You Can Thank Me Later

Lauren Fortgang doesn’t just narrate *You Can Thank Me Later*—she hosts a feast. Her performance is the audiobook equivalent of a perfectly roasted turkey: rich in warmth, seasoned with humor, and balanced with just enough gravy to keep things from feeling dry. She modulates effortlessly between generations, genders, and emotional registers, whether she’s playing the razor-tongued matriarch, the snarky teen, or the guilt-ridden black sheep. The pacing hits a sweet spot too: Harms’ three-act structure (each Thanksgiving unlocks a new layer of family lore) keeps the run time tight without sacrificing depth, and Fortgang’s timing ensures every punchline lands and every quiet confession feels earned. That said, the audiobook stumbles slightly in its audio mixing—some quieter introspective moments get buried under subtle background hums, which is a shame because the internal monologues are where Harms shines brightest. A nitpick, yes, but one that occasionally nags like a guest who won’t stop refilling their plate. Still, *You Can Thank Me Later* is a rare holiday listen that actually feels like a holiday: messy, nourishing, and impossible to consume in one sitting.