PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION

Julia Whelan’s immersive narration and the author’s rich prose draw listeners into this slow-burn romance. Poppy is uninspired by her work as a travel writer and missing Alex, her best friend, after a falling out. After she texts to see if he’ll revive their summer vacation tradition, Whelan makes Poppy’s jumbled hope, anxiety, and joy palpable when he agrees. Alternating chapters jump back in time to trace their friendship over a decade of annual trips. Whelan skillfully bounces from Poppy’s lively tones to Alex’s reserved, huskier voice in character portrayals that suit their personalities. It’s a delight hearing them grow closer over the years—in stark contrast to the tension of the present. Whelan wrings out all the emotions as they inch ever closer to giving into their shared longing for each other. E.E.C. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2021 Best Audiobook © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2021]