A tale of colonialism, murder, and cannibalism might seem sensationalized, but this audiobook-in-verse about the ill-fated 1846 journey of Donner party is grounded by multiple perspectives. Leading the cast is Bahni Turpin, whose smooth performance as the omniscient narrator, Hunger, is all the more chilling for its grim, merciless edge. While other individual voices stand out--particularly the deep brogue of Tim Gerard Reynolds as headstrong James Reed--some of the most affecting moments feature multiple voices. Even the oxen speak up during the rhythmic trudge across the Great Salt Lake Desert. As winter takes its grisly toll, Hunger interjects with ever-growing litanies of the dead, underscored by a windswept chant of the word "snow." Collectively, it's a grim, gripping, and haunting listen.
(Verse historical fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: Sept. 8, 2020
Duration: 9 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781713547952
Publisher: Brilliance Audio/ Candlewick
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Desean Terry delivers a touching performance of this reimagining of "The Great Gatsby," in which the protagonists are gay Black prep school students. Aspiring journalist Nick Carrington leaves Oklahoma to begin school at Harlem's West Egg Academy. Out of his element, Nick keeps his gay identity a closely held secret, but love interest Jay Gatsby Jr.--the academy founder's son--openly embraces his own gay identity. As they write letters to each other, each more daring and affectionate than the last, they receive threats that their budding relationship will be exposed in the school newspaper. Terry clearly presents every piece of dialogue that warrants an emotional charge and adds subtle suspense to his straightforward tone when needed. Terry's narration is always on the money.
(Historical fiction. 13-18)Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063312517
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This audiobook was inspired by the forbidden love of the authors' grandparents in early-twentieth-century Korea amid its colonization by Japan. Their story, told in alternating chapters, combines history, folklore, romance, and magic. Julia Riew delivers the chapters of Eunji, a Korean girl who is trapped in her wealthy life. Joshua Hyunho Lee portrays Seung, who is trapped by poverty and oppression. Riew expresses Eunji's joy at excursions into the world with Seung, while Lee shows Seung's despair at failing his exam and at Eunji's arranged marriage to the son of a Japanese diplomat. Through the power of their magic and love, the couple is finally united, finds freedom, and saves the last tiger. Alex Intae Kim and Sue Jean Kim deliver periodic quotations from the Riews' grandparents, and together the Riews deliver the authors' note.
(Fantasy. 12-18)Pub Date: July 29, 2025
Duration: 13 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217074396
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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