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The Better Half

By: Alli Frank, Asha Youmans, Mindy Kaling - introduction
Narrated by: Bahni Turpin
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Publisher's summary

“Charming, laugh-out-loud funny, and honest, The Better Half celebrates the absurdity and joy in life, and does so with an enviable grace and good heart.”—Mindy Kaling

From comedy writing duo Alli Frank and Asha Youmans comes The Better Half, a sidesplitting spin on reaching the pinnacle of life, only to stare down a slippery slope on the other side.

After a difficult five years, at age forty-three, Nina Morgan Clarke’s time has finally arrived. With an ex-husband relocated across the country, her father bouncing back after the loss of his beloved wife, and her daughter, Xandra, thriving at boarding school, Nina is stepping into her dream job as a trifecta: a first-generation, Black female head of the storied Royal-Hawkins School. To mark the moment, Nina and her best friend, Marisol, take a long-overdue girls’ trip to celebrate the second half of Nina’s life—which is shaping up to be the best part of her life.

As Nina’s school year gets underway, all seems to be progressing as planned. Before long, wunder-hire Jared Jones, two hundred pounds of Harvard-educated ego, relentlessly pushes Nina to her ethical limits. Soon after, dutiful Xandra accuses one of her teachers of misconduct. And most alarming, the repercussions of her trip with Marisol force Nina into a life-altering choice. Time is of the essence, and Nina must decide if she will embrace a future she never could have predicted.

©2023 Alli and Asha Productions. (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.
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Mic Check with Bahni Turpin

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Critic reviews

“Narrator Bahni Turpin evokes the diverting cast of characters with an expressive and engaging performance. From griping to giggling, she depicts every emotion with flair. This audio will appeal to listeners seeking funny, feel-good fiction about facing challenges and finding joy.”Library Journal

“The third book from comedy writing duo Alli Frank and Asha Youmans dazzled Mindy Kaling so much that she is publishing the book under her own imprint launched in 2022, Mindy’s Book Studio.”Entertainment Weekly “Best Books of Summer 2023”

“Charming, laugh-out-loud funny, and honest, The Better Half celebrates the absurdity and joy in life, and does so with an enviable grace and good heart.”—Mindy Kaling

Editorial Review

Get ready to LOL
Alli Frank and Asha Youmans’ new title opens with a question from actor Mindy Kaling: “When was the last time you laughed out loud when reading a novel?” I laughed so many times while listening to The Better Half, the latest release from Mindy’s Book Studio imprint. Like the authors’ two previous novels together, this one also takes place against the backdrop of a school, this time a fictional private school in Pasadena, California, where newly appointed head of school Nina Morgan Clarke is juggling drama at work, drama at home, and a surprise romance. Bahni Turpin’s upbeat narration is a perfect fit for Nina’s hilarious voice, adding moments of levity to a narrative unafraid of tackling weighty issues, including racism, interracial dating, and unplanned pregnancy. I walked away from this listen with a big smile on my face. —Margaret H., Audible Editor

What listeners say about The Better Half

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Not so great

Not funny not laugh out loud.Hoping for more. Not enjoying having to write this review.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Well-written and humorous.

I loved this book. Performance was spot on and story was very entertaining. Outstanding! I may have to hear it again.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Overall thumbs up

I liked this listen. It was billed as a funny book but I personally didn’t laugh out loud, but the main character was amusing and had some interesting observations. I would’ve liked more focus on the relationship with Leo.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Enjoyable

Wasn’t sure what the outcome would be and for a minute I thought it would be a typical story line that I have read before. I was pleasantly surprised that it was a good listen.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Stick It Out, It Gets Better

At first it started off as a boring. I couldn’t tell if the narrator or the storyline was too “ proper black woman” or if I was just bored. But as I stuck with the story it became very relatable and funny. I’m glad I stuck with it it’s a good read.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Book is good, not great

I love the premise of the story, but it was very cliched. Leo is too perfect, Nina is not. The ending tied up everything so perfectly. I honestly don’t think I can highly recommend this book, but had to finish it.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Friendship

I just love books about lasting friendships! The fact that it’s a love story and late in life baby, just adds to the greatness!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Warm and complex

Loved the characters and their many thoughtful nuances. Engaging story drew me into their world.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Great characters - funny book

I loved the narration and enjoyed the book. I did have a few chuckle out loud moments. Lifelong friendship, race, family nuances- all of it covered in a sweet story with a little work drama thrown in.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic love story

This story is well written, funny, and unexpected. Loved every minute of this read! Fantastic!

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1 person found this helpful