New Reviews: Personal Growth

Studies show people benefit from casual, superficial conversations, so two hilarious improv actors offer a small-talk primer in this entertaining audio. With likable vocal tones and believable spontaneity, they banter with each other as they explain how to connect with people in various situations. They offer six rules for managing when and how to begin small talk, which they... Read More

Activist Ijeoma Oluo calls upon her years of experience and numerous contacts to assemble this collection of interviews with leaders across the social justice movement. As narrator, her gentle vocal tone does not diminish her steely resolve to call upon each listener to become more involved and to have a greater understanding of the needs of all people. First-person accounts... Read More

This timely audiobook is an engaging follow-up to the bestselling author's work on psychological flourishing. Narrator Landon Woodson's heartfelt performance authentically represents the author, a renowned sociologist. Keyes's own storytelling skill creates a smooth transition into the audio format since the scientific information is presented in the context of real-life people... Read More

Chip Conley's narration of his own words of wisdom--drawn from personal and professional experiences, research, and stories of others--challenges listeners to rethink their approach to midlife. Speaking at a good pace in a friendly and encouraging tone, Conley addresses specific realities of aging, prompting listeners to answer questions, rephrase their self-talk, reach out to... Read More

Using the video game paradigm of advancing to higher levels, Christian teacher Chris Pace offers a dynamic lesson on how to awaken our desire, define our purpose, and begin taking action toward our potential. Audibly flowing from his unshakable faith in divine grace, Pace's vocal energy makes everything he says glow with promise. But the foundations of this audio go beyond the... Read More

Two gifted narrators turn in performances that make the authors' ideas about paying attention come alive. Their vocal gifts are different and complement each other: Imani Jade Powers performs with a hushed intensity and a philosophical depth that give her interpretations real power. Byron Wagner's strengths are more stylistic; his amazing array of pitch patterns is fun to hear... Read More

Emmanuel Jal--child soldier turned activist, entrepreneur, and recording artist--narrates his powerful memoir, in which he identifies 11 pillars for emotional resilience. Listeners are carried along by the slight cadence in Jal's baritone as he shares his experiences of trauma, war, and loss, as well as his hard-won wisdom. He offers listeners a road map to find their own... Read More

The British science and health journalist puts together a wonderfully organized and helpful guide to understanding and managing our energy. Surveying the research on how our physical, emotional, and mental energy work together, she explains how all kinds of exertion are impacted by rest, diet, sleep, and the thinking or mood we adopt when working. The personal tone of her... Read More

The need for rituals to promote a life of meaning is greater than ever, according to this inspiring audiobook. Harvard Professor Michael Norton's easy-listening performance makes his insights accessible. His confidence sounds professional and never overworked, allowing his knowledge and suggestions to speak for themselves. He says rituals have a broader purpose than habits... Read More

The author is a good choice to present this common-sense advice for people who do knowledge work. Cal Newport's earnest tone and clear speaking voice are perfect vehicles for the creative thinking and humane guidance that pervade his audiobook. He says the idea of measuring productivity by time and effort is a relic of the assembly line. The knowledge work that people do today... Read More

Anne Lamott narrates in her natural speaking voice--sincere, conversational, and authentic--with a slightly nasally tone and a sometimes choppy cadence. An accomplished storyteller, Lamott charms her audience with intensely personal love-themed vignettes from her own life, managing to make them universally relatable. Lamott is not talking about romantic love--but, rather, the... Read More

Jamie Kern Lima shares her inspirational story and its important lessons as if she were your best friend telling it like it is. Her foundational message is that reaching your dreams is dependent upon your sense of what you deserve. Lima addresses the importance of assessing your sense of your own worthiness, identifying sources of self-doubt, and actively taking steps to turn... Read More