Click here to see all of the current Amazing Audiobooks nominees along with more information about the list and past years’ selections.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson; narrated by Bailey Carr, Marisa Calin, Michael Crouch, Gopal Divan, Robert Fass, Kevin R. Free, Sean Patrick Hopkins, Carol Monda, Patricia Santomasso, Shezi Sardar, and Amanda Thickpenny
Listening Library
Publication date: February 4, 2020
ISBN: 978-1984896360
Pippa has never felt settled about a murder in her town that happened 5 years ago. A girl went missing, and the prime suspect died from apparent suicide before a trial was held.
As part of a school project she takes on trying to find out what really happened. She ends up working alongside the younger brother of the accused murderer and they uncover a twisting tale finding many people in unfavorable light. Through Pippa’s notebook entries, interviews, and more we hear the story unfold.
Narrated primarily by one voice but with other narrators for outside interviews, this listen sounds like a true crime podcast. It includes some sound effects that also bring the story to life.
Those who like true crime podcasts like Serial and Up and Vanished and murder mysteries like those of Karen McManus’s One of Us is Lying and Two Can Keep a Secret will be engrossed in this title. Maureen Johnson’s Truly Devious series and In the Hall with the Knife by Diana Peterfreund have a similar feel to this book.
-Cathy Outten
The Gravity of Us by Phil Stamper; narrated by Michael Crouch, Jonathan Davis, Gabra Zackman, January LaVoy, Angelo Di Loreto, Chris Andrew Ciulla, Dorothy Dillingham Blue, Cynthia Farrell, Soneela Nankani, Sullivan Jones, Bahni Turpin and Phil Stamper.
Listening Library
Publication Date: February 4, 2020
ISBN: 978-0593171158
Cal is a native New Yorker who is semi-famous on the internet for his news video content. He doesn’t have the greatest home life, but he does have his best friend to help him seek solace from his parents and their constant arguing.
All that changes in an instant when Cal’s father becomes an astronaut for NASA, one that might be headed to Mars! The family must uproot immediately from NY to Texas, causing even more tension in the family. Thankfully, Cal meets Leon who is another teen with a parent in the space program. Leon helps Cal navigate his new life in Texas, NASA, and the reality TV show that follows the astronauts and their families. Their friendship quickly blossoms into something more, which is a sweet queer story of first love. Above all, the message that even though you are only a teenager, you have the ability to change the world, is important and relevant in today’s world.
The narration is good at utilizing a full cast for many of the characters especially the regular updates and promos of the reality show that start many of the chapters. This and Crouch’s narration of Cal together makes the audio stand out, and engaging for the listener.
This is a must read for Adam Silvera fans, and those who love YouTube influencers. Also for teens that are interested in the Space Program but don’t want things too science fiction-y.
–Kristin Kern