Narda Pitkethly Brings “Nardagani: A Memoir” to Life as an Audiobook
In January 2020, Narda Pitkethly, founder and CEO of Nardagani, released her first memoir, Nardagani: A Memoir – Finding Light in the Shadow of a Brother’s Disappearance. Today, this compelling and deeply personal story is also available as an audiobook on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes.
But the journey to the finished audiobook was more involved than most might imagine—one that began with Narda’s own narration and eventually evolved into a collaboration with one of her favorite professional voice artists.
From Author’s Voice to Professional Narration
When the memoir was first released, Narda narrated the book herself. She loved the process and appreciated the intimacy it offered listeners. But over time, she received feedback that the story might resonate even more with a professional narrator at the helm.
That’s when she reached out to Suzy Myers Jackson, a narrator whose voice she admired deeply.
“I emailed Suzy my manuscript, my TEDx Talk, and a short summary of why I wanted her to be my voice—basically, that she’s my favorite female narrator of all time,” Narda recalls. “It was amazing when Suzy said yes.”
Suzy agreed under one condition: that the recording be done at her favorite studio in New York City - Good Studio - with post-production handled by Tim Bader Audio, another trusted collaborator.
Behind the Scenes: The Recording Process
Bringing the audiobook to life required meticulous care. Suzy delivered a heartfelt performance, capturing the rhythm, nuance, and emotion of Narda’s story. But the process didn’t stop once the narration was complete.
Tim Bader Audio went through the entire recording, comparing Suzy’s narration line by line with the original manuscript. Inevitably, small differences emerged—moments where Suzy’s natural delivery diverged from the written text.
Some of those “mistakes” were intentionally left in, as they felt authentic and added warmth. Others were flagged for correction, leading Suzy back into the studio for follow-up sessions to ensure the audiobook aligned with the manuscript. Finally, everything was finalized and prepared for release on ACX, the platform that distributes to Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
The result is a polished, emotionally resonant audiobook that carries both Narda’s voice as a writer and Suzy’s artistry as a narrator.
The Power of Storytelling Through Audio
For memoirs, narration plays a powerful role. Listeners don’t just hear words—they hear emotion, pauses, and subtle tonal shifts that bring the story closer. Suzy’s performance helped amplify the heart of Narda’s story, making it accessible to even more people.
As one listener put it:
“The narration brought depth to every chapter, making the story unforgettable. It felt like Narda was speaking directly to me.”
Themes That Resonate
At its core, Nardagani: A Memoir is about resilience, family, and growth through adversity. Through the audiobook, listeners experience:
Resilience: How challenges and setbacks can be transformed into moments of strength.
Family and Relationships: The enduring bonds, complexities, and losses that shape us.
Growth Through Adversity: A story of navigating obstacles with courage and adaptability.
Discovery: A journey of personal insight and professional purpose.
These themes, combined with Suzy’s narration, create an immersive listening experience that mirrors the emotional richness of the printed memoir.
Expanding Accessibility
Turning the memoir into an audiobook also reflects Narda’s lifelong commitment to accessibility and literacy. Just as the Nardagani Reading Program helps students learn to read in new ways, the audiobook format makes her story available to auditory learners, those with visual impairments, or anyone who prefers listening while commuting, exercising, or winding down.
Where to Listen
Nardagani: A Memoir – Finding Light in the Shadow of a Brother’s Disappearance is available now on:
Audible – Stream or download for easy listening
Amazon – Purchase and listen on any device
iTunes – Convenient for Apple users
Conclusion: A Story Shared, A Voice Amplified
The creation of the audiobook reflects the same values that fuel Narda’s work: perseverance, creativity, and a dedication to making stories accessible to all. With Suzy Myers Jackson’s narration and Tim Bader Audio’s meticulous production, the memoir now reaches audiences in a new, unforgettable way.
For anyone seeking inspiration, reflection, or simply a moving memoir brought to life with care, the audiobook is a must-listen.