When Oprah introduced BACK ROADS as a Book Club Selection, she noted that it is, among other things, "raw." Indeed it is. Harley Altmayer, 19, is taking care of his three younger sisters after his mother is imprisoned for murdering their abusive father. The abusive history of the family and the overwhelming emotions of love, hate, joy and despair make this a searing story that is often difficult to take but just as hard to forget. Dylan Baker's narration is emotionally fluent; a drollness born of despair is etched into Harley's thoughts and voice. Baker moves easily into the voices of the women in Harley's life--his lover, his sister--and their fears and hopes and love for Harley. He can capture, in a single sentence, both the hopelessness Harley feels when viewing his life and his joy at finding someone who he believes really loves him. Baker conveys the essence of this devastating novel with each word.
Pub Date: 1999
Duration: 6 hrs
Publisher: Harper 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: 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: 1993
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Audio Renaissance
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
