New Reviews: Philosophy & Religion

Todd Gerelds continues his journey to honor his father, the legendary Alabama high school football coach Tandy Gerelds. First in a book, then in a movie, and now in this devotional, the theme is looking to God while being centered on football. Though the author narrates with passion and care, he cannot escape the difficulty of presenting a 52-week devotional as an audiobook to... Read More

Narrator Ben Holland presents beloved author Max Lucado's latest work with even pacing and enough space for listeners to internalize Lucado's message. Holland's conversational tone is a perfect match for Lucado's no-nonsense advice and gentle guidance, which quotes the admonition of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Philippians to be anxious for nothing. The timbre of... Read More

"There is nothing new under the sun." So says King Solomon, and this audiobook seeks to show that the new wave of atheism is nothing but the ancient attacks repackaged for modern consumption. Jim Seybert masterfully narrates what could be a dry listen with outstanding vocal inflection and articulation. His zeal in offering the listener a well-rounded and enjoyable experience... Read More

As narrator, Todd Wagner offers deeper insight into his own words as he describes his call back to the Christian church and the importance of being a part of the church. Though his delivery lacks polish, he brings authenticity to a work that requires more legitimacy than others. Throughout the audiobook, one can hear his excitement at the promise of returning to the church and... Read More

It would be hard to find a more upbeat, moving, and loving narrative than this. Rabbi Levy is the founder of Nashuva, a spiritual outreach movement based in Los Angeles, where she was a pulpit rabbi for seven years. Speaking with a slight Brooklyn accent, she tells listeners that she views life as a tremendous opportunity for love, healing, and insight. Part of her audiobook... Read More

The second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. Becky Kopitzke narrates her own work, a plea to all to liberally obey this command. While acknowledging that it is a struggle to genuinely obey, her excitement at having learned the secret to a flourishing life is palpable as she advises listeners on how loving others can be done effectively and to God's... Read More

What makes this audiobook so enjoyable is the way the author examines deep and seemingly difficult biblical truths. In a conversational tone, Lisa Renee Pitts narrates Shirer's discussion of the fine line between gospel and the application of scriptural truths. She adds flair when the answered prayer seems coincidental while also allowing the question of the unanswered prayer... Read More

Narrator Sean Runnette invites listeners to learn the secret to gaining and maintaining spiritual and emotional health through the transformation of their hearts by the love of God. Effortlessly shifting between biblical history and scientific facts, Runnette narrates with a steady pace and a warm tone. His baritone voice offers the familiar characteristics of a timeless... Read More

Diana Bass narrates her own work on gratitude. Her patience and passion reflect her understanding that this traditional practice will be hard to teach to a new generation ensconced in the social media age of disagreeing with others with take-no-prisoners criticism. Though she teaches from her perspective of Christianity, she strives to relate to all of humanity, offering... Read More

The last words of great people in history often resonate with the living. Billy Graham wants you to hear what he would say to you with his dying breath. Bob Walter tackles a most momentous task in narrating these biblically saturated words, and he does so magnificently. Engaged listeners will hang on every word as they sense the gravity of what is proclaimed. Articulating with... Read More

Broadcast journalist Maria Shriver gives a commanding narration of her meditation on how to live a meaningful life. Shriver's soothing delivery has a gentle tone as she shares her personal reflections on life's work and how to make a difference in the world. At times, when she's conveying her immense respect and gratitude for her family and her role as a mother, she gets choked... Read More

This audiobook is really a modern adaptation of the Puritan classic THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN. Bevere urgently explains that we must destroy that which kills the strongest of people. Though there are some interpretation concerns and charismatic leanings in this work, every discerning Christian would do well to hear Bevere's message, delivered in a tone of pastoral concern. He... Read More

The social media age is upon us, and its unintended consequences continue to reveal themselves. Narrator Van Tracy's ability to emulate the author's humor, wit, and practical theology makes for a wonderful listening experience. The appropriate humor in his voice coupled with the right assortment of sadness and urgency alerts the listener to the importance of what is being read.... Read More

In an intelligent and sincere tone, Edoardo Ballerini narrates timely and insightful words on the art of conversation. Setting a pace that is sometimes thoughtful, sometimes passionate, Ballerini woos the listener into discovering why good conversation is disappearing in contemporary life and how to develop relationships with those we care about. Conversation with people whose... Read More

Written as a series of letters by a rural Presbyterian pastor to his beloved congregation, this audiobook, narrated by Trevor Thompson, does a wonderful job of dramatizing the concept of pastoral care in a rural setting. When a letter calls for anger, the listener will feel the anger. When a letter calls for sadness or regret or the occasional joyous note, the listener will... Read More

Narrator Jim Denison sounds genuine and informative as he shares the complexities of Islam and the culture surrounding this often-misrepresented religion. In a conversational yet knowledgeable tone, Denison delivers the author's history of the faith, which includes information on how it differs from Christianity. The audiobook focuses on the importance of understanding Islam's... Read More

Narrator Mirron Willis sounds like he's actually preaching in some parts of this audiobook, knowing that its message is needed more today than when it was originally written 20 years ago. When he does merely read, he offers excellent articulation and vocal inflection that maintains a high level of interest in the listener. The wisdom of the author meets the clarity of the... Read More

Political philosopher Hannah Arendt's exploration of the modern meaning and development of the concept of revolution shows the theorist at her most incisive. Tavia Gilbert's fast-paced narration of this study goes far to support the listener, who should put aside any secondary activity to give full attention this work. Arendt's intricate discussion is made in her hallmark... Read More

Arguably the most memorized and recited prayer in the history of Christianity, the Lord's Prayer, is explained in great detail as a battle cry for the ages. Tom Parks narrates this academic work in such a way that everyone will remain engaged. His ability to deliver what amount to sermons in print as though he is engaging in conversation is commendable. His pace and tone are... Read More

This audiobook offers a sounding board for pastors who need their to vent frustrations relating to pastoral failures--while also being reminded that solutions and answers have been provided by God through His Word, the Bible. Kirby Heyborne takes on the role of counselor as he narrates this resource written by a seasoned Christian minister. The concern and care expressed spark... Read More

An ongoing conversation is taking place today regarding the veracity of the Christian faith. Narrator Jon Gauger connects with this audobook in a way that promotes the continuation of this dialogue. Gauger offers a tone of deference to the reality of the book's cultural context, buttressing it with the authority of the scriptures. The listener will be exposed to the need for... Read More

Lisa Harper explains that it's not a sin to be happy. Our problem, she says, is that we don't understand happy as God does. The author's ability to add her Southern sass and twang through her narration keeps the listener engaged with what she has to share. She knows that her listeners have probably been hurt in life, and she has a special message for each one: God does indeed... Read More

Taleb provides some simple but often unrealized considerations on how people understand and operate within the power differentials of everyday life. Narrator Joe Ochman has a deep and gravelly voice that effectively draws in listeners and maintains their attention with a deliberate delivery and strong projection. However, Ochman's tone mixed with Taleb's prose makes the... Read More

Let's admit it--life often seems boring and ordinary. This is true for most of us. This audiobook sets out to explain that there is indeed a supernatural power in this seemingly routine world. Narrator Steven Roy Grimsley's voice suddenly quickens with exhilaration as he helps listeners discern the awesome power of God to be gained. But then, just as quickly, his speech slows... Read More

Let's be honest, talking about one's Christian faith is intimidating. Having a husband-and-wife team narrate this audiobook demonstrates the authors' intended message that anyone at any time can initiate evangelistic and spiritual conversations. With a hint of excitement and the earnestness necessitated by the subject matter, the narrators join together in a compelling... Read More

Narrator Ben Holland's comforting voice provides advice that is rooted in biblical passages and supported by uplifting stories. Holland's encouraging tone supports the idea that it's possible to establish peace of mind by trusting in God. He uses a gentle tone and judicious pauses during scripture, allowing for contemplation. Lucado is convincing in his message that worrying... Read More

Today, an increasing number of messages from academia and pop culture say that the world would be better without Christianity. New Testament scholar Johnston examines history to show what an atheistic world looks like, and it is ugly. Regrettably, this audio experience is more like attending a college lecture on the Christian worldview than engaging with this topic on a... Read More

Daniel Fusco's upbeat conversational tone invites listeners into a narrative about our relationship with God and the transformation that takes place inside us when we focus solely on Him. In a way that is similar to discussing life with a dear friend, Fusco presents his perspective with tenacity, wit, and brutal honesty, challenging his brothers and sisters in Christ to make it... Read More

Sometimes the lucky audiobook listener has every expectation met and exceeded. Narrator John McLain dazzles with his deadpan delivery of humor, of moments that tug on one's heartstrings, and of every emotion in between. A memoir of adventure stories delivers an adventure of its own as one hears about the author's dramatic life and wonders what could befall him next. As... Read More

Chances are you're reading this amid an ordinary and mundane life. This very ordinariness excites God. Narrator Brandon Batchelar's steady, almost listless voice belies the excitement found in the truth that God works in and through everyone, despite their lack of fame. The audiobook is an odd contrast of glorious content and lackluster voice, but the listener will genuinely... Read More