M.T. Anderson narrates his own extensively researched work in a gentle, emphatic tenor, simultaneously methodical and sympathetic. Although his discussion focuses on Shostakovich's personal experiences, Anderson incorporates a great deal of historical information, using primary sources and detailed accounts of events to give listeners an immersive account of one of Russia's darkest periods. With a balanced, impartial tone, Anderson recounts the daily lives of Shostakovich's friends, family, and fellow citizens amid the actions of corrupt dictators, outlining how machinations from above affected ordinary people. Anderson's use of Shostakovich's music and his thorough, direct approach as an author and narrator make this an immersive listen for music and history enthusiasts alike.
(Biography. 14 & up)Pub Date: Sept. 22, 2015
Duration: 10 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781491588482
Publisher: Brilliance Audio/ Candlewick
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A full cast gives a wonderfully vibrant performance of Jason Reynolds's powerful story about found family and music. Nile Bullock heads up the ensemble as 18-year-old Stuyvesant (Stuy), an avid drummer. When he moves out because of his mom's new boyfriend, he meets Dunks, a genius on the guitar, and then Alexis (bass) and Keith (trumpet), all of whom love music just as much as Stuy does. They form a band, and their impromptu jam sessions in New York City subway stations quickly gather fans. The uniformly excellent performances make the characters feel real, developed, and relatable, and the lively conversations among teenagers sound absolutely authentic. Justin Ellington's extensive and essential musical score gives SOUNDTRACK its soundtrack. The result is a production that's full of heart.
(Fiction. 12-18)Pub Date: June 3, 2025
Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593863466
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
When Harper, portrayed by Natalie Naudus, moves next door to Ollie, portrayed by Mary Helen Gallucci, her upended senior year might not totally suck, thanks to their Dungeons & Dragons sessions. Harper and Ollie haven't seen each other since they were 12, but Ollie is still afraid of acting on her romantic feelings for her childhood friend in her small Virginia town. Gallucci's higher pitched voice and nervousness sound appropriate for a closeted teenager and all her cringe moments. While Naudus's deeper voice and even tone portray the confident character of Harper, her performance comes across as more adult than teen. André Santana's masculine voice helps distinguish the fantasy storytelling of their D&D game.
(Romance. 14-18)Pub Date: April 8, 2025
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798228366213
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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