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Behind the Mic With Kirkus Reviews

Behind the Mic With Kirkus Reviews

1,906 episodes — Page 31 of 39

Ep 405CROOKED RIVER by Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child, read by Jefferson Mays

Narrator Jefferson Mays is the perfect partner in suspending disbelief for this latest entry in the Pendergast mystery series. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Jonathan Smith discuss Mays’s dry, cultured elocution that so perfectly captures Pendergast’s personality. Pendergast and his new partner, Agent Coldmoon, are trying to discover why there are scores of amputated feet washing up on the shores of Captiva Island in Florida. The real tour de force in Mays’s performance is his utter attention and commitment to the plot. He adds to the pleasures of this kind of high-voltage blam-pow adventure. Published by Hachette Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com Looking for a bookish community that focuses on positivity and inspiration? That’s Page Chaser’s mission: to have conversations with avid readers who believe that everything is worthy of discussion – from Mister Rogers to the Hunger Games to Little Women. Join the Page Chaser crew at www.PageChaser.com, where you can read articles, watch videos, sign up for amazing bookish deals, and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 26, 20206 min

Ep 404TROUBLE IS WHAT I DO by Walter Mosley, read by Dion Graham

Dion Graham offers an amazing performance of P.I. Leonid McGill’s descent into a tangled web of secrets and deceit, gunmen and assassins. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Jonathan Smith discuss why Walter Mosley and Dion Graham are a must-listen combination. “Catfish” Worry, a 94-year-old black blues musician, asks Leonid to deliver a letter to a seemingly white billionaire’s daughter before her wedding, letting her know that her father is his son. Graham delivers Mosley’s mystery with his usual excellence, giving each character an individual personality. Together, Mosley and Graham deliver suspense best listened to. Published by Hachette. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com If you’re looking for some bookish positivity, visit the crew at Page Chaser for conversations about everything from the Hunger Games to Mister Rogers to Little Women. Join the Page Chaser crew at www.PageChaser.com. While there, be sure to sign up for Page Chaser Deals, which will give you a daily dose of the best inspirational audiobook and ebook deals on the internet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 25, 20206 min

Ep 403HOUSE ON FIRE by Joseph Finder, read by Holter Graham

Holter Graham provides a stellar narration for Joseph Finder’s latest audiobook. AudioFile’s Jonathan Smith tells host Jo Reed about Graham’s skill with a colorful cast and a twisting storyline. Private Investigator Nick Heller infiltrates a powerful family hiding a sinister secret. At the funeral for an army buddy who suffered from opiate addiction, Nick is approached by a whistleblower suggesting his friend was murdered. Holter Graham keeps the story on an even keel with his clever pacing and delivery of dialogue. Published by Penguin Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com Looking for a bookish community that focuses on positivity and inspiration? That’s Page Chaser’s mission: to have conversations with avid readers who believe that everything is worthy of discussion – from Mister Rogers to the Hunger Games to Little Women. Join the Page Chaser crew at www.PageChaser.com, where you can read articles, watch videos, sign up for amazing bookish deals, and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 24, 20206 min

Ep 402In Conversation with Author Nic Stone and Narrator Dion Graham on DEAR MARTIN

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Author Nic Stone and narrator Dion Graham make a powerful team. Stone’s newest audiobook CLEAN GETAWAY came out this winter, and it’s another Earphones Award winner narrated by Dion Graham. We thought this was the perfect time to revisit our conversation with the author and narrator duo. Host Jo Reed spoke with both Stone and Graham when their audiobook, DEAR MARTIN, first released. Bringing an author and narrator together allows for a fascinating perspective on the creative forces behind audiobooks we love. Listen for a moving conversation about race and trauma, and learn more about Stone’s character Justyce McAllister, who chronicles his anger and trauma following a dangerous encounter with the police. DEAR MARTIN combines Justyce’s letters addressed to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with in-class conversations told from many perspectives. It’s a tricky audiobook to narrate on multiple levels, and Graham rises to the challenge to show Justyce’s depth of character and inner conflict. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com Looking for a bookish community that focuses on positivity and inspiration? That’s Page Chaser’s mission: to have conversations with avid readers who believe that everything is worthy of discussion – from Mister Rogers to the Hunger Games to Little Women. Join the Page Chaser crew at www.PageChaser.com, where you can read articles, watch videos, sign up for amazing bookish deals, and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 21, 202029 min

Ep 401CAST AWAY by Naomi Shihab Nye, read by Naomi Shihab Nye

Listeners won’t look at the discarded things around them in the same way after hearing this poetry collection on audio. Naomi Shihab Nye shares her experience as a self-appointed trash collector, and she narrates with a warm voice and a storyteller’s cadence. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly share their thoughts on Nye’s appealing and engaging narration style, which makes her clever and insightful poems sound like musings—and calls to action. Nye takes a closer look at the things we throw away and considers the experience of refugees. The collection makes a wonderful tool for the classroom and will reward repeat listening. Published by HarperAudio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com Looking for a bookish community that focuses on positivity and inspiration? That’s Page Chaser’s mission: to have conversations with avid readers who believe that everything is worthy of discussion – from Mister Rogers to the Hunger Games to Little Women. Join the Page Chaser crew at www.PageChaser.com, where you can read articles, watch videos, sign up for amazing bookish deals, and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 21, 20207 min

Ep 400THE MAJESTIES by Tiffany Tsao, read by Nancy Wu

Narrator Nancy Wu’s arch, knowing tone sets the stage for a family saga steeped in drama and danger. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly discuss Tiffany Tsao’s compelling literary audiobook that turns the thriller genre on its head. Listeners discover at the beginning of the audiobook that Estella has murdered 300 people by poisoning the shark fin soup at her grandfather’s birthday party. Wu voices Gwendolyn, Estella’s sister, who is the family’s sole survivor. As she traces back through family history to discover her sister’s motivations, listeners are taken into a world of luxury and jealousy in Indonesian high society. Published by Simon & Schuster Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com If you’re looking for some bookish positivity, visit the crew at Page Chaser for conversations about everything from the Hunger Games to Mister Rogers to Little Women. Join the Page Chaser crew at www.PageChaser.com. While there, be sure to sign up for Page Chaser Deals, which will give you a daily dose of the best inspirational audiobook and ebook deals on the internet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 20, 20206 min

Ep 399A LONG PETAL OF THE SEA by Isabel Allende, read by Edoardo Ballerini

AudioFile Golden Voice Edoardo Ballerini narrates Isabel Allende’s lyrical prose with a sensitive and heartfelt narration. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly share their thoughts on Allende’s new work of historical fiction, set during the Spanish Civil War. Franco’s Fascists have overthrown the government, and the people of Barcelona are forced to flee. Allende traces the story of the Dalmau family as they escape first across the mountains to France, and then, with the help of poet Pablo Neruda, find refuge in Chile until they must flee another repressive government. Ballerini expertly delivers Allende’s reminder of how delicate the boundary is between precious freedom and insidious tyranny. Published by Random House Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com Looking for a bookish community that focuses on positivity and inspiration? That’s Page Chaser’s mission: to have conversations with avid readers who believe that everything is worthy of discussion – from Mister Rogers to the Hunger Games to Little Women. Join the Page Chaser crew at www.PageChaser.com, where you can read articles, watch videos, sign up for amazing bookish deals, and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 19, 20206 min

Ep 398YES NO MAYBE SO by Becky Albertalli, Aisha Saeed, read by Tiya Sircar, Michael Crouch

Narrating alternating chapters, Michael Crouch and Tiya Sircar are just as appealing as the pair of Georgia teenagers they portray. AudioFile’s Emily Connelly tells host Jo Reed all the many reasons she loved listening to the new YA audiobook co-authored by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed. Jamie and Maya are roped into canvassing for a state senate candidate, and both have their reasons for being nervous about knocking on strangers’ doors. For Jamie, casual conversation is hard, but nothing is scarier than the idea of giving a speech at his little sister’s bat mitzvah. Maya’s feeling vulnerable about her parents’ separation during Ramadan, and losing her best friend. They’re motivated to get even more involved in local politics when they face instances of personal and systemic discrimination. Listeners will be equally invested in Jamie and Maya’s growing relationship and the outcome of the election, and may find themselves inspired to take political action. Published by HarperAudio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com If you’re looking for some bookish positivity, visit the crew at Page Chaser for conversations about everything from the Hunger Games to Mister Rogers to Little Women. Join the Page Chaser crew at www.PageChaser.com. While there, be sure to sign up for Page Chaser Deals, which will give you a daily dose of the best inspirational audiobook and ebook deals on the internet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 18, 20206 min

Ep 397RUN ME TO EARTH by Paul Yoon, read by Ramón de Ocampo

In a story that shifts through time, Ramón de Ocampo is a welcome guide, and his narration is as lush and mesmerizing as the prose itself. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly talk about Paul Yoon’s historical novel that begins in Laos in 1969, and shows three very different paths taken by teenagers caught up in the bombing of the country by the United States. Alisak, Pranny, and Noi have found work in an almost completely abandoned field hospital, getting paid to ride motorbikes through streets and fields of unexploded bombs to ferry in supplies and the injured. The friends are separated when a doctor helps them escape, and we discover how tiny actions can have huge ramifications. Published by Simon & Schuster Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com Looking for a bookish community that focuses on positivity and inspiration? That’s Page Chaser’s mission: to have conversations with avid readers who believe that everything is worthy of discussion – from Mister Rogers to the Hunger Games to Little Women. Join the Page Chaser crew at www.PageChaser.com, where you can read articles, watch videos, sign up for amazing bookish deals, and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 17, 20206 min

Ep 39619 LOVE SONGS by David Levithan, read by David Levithan and a full cast

A crowd-pleasing short story collection about love from young adult author David Levithan. AudioFile’s Michele Cobb tells host Jo Reed what she loved about this audiobook that includes representation from several points across the LGBTQIA spectrum. David Levithan narrates autobiographical stories, while an ensemble casts brings stories about new and favorite characters at quiz bowls, in a youth choir, and trapped in a snowstorm. Michele was especially delighted to hear that the collection is born from the author’s tradition of writing short stories for his friends on Valentine’s Day. Published by Listening Library. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com Looking for a bookish community that focuses on positivity and inspiration? That’s Page Chaser’s mission: to have conversations with avid readers who believe that everything is worthy of discussion – from Mister Rogers to the Hunger Games to Little Women. Join the Page Chaser crew at www.PageChaser.com, where you can read articles, watch videos, sign up for amazing bookish deals, and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 14, 20206 min

Ep 395DEAR EDWARD by Ann Napolitano, read by Cassandra Campbell

Superlative writing and research and stellar narration make this a powerful listening experience. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Michele Cobb share their thoughts on Ann Napolitano’s new fiction audiobook about a plane crash with just one survivor. Narrator Cassandra Campbell keeps the many characters and frequent time-shifts in focus. As Adler family is flying to L.A., listeners become acquainted with the family and other travelers, including 12-year-old Edward. Campbell’s voicing of the characters makes each distinct and believable. Chapters alternate with the lead-up to the accident and Edward’s miraculous survival. Published by Random House Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com If you’re looking for some bookish positivity, visit the crew at Page Chaser for conversations about everything from the Hunger Games to Mister Rogers to Little Women. Join the Page Chaser crew at www.PageChaser.com. While there, be sure to sign up for Page Chaser Deals, which will give you a daily dose of the best inspirational audiobook and ebook deals on the internet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 13, 20206 min

Ep 394HIGHFIRE by Eoin Colfer, read by Johnny Heller

Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Michele Cobb discuss Eoin Colfer’s latest fantasy—and it’s something completely different. Narrator Johnny Heller’s pitch-perfect timing and thoughtful characterizations make the action and humor pop in this very adult contemporary fantasy. The setting is the Louisiana bayou, and the characters include the last of the dragons, an opportunistic teenager, and a dirty constable. Heller’s flawless and unique portrayals of the pop-culture–loving, crotchety dragon; naïve but hardworking Squib; and the evil, vengeful constable are unforgettable. Heller brings out the best in this fun but violent fantasy. Published by HarperAudio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com Looking for a bookish community that focuses on positivity and inspiration? That’s Page Chaser’s mission: to have conversations with avid readers who believe that everything is worthy of discussion – from Mister Rogers to the Hunger Games to Little Women. Join the Page Chaser crew at www.PageChaser.com, where you can read articles, watch videos, sign up for amazing bookish deals, and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 12, 20206 min

Ep 393WHY WE CAN'T SLEEP by Ada Calhoun, read by Ada Calhoun

Listeners are in capable hands as Ada Calhoun persuasively lists the social and personal considerations that plague women from their twenties onward. AudioFile’s Michele Cobb tells host Jo Reed how she connected with this audiobook on contemporary American women’s angst and malaise. Calhoun interviewed more than 200 women while she was writing this book, and listening to the audiobook makes us feel as if we’re hearing their voices, increasing the impact. Calhoun is precise, measured, and empathetic as she narrates, though she also manages to find some humor in a heavy topic. Published by Audible, Inc. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com If you’re looking for some bookish positivity, visit the crew at Page Chaser for conversations about everything from the Hunger Games to Mister Rogers to Little Women. Join the Page Chaser crew at www.PageChaser.com. While there, be sure to sign up for Page Chaser Deals, which will give you a daily dose of the best inspirational audiobook and ebook deals on the internet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 11, 20206 min

Ep 392UNCANNY VALLEY by Anna Wiener, read by Suehyla El-Attar

Follow Anna Wiener’s journey from the elitist world of publishing to the intense world of startups in this new memoir. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Michele Cobb talk about Wiener’s heady journey from book nerd to tech entrepreneur, delivered with an easy narration style by Suehyla El-Attar. She is energetic, funny, and swift while sharing Wiener’s clear and insightful perspectives on the tech bro world of Silicon Valley. Published by Macmillan Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com Looking for a bookish community that focuses on positivity and inspiration? That’s Page Chaser’s mission: to have conversations with avid readers who believe that everything is worthy of discussion – from Mister Rogers to the Hunger Games to Little Women. Join the Page Chaser crew at www.PageChaser.com, where you can read articles, watch videos, sign up for amazing bookish deals, and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 10, 20206 min

Ep 391QUEEN OF BONES by Teresa Dovalpage, read by Cynthia Farrell

Cynthia Farrell’s narration gives the listener a delicious sense of having been transplanted to Havana, a treat you couldn’t get from the page alone. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Robin Whitten discuss a new intricately plotted mystery from Teresa Dovalpage. Juan, a Cuban construction worker who fled by raft 20 years earlier, has returned to Havana for the first time. He seeks out old friends and ex-girlfriends, but soon after, one of them is murdered. Padrino, a Santería priest and former detective on the Havana police force, must untangle complicated relationships that go back decades to discover the killer. Farrell’s performance is atmospheric and assured, making this a delightful listen. Published by Recorded Books. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com Looking for a bookish community that focuses on positivity and inspiration? That’s Page Chaser’s mission: to have conversations with avid readers who are believe that everything is worthy of discussion – from Mister Rogers to the Hunger Games to Little Women. Join the Page Chaser crew at www.PageChaser.com, where you can read articles, watch videos, sign up for amazing bookish deals, and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 7, 20207 min

Ep 390DOCTOR DOLITTLE THE COMPLETE COLLECTION, VOL. I by Hugh Lofting, read by James Langton

Take a voyage with Doctor Dolittle in a new recording of three classic stories. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Robin Whitten talk about the fun of listening to audiobooks with children, especially one with such an endearing, excitable, and eccentric naturalist. Narrator James Langton embodies the exuberant fun and charm of these stories without overdoing the voicing of the talkative animals. Dolittle’s peaceful approach to the world and all its creatures makes his adventures worth listening to and discussing with young listeners, especially to break down the colonialist attitudes. Published by Simon & Schuster Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com If you’re looking for some bookish positivity, visit the crew at Page Chaser for conversations about everything from the Hunger Games to Mister Rogers to Little Women. Join the Page Chaser crew at www.PageChaser.com. While there, be sure to sign up for Page Chaser Deals, which will give you a daily dose of the best inspirational audiobook and ebook deals on the internet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 6, 20206 min

Ep 389THE FIERCE 44 by The Staff of the Undefeated [Eds.], read by JD Jackson

Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Robin Whitten share what they love about this new collection of 44 short but moving biographies of Black Americans from ESPN’s The Undefeated. Narrator JD Jackson’s warm baritone makes an excellent companion to chapters featuring familiar icons, such as Barack Obama and Oprah, as well as lesser-known figures, such as Robert Abbott. This inspiring collection features activists, athletes, scientists, entrepreneurs, and musicians. An accessible and fascinating collection for young listeners that will leave them inspired to learn more. Published by Dreamscape. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com Looking for a bookish community that focuses on positivity and inspiration? That’s Page Chaser’s mission: to have conversations with avid readers who are believe that everything is worthy of discussion – from Mister Rogers to the Hunger Games to Little Women. Join the Page Chaser crew at www.PageChaser.com, where you can read articles, watch videos, sign up for amazing bookish deals, and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 5, 20207 min

Ep 388HEDDA GABLER by Henrik Ibsen, Doug Hughes [English Version], read by Josh Bitton, JD Cullum, Gregory Harrison, Shannon Holt, Elizabeth Ruscio, Jocelyn Towne, Karen Malina White

A masterwork of Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen is given a contemporary feel in a new L.A. Theatre Works production. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Robin Whitten share their thoughts on this piece of audio theater. The varied voices interact at breakneck speed and pacing, which can create a simultaneously overwhelming yet rewarding listening experience. Ibsen’s play is in full dramatic effect, with Jocelyn Towne’s Hedda raving and her husband jauntily oblivious as the intrigue of a marriage with a past plays out in our ears. Published by L.A. Theatre Works. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com If you’re looking for some bookish positivity, visit the crew at Page Chaser for conversations about everything from the Hunger Games to Mister Rogers to Little Women. Join the Page Chaser crew at www.PageChaser.com. While there, be sure to sign up for Page Chaser Deals, which will give you a daily dose of the best inspirational audiobook and ebook deals on the internet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 4, 20207 min

Ep 387ALL THE DAYS PAST, ALL THE DAYS TO COME by Mildred D. Taylor, read by Allyson Johnson

Corretta Scott King – Virginia Hamilton Award-winning author Mildred D. Taylor concludes her Logan family series with this moving audiobook. AudioFile’s Robin Whitten and host Jo Reed talk about the subtle yet emotive performance by Allyson Johnson. She welcomes listeners with her warm narration of a story centered around Cassie Logan, whom listeners first met as an 8-year-old in ROLL OF THUNDER, HEAR MY CRY (1976). Now Cassie is grown, and she’s moving from Mississippi north, and then to California, discovering that prejudice and racism exist even all the way across the country. The drama of the plot and the depth of the characterizations ensure that this audiobook is unforgettable. Published by Listening Library. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com Looking for a bookish community that focuses on positivity and inspiration? That’s Page Chaser’s mission: to have conversations with avid readers who are believe that everything is worthy of discussion – from Mister Rogers to the Hunger Games to Little Women. Join the Page Chaser crew at www.PageChaser.com, where you can read articles, watch videos, sign up for amazing bookish deals, and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 3, 20206 min

Ep 386CONSIDER THIS by Chuck Palahniuk, read by Edoardo Ballerini, Chuck Palahniuk

Chuck Palahniuk may be best known for FIGHT CLUB, and in this audiobook on the craft of writing, he shares what he’s learned over the years. AudioFile’s Jonathan Smith and host Jo Reed discuss Edoardo Ballerini’s talent as a narrator, making what could seem a self-aggrandizing work approachable and engaging. He conveys a degree of snark that anyone who has read Palahniuk won’t be surprised to hear. Published by Hachette Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from GraphicAudio, A Movie In Your Mind. Unique Audio Entertainment featuring a Full Cast and Imaginative Sound Scapes with new releases such as Brent Weeks’ Lightbringer Saga 5, Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations, S.M Stirling's Emberverse, and over 1,300 more full cast titles available only at www.GraphicAudio.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 31, 20206 min

Ep 385DON'T BE EVIL by Rana Foroohar, read by Rachel Fulginiti

Narrator Rachel Fulginiti is the calming voice behind this alarming audiobook about how Big Tech ate the economy and everyone’s privacy along with it. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Jonathan Smith talk about Rana Foroohar’s account of Big Tech—including Google, Amazon, and Facebook — and the industry’s avarice, lust for power and control, and endless appetite for everyone’s personal data. Listen to learn about the consequences of having only a few key players dominating the online universe. Published by Random House Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from GraphicAudio, A Movie In Your Mind. Unique Audio Entertainment featuring a Full Cast and Imaginative Sound Scapes with new releases such as Brent Weeks’ Lightbringer Saga 5, Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations, S.M Stirling's Emberverse, and over 1,300 more full cast titles available only at www.GraphicAudio.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 30, 20207 min

Ep 384LABYRINTH OF ICE by Buddy Levy, read by Will Damron

Narrator Will Damron makes Buddy Levy’s fascinating account of Greely’s Polar Expedition come to life. AudioFile’s Jonathan Smith and host Jo Reed discuss this audiobook history that takes listeners on a high-stakes mission to reach the North Pole. In the late nineteenth century, Greely’s crew conducted scientific research, launched rescue missions, and fought to stay alive. This is a harrowing adventure story, and with Damron at the helm, listeners will almost be able to feel the brutal Arctic cold. Published by Macmillan Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from GraphicAudio, A Movie In Your Mind. Unique Audio Entertainment featuring a Full Cast and Imaginative Sound Scapes with new releases such as Brent Weeks’ Lightbringer Saga 5, Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations, S.M Stirling's Emberverse, and over 1,300 more full cast titles available only at www.GraphicAudio.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 29, 20206 min

Ep 383HI FIVE by Joe Ide, read by Zeno Robinson

Isaiah Quintabe is back in Joe Ide’s gripping PI series. AudioFile’s Jonathan Smith and host Jo Reed talk about narrator Zeno Robinson’s skills in narrating this dynamic mystery. Robinson not only provides narrative clarity and excellent pacing but also expertly voices a large cast of characters to the point where it’s hard to believe he’s this audiobook’s sole narrator. IQ’s latest case has especially high stakes: A powerful arms dealer is forcing him to solve a shooting death and threatening IQ’s girlfriend if he fails. But the main suspect? The arms dealer’s daughter, who has multiple personalities. Published by Hachette Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from GraphicAudio, A Movie In Your Mind. Unique Audio Entertainment featuring a Full Cast and Imaginative Sound Scapes with new releases such as Brent Weeks’ Lightbringer Saga 5, Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations, S.M Stirling's Emberverse, and over 1,300 more full cast titles available only at www.GraphicAudio.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 28, 20206 min

Ep 382IMPERFECT UNION by Steve Inskeep, read by Steve Inskeep

Jessie and John Frémont captured the country’s attention in the 1800s, and Steve Inskeep’s enthusiasm and keen insights into their story are apparent in his audiobook narration. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Jonathan Smith discuss America’s first political couple on today’s episode. John Frémont was one of the United States’s leading explorers in the nineteenth century, and one of the most acclaimed people of the age, thanks in large part to the promotional skills of his wife, Jesse Benton Frémont. The two became closely tied to three great national movements of their time — westward settlement, women’s rights, and opposition to slavery. Inskeep is known to many as one of the hosts of NPR’s Morning Edition, and his narration is crisp and engaging. Listeners will draw many parallels to today’s political scene. Published by Penguin Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from GraphicAudio, A Movie In Your Mind. Unique Audio Entertainment featuring a Full Cast and Imaginative Sound Scapes with new releases such as Brent Weeks’ Lightbringer Saga 5, Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations, S.M Stirling's Emberverse, and over 1,300 more full cast titles available only at www.GraphicAudio.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 27, 20206 min

Ep 381THE WILL AND THE WILDS by Charlie N. Holmberg, read by Angela Dawe

A young woman has put her soul at risk by bargaining with a monster. AudioFile’s Emily Connelly tells host Jo Reed what impressed her about narrator Angela Dawe’s performance in this audiobook full of myth and magic. Enna has struck a deal with a creature, Maekallus, and when he fails in his mission and finds himself trapped in the human realm, their lives become even more intertwined. Dawe is able to draw listeners deep into a complex world and enlivens each character with unique voices, particularly the magical non-human creatures who lurk in the wildwood. She makes this listening experience as magical as the story itself. Published by Brilliance Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from GraphicAudio, A Movie In Your Mind. Unique Audio Entertainment featuring a Full Cast and Imaginative Sound Scapes with new releases such as Brent Weeks’ Lightbringer Saga 5, Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations, S.M Stirling's Emberverse, and over 1,300 more full cast titles available only at www.GraphicAudio.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 24, 20207 min

Ep 380IN THE DREAM HOUSE by Carmen Maria Machado, read by Carmen Maria Machado

Carmen Maria Machado narrates her memoir chronicling an abusive relationship with her former girlfriend with a steady, vulnerable voice. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly share their thoughts on a compelling memoir from the National Book Award finalist (HER BODY & OTHER PARTIES). Machado and her then-girlfriend, “the Woman from the Dream House,” fell into an intense relationship. She covers the heady emotional terrain of events from their first meeting onward using brief chapters, from many perspectives, breaking through the “archival silence” of women’s accounts of abuse, particularly between queer women. Published by HighBridge Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from GraphicAudio, A Movie In Your Mind. Unique Audio Entertainment featuring a Full Cast and Imaginative Sound Scapes with new releases such as Brent Weeks’ Lightbringer Saga 5, Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations, S.M Stirling's Emberverse, and over 1,300 more full cast titles available only at www.GraphicAudio.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 23, 20206 min

Ep 379In Conversation with Narrator Jim Dale

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Host Jo Reed welcomes Golden Voice narrator Jim Dale to Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine for a conversation about his audiobook narration and his extraordinary career in the entertainment industry. Jim Dale has narrated 40 audiobooks, including the Harry Potter series, treasured classics, the audiobook musical SPIN, and the worldwide bestseller, THE NIGHT CIRCUS. He’s garnered numerous awards, including Audie Awards, Grammy Awards, and an MBE from the Queen of England. If you ask an audiobook listener about their favorite audiobook, odds are they’ll say they adored Jim Dale’s narration of the Harry Potter series. What many listeners may not know is that HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE was his introduction to audiobook narration. Jim came to audiobooks accidentally, and later in his career, and we are so lucky he did. Discover reviews of Jim Dale’s audiobooks and thousands more at audiofilemagazine.com Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from GraphicAudio, featuring series such as The Stormlight Archive, Deathlands, Smoke Jensen, Demon Cycle, and over 1,000 more A Movie In Your Mind full cast productions available only at www.GraphicAudio.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 22, 202035 min

Ep 378CHILDREN OF VIRTUE AND VENGEANCE by Tomi Adeyemi, read by Bahni Turpin

Bahni Turpin draws listeners back into the world of Orïsha, where Maji warriors and a corrupt monarchy battle to determine the fate of the kingdom. AudioFile’s Emily Connelly tells host Jo Reed about diving back into this dynamic new young adult audiobook from Tomi Adeyemi. Bahni truly excels in conveying all of the raw emotion, with Reaper Zélie and Princess Amari both mourning close family members after the conclusion of CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE. Listeners will be propelled into a rich world where magic has been brought back — but at huge costs. Published by Macmillan Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from GraphicAudio, A Movie In Your Mind. Unique Audio Entertainment featuring a Full Cast and Imaginative Sound Scapes with new releases such as Brent Weeks’ Lightbringer Saga 5, Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations, S.M Stirling's Emberverse, and over 1,300 more full cast titles available only at www.GraphicAudio.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 22, 20207 min

Ep 377LOVE LETTERING by Kate Clayborn, read by Nicol Zanzarella

Meg is known as the “Planner of Park Slope” and is getting great recognition for the hand-lettering career she loves. Then why is everything going so wrong? Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly talk about a shared love for literary love letters to New York, and all the reasons this audiobook should be your next listen. Nicol Zanzarella’s playful and heartfelt delivery highlights Meg’s love for her city, and her frustration. Meg’s creative block and problems with her best friend seem insurmountable — but when a past client approaches her asking about the secret message she put in his wedding program, she has no idea how her life will change. This audiobook will appeal to romance fans and is also a great choice for curious listeners new to the genre. A delight! Published by Tantor Media. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com. Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from GraphicAudio, A Movie In Your Mind. Unique Audio Entertainment featuring a Full Cast and Imaginative Sound Scapes with new releases such as Brent Weeks Lightbringer Saga 5, Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations, S.M Stirling's Emberverse, and over 1,300 more full cast titles available only at www.GraphicAudio.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 21, 20206 min

Ep 376CLEAN GETAWAY by Nic Stone, read by Dion Graham

Scoob has just jumped aboard his G’ma’s Winnebago for a road trip like no other — at least, that’s what Scoob thinks. AudioFile’s Emily Connelly tells host Jo Reed all about Nic Stone’s latest audiobook, narrated by Dion Graham. It has the perfect mix of humor and emotions, powerful writing, and complex lessons about personal and political injustices that are all marvelously expressed by Graham in this compelling listen. Perfect for middle grade listeners and for listening together as a family. Published by Listening Library. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com. Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from GraphicAudio, A Movie In Your Mind. Unique Audio Entertainment featuring a Full Cast and Imaginative Sound Scapes with new releases such as Brent Weeks Lightbringer Saga 5, Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations, S.M Stirling's Emberverse, and over 1,300 more full cast titles available only at www.GraphicAudio.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 20, 20206 min

Ep 375SUCH A FUN AGE by Kiley Reid, read by Nicole Lewis

A memorable debut novel on race, privilege, and money. AudioFile’s Michele Cobb tells host Jo Reed why she loved listening to this gripping audiobook. Nicole Lewis’s lively pacing and vivid characterizations enliven the story. Emira is an African American babysitter who is briefly and falsely accused of kidnapping her young charge. Lewis superbly captures the fallout from this disturbing encounter--Emira’s growing unease, intrusive behavior from the white mother who hired her, and complications from a romantic entanglement with the young white man who filmed the incident. Published by Penguin Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com. Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from GraphicAudio, A Movie In Your Mind. Unique Audio Entertainment featuring a Full Cast and Imaginative Sound Scapes with new releases such as Brent Weeks Lightbringer Saga 5, Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations, S.M Stirling's Emberverse, and over 1,300 more full cast titles available only at www.GraphicAudio.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 17, 20207 min

Ep 374THE BEAUTIFUL ONES by Prince, read by Esperanza Spalding, Adepero Oduye, Dan Piepenbring [Intro.]

The story of how Prince’s memoir came to be is in many ways as compelling as the brief portion of his story we get in this audiobook. AudioFile’s Michele Cobb and host Jo Reed discuss this incomplete memoir. Dan Piepenbring’s introduction, which he narrates, tells of how he came to work with Prince on his memoir, and the tragedy of Prince’s death before they truly were able to dig into the writing. Musician Esperanza Spaulding and actress Adepero Oduye narrate Prince’s story, which focuses on his early life and rise to stardom. Fans of the music and the musician will enjoy this exploration of the man behind the music. Published by Random House Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com. Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from GraphicAudio, A Movie In Your Mind. Unique Audio Entertainment featuring a Full Cast and Imaginative Sound Scapes with new releases such as Brent Weeks Lightbringer Saga 5, Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations, S.M Stirling's Emberverse, and over 1,300 more full cast titles available only at www.GraphicAudio.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 16, 20206 min

Ep 373BLOOMLAND by John Englehardt, read by Charlie Thurston

A stirring audiobook, this novel about the aftermath of a fictional school shooting is told from multiple points of view. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Michele Cobb talk about how the second person narration of this shooting at a southern college provides the distance required to listen. Both the dialogue and narrative are tightly written, and narrator Charlie Thurston’s delivery recognizes their power with a low-key yet effective delivery. The result is an audiobook that listeners will remember for a long time. Published by HighBridge Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com. Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from GraphicAudio, A Movie In Your Mind. Unique Audio Entertainment featuring a Full Cast and Imaginative Sound Scapes with new releases such as Brent Weeks Lightbringer Saga 5, Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations, S.M Stirling's Emberverse, and over 1,300 more full cast titles available only at www.GraphicAudio.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 15, 20206 min

Ep 372HEY, KIDDO by Jarrett J. Krosoczka, read by Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Jeanne Birdsall, Richard Ferrone, Jenna Lamia, and a Full Cast

A heart-wrenching graphic memoir adapted for audio for the first time. AudioFile’s Michele Cobb and host Jo Reed discuss this audiobook that doesn’t hold back. Graphic memoirs and graphic novels are such visual mediums, and this audiobook adaptation with more than 40 performers works to bring the story to vivid life. When he was 3 years old, Krosoczka’s grandparents removed him from his mother’s custody and raised him in their noisy, loving home. When he is older, he learns that his mother has a substance use disorder and has spent years in and out of prison. Themes of forgiveness and gratitude abound throughout. With music, sound effects, and affecting performances, listeners feel like they are at the dinner table with Krosoczka and his hard-drinking, foul-mouthed grandparents in Massachusetts. Published by Scholastic Audiobooks. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com. Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from GraphicAudio, A Movie In Your Mind. Unique Audio Entertainment featuring a Full Cast and Imaginative Sound Scapes with new releases such as Brent Weeks Lightbringer Saga 5, Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations, S.M Stirling's Emberverse, and over 1,300 more full cast titles available only at www.GraphicAudio.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 14, 20206 min

Ep 371YOUR HOUSE WILL PAY by Steph Cha, read by Greta Jung, Glenn Davis

Listeners will feel like they’re hearing true crime. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Michele Cobb discuss Steph Cha’s gripping mystery and the compelling dual narration of Greta Jung and Glenn Davis. Set in the aftermath of a police shooting of a black teenager in L.A., this is an audiobook that packs an emotional punch. No matter the scene, listeners will feel as though they are experiencing each character’s emotions, especially during the powerful ending. Published by Harper Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com. Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from GraphicAudio, A Movie In Your Mind. Unique Audio Entertainment featuring a Full Cast and Imaginative Sound Scapes with new releases such as Brent Weeks Lightbringer Saga 5, Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations, S.M Stirling's Emberverse, and over 1,300 more full cast titles available only at www.GraphicAudio.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 13, 20206 min

Ep 370BIG LIES IN A SMALL TOWN by Diane Chamberlain, read by Susan Bennett

AudioFile’s Robin Whitten and host Jo Reed discuss Susan Bennett’s narration of this multilayered novel on audio. In 1940, a young artist faces hostility from the people of Edenton, North Carolina, when she is hired to paint a mural in the post office. In 2018, a woman just out of prison uncovers disturbing details and sinister events while restoring the now decaying mural. Bennett adds an exciting dimension to a gripping story of racism, madness, murder, and romance. Published by Macmillan Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com. Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from GraphicAudio, A Movie In Your Mind. Unique Audio Entertainment featuring a Full Cast and Imaginative Sound Scapes with new releases such as Brent Weeks Lightbringer Saga 5, Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations, S.M Stirling's Emberverse, and over 1,300 more full cast titles available only at www.GraphicAudio.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 10, 20207 min

Ep 369MICHELANGELO, GOD'S ARCHITECT by William E. Wallace, read by Simon Callow

Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Robin Whitten discuss Michelangelo’s masterpieces and this new audiobook from art historian Wallace. British actor Simon Callow’s magnificent basso profundo voice recounts the many projects this prolific sculptor, artist, and architect designed and executed. The book is centered around the last 20 years of Michelangelo’s life in mid-16th century Rome while he worked on St. Peter’s Basilica, and delves into his letters, poems, and journals. Published by Princeton University Press. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com. Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from GraphicAudio, A Movie In Your Mind. Unique Audio Entertainment featuring a Full Cast and Imaginative Sound Scapes with new releases such as Brent Weeks Lightbringer Saga 5, Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations, S.M Stirling's Emberverse, and over 1,300 more full cast titles available only at www.GraphicAudio.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 9, 20206 min

Ep 368CALL DOWN THE HAWK by Maggie Stiefvater, read by Will Patton

Dive into a new series with characters from Stiefvater’s Raven Cycle. AudioFile’s Robin Whitten and host Jo Reed discuss this much anticipated spin-off series which does not disappoint, especially with the return of narrator Will Patton. Patton is totally in his element, narrating with a creepy, suspenseful, almost mournful tone that takes listeners on a wild ride of art forgers, dreamers, and dream hunters. Published by Scholastic Audiobooks. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com. Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from GraphicAudio, A Movie In Your Mind. Unique Audio Entertainment featuring a Full Cast and Imaginative Sound Scapes with new releases such as Brent Weeks Lightbringer Saga 5, Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations, S.M Stirling's Emberverse, and over 1,300 more full cast titles available only at www.GraphicAudio.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 8, 20207 min

Ep 367ALAN CUMMING: LEGAL IMMIGRANT by Alan Cumming, read by Alan Cumming

Grab a front-row seat for a live performance by the incomparable Alan Cumming. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Robin Whitten discuss this entertaining audiobook from the talented entertainer, recorded live at the Minetta Lane Theatre in New York City. Cumming is superb as he sings and monologues and doesn’t shy away from politics. His natural charm and sense of humor shine. He offers perceptive insights on being a naturalized American citizen, especially as he grows older. Published by Audible, Inc. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com. Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from GraphicAudio, A Movie In Your Mind. Unique Audio Entertainment featuring a Full Cast and Imaginative Sound Scapes with new releases such as Brent Weeks Lightbringer Saga 5, Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations, S.M Stirling's Emberverse, and over 1,300 more full cast titles available only at www.GraphicAudio.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 7, 20205 min

Ep 366ON THE PLAIN OF SNAKES by Paul Theroux, read by Joseph Balderrama

AudioFile’s Robin Whitten and host host Jo Reed discuss veteran travel writer Paul Theroux’s immersive look at Mexico, enlivened on audio by narrator Joseph Balderrama. Theroux’s journey through Mexico is enlightening and thorough, including border towns that are sites of high tension, neighborhoods of Mexico City, and rural areas of Oaxaca. Balderrama’s fluency in Spanish adds to his eloquent narration. Takeaways abound, but none are more englighting than the fact that travel is more about people than landscape. Published by Recorded Books. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com. Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from GraphicAudio, A Movie In Your Mind. Unique Audio Entertainment featuring a Full Cast and Imaginative Sound Scapes with new releases such as Brent Weeks Lightbringer Saga 5, Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations, S.M Stirling's Emberverse, and over 1,300 more full cast titles available only at www.GraphicAudio.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 6, 20206 min

Ep 365MOBITUARIES by Mo Rocca, read by Mo Rocca

Mo Rocca is delightfully obsessed with underappreciated dead people—and dragons. AudioFile’s Jonathan Smith tells host Jo Reed why he enjoyed listening to author Rocca share a seemingly endless supply of interesting facts and observations. Rocca’s naturally enthusiastic performance enhances the drama and entertainment value of his excellent research and tight storytelling. CBS Sunday Morning viewers and NPR listeners will recognize Rocca as a regular contributor, and anyone who shares his interest in perusing obituaries and celebrating the underappreciated will love this audiobook. Published by Simon & Schuster Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com. Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from GraphicAudio, A Movie In Your Mind. Unique Audio Entertainment featuring a Full Cast and Imaginative Sound Scapes with new releases such as Brent Weeks Lightbringer Saga 5, Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations, S.M Stirling's Emberverse, and over 1,300 more full cast titles available only at www.GraphicAudio.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 3, 20206 min

Ep 364OSLO by J.T. Rogers, read by a Full Cast

A superb audio adaptation of the 2017 Tony Award-winning play, OSLO. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Jonathan Smith discuss this L.A. Theatre Works production that stands the complex issue of Israeli-Palestinian diplomacy on its head. The play reveals that high-wire diplomacy is a very human process, and is performed by an outstanding cast of internationally acclaimed actors. Published by L.A. Theatre Works. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com. Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from GraphicAudio, A Movie In Your Mind. Unique Audio Entertainment featuring a Full Cast and Imaginative Sound Scapes with new releases such as Brent Weeks Lightbringer Saga 5, Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations, S.M Stirling's Emberverse, and over 1,300 more full cast titles available only at www.GraphicAudio.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 2, 20205 min

Ep 363SONTAG by Benjamin Moser, read by Tavia Gilbert

Listen to a new biography about Susan Sontag, of the most interesting thinkers of her time. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Jonathan Smith discuss this audiobook narrated with empathy by Tavia Gilbert. Author Benjamin Moser isn’t afraid to draw a true picture of Sontag’s thoughts and life, which were both extraordinarily complex. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of both. Published by Harper Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com. Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from GraphicAudio, A Movie In Your Mind. Unique Audio Entertainment featuring a Full Cast and Imaginative Sound Scapes with new releases such as Brent Weeks Lightbringer Saga 5, Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations, S.M Stirling's Emberverse, and over 1,300 more full cast titles available only at www.GraphicAudio.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 1, 20205 min

Ep 362A MINUTE TO MIDNIGHT by David Baldacci, read by Brittany Pressley, Kyf Brewer

A fast-moving story of love, hate, and redemption. AudioFile’s Jonathan Smith discusses David Baldacci’s latest audiobook with host Jo Reed. A MINUTE TO MIDNIGHT is narrated by a talented duo. Brittany Pressley portrays a troubled FBI agent Atlee, whose idyllic childhood was interrupted by her sister’s kidnapping. And now, a serial killer is on the loose. Kyf Brewer’s narrations are intertwined with Pressley’s, narrating as FBI agent Eddy, and several other characters. The narrators blend their styles seamlessly, making for a tense and edgy listen. Published by Hachette Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com. Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from Paperback Classics, a new imprint from Oasis Family Media, bringing the best pulp and vintage paperbacks to audio, including 1960s cult-classic series Dark Shadows and Flash Gordon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 31, 20196 min

Ep 361THE BEST AMERICAN SHORT STORIES 2019 by Anthony Doerr, Heidi Pitlor [Eds.], read by an Ensemble Cast

A collection of short stories performed by narrators as diverse and vivid as the stories themselves. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Jonathan Smith discuss the magic of short stories. Every year the Best American Short Stories make for a vibrant collection, and hearing these stories on audio with perfectly paired narrators is a delight. Whether characters are living on the edge in America or trying to make sense of a dystopian world, the narrators’ performances make the stories come alive. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com. Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from Paperback Classics, a new imprint from Oasis Family Media, bringing the best pulp and vintage paperbacks to audio, including 1960s cult-classic series Dark Shadows and Flash Gordon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 30, 20196 min

Ep 360MY FAKE RAKE by Eva Leigh, read by Zara Hampton-Brown

A hilarious and heartfelt historical romance. AudioFile’s Emily Connelly tells host Jo Reed about all the many reasons she loved MY FAKE RAKE, including Zara Hampton-Brown’s delightful narration. Lady Grace is a herpetologist more comfortable in the library than the ballroom after a disastrous debut. When she suddenly has to find a husband, she and her friend Sebastian hatch a plan. Hampton-Brown doesn’t miss a comical beat as they work to transform Sebastian from a scholarly anthropologist into a dashing rake. As Grace and Sebastian spend more and more time together to try and convince would-be suitors that she is a catch, simmering feelings derail their plans. Published by Harper Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com. Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from Paperback Classics, a new imprint from Oasis Family Media, bringing the best pulp and vintage paperbacks to audio, including 1960s cult-classic series Dark Shadows and Flash Gordon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 27, 20197 min

Ep 359FREEDOM SOUP by Tami Charles, read by Bahni Turpin

Celebrate the new year and freedom with a new children’s audiobook on tradition, family, and remembrance. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly discuss the Haitian Kompa music, the subtle sound effects, and Bahni Turpin’s skilled narration that mix together so well. Every year, Ti Gran makes FREEDOM SOUP to celebrate the Haitian Revolution, and this is the first year that Belle is invited into the kitchen to help. A great listen for young listeners to highlight the fun of cooking in the kitchen and learning from our elders, while also introducing the history of the fight for freedom from slavery in Haiti. Published by Dreamscape Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com. Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from Paperback Classics, a new imprint from Oasis Family Media, bringing the best pulp and vintage paperbacks to audio, including 1960s cult-classic series Dark Shadows and Flash Gordon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 26, 20196 min

Ep 358RESISTANCE REBORN by Rebecca Roanhorse, read by Marc Thompson

“A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…” Star Wars fans are flocking to the big screen this week to see THE RISE OF SKYWALKER. AudioFile’s Emily Connelly tells host Jo Reed about how RESISTANCE REBORN tells the story of what came after THE LAST JEDI — and how Marc Thompson’s endless well of voices combined with immersive sound effects makes for an impressive listening experience. Rebecca Roanhorse’s new addition to the Star Wars canon is perfect listening for those who can’t get enough of these epic stories. Published by Random House Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com. Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from Paperback Classics, a new imprint from Oasis Family Media, bringing the best pulp and vintage paperbacks to audio, including 1960s cult-classic series Dark Shadows and Flash Gordon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 25, 20196 min

Ep 357NO ONE IS TOO SMALL TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE by Greta Thunberg, read by Greta Thunberg, Saskia Maarleveld

Activist Greta Thunberg has inspired millions around the world. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly discuss this audiobook of the 16-year-old’s collected speeches, narrated with her clear passion and understanding of the urgency of climate change. It is an inspiring audiobook for listeners of any age, but particularly for any young person who has been emboldened by Thunberg or other young environmental activists. Saskia Maarleveld enlivens Thunberg’s words in several speeches that she narrates in the collection. Published by Penguin Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com. Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from Paperback Classics, a new imprint from Oasis Family Media, bringing the best pulp and vintage paperbacks to audio, including 1960s cult-classic series Dark Shadows and Flash Gordon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 24, 20196 min

Ep 356THE STARLESS SEA by Erin Morgenstern, read by Dominic Hoffmann, Dion Graham, Bahni Turpin, Fiona Hardingham, Alan Corduner, Jorjeana Marie

Immerse yourself in this love letter to the power of stories. AudioFile’s Emily Connelly tells host Jo Reed about becoming swept up in Erin Morgenstern’s latest audiobook. Listeners meet Zachary Ezra Rawlins, new media graduate student and son of a fortune-teller, as he discovers a mysterious book tucked away in the school library. Zachary travels into fantastical realms, and all the rich details come to life with Dominic Hoffman’s clear narration. Interwoven tales, impressively delivered by multiple performers, feature pirates, key collectors, story acolytes, and owl kings. Published by Random House Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com. Support for Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine comes from Paperback Classics, a new imprint from Oasis Family Media, bringing the best pulp and vintage paperbacks to audio, including 1960s cult-classic series Dark Shadows and Flash Gordon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 23, 20196 min