AudioFile Magazine

09/21/2024

An outstanding cast brings these 90 essays and poems from Ibram X. Kendi vividly to life. Of the many incandescent narrators, JD Jackson, Kevin R. Free, January LaVoy, and Robin Miles are masterful. Penguin Random House Audio

AudioFile Audiobook Review: An outstanding cast brings these essays and poems vividly to life. Of the many incandescent narrators, JD Jackson (“Upon Arrival”), Kevin R. Free (“Co

09/21/2024

✊🏽 Established in 1982, brings together the entire book community in shared support of the freedom to read. Check out ALA for ways to get involved.

Established in 1982, Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community in shared support of the freedom to read.

09/21/2024

Supreme Court Justice narrates her audiobook with the precision and thoughtfulness that characterize her legal decisions. She candidly depicts her childhood love of learning, as well as memories of high school debating, Harvard friendships, falling in love, juggling family and work, and law case challenges. Penguin Random House Audio

AudioFile Audiobook Review: Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson narrates her audiobook with the precision and thoughtfulness that characterize her legal decisions. She st

09/20/2024

Mara Wilson offers a graceful performance of Alice Hoffman’s fictionalized account of Anne Frank’s life before her family went into hiding. In a clear, warm tone, Wilson describes a young Anne, who is passionate about writing and infectiously high-spirited and curious. Because listeners will likely know the end of Anne’s story, the portents of doom delicately woven into the novel are all the more impactful. Scholastic

AudioFile Audiobook Review: Mara Wilson offers a graceful performance of Hoffman's fictionalized account of Anne Frank's life before her family went into hiding. In a clear, warm

09/20/2024

This book devours you - check out AudioFile's review of by Ryan La Sala read by Vikas Adam ... It's "a high-octane performance" and an winner Scholastic https://bit.ly/4dXoMKU

09/20/2024

🎧 New Ep: Narrator .Fontana delivers Riley Sager’s trademark psychological suspense. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Kendra Wi******er discuss this twisty thriller that’s a great slow-burn mystery with a touch of the paranormal. It’s 1994, and 10-year-old Ethan and his best friend, Billy, camp out in Ethan’s backyard. The night will tragically be remembered as the night Billy was taken from the tent while his best friend slept beside him. Thirty years later, Ethan reluctantly returns to his childhood home. Immersive storytelling helps listeners follow dual timelines. Fontana’s expressive tone enhances the multiple points of view. Penguin Random House Audio https://bit.ly/AFMpodcast

09/20/2024

High society, art, cults, madness, and dark magic mix with a touch of wild romance in Beholder by Ryan La Sala, read by Vikas Adam. When a hot boy at a swanky party tells Athan to stay in the bathroom until he comes back for him, Athan doesn't expect to spend hours listening to frenzied screams and the sounds of destruction. Vikas Adam provides rich character voices and emotion that pull listeners into Athan's search for answers to the horrors of that night, as well as the disappearance of his grandmother and the fire that destroyed his family when he was a child. Sound effects and a high-octane performance don't let go – this book devours you.
Scholastic https://bit.ly/4dXoMKU

09/19/2024

Books with vivid settings are often even better on audio, as narrators bring these places to life with accents and descriptions. This month we're highlighting 3 recent audiobooks with unforgettable settings: a family-run funeral home in Providence, Rhode Island, and the various landmarks important to the city’s q***r and Jewish communities; a trailer park outside of Tucson, Arizona; and a small Cotswolds village and the home and garden of a le***an couple who live—and get into mischief—there.

There’s little I love more than settling down to listen to an audiobook with a strong sense of place. Books with vivid settings are often even better on audio, as narrators bring these places to life with accents and descriptions. This month I’m highlighting three recent audiobooks I&rsq...

09/19/2024

Narrators Caroline Lee and Geraldine Hakewill weave the threads of this tense exploration of free will by Liane Moriarty. Hakewill portrays the tired and frustrated passengers on a delayed flight across Australia. Lee portrays the woman who suddenly stands and states how and when they will die. Penguin Random House Audio

AudioFile Audiobook Review: Narrators Caroline Lee and Geraldine Hakewill weave the threads of this tense exploration of free will. Everyone on a delayed flight across Australia

09/19/2024

🎧 New Ep: Narrator Jennifer Ikeda reintroduces listeners to power couple Diana and Matthew de Claremont, witch and vampire, and their equally magical children. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Kendra Wi******er discuss this continuation of the tale that Deborah Harkness first started in A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES. When a black bird brings Diana a message, she heads to Ravenswood, her Aunt Gwyneth’s property in Massachusetts, to uncover the dark side of her magic. Ikeda brings every corner of Ravenswood to life, pointing out its marshes, barns, and haunted woods in warm, wondrous tones. Her narration illuminates the shadowy paths Diana now chooses to tread. Penguin Random House Audio https://bit.ly/AFMpodcast

09/19/2024

Still sad about being canceled? There's audio for that. A talented cast led by Ben Barnes taps into the darkly magical atmosphere of Leigh Bardugo’s graphic novel prequel. Cassandra Lee Morris

AudioFile Audiobook Review: A full cast of talented narrators taps into the darkly magical atmosphere of Bardugo’s graphic novel prequel to the Shadow and Bone trilogy. Primary n

09/18/2024

Sci-Fi Voices, Engage!! 😉

AudioFile Audiobook Review: Narrators Andrea Emmes and Tim Fannon take listeners on an action-packed journey through time and space. From her ship in orbit, Lieutenant Selene Gen

09/18/2024

🎧 New Ep: Kendra Wi******er tells host Jo Reed about one of the most delightful science fiction stories of the year. Katharine Chin performs Yume Kitasei’s Indiana Jones-like adventure that’s perfect for lovers of great heist stories. Maya Hoshimoto, former thief, has retired to Earth to be a graduate student in anthropology. But when her best friend asks her to do one last job, she reluctantly agrees. Chin’s narration captures Maya’s adventurous spirit as she travels across space with her crew, and she keeps listeners on the edge of their seats with her performance. Macmillan Audio https://bit.ly/AFMpodcast

09/18/2024

Diverse in ethnic and national origin backgrounds, Americans with Latine heritage contribute to every corner of literature and performance styles. The audiobooks here are intended to pique your listening interest in all those kinds of variety. You might start with OUR MIGRANT SOULS, written by journalist and academic Héctor Tobar, who plumbs the corners of Latine identity in today’s United States, and read by André Santana, whose voice work reflects the author’s thesis of Latine identity’s youth. Or share with a small child MANGO, ABUELA, AND ME by the current National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Meg Medina, and performed by a full cast. The list also includes short stories, novels for every age group, memoirs and biographies, poetry, and drama. No matter your reading and listening preferences, you’ll find something to your taste here.

Latin Roots, American Voices

09/18/2024

Jay Myers narrates this fascinating audiobook by Evan Friss about American bookstores with enthusiasm for its subject, neutrality toward its facts, and admiration for its stories. The wealth of topics discussed is astounding: early bookstores, past and present bibliophiles, particular bookstores’ scents, and more. Penguin Random House Audio

AudioFile Audiobook Review: Jay Myers narrates this fascinating audiobook about American bookstores with enthusiasm for its subject, neutrality toward its facts, and admiration f

09/17/2024

🎧 New Ep: Adepero Oduye and Chukwudi Iwuji perform Akwaeke Emezi's novel told by a group of characters who are all connected by the events of a single night. AudioFile’s Kendra Wi******er tells host Jo Reed about what she describes as one of the most whirlwind stories she’s listened to all year. In an unnamed city in Nigeria, Kalu attends a s*x party to help him forget that his girlfriend, Aima, has just left him. But everything goes wrong, and Kalu finds himself sucked into the city’s seedy underbelly with no way out. The narrators work together to draw listeners in with the emotional depth of their performances. Penguin Random House Audio https://bit.ly/AFMpodcast

09/17/2024

Multitalented playwright/director/actor Colman Domingo gathered an internationally acclaimed cast to hit this spirited blend of social satire, love, responsibility, and grief out of the park. This delightful roller coaster of a comedy features subtle sound effects and seamless musical cues—all of which illustrate how theater and the audiobook world can be wonderfully complementary. An absolute keeper. Audible

AudioFile Audiobook Review: Multitalented playwright/director/actor Colman Domingo gathered an internationally acclaimed cast to hit this spirited blend of social satire, love, r

09/17/2024

*SAVE THE DATE 9/27* is a series co-sponsored by Novel Suspects Hachette Audio and AudioFile Magazine where authors and narrators discuss their latest crime fiction projects. 🎧

Please join us this September 27th for Edgar Award winning author Attica Locke in conversation with audiobook narrator and actor JD Jackson about the forthcoming mystery Guide Me Home: A Highway 59 novel, moderated by the wonderful Michele Cobb of Audiofile Magazine ().

REGISTER FOR FREE:
https://www.crowdcast.io/c/murderbythemic-atticalocke

09/16/2024

🎧 New Ep: Mikaela Hoover performs Porochista Khakpour’s wildly delightful novel about Iranian American fast-food heiresses and wannabe reality television stars. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Kendra Wi******er discuss this story about four sisters at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which toppled their dreams of a reality series focused on their family. The Milani family is forced to spend all of their time together and tensions rise. Hoover gives each dramatically different viewpoint character a distinct narrative voice, highlighting the charming and unique qualities of each character. Penguin Random House Audio https://bit.ly/AFMpodcast

09/16/2024

Vivienne Leheny will keep listeners guessing as she narrates this smart story by Charlie Donlea - Author about a thirty-year-old mystery involving the disappearance of three members of a wealthy Nevada family. Leheny carries listeners through every step of the story, challenging us to separate heroes from villains. Recorded Books

AudioFile Audiobook Review: Vivienne Leheny will keep listeners guessing as she narrates this smart story about a thirty-year-old mystery involving the disappearance of three mem

09/16/2024

Every year ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) compiles a list of the Top 10 Most based on information from reports filed by library professionals, community members, and news stories. Listen to our bonus Behind The Mic podcast interview with author Maia Kobabe, PRH audiobook producer Nick Martorelli, and AudioFile’s Michele Cobb about ***R the most banned book in 2023.

AudioFile Audiobook Review: Maia Kobabe is the clear star of the show in this audio adaptation of eir 2014 graphic memoir. In a voice that’s reflective, inviting, and refreshingl

09/15/2024

Narrator Elena Rey tells AudioFile listeners about narrating Melissa Mogollon's emotional and funny family novel OYE, which is told through a series of phone calls between Luciana and her older sister Mari. Penguin Random House Audio

Narrator Elena Rey tells AudioFile listeners about narrating Melissa Mogollon's emotional and funny family novel OYE, which is told through a series of phone calls between Luciana and her older sister Mari.

09/15/2024

Narrator performs this beautifully crafted story by Caroline Säfstrand about female bonding, personal growth, and the transformative power of friendship. The audiobook alternates between the viewpoints of an aging, reclusive bestselling author, and her cleaner. This audiobook is meant to be savored, and its celebratory ending enjoyed. Brilliance Publishing Translated by A. A. Prime.

AudioFile Audiobook Review: Narrator Ann Richardson performs this beautifully crafted story about female bonding, personal growth, and the transformative power of friendship. The

09/14/2024

Elizabeth Knowelden will capture listeners’ hearts with her charming performance of India Holton's novel. Rival ornithologists are on the hunt for the death whistler bird, one the rare jewels in birding. Knowelden’s performance is so charismatic and detailed that listeners will laugh at every scoff and playful jab. Penguin Random House Audio

AudioFile Audiobook Review: Elizabeth Knowelden will capture listeners' hearts with her charming performance. Rival ornithologists Beth Pickering, a recent graduate, and Professo

09/14/2024

Victoria Villarreal and an ensemble cast narrate a thrilling epic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia set in 1950s Hollywood. Villarreal capably portrays the three main characters: Vera Larios, the unknown Mexican ingénue; Nancy Hartley, a bit player who feels cheated out of a starring role; and Salome herself. Penguin Random House Audio

AudioFile Audiobook Review: Victoria Villarreal and an ensemble cast narrate a thrilling epic set in 1950s Hollywood. Sword-and-sandal films are all the rage, so when an unknown

09/13/2024

🎧 New Ep: Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly discuss a middle-grade novel by Anne Ursu that is perfect for heading back to school — and is a little bit haunted. depicts Violet, who is nervous about moving into the strange attic bedroom of her family’s new home and worried about starting 6th grade. Kaminsky reflects the uncertainty that creeps into Violet’s voice when she feels betrayed by her two best friends’ cruelty at a sleepover. Then she gets sick and doesn’t get better, spending more time in her room with its creepy yellow wallpaper. Violet’s fear becomes palpable as her weakness and fatigue intensify, and she starts to hear a terrifying voice from within the wallpaper. HarperAudio https://bit.ly/AFMpodcast

09/13/2024

Get ready for ALL of the feelings. Narrators Huw Parmenter and Sam Newton bring listeners up close and personal with British prep school boyfriends Charlie and Nick in this novella set after the events of the graphic novel series. by Alice Oseman. HarperAudio https://bit.ly/47lcx8t

AudioFile Audiobook Review: Get ready for ALL of the feelings. Narrators Huw Parmenter and Sam Newton bring listeners up close and personal with British prep school boyfriends Ch

01/08/2024

🎧 New Ep: AudioFile’s and host Jo Reed discuss a week of new and favorite personal development and business books, beginning with DIALED IN. After coach Dana Sinclair delivers her introduction with inviting sincerity, Eunice Wong performs the bulk of this captivating audiobook with the perfect blend of authority and spirit. The majority of the power of the audiobook can be found in the success stories that build the credibility of the author’s message: Guidance and support, as well as a strategic blend of insight and action, can help people break through performance blocks. Simon & Schuster Audio bit.ly/3M8l2JP

01/08/2024

In this well-informed collection of research and practical advice, Michelle Penelope King, an expert on organizational life, explains how to navigate the informal systems in any workplace. .Ellsmore narrates with authority that fits the depth and credibility of this writing. HarperAudio

AudioFile Audiobook Review: In this well-informed collection of research and practical advice, an expert on organizational life explains how to navigate the informal systems in a

01/08/2024

This entire ensemble of performers is particularly effective at creating an absorbing, progressively horrifying listen. 's audiobook revolves around a layered world of human relationships involving the desire for power and its consequences. Penguin Random House Audio

AudioFile Audiobook Review: This entire ensemble of performers is particularly effective at creating an absorbing, progressively horrifying listen. Wendig's audiobook revolves ar