Narrators Deacon Lee and Kyle Mason deliver a sensitive portrayal of the star-crossed romance between Tanner, a bisexual high school senior, and Sebastian, a devout Mormon and newly minted author. The story is set in Provo, Utah, and most of Tanner's classmates, except his best friend, Autumn, belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, while he and his family, California transplants, do not. The boys meet in Tanner's novel-writing class, for which Sebastian is the teaching assistant. The resulting roller coaster of emotions is evident in their voices as they struggle with family disapproval, faith, and love. Lee and Mason alternate the final chapters, which may initially confuse listeners. But, overall, light yet distinctive characterizations bring family, friends, and community members to life. The conversation between the author and Lee is a bonus treat.
(Fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: Sept. 12, 2017
Duration: 9 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781508241737
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Listeners follow Merry, the longbow girl, one of the best archers in her town. When she finds a magical portal in the forest that takes her back to sixteenth-century Wales, she must use her skills to win an archery contest in order to help her ancestors keep their land. While narrator Emily Wilden brings protagonist Merry to life with a rich Welsh accent, her narration seems uneven at times. All the period characters have accents that reflect the setting of the story and transport listeners to Wales. Listeners who enjoy historical fiction and a bit of fantasy will be charmed by this tale of determination, hope, and family.
Young AdultPub Date: N/A
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781501916793
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In 1832 thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle is sailing from Liverpool to Rhode Island to rejoin her family. Shocked to discover that the families who were to have been both guardians and companions will not accompany her, Charlotte embarks on a journey filled with terror and swashbuckling adventure. The first-person narrative makes this Newbery Honor book a wonderful choice for recording. O'Karma's reading, with its hint of cross-gender differentiation, allows the listener to feel as if Charlotte Doyle herself were relating the tale. This story should be particularly alluring to adolescent girls although the fast-paced action and the nautical setting will also appeal to male listeners. Ages 12-adult.
Ages 12+Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 6 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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