Josephine Huang's and David Lee Huynh's earnest performances delight in this winning YA rom-com. Huang's spirited narration embodies the optimistic 18-year-old Clementine Chan, who writes as Hibiscus in her blog, which provides news and reviews on Chinatown. Huynh's deep tones and pacing clearly portray the cranky Danny Mok, a.k.a. BobaBoy888. Mok thinks Hibiscus's "cringe-worthy" posts are superficial and don't address important issues like gentrification. The interplay between the two performers' voices and styles fluidly captures Danny and Clementine's different socioeconomic situations and their increased cooperation in working against Kale Corp, which is threatening to close his family's teahouse. Huynh and Huang also maintain the tension as the protagonists remain unaware of each other's virtual identity. A sweet, smart listen for older teens and young adults alike.
(Romance. 13-18)Pub Date: 2023
Duration: 7 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063229921
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: 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063312517
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Mirai's narration gives emotional depth to 16-year-old Char Tang, who is provided an escape from her lack of prospects and her threatening stepfather by a last-minute invitation to a summer camp at MIT. Even though Char feels intellectually out of her depth compared to the other campers, she believes winning the camp's coding competition could mean a new start for her. She befriends Khoi Astor, the top student in the program, who helps her with her academic performance and slowly becomes more than the means to winning much needed money. Is it possible his confidence and upbeat attitude could be instructive? Mirai portrays an anxious teen with a lot at stake as she becomes increasingly determined to win a fierce competition. E.J.F © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine
(Romance. 13-18)Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 7 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668153840
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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