John's world is not perfect. His mother hasn't touched him in six years, his father loathes their weekly dinners, and his one friend has gotten a girlfriend. John's one pleasure is reading zines, especially "Escape Velocity," written by a self-proclaimed "Puerto Rican Cuban Yankee lesbian" named Marisol. John and Marisol become friends, but when he falls in love with her, he learns that love can be very hard indeed. Mark Webber's youthful voice projects all of John's turbulent emotions clearly. The characters' voices are distinct and easily understood in a strong story suitable for older teens.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2001
Duration: 5 hrs
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A powerful journey toward authenticity.
Shannon Tyo’s narration fully embodies the prideful spirit of Elena Ok, a 17-year-old Korean American influencer who lives in luxury thanks to her brand and her family’s clothing business. But when the Oks lose everything, the family moves to a remote farm town and into a rundown house with no Wi-Fi or furniture. Tyo perfectly captures Elena’s misery; she’s undone not just by the lack of reception but also the feeling that she’s being left out of her family’s efforts to unite and move forward. Listeners understand Elena’s pain and feelings of loss through dialogue that sparks with sarcasm. Tyo marks Elena’s gradual understanding that true connection is with family and community, not the empty superficiality that dominated her past.
A powerful journey toward authenticity. (Fiction. 12-18)Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217280834
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: March 3, 2026
Readers will be drawn into this thrilling and satisfying journey.
Khristine Hvam brilliantly brings both the story and the characters to life in this dramatic and compelling retelling of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale. Pia and her brother Max have been isolated on a farm in Maine since they were quite young. When their father breaks his leg, Pia must take over many of his chores, including regular visits to town. As Pia begins to discover the wider world and her father’s duplicity, Hvam’s pacing amplifies the suspense. With a wide vocal range, Hvam provides each character with a distinct voice, and she’s just as believable conveying 16-year-old Pia’s emotions as she is portraying Pia’s father.
Readers will be drawn into this thrilling and satisfying journey. (Fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668654996
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: yesterday
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