GIRLHOOD

Memoirist Melissa Febos once again establishes herself as the preeminent narrator of her own words in her newest audiobook. Delivering eight essays linked by the work's titular theme, she explores varied realms (psychic and corporeal) that females navigate during their journeys from childhood to womanhood. Her narration is perfection in its timing, emphasis, and intonation. The essays, which range from humorous to painful--and sometimes both at the same time--entertain without traumatizing listeners even though the works dramatize scenes of yearning and torment and ecstasy. Perhaps that's because Febos's assured narration acts as a life preserver; listeners may be doused but will never be drowned by these raw accounts of slut-shaming, addiction, sexuality, and rejection. J.B. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2021]