New Reviews: Personal Growth

Author and narrator Andrew Steele is a specialist in the "new science of getting older without getting old." No one dies of old age, Dr. Steele argues, and as we reduce the underlying causes of death, we increase average longevity. Putting aside the question of where we'll put all these additional old folks, Steele offers a fascinating survey of contemporary medicine and the... Read More

Taking a cue from his young daughter's curiosity and enthusiasm for trying new things, author Tom Vanderbilt embarks on his own journey to learn new things. Narrating himself, he describes how his outlook was transformed as he learned to play chess, sing, draw, surf, and juggle during adulthood as a novice, asserting that this beginner status for hobby-type activities is often... Read More

Psychologist Ethan Kross compellingly narrates his advice on how to control the sometimes negative effects of introspection. Kross explains why we have an inner voice and the importance of taming negative thoughts, and provides scientific tips on how to develop a healthier internal dialogue. In a soothing tone, he sympathetically recounts examples of how unhealthy self-talk... Read More

This audio publication of a 2000 print book is still relevant today. An uplifting work, it explains how and why consistent human contact is important to good health. It's full of concise research summaries and moving anecdotes about those with social lifestyles associated with premature death--people without partners, folks who are widowed, people who don't connect with others... Read More

This audiobook, written and narrated by comedian Kevin Hart, addresses issues that a "life coach" might cover relating to making decisions, knowing your strengths, and executing your plans. There has never been a more enjoyable and entertaining self-help book. While salty language may be a turnoff to some listeners, this audiobook includes real nuggets of wisdom, encouragement,... Read More

MSNBC news anchor Richard Lui is easy on the ears as he narrates this thoughtful overview of why giving to others is good for us. He sounds happy presenting--as if he's discovered a life principle that works for him and that he wants to share. True to form, the audiobook is selfless. It's less about his generosity toward others (in particular, he curtailed his work and career... Read More

The core message in this high-energy audio guide is that embracing our fear allows us to implement habits and mechanisms that help us to conquer it. Boston baseball radio personality Lou Merloni delivers this lively assemblage of neurology, performance studies, and personal anecdotes. His sports-announcer tone works well despite occasional glitches with phrasing or pacing. He... Read More

Author/narrator Adam Smiley Poswolsky takes listeners through the ins and outs of friendship and loneliness in the digital age. Delivering his guide on how to make new friends, he reintroduces playfulness and more intentionality into the lives of adults. For those who may have felt isolated during the current pandemic, this is a treasure trove of wisdom and insights. Poswolsky... Read More

Minimalist Fumio Sasaki (GOODBYE, THINGS) shares insights on making and maintaining habits. Narrator Brian Nishii adopts a reflective, musing tone that matches Sasaki's thoughtful material. This is not a peppy call to self-improvement manual--it's a quieter reflection on habit making (and keeping) that takes into account what helps and hinders habit forming. Nishii's... Read More

Narrator Jonathan Todd Ross's breezy performance makes this survey of weight-loss programs as fun to hear as it is enlightening. His friendly tone and obvious delight with the material make him sound exactly as we would expect the author to sound if he were reading this entertaining guide. The contradictory nature of the programs Barry Estabrook surveyed is fascinating:... Read More

Kate Mulligan is an energetic and sincere narrator for a title that touts the value of doing nothing. She explains the Dutch philosophy of "niksen," which exhorts people to clear their minds as a way of increasing their happiness. Mulligan sounds like an excited friend who has found a new theory she can't wait to explain. She sounds warm and engaging, all the while maintaining... Read More

This audiobook, expertly narrated by Rene Ruiz, gathers dozens of striking examples of the contentious nature of ownership. Authors Michael A. Heller and James Saltzman, both law professors, show ownership to be highly unsettled and fluid in everyday life. You think you're not possessive, or territorial? Think about airline legroom and who owns that space behind each seat. The... Read More

Pro quarterback Deshaun Watson writes about his successes in life and how he developed a process called servant leadership, which he uses to help himself stay focused. James Shippy adds his narration skills to help others learn from Watson's beliefs and values. Shippy's phrasing and cadence as he delivers Watson's many examples give listeners a clear understanding of Watson's... Read More

Marni Penning is the narrator of this mental health guide aimed at people who suspect they're holding themselves back in life because of negative emotions they've internalized from being emotionally deprived, traumatized, or developmentally impaired. She delivers a technically perfect performance that makes everything clear, though without capturing the pathos of author Heidi... Read More

Author and podcaster Luvvie Ajayi Jones narrates her second manual for authentic living with the flair that she brings to all of her social media and publishing ventures. According to Jones, to be a professional troublemaker is to have a clear sense of personal identity and the ability to act without fear. Her straightforward approach and conversational style will have... Read More

The author sounds friendly and self-assured narrating this eye-opening guide to preparing for any calamity--from hurricanes and fires to job loss, medical surprises, and even the death of an older pet. Framing many of her ideas with biblical references, she says trust in the Divine or our instincts is no substitute for having a plan when the unexpected happens. Kathi Lipp blogs... Read More

Annie F. Downs gives a smile-worthy performance filled with exuberance as she encourages listeners to reclaim what brings them joy. Downs believes we have lost the foundation of our lives that once allowed us to have real fun. Here, with intoxicating honesty and enthusiasm, she shares her journey to rediscover "Eden." Downs's big voice has a raspy quality that highlights her... Read More

A psychiatrist and veteran researcher on early abuse and loss combines his clinical knowledge with the personal experiences and observations of a well-known survivor of such trauma: Oprah Winfrey. They are both capable, likable narrators who are sincerely engaged with their subject matter. Their informative audio is an easily digestible blend of sections they have written and... Read More

This examination of the facets of wisdom has the tone of both an absorbing TED talk and a social science research paper. It is a multilayered consumer guide to a common human trait, as well as an inside look at how a painstaking researcher might define a neurobiological or personality construct. Roger May narrates with slow and thoughtful pacing. His pleasing voice and... Read More

This absorbing audiobook addresses a lot of negative personal habits--poor eating, exercise avoidance, poor time management, to name a few--so it needs a narrator like Laura Jennings to hold it together with enthusiasm and a pleasing vocal style. Bad habits and rheumatoid arthritis were defeating author Polly Campbell. As a result, she felt chronically overwhelmed, a state of... Read More