New Reviews: Personal Growth

In a clear, commanding voice and British accent, narrator James Quinn delivers author Richard Koch's daily messages on applying the 80/20 principle in all aspects of one's life. Koch, the guru of the 80/20 principle, organizes chapters into categorized daily lessons in which he explains the what, why, and how of the concept that 80% of results stem from 20% of causes. Quinn... Read More

Lorraine Besser, philosopher and college professor, provides tools that help listeners stop the perpetual pursuit of elusive happiness and focus more on "the interesting" in life. Lauren Ezzo delivers Besser's philosophy in a knowing performance, energizing every nuance, story, and emotional passage in a way that reflects the author herself. Ezzo supplies examples of ways... Read More

The health expert Paul Taylor narrates with relaxed pacing and an alluring British accent that make this audiobook a delight to hear. Combined with his accessible writing and impressive research and recommendations, his relaxed performance creates a wonderful atmosphere for engaging with this kind of guidance. He says that today's modern conveniences, processed foods, and... Read More

Performing this moving guide to dealing with cold weather and other life challenges, mindset expert Kari Leibowitz sounds like the curious and indomitable researcher she is. The energy in her voice conveys a faith in humanity that works well with her optimistic insights and thoughtful suggestions. She pursued her interest in how the mind influences the body by taking a... Read More

Clinical psychologist Robin Smith and actor Courtney Vance share their experiences and insights about how Black men can deal with the emotional effects of racism in America. They alternate narrating this important memoir/guide, Dr. Smith with empathy for the Black men and families she's treated and Vance with his rich voice and dramatic flair. Their performances are well suited... Read More

Author Allison Carmen offers a new mindset to help ease the uncertainties and anxieties that are a part of being a parent. Narrator Kim Niemi has a soothing voice as she delivers Carmen's positive approach toward parental worries and fears. With compassion and clarity, Niemi voices the author's advice to choose to think everything will work out in the end and to keep an open... Read More

Author Meik Wiking uses a soothing and peaceful tone to narrate the history and philosophy of the Danish concept of hygge. He comprehensively explains its foundations, focusing on how prioritizing a pleasant atmosphere and immersing oneself in life's simple joys can lead to happiness. Wiking is engaging, enjoyable, and comfortable with his narration as he explains how to... Read More

Narrator Bill Rassell takes listeners through this detailed exploration of sound and how it can be used to focus on healing and wellness. Key practitioner in sonic therapy Evan Soundwell explores how sounds, such as classical music, can train the brain to heal and fall into more natural rhythms, which can lead to a better life. Rassell's narration helps keep complicated terms... Read More

Life coach Hailey Magee's youthful tone and audible desire to be helpful make it easy for listeners to absorb the guidance offered in this exceptional audiobook. Her appealing confidence invites us to become more curious about ourselves, more open to change. After the likable author opens with her accessible thinking about how people pleasing impacts us, she offers an excellent... Read More

The older half of the tennis-playing Williams duo breaks down her personal growth audiobook into eight principles. They provide a well-organized but approachable path to becoming a better you. While some authors are not adept at narrating their own work, Williams is outstanding. Her diction is perfect, and she obviously knows when to inflect emotion while laying out her... Read More

After giving herself the goal of having 1,000 unplugged hours in a year, author Hannah Brencher narrates her own words on the life-changing importance of disconnecting from our devices, particularly our smartphones. As narrator, her youthful and enthusiastic tone adds the passion listeners need to agree to the idea of using their phones less in order to gain more engaging and... Read More

Rachel Fulginiti narrates with warmth, clear enunciation, and pitch variety. But what makes her performance special is her empathy with the author's altruistic mission and the plight of the intended audience--couples who are wrangling with the fraught business of ending a marriage. Fulginiti's tone is serious, but the optimism in her voice is needed to reach listeners who are... Read More

Narrator Kaleo Griffith delivers an insightful and moving discussion of the transformative power of art, and the beauty born of sorrow. Balancing journalistic flair and storytelling, this audiobook deepens our understanding of the history and experiences that shaped various renowned artists and their work. Highlights include stories about Artemisia Gentileschi's entrepreneurial... Read More

Foulmouthed, straight-talking, and relatable, author and narrator Florence Given wants listeners to stop being chained by socially created restraints and to start living their lives to the fullest. This audiobook explores the barriers and societal oppression festering beneath the everyday advertising and patriarchal mythmaking that keep women from embracing their lives. Given... Read More