When Mann's younger brother, Jason, is shot to death on their porch, the family is nearly destroyed. Mann's father is so terrified about losing another son that he decides to leave Mann and his friend, Kee-lee, in the woods, forcing them to survive as they enact an ancient African tradition. Narrator Dominic Hoffman beautifully illustrates the grief and hopelessness of the family, as well as the moments of joy that temporarily bring everyone out of their pain. Flake uses the seldom-examined relationship of an African-American father and son to convey her view of contemporary life. A closing interview with the author offers a glimpse into her intentions in this tragic but hopeful story.
Young AdultPub Date: Jan. 22, 2006
Duration: 6 hrs
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Realistic and satisfying.
Sixteen-year-old Tatum Nova Lambert is trying to deal with her grief and is determined to bring her famous restaurateur father home to Canada. He’s working in the same French Alpine town where her sister died of an aneurysm a year earlier. Narrator Julie Lumsden conveys Tatum’s confusion about her sister’s last days, concern about her father’s return to drinking, and questions about her own identity. Lumsden balances Tatum’s complex internal struggles—about family secrets, sexuality, art, and her Métis heritage—with captivating descriptions of the French Alps and well-rounded portraits of secondary characters who expand the story. Lumsden expresses the growing sense of tension and mystery as Tatum discovers much about family, friendship, love, and her authentic self.
Realistic and satisfying. (Fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: Oct. 6, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 22 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063334304
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Nov. 18, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2027
Muñoz’s narration allows glints of humor and family love to balance the horrors of trauma.
Narrator Javier Muñoz’s voice is light, almost giddy, as he describes the loving, joyful, book-filled family life of 17-year-old Mexican American twins Emma and CheChe. The story is told from the perspective of CheChe, who relishes his good life. After CheChe’s El Paso high school is attacked and he is shot and loses a leg, Muñoz’s narration changes dramatically. Sounding slower, subdued, and saddened, CheChe tries to comprehend the shattering of his idyllic life. Listeners will be struck by the sweetness of CheChe’s developing relationship with Placido, his first boyfriend, and the evolution of his path to healing.
Muñoz’s narration allows glints of humor and family love to balance the horrors of trauma. (Fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: Sept. 29, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 56 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668185834
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 29, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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