Hoban's poignant and sometimes-disturbing novel centers on Willow, a teenage girl who copes with the death of her parents by repeatedly slicing her skin with razor blades. Even though this book ultimately becomes a gentle teenage love story, Willow's vivid descriptions of cutting herself and the depictions of her emotional mind-set during these moments provide the foundation of this novel. Kim Ulrich's voice naturally quivers and breaks frequently, characteristics that work well for Willow, a grief-stricken, insecure 17-year-old. However, utilizing more confident, mature-sounding voices for the adult characters and for Willow's boyfriend would have greatly enhanced this production. Overall, Ulrich is adept at giving voice to a teenager in crisis and describing the emotional complexities of cutting. Listeners should be prepared to hear graphic depictions of cutting and teenage sex, as well as mild profanity.
Young AdultPub Date: Feb. 4, 2009
Duration: 10 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: March 10, 2026
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