This quaint performance by a five-narrator ensemble will tug at the heartstrings. It explores the budding relationship between Coley and Sonya, who are both learning to accept the beauty to be found in being vulnerable. Coley moves to Oregon after her mother dies and meets Sonya, who is uncertain about how a same-sex relationship will change her. Both girls stumble through expressing their feelings and learn how to cope in various ways. The narration is calm yet raw, a style well suited to the story. Certain dialogue exchanges between narrators add depth. While Coley and Sonya are portrayed as uncertain of their paths, they both grow into confident young women who are deserving of love and respect.
(Romance. 14-18)Pub Date: 2023
Duration: 8 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250899279
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
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: 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063312517
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Mirai's narration gives emotional depth to 16-year-old Char Tang, who is provided an escape from her lack of prospects and her threatening stepfather by a last-minute invitation to a summer camp at MIT. Even though Char feels intellectually out of her depth compared to the other campers, she believes winning the camp's coding competition could mean a new start for her. She befriends Khoi Astor, the top student in the program, who helps her with her academic performance and slowly becomes more than the means to winning much needed money. Is it possible his confidence and upbeat attitude could be instructive? Mirai portrays an anxious teen with a lot at stake as she becomes increasingly determined to win a fierce competition. E.J.F © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine
(Romance. 13-18)Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 7 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668153840
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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