REALLY GOOD, ACTUALLY

Julia Whelan is the perfect narrator for this emotional story. Her moving performance enhances the engaging journey of Maggie, a nearly 30-year-old Toronto graduate student whose life isn't going as planned. At first, Maggie thinks of the amicable ending of her short marriage as a modern uncoupling, but eventually she realizes she's fallen into unhealthy habits--far after her friends and colleagues do. Whelan delivers a livid email to a food delivery service in rushed, upset tones that strike a balance between being humorous and endearing; it's followed by an apologetic postscript. Emphatic wailing during a counseling session is another example of the dynamic listening experience. Listeners will be rooting for Maggie to find herself even during her darkest moments. A.L.C. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2023]