WHEN WE GROW UP

Narrator Imani Jade Powers's nuanced portrayals of a friend group's reflections on aging, in contrast to their adolescent expectations, result in a hilarious, heartbreaking, and relatable audiobook. Clare, "the grown-up one," feels her life is beginning to unravel. The group of six nearly 30-year-olds love to recall shared memories, and this vacation is no exception. Clare dissects the group dynamics and wonders how much people truly change. A terrifying news alert is a catalyst for old tensions to resurface and heated discussions of privilege and morality. While the narration sometimes lacks clear character differentiation, overall, Powers's lyrical cadence captures Clare's introspective moments. Her performance especially shines during banter among the friends as she seamlessly shifts from lighthearted to sharp tones. A.L.C. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2025]