I SHOULD BE SMARTER BY NOW Stories of Persistence, Delusion, and Occasional Success

Actor, writer, and producer Issa Rae narrates her memoir with conversational ease that suits the material. She offers a performance grounded in clarity, self-awareness, and an instinctive sense of timing. Shifting smoothly between anecdotes about creative ambition and reflections on personal growth, she creates a listening experience that feels measured, candid, and deliberately shaped. Her narration leans into wry understatement rather than overt punchlines, allowing the humor to land naturally. Moments of vulnerability are handled with restraint, giving listeners space to absorb the emotional turns without feeling guided toward a particular reaction. Rae's pacing remains steady throughout, reflecting the rhythms of someone accustomed to both writing and performing her own words. Rae's engaging delivery underscores the craft behind her public persona. M.R. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2025]