FIFTEEN HUNDRED MILES FROM THE SUN

This coming-of-age audiobook kicks off when high school senior Julián "Jules" Luna drunkenly outs himself, bringing both risk and relief. It's risky to be openly gay in a Texas town rife with homophobes--his own father among them. Yet it's a relief to finally be himself, to trust in his unwavering friendships, and to pursue a complicated yet hopeful long-distance romance with Twitter crush Mat. Narrator Avi Roque's light, husky voice brings both warmth and gravity to Jules's first-person narration, keeping listeners invested even when times get tough. Roque also displays vocal versatility, particularly during conversations among Jules and his friends wherein each character's voice is recognizable amid exclamations, pop-culture references, and casual switches between English and Spanish. Altogether, it's a moving and genuine listening experience. R.A.H. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2022]