Thirteen-year-old Noah believes he shares one heart with his twin sister, Jude, but jealousy and secrets threaten their relationship. Dual narrations by Julia Whelan and Jesse Bernstein distinguish both protagonists, articulate their changing personalities, animate minor characters, and reveal dramatic truths. When Jude resumes the story at age 16, the two barely speak. Jude reveals a history of hurt and betrayals, and a desire for their former closeness. Whelan’s Jude sounds overtly sarcastic, but listeners are privy to her feelings of vulnerability. For example, she believes she can fend off her mother’s vindictive ghost by continually wielding superstitions devised by her quirky grandmother. Bernstein’s young Noah is vulnerable as well, coping with the pain of a turbulent family and his burgeoning homosexuality. Two emotive performances describe the heartbreak of lonely teens who long for a closeness they feel they don’t deserve.
(Fiction. 14 & up)Pub Date: Sept. 16, 2014
Duration: 12 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781455849406
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Manley's performance is charming, making Sean's world sound complex and full of possibilities.
With a heartwarming narration, author Manley becomes a teen aspiring comedian. Sean O’Brien dreams of success performing comedy beyond his hometown. When he meets Elijah, a new classmate, he discovers that other aspects of his life have also been a performance. Manley's Sean is awkward but courageous; his voice is tinged with self-doubt, even when it’s the loudest one in the classroom. At times his confident tone verges on oblivious. But when life gets him down, Sean becomes pensive, self-scrutinizing, and—for better or for worse—overcome with laughter. Manley gives unique vocal characterizations to Sean’s friends: monotone for Andy, softly inspiring for Elijah, and flatly serious for Tony.
Manley's performance is charming, making Sean's world sound complex and full of possibilities. (Fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: Sept. 8, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 41 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217349760
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: tomorrow
Gorgeous singing, brilliant performances, and flawless production values make this an audio experience listeners can...
This magical and captivating full-cast audio production combining Gaston Leroux's 1910 novel, Le Fantôme de L'Opéra, and Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera is unique. The audiobook is told from Christine Daaé’s perspective, and Beatrice Penny-Touré is truly remarkable portraying her. Christine’s youth and naïveté are unmistakable, as are her complex longings and uncertainties. As Erik, the Phantom, Jordan Donica is chilling. He makes Erik’s mercurial behaviors and his manipulations completely credible. The many cast members offer strong supporting roles, with each voice ringing true to its character, from Sierra Boggess as the Diva Carlotta to Jordan Fisher as Raoul, Christine’s real-world love.
Gorgeous singing, brilliant performances, and flawless production values make this an audio experience listeners can treasure. (Romance. 14-18)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2026
Duration: 12 hrs, 16 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217348565
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: today
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