The winner of the 2012 PEN/Bellwether Prize for Socially Engaged Fiction examines the workings of an institution for disabled teens run by a corporation that is more interested in profit than providing patient care. Collusion between doctors and hospitals, sadistic guards, and neglect resulting in a young man's death are only some of the horrific revelations. Written as a series of narrative monologues, this is a wonderful vehicle for audio, with engaging, heartrending performances by a talented cast of actors. Listeners meet Yessenia, a feisty wheelchair-bound teenager; Mia, who is being sexually abused by a "houseparent"; and Joanne, Ricky, and Jimmie, caring staff members. The villains are really bad, the heroes are overworked, and the kids are at the mercy of a corrupt system. Enlightening listening.
Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2013
Duration: 7 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781622311354
Publisher: HighBridge 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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