HAD I KNOWN Collected Essays

Narrator Suzanne Toren does a masterful job of capturing a distinctive authorial voice in this wide-ranging essay collection. Journalist Barbara Ehrenreich has been commenting on social, political, and economic life in the U.S. for more than four decades. Her work is represented here through a thematic compilation across that timespan. Toren’s narration is laced with acerbic wit and sly humor, which pair perfectly with Ehrenreich’s sharply observant writing. Toren smoothly shifts from the gravitas of grim topics to genuine enthusiasm for the triumphs and simple joys that come despite tough circumstances. Toren’s insightful interpretations engage listeners with what might have been a rote recitation of facts. For extra fun, put your listening device on shuffle and see what essay pops up. N.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2020 Best Audiobook © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2020]