Audiobooks narrated by Alyssa Bresnahan

Overcoming School Avoidance: What to Do When Your Kid Won't Go to School

"A compassionate guide that tackles one of the fastest-growing issues facing families everywhere: the increasing number of children who are refusing or reluctant to attend school. Often misunderstood as defiance or opposition, school avoidance can be a sign of deeper emotional or mental health challenges. Yet, many parents find themselves unprepared when these behaviors arise and struggle to find the right support. In this first-of-its-kind guide, Jayne Demsky-founder of the School Avoidance Alliance-provides a comprehensive roadmap for parents who feel isolated and overwhelmed by their child's school avoidance. Demsky offers practical strategies that help parents work with school administrators, navigate truancy laws, and most importantly, provide the structure and emotional support their children need to return to learning. Demsky explains how to strike the delicate balance between discipline and compassion, offering advice on how to set boundaries while addressing underlying mental health needs. Through expert interviews with mental health providers and insights gathered from the School Avoidance Alliance's large and active parent community, Overcoming School Avoidance sheds light on this complex issue. This is more than just a how-to book-it's a compassionate and timely resource that aims to restore confidence and hope to parents and help children return to a productive and fulfilling school life."

Jayne Demsky (Author), Alyssa Bresnahan (Narrator)

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The Language of the Night: Essays on Writing, Science Fiction, and Fantasy

"Featuring a new introduction by Ken Liu, this revised edition of Ursula K. Le Guin’s first full-length collection of essays covers her background as a writer and educator, her thoughts on writing, and her commentary on literary science fiction and fantasy and their future. “We like to think we live in daylight, but half the world is always dark; and fantasy, like poetry, speaks the language of the night.”—URSULA K. Le GUIN Le Guin’s sharp and witty voice is on full display in this collection of twenty-four essays, revised by the author a decade after its initial publication in 1979. The collection covers a wide range of topics and Le Guin’s origins as a writer, her advocacy for science fiction and fantasy as mediums for true literary exploration, the writing of her own major works such as A Wizard of Earthsea and The Left Hand of Darkness, and her role as a public intellectual and educator. The book and each thematic section are brilliantly introduced and contextualized by Susan Wood, a professor at the University of British Columbia and a literary editor and feminist activist during the 1960s and ’70s. A fascinating, intimate look into the exceptional mind of Le Guin, whose insights remain as relevant and resonant today as when they were first published."

Ursula K. Le Guin (Author), Alyssa Bresnahan, Michael Crouch (Narrator)

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The Transmigration of Timothy Archer: Valis, Book 3

"Episcopal bishop Timothy Archer is haunted by the suicides of his son and mistress, and must cope with the implications of the discovery of a religious artefact. These events drive him into a quest for the identity of Christ. The Transmigration of Timothy Archer is Philip K. Dick's last completed novel and a learned, moving investigation of the paradoxes of belief."

Philip K. Dick (Author), Alyssa Bresnaham, Alyssa Bresnahan (Narrator)

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Annapurna

"During a treacherous winter trek to the basecamp of Annapurna, one woman is forced to confront the events leading up to her best friend’s tragic death twenty years earlier as well as the nature of their friendship, the meaning of love, and the unexpected consequences of what is spoken—and what is not. When Livy receives a package containing the ashes of her best friend, she knows she must return to the place Mo loved best to honor her memory. Leaving her son and her estranged husband behind, Livy travels to Kathmandu and the mountain towns of Nepal, and to the past, along with the three other original members of the trek. As they navigate the trail during harsh winter conditions, Livy is forced to confront painful memories and the revelation of long-buried secrets, putting her life—and her whole concept of self—on the line. She must finally face the mystery that’s haunted her all these years: the circumstances surrounding her best friend’s death. Following Livy as she struggles to find a path to safety and self-knowledge through dangerously high altitudes and deadly avalanches, frostbite, and injuries, Annapurna explores the meaning of love, the nature of memories, and the often-entangled roles of a parent, spouse, lover, and friend. Annapurna is a novel for anyone who has ever ventured from home hoping to find answers or to make peace with the past. Ultimately, it is a story about how far we sometimes need to go in order to discover where we belong. "

Meg Serino (Author), Alyssa Bresnahan (Narrator)

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Big Breath In

"Diagnosed with terminal cancer, retired marine biologist Delphine is on the brink of throwing in the towel. She has outlived her PI husband and worries she’s become a burden to her son and his growing family. One night, while contemplating how to go on, Delphine witnesses a violent argument between a man and his girlfriend. When Delphine discovers the woman has gone missing along with her young child, Delphine embarks on a quest to find them. What begins as a chance encounter balloons into a rescue mission across the Pacific Northwest. Along the way, Delphine encounters the dregs of humanity—grappling with schemers, kidnappers, and murderers—as well as its joys. With the help of a few friends, a retired PI, and a queer biker gang, Delphine is determined to see her mission through … knowing full well it may be her last. While Big Breath In stands alone, longtime Straley fans will recognize the characteristic wit, heart, and contemplation of life that threads through every one of his books—and discover a new heroine to fall in love with. “Once again, John Straley serves up a masterclass in storytelling with this page-turning tale of mystery, loss, and kinship. You’ll instantly fall for Delphine, the main character with a heart as big as the whales she researches. Straley has imbued every page of this novel with a deeply personal love that hits you hard.”—Don Rearden, author of The Raven’s Gift"

John Straley (Author), Alyssa Bresnahan (Narrator)

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Arilinn

"A gripping new fantasy novel set in Marion Zimmer Bradley's Darkover universe. Darkover, a Lost Colony far out on the galactic rim, a world of telepaths, nonhumans, and warlords … a world about to discover the terrible destructive power of weapons of the mind … Traumatized by psychic warfare as a child, a young woman with extraordinary psychic talents negotiates a treacherous path, risking unforeseen dangers to create a haven where she and others can use their skills for good. In Darkover’s dim past, before the tumultuous Ages of Chaos, small kingdoms still vied for power with sword and spear. But with the rise of psychic abilities called laran, unscrupulous leaders turned to half-trained sorcerers for an advantage. One such struggle arose between the realms of Hastur and its ambitious neighbor, Carcosse. Leora Hastur is still a child when her laran awakens, and the resulting crisis almost claims her life. Her beloved older sister, Neave, and her father’s small circle of telepathic workers manage to save her, but nothing can shield her from the horrors of the impending war. Leora’s younger sister perishes in the firestorm of laran-fueled destruction when Lord Carcosse and his sorcerer attack their home. Scarred and deeply traumatized, Leora is sent to a faraway Tower for healing. In the process, she grows to womanhood and develops her extraordinary Gifts, wanting nothing more than to live and work among fellow telepaths. But war is brewing once more … To prevent another catastrophe, Lord Hastur brokers an alliance, with marriage to Leora as part of the treaty. Rather than see others suffer as she has, Leora reluctantly agrees. As she and Neave travel to the wedding, one calamity follows another, from a flash flood to an attack by nonhuman catmen … and capture by ruthless Dry Towns slavers. To save her sister and their fellow captives, Leora must call forth a previously unknown Gift and summon the gods themselves to her cause. Arilinn is the new, long-awaited adventure in the beloved Darkover series. It’s perfect for both devoted fans and those new to the world of the Bloody Sun."

Deborah J. Ross, Marion Zimmer Bradley (Author), Alyssa Bresnahan (Narrator)

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Wicked Lovely

"The clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in this cool, urban 21st century faery tale. Rule #3: Don’t stare at invisible faeries. Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in the mortal world, and would blind her if they knew of her Sight. Rule #2: Don’t speak to invisible faeries. Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer. Rule #1: Don’t ever attract their attention. But it’s too late. Keenan is the Summer King and has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost… Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working any more, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything."

Melissa Marr (Author), Alyssa Bresnahan (Narrator)

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The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night

"A spooky yet heartwarming adventure about one girl's journey into the land of the undead, and the unexpected family she finds along the way. Perfect for fans of Nevermoor and the hit series Wednesday. On Halloween, it is always wise to expect the unexpected, but no amount of planning could have prepared Eve for that particular night. Fleeing an unpleasant orphanage, she's saved by someone who she never believed was real…the fabled Pumpkin King himself. Throwing caution aside, Eve accepts the offer to become his daughter and is whisked away to the misty Hallowell Valley-home to witches and vampires, ghosts and goblins, and all that go bump in the night. But just when she believes she's found her place among the undead, a sinister scheme unearths itself, threatening to take everything from Eve unless she can stop it. From debut author Steven Banbury comes a cozy, magical adventure sure to delight anyone who loves the tricks of Halloween as much as the treats of autumn."

Steven Banbury (Author), Alyssa Bresnahan (Narrator)

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The Great Menopause Myth: The Truth on Mastering Midlife Hormonal Mayhem, Beating Uncomfortable Symp

""A must read for every woman in midlife, and an excellent resource to truly understand what is happening during this transition time. Additionally, within these pages, you will find ways to optimize your health before, during, and after menopause and be well informed, and empowered in your own personal advocacy. You will love it!" -Dr. Anna Cabeca, OB/GYN, bestselling author of The Hormone Fix and MenuPause You have been misled about menopause. This comprehensive guide based on the latest research in aging, women's health, and HRT dispels decades of misinformation. The Great Menopause Myth is your essential resource for optimized menopause care. More than simply an end to fertility, menopause is a time when a woman's health can spin out of control. The hormonal shifts of menopause impact everything from body composition and immune system function to increased risk of chronic health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, dementia, heart disease, and osteoporosis. If you're lucky enough to even be offered menopause treatment, traditional protocols, based on decades-old shoddy science and erroneous research conclusions, have gotten it wrong. Badly wrong. For years, conventional wisdom-and medical practice-have told women nothing needs to change in their lifestyle or healthcare at midlife, and they should just white-knuckle the discomfort of hot flashes, sleeplessness, weight gain and loss of muscle mass, mood swings, painful sex, joint pain, and incontinence as if it will all just (magically) go away in a decade or two. The Great Menopause Myth shows you how to age wise and well at midlife and beyond. Learn actionable steps and guidelines to curate an optimized menopause regimen based on your unique health considerations. - Nutrition, exercise, and sleep hygiene at midlife: Best practices for aging healthy - Thyropause, fatty liver disease, and gut health: The overlooked systems that need attention during menopause - HRT or MHT: What is the difference and does it matter? (hint: it does!!) - Not all HRT is created equal: Low dose or physiologic? Static or rhythmic? Continuous or cyclic? Creams, gels, patches, injections, pills, or pellets? Learn how to choose the best option for you. - When HRT is truly not an option: Supplements and integrative options for menopause care Centered on your overall health and happiness, The Great Menopause Myth offers a welcome new narrative on menopause."

Kristin Johnson, Maria Claps (Author), Alyssa Bresnahan (Narrator)

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The Left Hand of Darkness

"The queen of science fiction’s trailblazing novel about a planet full of genderless beings A groundbreaking work of science fiction, The Left Hand of Darkness tells the story of a lone human emissary’s mission to Winter, an unknown alien world whose inhabitants can choose—and change—their gender. His goal is to facilitate Winter’s inclusion in a growing intergalactic civilization. But to do so he must bridge the gulf between his own views and those of the completely dissimilar culture that he encounters. Exploring questions of psychology, society, and human emotion in an alien world, The Left Hand of Darkness stands as a landmark achievement in the annals of science fiction."

Ursula K. Le Guin (Author), Alyssa Bresnahan, Michael Crouch (Narrator)

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Psilocybin Therapy: Understanding How to Use Nature's Psychedelics for Mental Health

"Discover a new path to self-discovery and healing with this timely exploration of the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin mushrooms. InPsilocybin Therapy, Dr. JJ Pursell explores the next frontier in mental health: the therapeutic use of psilocybin mushrooms and related psychedelics. Readers will learn about the chemical makeup of mushrooms and what makes them powerful, the history of the fungi, the thought leaders in the movement, and the impact of psilocybin on the brain. Additional chapters explore how to use psilocybin with a facilitator, how psychedelics can help users work through deep psychological issues, what microdosing means, and how to assess potential risks. Pursell weaves her personal experience with psilocybin as both a user and a facilitator throughout the text. The result is a relatable, accessible, and helpful guide for those seeking a new form of self-discovery and healing."

Jj Pursell (Author), Alyssa Bresnahan (Narrator)

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Welcome to the O.C.: The Oral History

"“A fascinating peek behind the making of a megahit, and a delightful bit of nostalgia for those of us who remember life before streaming TV.” —Town & Country Welcome to the O.C., b*tch: it’s the definitive oral history of beloved TV show The O.C., from the show’s creators, featuring interviews with the cast and crew, providing a behind-the-scenes look into how the show was made, the ups and downs over its four seasons, and its legacy today. On August 5th, 2003, Ryan Atwood found himself a long way from his home in Chino—he was in The O.C., an exclusive suburb full of beautiful girls, wealthy bullies, corrupt real-estate tycoons, and a new family helmed by his public defender, Sandy Cohen. Ryan soon warms up to his nerdy, indie band-loving new best friend Seth, and quickly falls for Marissa, the stunning girl next door who has secrets of her own. Completing the group is Summer, Seth’s dream girl and Marissa’s loyal—and fearless—best friend. Together, the friends fall in and out of love, support each other amidst family strife, and capture the hearts of audiences across the country. Just in time for the show’s twentieth anniversary, The O.C.’s creator Josh Schwartz and executive producer Stephanie Savage are ready to dive into how the show was made, the ups and downs over its four seasons, and its legacy today. With Rolling Stone’s chief TV critic and bestselling author Alan Sepinwall conducting interviews with the key cast members, writers, and producers who were there when it all happened, Welcome to the O.C. will offer the definitive inside look at the beloved show—a nostalgic delight for audiences who watched when it aired, and a rich companion to viewers currently discovering the show while it streams on HBO Max and Hulu. The O.C. paved the way for a new generation of iconic teen soaps, launched the careers of young stars, and even gave us the gift of Chrismukkah. Now, it’s time to go back where we started from and experience it all over again. Includes exclusive interviews with: Ben McKenzie * Mischa Barton * Adam Brody * Rachel Bilson * Peter Gallagher * Kelly Rowan * Melinda Clarke * Tate Donovan * Chris Carmack * Autumn Reeser * Willa Holland * Samaire Armstrong * Alan Dale * Colin Hanks * Amanda Righetti * Navi Rawat * Shannon Lucio * Michael Cassidy * McG * Imogen Heap * Alex Greenwald * Ben Gibbard * Paul Scheer * Doug Liman * and many more! "

Alan Sepinwall, Josh Schwartz, Stephanie Savage (Author), Alan Sepinwall, Alyssa Bresnahan, Amy Landon, Andrew Eiden, Eva Kaminsky, Ewan Chung, Fred Sanders, Hillary Huber, Josh Bloomberg, Josh Schwartz, Kaleo Griffith, Karissa Vacker, Michael David Axtell, Robert Fass, Soneela Nankani, Stephanie Savage, Therese Plummer (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Alyssa Bresnahan