Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Good Luck with That
- Author: Kristan Higgins
- Narrator: Lori Gardner, Suzy Jackson, Xe Sands
- Length: 15:23:40
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 07/08/2018
- Publisher: Recorded Books
- Genre: Romance, Historical Romance, Romance, Historical Romance, Romance, Historical Romance
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
There’s something magical about diving into a story while the world rushes by outside your window, and Kristan Higgins’ ‘Good Luck with That’ audiobook experience became my companion on a long, winding drive through the misty mountains of Appalachia. This isn’t just another romance novel; it’s a deeply felt exploration of body image, self-acceptance, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship, wrapped in the tender humor and wisdom Higgins is known for. The story unfolds like a heartfelt conversation with an old friend, one who knows your struggles and still sees the beauty in you.
I was drawn to this audiobook not just for its promise of romance – though the genre of contemporary romance shines through with warmth and authenticity – but for its raw honesty about the weight of personal fears. It reminds me of a time when I was trekking through the Andes, listening to stories from locals about their own battles with self-doubt. There, under the vast sky, I learned that the heaviest burdens we carry are often the ones we place on ourselves. ‘Good Luck with That’ mirrors that lesson through the lives of Emerson, Georgia, and Marley, three friends who met at a weight-loss camp as teens. When Emerson tragically passes, her dying wish challenges Georgia and Marley to confront their deepest insecurities and learn to love themselves. For Marley, it’s grappling with survivor’s guilt after her twin sister’s death; for Georgia, it’s breaking free from impossible family standards. Their journeys are as rugged and real as any mountain trail I’ve ever walked.
The audiobook experience is elevated by the masterful narration of Lori Gardner, Suzy Jackson, and Xe Sands. Each narrator brings a distinct voice to the characters, weaving a tapestry of emotions that you can almost feel in the air. Lori Gardner’s portrayal of Georgia carries a quiet strength, her tone shifting like the tides as Georgia learns to accept love from her ex-husband. Suzy Jackson captures Marley’s vulnerability with a rawness that tugs at the heart, while Xe Sands imbues Emerson’s memory with a poignant tenderness. Their voices blend seamlessly, creating a listening experience that feels like sitting around a campfire, hearing stories from different souls. The audio quality is crisp, with every sigh and laugh rendered so clearly it’s as if the characters are right beside you. This trio of narrators transforms the audiobook into an intimate performance, making it a standout in the romance genre.
Delving into the content, Higgins crafts a narrative that’s both a love letter to friendship and a battle cry for self-compassion. The theme of self-acceptance resonates deeply, echoing the pragmatic wisdom I’ve encountered in works like Mark Manson’s ‘The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck,’ where choosing your struggles becomes a path to happiness. Here, Marley and Georgia choose to struggle with their inner demons, peeling back layers of pain in a way that mirrors Manson’s onion analogy of identity. Higgins’ storytelling, though, is softer, more nurturing, painting their growth with humor and small victories. You can almost taste the bittersweetness of their realizations, like the tang of lime in a dish I once savored in Oaxaca, where stories of resilience were shared over family meals.
That memory of Oaxaca evenings, listening to a grandmother weave tales with perfect timing and silence, comes to mind when I think of this audiobook’s pacing. The narrators know when to pause, when to let a moment of grief or joy linger, much like that grandmother did. It’s a masterclass in oral storytelling, reminding me why I cherish the audiobook format – there’s an intimacy here that print can’t replicate. Whether I’m driving through deserts or nestled in a quiet cabin, stories like this become my travel companions, grounding me in human connection.
Of course, no story is without its rough patches. While ‘Good Luck with That’ excels in character depth, particularly in the contemporary romance space, some plot points feel a tad predictable, especially for seasoned romance listeners. The resolutions, while satisfying, occasionally lean on familiar tropes of the genre. Yet, Higgins’ strength lies in her characters’ emotional authenticity, which overshadows these minor stumbles. Compared to other romance audiobooks, like those in the historical romance vein, this novel stands out for its modern relevance and unflinching look at body image – a topic not often tackled with such grace in the genre.
The audio performance, too, isn’t flawless. While the narrators are exceptional individually, there are moments where the transitions between voices feel slightly jarring, briefly pulling you out of the story. However, these are small quibbles in an otherwise immersive listening experience. For fans of romance audiobooks, especially those seeking narratives with emotional depth beyond the typical love story, this is a gem worth discovering.
I’d recommend ‘Good Luck with That’ to anyone who’s ever wrestled with self-doubt or sought solace in friendship. It’s perfect for listeners of contemporary romance, but also for those who appreciate stories of personal transformation – think readers of Jen Sincero’s ‘You Are a Badass,’ though Higgins offers a more narrative-driven approach. If you’re looking for a free audiobook to dive into, check for promotions or library access; the emotional payoff of this listening experience is worth seeking out.
Reflecting on this story, I’m reminded of why I travel – not just to see new places, but to understand the universal struggles and triumphs that bind us. ‘Good Luck with That’ captures that essence, showing how love, in all its forms, starts with embracing who we are. It’s a lesson I carry from dusty roads to quiet moments with a story in my ears, and one I hope you’ll find as moving as I did.
Until our paths cross again, keep seeking stories that move you, whether on the road or in the quiet of your own space. This is Marcus Rivera, signing off with a heart full of gratitude for the journey we’ve shared through ‘Good Luck with That.’ Safe travels, amigos.
