For fifty years, Wendell Berry has created stories of life in the fictional town of Port William, Kentucky and shared them with readers. Although fictional, we recognize the characters . . .as real our own ancestors. This memoir-like tale gives us a view of that point in time when we slid from an agrarian to an industrialized society. After Christmas 1943, 9-year-old Andy Catlett makes his first solo visit to Port William. Paul Michael, as an elderly Andy, reflects on that memorable visit to his paternal grandparents, farmers, and his maternal ones, who lived in town. Speaking in a voice full of down-home wisdom, Michael creates an atmosphere in which we can imagine sitting in the company of our own grandpa, soaking up his history, which, by extension, is our own.
Pub Date: March 1, 2008
Duration: 4 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: ChristianAudio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This highly emotional audiobook won’t leave listeners dry-eyed.
Kirt Graves tenderly narrates this audiobook about the end of the world. Don and Rodney, married for the last 40 years, have one month left to live as a black hole approaches Earth. They hit the road on a desperate trip across the country to fulfill one last promise. Graves easily distinguishes a variety of characters as they grapple with their impending deaths. He shows remarkable emotional versatility in his depictions of hope, desperation, apathy, and acceptance. Graves gives Rodney a low, gruff, and tough voice, while sentimental Don sounds gentler. Graves’ performance is leisurely paced, letting listeners linger in the stories of the people Don and Rodney meet along their journey.
This highly emotional audiobook won’t leave listeners dry-eyed.Pub Date: April 28, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 25 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250435606
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: May 5, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2026
Guite’s performance makes his poetry accessible.
Author Guite recites his epic ballad, the first of four installments in his retelling of the Arthurian legends. Starting in the 12th century, the Celtic tales of Arthur were recast with explicitly Christian interpretations. Continuing this tradition, Guite’s Galahad is portrayed as the most perfect knight, the embodiment of virginal purity facing potential downfall from the temptation posed by beautiful women. Only with God’s help will he succeed in his quest. Guite narrates at a leisurely pace, his gravelly voice rising and falling with the passion and intensity of the story. An informative author’s note details Guite’s reasons for undertaking this project.
Guite’s performance makes his poetry accessible.Pub Date: April 20, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 54 mins
DD ISBN: 9798895641408
Publisher: Oasis Audio
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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