Behind the Mic With Kirkus Reviews

For fans of frighteningly believable stories, don’t miss today’s recommendation—a debut novel. We imagine ourselves in a world where half the population is allowed to speak only 100 words a day. For fans of THE HANDMAID’S TALE but better. Brace yourself for an excerpt of this timely and fascinating audiobook. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on o...

With the release of the blockbuster movie, we revisit the romp of the audiobook version written by Kevin Kwan. The satire of the novel is at the heart of the story and part of the fun. Narrator Chen enlivens a broad cast of characters. Don’t blame us if you laugh out loud while listening to the excerpt in this podcast episode! For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine...

Here’s an audiobook that snares us in a labyrinthine web of lies, deceits, betrayals, and truths that span decades. This engrossing listen explores relationships and secrets between mothers and daughters and will have you glued to your earphones. Listen to an excerpt of this high-voltage audiobook that will have you both riveted to your seat and ready to jump out of it! For more free audiobook rec...

With 2018 marking the centenary of Nelson Mandela’s birth, AudioFile discusses THE PRISON LETTERS OF NELSON MANDELA. Narrator Atandwa Kani played young Mandela in the film “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,” and more recently acted in “Black Panther.” Mandela’s letters will tear at listeners’ hearts, and Atandwa Kani’s narration is not to be missed. Listen to an excerpt of this Earphones Award-winnin...

A Pride-month breakout book. Two stories run parallel throughout this thoughtful audiobook, one unfolding during the early days of the AIDS epidemic in Chicago and the other taking place in a more contemporary time in Paris. A listen with strong emotional impact. The audio clip may have you rethinking flying but we promise that you don’t want to miss this audiobook. For more free audiobook recomme...

Today on a special bonus episode of Behind the Mic, we talk with actor LeVar Burton. You know LeVar from “Roots,” as the host of “Reading Rainbow,” and now as host of the podcast “LeVar Burton Reads.” LeVar considered Fred Rogers a friend and mentor, and when the opportunity to narrate THE GOOD NEIGHBOR arose, LeVar jumped at the chance to honor the creator and host of the iconic PBS television se...

America is primed for this political thriller featuring a polarizing president. No, THE MIDDLEMAN isn’t a nonfiction audiobook recommendation but rather a cerebral novel of suspense by Olen Steinhauer. Narrator Ari Fliakos has a clear connection to literary work using emotional intimacy. This podcast includes an excerpt for this Earphones-winning audiobook that will have you ready to hit play. For...

Don’t listen to this podcast in the dark! AudioFile shares an excerpt from Stephen King’s very creepy THE OUTSIDER, read by Will Patton. As we expect from the King and Patton combination, the emotional intensity makes this audiobook a subtle powerhouse. If this podcast is too scary for you, visit our website to read the audiobook review. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFi...

AudioFile editors recommend HARBOR ME, the new middle-grade title from acclaimed author Jacqueline Woodson. In this audiobook, Woodson narrates as the teacher of a group of 6 students brought together in an experimental classroom to talk — without teachers around — for an hour every Friday. Each student is voiced by a different narrator, and this combination makes for an Earphones Award-winning au...

This long-running thriller series by Daniel Silva features spymaster Gabriel Allon. And the audiobook features master narrator George Guidall. One of AudioFile’s Golden Voices, he rips through German, Russian, and Israeli names with ease and keeps the tension high. THE OTHER WOMAN does not disappoint. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our websi...

Beautifully written and performed, Anne Tyler’s novel reminds us that families come in all shapes and sizes. The Baltimore setting of CLOCK DANCE gets special attention from narrator Kimberly Farr. Humorous and relatable, her performance inspired AudioFile reviewer S.J. Henschel to tell us, “Get this audiobook--immediately!” It’s an Earphones Award winner. For more free audiobook recommendations,...

With a new documentary about Robin Williams just out on HBO, AudioFile reviews ROBIN by Dave Itzkoff, narrated by Fred Berman. This biography captures the depth of Robin Williams, exploring both the humor and the tragedy of this beloved comedian. Listen for an excerpt of this remarkable audiobook. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter on our website....

With the theatrical release of the documentary “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” AudioFile looks at THE GOOD NEIGHBOR by Maxwell King, a book and audio honoring Fred Rogers. LeVar Burton, actor and host of the award-winning children’s series “Reading Rainbow,” warmly invites listeners into the life of American icon Fred Rogers, creator and host of the PBS television show “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.” List...

Welcome to the launch of AudioFile Magazine's new podcast, Behind the Mic! Editors and reviewers from AudioFile Magazine give their recommendations for the best audiobook listening Monday through Friday. This podcast will help you find your next great audiobook. In addition to the audiobook recommendations, we’ll have bonus episodes of in-depth conversations with the best voices in the audiobook w...

If you are an audiobook listener, our Behind the Mic podcast is the best way to get audiobook recommendations. With audiobooks, it's not just the story that's important, it's also the narrator who makes the magic. That's where Behind the Mic comes in! Every week, our host Jo Reed discusses excellent new audiobooks with our guests, all editors and contributors to AudioFile Magazine. Listen to episo...