Phoebe Strole's earnest, hopeful portrayal of Hasidic Devorah Blum creates a compelling duet with Leslie Odom, Jr.'s, passionate, eager depiction of Caribbean nerd Jaxon Hunte. When Devorah and Jax are trapped in a Brooklyn elevator during a hurricane, an unlikely love blossoms, and they find themselves wrangling with heavy societal and cultural obstacles. Dual narrators are an effective choice in a story that alternates viewpoints with each chapter, and Strole and Odom interweave their stories gracefully. Strole imbues Devorah with a solid voice and strong convictions as Odom lends humor and urgency to Jax's conflicting emotions. For those who favor romance in their coming-of-age tales.
(Fiction. 12-16)Pub Date: July 14, 2015
Duration: 10 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781101925560
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Manley's performance is charming, making Sean's world sound complex and full of possibilities.
With a heartwarming narration, author Manley becomes a teen aspiring comedian. Sean O’Brien dreams of success performing comedy beyond his hometown. When he meets Elijah, a new classmate, he discovers that other aspects of his life have also been a performance. Manley's Sean is awkward but courageous; his voice is tinged with self-doubt, even when it’s the loudest one in the classroom. At times his confident tone verges on oblivious. But when life gets him down, Sean becomes pensive, self-scrutinizing, and—for better or for worse—overcome with laughter. Manley gives unique vocal characterizations to Sean’s friends: monotone for Andy, softly inspiring for Elijah, and flatly serious for Tony.
Manley's performance is charming, making Sean's world sound complex and full of possibilities. (Fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: Sept. 8, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 41 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217349760
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Sept. 29, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2026
Gorgeous singing, brilliant performances, and flawless production values make this an audio experience listeners can...
This magical and captivating full-cast audio production combining Gaston Leroux's 1910 novel, Le Fantôme de L'Opéra, and Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera is unique. The audiobook is told from Christine Daaé’s perspective, and Beatrice Penny-Touré is truly remarkable portraying her. Christine’s youth and naïveté are unmistakable, as are her complex longings and uncertainties. As Erik, the Phantom, Jordan Donica is chilling. He makes Erik’s mercurial behaviors and his manipulations completely credible. The many cast members offer strong supporting roles, with each voice ringing true to its character, from Sierra Boggess as the Diva Carlotta to Jordan Fisher as Raoul, Christine’s real-world love.
Gorgeous singing, brilliant performances, and flawless production values make this an audio experience listeners can treasure. (Romance. 14-18)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2026
Duration: 12 hrs, 16 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217348565
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Sept. 28, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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