Fourteen-year-old Lily Owens tells her own story, capturing our attention from the first moments of this outstanding audiobook. As she explains, her mother is dead, her father hates her, and the popular girls in school laugh at her. The only person who cares is Rosaleen, her black caretaker. When Rosaleen is jailed for pouring snuff juice on the shoes of three obnoxious white men--this is mid-1960s South Carolina--Lily springs her from jail, and together they set off toward their ultimate salvation with three black female honey farmers. The story is funny, heartbreaking, and uplifting all at once. Jenna Lamia delivers a tour de force narration. Her Lily is a particular feat--she sounds believably 14 without being irritatingly young or falsely squeaky. Rosaleen’s slow, wry drawl brings this wise character to life. And the men--from the helplessly angry father to the oily preacher--are word perfect. A must listen.
Pub Date: Feb. 18, 2010
Duration: 10 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781101050989
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Escape on a thrilling adventure with Soneela Nankani and Andrew Eiden as they narrate this suspenseful romance. A year has passed since Simi Chopra, her assorted crew, and Jack Danger pulled off a lucrative diamond heist. Now, the Chicago Mafia boss is demanding that the jewels be returned, so Simi gets the team back together. Nankani delivers an expressive performance that emphasizes Simi's conflict between her passion for Jack and the mission. Her distinct character voices keep the listener fully immersed. Eiden's lively tone gives Jack a subtle flair and confidence that make him easy to forgive and to love.
Pub Date: Aug. 20, 2024
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593907467
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This is not a story about guns, but about blue pearls. Gerald Browne takes us to the Pacific Ocean and the world of pearl divers and natural gems and mixes in mystery, intrigue and suspense. Barry Bostwick portrays the characters in one voice, varying his intonation slightly for the Asian personalities. His reading style is very smooth, evidence of preparation and interest in the story. 18mm Blues is abridged well, collecting the important elements of the story. Unobtrusive music indicates the end of each side. Disappear into the mystery of the Far East and one of its most beautiful commodities.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1993
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Audio Renaissance
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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