The Reading Bud

Book Blog by Heena Rathore-Pardeshi

Audiobook Review: The Optimist by Roy E. Schreiber

Author: Roy Schreiber
Narrator: Gary Alexander, Sharyon Culberson, Joe Dempsey, Linda Gilllum, Dillon Kelleher, Patrick Zielinski

Release Date: 16th August 2019
Genre: Satire, Shortie, Play, Radio Show
Series: 
Format: Audiobook (Dramatic Reading)
Length: 1 hour
Publisher: Author’s Republic
Blurb:

This satirical view of college professors features a philosophy professor who believes logic will solve all problems from bringing justice to everyone to personal relationships. His problems include convincing his colleagues to unionize and dealing with a history professor who believes he is the 21st-century version of Henry VIII and an English Lit professor who believes she can become Ann Boleyn.

REVIEW

★★★

The Optimist by Roy E. Schreiber is basically a recording of a play released as an audiobook as I learned from the author himself during one of our emails. I was really excited to listen to it as I have never before listened to anything like this before, though being a fan of audiobooks, I simply couldn’t have passed on this opportunity anyway.

The audiobook is narrated by a number of narrators, which was obvious, but what really took me by surprise was how amazing it all came together. I’ve read a number of dramatic readings, and this one, right from the start itself felt like a very engaging read. I loved listening to this book almost as I loved listening to Narnia audiobooks!

Coming to the story itself, I felt that the plot was a bit complex for such a short narrative. Had it been longer, I think, it wouldn’t have been an issue as many aspects would fit nicely, but at it was a little over an hour, in my honest opinion, it felt a little crammed together. I did like the story, though I cannot say, unfortunately, that I loved it. Though it was pretty evident that the story and the book itself had a lot of potentials, I guess it just lacked in a couple of places in terms of clarity and plotting. Though, given the length of the book, I think it was worth reading.

I’d recommend this book to anyone who likes satirical works and doesn’t mind experimental stories.

You can also read this review on Goodreads

I love reading your comments, so please go ahead…

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

I’m Heena

Welcome to The Reading Bud, my cosy corner of the internet dedicated to all things books and authors. Here, I invite you to join me on a journey of discovering under-represented books, independent and small press authors, and all things book with a touch of love and loud purrs. Let’s get Reading!

Book of the Month

Read this captivating story on the adventures and hardships of Frank Knightlite, a man who strives to illuminate darkness with his lantern in search of answers to life’s questions.
You can get it here.
April 2020
M T W T F S S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930  

Reading is like breathing to me.

Recent Posts

  • Book Review: When Squirrels Fly by D. E. Carr

    Book Details: Author: D. E. CarrRelease Date: 28 July 2026Series: Genre: Format: E-book Pages: 347 pagesPublisher: She Writes PressBlurb:For fans of Connie Willis, Lucy Lyons, and Janet Evanovich, a debut cozy mystery with a speculative bent, set in…

  • Book Review: Constants by E.B. Miller

    Book Details: Author: E.B. Miller Release Date: 6 July 2026Series: Genre: Science-Fiction, Speculative FictionFormat: E-book Pages: 286 pagesPublisher: Evil Eye PublishingBlurb:Mark Robson is trapped in flux.Every 18 minutes and 32 seconds he wakes up in a new reality, then…

  • Book Review: Throwing Shade (Magic After Midlife Book 1) by Deborah Wilde

    Book Details: Author: Deborah WildeRelease Date: 15 March 2021Series: Magic After Midlife (Book 1 of 7)Genre: Women’s Fantasy, Paranormal Urban Fantasy, Humour, Jewish FolkloreFormat: E-book Pages: 342 pagesPublisher: Te Da Media Inc.Blurb:Middle-aged. Divorced. Hormonally imbalanced. Then she got…

  • Book Review: The Keyholder: A Novel of Byzantine Constantinopleby S. Kallistos

    Book Details: Author: S. Kallistos Release Date: 21 March 2026Series: Genre: Historical FictionFormat: E-book Pages: 122 pagesPublisher: –Blurb:Constantinople, 843 AD. The Iconoclasm is over. The icons have been restored, the Empress Theodora rules as regent, and the empire breathes…

  • Book Spotlight: Constants by E.B. Miller

    Welcome to the TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring E.B. Miller for their latest release, Constants. Book: ConstantsAuthor: E.B. MillerPublication Date: September 5, 2026Publisher: Evil Eye PublishingPages: 286Genre: Literary Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Real-Time Multiverse MysteryAvailable…