Grief suffuses Dion Graham's voice as he narrates high school sophomore Kermit's induction into a club no one wants to join: the club in which everyone has lost a family member. Kermit's older sister, Sheila, the only one in his Baptist family who knew he's gay, was killed by a drunk driver just days ago. He finds support in the club--and, with the charismatic, self-destructive Matt, a mutual attraction. Sheila's imagined voice, given snark by Graham, offers commentary as Kermit grapples with his sorrow, his faith, and his despair at ever coming out to his homophobic parents. The story's "club" device is occasionally disorienting, but short chapters and a quick pace carry listeners along. An empathetic note and a resource list conclude the audiobook. Sad and affirming in equal measure.
(Fiction. 13-18)Pub Date: March 14, 2023
Duration: 7 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781705093641
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Chin’s narration balances a dramatic, fast-moving plot with lush descriptions and poignant historical details.
Katharine Chin masterfully conveys the many tensions of Lucy’s story. Found in a canoe floating to Orcas Island off the coast of Washington state and raised by a kindly benefactor, Lucy has always wondered about her parents and her heritage. She’s planning on heading off to college to make a fresh start—until she comes upon her benefactor’s severed head and is named heir of his estate. Chin’s propulsive narration plunges listeners into Lucy’s search to solve the murder and uncover the secrets of her origin; explain her connection with animals, including orcas; determine whom she truly loves; and find her place in the world.
Chin’s narration balances a dramatic, fast-moving plot with lush descriptions and poignant historical details. (Historical mystery. 12-18)Pub Date: March 17, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 22 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668160121
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: April 7, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2026
A moving exploration of consequences, making amends, and figuring out who you are and what kind of person you want to be.
The second-person perspective of this thoughtful audiobook makes the experiences of the two 14-year-old boys at its center feel immediate and relatable. Narrators Major Curda and Arya Shahi deliver the points of view of Dayton and Farshid in alternating chapters. When Dayton yells a homophobic slur at an assembly, the repercussions follow him beyond suspension. The fallout also affects his classmate Farshid, who begins to question his own identity, working out obsessively and clashing with his mom. Curda and Shahi’s performances make it easy for listeners to empathize with both boys. Sound effects, while not strictly necessary, add texture to the production and evoke the soundscape of high school.
A moving exploration of consequences, making amends, and figuring out who you are and what kind of person you want to be. (Fiction. 13-18)Pub Date: March 17, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250433350
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: March 16, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: yesterday
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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