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On the Street Where You Live
5 hours, 21 minutes
On the Street Where You Live is a cozy audio novel by the creator of one of the world’s most popular sleep podcasts, Nothing Much Happens , and invites listeners into the warmly interconnected lives of a dozen neighbors in a charming village.
On the idyllic tree-lined streets of the Village of Nothing Much, the leaves are starting to change, and the first hint of autumn chill drifts through the air. Peeking through the windows, you may find the Bookseller, who's come home from her shop in town to have lunch and feed her beloved dog. Make your way across the street, and you’ll see the Piano Teacher, who’s just finished up a lesson and opened a letter that calls to mind an important memory. Down by the lake, the Innkeeper is seeing the final summer guests off and preparing for the quiet of the winter season. And so each resident has their own tasks, their own small corner of the community to attend to.
Over the course of one weekend, listeners will be introduced to the residents of this closeknit village as they prepare for their annual Labor Day block party. As the villagers chase clues, share stories, and show up for one another, the audiobook reveals the hidden richness of ordinary life. Written with deep tenderness, the story celebrates the beauty of small gestures, chosen family, and the slow magic of community. Scenes from the Village of Nothing Much come alive with lush detail, whether it’s the warm scent of cardamom buns wafting out of the oven or the smooth feel of an old typewriter’s keys under busy fingers, and offer a soft space for anxious minds to land.
On the Street Where You Live is a cozy audio novel by the creator of one of the world’s most popular sleep podcasts, Nothing Much Happens , and invites listeners into the warmly interconnected lives of a dozen neighbors in a charming village.
On the idyllic tree-lined streets of the Village of Nothing Much, the leaves are starting to change, and the first hint of autumn chill drifts through the air. Peeking through the windows, you may find the Bookseller, who's come home from her shop in town to have lunch and feed her beloved dog. Make your way across the street, and you’ll see the Piano Teacher, who’s just finished up a lesson and opened a letter that calls to mind an important memory. Down by the lake, the Innkeeper is seeing the final summer guests off and preparing for the quiet of the winter season. And so each resident has their own tasks, their own small corner of the community to attend to.
Over the course of one weekend, listeners will be introduced to the residents of this closeknit village as they prepare for their annual Labor Day block party. As the villagers chase clues, share stories, and show up for one another, the audiobook reveals the hidden richness of ordinary life. Written with deep tenderness, the story celebrates the beauty of small gestures, chosen family, and the slow magic of community. Scenes from the Village of Nothing Much come alive with lush detail, whether it’s the warm scent of cardamom buns wafting out of the oven or the smooth feel of an old typewriter’s keys under busy fingers, and offer a soft space for anxious minds to land.
Audible Audio
Published July 28, 2026
About the author
Kathryn Nicolai
11 books83 followersEver since I was a child I've made up stories to help myself fall asleep. In fact, one of my earliest memories is of a story I told myself about a thick warm blanket on a cold night. I've never stopped and now, decades later I have quite a library in my head of simple tales to drop off to. I love story telling and using my voice to help people relax. In the rest of my life, I am a yoga teacher and own a small studio in Michigan. I have a wonderful wife and two dogs. My waking life is so sweet that sweet dreams come easily.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 5, 2026
This was such a great audiobook! It was the perfect story of basic, every day life in this wonderful little neighborhood. Getting snippets into what everyone did and how they were connected was so well done. It felt like I was watching a show and the camera kept panning around to pick up what someone else was doing.
The cast of narrators was wonderful. Each brought something different to the story to really bring each characters’ storyline to life.
Thank you Kathryn Nicolai and Simon & Schuster Audio for an advanced gifted copy of the audiobook!
The cast of narrators was wonderful. Each brought something different to the story to really bring each characters’ storyline to life.
Thank you Kathryn Nicolai and Simon & Schuster Audio for an advanced gifted copy of the audiobook!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
the setup…
Autumn is beginning to show its signs and the Village of Nothing Much starts to stir. There’s the baker whose scrumptious concoctions waft through the window, the piano teacher who is working with a young boy showing signs of being a prodigy and the innkeeper who is full of ideas for winter activities and many more. Over the course of a weekend, we get to see how this small town makes connections.
the heart of the story…
It’s those little gestures and acts of kindness that build community. While this is a small town, that same sense of community could be created anywhere. I wondered if this might be too cozy for my tastes but it didn’t take long for me to be overwhelmed with good feelings, evoking my own memories of a similar life. And, the transitions between storytellers was seamless, natural and brilliant.
the narration…
It’s a full cast of very talented performers (many favorites) and they just filled me with all the warm and fuzzy feelings. Sit back and just savor. (See the list in the hashtags)
the bottom line…
I worried I’d get bored and that just didn’t happen here. It’s just…lovely and inspiring. I adore community and have had the good fortune of experiencing that almost everywhere I’ve lived. In these troubled times, it’s nice to be reminded it really is within our grasp. Listen and you will see.
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Autumn is beginning to show its signs and the Village of Nothing Much starts to stir. There’s the baker whose scrumptious concoctions waft through the window, the piano teacher who is working with a young boy showing signs of being a prodigy and the innkeeper who is full of ideas for winter activities and many more. Over the course of a weekend, we get to see how this small town makes connections.
the heart of the story…
It’s those little gestures and acts of kindness that build community. While this is a small town, that same sense of community could be created anywhere. I wondered if this might be too cozy for my tastes but it didn’t take long for me to be overwhelmed with good feelings, evoking my own memories of a similar life. And, the transitions between storytellers was seamless, natural and brilliant.
the narration…
It’s a full cast of very talented performers (many favorites) and they just filled me with all the warm and fuzzy feelings. Sit back and just savor. (See the list in the hashtags)
the bottom line…
I worried I’d get bored and that just didn’t happen here. It’s just…lovely and inspiring. I adore community and have had the good fortune of experiencing that almost everywhere I’ve lived. In these troubled times, it’s nice to be reminded it really is within our grasp. Listen and you will see.
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
August 20, 2026
On the Street Where You Live by Kathryn Nicolai (2026)
5h 21m narrated by the author - Kathryn Nicolai, Javier Muñoz, Mara Wilson, Alma Cuervo, Holter Graham, Danny Burstein, Natalie Naudus, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith and Patti Murin
Genre: Cozy Domestic Fiction
Movie Rating Equivalent: PG
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🏘🛣🏡⛲️🥖🐈⬛️📚🐕🚲
Featuring: Introduction, Neighborhood, Baker, Cat, Bookseller, Dog, Summer, Teacher, Librarian, Long Chapters, Family Dynamics, Novelist, Community Activities, Innkeeper, Author’s Note
On the Street Where You Live kind of reminded me of those community maps in social studies textbooks combined with the map of Stoneybrook in The Baby-sitters Club and other similar novels. It felt very idealistic when it opened up, but then it didn't really seem like it was about much—just going from house to house, a lot like I used to do when playing The Sims. Still, there was something comforting about it, so overall, I enjoyed it.
Recommend to others: Sure! Apparently, the author has an entire podcast about this type of story, so I might tune in.
Songs for the Soundtrack: "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" by Fred Rogers
Books and Authors Mentioned: Nothing Much Happens by Kathryn Nicolai, Agatha Christie, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood by Fred Rogers
5h 21m narrated by the author - Kathryn Nicolai, Javier Muñoz, Mara Wilson, Alma Cuervo, Holter Graham, Danny Burstein, Natalie Naudus, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith and Patti Murin
Genre: Cozy Domestic Fiction
Movie Rating Equivalent: PG
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🏘🛣🏡⛲️🥖🐈⬛️📚🐕🚲
Featuring: Introduction, Neighborhood, Baker, Cat, Bookseller, Dog, Summer, Teacher, Librarian, Long Chapters, Family Dynamics, Novelist, Community Activities, Innkeeper, Author’s Note
On the Street Where You Live kind of reminded me of those community maps in social studies textbooks combined with the map of Stoneybrook in The Baby-sitters Club and other similar novels. It felt very idealistic when it opened up, but then it didn't really seem like it was about much—just going from house to house, a lot like I used to do when playing The Sims. Still, there was something comforting about it, so overall, I enjoyed it.
Recommend to others: Sure! Apparently, the author has an entire podcast about this type of story, so I might tune in.
Songs for the Soundtrack: "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" by Fred Rogers
Books and Authors Mentioned: Nothing Much Happens by Kathryn Nicolai, Agatha Christie, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood by Fred Rogers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A huge thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Audio for the opportunity to listen to this ALC.
This was such a wonderfully cozy listen. I absolutely adored the characters and the simplicity of the story. It was the type of audiobook that you could listen to and totally relax to it.
Kathryn Nicolai gave each character their own story, while weaving the entire cast together. I liked how a small gesture from one character would show up again in the story of another. The setting was such a cozy little town, and made you long for a more slow-paced life.
The narrators for each character really helped drive this story along. It was nice to hear each one with a different voice and personality. The narrators were clear and easy to listen to.
I am not much of a podcast listener, but with how much I enjoyed this ALC, I am going to check out the author some more. I think she is what I didn't know I needed in my life. Definitely recommend checking this one out this summer!
This was such a wonderfully cozy listen. I absolutely adored the characters and the simplicity of the story. It was the type of audiobook that you could listen to and totally relax to it.
Kathryn Nicolai gave each character their own story, while weaving the entire cast together. I liked how a small gesture from one character would show up again in the story of another. The setting was such a cozy little town, and made you long for a more slow-paced life.
The narrators for each character really helped drive this story along. It was nice to hear each one with a different voice and personality. The narrators were clear and easy to listen to.
I am not much of a podcast listener, but with how much I enjoyed this ALC, I am going to check out the author some more. I think she is what I didn't know I needed in my life. Definitely recommend checking this one out this summer!
July 9, 2026
I discovered Kathryn Nikolai back in 2016 when I first tried to combat my insomnia through my now nightly stable of the podcast Nothing Much Happens: Bedtime Stories for Everyone (although it WAS for grown ups when I first stumbled upon) I love her storytelling and the cozy worlds she dreams up. Her writing gently wraps you in a blanket and gives you a cup of hot cocoa on a crisp, rainy, autumn afternoon. With the cast of characters from the baker to the librarian who comes home for lunch to be with her dog, to the piano teacher, and more, this audiobook’s narrators delivered. And I adored hearing Kathryn appear as well (it was a must!)
How could I rate this anything else than the 5 stars it deserves. May the Village of Nothing Much always find its audience.
Now, I must hunt for the answer if this was produced by the wonderful Bob Wittersheim. Thank you so much to Simon & Schuster Audio for an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review.
How could I rate this anything else than the 5 stars it deserves. May the Village of Nothing Much always find its audience.
Now, I must hunt for the answer if this was produced by the wonderful Bob Wittersheim. Thank you so much to Simon & Schuster Audio for an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have been listening to the podcasts Stories from the Village of Nothing Much and Nothing Much Happens by Kathryn Nicolai in the evenings before I go to sleep for over a year now. I love all her quaint stories about the characters in a small, sweet town. When I found out that she was writing a book with similar stories I knew I had to listen to it too!
This is a great collection about the town baker, book seller, the piano teacher and the inn keeper and how their lives are all connected. These are cozy, quiet stories about ordinary life in the Village of Nothing Much. Settle in and relax while you let your mind wander to this amazing little place.
Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to On the Street Where You Live! I truly enjoyed it and am hoping Ms. Nicolai writes more in the future.
Publication date: 28 July 2026
This is a great collection about the town baker, book seller, the piano teacher and the inn keeper and how their lives are all connected. These are cozy, quiet stories about ordinary life in the Village of Nothing Much. Settle in and relax while you let your mind wander to this amazing little place.
Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to On the Street Where You Live! I truly enjoyed it and am hoping Ms. Nicolai writes more in the future.
Publication date: 28 July 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
On the Street Where You Live by Kathryn Nicolai, narrated by Javier Muñoz, Mara Wilson, Alma Cuervo, Holter Graham, Danny Burstein, Natalie Naudus, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, and Patti Murin, is exactly what it advertises itself to be: a cozy story through and through.
The book is made up of multiple short stories told from the perspectives of different neighbors in a village, and the ensemble cast of narrators is a perfect fit. Having a different voice for each story made it feel like I was actually sitting in the neighborhood, getting to know each person one by one.
At its heart this is a gentle reminder that everyone has a story worth sharing and that human connection takes so many different forms. Sometimes that is exactly what you need.
The book is made up of multiple short stories told from the perspectives of different neighbors in a village, and the ensemble cast of narrators is a perfect fit. Having a different voice for each story made it feel like I was actually sitting in the neighborhood, getting to know each person one by one.
At its heart this is a gentle reminder that everyone has a story worth sharing and that human connection takes so many different forms. Sometimes that is exactly what you need.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Over the past several years, I have enjoyed listening to audiobooks at night to help me fall asleep. But some books are too interesting or too fast faced, and actively wake my mind up instead. This is the perfect audiobook to deliver cozy, peaceful storytelling for evening rest. This is the story of a small town and the towns people. It’s comforting and gentle, intended to lull its readers to sleep. I know there are podcasts used for a similar purpose, but this is much easier functionality to turn on and set a sleep timer for.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
July 14, 2026
The light and comfort we all need is found in this audiobook! Kathryn Nicolai shares how her walks during COVID looking at the homes of her neighbors had her wondering who they were and I can absolutely relate. Somehow, we're all connected and there are stories going on that none of us know about, yet they're right next door. I love the simplicity of these stories...every day people who have history that is kept inside them, neighbors who come together in community, descriptions of food that you can actually taste and smell because of Nicolai's descriptions. Be sure to listen to the author's note at the end as well because that had me in tears. This audiobook is beautiful!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I knew I was going to love this audiobook, but I didn’t realize HOW MUCH I was going to love it! This was one of the most relaxing, peaceful audiobooks I’ve ever listened to, and it’s one I’ll definitely revisit. The quaint Village of Nothing Much is filled with beautiful, simple stories about the people who live there. It reminded me of the small-town feel of Gilmore Girls, but with less drama. I love that the author referred to this book as a Mister Rogers for grown-ups. That’s exactly how it feels— like a warm hug of a book. I highly recommend this audio for when you’re needing a relaxing escape into a cozy story!
July 20, 2026
I'm not quite sure how to rate this one. It's described as a "cozy story" and that's the perfect way to explain it. Each chapter focuses on a different person in the community and their personal life experience. It's cute and shows everyone's difference and, at times,
interconnectedness. I struggle to rate the book though, because while it's cute, it's almost without an end goal in mind.
I read this one in between some heavy nonfiction, so it filled a comfy void, but I can't say I would have loved it if I was craving a good story.
interconnectedness. I struggle to rate the book though, because while it's cute, it's almost without an end goal in mind.
I read this one in between some heavy nonfiction, so it filled a comfy void, but I can't say I would have loved it if I was craving a good story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
this was a sweet quick read. imagine walking down your street and knowing anecdotes about each of your neighbors... or creating vignettes about who they all are and the lives they live. this was a fun peek into peoples lives and the secrets they keep or things they do! each chapter is broken down into someones life and then everyone coming together in the end!
thank you netgalley for the ARC!! I loved this one and the cover feels like a cozy fall read.
thank you netgalley for the ARC!! I loved this one and the cover feels like a cozy fall read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This short novel feels like a collection of different stories about various members of a small town. There isn't much crossover between them, but I still enjoyed listening to this story. It was a very smart idea to have different narrators for each character. They all did an amazing job, but Patti Murin stands out the most. It was a very enjoyable story and gave me all the small-town vibes.
August 21, 2026
This is the coziest book I’ve ever read. It’s like ASMR for readers, but with a full short story each chapter.
Take a walk through the neighborhood and smell the bread from the baker, hear the piano teacher playing piano, see the Innkeeper waving goodbye to the summer guests, and fall in love with their interconnected lives as they all prepare for the Labor Day block party.
I’m usually not a short story person, but this one caught my eye. The lush narrating voices wrapped around me like a warm blanket and put a pumpkin spice latte in my hands. I couldn’t help but smile through each character’s life story and how everyone in the village had a specific purpose and place to serve the community for the greater good. Just an over all sweet read for fall.
Thank you Kathryn Nicolai, NetGalley, narrators, and Simon & Schuster Audio for this adorable fall audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Take a walk through the neighborhood and smell the bread from the baker, hear the piano teacher playing piano, see the Innkeeper waving goodbye to the summer guests, and fall in love with their interconnected lives as they all prepare for the Labor Day block party.
I’m usually not a short story person, but this one caught my eye. The lush narrating voices wrapped around me like a warm blanket and put a pumpkin spice latte in my hands. I couldn’t help but smile through each character’s life story and how everyone in the village had a specific purpose and place to serve the community for the greater good. Just an over all sweet read for fall.
Thank you Kathryn Nicolai, NetGalley, narrators, and Simon & Schuster Audio for this adorable fall audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 16, 2026
If you are familiar with the Village of Nothing Much, you will love this cozy audiobook!
(if you have no idea what I'm talking about, you should check out the podcast Nothing Much Happens, a sleep podcast created by Kathryn Nicolai - she has created a wonderful "world" called the Village of Nothing Much and her stories are cute and cozy!).
(if you have no idea what I'm talking about, you should check out the podcast Nothing Much Happens, a sleep podcast created by Kathryn Nicolai - she has created a wonderful "world" called the Village of Nothing Much and her stories are cute and cozy!).
July 21, 2026
This was exactly the cozy escape I needed.
I loved how the ordinary moments were treated as something special. There isn’t a lot of high drama here, just neighbors caring for one another, small acts of kindness, and the quiet beauty of everyday life.
This is a warm, comforting read!
I loved how the ordinary moments were treated as something special. There isn’t a lot of high drama here, just neighbors caring for one another, small acts of kindness, and the quiet beauty of everyday life.
This is a warm, comforting read!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.5 stars.
This one started so strong with the perfect cozy vibe and had me enchanted from the start. Unfortunately, the story lagged as it went on which made it more difficult to stay invested. Still, it was a fun and entertaining read.
This one started so strong with the perfect cozy vibe and had me enchanted from the start. Unfortunately, the story lagged as it went on which made it more difficult to stay invested. Still, it was a fun and entertaining read.
August 6, 2026
I loved this book just like I love the podcast but where there no Crumb and Marmalade? They are my favorite and I missed them ❤️
August 30, 2026
The narration on this is excellent! This is one of those books where not a lot happens. If you like to listen to books to fall asleep, this one would be perfect.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC.
September 1, 2026
bookbeat huijasi ja tän kirjan kappaleet on omina ’kirjoinaan’ siellä joten kuunneltuani ekan kappaleen Kardemumma ja Seesami niin minähän lasken sen kirjan lukemiseksi
October 4, 2026
The most comforting book ever
Read
May 31, 2026ON THE STREET WHERE YOU LIVE is such a pleasant listen; the audiobook boasts nine different narrators, and while this is not a book for those seeking a driving plot, it’s perfect if you want to relax into vignettes highlighting individuals in a community, each one setting up their story in such a way to gently hand off to the next installment.
I appreciated the author’s note where she describes how she came up with the idea for these, borne from a walk around her neighborhood, thoughtfully speculating on all the lives around her. That led to her sleep podcast NOTHING MUCH HAPPENS, which grew into this project.
This title is a good example of how everyone holds a story within themselves, and the joy of discovering some aspect of another’s story. What motivates us? What are our regrets, our core memories, our aspirations? Kathryn Nicolai brings to life the various stories in a little community.
As narrators can play a strong role in a listener’s enjoyment of an author’s work, it is worth listing those who bring added enjoyment to the listening experience: the narrators of this title are Kathryn Nicolai, Javier Muñoz, Mara Wilson, Alma Cuervo, Holter Graham, Danny Burstein, Natalie Naudus, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, and Patti Murin. All in all, this was a gentle listen.
(Thank you to Simon & Schuster Audio for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.)
I appreciated the author’s note where she describes how she came up with the idea for these, borne from a walk around her neighborhood, thoughtfully speculating on all the lives around her. That led to her sleep podcast NOTHING MUCH HAPPENS, which grew into this project.
This title is a good example of how everyone holds a story within themselves, and the joy of discovering some aspect of another’s story. What motivates us? What are our regrets, our core memories, our aspirations? Kathryn Nicolai brings to life the various stories in a little community.
As narrators can play a strong role in a listener’s enjoyment of an author’s work, it is worth listing those who bring added enjoyment to the listening experience: the narrators of this title are Kathryn Nicolai, Javier Muñoz, Mara Wilson, Alma Cuervo, Holter Graham, Danny Burstein, Natalie Naudus, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, and Patti Murin. All in all, this was a gentle listen.
(Thank you to Simon & Schuster Audio for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews