New Reviews by Title: A-D

Narrators Ewan Chung and Viet Thanh Nguyen deliver sweet performances in this contemporary romance. Evie is fired by her secret boyfriend and feels hopelessly stuck until she receives a letter from her beloved late aunt. She is sent on a matchmaking tour of Vietnam, where meets the skeptical Adam. This romance has a strong foundation built on Evie's enthusiastic search for... Read More

As Barrie Kreinik narrates Book 10 in the Wayward Children series, listeners meet Nadya, a one-armed orphan who gets adopted. But even in her new home Nadya feels incomplete and "other." Kreinik gives a stellar performance as a child who is desperate to understand her place. One day, Nadya goes wandering to the river, where she feels at home despite her missing arm. She tumbles... Read More

Narrator Timothy Andrés Pabon delivers staccato dialogue about complex computer hacking without a slip of the tongue. First Lady Elizabeth Caen overhears the president planning the assassination of a sitting Supreme Court justice but has no proof. She enlists the help of her secret lover, Owen, who is a respected Silicon Valley computer whiz and secret hacker. Then the pair are... Read More

Three versatile narrators portray nine characters who are involved with the story of 17-year-old Amber, who discovers that she's been dead for seven years and that all the relationships she once knew have fractured. Gail Shalan depicts Amber's emotions--horror at her mother's response to her death, shock at her parents' failed marriage, surprise that her sister is now her age,... Read More

Like an autocrat of a nineteenth-century drawing room, Daniel Henning captures the pedantic wit of Edith Wharton's keenly observant masterpiece about a "long vanished America," which won a 1921 Pulitzer Prize. It's the Gilded Age of the 1870s, and a young scion of one of New York's finest and most influential families is about to marry the girl of his dreams, also a member of... Read More

Narrated by a talented cast, 12 stories in verse by various well-known authors explore the topic of love. Young people ponder the meaning of love, illuminating the glories and complications of love in its various forms: romantic love, familial love, love for oneself, and love for animals. The collection ranges from twelfth-century India to late-nineteenth-century Germany and to... Read More

Narrator Eunice Wong's voice fills with urgency as a tiny group of survivors struggles to escape a drowned Manhattan. Nonie, 13, tells the story from some years in the future, but Wong does not let this reassure listeners one whit as Nonie, her sister, their father, and Keller, an adult friend, fight their way through what Nonie calls "the world as it is." While Wong adopts a... Read More

Frankie Corzo creates a believable character in filmmaker and comic- book artist Annie Bustamante. Initially, Annie is excited to be offered the opportunity to bring her favorite superhero, the Lethal Lynx, back to life as part of an ambitious project. But she soon realizes that things aren't what they seem and must piece together clues from the past and present to uncover some... Read More

Narrator Vico Ortiz imbues humanity and compassion into this candid, moving portrait of eight trans and nonbinary teenagers living in the U.S. Journalist Nico Lang seamlessly weaves together personal interviews from across the country, ranging from California to Texas to Florida and more. Each profile is a compelling listening experience, with vivid details of the teens' unique... Read More

Andrea Davis Pinkney showcases her praise poem to Toni Morrison with a practiced delivery, addressing her subject as "you" throughout. Pinkney is gentle in describing Morrison's youthful love of letters; she deepens her voice as the future Nobelist gains confidence at Howard University. Her voice swells with pride as Morrison conquers the literary world as an editor and writer... Read More

Fans of Adjoa Andoh's television acting will be delighted by this performance of a complex story of intergenerational conflict in Nigeria. When Tia uncovers her mother's long-hidden secret while protecting a runaway girl, Adunni, she sets in motion a series of events that threaten to unravel the very fabric of all their lives. Andoh adds depth and resonance to this emotional... Read More

Soneela Nankani and Neil Shah narrate an epic race among three rivals to find a hidden cache of magic in a dying city where the sky literally rains blood. The blood is an unusual caustic chemical known as "calor," which becomes a valuable but dwindling resource. Nankani and Shah take turns narrating the perspectives of a thief, a slumlord, and an heiress as they seek a means of... Read More

For those curious about Capote's final publication, listening to Kirby Heyborne's audiobook performance is recommended. Capote's last work was published posthumously in the 1980s after a long delay. The audiobook is a loosely threaded "nonfiction novel" about an aspiring writer who encounters famous figures in the literary establishment while he is trying to survive. The result... Read More

Tiffany Yu invites listeners to join her in advocating for a more accessible society for disabled people. When she was just 9 years old, Yu was in a car accident that permanently paralyzed her arm and gave her PTSD. Later, she founded the disability advocacy organization Diversability and gave a TedX Talk about how to create more disability- inclusive work environments. Using a... Read More

Nancy Wu's inviting narration brings listeners into the world of the first four families who move into a twelve-unit government housing complex outside of Seoul, South Korea. The story shifts among the perspectives of the four mothers, with primary focus on the newest resident, Yogin, and her neighbor, Hyonae. Wu portrays Yogin's efficient persona and contemplative nature as... Read More

Elisabeth Lagelee captures the author's skepticism toward the historical rise of apothecaries and physicians and the decline of home remedies. After all, the developing medical professionals used the same medicinal plants that housewives did. The author celebrates Elizabeth Blackwell, who gained a rare entry into the male-dominated physic garden, and the other women who got... Read More

Rachel Yong's slow, thoughtful delivery reflects the format of this novel in verse. After having been the only Chinese student at her Montessori school and enduring a year of distance learning during the pandemic, Emily Sofer did not expect that transferring to a school in Chinatown for eighth grade would leave her feeling more alone than ever. But when she falls in love with... Read More

In this contemporary detective story, lesbian PI Jo Bailen is working on a missing persons case that turns into a murder. The twist is that the victim is her estranged best friend, Rose. Narrator Stacy Gonzalez deftly handles the accents and linguistic quirks of a wide assortment of characters whom Bailen reluctantly interacts with as she untangles Rose's messy life. Gonzalez... Read More

Nikolas Salmon's narration ensures that this exploration of Danish workplace culture is digestible as a listening experience. His delivery highlights the contrast between the Danish approach and stressful environments elsewhere. He captures the optimism behind practical solutions for reducing stress and increasing happiness. Salmon's voice remains consistent, making the... Read More

With a steady voice and skilled delivery, Mark Bramhall splendidly narrates this sympathetic account of how Harry Truman rose to power and changed, not only postwar America, but also the world. Truman was a relatively unknown Missouri senator when he was picked by FDR over then current Vice President Henry Wallace to be FDR's running mate in 1944. Concentrating on the years... Read More

Lauren Fortgang narrates this twisty new audiobook about a 1990s teenager who is forced to recognize that it may be better not to meet your heroes. Ten years ago, Kat McCann's mother was killed in cold blood, and famed detective Alik Lisser solved the case, discovering that the killer was Kat's father. Then, the real-life detective became a fictional one when he began turning... Read More

Roveena Gnanabakthan's narration magnifies the poignant and multifaceted stories of BIPOC women who are navigating the tensions of identity, community, and family. Her performance lends authenticity to each character, capturing the nuances of their struggles and triumphs. Whether voicing the wife who adapts her identity to fit societal expectations, the mother whose labor... Read More

Author/narrator Alex Sarian is the CEO and president of Calgary's Arts Commons, which houses six resident companies and hosts 2,000 events per year. Well delivered and thoughtfully paced, this provocative audiobook is a manifesto on rethinking the role of the performing arts. He discusses means and methods for reforming the civic, educational, and social roles of arts venues.... Read More

What fun! Listeners will revel in this novel set on a scenic Scottish island, which is brought to life by four exceptional narrators. The story jumps between the distinct voices of Kat, a fantasy and erotica writer, expertly portrayed by Saskia Maarleveld; Cassie, a cozy author and mother of six, who shines with charm and guilelessness through Brittany Pressley; and Emma, a... Read More

Author/narrator Linda Holmes capitalizes on her media experience in this snappy comic novel. Cecily Foster has agreed to host a new podcast--even if it means she'll also have to be the star, follow the advice of a popular relationship influencer, and have it called "20 Dates." A deal with her boss is the only way she'd ever consider a show revolving around her own first dates,... Read More

T'áncháy Redvers gives a subdued but engaging performance of these strange fabulist stories. The characters, settings, and situations are creative and surreal and, at times, distinctly unsettling. An elephant decomposes in a couple's bed. A girl wonders about the lives of the trolls who work in her father's pumpkin patch. Houses are rarely what they seem. Redvers's narration is... Read More

Narrator Angel Pean delivers a robust and emotionally charged portrayal of a seventeenth-century biracial female pirate in this action- packed audiobook. After her French-born father is brutally killed in Haiti, 20-year-old Jacquot flees with her younger brother; her lover, Theresa; and several male ship-worker friends. They become indentured to the notorious pirate Blackhand.... Read More

Johnny Heller's rough-and-tumble voice is the perfect match for Clavin's stories of Western outlaws and their hideouts. Much of the audiobook is devoted to Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch, but there's room for strange detours. Heller's hearty style can make a reportedly true story, such as the story of a robber whose skin became the shoes worn by a governor, take on the... Read More

Narrators Carolina Do and VyVy Nguyen delight listeners as two foodie teens who fall in love in Vietnam in this sweet sapphic YA romance. ViVi, a Vietnamese American college student, has always been curious about her family's heritage. She follows a Vietnamese street food blog and ends up studying abroad in Sài Gòn (Saigon). Lan, another teen, is the author of the food blog.... Read More

Rankings in sports always evoke debate--in a bar, between pals, or at work. This audiobook is a comprehensive compilation of the greatest basketball players of all time. Jaime Lincoln Smith narrates in a deep, steady voice, altering pitch ever so slightly when quoting someone but not trying to imitate anyone's voice. He gradually takes the listener through the audiobook, which... Read More

Dion Graham continues his stellar work with Mosley's Joe King Oliver series, bringing heart and rough edges in equal measure. Here, the private investigator's Grandma B has a dying wish: Locate her long-missing son. Oliver's complicated relationship with his father is heightened as the search brings new insights into the man. Meanwhile, Oliver struggles with his own ethics as... Read More

Kevin Shen's narration brings warmth and emotional depth to an ensemble of characters. Through his performance, the interconnected stories of a café's visitors unfold with clarity and resonance. Shen's delivery captures the quiet urgency of each character's desire to revisit their past--while adhering to the café's unique rules. The individual struggles range from a father's... Read More

Brittany Pressley and Nelson Hobbs entertain listeners with this amusing rivals-to-lovers contemporary romance. Emily Walker begins fuming when her archnemesis, Jack Bennett, moves back to town and becomes her new neighbor. Despite the petty scheming to ruin each other, they soon realize they have secrets that could bring them closer together. Pressley's upbeat, expressive... Read More

Listeners will have a grand time with Helen Laser's vibrant narration of this lively audiobook about a modern woman who is navigating the political scene in 1962 Washington, DC. After catching her husband, Larry, cheating with his secretary, 27-year-old Beverly Diamond decides that going to work will allow her independence from Larry while she is divorcing him. Beverly, the... Read More

Brooke Bloomingdale and Liam DiCosimo narrate this angsty small-town romance. Alina met Chase when she was 11 years old and fell in love with him before she even knew what love was. Chase was a bit reckless and never relied on anyone's love. However, Alina was the one girl he could always open up to. While DiCosimo's narrative voice is enjoyable, his performance of the... Read More

This outstanding audio collection begins with a thought-provoking introduction by editor Wesley Morris in which he discusses the struggle over what individuals and societies can think. The narrators take turns delivering the 22 works originally featured in publications such as HARPER'S MAGAZINE, THE ATLANTIC, and THE NEW YORKER. One standout is "Jenisha from Kentucky." Jeanette... Read More

This anthology presents widely varied mystery and suspense tales. They are quite well read and will hold the attention of mystery lovers and other listeners. Several narrators stand out among the many talented performers: Jane Oppenheimer's intimate and expressive narration of Abby Geni's "The Body Farm," a story of justifiable homicide, and her striking presentation of Lisa... Read More

Narrators Eileen Stevens, Stephen Graybill, Lee Osorio, and Gina Daniels use their considerable talents for this broad array of essays and articles on science, nature, and the relationship between the two. In his introduction, narrated by Graybill, editor Bill McKibben lays out his theme for this volume: climate change and its growing impact on the natural world and humanity.... Read More

Andi Arndt narrates this romance featuring two friends who are thrust back together after years apart. Olive and Noah were close--until Olive ran over Noah, ending his potential baseball career. The accident ultimately caused Olive to leave Lake Tahoe. Noah also left town. Later, both return to help Noah's sister and Olive's best friend, Katie, deal with her husband's accident.... Read More

As narrator, author Martha Beck offers an inviting and calming listening experience. She brings clarity and a personal touch to her exploration of anxiety and creativity. Her conversational tone and well-paced delivery make complex ideas, such as the "anxiety spiral" and the transformative "creativity spiral," approachable and relatable. Beck's voice carries the warmth and... Read More

Loss haunts this powerful story of politics, corruption, and loyalty. Narrator Shaun Taylor-Corbett continues his fine work with Indigenous authors. He performs this debut novel with just the right tone, style, and tempo. He voices the angsty Mitch Caddo with a sure sense of his conflicted life as a "fixer" for the fictional Passage Rouge Nation. An outsider with an Ivy League... Read More

Michael Brusasco delivers fact and fiction in this novel based on true events. In 1943, in a remote Tuscan village, the Fascist authorities order that all Jews be rounded up and imprisoned in the Bishop's villa to await relocation. As events unfold, Brusasco turns René, an unassuming village cobbler who is secretly in love with Anna, a widowed seamstress, into a man with a... Read More

Bill Schutt's look at everything toothy starts with some teeth listeners don't want to know firsthand: those of the vampire bat and a bloodsucking fish that is drawn by urine. Charles Constant narrates with a light touch and makes animal classifications clear. Schutt seems fascinated with nasty biters such as crocodiles and shrews. Eventually, he turns his attention to human... Read More

Listeners will want to turn up the thermostat when they listen to British-accented Steve West present this horrific story. A Royal Navy ship is sent to rescue survivors of the Franklin Expedition, last seen in Baffin Bay in the Arctic Ocean in 1845. Among the searchers is Lieutenant Frederick Robinson, who is intent on advancing his Navy career, and surgeon Edward Adams, a... Read More

Renée Watson narrates her semiautobiographical collection of free-verse and short-form poems, which introduce listeners to the lyricism of her writing. Her delivery features repeated rhythmic patterns, haunting repetitions, and startling imagery. Race, class, and gender are eloquently rendered in poems on possibility, resilience, celebration, and the power of womanhood. Topics... Read More

Imani Perry contemplates the connection between the color blue and African and African American history and culture. From the traditional practice of dying indigo cloth in West Africa to the blues musical tradition in America, Perry posits Black life has always been entangled with the color blue. She performs her stunning narration in a soft, rhythmic voice, drawing listeners... Read More

Melancholy music opens this production, underscoring the pensive nature of Robertson's extraordinary research on safe communities Black people created to remake their lives. Narrator Dion Graham's smooth baritone carries gravitas and emotion as he presents this overview with examples of settlements developed specifically by and for Black men and women from the Reconstruction... Read More

This strange yet relatable story of identity and desire is narrated by Eunice Wong. Taiwanese American Vi is struggling with dropping out of college, a breakup, and working as a hotel receptionist when she finds a mysterious slime blob. Wong captures Vi's apathy and loneliness in her low voice. Smoothly switching between characters, Wong adds a tone of humor to her narration.... Read More

Amber Benson performs a fun paranormal adventure in which a librarian attempts to escape from a book-loving vampire. Anushka, better known as Noosh, has trouble filtering her thoughts, especially around a mysterious but charming stranger. The stranger, who turns out to be Vlad Dracula--Sandu in the present day--sweeps Noosh off her feet in a whirlwind romance. But she soon... Read More

Narrator Jim Frangione returns the listener to the vampire world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Vampire Apex is working at an estate in northern New York, where he encounters Callum, a wolven with whom he has a shared past. Apex had fallen for Callum, but Callum had been tortured and wasn't able to deal with the emotions he felt afterward. It's been 30 years since they've... Read More

Narrator Gemma Whelan masterfully brings to life this dark, atmospheric mystery. Her performance captures Hawkins's beautifully written descriptions of settings, artworks, and characters. The isolated Scottish island of Eris, accessible only when the tide recedes, emerges as a compelling character alongside its recently deceased inhabitant, the reclusive artist Vanessa Chapman.... Read More

Grief is a looming presence in this audiobook. The three Blue sisters try to move on after the death of Nikki, their vivacious and beloved fourth sibling. Kit Griffiths narrates the sisters' parallel stories with a measured cadence, adopting a stiff, halting pace that might echo the survivors' internal and external struggles as they wrestle with the past and try to salvage... Read More

A poet, performance artist, and devotee of Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes presents a selection of Hughes's early poems, songs, and other writings, created from 1921 to 1927. Danez Smith is extraordinary at performing their stirring introduction to Hughes's early creative output. With their clear baritone voice and extraordinary vocal talent, Smith's performance is... Read More

Narrator Shannon McManus infuses this gothic tale with sinister tension and a creepy atmosphere. The five Haddesley siblings have always been told that their family has a pact with the bog that surrounds their mansion in West Virginia. Every oldest son marries a wife provided by the bog. But when no wife appears for oldest son Charlie, the siblings are forced to reassess what... Read More

Eve Dallas has trouble finding out who Giovanni Rossi really was, why he was killed, and how. Susan Ericksen's portrayal of the tough-as-nails Dallas proves she hasn't lost her appetite for this futuristic suspense series. She projects Dallas as her snippy, sarcastic self. And now her family is being threatened. Her husband's majordomo, Summerset, alongside Giovanni, were two... Read More

Blair Baker's narration effectively frames the story of a privileged young man who is struggling to see the world beyond himself--even if he's not aware of his own limitations. Listeners observe the development of George, an inauspicious male in his 20s who continues the unfulfilled promises of his youth and lacks critical awareness of the people close to him. He survives on a... Read More

As many listeners have observed, murderers, like readers, are drawn to bookstore settings. In this cozy mystery set in the small town of Enigma, Georgia, listeners learn about a vicious murder in the bookstore recently inherited by an actress named Madeline, niece of the former owner. Narrator Hallie Bee Bard does an outstanding job of portraying the accent, tone, and tempo of... Read More

In this third and final installment in Alice Hoffman's Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories, series narrator Jennifer Jill Araya continues her top-notch narration of a heartfelt story of family, love, and independence. Five years after the Gibson sisters stopped speaking to one another, they're back on Brinkley's Island, Maine, once again running the family bookstore. When... Read More

Narrator Eddie Lopez uses his impressive vocal talents to explore the emotional, often tense, relationship between Ramón and his father. Beginning in 1977, the novel follows Ramón as he grows up, often clashing with his demanding, quixotic dad. Living in Brownsville, Texas, the family straddles the physical and cultural border of the U.S. and Mexico. Ramón, wanting more, moves... Read More

Ell Potter makes 1st century CE come alive as she narrates this tale about the warrior queen who tried to drive the Romans from Britain. The Roman tax collector--having no respect for any woman, let alone a queen--attacks Boudicca's stronghold and flogs her when she refuses to bend the knee to Rome and orders soldiers to rape her young daughters. Barely surviving and believing... Read More

Golden Voice Robin Miles returns to narrate the second audiobook in the duology. The story is set in Sequoia National Park in the spring of 2043. A brother, Romelo, and sister, Syrah, take very different approaches to saving the trees from escalating climate disasters. Much of the story takes place in Rhitza, the subterranean world beneath the trees. Miles portrays Syrah's... Read More

Narrator Dani Cochrane dives right into the story of Cassie O'Malley, who is running away from a terrible situation when she encounters Ted Wellman. In order to avoid the police, Cassie asks Ted for help, and the two end up married. Cochrane exudes all of Cassie's desperation as she pleads with Ted. He takes Cassie home to his family, and they all rally around the couple as... Read More

Elaine Wang deliberately presents this endearing story in which a Chinese American girl shares the details of her New Year celebration. Listeners meet Meimei as she and her family prepare for the Lunar New Year. Wang's Meimei dutifully describes her family's customs and rituals: sweeping the old year from the house, using firecrackers to scare away the previous year, and using... Read More

Ross Gay's poetry leans, generally, toward the joyful, so the early parts of this collection come as something of a surprise. His narration is, as always, quite fine, but his tone (and that of the work) is somewhat darker than we might expect. The poetry is up to Gay's usual high standard, and his control of tone, phrasing, and pace are exemplary, but he begins here with... Read More

Listeners are treated to six very original short stories masterfully performed by an ensemble of talented narrators. Each story follows a woman who, while investigating a supposed crime, finds herself in a precarious and/or humorous situation. The narrators are perfectly matched to their characters and settings. From Elle Cosimano's real estate lesson on staging a house while... Read More

Hanako Footman's authentic accent and nuanced delivery provide an immersive portrayal of Rika Machida, a Japanese journalist. Rika is investigating the case of Manako Kajii, a gourmet cook who is imprisoned for seducing older men with her culinary skills before allegedly killing them. Footman's measured pace and light intonation add intrigue as Rika becomes increasingly... Read More

This audiobook features an Indian girl named Aisha who is growing up near Kashmir, where she learns traditional healing from her mother until her dreams of an education are replaced by marriage. Soneela Nankani's narration brings warmth and depth to Aisha's story. Nankani captures the emotional weight of Aisha's choices as she navigates family duty and her desire for personal... Read More

There's no question that CANDIDE, written in 1759, is a classic and Voltaire's masterpiece, but most people today probably don't know it. This audio version is an easy-to-swallow rendition in which narrator Martyn Swain seems to be having quite a good time telling the story. He mostly uses accents to portray the many characters, and his range of accents is impressive, including... Read More

Narrator Justin Vivian Bond emphasizes the drama in the transformation and vivid life of Candy Darling, a transgender performer in New York City in the 1960s and 1970s. This biography recounts her traumatic youth, which included growing up in a dysfunctional family, an abusive father, and being bullied outside her home, as well. From there her journey takes her to her true... Read More

Ross Gay gives the kind of performance that demands your attention. Gay, an award-winning poet, originally published this poetry in 2015; this newly recorded audiobook features Gay performing the work. While the entire program is short, the themes are deep and the insights consistently disarming. Everyday observations develop into reflections of love, grief, and the nature of... Read More

Narrators Stephanie Willing and Andrew Eiden charm listeners in this swoony celebrity romance. Emmy's wildest dreams are about to come true when her debut novel lands a movie deal starring her real-life celebrity crush, who just happens to be the inspiration for her book. When Jason accepts the film role, he and Emmy work together to clean up his image and put her on the... Read More

André Santana returns to narrate the conclusion of the Sunbearer Duology. Teo's refusal to sacrifice another semidiós at the end of the Sunbearer Trials results in chaos and perpetual night. As Xio feels conflicted over the Obsidian gods and their destruction, Santana seamlessly transitions between their youthful voice, the deep and manipulative voice of Vanganza, and the... Read More

This centennial collection of NEW YORKER stories will undoubtedly lead this year's lists of prestigious audiobooks--and deservedly so. With a roster of enduring authors and stories and a cast expertly matched to the voice and character of each story, this is an unparalleled listening experience, and a hallmark of good casting and production values. Twenty narrators are... Read More

Colorful content, excellent narration, and fresh subject matter make this audiobook a standout. Author Glenn Adamson delivers an even, well-timed narration that includes some flourishes. The audiobook surveys future forecasters, such as Buckminster Fuller, Sun Ra, Shulamith Firestone, Arthur C. Clarke, H.G. Wells, Werner von Braun, the Rand Corporation, Marcus Garvey, and the... Read More

The former special assistant and speechwriter to President Reagan, Peggy Noonan, has been contributing a column to THE WALL STREET JOURNAL for 25 years. Noonan and her editor chose 80 of her best for this publication of relatively recent writings, all expertly narrated by Hillary Huber. The subjects, wide in scope, range from the artistry of Paul Simon and Bob Dylan to the... Read More

With a stentorian delivery and an English accent, Alex Wyndham narrates this account of an overlooked aspect of the D-Day invasion. Beginning with the fiasco of the Dieppe Raid in 1942, Wyndham tells the story of how J.B.S. Haldane and Dr. Helen Spurway led a group of scientists to develop an underwater breathing apparatus and a miniature submarine for underwater reconnaissance... Read More

Narrating duo Cassandra Campbell and Jackie Sanders team up for this charming dual-timeline story of strong women with a love of champagne. In soft French-accented tones, Jackie Sanders becomes Barbe-Nicole Clicquot, widow of the creator of Veuve Clicquot champagne. She recounts her difficult life as a vintner during the Napoleonic Era through letters to her granddaughter. In... Read More

Legendary investment manager Tom Steyer performs his well-documented audiobook with the sincerity and commitment it deserves. With his assured yet easy-listening narration, he delivers a hard-hitting picture of the climate catastrophe headed our way and outlines the global effort it will take to keep it from making the earth uninhabitable. He details the powerful corporate... Read More

Oscar-winning actor, respected singer, and self-declared icon whose comebacks and reinventions have had their own comebacks and reinventions, Cher offers the first volume of her memoir. She alternates narrating with actor and friend Stephanie J. Block--who portrayed Cher in a short-lived Broadway musical biography. Both narrators are charming, effective, and pleasing to the... Read More

Jia wants to help with the family's Chinese New Year celebration in this holiday story superbly narrated by Stephanie Sheh. Her unique voicing of each family member adds liveliness when they tell Jia that she's too young to help this year. Jia's disappointment is palpable after each rejection. But Sheh infuses joyous energy in Jia when she finds herself under the dancing lion... Read More

The end of a presidency doesn't mean the end of a productive life. That's the primary lesson from this autobiography about Bill Clinton's career after leaving the White House. The former president reads the introduction and then turns the narration over to Steven Weber. He narrates the book in a straightforward, professional style. Any attempt at mimicry would have been... Read More

This audiobook defies easy labels, and narrator Brian Nishii is well suited to this type of material. His soft voice assumes an earnest, intense air as he follows the unnamed narrator through an alternate world. The plot is ethereal and fantastical, and the dreamy tone Nishii adopts seems appropriate as the narrator's thoughts meander. Lost love, exiled shadows, dream... Read More

Susan Dalian narrates this two-arc story about love between a demon and an angel, and between a demon and her city. The demon, Vitrine, has guarded Azril and its citizens for centuries. Dalian does an outstanding job portraying this love: Vitrine is narrated as a caring mother. When angels destroy the city, Dalian captures both Vitrine's heartbreak and anger. She curses one of... Read More

This novel is worth listening to as an early fictional treatment of the Korean immigrant experience in America. First published in 1986, it covers the period ranging from before World War I to just after the end of World War II, when much of Korean identity was built around opposition to Japanese colonialism. The novel is told in sections, one for each member of the Chun... Read More

A duet narration by Mary Jane Wells and Patrick Zeller as tennis doubles partners Scottie Sinclair and Nico Kotas is double the fun for listeners. Wells digs into Scottie's fall from grace after a Wimbledon win and her personal struggles over her worldwide notoriety. Wells manages to craft Scottie's persona as spunky yet traumatized; she reveals a deep sense of fairness... Read More

Sasha Higgins's sparkling narration transports listeners to Regency-era England in this enchanting historical romance. After the death of her parents, 18-year-old Lady Madalene Ramsbury's uncle promises her to an unscrupulous lord. Maddy, who wants to marry for love, flees her engagement party, hopping into the passing carriage of Everett, the Marquess of Northampton. As the... Read More

Sarah Agha's narration maximizes this exploration of a woman who is grappling with identity, memory, and belonging in New York City. Agha balances these themes while playing up the undercurrent of humor. A Palestinian woman who is acclimating to life in America takes listeners on a journey of displacement, privilege, and personal unraveling. With clarity and depth, Agha... Read More

Narrator Santino Fontana perfectly affects various accents as cynical millennial CIA officer Ari Falk works undercover to help Russian opposition journalists develop stories that damage the Kremlin. As Falk tumbles into an international spy plot involving the disappearance of his best asset, a Russian American billionaire, he is joined by the bold and problematic Maya Chou.... Read More

With a smooth voice and a steady pace, narrator Rob Reider introduces listeners to Judge Frank Caprio. Judge Caprio grew up in Providence, Rhode Island, and lived in the heart of the Italian section, called Federal Hill. Reider tells the judge's story--from his humble beginnings to his successful syndicated television program, "Caught in Providence." Reider captures the cadence... Read More

Dani Martineck performs this Appalachian horror story set in West Virginia. Miles Abernathy, age 16, has just come out to his parents when a group of boys attack him and put him in the hospital. The Abernathys have been in a blood feud for more than a century, but Miles believes he finally has a way to end it once and for all. As Miles recovers from his injuries, he begins to... Read More

Decades after its publication, this audiobook by John McPhee retains its relevance. The author's poetic writing style--rendered equally poetically by narrator Grover Gardner--is inviting. The book covers three regions and humanity's attempts to control them--the lower Mississippi River, mountains outside Los Angeles, and an Icelandic volcano. McPhee's straightforward sentence... Read More

Narrators Amy Hall and Tim Paige captivate listeners with this contemporary romance about a marriage of convenience. Years ago, LaRynn and Deacon had a fleeting summer romance. Now, their late grandmothers have left them shared ownership of a dilapidated building. Deacon has construction experience but no money; LaRynn has a trust but must be married to access it. Thrust back... Read More

Brittany Pressley's low-voiced narration of Bristol Keats's visit to the fae realms shows her versatility as a narrator. She progresses from Bristol's tentative observations of King Tyghan's kingdom to her impatience over court protocol and magical deceptions. Bristol's perilous deal with Tyghan and search for her missing father have her emotions simmering, and Pressley... Read More

Jaime Taets and Chelsey Paulson, chief vision officer and chief strategy officer of the Keystone Group consulting firm, offer a dry, straightforward, yet highly theoretical series of frameworks designed to help companies achieve an improved or ideal work culture benefiting the bottom line and workers. The experienced and accomplished narrator Tanya Eby brings sunshine to an... Read More

Hanako Footman's narration is as warm and delicious as the meals at the Chibineko Kitchen. Four intertwined stories revolve around Kotoko, a young woman, and Kai, the thoughtful chef who works at the small restaurant with its resident cat, located in a remote Japanese seaside village. Chibineko Kitchen serves remembrance meals rumored to have a mystical ability to summon... Read More

Civilization has often had an uneasy relationship with one of its greatest inventions--fiction. Shifting between sounding like a favorite professor and the smartest kid in the class, narrator Amy O'Donnell asks why stories, which by their very nature aren't true, are so often considered evil, upsetting, and even pornographic to some parents, preachers, and politicians. And what... Read More

Narrator Chris Henry Coffey affects a gravelly rumble as Peyton, a deadbeat dad, is presented with an unimaginable opportunity that will make all his legal and financial problems go away. All he has to do is kill a guy. As Hamdy explores Peyton's unease at the prospect of becoming an assassin, Coffey's dour tone and precise pacing give Peyton's deadly mission emotional weight.... Read More

Samantha Bond is winning as Queen Elizabeth II in the fourth mystery in this delightful series. The Queen is in Paris on State business, when several mishaps occur that could be sabotage. Additionally, Philip is accused of a double murder in Chelsea but claims he's innocent and that she is his alibi. But is it the truth? The Queen contacts Joan McGraw, a brilliant palace... Read More

Narrators Megan Tusing and Mia Hutchinson-Shaw draw listeners into the glamorous world of multilevel marketing in this mystery novel. Drew, an unemployed journalist, has moved home and is desperate for connection. When her old friend Steph invites her to coffee, Drew is sucked into Steph's world of LuminUs, a multilevel marketing company. After things turn dark at a conference,... Read More

Liz Femi is the primary narrator of this meta-narrative about a paraplegic Nigerian American woman and her unexpected rise to fame. Suddenly unemployed, Zelu risks writing a novel unlike any she's ever written before, a futuristic sci-fi epic about androids who exist after humanity becomes extinct. Femi carefully adjusts the strength of her Nigerian accent while voicing Zelu's... Read More

Narrator Giordan Diaz has a dreamy quality to his voice, perfect for this reimagined version of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth. After nearly drowning, 16-year-old Andres made a bargain with Death to avoid dying. Now living in Miami with bitterly divorced parents, Andres finds refuge with his friends Liora and Renee. The trio form a romance, which comes to a halt when Liora dies... Read More

Narrator Nicholas Boulton brings Detective Bob Willis to life perfectly. Set in the west of England in 1985, this story finds Bob on sick leave, facing forced retirement and battling self-recrimination following the murder of his partner. As the story is told in the first person, the listener feels increasingly drawn into it. Boulton's rich West Country accent mirrors the... Read More

Music enthusiasts will enjoy this debut audiobook, invitingly narrated by Jayme Mattler. The story is part slow-burn romance and part new adult fiction. In the early 2000s, Berkeley students Percy and Joe meet at a campus bar. Joe is fascinated by Percy's strong opinions on music and asks her to help him with his songwriting. After their collaboration, Joe's indie music career... Read More

Like master chefs, these sublime narrators deliver this delightfully quirky story of laughter and sorrow to perfection. Listeners meet appealing yet formidable Max--introduced by Michael Tomlin--who is in cancer's final stage and is traveling to Hawaii for his last days. His friend, Houston playboy Billy Bob, portrayed by Adam Gold, joins him there. Upon their arrival, the... Read More

Many of Mary Oliver's poems are about God or nature, and sometimes it's difficult to find the line between them. Her world was full of many delights and, had she lived to hear them, Kimberly Farr's interpretations of her poems would have been among them. There is some melancholy in this collection--although not much--and Farr's marvelous vocal talents bring that out as much as... Read More

With his charming confidence, clarity, and moderate Australian accent, author Peter Wilken is the perfect narrator for this exceptional audiobook. He sounds at once conversational, relaxed, and supremely connected to his material, as well as his listeners. The Hong Kong brand consultant has top-shelf clients all over the world. Here he uses their stories to support his... Read More

Sarcastic, irreverent, and heartfelt--everything is larger than life in this fond, raw, and boisterous remembrance of Renay Mandel Corren, the author's mother, who "didn't cook, didn't clean, and was lousy with money but was great at dyeing her red roots, weekly manicures, filthy jokes, and pier fishing." With the energy of a stand-up comic, performer and playwright Andy Corren... Read More

Carolina Hoyos gives a powerful performance of a parent's worst nightmare. In 1976, Argentina was in the grip of its Dirty War. Lorena Ledesma, a young mother, is kidnapped, leaving her 3-year-old son, Matías, with her mother, Esme. As time passes, Esme covertly meets with the mothers of others who have disappeared. Learning that while imprisoned Lorena gave birth to a... Read More

The authors of this business guide offer their initial ideas about innovation in abstract terms that take time coming down to earth. The broad message is that circumstances--the ecosystem we're dealing with--can confine our thinking to the landscape and constraints we're accustomed to and habits of mind that make it hard to see opportunities for acting creatively. Narrator... Read More

In a duet performance, Brittany Pressley and Xe Sands bring listeners the story of three actresses and the cost of fame. Ivy, portrayed by Sands, is the star of Dollhouse Academy, a prestigious acting school that closely controls its actors. When strange events occur, Ivy journals about her experiences as a warning to others. Sands's portrayal of Ivy's terror that will leave... Read More

With a little help from state-of-the-art production techniques and veteran acting talents, narrators Alison Larkin and Andrew Wincott give voice to nine characters and create the energy, intimacy, and acoustics of live theater in their presentation of Henrik Ibsen's 1879 groundbreaking masterwork about a woman's personal and economic awakening. At first, the world seems easy... Read More

Golden Voice January LaVoy applies her considerable narrating talents to elevate this novel from implausible to engaging. The story begins with the suspected suicide of a nasty real estate agent. Listeners then meet Maggie, the mayor of a small upstate New York town. The first three-quarters of the audiobook explore Maggie's past, including her mother's death at 43 from a rare... Read More

John Densmore narrates his audiobook in a voice weathered by age but still lit with the fire of the 1960s. The drummer for the rock band The Doors, Densmore recalls how steadfast its late lead singer and lyricist Jim Morrison was in holding the "all for one, one for all" ethos of the group. This included rejecting "selling out" to commercial companies. Densmore's audiobook is a... Read More

JD Jackson captures this well-researched novel, which is based on several real cases of wrongful imprisonment. Jackson shines in shaping the characters' emotions as Liza, an attorney, tries to help exonerate two imprisoned men through an Innocence Project program. She remains calm but frustrated at the resistance she encounters. As Eli, her friend, is quietly tormented by his... Read More

Soneela Nankani expressively performs this heartfelt and humorous family drama, making it a compulsive listen. Remi, the youngest in her family, is anxious and conservative compared to her hippie parents and accomplished two sisters. When a dead body turns up at their campsite during a family reunion, the three sisters unite to protect each other. They may not know exactly what... Read More

Golden Voice Narrator John Lee takes on this mystery set in 1950s rural Ireland. Loner Wymes happens upon an abandoned car with its motor running and doors wide open in the Ruddocks' field. He's approached by a frantic Armitage, who's searching for his missing wife. Enter DI Strafford, who takes over the twisty investigation, which revolves around secrets. Lee utilizes a... Read More

Cornell Collins excels at performing both the thrill of the chase and the moments of quiet intimacy in this queer historical romance. The unassuming Duke of Severn decided to do something bold--sadly, his one-night stand with a strange man led to robbery. He decides to search for his stolen ring incognito but finds navigating his quest as Mr. Cassian daunting. He then decides... Read More

The speeches and essays contained in this audiobook continue to be relevant decades after they were first given. A seasoned actor, narrator Michael Puttonen captures the hard-earned wisdom the author achieved. He performs at a fine tempo, with conviction and good timing. An award-winning teacher, the late John Taylor Gatto taught in the New York City school system for 30 years.... Read More