Multiple narrators give voice to Oliver's realistic young adult novel, which follows sisters Nick and Dara as they recover from a traumatic car accident. The narrations of the girls' voices are saturated with a harshness and negativity that initially add to the sense of darkness that pervades the novel. But eventually the mood becomes tedious as the story continues. Only a dramatic plot twist lends either sister's voice any variety, but this occurs so late in the performance that listeners may have already lost patience. The supporting cast, who narrate articles and online comments revolving around a local girl's disappearance, serves up refreshing but underutilized vocal changes.
(Fiction. 14 & up)Pub Date: March 10, 2015
Duration: 10 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780062368089
Publisher: Harper 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: today
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: yesterday
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