Caitlin Kelly's narration captures a wide array of characters in this story of young love. Seventeen-year-old Abby gives herself a month to complete tough things in an effort to infuse emotion into her art. What has she already crossed off? Having her heart broken, due to her unrequited crush on her friend Cooper. As Abby grows emotionally, Kelly's narration reveals more emotion as well, and her range of character voices astounds. Kelly instills age in Abby's grandfather's voice through a gravelly quality and emits confidence in her military dad's sure and even tone. Stilted dialogue and a predictable premise give way to lively interactions between the characters. Surprising developments will keep listeners engaged to the end as Abby works to develop her art and get over her crush.
(Fiction. 12-16)Pub Date: Dec. 26, 2017
Duration: 8 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062823151
Publisher: Harper 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: Jan. 27, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063312517
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
An exceptional and authentic listening experience.
Three narrators—the author and his real-life wife and brother—each tell this heartfelt and witty story with their own approach. Carter is stuck in a loop. Every year on his birthday, he turns 16 again and forgets the previous year, while everyone else, including his younger brother, Lincoln, ages normally. But loop six seems different, and Carter, supported by his family and former girlfriend, Maggie, will do anything to end the cycle. As the three narrators introduce each character’s perspective and deliver their experiences with emotional depth, the dynamic between Carter, Lincoln, and Maggie sounds natural and complex.
An exceptional and authentic listening experience.Pub Date: Jan. 6, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063330405
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 9, 2026
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