by Polly Shulman ; read by Jennifer Ikeda ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 4, 2006
In this modern-day PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, protagonist Julie yearns to find her Mr. Darcy, while balancing the crazy antics of her socially unfettered friend, Ashleigh, who tries to find her Mr. Bingley. Mimicking the characterizations of sisters Elizabeth and Jane of the original story, Jennifer Ikeda portrays these misses in classic style. She captures the emotional angst of quiet, reserved Julie and the boisterous Ashleigh equally well. Other characters such as the snooty prep school boys, their headmaster, and the girls' unwitting mothers also come alive through skillful narration. Jane Austen would be happy to listen to this well-done rendition of her classic story and know that traditional romance is still in style in the 21st century.
Young AdultPub Date: Feb. 4, 2006
Duration: 6 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Linda Davies ; read by Emily Wilden ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
Listeners follow Merry, the longbow girl, one of the best archers in her town. When she finds a magical portal in the forest that takes her back to sixteenth-century Wales, she must use her skills to win an archery contest in order to help her ancestors keep their land. While narrator Emily Wilden brings protagonist Merry to life with a rich Welsh accent, her narration seems uneven at times. All the period characters have accents that reflect the setting of the story and transport listeners to Wales. Listeners who enjoy historical fiction and a bit of fantasy will be charmed by this tale of determination, hope, and family.
Young AdultPub Date: N/A
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781501916793
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Avi ; read by Alexandra O'Karma ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
In 1832 thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle is sailing from Liverpool to Rhode Island to rejoin her family. Shocked to discover that the families who were to have been both guardians and companions will not accompany her, Charlotte embarks on a journey filled with terror and swashbuckling adventure. The first-person narrative makes this Newbery Honor book a wonderful choice for recording. O'Karma's reading, with its hint of cross-gender differentiation, allows the listener to feel as if Charlotte Doyle herself were relating the tale. This story should be particularly alluring to adolescent girls although the fast-paced action and the nautical setting will also appeal to male listeners. Ages 12-adult.
Ages 12+Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 6 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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