This four-thousand-year history of the Greeks and their contributions to the world is ably narrated by Anna Crowe. Her fluid descriptions of the Greeks from the Bronze Age of the Minoans and Mycenaeans to the present are unhurried. Each historical event and era is carefully examined, explained, and analyzed throughout Crowe's professorial delivery. Dramatic high... Read More

Author/narrator Mintz paces his audiobook well. His delivery is enthusiastic; he knows food and restaurants, and the listener learns a lot. A Canadian food critic, culinary school grad, and an aficionado of cuisine of every stamp, Mintz delivers a catalogue of issues, including unrealistic customer expectations, wage theft, tipping disparities, and chains' need for growth... Read More

The venerable sportswriter John Feinstein dives into a topical subject that draws strong opinions and whose tentacles reach across fields and courts: race and sports. Feinstein narrates his own work and has grown into a comfortable style as a narrator with his own cadence. He doesn't imitate anyone except for the drawl of famed basketball coach Lefty Driesell, an imitation that... Read More

Narrator Soneela Nankani becomes Dava Shastri, a business mogul and family matriarch, as she leaks fake news of her own death to the media. This is a fun exploration of personal secrets and the legacies we leave behind. Nankani captures the arch tones of a wealthy, mostly superficial elderly woman who actually is dying. From the wide-ranging family members, aghast at their... Read More

James Madison is sometimes remembered as a man of contradictions. Jay Cost's biography of the Founding Father and fourth president explores the nuances of "America's first politician." With his warm tone, Dan Woren is easy to listen to, and his narration is both serious and accessible, like the author's style. Cost examines Madison's extraordinarily productive life--from his... Read More

Narrator Chelsea Hatfield returns the listener to Honey Grove, Texas, where Cody Ryan broke Stephanie O'Dell's heart when they were in high school. Years later, now a doctor, he returns home from working for Doctors Without Borders. Hatfield evokes the ambiance of Texas with just the right amount of twang. The tension begins when Cody and Stephanie, a veterinarian, are forced... Read More

Narrator James Fouhey's vocal clarity and melodic phrasing have the sound of an armchair observer who is gently sharing his perspectives. His slow pacing provides the space listeners need to absorb these humanistic management ideas. In organizations and communities of all sizes, the authors say, people in decision-making positions are often too autocratic, too focused on... Read More

Review coming soon. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine... Read More

Narrator Polly Lee's vehement tone and masterful characterizations are well matched to this robust reimagining of "Sleeping Beauty." Embracing a large cast of enjoyable characters and political intricacies, Lee's world-building enhances this engrossing coming-of-age adventure. When Miriam saves her baby stepsister, Aurora, by decimating a dark fae at Aurora's christening, their... Read More

Sutton Foster is an actor who can dance, sing, and capably narrate her own memoir--and she can also impressively wield a crochet hook. In a refreshingly conversational style, Foster tells entertaining stories from her childhood and career, which are interwoven with descriptions of how crocheting and other crafts were treasured distractions from her anxieties. With warmth in her... Read More

Narrator Chelsea Hatfield brings the listener to Sunflower Ranch in Texas as Jesse Ryan returns home after 20 years as an army medic. There he finds his former best friend, Addison Hall, living on his family's ranch with her teenage daughter, Mia. Hatfield's performance provides a strong sense of Texas without being overdone. She portrays Addison as strong and self-assured and... Read More

Narrator Robyn Holdaway's talent for voicing distinct characters full of personality shines in this audiobook retelling of the English murder ballad "The Twa Sisters." As the King of Dumnonia embraces Christianity, the threat of invading Saxons grows. Sister Riva is blessed with healing magic but can't heal her own psychological scars. Sister Sinne's developing magic skills... Read More

Book 2 in the Drowning Empire series continues with the same narrators who delivered THE BONE SHARD DAUGHTER. Natalie Naudus returns as Lin, who is now the Emperor. Feodor Chin reprises Jovis, who is serving as captain of the Emperor's Guard. Both characters tell their tales in the first person. Jovis is a major force in Lin's story, and vice versa, so it's helpful that both... Read More

Listeners will expect Katie Couric to deliver her memoir in the smooth newscaster's voice we know well, but she catches us off guard by narrating in the heartfelt tone of a tell-all. Throughout, her energy and enthusiasm abound. Couric's father was a journalist who encouraged her to follow her dreams--and she did so with a single-mindedness that is nothing short of inspiring.... Read More

Tyla Collier narrates a fun and breezy rom-com. Lu Carlisle is devastated when she learns that film star Keanu Reeves has apparently announced his engagement. She vows to meet him, unaware that love may be closer at hand--in the form of her real-life BFF, Truman Erikson. Collier's jaunty tone perfectly captures the mood of the story. Although she's a talented artist,... Read More

Born in Dundee, Scotland, actor Brian Cox recounts the day of his birth, when his nervous, distracted father went to the registry office to register the newborn's name as Colin. However, due to an opinionated office manager, his father was talked into calling him Brian. With humor and grace, the versatile, well-respected actor offers candid insights into his early family life... Read More

Narrator Donald Chang explains how humans have become the dominant species on Earth because they embody Darwin's theory of survival of the fittest. This segues into Dunn's treatise: HOMO SAPIENS is but one species among millions on Earth and may not be the fittest in the future. If viruses and bacteria continue to mutate to reject antibiotics and the pollution of natural... Read More

Nicole Stott's new audiobook challenges listeners to think about the interconnectivity of life on Earth. She compares our planet to a spaceship and encourages each person to be a crew member, rather than a passenger. While sharing her experience as an astronaut on the International Space Station, as well as her research, she offers a fascinating view of environmental problems... Read More

Narrator Susannah Jones emphasizes the importance of family in the final book in Ashley's Dream Team series. Ashley's written cues and Jones's voices ensure that each character is easily identified. She uses a confiding voice for single mother Pepper Hannigan, who is leery of dating military commando Auggie Hero. Pepper's daughter Juno's piping voice sounds enthusiastic and... Read More

Kiff VandenHeuvel's enthusiastic delivery heightens this middle-grade coming-of-age adventure. When Philadelphia's bridges appear to be under attack from monsters, three young friends band together, forming The Midnight Brigade to investigate. Carl, Teddy, and Bee are inherently impacted by their parents' vocations and choices; they are the children of a new restaurateur, a... Read More

Author and screenwriter Noah Hawley's latest dystopian thriller, set in the near future, is a gripping yet distressing and profound listening experience. After teen suicide becomes prevalent in the U.S., a group of teens go on a mission to save a destructive and brutal society that is focused on greed and ego. It is divided between The Party of Truth and The Party of Lies.... Read More

Cary Hite joins a long list of narrators who have performed the Alex Cross series. His voice and tone capture the psychologist's smart and caring personality. He also finds fitting voices for Cross's close friends and family, including the kids and the many bad guys. As the plot takes listeners from Washington, DC, to Paris and Mexico, Hite effectively switches accents where... Read More

Narrator Jeremy Arthur strikes the right balance between dramatic storytelling and a journalistic tone in this remarkable audiobook about climate change. His deliberate pace lets the stats sink in as he straightforwardly delivers the scientific information. Author Fox has found a trove of invaluable data in his globe-trotting climate reporting, which includes stops in the... Read More

In their introduction, the two authors engage in banter about their personal relationship and professional collaboration, after which narrator Terrence Kidd delivers the well-organized chapters of this audiobook. Kidd narrates with intellectual clarity, though his tone sounds overly serious, even for an important behavioral science book about how group membership can impact an... Read More

Narrators Brittany Pressley and Kyf Brewer sparkle in the suspenseful final chapter of the Atlee Pine series. FBI agent Atlee Pine searches for her twin sister, Mercy, in a nonstop, action-packed thriller full of sharp twists and turns. Fans of the series will not be disappointed with Pressley and Brewer as they deliver another roller-coaster ride of a story with these... Read More

With his lifetime of deep involvement in the industry, filmmaker Chris Jones has credibility you can hear as he reads his plea that artists not rely too heavily on algorithmic success formulas when creating art. Combined with his resonant voice and lyricism, his audible confidence will provoke artists of all kinds to rethink the easy trap of doing what works in the market and... Read More

Narrator Moira Quirk brings an easy charm to a queer Regency romance between bluestocking Philippa York and rakish master of disguise Thomasina "Tommy" Wynchester. Tommy always sounds full of confidence--except when she's around Philippa. When a case of plagiarism brings the two together, Tommy dons the disguise and bravado of Baron Vanderbeen, which gives her the courage to... Read More

Too much perfectionism in our culture results in generation after generation of people who are too afraid of making mistakes to create anything original, says the creativity guru Laurie Rosenwald in this fast-moving audio. She narrates with exuberance and dramatic flair that occasionally upstage her message--but she sounds so sincere that her likable vocal personality overcomes... Read More

Nationally acclaimed educator Brandon Fleming's captivating narration enhances his moving life story, one of tenacity and life-changing moments. Listeners experience Fleming's excitement, struggle, and triumph through his performance. His childhood is punctuated with violence, including familial abuse. He excels at basketball until a devastating injury puts an end to that.... Read More

In his naturally resonant voice, narrator Rhett Samuel Price introduces listeners to the little known African-American pioneers of NFL football. Between 1934 and 1945 there were no Black players in the league. There was no written bylaw to prevent it, but racist owners influenced others to exclude them from play. After WWII, attitudes changed, and the first African-American... Read More

Narrators Natalia del Riego and Adan Rocha make a perfect pair in this Latinx contemporary romance. Luisa "Lou" Patterson and Sam Alvarez used to be best friends, but it's been four years since they've talked. Now it's their senior year in Port Coral, Florida, and they have some unfinished "bucket list" business. The dual narrations give listeners a deeper look into each... Read More

This ambitious teen thriller examines racism, sexism, and LGBTQ+ issues across three decades. Four friends unearth a time capsule buried by their parents in 1986, their senior year of high school. Narrator Jeanette Illidge's strength and emotion illuminate smart but unfocused Elayah, a 2020 teen who is haunted by the discovery of a bloody knife and a confession in the time... Read More

Advances in medicine rarely go in a straight line. There are breakthroughs, setbacks, progress, failures, risk-benefit analyses, and real human (and animal) costs. James Noel Hoban's deep, grave voice and energetic pace embody the sense of urgency that is central to efforts to save patients' lives. In 1967, the recipient of a heart transplant operation lived for 18 days; now... Read More

In alternating chapters, five talented male voices portray 10 African-American men. This collection moves through American history from the colonial era to the present day. The diversity of voices and accents reflects the men's backgrounds with respect to places of origin and education. With fascinating accounts of familiar role models ranging from author Benjamin Banneker to... Read More

In a silky voice, Christie Moreau narrates this twisting fantasy, exploring the gray areas of the ends justifying the means. Annalise, niece of the king, and Evra, a village girl, both burn with the same determination to reshape their kingdom for the better. Yet they approach this goal in starkly different ways. Despite clear distinctions in their positions and personalities,... Read More

Hayley Mills offers an evocative, honest, and eloquent memoir with candid behind-the-scenes glimpses of what it was like to be a juvenile actor, and later a Disney superstar, of the 1960s. Additionally, we learn of the perquisites and challenges of maturing in the public spotlight. This audiobook covers Mills from her birth in 1946 through the 1973 birth of her second child.... Read More

With a voice of warm intelligence and wry Nordic wit, Icelandic actor Olafur Olafsson brings the arctic adventures of Sven Ormson to life. In 1916 Ormson leaves his native Sweden for the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, one of the northernmost, bleakest, coldest inhabited lands in the world. Soon he is injured and horribly disfigured in a mining accident and sets off to live... Read More

In this well-done ensemble performance, a desperate film producer comes to an island resort to make a movie starring a dangerous movie star, his troubled ex-wife, and a shallow, mischief-making social media celebrity. With the addition of a mysterious and gorgeous assistant, the movie star's son as director, and an impending hurricane, ample opportunities are created for this... Read More

Listeners join the crew of Apollo 18 who are on a secret mission to discover why a Soviet rover is exploring a particular area of the moon. Narrator Ray Porter's authoritative narration style is the perfect match for this thriller--he uses excellent pacing to build the tension. His authentic-sounding pronunciation of Russian names helps keep track of the villains, and he... Read More

The warm rumble of Sean Barrett's sonorous voice pairs beautifully with this noteworthy history of libraries from ancient clay tablets to today's computers. Accessible and erudite, the audiobook is perfect for lovers of history, libraries, and literature. Admittedly, it is long and filled with complex sentences. But Barrett's expert pacing transforms them into models of clarity... Read More

Listeners do not need to be familiar with previous Pendergast mysteries to jump right into this supernatural/sci-fi thriller. A series of murders in Savannah has caught the attention of FBI Special Agent Pendergast. Pendergast; his partner, Armstrong Coldmoon; and his ward, Constance Greene, will be shocked with what they uncover. Narrator William DeMeritt does a good job... Read More

This coming-of-age story is set in the tiny Thomas Edison Museum in New Jersey. Tegan, who has a disfigured hand, and Mac, a popular athlete, gradually scratch beneath the surface of their public personas to find a connection as they sit out a snowstorm overnight in the museum. Stacy Gonzalez brings both teens to life with a heartrending performance. Tegan is defensive, using... Read More

Listeners once again enjoy the talented partnership of author Michael Connelly and narrators Christine Lakin and Titus Welliver. In this fourth audiobook in the Renée Ballard series, we follow the prickly LAPD detective as she relentlessly pursues justice. Ballard faces obstacles presented by the pandemic and the blowback on law enforcement from police brutality protests. Lakin... Read More

In his second volume of diaries, covering 2003-2020, David Sedaris shares bizarre and entertaining stories from his life and travels. His narration is dry and direct; though he claims not to be a stand-up comic, he has the timing of one. Tracey Ullman delivers the sections that take place in the UK and Australia, utilizing her skill with accents to highlight the many... Read More

Set on a tiny volcanic island in a Mediterranean archipelago on whose beaches the corpses of three young Black men wash up, this novel pits individual choice against community pressure. Narrated by Nicholas Guy Smith with world-weary intimacy, the audiobook explores how the island's leaders react to this tragedy--and how their careful plans are disrupted when an outsider... Read More

Roger Federer's elegant tennis appears effortless; Christopher Clarey digs deeper to expose the work, grit, training, and supporting cast at the heart of Federer's beautiful game. Clarey has interviewed Federer many times, along with many of his rivals, coaches, and family members. Narrator Kiff VandenHeuval does a fine job of keeping the listener engaged in the rallies through... Read More

Actor-comedian Tyler Merritt flawlessly presents his memoir, which includes commentary on American and African-American history, religion, and the constant challenges of being a 6'2'' Black man in an unforgiving white nation. He speaks directly to listeners of his belief that proximity challenges racism. Merritt reveals his coping methods and the raw pain he still feels years... Read More

Narrator Tyla Collier's youthful timbre and reflective tone are an ideal fit for Addy, a young teen who is embarking on a life-changing summer in the California wilderness. Addy is one of several city kids in the outdoor program, and Collier makes use of various tones and pitches to devise unique age-appropriate voices for the teens, who band together when a forest fire rages.... Read More

A talented team of narrators perfectly present this fast-paced, engaging legal thriller. Lila Nash is getting closer to her dream job working for the prosecutor in Hennepin County. When she begins working on the case of an attempted murder of a young women, unexpected connections to other crimes and to her own troubled past come to light. Detective Niki Vang suspects Gavin... Read More

Every other line of HAMLET seems to be the title of a book or an advertisement. All the names, Horatio, Ophelia, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern, sound so familiar. But what does the average listener really know or remember about the play? Along comes SparkNotes with a few beneficial comments and some welcome clarity to help us along. Offering two ensemble annotated... Read More

Narrator Tanis Parenteau portrays PI Sharon McCone as she investigates the murder of two Indigenous women in the wilds of northern California, putting her own life at risk. Parenteau captures the mounting tension as threatening attacks on McCone's life make her more determined to find the killers despite danger, greed, prejudice, and skeletons uncovered in the community. McCone... Read More

Kat Chow narrates this memoir about her mother's death with quiet grace. She recounts stories about her Chinese-American family, from her own childhood and from her parents' and grandparents' lives, with openness and curiosity. Her voice remains steady throughout most of the audiobook, even when she's describing her mother's cancer treatment and the grief and loneliness of her... Read More

In the second and last of the Shadow Histories, Andrew Kingston continues his narration of the characters who were featured in THE DECLARATION OF THE RIGHTS OF MAGICIANS. Having succeeded to the prominent role in France, Napoleon is not as amenable to the Stranger, the vampire who is directing much of the mayhem, as others have been. In the war between France and Britain,... Read More

Elisabeth Rodgers narrates this mystery featuring a suspenseful romance between a gambler and a woman who is being used as a pawn by a Russian mafia boss. Logan Tanner made his name as a legendary gambler. Now his dark past propels him into a conflict between two Russian mafia leaders over a beautiful pianist named Lara. Rodgers captures the story's emphasis on... Read More

With beautifully developed characters and expertly intertwined storylines, a talented team of narrators perfectly captures the emotions and interactions in this compelling listen. Julian Ladd and Rye Adler met as photography students attending the prestigious Brodsky Workshop. The two are not friends but do become roommates and competitors--in photography and for the love of a... Read More

Most people in the U.S. know the #MeToo movement in the context of sexual harassment by politicians and people in the entertainment industry. This audiobook provides stories of women around the globe who have been aided by the movement in other contexts. Each country's story is told by a different narrator. Worthy of particular note are narrator Cindy Kay, who speaks for the... Read More

Mena Suvari, an actor featured in AMERICAN PIE and AMERICAN BEAUTY, narrates her memoir, which is replete with ego, self-righteous negativity, and childlike pouting at every turn. Providing no clear context for what follows, Suvari plunges into explaining that a poem she wrote as a teen called "The Great Peace" has provided valued comfort throughout her significant life... Read More

A self-described outsider in academic physics, author/narrator Stephon Alexander brings a welcome lilt to his delivery of this barrier-breaking cosmology guide. Alexander's voice blends his native Trinidadian accent with the Bronx accent he picked up in boyhood as he coaxes listeners to ponder complex physics concepts such as invariance, superposition, emergence, and dark... Read More

Rebecca Lee narrates a humorous romance that is also deeply emotionally resonant. Taylor Powell has a great business as a personal trainer--and, unfortunately, a lot of financial problems. When former NFL player Jamar Dixon approaches her with an incredible professional opportunity, she leaps at the chance, but things get complicated quickly. Lee gives both Taylor and Jamar... Read More

Narrator Jason Culp has a challenging job with this audiobook. There are lots of characters--good, bad, young, old, sexy, despicable--and Culp has to find appropriate voices for all. Some are hits, like that of Sheriff Bill Amos, and some are misses, like that of Thatcher Hutson, the young cowboy hero. His voices for some of the female characters are also not quite on target.... Read More

Greg Chun narrates this futuristic detective story in which humans regularly alter their bodies to stay young, strong, and famous. Chun's first-person portrayal of a professional baseball scout who is forced into doing some detective work harkens back to noir fiction of the 1940s. His deadpan delivery of many of the funniest lines lets listeners know that the main character is... Read More

Sophie Aldred narrates an intriguing new series about humanity in the aftermath of a war with an alien species. After the destruction of Earth, enhanced humans were engineered to combat the Architects until their sudden disappearance. The discovery of a technology abandoned in space kicks off a race to find out what happened to the Architects while avoiding utter destruction.... Read More

Wyman explores the historically crucial years of 1490-1530 through different key people--financier Jakob Fugger, printer Aldus Manutius, Columbus, Suleiman the Magnificent, mercenary Goetz von Berlichingen, and others--tying them and events to the period's burgeoning capitalist economics. This fine history is marred by awkward fictionalized interludes featuring each historical... Read More

The whisper-soft voice of narrator Pippa Bennett-Warner draws listeners into this story told by an unnamed Black professional woman who is British. Though only two hours long, the audiobook reveals how racism and sexism infiltrate almost every aspect of the woman's daily life, including the simple acts of walking down the street and entering a shop. Bennett-Warner captures the... Read More

At first, Leighton Pugh gives his narration echoes of the old-time jungle stories that are invoked by author Patrick Roberts. But Pugh shifts to a more informative tone as Roberts, an archaeologist, works to counter those pop culture myths. Pugh's British accent lends authority to this work, despite the author's tendency to get bogged down in details. Roberts takes listeners... Read More

George Johnson narrates their touching memoir, offering vivid glances at the joys of Black boyhood through short quips of wisdom from their grandmother. Each chapter focuses on a particular "Nannyism" and examines how it affected their relationship with their brother and cousins, as well as informed their experience of being queer and Black. The audiobook also features letters... Read More

Listeners join sisters Imogen and Beck, who, along with high school friend Tilda, decide to go on a bonding hike in the Grand Canyon. They are expecting a tough yet rewarding adventure; however, when they realize they are not alone, the experience becomes a lot tougher than they bargained for. Brittany Pressley narrates with aplomb. She creates three very different characters,... Read More

Levar Burton's sonorous and soothing narration makes his 1997 novel, with a recent update, engaging because many of his predictions have come true. Burton is best known for playing Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge on "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and for hosting the PBS program "Reading Rainbow." His sincere and forthright voice has just a bit more bass now as he ages. The story... Read More

This short but powerful audiobook collects the wisdom of the late Civil Rights activist and congressman John Lewis. Covering a wide variety of topics, narrator Don Cheadle wisely does not attempt to mimic Lewis's distinctive speaking voice but creates a similar effect of thoughtful consideration tempered by subtle humor. As Lewis's subjects range from reflections on racism and... Read More

Two articulate executives offer a lively explanation of how the creative skills of musicians can be applied to today's businesses. Landon Woodson delivers this audiobook with urgency that fits the authors' exciting ideas. His vocal tone, rhythms, and comfort with the music world make his performance sound hip. The musicians the authors interviewed offer many insights, such as... Read More

Two women, strangers with vastly different lives, form an alliance when their husbands are violently killed together. Christine Lakin's narration portrays the suspicions each woman holds for the other as they seek answers. In Louisiana, Kristen receives an anonymous phone call saying her husband is dead in Texas. In Austin, high-society Flora is notified that her husband has... Read More

The ribald 87-year-old blues legend Bobby Rush reads the introduction to his thoughtful memoir, while Leon Nixon narrates the balance of the production. The result is an easy-to-hear and authentic-sounding account of how a gutsy 12-year-old Louisiana guitar player rose from poverty to develop a stage act in Black clubs on the so-called Chitlin Circuit and become a big-city name... Read More

Brace yourself for this horrific Southern gothic narrated by Jason Culp in a rich Texas twang. Daniel Russell was 13 when his father drove them off a bridge into Moon Lake. Nearly 10 years later, Daniel returns when the car is pulled from the lake and a grisly discovery changes everything he knew about his hometown. Culp's accent and characterization bring Daniel to life with... Read More

Narrator Peter Kenney brings another complex sci-fi/fantasy novel to life. Kenney skillfully voices characters with theatrical flair, convincingly depicting personalities that range from youthful innocence to chilling malevolence. In this multifaceted novel, Kenney portrays Vin, an interpreter of holy texts who must demonstrate the courage to maintain his convictions against... Read More

Marlon Peterson is an excellent narrator of this memoir about his path to prison and beyond. The son of Trinidadian immigrants, Peterson was a standout student in high school who struggled with rage, shame, and trauma. Ultimately, as a young man, he participated in a robbery that resulted in the deaths of two people. He spent 10 years in New York prisons, where he found himself... Read More

Shiromi Arserio narrates an epic feminist fantasy. Princess Malini is in exile, with only Priya, a member of a secret religious group, as her servant. Together they seek to upend the cruel regime that oppresses them. Arserio does well with the wide range of emotions that Malini and Priya experience during their quest for freedom. However, the sheer number of characters in this... Read More

This audiobook makes the case that U.S. presidents benefit from having close confidants. Harry Truman had Eddie Jacobson, his former business partner; FDR had Daisy Suckley, a distant cousin; JFK had David Ormsby-Gore, an English diplomat; and Franklin Pierce had Nathaniel Hawthorne, his college classmate and, later, campaign biographer, who, curiously, maintained his loyalty... Read More

Tania Rodrigues narrates the story of a messy affair between two complicated people. Hollywood actor Win Tagore and her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Leo Milanowski, have a secret no one knows: They're not actually in a relationship; it's all for PR reasons. Leo is content to follow Win's lead--until he isn't. Win is a woman of color in an industry that is notoriously unkind,... Read More

In 1972, 13-year-old Graham moves with his family to Beirut, Lebanon, where he navigates the challenges of a tense home environment and a different world outside, packed with formidable characters and hidden danger. Narrator Jonathan Davis does a sterling job bringing the lead characters to life, particularly as Graham finds that typical youthful scrapes have much bigger... Read More

Maeve is an acclaimed dancer, but an abusive relationship ending in tragedy has prompted her to take her career in a new direction. Erin Moon narrates as Maeve goes to an artists' mountain retreat in winter to strategize her future. Demurely portrayed Maeve meets saucy Anna, with her Southern charm; Karo, the stern retreat director; and overbearing Dan and sexy Sim, both... Read More

In this audio interpretation of the myth of Daphne and Apollo, 17-year-old Daphne has trained to be a Spartan warrior. Narrator Brittany Presley gives Daphne a tough exterior, especially when she must take on an unexpected quest in order to save her brother's life. Nine mysterious gifts have been stolen, and it's up to Daphne to return them before the gods' power fades and the... Read More

Narrator Mela Lee’s extraordinary range and dramatic style allow listeners to experience every dark, humorous, and heartbreaking moment of this fraught second-chance romance. As troubled teenagers, Eva Mercy and Shane Hall shared seven life-changing days that inspired their successful writing careers. Lee’s conversational tone lends itself well to Eva, who now hides her chronic... Read More

In this follow-up to Tapper's HELLFIRE CLUB, narrator Rob Shapiro portrays Congressman Charlie Marder and his wife, Margaret, in a convivial style as they navigate a Cold War world. The couple visits Hollywood and advises filmmakers on the shooting of THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE, starring Frank Sinatra. Shapiro relishes portraying "Ol' Blue Eyes" and the outlandish and bawdy... Read More

In this latest Eve Duncan outing, Dr. Diane Connors has discovered a medical miracle. Evil forces will do anything to get to her. Her protectors--Eve Duncan, forensic sculptor, and her husband, Joe Quinn--will do anything to prevent it. Diane is Joe's ex-wife. The audiobook revolves almost as much around the relationships of everyone involved as it does the chase. Narrator... Read More

Narrator Feodor Chin beautifully performs this revenge story set in the postCivil War American West. Ming Tsu, born in America and orphaned at birth, was raised by a California crime boss who taught him how to survive in a violent world. After Ming is forcibly recruited by the Union Pacific Railroad as a manual laborer, he escapes, determined to track down every man who tore... Read More

Oi, mate. Narrator Mark Robertson's musical Australian intonation is wildly appropriate for this anthropological history of early migrations in the Pacific islands between the Americas and western Asia. It is the voice of underestimated colonies raised in defense of undervalued peoples. Author Thomas provides evidence of the sophisticated boat building and navigation that took... Read More

Ladies and gentlemen and children of all ages, author Les Standiford expounds upon the rise and fall of the Greatest Show on Earth--otherwise known as the circus. Narrator B.J. Harrison's inviting voice will charm listeners as he captures Standiford's enthusiasm for his subject. Circuses fell on hard times and harder times, which led to their demise, principally due to the... Read More

The former head of President Obama's White House Domestic Policy Council draws on the stories of many prominent women of color to illustrate a timely message: Whether Hispanic, Asian, Black, or Middle Eastern, they faced a variety of obstacles when they became leaders and set out to make a difference. Munoz's narration sounds noble--as if she's carrying the weight of... Read More

Narrator Inés del Castillo conveys the menace and tension in Whitten's intoxicating fantasy debut. Red--a Second Daughter of the Valleydan queen--is fated to be sacrificed to the Wolf in the Wilderwood. Once there, however, Red learns that her childhood lessons were nothing but lies. The Wolf is no monster, the legendary imprisoned kings are not gods, and Red herself is filled... Read More

Narrator Erin Bennett adds a bit of needed depth to the latest summer beach read from Elin Hilderbrand. When Nantucket novelist Vivian Howe is killed in a hit-and-run accident, she is allowed a few months to observe her family and village from "above." With a perky brightness, Bennett portrays the almost-perfect Vivi as she awaits the release of her newest novel--a book that... Read More

As "rebel" economist William Easterly raises his concerns about autocracy and individual rights, narrator Chris Ciulla serves as a guide, encouraging listeners to think about the questions Easterly raises. Ciulla's voice highlights the gaps between what people say and what they mean as Easterly tells us the code words that substitute for debate. Ciulla takes on both cynical and... Read More

This audiobook opens with a chuckle as narrator Lori Prince describes the funeral service of art dealer Cade Elgin's aunt, which includes drag queens in attendance and friend Selena Mathis's eulogy for the aunt's lady parts. Cade and Selena have inherited the aunt's sex-toy shop, which is hopelessly in debt. They have one month to save the failing business. Selena's light voice... Read More

A spaceship with all the amenities of Earth, including oceans, cities, and a rigid social system, is on its way to colonize a distant planet. But there may be a problem. With a deft mix of energy and sensitivity longtime television and voice actress Christine Lakin narrates the story of an indentured servant who discovers the ship's disastrous secret and goes on the run with... Read More

Musical sensation Billie Eilish narrates this quick memoir about her extraordinary rise to fame. Her signature rasp permeates her delivery. There are only a few chapters, and these race by via Eilish's casual delivery. In addition to talking about her music and her brother, musician Finneas O'Connell, Eliish is joined by her parents, Maggie Baird and Patrick O'Connell, at... Read More

In this well-researched examination of all aspects of money, the host of an NPR personal finance podcast offers a primer on where it came from, how it works today, and where it's going. His brisk performance is easy to understand and fun to hear. Goldstein's broad grasp of his topic expresses itself in snappy vignettes full of colorful personalities that keep the momentum... Read More

Professor Kehinde Andrews of Birmingham (England) University narrates his work in an assured voice that is fitting for an audiobook intended to provide a new context for examining systemic racism. Andrews provides clear background on the destructive workings of colonialism and white supremacy. He targets the myths of white philosophers historically held in high regard within... Read More

Like some memoirs, this audiobook is a cathartic one for the author, a sports journalist whose father, Chris, contracted amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The work serves the dual role of peeling back the layers of their relationship while laying out what a person and their loved ones go through in dealing with the debilitating fatal illness. It would be difficult to imagine... Read More

How better to communicate this vital history of racism in America to its young audience than to have the audiobook narrated by a peer? Nine-year-old Pe'Tehn Raighn-Kem Jackson hits it out of the park with her lively and engaging reading. Her voice and delivery are unmistakably those of a kid--and she's an inspired casting choice. Short chapters, ideal for listening to one at a... Read More

Senator Tammy Duckworth's audiobook bucks the trend of the typical politician's memoir; she's not just engaging, she conveys her life experiences in a compelling narrative and an authentic performance. Starting with her tumultuous childhood, she describes moving with her family to live with her father, a veteran who struggled to find himself after the service. Later after... Read More

This fast-paced audiobook is all about survival. In the Ravenhill Correctional Facility, Jack, a former cop who's now incarcerated, is fighting to escape two converging hurricanes and his fellow inmates. Narrator Jason Culp captures Jack's world-weary doggedness as he guides listeners through a Job-like series of disasters that include the record-setting storm and massive... Read More

Narrator Allison Hiroto establishes a steady yet passionate voice for Alina, a high school junior and ballerina who abandons her dream of becoming a professional dancer after suffering a broken leg. Now she must learn to navigate feelings of jealousy as she watches the other ballerinas perform without her. This pause gives her the opportunity to reflect on discrimination in the... Read More

Narrator Ben Sullivan's strong, clear voice and intentional pacing complement these tales of scientific misdeeds perfectly. In the name of progress, Thomas Edison, John Money, and John Charles Cutler, to name a few, disregarded ethics to achieve scientific glory. Hindsight shows that meaningful scientific progress is impossible to achieve through nefarious methods because the... Read More

Nicholas Guy Smith narrates this oddball adventure of two Dutch septuagenarians who accidentally find themselves in possession of a baby girl. Hendrik and Evert are looking forward to an enjoyable evening of camaraderie and relaxation. On his way to Hendrik's apartment, Evert ducks into a school bathroom to relieve himself, but after a series of small and extremely funny... Read More

A diverse and experienced cast come together to maximize the drama laced throughout this political thriller. Peter Ganim, Tony Goldwyn, Mary Stuart Masterson, and Soneela Nankani are among the stellar narrators lending their voices to a rich listening experience. Former U.S. President Matthew Keating goes off the grid in search of his kidnapped daughter. Goldwyn does an... Read More

Listeners will root for young single mother Rosaline as she competes on "Bake Expectations," a televised UK baking show. Her connections with her fellow contestants, as friends and more, lead to some unexpected twists and turns in this largely appealing and often funny romance. While narrator Fiona Hardingham gives an enthusiastic variety of British voices to all of the... Read More

Narrator Mark Sanderlin is perfectly in tune with this funny, fast-paced story featuring a close-knit Italian family in New Jersey. He authentically delivers the emotional ups and downs of Joey, an insecure gay teenager, and his young mother, Gia, who are both struggling with love and maintaining feels of self-worth. In seeking revenge on the lovers who betrayed them, the two... Read More

The two authors of this audiobook took a journey to explore and collect stories of miracles, and narrator Janet Metzger shares their discoveries. Alongside miracles, the pair uncovered common ground that spiritually connects human beings. Each section of the audiobook gives the listener an opportunity to take a breath and examine how their own spirit may be reawakened by the... Read More

This unusual thriller featuring Eliza Bright, a female coder at a role-playing video game company, is narrated by Nicholas Tecosky and Claire Christie. When Eliza reports sexism at Fancy Dog Games and is fired, she decides to fight back in public, provoking a backlash against her on- and offline. But who's the ringleader, and what's the endgame? The plot unfolds like a video... Read More

Deirdra Whelan does a splendid job narrating this captivating mystery. Sheila is a lecturer at a biblical museum in Tel Aviv. During college, she and her friends dubbed themselves "The Others" after women of the Bible who did not have children. They opted for careers over motherhood. Now, 20 years later, The Others are being murdered in gruesome, symbolic ways. Sheila is... Read More

William DeMeritt's narration of Eggers's latest tale is an evocative experience that transports listeners to an isolated, rocky shore. The sounds of the sea set the scene for Lucian's adventures. DeMeritt's delivery is spot-on as he captures Lucian's childish timbre as he engages in play with the cutlass he found when searching the beach for "faraway things" washed up on the... Read More

Actor/writer/director Andrew McCarthy's immensely enjoyable audiobook, which he narrates himself, is about his early years in Hollywood--especially his love of acting and his development as an artist. Sure, some juicy celebrity tidbits are included--listeners will find out who his ST. ELMO's FIRE crush was and what really happened the night a reporter coined the "Brat Pack"... Read More

Neil Dickson's clear, straight-ahead narration aptly matches Goldsworthy's history of the ancient Macedonian father and son who were kings and conquerors. Both text and performance are professional and engaging. Neither calls attention to itself. Dickson maintains the sense of story while still delivering intelligent nonfiction, aided by his strong voice, pleasing British... Read More

Suehyla El Attar sounds like a familiar friend telling us about the ups and downs of an exceptional day. She delivers the essays in this collection in a lively and engaging manner that makes this audiobook a quick listen. Dramatic settings and situations--from India to New York, from dying pets to buildings on fire--make up these nine works. Those looking for something... Read More

Emily Lawrence delivers an expert narration of Constance Sayers's second novel. In a fantasy filled with magic, love, and mystery, Lawrence portrays Lara, a contemporary descendant of a magical circus family. Lara's future husband goes missing on their wedding day. When his car is found abandoned in the same spot in which another mysterious disappearance took place, something... Read More

Author/narrator Adam Smiley Poswolsky takes listeners through the ins and outs of friendship and loneliness in the digital age. Delivering his guide on how to make new friends, he reintroduces playfulness and more intentionality into the lives of adults. For those who may have felt isolated during the current pandemic, this is a treasure trove of wisdom and insights. Poswolsky... Read More

Adan Rocha narrates this timely young adult audiobook, which sheds light on the U.S.-Mexico border crisis. Mateo and Sophie Garcia are the children of undocumented Mexican immigrants. The Garcias are living a quiet life in America when, suddenly, the parents are taken by ICE officers, who plan to deport them. Mateo and Sophie must forge ahead without the guidance of their Ma... Read More

Jonathan Ames doesn't differentiate character voices as he narrates his mystery. But the one voice that he does use--the inner voice of detective Happy Doll--is so comfortable that it becomes difficult to imagine anyone else portraying the sensitive tough guy. Ames is an author whose storytelling skills go beyond bookstore-reading quality, and he delivers this neo-noir without... Read More

This is a fascinating listen about a part of history not taught in schools. Olivette Otele does a nice job telling this overlooked history of the presence of Black people in Europe throughout the ages. Although not a professional narrator, Otele nonetheless has a confident and engaging style that keeps listeners wanting to learn more about relationship between Europeans and... Read More

Listening to Tavia Gilbert perform this psychological suspense is engrossing. Twelve-year-old Karin is lost in Hoge Veluwe Forest, a Dutch National Park. Gilbert captures the youthful timbre of the girl's voice, and her pitch and intensity change as Karin faces drug dealers, wolves, hunger, disorientation, and, worst of all, betrayal by a once trusted figure. Other expertly... Read More

Two narrators spin this riveting story of love and suspicion. When design blogger Jade and her fiancé, Greg, are the victims of a brutal home invasion, she grows to suspect he knows more than he's letting on. In fact, he thinks she's hiding something--and he's right. But does it have anything to do with the invasion? Kylah Williams voices Jade with rich emotion, turning her... Read More

Blending magic and Jewish folklore, this audiobook weaves a tangled yarn to which narrator Ana Clements adds her own flourishes. Three sisters, each with her own magical talents, are members of the magical Solomonar sect. This makes them vulnerable to all kinds of dangerous judgments that are developing in European society. As Clements recounts the sisters' conflicts, she does... Read More

William DeMeritt's versatile narration eases listeners into the unsettled landscape of late-Civil-War-era Georgia in this powerfully affecting novel. This ambitious debut explores themes of forgiveness, family, pride, community, and the societal costs of racism and injustice. The violence in this world is startling but never surprising. DeMeritt's vibrant and convincing... Read More

Poet and journalist Clint Smith's debut work of nonfiction captivates as he explores the ways that we Americans confront and reckon with the legacy of slavery in the United States. His resonant voice moves with a poet's rhythm as he takes listeners to former plantations, on historical tours, and to Angola Prison. Many sites are in the American South, though he also includes... Read More

This fantasy audiobook benefits from the storytelling talents of narrator Korey Jackson. He takes listeners on a magic-infused journey with a compelling cast of characters as they challenge the status quo in an ancient city called Bassa, which is reminiscent of early cultures in West Africa. Danso, an academic, has a thirst for knowledge that leads him beyond Bassa's borders,... Read More

Author/narrator Tovah Feldshuh's memoir is a highly entertaining look back at her life as a successful stage and screen actor, as well as an unsentimental remembrance of the force of nature that was her mother, Lily. As Tovah was growing up, Lily was generous with criticism but stingy with praise. Tovah longed for her mercurial mother's approval. Feldshuh offers witty... Read More

Narrator Soneela Nankani sparkles in this charming ode to family bonds and the power of the perfect party. When her sister, Vinnie, announces her engagement, Mini wishes their mother were still alive to plan the wedding. With everyone else wrapped up in work, Mini has to figure out this wedding stuff fast. Nankani's nuanced performance makes this standout production more than... Read More

Narrator William DeMeritt is the perfect match for this compelling audiobook--a mix of legal thriller and family drama with a touch of sci-fi. The story unfolds in two timelines. In 2008, 16-year-old Wesley Keener is frozen in time after a neurological procedure leaves him a hollow shell. Jay Shenk, a malpractice lawyer, befriends the family and sues the hospital, kicking off a... Read More

Narrator Ben Onwukwe brings out the humor and pathos in this story of Jamaican widower Hubert Bird, who discovers friendship in unlikely places. Hubert's daughter, Rose, thinks his life is full of friends and fun, but Hubert actually lives an entirely solitary existence. When Rose announces an unexpected visit, Hubert knows he better find some fake friends right away. Hubert's... Read More

Fourteen darkly quirky stories are narrated by eight fresh and culturally diverse voice talents. Award-winning writer Caitlin Horrocks takes her Midwestern characters out of their comfort zones and leads them right to the edge of reality. In "The Sleep," narrated by Nicholas Tecosky, the entire population of a Michigan village goes into hibernation. In "Norwegian For Troll,"... Read More

Andy Aragon and Arami Malaise's seamless alternating narration creates a dazzling portrait of Pen and Xander, a young Latinx couple, and the Mexican-American community in Austin, Texas, where they live. This debut is an affecting coming-of-age story and a splendid romance, as well as a trenchant exploration of father-child relations, immigration, and the impact of crime upon a... Read More

In the latest audiobook in The Friend Zone contemporary romance series, Adrian, a lawyer, and Vanessa, a travel vlogger, form a friendship over Vanessa's newborn niece. Despite complications in Vanessa's life, their attraction grows, and love blooms between them. Christine Lakin and Zachary Webber's extensive experience as both solo and dual narrators is apparent in... Read More

Soneela Nankani narrates this delightful contemporary romance with her whole heart, drawing listeners in with her enthusiasm. She embodies Reena Manji, capturing her anxieties about her meddling Indian Muslim family, her boring finance job, and a series of lackluster boyfriends. When she bumps into her new neighbor, Nadim Remtulla, she's initially intrigued by his British... Read More

Narrator Edoardo Ballerini steps smoothly into the role of Archer, an ex-con who is looking for work as a private investigator. Narrator Brittany Pressley portrays Liberty Callahan, a sexy beauty who craves stardom. As they travel to California, they fall knee deep into a 1940s-style whodunit with more dead bodies than they can count. Ballerini and Pressley's delivery of... Read More

Narrator Angus King captures tattooed, bearded party guy Dean Nicholson, who loses his heart to an abandoned kitten he names Nala at the start of an around-the-world journey. Listeners will join the duo as they bike around mostly remote parts of Europe and Asia. King nails Nicholson's strong Scottish brogue, along with the diverse accents of the people man and feline encounter.... Read More

Narrator Moira Quirk transitions smoothly between accents in this double biography of Loie Fuller and Marie Curie, two women who distinguished themselves in the late nineteenth century. Quirk's general narration is characterized by a crisp British accent that enlivens the author's details as she describes the times in which these very different women became friends. Using an... Read More

Narrator Cary Hite draws listeners in with his nuanced delivery and cadence in this mystery inspired by a true story. After three university students are murdered by a mob in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, psychologist Dr. Philip Taiwo is brought in to investigate. As Dr. Taiwo dives deeper into the case with the help of his personal driver, Chika, listeners also learn about the... Read More

Kamali Minter and Zeno Robinson narrate a quietly powerful story about grief, loss, and second chances. When Tallie sees a man standing on the side of a bridge in the rain, she pulls her car over to speak with him. Emmett has followed a difficult path to that bridge, but he agrees to go for coffee with Tallie instead of seeing his path to its end. Minter gives Tallie a... Read More

Narrator Cary Hite's strong performance enhances an ultimately tragic look at post-incarceration life in America. Miller's text is part academic work and part life story--he is a sociologist and chaplain who has close relatives who have done time. He draws on his personal experience to illustrate what the research shows: Once people are released from prison, they still are not... Read More

Much like his popular CNN show, Don Lemon's new audiobook is well researched, thoughtful, and passionate. The book includes a collection of personal stories and observations mixed with a detailed history of racism and analysis of current events. Of particular note are Lemon's reflections on his visit to Africa with his mother to trace his family's ancestry. His emotional... Read More

Rasha Zamamiri narrates a unique epic fantasy inspired by the region of North Africa. Touraine was abducted as a child and forced to become the ideal soldier. Her loyalty to the empire is tested when she's sent back to her homeland to quash a budding rebellion. Zamamiri nails accents and from time to time even sounds like a different narrator as she gives this story a... Read More

Narrator Suehyla El Attar expertly voices nearly a dozen characters, all named Sarah, in this collection of inventive, funny, and disturbing stories about women navigating love, restlessness, self-doubt, and desire. Though each character is unique, they share a range of qualities: Many are queer, many are Jewish, and most are young women adrift in their careers and... Read More

This is an extraordinary audiobook about four extraordinary women who were war correspondents—the three women who are the subject of Becker’s book, as well as the author herself. Adding to the remarkable story of these groundbreaking journalists is the skill of narrator Lisa Flanagan, who is pitch-perfect throughout this account of the trailblazers. She moves from harrowing... Read More

Narrator Dan Woren brings a necessary mix of seriousness and reverence to this audiobook. Racism and race relations are particularly difficult topics to address. It is even more difficult to explain the historical implications and long-term impact of these divisions. The author attempts to provide context with an intimate, unflinchingly honest look at the life and legacy of... Read More

An alternate history of the eighteenth century weaves together the story of the slave rebellion in Haiti, the French Revolution, and the abolitionist movement in England--all wrapped in an undercurrent of magic. Andrew Kingston assumes subtle accents for each setting as listeners recognize the major historical figures of these events and are introduced to a few fictional... Read More

Narrator Jay Ben Markson's solid narration unites an international cast of scientists, research vessel crew members, and far-flung secondary characters as a fast approaching asteroid threatens Earth. Markson's balanced pacing engages listeners as the story alternates between a scientific task force charged with asteroid deflection and the crew of a ship stationed on the Bering... Read More

Narrator Nikki Massoud captures this epic fantasy-adventure with her smooth, clear diction. Massoud's blend of tones and timbres differentiates the characters in an engrossing way. The political intrigue begins when Ren arrives in Nadezra determined to use whatever con it takes to form an alliance with a noble house. But she soon discovers she's not the only con artist who is... Read More

Fred Berman gives a fine narration of Gorenberg's detailed account of the struggle between Allied and Axis intelligence services during the war for Africa. Looking back at the prewar actions of the many characters in this account--Brits, Italians, Germans, Poles, and Americans, among others--one realizes how much pure luck, as well as competence and determination, went into... Read More

Narrator Michael Crouch lends a convincing voice to this romance novella. Lost in a time warp, teens Mark and Margaret seek to find the best things that occur in a day they share, a day that plays out again and again. Crouch's ability to voice Mark with clarity will have listeners believing he's a real person telling his own story. The broad range of voices and tones used by... Read More

Narrator Bahni Turpin assuredly delivers this nonlinear story of two families whose lives intertwine in the foothills of the North Carolina Piedmont. Across the decades, listeners meet fierce Jade and her sensitive son, Gee, as well as overmatched Lacey May and her three daughters, one of whom is Noelle. Gee and Noelle are drawn together through a school integration plan in the... Read More

Awkward teenagers stumble into a cute romance performed with charm by Zeno Robinson and Diane Doen. Will is an anxious, Black teen who wants to become editor of his school newspaper, so he is seeking a summer internship. Jocelyn, who is bitter about the likelihood of having to leave New York City, helps out at her family's failing restaurant, A-Plus Chinese Garden. The two form... Read More

This is just the type of tense, fast-paced story that listeners expect from the Kendra Michaels series. Once again, Elisabeth Rodgers masterfully portrays Kendra, an FBI consultant, and Jessie Mercado, her close friend and security advisor. Rodgers also ably voices the male characters, including Kendra's love interest, DOJ Special Agent Adam Lynch, who seems to show up at just... Read More

In another satisfying collaboration between the author and narrator Robert Petkoff, the listener hears the story of Nina, who once testified against her wealthy boss when his lethal crimes were revealed. Forced to leave her husband and young kids rather than endanger them, she changed her name to Leah, moved to Maine, and cut off all contact. Ten years later, when her husband... Read More

Set in Barbados, a paradise to all but those who live there, this audiobook captures the mythical qualities of Jones's debut novel. Narrator Danielle Vitalis's slow, dreamlike performance is perfect for the tragic story of Lala, a hair-braider; Adan, her husband, a sadistic, small-time crook; Mira, who once lived on the island; and Peter, the white man she married. Mira and... Read More

With a Southern accent and a deep, dramatic voice, narrator LaQuita James brings to life the inspiring story of Booker T. Washington, an emancipated slave with a dream of earning a college degree. From Washington's uneducated childhood to his determination to teach himself to read and his five-hundred-mile journey on foot from West Virginia to Hampton Institute in Virginia,... Read More

Comedian Amber Ruffin ("The Amber Ruffin Show") and Lacey Lamar are sisters and co-narrators of this hilarious romp through a series of unfortunate encounters with the racially ignorant. They take turns narrating their no-holds-barred commentary on the incidents that happen to Lacey, a Black woman, in homogenous white Nebraska. Ruffin and Lamar are upbeat as they share their... Read More

Narrators Robert Petkoff and Christine Lakin adopt hard New England accents as they perform this mystery set in Maine. Opening with Lakin's portrayal of Kimmy Crepeaux's terse confession to her role in the murder of Jackie Pelletier and Ian Kelly, the story picks up speed as FBI agent Rob Barrett, portrayed by Petkoff, seeks out the real truth behind their deaths. Lakin softens... Read More

Narrator Kylah Williams's slow pace and precise enunciation are notable at first--but soon fade in significance as listeners begin to appreciate her optimistic tone, lyrical phrasing, and pleasing timbre. The two authors, a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist who study the neuroscience of autism, draw on research and their clinical experience to explain how authentic connections... Read More

An articulate journalist and cultural observer provides a historically grounded analysis of today's work and its costs to the human spirit. Jaffe's exhaustive research, expressed in crisp and lucid sentences, is served well by her high-quality narration. With her amiable vocal clarity and diction, she sounds assertive and confident. She has a beef with the way demeaning and... Read More

Michael Boatman returns to narrate the 15th audiobook in Mosley’s Easy Rawlins series. Boatman masterfully voices the numerous characters from various races and backgrounds, male and female, young and old. Rawlins reluctantly takes on the case of a disturbed white Vietnam veteran who is convinced he stabbed a Black man. Rawlins’s persistence to uncover the truth leads him to... Read More

Zeno Robinson is a gifted vocal artist who immerses listeners in this haunting narrative of George Dinning, a Black man who lived in late-nineteenth-century Kentucky. Dinning was convicted of manslaughter in the shooting of Jodie Conn, a white man who was among the mob who came to his home in the middle of the night. This is a sadly familiar story of racial injustice, but with... Read More

The fifth in Ide's IQ series is packed with vivid characters and credibility-stretching subplots. Fortunately, narrator Zeno Robinson grounds this audiobook with his gift for dialogue and skill with action sequences. Robinson eases listeners inside Isaiah Quintabe's (IQ's) weary mind as he departs L.A. to look for peace and rejuvenation in Northern California. But, as expected,... Read More

FROM THE PUBLISHER: In Acid for the Children, Flea takes readers on a deeply personal and revealing tour of his formative years, spanning from Australia to the New York City suburbs to, finally, Los Angeles. Through hilarious anecdotes, poetical meditations, and occasional flights of fantasy, Flea deftly chronicles the experiences that forged him as an artist, a musician, and a... Read More

Fans of thrillers will appreciate the second audiobook in the Deception Cover series. This story centers on an unlikely couple--ex-con Mason Burke and former U.S. Marine, now sheriff's deputy, Jess Winslow-- along with their dog, who plays an important part in the story. Fortunately for narrators Kevin Stillwell and Courtney Paterson, they aren't asked to bark or growl.... Read More

This author-narrated audiobook takes aim at the myths and mores that buttress what many in the U.S. call the American Dream. Award-winning author Mychal Denzel Smith, with refreshing frankness, argues that "the American Dream is bullsh*t" because of the way its seemingly benign narratives preoccupy us to the point that we can't see our own complicity in oppressive systems.... Read More

Journalist and author Peter Guralnick offers a personal look at some of the last century's most influential music artists and writers. Narrator Jim Meskimen's steely timbre and vocal confidence are always a delight to hear, and he's an intelligent performer of these captivating stories, insights, and reflections. He sounds like he loves American pop music in the same way the... Read More

Canadian author and health-care attorney Tim Caulfield sets the record straight on the huge array of explicit and unspoken rationales that guide our daily habits. Jeremy Arthur's conversational narration is a natural fit for this pleasing combination of science, charming stories, and gentle advice. With appealing pitch patterns and phrasing that make everything interesting, his... Read More

Narrators Brittany Pressley and Kyf Brewer shine in the latest thriller in the Atlee Pine series, which brings together two of David Baldacci's well-known characters, FBI agent Pine and military investigator John Puller. Pressley portrays Pine as passionate, dedicated, and intelligent. Brewer's Puller is sharp, committed, and driven. Both narrators also capture a large cast of... Read More

Playful music and Emma Lysy's cheerful narration animate this brief but thoroughly enchanting audiobook for young listeners. The whimsical story unfolds as Little Star can't resist slipping out of bed every night to nibble on the delicious mooncake that her mother baked and hung in the sky to cool. In a story reminiscent of trickster folklore, Little Star's mischievous nibbling... Read More

Mawi Asgedom brings authenticity to the narration of his memoir, whether he's telling stories of the hardships his family endured while escaping a war or talking about moving to a new country and overcoming difficulties in assimilating there. Illuminating the lessons he learned from his father, his faith, and his culture, Mawi provides a vivid picture of a young man who faces... Read More

Vanessa Johansson narrates this middle-grade fantasy influenced by Greek mythology. Clo's father sends her on a journey halfway across the ocean to a dreary, gray place where she cannot understand what anyone is saying. After befriending the only other person her age, she discovers that both of their stories are woven into the tapestry of life. Johansson's talent is apparent,... Read More

Peter Frampton narrates his memoir with beguiling childlike charm. He sounds more like a fan than the music giant he is, a fan who can't believe his good fortune at having been able to hang with A-list music stars in the U.K. and the U.S. early in his career. After noticing Frampton's talent and passion for the guitar, established musicians like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones,... Read More

Narrator Prentice Onayemi returns for the second audiobook in The Burning series. Tau now holds the title of Queen's Champion, despite his Lesser origins. Tau and Queen Tsiora must work together to end the civil war among the Omehi to have any hope of defending themselves against an impending attack by Xidda. Onayemi's gentle narration offers listeners a detached performance... Read More

Narrator Peter Kenny captures this historical fantasy novel, which takes place in the 1400s. Kenny's ability to provide well-differentiated voices for the many characters will thoroughly engage listeners. Reynevan, a healer and magician, is on the run for his life. Kenny's choice of accent, tone, and timbre accurately depicts Reynevan and his complex personality. A story full... Read More

Narrator Robert Petkoff performs this imagining of what Nick Carraway's life was like before he moved to Long Island, next door to the "great" Jay Gatsby. Longing to have a life fuller than working for his father in Minnesota, Nick leaves home to attend Yale and later enlists in the army, serving in the trenches during WWI. Petkoff's strong and affecting delivery highlights... Read More

This audiobook makes the case that all 26 letters of the alphabet are related to one another--like family. Katie Schorr narrates the rhyming text in a gentle, happy tone. Listeners will hear the smile on her face. Her pacing is slow, allowing children time to create pictures in their minds, but preschoolers may find it difficult to visualize some images without benefit of the... Read More

Diane Chen gives a moving performance as Ana Jin, a tween figure skater whose discomfort with a new princess-themed skating program forces Ana to realize she's nonbinary. Beyond providing distinct vocal performances of each supporting character, making the story easy to follow, Chen's most remarkable skill is their ability to take listeners on an emotional journey. They will... Read More

Narrator Christie Moreau portrays Avery Grambs, a precariously housed, puzzle-loving high school student who suddenly finds herself an heiress after a Texas billionaire dies and leaves her (a total stranger) in control of his fortune. As the story unwinds, Moreau convincingly draws from a palette of emotions to portray Avery's shock, suspicion, and eventual seduction as she... Read More

Narrator Lucy Rayner clearly differentiates dialogue, narrative, and recorded voices in this novella, which explores technology, credit, and ambition in a future England. In Harmony's world, success and relationships depend on the enhancements (nanobots) a person buys; for example, a dental nano provides a perfect smile and fresh breath for only a few pounds a month. Rayner's... Read More

Ijeoma Oluo narrates her insightful writing in a confident and clear tone. Her voice is a welcoming guide as she delves deep into her study of the legacy of white male supremacy in America and the threat it poses to all, including white men themselves. She argues that America's systems have been built to prioritize white and male culture above all else--and that those systems... Read More

It's unsurprising that Suzanne Toren has an impressive catalogue of audiobook narrations to her name. Adding to it is this fascinating biography of Louise Fitzhugh, author of the classic middle-grade novel HARRIET THE SPY. From her troubled childhood as part of the Memphis upper class through her adulthood as an artist and writer living in New York City, Toren captures Louise's... Read More

Sociologist and physician Nicholas Christakis provides an analysis of COVID-19 and its effect on society. Also the narrator, Christakis starts with a broad overview of the current pandemic, beginning in late 2019, when the virus first appeared in China. He introduces basic epidemiological concepts, tracks the virus's progression from its origins to the United States, and... Read More

Series narrator Carol Monda's gravelly voice draws out every mile Cass Neary has traveled over the course of the author's thrillers. In this newest installment, Cass, a photographer, finds herself down and out in London, minus her camera. A chance meeting with an old acquaintance presents an opportunity to make quick cash by selling a rare ancient book. Monda delivers clear... Read More

In this sequel to THE WOLF OF OREN-YARO, the Chronicles of the Bitch Queen continue with narrator Catherine Ho telling the story from the queen's point of view. Ho captures the queen's imperiousness in dealing with others as well as her vulnerability in private moments. Intricate plot turns and complex characters require Ho to be quick with shifts in dialogue. Tensions run... Read More

Rap teacher Dwayne Reed cheerfully narrates his earnest story of Simon Barnes, a shy Chicago fifth-grader who is trying to find his voice and uplift his community. Listeners can't help but bop and grin with Simon aka Notorious D. O. G.'s lyrical raps on his Westside friends and family. It is easy to hear why Reed's rapping went viral--it's a little bit goofy and corny, but... Read More

Narrator Ashford McNab masterfully draws the listener into this historical romance set in England in the 1700s. Messalina Greycourt has been given in marriage to Gideon Hawthorne, who is her sinister uncle, the Duke of Windemere's, fixer. McNab gives distinct voices to each of the characters. Listeners can hear the evil in the Duke. Gideon has literally fought his way up from... Read More

British cosmochemistry researcher Dr. Tim Gregory narrates his comprehensive review of how meteors are created with relish. He also examines their impact on humanity's cultural memories and understanding of our world and the universe. Using accessible language, his clear, engaged performance illuminates the diverse beauty of the three main meteorite groups. While the overall... Read More

Patterson continues his series featuring detective Alex Cross, who is once again on the trail of a killer. Adding to the intrigue is the fact that one of the victims is the vice president's ex-wife. Brad Sanders's narration does a decent job capturing the steady, calm voice of Cross, and he shines with his shifts to other characters. He delivers smooth transitions that range... Read More

This engaging dual biography of the two dictators who started WWII in Europe is given an able narration by John Sackville. Rees gives insights into the two alpha-narcissists--okay, sociopaths. Like all such tyrants, they were surrounded by beta-narcissists who enabled them to implement their plans. Added to this are the author's portrayals of the Western Allies' leaders, such... Read More

Julia Winwood's narrative tone is that of a well-done lecture, with emphasis on interesting ideas and intriguing facts. She can bring a hint of suspense to the invention of the ring binder and make listeners smile as they hear a poem on alphabetical order. Judith Flanders's history of ordering systems and the developments that made them necessary is thoughtful but a bit... Read More

Narrator Marisa Calin introduces listeners to a whole host of dragons using a strong, vibrant voice that perfectly encapsulates the fantastical creatures. With a backdrop of music throughout, Calin energizes the audience by strategically pausing to create anticipation as new information is revealed. As it turns out, dragons have more in common with us than one might think--such... Read More

Author and narrator Ozan Varol reveals the thought processes that have allowed scientists to make great advances. The content is stimulating and engaging. Varol's pace and tone work well with the stories being told. However, he tends to drop words at the end of sentences, which can be distracting for listeners. The audiobook is divided into three sections: Launch, Accelerate,... Read More

Narrators Christian Drerup and Rick Frederick deliver this short story collection with consistency and steady pacing. Soileau's stories present a candid view of Louisiana through an assortment of characters, many of whom make questionable choices as they encounter life's challenges. Drerup offers a believable accent that does not overpower the text, although some characters are... Read More

Caitlin Kelly continues to bring her A game to this fabulous fantasy series. The use of a female narrator for a story featuring a male protagonist is a little surprising, but Kelly tackles it with aplomb. The novella spans Cardan's life, revolving around a story he is told by a troll as a child. Kelly's storytelling shines with judicious pacing and pauses, building compassion... Read More

Author Andrea Pinkney creates something extraordinary in this monologue novel using the oral history tradition to explore the effects of racism and segregation through generations. The Littles of Ruleville, Mississippi--Loretta, Roly, and Aggie B.--know hardship and oppression in their bones, but they also know joy and love. Dashawn Barnes, Deborah Wilson, and Ralph Harris... Read More

Pulitzer-winning playwright Ayad Akhtar narrates his somewhat autobiographical novel, an outstanding chronicle of an upper-middle- class immigrant Pakistani family's experience in America and an indictment of contemporary American politics and economics. Akhtar narrates from the point of view of the protagonist, the eponymously named Ayad Akhtar, who describes his family's rise... Read More

Narrator Christine Lakin simply rocks this charming sequel to THE ROYAL WE, also beautifully narrated by Lakin. American Bex Porter and her hunky Prince Nicholas, heir to the British throne, must deal with family scandals, their new and somewhat shaky marriage, and the politics of family, which are never easy to navigate, especially for royals. Lakin convincingly portrays each... Read More

This is Cait Flanders's second book about "minimalizing" life's complications and making choices that are right for you. Christine Lakin presents this enjoyable manifesto as if she knows what the author is up to. Flanders's stories of her traveling and solo hiking adventures on the West Coast and in the U.K. serve as a platform for her advice on how to choose and manage an... Read More

Actress/comedian Rachel Bloom ("Crazy Ex-Girlfriend") narrates her own memoir, and listeners are in for a treat. This audiobook is at times so funny that listeners will need to pause so they don't miss the next line and so heartbreaking that listeners will want to keep tissues handy. Bloom voices herself at different ages, along with some of those in her life who have both... Read More

Leonard Downie, Jr.'s excitement at being considered for the managing editor position at THE WASHINGTON POST is evident in narrator Robert Petkoff's voice. This memoir relives major events ranging from the 1968 riots through Watergate and Bill Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky--all as seen from the newsroom. Petkoff occasionally makes the former Post executive editor sound... Read More

Gemma Watson returns to narrate this third book in the Nevermore series, immersing listeners again in its magical world. Morrigan and her friends continue their classes at the elite Wundrous Society. But panic is growing as a strange and frightening illness called Hollowpox is spreading through Nevermoor, turning infected Wunimals into mindless, vicious Unnimals on the hunt.... Read More