Luma Mufleh narrates her coming-of-age memoir in a candid conversational tone. Initially, she stresses details and descriptions that illuminate her love of family and her home country of Jordan. Gradually, as she grows, so does her awareness. The joys she felt in her youth turn to fear as she realizes she's attracted to women. Her storytelling skill grounds listeners as she recounts dramatic situations, such as the traumatizing incident that caused her to realize that being gay could end her life. Her escape to the U.S. doesn't end her nightmares, fear, or feelings of loss. Neither does telling the truth. Mufleh makes clear her longing for home, grief at having been rejected by her family, and sorrow at being a refugee.
(Memoir. 14-18)Pub Date: 2023
Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593681633
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Ibram X. Kendi narrates his well-researched biography of Malcolm X 100 years after Malcolm's birth. Kendi vividly shares Malcolm's family's difficulties and his flamboyant clothing and partying before he joined the Nation of Islam and began working directly with its leader, Elijah Muhammad. Malcolm's disillusionment is palpable after he observes Muhammad going against his own strict teachings. Kendi includes related historical details such as Emmett Till's barbaric murder. After Malcolm publicly changes his views on racism in scenes intensely rendered, he attempts to undo the distorted ideas he'd promoted, infuriating the Nation of Islam. The lead-up to Malcolm's assassination by the Nation of Islam is a horrifying listening experience. An important account of an oft-misunderstood individual who was a seminal influence on American history.
(Nonfiction. 12-18)Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 9 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781250377449
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Lipica Shah's stirring narration of this YA biography showcases Emma Goldman's unshakable commitment to improving the lives of the oppressed. In 1885, Goldman immigrated to the U.S. from czarist Russia and became an ardent anarchist. A prolific writer and inspirational speaker, she gave hundreds of well-attended speeches each year. When quoting Goldman, Shah exudes the intensity of her quest to elevate America's working class. When quoting from any of the thousands of period newspaper articles about Goldman, Shah mimics their predominantly disapproving tone. Goldman was even imprisoned because of her progressive positions on government, workers' rights, sex, and birth control. Never deterred, Goldman was once considered the most dangerous woman in America.
(Biography. 14-18)Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250415134
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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