At the heart of this audiobook about how communities can heal a broken heart is Efren "Chino" Flores, a middle school teacher who has moved back to his California hometown in the wake of a personal tragedy. Andrew Joseph Perez brings a natural warmth to Chino's story. His voice is defined by liveliness that lifts up the joyful moments and softens the heavy ones. Each person in Chino's life is given a distinct voice. Characters range from his eccentric best friend, Metal Matt, to the women and men he falls in and out of love with as he gets back on his feet. All of these elements together make for a cathartic listen.
Pub Date: June 11, 2024
Duration: 6 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668639030
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Lakin delivers a layered performance of each complex character, adding depth and insight to this original coming-of-age tale.
In this captivating debut novel, Christine Lakin introduces a domineering mother, her four brilliant daughters, and her compliant husband. The unusual Cross family lives on the grounds of Mercy Hill, a mental hospital run by their mother. The sisters, JJ, Caro, Mimi, and Denise, and their mother, Lisa, sacrifice much to keep the hospital viable. The story is told by the youngest, Denise; she’s young and inexperienced, and the accuracy of her observations may feel unreliable. Lakin’s narration, especially authentic in family scenes, offers portraits of each sister, carefully allowing them varying degrees of awareness.
Lakin delivers a layered performance of each complex character, adding depth and insight to this original coming-of-age tale.Pub Date: May 5, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 18 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217290215
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2026
With a performance that’s warm, thoughtful, and filled with understanding, Scholey makes this sentimental journey...
Annabel Scholey’s narration fully embodies the many characters in this heart-wrenching look at a family dealing with the unthinkable. Fifteen-year-old Jesse has terminal leukemia. Jesse’s family is falling apart trying to deal with the news. The Inspire a Wish Foundation sends virtual-reality game designer Alex to try to fulfill Jesse’s wish for an interactive video of her life to leave behind for her family. Scholey’s serious but upbeat delivery keeps the poignant story from becoming maudlin. She skillfully conveys Alex’s uncertainty about the project, Jesse’s excitement, her mother’s sensible encouragement, and her father’s animosity toward Alex, and she portrays the patients and gentle, caring staff of the pediatric cancer ward.
With a performance that’s warm, thoughtful, and filled with understanding, Scholey makes this sentimental journey worthwhile.Pub Date: May 5, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 44 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063497245
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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