Behind the Mic With Kirkus Reviews

The full-cast audiobook adaptation of the Newbery Award-winning graphic novel ROLLER GIRL is full of the best kind of punk rock energy. Astrid falls in love with roller derby and loses her best friend to a mean girl all in one summer. Bright voices and sound effects, including tumbles, bottles of hair dye, and lots of roller skates, create vibrant scenes to help kids imagine the hard work and laug...

A family isolates themselves on an island to protect their daughters from the toxicity of the wider world—until their father disappears and strange men and a boy wash up on the shore. This atmospheric dystopian fable is told through alternating perspectives of the three daughters. The eldest, Grace, is narrated in a cool, flinty voice by Morfydd Clark, which contrasts with the enthusiasm and longi...

Novelist Adriana Trigiani joins us to talk about her latest audiobook, TONY’S WIFE, and narrator Edoardo Ballerini’s engaging performance. In a story about the music of the last century—the Big Band music of the 1940s—two talented working class kids, Tony & Chi Chi, marry and become a successful singing act until time, temptation, and the responsibilities of home and family derail their dreams. In...

A Pulitzer Prize-winning author who’s been called a master of creative nonfiction, McPhee presents a collection of essays and stories. He reveals a boundless curiosity about all that surrounds us—from the natural world and sports to icons in entertainment and those with an interesting story to tell. Published by Recorded Books Read the full review of THE PATCH at audiofilemagazine.com. For more fr...

Who was Beyoncé before Beyoncé, or Madonna before Madonna? Entertainer Josephine Baker led a life that sounds more like that of a character in great literature than a groundbreaking entertainer, civil rights champion, and possible spy. Narrator Adenrele Ojo enthalls and inspires listeners with this fictional biography. Published by HighBridge Audio. Read the full review of JOSEPHINE BAKER'S LAST D...

Rusbridger, editor in chief of THE GUARDIAN during the 20 years when newspapers were struggling to figure out a business model for the digital age, witnessed firsthand the disruption of the news business by the internet. British narrator Samuel West conveys the author's concerns about trying to balance deep research and a 24/7 news cycle in a measured tone. Published by Macmillan Audio. Read the f...

A dramatic presentation of poet Natasha Trethewey’s Pulitzer Prize-winning collection staged by The Alliance Theatre of Atlanta. Two narrators bring deep understanding of the poems—January LaVoy narrates those Trethewey wrote for and about her mother, and Thomas Neal Antwon Ghant represents The Native Guard, men who traded service in the Union army for freedom from slavery. Listeners will be immer...

The biography of Douglass, an escaped slave who became a prominent activist, author, and public speaker at the time of the Civil War, shares many details of his personal life but also reflects the drama and emotion of the times. Known for his leadership of the anti-slavery movement, Douglass emerges as a “Prophet of Freedom” in historian David Blight’s celebrated portrait. Narrator Prentice Onayem...

What does it mean to be a good creature in the world? Naturalist and author Sy Montgomery explores this question through the stories of 13 animals that have shaped her life. Hearing about Octavia the octopus and good pig Christopher Hogwood, listeners will be drawn in not only by Montgomery’s stories but also by her voice, emotions, and her ability to create a sense of suspense. Perfect for animal...

Edoardo Ballerini is the perfect narrator for this boy-meets-girl saga in the Big Band era. Chi Chi Donatelli and Saverino Armandonada both dream of stardom, and when they meet and fall in love, they are swept away by romance. Marriage becomes a challenge, and larger themes of love, sacrifice, ambition, and independence emerge, with Ballerini and Trigiani creating the perfect atmosphere. Published...

Listen to this heartwarming follow-up to THE STORY OF ARTHUR TRULUV, narrated by author Elizabeth Berg. Baker extraordinaire Lucille is at the center of this story, with her friends Iris, Monica, and Abigail each facing their own challenges. The small town of Mason, Missouri, comes to life, and each of their interconnected stories illuminates the everyday miracles of friendship. Published by Recor...

Known for his exciting podcast, Gregg Clunis provides simple strategies to get more out of your life with practical ideas and teachings from his own experience. His clear and serious tone will help listeners learn how to make those big changes as individuals — with awakening, exploring, connecting, and following through. This accessible guide is what you need to coach you through being in the worl...

FBI Special agent Pendergast has a new boss and a new younger partner, and longtime narrator Rene Auberjonois brings the perfect acerbic delivery to the 18th mystery in the Pendergast series. You know it’ll be a wild ride when an audiobook starts off with a Pekingese running off with a human heart he found on a grave! Audiobook mystery listeners will love every minute of this Earphone Award-winnin...

Whatever the product or service, business thinker Seth Godin teaches you how to reframe how it's presented to the world. Continuing many of the marketing principles he has talked about in other audiobooks, Godin brings his signature blend of insight, observation, and memorable examples. Published by Penguin Audio Read the full review of THIS IS MARKETING at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free aud...

Nine Australians seeking escape gather at a health resort for a ten-day retreat, but the fanatical resort director's devotion to "transformation" leads to some surprising turns. Caroline Lee’s animated performance brings listeners along as the story changes perspective. Published by Macmillan Audio Read the full review of NINE PERFECT STRANGERS at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free audiobook rec...

Ted Simon took a motorbike trip around the world and wrote about it in JUPITER’S TRAVELS. He became famous for this epic ride; his return trip three decades later, when he was in his early 70s, is a tribute to his pluck and tenacity. Adventures abound. Published by Naxos AudioBooks. Read the full review of DREAMING OF JUPITER at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign...

Polish author Olga Tokarczuk’s 2018 National Book Award Finalist and winner of the Booker International Prize is a unique fragmentary novel. While FLIGHTS may be a turbulent ride, if listeners stick with Julia Whelan’s narration, she’ll take them where they need to go. Published by Penguin Audio Read the full review of FLIGHTS at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign...

Neil Gaiman delivers four brief paeans to free speech, the importance of libraries, and perseverance in writing and other creative pursuits. Gaiman has had so much experience and success in various professional arenas that his advice sounds both knowledgeable and knowing—he’s been there before—and his reassuring tone makes this a collection to listen to again and again. Published by Harper Audio....

A fictional memoir of Madam Tussaud, who founded the famous wax museum in London, takes listeners from the luxury of the French Court to the violence of the French Revolution. Petite Marie Grosholtz was nicknamed “Little,” but she was a powerhouse of spirit and perseverance. Narrator Jayne Entwistle is captivating and emotive as she tells Marie’s life in diary form. Published by Penguin Audio. Rea...

Actor Michael Caine’s long career has had plenty of ups and downs. In his iconic, wry style, he mostly chronicles his professional life. Enjoy spending a few hours with the actor as he offers humorous, candid opinions on his career, including his films, plays, and costars. Caine turns his best-learned lessons into excellent rules to adopt whatever one’s career choice: Arrive on time and prepared;...

Chief Superintendent Gamache is named an executor of a stranger’s will along with two other residents of Three Pines. Narrator Robert Bathurst brings a world-weary quality to Gamache while still capturing the character’s steady, compassionate nature. Gamache’s career at the Surete continues to be in peril. Published by Macmillan Audio Read the full review of KINGDOM OF THE BLIND at audiofilemagazi...

This memoir of one of America’s great role models is perfect as an audiobook. In a rich, warm timbre, Michelle Obama treats listeners to reminiscences and reflections on her life as though we were friends seated in her living room. To hear Mrs. Obama share her personal stories further reveals her compassion, her quiet confidence, and her steely resolve. Published by Random House Audio. Read the fu...

Janet Evanovich’s long-running comedy mystery series featuring bounty hunter Stephanie Plum turns 25 and is very much alive. Quirky characters Lula, Cousin Vinnie, and Ranger are fresh and sassy. Narrator Lorelei King draws memorable portraits with great skill. In #25, Stephanie and Lula go undercover at the Red River Deli, and nothing goes as planned. Published by Penguin Audio. Read the full rev...

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of THE HUNGER GAMES with a captivating new production, narrated by Tatiana Maslany. Her husky voice and skill in conveying nail-biting tension perfectly fit the story of teenagers who are senselessly sacrificed for media attention and political gain. Published by Scholastic Audiobooks. Read the full review of THE HUNGER GAMES: SPECIAL EDITION at audiofilemagazine.com...

If this were just an audiobook about the evolution of the musical “Chicago,” it would be engaging, but with Joel Froomkin’s narration, it is absolutely delightful. Froomkin’s performance is a marvel, making the politicians, the “dolls,” and the smoke-filled rooms of the notorious city sizzle with decadence. The backstory of the musical and the city is great entertainment. Published by Tantor Audio...