Seriously... I’m Kidding

Fans of Ellen DeGeneres may find this audio version of her third book a bit of a disappointment. Despite some funny moments and a few flashes of brilliance—her take on opinion polls is splendid—this work feels like a standup routine or monologue that was turned into a book. Ellen’s warm and familiar voice is pleasant, and as always she possesses great comedic timing, but the performance, like the book, lacks substance. These disjointed anecdotes might be best saved for extremely short listening sessions. If listeners are looking for a fun performance piece centered around random thoughts on everything and nothing, this might prove enjoyable. A Grand Central hardcover. (Oct.)