When Life Gives You O.J.
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Erica S. Perl, read by Abigail Revasch. Listening Library, unabridged, four CDs, 5 hrs., $30 ISBN 978-0-385-39324-9
With summer upon her, 10-year-old Zelly finds herself alone and in need of something to do. Her grandfather Ace takes it upon himself to give her a goal to work toward: proving to her parents that she’s responsible enough to take care of a dog. The only problem is that his plan involves Zelly carrying around an orange juice jug and treating it like a dog. With a voice that sounds youthful, Abigail Revasch deftly captures Zelly’s positive but occasionally melodramatic character. The narrator also creates unique voices for a host of characters—from bullies and younger brothers to condescending parents and quirky grandfathers—shifting among them with an ease that fully immerses the listener in the narrative. Ages 8–12. A Yearling paperback. (March)
Ghoulish Song
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William Alexander, read by the author. Simon & Schuster Audio, unabridged, four CDs, 5 hrs., $19.99 ISBN 978-1-4423-6306-9
In the town of Zombay, where goblins, witches, and ghouls are prevalent, young Kaile is given a flute by a goblin. When she plays it, a magical song severs her from her shadow. Unfortunately, in her land, a person without a shadow is presumed to be dead, and Kaile is first mourned as deceased and then chased away under the assumption that she is an undead ghoul. She and her detached shadow set off on an adventure to learn the secret of the flute, and, in so doing, discover that music can save the town. Author William Alexander reads in a friendly, engaging voice, ably conveying all the humor, drama, and of his book. He skillfully evokes the very likable, spunky, resourceful, and sometimes impulsive character of Kaile. And although he does not create true character voices per se, he does a good job in differentiating the characters. This entertaining companion to Alexander’s Goblin Secrets will delight young listeners who enjoy lighthearted fantasy. Ages 8–12. A Margaret K. McElderry hardcover. (March)
The Marvelous Land of Oz
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L. Frank Baum, read by Tara Sands. Dreamscape Media, unabridged, four CDs, 5hrs., $39.99 ISBN 978-1-62406-378-7
In the first sequel to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, a boy named Tip builds a pumpkin-headed stickman that he animates with magic and calls Jack Pumpkinhead. Their adventure begins when the two run away from Tip’s evil-sorceress guardian, eventually finding themselves in the company of the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and Glinda the Good Witch, along with several other unusual folk, on a quest to determine the legitimate ruler of the Emerald City now that the Wizard has departed. Narrator Tara Sands lends the many characters distinct and appropriate voices. However, at times, her delivery is somewhat stiff and affected, almost like a teacher reading a picture book to small children, rather than an actress embodying a role. Ages 10–up. (Feb.)
Hattie Ever After
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Kirby Larson, read by Kirsten Potter. Listening Library, unabridged, five CDs, 5.75 hrs., $30 ISBN 978-0-449-01524-7
This sequel to Hattie Big Sky, set in the early 20th century, sees young Hattie taking a chance and traveling to San Francisco to follow her dream of becoming a newspaper reporter. In doing so, she struggles both with her heart—because it means leaving behind the man who wants to marry her—and with the difficulty of proving herself in a field dominated by men. Kristen Potter ably portrays Hattie, conveying her emotions—particularly her terror when she takes a wild ride in a small plane, and her pain when a friend betrays her trust. Potter also creates character-distinctive voices, such as a cleaning woman’s Irish lilt and a detective’s French accent. Fans of the previous installment will enjoy Hattie’s further adventures, as will anyone interested in getting a glimpse at life in the early 20th century. Ages 10–up. A Delacorte hardcover. (Feb.)
Eleanor & Park
Rainbow Rowell, read by Rebecca Lowman and Sunil Malhotra. Listening Library, unabridged, seven CDs, 9 hrs., $50 ISBN 978-0-385-36826-1
Eleanor is the new girl, big, red-haired, dressed with a defiantly grungy lack of style, and a perfect target for ridicule and harassment in half-Korean sophomore Park’s Omaha, Neb., high school. Park doesn’t even want the weirdo sitting by him on the bus. But no one else will share a seat with Eleanor, so he—a misfit himself—reluctantly offers. Each day that passes gives them a chance to learn more about each other—the books they like, the music they share. They start to rely on each other to get through difficult times with their families and classmates. And eventually what they have becomes love. Narrators Rebecca Lowman and Sunil Malhotra turn in superb performances in their portrayal of Eleanor and Park. Despite her age, there is nothing sweet or childlike about Eleanor, and Lowman refrains from portraying her that way. Lowman’s voice and tone believably capture the too-mature-too-soon strength of a girl living a hard life. Malhotra has a rich, smooth delivery, and perfectly renders Park as he fluctuates between confidence and insecurity. Listeners of all ages will be able to enjoy this audio edition. Ages 13–up. A St. Martin’s Griffin hardcover. (Feb.)
Nonfiction
Scowler
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Daniel Kraus, read by Kirby Heyborne. Listening Library, unabridged, nine CDs, 11.5 hrs., $45 ISBN 978-0-385-36835-3
In Kraus’s novel set in 1981, 19-year-old protagonist Ry Burke is living with his mother and sister on their eroding Iowa farm when a meteorite shower falls on the nearby prison, freeing Ry’s criminally abusive father. The return of his near-demonic dad, whom he helped to convict, sends Ry into the embrace of three imaginary protectors from his childhood: a kindly bear named Mr. Furrington, an all-knowing Jesus, and an impatient, violent Scowler. Narrator Kirby Heyborne’s portrayal of Ry’s shift from complacent teen to family defender is successful. In giving voice to Ry’s imaginary friends, Heyborne adds a British accent to the ever-optimistic Furrington, a bland blissfulness to Jesus, and a chilling ferocity to Scowler. Additionally, Heyborne pushes the envelope in making Ry’s father a monstrous force that even the author may have never imagined. The result is a truly chilling, blood-drenched tale. A note of caution: the book’s graphic description of violence and torture is not softened—and is perhaps even intensified—in this audio edition. Ages 14–up. A Delacorte hardcover. (March)
No Time to Lose: A Timely Guide to the Way of the Bodhisattva
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Pema Chödrön, read by Joanna Rotte. Shambhala Audio, unabridged, 10 CDs, 11.5 hrs., $54.95 ISBN 978-1-61180-035-7
American Buddhist nun Chödrön provides commentary and insights as she presents the wisdom and words of eighth-century Indian Buddhist scholar Shantideva. Narrator Joanna Rotte is also a student of Buddhism, and puts her experience to good use here, capturing crucial nuances of the text and clearly presenting them to listeners. Rotte’s performance projects calm, but possess enough energy to convey the author’s calls to action, as well as a motherly tone that evokes nurturing and balance. Rotte—with touches of both whimsy and reverence—is especially adept in performing the evocative passages that explore the contrasts between human nature’s obsession with physical beauty and sensuality and the realities of aging and mortality. Granted, this challenging material may not be an obvious fit for audiences not steeped in Eastern traditions, but Rotte does her part, making for an accessible listening experience. A Shambhala paperback. (March)
Contagious: Why Things Catch On
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Jonah Berger, read by Keith Nobbs. Simon & Schuster Audio, unabridged, six CDs, 7 hrs., $29.99 ISBN 978-1-4423-5937-6
Before something can go viral, it must be contagious. Drawing upon his numerous academic publications and the work of others in a variety of fields, Berger explores the essential elements of how ideas, products, and organizations become very popular very quickly—and unlike other authors, his answers don’t necessarily point to social media. Keith Nobbs narrates in a youthful, slightly nasal voice—and this makes his performance all the more effective, as a youthful voice, rather than an older one, is better suited to explain the dynamics of popularity. Nobbs’s reading is nuanced and will help listeners navigate the author’s anecdotes and research. On its own, the author’s prose is engaging, but with Nobbs’s narration, the audiobook feels almost conversational, making Berger’s book even more accessible. A Simon & Schuster hardcover. (March)
Who’s on Worst? The Lousiest Players, Biggest Cheaters, Saddest Goats and Other Antiheroes in Baseball History
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Filip Bondy, read by Scott Brick. Random House Audio, unabridged, digital download, 8 hrs., $20 ISBN 978-0-385-36259-7
Based on a collection of hilarious real-life tales from gifted sportswriter Bondy (Bleeding Pinstripes: A Season with the Bleacher Creatures of Yankee Stadium) this audiobook will have listeners begging for more. Narrated by the ever-reliable Scott Brick, these jaw-dropping and uproarious stories offer a plethora of colorful characters and narratives that question the integrity of America’s Pastime. Fortunately, Brick doesn’t attempt to embellish the stories—most likely because they need no embellishment. Whether it’s the discussion of the Mendoza Line, named for Mario Mendoza, who will go down as one of the worst hitters in baseball history, or the examination of spitball aficionado Gaylord Perry, Brick delivers the tales with passion and exuberance. A must-listen for all baseball fans. A Doubleday hardcover. (March)
Duct Tape Parenting: A Less Is More Approach to Raising Respectful, Responsible, & Resilient Kids
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Vicki Hoefle, read by the author. HighBridge Audio, unabridged, seven CDs, 9 hrs., $29.95 ISBN 978-1-62231-156-9
Vicki Hoefle delivers a useful guide that looks to nurture strong and meaningful relationships between parents and children via the principles of respect, responsibility, and resilience. At its core, Hoefle’s emphasis is on silencing the parents (via duct tape) to hear and better respond to what is communicated by their children. Hoefle narrates this audio edition with mixed results. Her tone conveys an understanding of the challenges facing parents as well as the importance of doing what is right for children. However, her performance at times falters, with overly long pauses and a lilting delivery. And while this works to make the narration more conversational, it also feels disruptive to the listening experience. A Bibliomotion paperback. (Feb.)
