New Reviews: Personal Growth

Narrator Rebecca Stern rises to the challenge of delivering this treasure trove of helpful information. Because women now benefit from longer lifespans but poorer health, aging expert Maddy Dychtwald and coauthor Kate Hanley focus on research, stories, and other resources for women 50 and over--although people of all genders and ages might learn from the advice. Rebecca Stern's... Read More

Cindy Kay's neighborly performance works well with this kind of self-help audiobook. Fascinating information offered in the language of social science is combined with careful prescriptions on how to adjust our social connections to improve our satisfaction with life. Kay's careful phrasing makes everything clear while her palpable belief in the author's intentions invites... Read More

Author, narrator, and mother of three sons, Ruth Whippman dives deeply into the complexities of raising boys in an environment in which masculinity has become politicized. With a mix of personal stories and interviews, Whippman, narrating in an English accent, explores how masculine norms deprive boys of connecting with people emotionally and authentically. She examines a boys'... Read More

Narrator Lessa Lamb exuberantly presents journalist Julia Hotz's reporting on the topic of social prescribing, which is founded on the belief that socialization is vitally important to good health. Hotz even believes that joyful activities and community can banish symptoms of illness. Lamb recounts patients' stories of being treated for their ills using movement, nature, art,... Read More

Rosemary Benson's clear and empathetic voice is perfect for this combination of self-help and memoir. In 1995, Kathy Giusti was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and given three years to live. She was only 37 years old and had a small child, a happy marriage, and a flourishing career. She began keeping a diary for her daughter and now draws on decades of entries for this... Read More

Dr. Sharon Malone, board certified ob/gyn and a certified menopause practitioner with more than 30 years of experience, serves as both author and narrator. She offers vital advice on managing one's healthcare and practical tips on following that advice. Throughout, Dr. Malone candidly shares personal stories, family experiences, and relevant case examples that will motivate... Read More

Being in his late 80s and having a well-respected career in psychiatry behind him, bestselling Korean author Rhee Kun Hoo explains the benefits of aging by sharing what he has learned throughout his life. Narrator Tim Lounibos presents the author's philosophy in a precise tone that thoroughly and smoothly gets key points across. Lounibos sounds studious yet comforting as Hoo... Read More

Now a senior writer and a wife and mother with a mortgage, Emily Farris had a prior life that was affected by ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) that was not diagnosed until she was 35. This roller coaster of a memoir takes us through the pervasive screwups and self-recrimination that plague ADHD sufferers. In Farris's case, these started with her family of origin... Read More

Hillary L. McBride's audiobook focuses on different ways to connect with one's body. With a gentle, soothing tone and a slow pace, McBride encourages the listener to pay attention to their body in order to establish a healthier connection with their physical self. In particular, she explains how to heal from stress, develop a better body image, and understand the effects that... Read More

Carrington MacDuffie narrates this insightful collection of teachings on mindfulness at a leisurely pace. With warmth and earnestness her performance brings charm and sincerity to Cochran's stories of the hard-won life lessons that set her on the path to embracing the present moment. Along with her personal insights, Cochran shares the transformative spiritual guidance she... Read More

Retired American astronaut Cady Coleman's congenial performance invites listeners to settle in and absorb practical self-improvement lessons derived from her impressive career at NASA, as well as her long-distance marriage and motherhood. Coleman gently extols the importance of self-care and big-picture thinking, strengthening listeners' abilities to consider how they can be... Read More