong feelings of isolation that would leave the author feeling paralyzed with fear. Zanzarella has a particular ability to expose Erickson's deeply personal and revealing moments with care and authenticity, and she perceives those thoughts and emotions meticulously. She also convincingly mimics Erickson's parents. The most intriguing and shocking moments of Erickson's life are recounted with intensity and power, enhancing a captivating true story of a childhood survived.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2018
Duration: 6 hrs
Publisher: Vanya Erickson
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A NEW YORK TIMES journalist documents the heart-wrenching choices she and her brother faced in caring for their mother during her last years. The lengthy but compelling narrative describes the relentless apprehension she felt about her mother’s deteriorating health and the frustrations she had with byzantine federal healthcare regulations and the shortcomings of private facilities. The dominant tone in Kate Reading’s flawless performance is resignation and persistence. While keeping the melodrama out of this very personal documentary, she captures the author’s determined efforts to arrange the best care for her mother in the midst of overworked care providers, dwindling financial resources, and her mother’s outspoken unhappiness. With a plethora of wisdom and good advice, this is an eye-opening look at end-of-life challenges and how current institutions are handling them.
Pub Date: April 26, 2011
Duration: 15 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Rodrigo Garcia narrates his brief but powerful memoir about the passing of his parents. His father was the literary giant Gabriel García Márquez. His mother, Mercedes Barcha, was also a giant--of their family. Garcia narrates the events of the months leading up to their deaths with tactical precision that can come across as emotionless. However, his reservation allows listeners to focus on the words and feelings of his mother, brother, and the plethora of people who paid tribute to his father. Fans of García Márquez will want to listen, of course, but anyone who has lost a family member will also want to hear this audiobook.
Pub Date: July 27, 2021
Duration: 2 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063158344
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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