Narrator Kirby Heyborne channels a bookish superhero in a way that is incredibly effective, given the narrative arc of this novel. Initially, listeners may view Heyborne's choice to give weight to every--single--word a bit curious until they realize that the protagonist is a tongue-tied teen who simultaneously grapples with the trauma of losing his mother and the agony of being bullied for living in a junk-filled trailer. Throughout, Heyborne expertly differentiates a cast of minor characters, including an angsty lesbian teen, an empathetic priest, a high-strug divorcée, and an alcoholic widower. While Heyborne's skills as a voice actor shine throughout, his most gorgeous work comes at the very end in a dialogue between the main character and his father. Give this a listen.
(Verse novel. 12-18)Pub Date: Oct. 13, 2020
Duration: 3 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063033702
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Amber McBride's narration of her novel paints a picture of careful, rule-abiding 17-year-old Gospel, a Keeper who lives in the Leaving Room. She's responsible for helping young souls transition between life and death. McBride's precise delivery echoes her stunning images of evocative memories and settings. Gradually, McBride's narration is colored with questioning as Gospel wonders at the rules she lives by. These rules collapse when she connects with Melodee, another Keeper, even as the narration reflects the joys and tenderness of their love. Finally, the memories Gospel has collected from all the Leavers give context to her own life experience as she remembers and owns her past. McBride's lyrical narration weaves together love, loss, grief, and the liminal space between life and death.
(Verse fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: Oct. 14, 2025
Duration: 2 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250411440
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Tune your ear to a rap beat and prepare for a great listen. It's 1999, and Pernell, a failing high school student, uses a pen recorder to capture his thoughts for posterity in case the Y2K hysteria is true and civilization collapses. Author and narrator Idris Goodwin showcases the personalities of Pernell's caring parents and friends, as well as an antagonistic teacher, through tone. Sometimes it takes a few seconds to determine who's speaking, but Goodwin's approach definitely works. Pernell is thoroughly likable. He's smart but often derailed by ADHD. Rapping is his thing. He records his triumphs and struggles, including his attempts to be the Cypher King of summer school. Listeners will find that his sincerity and occasional self-doubts ring true.
(Verse fiction. 12-18)Pub Date: Oct. 14, 2025
Duration: 3 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781668147696
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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