Two narrators tell the nuanced story of an unlikely first love. The actors excel at differentiating the multiple shifting viewpoints within each chapter of the story. More importantly, they give full voice to the inner feelings and outer expressions of Eleanor and Park and the interplay that depicts their tender relationship. Sunil Malhotra’s neutral conversational tones portray the stability and comfort Park gives Eleanor, a young woman who is tormented by her mercurial stepfather. Malhotra shows Park’s internal swings from self-deprecation at his awkwardness to the heightened emotions of his extreme feelings. Rebecca Lowman portrays the defiant, witty comments that belie Eleanor’s fears. In particular, Lowman expresses Eleanor’s longing for a safe haven and her determined resilience. The poignant story ends on an emotional crescendo.
(Fiction. 14 & up)Pub Date: Feb. 26, 2013
Duration: 9 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780385368278
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Vikas Adam and Soneela Nankani animate alternate chapters of the dynamic love story between Pinky and Samir in this companion to WHEN DIMPLE MET RISHI. Coincidence unites the two teens when Samir's promised internship falls through and Pinky invites him to become her pretend summer boyfriend because he meets her mother's expectations. This fast-paced rom-com pairs two unlikely heroes, and the narrators capture the reversals and tensions of their growing relationship. Nankani shows Pinky's prickly side while also revealing her hidden vulnerabilities. Adam communicates Samir's loosening up in response to Pinky's passionate approach to living, his willingness to let go of anger, and, finally, his flourishing love for Pinky. Head and heart, tension and humor are reflected in this engaging listen.
(Romance. 13-18)Pub Date: July 21, 2020
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781797108759
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This crowd-pleasing short story collection from the prolific Levithan focuses on love in all its variety, including representation from several points on the LGBTQIA spectrum and topics ranging from quiz bowl to Taylor Swift fan fiction. Longtime fans will relish hearing from familiar characters, such as BOY MEET'S BOY's Infinite Darlene, in a story titled "The Quarterback and the Cheerleader," narrated by Elle Cohen, who nails the playful banter and soft hope of a first date. Shorter but no less sweet is Rebecca Lowman's intimate, emotive performance of a love story in verse. It takes seven narrators to deliver the angst and excitement of the members of a queer youth choir. Most memorable, however, may be the autobiographical works narrated by Levithan himself, especially the concluding track about the profound effects of sharing one's words with others.
(Anthology. 14-adult)Pub Date: Jan. 7, 2020
Duration: 8 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593104903
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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