THIS TIME IT'S REAL

Narrator Mimi Chang's youthful voice gives her performance a boost of authenticity as she portrays Eliza, a teenager who is struggling to fit in at her new school. Eliza's life changes overnight when an essay about her made-up boyfriend goes viral. She persuades her classmate Caz--a charming Chinese actor in need of some good PR--to play the part of her boyfriend. Chang keeps her tone decisively calm for Caz, who is used to fame and only pretending to fall in love. Chang's performance is full of mirth and ease as Eliza and Caz explore the city of Beijing and develop real feelings for each other. Chang's exuberant narration will have listeners eager to hear if these two can pull off the greatest fake relationship the Internet has ever seen. J.E.C. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2023]