Smart-mouthed, self-destructive, and seemingly amoral, the protagonist of this book is not necessarily likable as it begins. Adopted and raised by hippie parents with addictions and other profound flaws, Jude clings to his friend Teddy for security, which too often comes in the form of petty crime and substance abuse. Steven Kaplan’s narration infuses a variety of troubled characters with youthful, earnest voices that quietly convince the listener not to give up on them. Kaplan’s vocals encompass the deliriums of 1980s and 1990s extremes—in drugs, sex, and music—and the human quest for acceptance. He captures Jude’s transition from small-town Vermont to Manhattan’s straight-edge music scene without lapsing into melodrama or coldheartedness. Both the story and Kaplan’s performance are superb.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2011
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780062072849
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Escape on a thrilling adventure with Soneela Nankani and Andrew Eiden as they narrate this suspenseful romance. A year has passed since Simi Chopra, her assorted crew, and Jack Danger pulled off a lucrative diamond heist. Now, the Chicago Mafia boss is demanding that the jewels be returned, so Simi gets the team back together. Nankani delivers an expressive performance that emphasizes Simi's conflict between her passion for Jack and the mission. Her distinct character voices keep the listener fully immersed. Eiden's lively tone gives Jack a subtle flair and confidence that make him easy to forgive and to love.
Pub Date: Aug. 20, 2024
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593907467
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This is not a story about guns, but about blue pearls. Gerald Browne takes us to the Pacific Ocean and the world of pearl divers and natural gems and mixes in mystery, intrigue and suspense. Barry Bostwick portrays the characters in one voice, varying his intonation slightly for the Asian personalities. His reading style is very smooth, evidence of preparation and interest in the story. 18mm Blues is abridged well, collecting the important elements of the story. Unobtrusive music indicates the end of each side. Disappear into the mystery of the Far East and one of its most beautiful commodities.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1993
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Audio Renaissance
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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