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A review by theespressoedition
Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Sometimes writing a review for a book I absolutely adored is harder than writing one for a book I disliked. I just want everything I say to be perfect because the easiest thing to do would be to shout: "YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK. I CAN'T EXPLAIN WHY--I JUST KNOW I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT IT AND EVERYONE NEEDS IT IN THEIR LIFE!" However, I realize that wouldn't be all that helpful. So, without further ado, let me try to explain just how much I loved this book and why...
Thank You for Listening is a fictional story about an audiobook narrator--written by an audiobook narrator. Now, it would be natural to assume that the book is slightly autobiographical. I'll admit, I certainly did that at first. When someone writes a book revolving around their own career, it's only natural to layer the story atop their personal life. However, while there are elements of Sewanee's life that err on the side of reality, this tale is not a memoir in any way, shape or form (according to the author herself).
That being said, it certainly made me intrigued by the life of popular audiobook narrators and voice actors in general. It sounds like a fascinating business to be part of (though also quite taxing). This book made me wonder what it's actually like to be known primarily for your voice or the style of books you most frequently narrate. For Brock McNight, this particular element made things really complicated. He feels like he's stuck. He doesn't want to narrate romance anymore and doesn't feel connected to it, but it's what he's known for and if he steps out of that--or brings more of himself into the roles--what would that mean for him? It makes him an especially interesting character. Some of the reveals regarding his more personal details helped me understand him so much more and took him out of the "typical sexy-yet-unfeeling man" role.
If I'm being honest, the entire cast of characters held my interest. I constantly wanted to know what would happen next with Adaku and her acting dreams. There were so many emotions revolving around Blah and the impact she had on Swan's career and personal life (the bond between these two just warmed my whole heart). Gosh, I was even invested in the lives of the minor characters. There wasn't a moment that went by when I was uninterested. I finished the book and immediately wanted to turn around and listen to it again. Honest to goodness, I kept finding myself hovering over my audiobook app during the next few days, considering a reread.
Don't get me started on the romance element because I'll be here all day, raving about the adorkable chemistry between these precious protagonists. I was rooting for them from the get-go. There wasn't a single moment where I felt like things were too rushed or impractical. The text conversations had me full-on belly laughing, something that doesn't happen very often when I read. It would just bubble out of me because they were just so dang hilarious and awkward. I really loved the way the story played out between them and the progress that was made individually and as a couple. While their careers and circumstances may have felt slightly escapist, their nitty gritty conflicts and challenges as people made them really relatable. There were so many moments that made me feel so seen.
This book was made to be listened to. I'm sure it's excellent as a physical read, but there's something extra special about listening to an audiobook about audiobook narrators. It made the entire story feel so immersive. I can't tell you how many times I forgot I was reading. It was that good. Do yourself a favor and download it ASAP. You can thank me later!
Thank You for Listening is a fictional story about an audiobook narrator--written by an audiobook narrator. Now, it would be natural to assume that the book is slightly autobiographical. I'll admit, I certainly did that at first. When someone writes a book revolving around their own career, it's only natural to layer the story atop their personal life. However, while there are elements of Sewanee's life that err on the side of reality, this tale is not a memoir in any way, shape or form (according to the author herself).
That being said, it certainly made me intrigued by the life of popular audiobook narrators and voice actors in general. It sounds like a fascinating business to be part of (though also quite taxing). This book made me wonder what it's actually like to be known primarily for your voice or the style of books you most frequently narrate. For Brock McNight, this particular element made things really complicated. He feels like he's stuck. He doesn't want to narrate romance anymore and doesn't feel connected to it, but it's what he's known for and if he steps out of that--or brings more of himself into the roles--what would that mean for him? It makes him an especially interesting character. Some of the reveals regarding his more personal details helped me understand him so much more and took him out of the "typical sexy-yet-unfeeling man" role.
If I'm being honest, the entire cast of characters held my interest. I constantly wanted to know what would happen next with Adaku and her acting dreams. There were so many emotions revolving around Blah and the impact she had on Swan's career and personal life (the bond between these two just warmed my whole heart). Gosh, I was even invested in the lives of the minor characters. There wasn't a moment that went by when I was uninterested. I finished the book and immediately wanted to turn around and listen to it again. Honest to goodness, I kept finding myself hovering over my audiobook app during the next few days, considering a reread.
Don't get me started on the romance element because I'll be here all day, raving about the adorkable chemistry between these precious protagonists. I was rooting for them from the get-go. There wasn't a single moment where I felt like things were too rushed or impractical. The text conversations had me full-on belly laughing, something that doesn't happen very often when I read. It would just bubble out of me because they were just so dang hilarious and awkward. I really loved the way the story played out between them and the progress that was made individually and as a couple. While their careers and circumstances may have felt slightly escapist, their nitty gritty conflicts and challenges as people made them really relatable. There were so many moments that made me feel so seen.
This book was made to be listened to. I'm sure it's excellent as a physical read, but there's something extra special about listening to an audiobook about audiobook narrators. It made the entire story feel so immersive. I can't tell you how many times I forgot I was reading. It was that good. Do yourself a favor and download it ASAP. You can thank me later!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Alcohol, Cursing, and Death
Minor: Eating disorder, Suicide attempt, and Gaslighting