THE LONGEST DATE Life as a Wife

"Sex and the City" writer and producer Cindy Chupack delivers her memoir quickly with a matter-of-fact tone that makes the performance sound slightly mechanical. Her background as a creative force with the iconic singles-oriented TV series makes her writing jump with incisive observations and snappy language--her perspective is that of someone firmly entrenched in the short-term dating scene who awakens to the aggravations and joys of a committed relationship (and eventually parenthood). Her performance doesn't keep her humor and urban sensibilities from coming through, but the book would have been better served if delivered by someone whose speech is more natural and entertaining. Her husband, an attorney, reads his part of the book with a low-key authenticity that is perfect for his segments--and his place in the author's life. T.W. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2014]