Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love by Jared Reck; narrated by Kirby Heyborne
Listening Library
Release Date: June 8, 2021
ISBN: 9780593398951
Oscar is coasting out his last year of high school. After losing both parents as a child where he was born in Sweden, he is growing up with just his Grandfather, Farfar in the US. Not looking to attend college, his plans are to get his diploma and then take over the food truck he has been running with his grandfather on weekends and summers. But as he works through his calm, ordered days, Lou, a whirlwind of an overachiever, steamrolls him into using his skills to cook up the mountains of leftover apples from the cafeteria in the name of reducing food waste. She upends the life he thought he wanted with enthusiasm. When tragedy hits he realizes even the steadiest of plans can be blown apart.
Kirby Heyborne’s narration of this heartfelt novel brings Oscar’s love for his Farfar and his powerful belief in who he is ringing through loud and clear. His character voicing, especially of Oscar’s grandfather, makes this coming of age novel unforgettable.
For other stories of Grandfathers of great importance try In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner. For non-conventional coming of age stories about those not college bound, try Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison, Once Upon a Quinceañera by Monica Gomez-Hira and Flash Fire by T.J. Klune.
-Cathy Outten
Other Nominated Titles
- Magic Dark and Strange by Kelly Powell; narrated by Karissa Vacker (October 27, 2020)
The Selected Lists teams read throughout the year in search of the best titles published in their respective categories. Once a book is suggested (either internally or through the title suggestion form), it must pass through a review process to be designated an official nomination.
Each week, the teams feature a review of one of the officially nominated titles. Additional titles to receive this designation are listed as well. At year’s end, the team will curate a final list from all nominated titles and select a Top Ten. The previous years’ lists are available on The Hub.