New Reviews: Personal Growth

Productivity expert Jon Acuff narrates his latest audiobook with spontaneity and energy that are absolutely infectious. Part of what makes him connect so strongly with his audience is his frequent use of off-script asides and personal stories--what he calls "bonus content." These impromptu comments, delivered enthusiastically, never fail to energize and entertain. Along with... Read More

The author of this expansive audiobook is the founder of a personal growth platform that integrates a broad array of wisdom about developing one's potential. After celebrity psychiatrist Phil Stutz delivers a believable endorsement of the audiobook, the author performs with energy that infuses his ideas with passion from start to finish. He organizes his growth protocol around... Read More

After coach Dana Sinclair delivers her introduction with inviting sincerity, Eunice Wong performs the bulk of this captivating audiobook with the perfect blend of authority and spirit. The women's voices are similar in character, and Wong sounds engaged with the author's intentions. The guide is dominated by the inspiring stories of performers, athletes, and other professionals... Read More

Forgiveness is misused because it's more complicated than people think, according to an articulate philosopher and expert on emotions and society. You can forgive someone, but what if you're still angry or wary of further transgressions? Are there times when forgiveness should be conditional or withheld altogether? Tracey Conyer Lee narrates with the vocal character of an older... Read More

Changing "yes but" to "yes and" may be an overused trope in the personal-growth space, but in this audio a prolific Dutch author uses his theater background to give the advice a colorful new life. The core idea is that fighting with problem people or arguing with yourself about your own problems only hardens the issues. Instead, Gunster suggests embracing the realities, even... Read More

NEW YORK TIMES opinion columnist David Brooks offers another work that promotes the principles, character traits, and social habits that can make life more fulfilling. Advancing the idea that healthy people need to be valued and understood by others, he combines his personal experiences with examples from history, literature, and social science to show how we can have more... Read More

In his latest audiobook, bestselling author and mental health coach Brad Stulberg shares the attitudes and actions that lead people to success in making changes. Narrator Will Damron is efficient and straightforward as he delivers Stulberg's advice on how to handle societal and personal transitions. Damron keeps his tone clear and consistent while explaining the author's... Read More

"Growing older is more expansive than the world would have us believe," says Houston attorney, author, and Trinidad native Karen Walrond in this refreshing audiobook about reclaiming your life. In a clear timbre and lower register, she delivers inspiring stories about aging with the timing and resonance of an assured voice pro. Much of the narrative is about stereotypes of old... Read More

This useful and often moving audiobook is the latest manifestation of the author's lifelong interest in promoting curiosity in people--about themselves, others, and the world around them. His performance is a wonderful vehicle for his altruistic message and charming personal stories. His youthful narration is occasionally overly precise, but the combination of innocent devotion... Read More