New Reviews: Personal Growth

Narrator Emily Woo Zeller delivers this captivating history of how civilizations across the world raise children. Zeller captures the author's humor and irony without overshadowing her mission: to give fretting parents a reprieve from overly ambitious parenting advice. Her understated, often charming performance will hold listeners' attention, giving them time to absorb the... Read More

Much to the delight of many listeners, Anne Lamott's essay collections about life, love, religion, and writing, including the well-loved OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS and BIRD BY BIRD, have appeared frequently over the years. She is a friendly, wise, and wry commentator who only occasionally drifts into self-pity about life's many pitfalls. She is always worth one's attention. The... Read More

The smart-aleck tone in the author's performance is a steady feature in this refreshing reminder that less can be more when it comes to raising children. With his pleasantly flinty voice and brisk pacing, he creates a positive atmosphere for absorbing his views and pithy insights. Short chapters with snappy headings, along with a steady flow of funny quips, also keep the action... Read More

Narrating this fascinating collection of research findings on who is successful and why, Roger Wayne brings the kind of vocal clarity and enthusiasm that an audiobook like this deserves. He sounds relaxed, in complete control of his craft, and engaged without overselling the author's message. Eric Barker explodes many myths we have about success--for example that nice guys and... Read More

Engaging in crafts creates more than a quilt, a painting, or a ceramic bowl--it creates peace of mind, say authors Davidson and Tahsin. Narrator Joan Walker delivers this message about the therapeutic qualities of crafting with enthusiasm that mirrors this celebration of traditional crafts. Walker's lilting narration occasionally blurs narrative transitions such as moving to... Read More

Saying that urban dwellers across the globe suffer from "nature deficit disorder," Australian-trained academic Qing Li has created a convincing argument that time in forests is essential for happiness and overall well-being. Narrator Ramon Tikaram brings appealing credibility to the production with his deeply resonant voice, British accent, and colorful phrasing palette. His... Read More

A singer-songwriter and creativity advocate offers a collage of stories, pithy advice, and original music aimed at helping people become more aware of their talents and more courageous about expressing them. He's a smooth and resonant narrator whose dramatic pacing is intense and provocative; his message and delivery are so authentic that their sheer power will be hard for most... Read More

One hears enthusiastic earnestness in author and narrator Marlee Grace's tone as she encourages listeners to consider how they spend their time. Diving more deeply than simply advocating a balance of life and work, she explains how to define the sometimes indistinguishable line between working and doing something you love. Her articulate message outlines the actionable steps... Read More

There is a calming quality of the author's performance of her empowering audiobook, which reminds us that we shouldn't let our culture dissuade us from finding joy in the tangible qualities of the world around us. At once powerful and innocent sounding, Lee's speaking voice has a beautiful lyricism that is compelling but never upstages her message. The design expert and... Read More

One size doesn't fit all in this collection of 87 tactics for creating more relevant and satisfying time for yourself. Performing their audiobook with optimism, both authors have youthful speaking voices that may not sound polished or assertive but deliver their message with clear phrasing and charming authenticity. What's refreshing about this guide is the authors' premise... Read More

Micromastery--the mastering of a simple, repeatable task such as splitting a log, balancing rocks, or making the perfect omelet--is a rewarding pursuit, though perhaps not an ideal topic for an audiobook. Narrator Roy McMillan energetically explains the rationale for micromastery and rallies listeners to action. It's the second half of the audiobook that's the... Read More

If you've ever wished that the Fab Five would come to your house and give your life a makeover, listening to this audiobook may be the next best thing. In their own distinctive voices, Tan, Bobby, Antoni, Jonathan, and Karamo, from Netflix's rebooted "Queer Eye" series, open up and share stories about their own lives and career paths and serve up gentle advice. In short... Read More

With an easygoing narration, George Newbern delivers the keys to living an authentic and intentional life. In this examination of the teachings of the medieval philosopher Maimonides, we see the far-reaching benefits of applying his lessons to our contemporary lives filled with social media. Newbern's affable voice and conversational pace mirror the authors' positive message... Read More

Australian author and popular podcaster Brooke McAlary advises listeners on how to slow down to embrace their own best lives. When she finds herself diagnosed with postpartum depression, McAlary's psychiatrist asks her whether she's ever considered "doing less-- slowing down." Narrator Larissa Gallagher's pleasantly Australian voice shares insights from McAlary's long (and... Read More

From research he's done for his podcast, Gregg Clunis distills the process of personal change into six steps that sound valid and quite achievable in this author-narrated guide. His clear speaking voice and serious tone are effective in framing his writing as consequential, even potentially life changing. He's the earnest teacher you would want as an advisor or coach. What's... Read More

Authors Elizabeth Foley and Beth Coates team up on a delightful compilation of feminine advice for today's women. Using the stories of 50 heroines throughout history, they blend antiquity with contemporary concerns. Narrator Madeleine Maby's approach is poised and friendly yet sophisticated in tone. She recounts each iconic woman's story with clarity, adding a playful tone as... Read More

Pete Cross provides a calm and compelling narration as he gently invites listeners to partake in enlightening lessons intended to inspire mindfulness. Enriching chapters accessibly explore aspects of mindfulness relating to such topics as aging, awakening, authenticity, war, empathy, and emotional domination. Cross's narration is engaging, at once persuasive and inquisitive but... Read More