A cast of performers, including Orson Scott Card's own daughter, Emily, presents the first book in his new manga series. Even with the talent of the full cast and the writing ability of Card, the manga format doesn’t seem well suited to an audio production. The characters lack depth and development, and the sound effects distract from, rather than enhance, the story. Much of the action, which is probably shown through pictures when one is reading the graphic novel, has to be explained to the listener, which makes the development of the plot seem forced. Although Stefan Rudnicki capably narrates much of the story, the production suffers from the inability of manga to make a seamless transition to the audio format.
(Graphic science fiction. 12 & up)Pub Date: Sept. 27, 2011
Duration: 2 hrs
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Sixteen narrators offer a humorous take on contemporary culture, with Bechdel as the deadpan narrator. While her friends navigate their first throuple and her wife, Holly, garners fame as a wood-chopping influencer, Alison is stuck. Her first book has been adapted into a successful TV show, but she struggles with a follow-up. Perhaps writing a script about rejecting consumer capitalism will get her back on track? In the end, simply spending time with friends puts her back in the creative saddle. Standouts include Holly Rae Taylor's heartfelt optimism as Holly, Jenn Colella's wit as Alison, and Joe Barrett's fumbling innocence as Stuart. Sound effects immerse listeners in each scene, and Bechdel's sardonic take on the group's liberal leanings reminds fans of what makes her work special.
Pub Date: July 15, 2025
Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063278950
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A full cast brings this graphic novel to life on audio. Author Mike Curato narrates in an innocent tone as AJ, who is new to Seattle and anxious to break into the gay dating scene. When he crashes into a gorgeous drag queen, K, she sweeps him into her "Boy Luck Club." Nicky Endres brings elegance to their portrayal of K, who mothers the group of gay Asian friends while hiding her own pain. Earl T Kim voices John, a gamer with a deep, resonant voice and major insecurities about crushing on his flirtatious roommate, Steven, who is depicted with skill by Dustin Vuong Nguyen. The story shifts among the various points of view, giving a window onto the characters' past lives, and their futures together.
Pub Date: June 3, 2025
Duration: 4 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668650448
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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