John Lee is honored as a Golden Voice, AudioFile's lifetime achievement honor for audiobook narrators. John has a great gift with vocal portraits of characters. In his many English and international mysteries, even the most minor characters can be memorable. His distinctive British voice and cadence help listeners remember important elements of a story. Browse his full audiography, and explore his AudioFile profile page. Essential Listens: PRUSSIAN BLUE THE THIRST THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Founder and Editor Robin Whitten. Support for AudioFile’s Sound Reviews comes from Oasis Audio, home to The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers, read by LeVar Burton and nominated for the 2019 Audie Awards Audiobook of the Year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robin Miles is honored as a Golden Voice, AudioFile's lifetime achievement honor for audiobook narrators. Robin is a student of dialects and accents, including African, Haitian, Creole, or simply brilliant regional American accents. Her performances of history and biography illustrate how Robin is successful at keeping listeners in the story. Her timing and pace within each work are finely tuned. Browse her full audiography, and explore her AudioFile profile page. Essential Listens: BROKEN EARTH series BARRACOON ANOTHER BROOKLYN For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Founder and Editor Robin Whitten. Support for AudioFile's Sound Reviews comes from Oasis Audio, publisher of bestselling titles for all ages — soon to include the Classic Starts series: 36 beloved stories retold for young listeners.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gerard Doyle is honored as a Golden Voice, AudioFile's lifetime achievement honor for audiobook narrators. Gerard is like the Pied Piper—a voice that you want to follow wherever the story leads. Whether it’s Irish noir thrills or fantasy world-building—just follow the voice. Browse his full audiography, and explore his AudioFile profile page. Essential Listens: DEAD I WELL MAY BE MOTHERS AND SONS ERAGON For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Founder and Editor Robin Whitten. Support for AudioFile’s Sound Reviews comes from Oasis Audio, home to The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers, read by LeVar Burton and nominated for the 2019 Audie Awards Audiobook of the Year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alyssa Bresnahan is honored as a Golden Voice, AudioFile's lifetime achievement honor for audiobook narrators. Alyssa brings a clear confidence to her storytelling and is able to match the emotions of the characters. She’s attuned to small changes in tone and elevates the story for listeners. Alyssa is active on Broadway but makes time for audiobooks as often as she can. Browse her full audiography, and explore her AudioFile profile page. Essential listens: WHOSE NAMES ARE UNKNOWN AN OWL ON EVERY POST ALL THE BIRDS IN THE SKY For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Founder and Editor Robin Whitten. Support for AudioFile's Sound Reviews comes from Oasis Audio, publisher of bestselling titles for all ages — soon to include the Classic Starts series: 36 beloved stories retold for young listeners.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

George Guidall is honored as a Golden Voice, AudioFile's lifetime achievement honor for audiobook narrators. George was one of the first narrators to be named a Golden Voice, and his audiobook work has elevated the art form for more than 30 years. George is a consummate storyteller. He astutely understands an author’s approach and delivers the essence of the written work. At the same time, his warm, intimate voice fully engages the listener in international thrillers, literary fiction, or history. Browse his full audiography, and explore his AudioFile profile page. Essential Listens: GABRIEL ALLON series WALT LONGMIRE series THE HOUR I FIRST BELIEVED For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Founder and Editor Robin Whitten. Support for AudioFile’s Sound Reviews comes from Oasis Audio, home to The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers, read by LeVar Burton and nominated for the 2019 Audie Awards Audiobook of the Year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Simon Jones is honored as a Golden Voice, AudioFile's lifetime achievement honor for audiobook narrators. Simon was in the original BBC Radio cast of THE HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY, and has appeared in most of the subsequent re-imaginings. The “Guide” has put Simon onto stage and screen and into audiobook roles that capitalize on his keen sense of wit and humor. Browse his full audiography, and explore his AudioFile profile page. Essential Listens: RIGHT HO, JEEVES THE AMULET OF SAMARKAND THE HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY: Tertiary Phase For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Publisher Michele Cobb. Support for AudioFile's Sound Reviews comes from Oasis Audio, publisher of bestselling titles for all ages — soon to include the Classic Starts series: 36 beloved stories retold for young listeners.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dion Graham is honored as a Golden Voice, AudioFile's lifetime achievement honor for audiobook narrators. Dion is a storyteller for any age group. He can swing from Miles Davis to Trombone Shorty, from mysteries to history to complex astrophysics to audiobooks for children, Dion has legendary empathy for the characters he portrays and impressively connects with listeners. Browse his full audiography, and explore his AudioFile profile page. Essential Listens: BLACK LEOPARD, RED WOLF MILES: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY LETTER FROM BIRMINGHAM JAIL For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Publisher Michele Cobb. Support for AudioFile’s Sound Reviews comes from Oasis Audio, home to The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers, read by LeVar Burton and nominated for the 2019 Audie Awards Audiobook of the Year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Barbara Rosenblat is honored as a Golden Voice, AudioFile's lifetime achievement honor for audiobook narrators. Barbara is an audiobook superstar. She creates an energy field around her that extends to everyone she meets and electrifies each audiobook she records. She is superb with accents, unfailingly accurate and consistent. Her performances are legendary—from the Bronx to Bridget Jones, plus mystery series, children’s audiobooks, and literary and historical fiction. Her role as Miss Rosa in “Orange is the New Black” made her a star to non-audiobook listeners, too. Browse her full audiography, and explore her AudioFile profile page. Essential Listens: MISTRESS OF THE RITZ A RIVER IN THE SKY Elizabeth Peters ANNE FRANK REMEMBERED For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Publisher Michele Cobb. Support for AudioFile's Sound Reviews comes from Oasis Audio, publisher of bestselling titles for all ages — soon to include the Classic Starts series: 36 beloved stories retold for young listeners.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Simon Prebble is honored as a Golden Voice, AudioFile's lifetime achievement honor for audiobook narrators. Over a long career, Simon has given listeners exceptional performances of multi-volume mystery and romance series, literary fiction, and history. From Sherlock Holmes to Shackleton, Simon’s distinctive British voice and keen facility with accents define the craft of audiobook narration. Browse his full audiography, and explore his AudioFile profile page. Essential Listens: THE REMAINS OF THE DAY ENDURANCE THE PERFECT LOVER For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Publisher Michele Cobb. Support for AudioFile’s Sound Reviews comes from Oasis Audio, home to The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers, read by LeVar Burton and nominated for the 2019 Audie Awards Audiobook of the Year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Narrator Scott Brick celebrates his 20th year as an audiobook narrator this June. He received the honor of Golden Voice 15 years ago as his prolific career took off quickly—he credits producers Dan Musselman and Stefan Rudnicki, but Scott’s own passion for books and stories is equally a cause. Scott’s affinity for and knowledge of science fiction has kept that genre high on his favorites list. Scott talks with podcast host Josephine Reed about many aspects of his career as he celebrates his 20-year milestone. Browse his full audiography, and explore his AudioFile profile page. Essential Listens: JURASSIC PARK DEAD WAKE DUNE: THE BUTLERIAN JIHAD For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are narrator Scott Brick and AudioFile podcast host, Josephine Reed. Support for AudioFile’s Sound Reviews comes from Oasis Audio, home to The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers, read by LeVar Burton and nominated for the 2019 Audie Awards Audiobook of the Year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In June 2019, Suzanne Toren was honored as a Golden Voice, AudioFile's lifetime achievement honor for audiobook narrators. Suzanne’s career as a voice actor has spanned more than 20 years. Listeners have been engaged by her narrations of history, literary fiction, biography, and children’s audiobooks. Browse her full audiography, and explore her AudioFile profile page. Essential Listens: “REMEMBER THE LADIES” AMERICA’S JEWISH WOMEN TEAM OF RIVALS For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are narrator Suzanne Toren and Michele Cobb, Publisher of AudioFile. Support for AudioFile's Sound Reviews comes from Oasis Audio, publisher of bestselling titles for all ages — soon to include the Classic Starts series: 36 beloved stories retold for young listeners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Audiobook narrator Johnny Heller was honored as a Golden Voice in June 2019. AudioFile’s lifetime achievement honor is given to top narrators who exemplify the very best in audiobook talent. With audiobooks as diverse as private-eye thrillers, serious history, or hilarious children’s stories, Johnny’s performances have delighted listeners of all ages and interests. Browse his full audiography, and explore his AudioFile profile page. Essential Listens: NOIR CLOSING TIME A TALE DARK & GRIMM For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are AudioFile Publisher Michele Cobb and narrator Johnny Heller. Support for AudioFile’s Sound Reviews comes from Oasis Audio, home to The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers, read by LeVar Burton and nominated for the 2019 Audie Awards Audiobook of the Year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In June 2019, Bahni Turpin was honored as a Golden Voice, AudioFile's lifetime achievement honor for audiobook narrators. Bahni has narrated audiobooks across a wide range of subjects and genres—many are female-driven, and they often feature African-American characters. Bahni’s work has been celebrated with multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards and Audie Awards—including the 2019 Audiobook of the Year, CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE. Browse Bahni’s full audiography, and explore her AudioFile profile page. Essential Listens: THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD THE HATE U GIVE CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are AudioFile Editor Robin Whitten narrator Bahni Turpin. Support for AudioFile's Sound Reviews comes from Oasis Audio, publisher of bestselling titles for all ages — soon to include the Classic Starts series: 36 beloved stories retold for young listeners.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Audiobook narrator Edoardo Ballerini was honored as a Golden Voice in June 2019. AudioFile’s lifetime achievement honor is given to top narrators who exemplify the very best in audiobook talent. Edoardo has created exceptional audiobook performances across a wide variety of subjects and genres. Browse Edoardo’s full audiography, and explore his AudioFile profile page. Essential Listens: BEAUTIFUL RUINS THE MIRROR THIEF THE SWERVE For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are narrator Edoardo Ballerini and Michele Cobb, Publisher of AudioFile Magazine. Support for AudioFile's Sound Reviews comes from Oasis Audio, publisher of bestselling titles for all ages — soon to include the Classic Starts series: 36 beloved stories retold for young listeners.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In June 2019, January LaVoy was honored as a Golden Voice, AudioFile's lifetime achievement honor for audiobook narrators. January has made invaluable contributions to the craft of audiobook narration. She manages to straddle the worlds of stage, screen, and teaching, and still records many audiobooks a year. January has won multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards and Audie Awards. Browse her full audiography and explore her AudioFile profile page here. Essential Listens to appreciate January’s versatility, range, and skill: THE DIVINERS CAMINO ISLAND ELIZA HAMILTON For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are Robin Whitten, Editor & Founder of AudioFile Magazine, and Golden Voice narrator January LaVoy. Support for AudioFile’s Sound Reviews comes from Oasis Audio, home to The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers, read by LeVar Burton and nominated for the 2019 Audie Awards Audiobook of the Year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actor Tembi Locke narrates her memoir in a smooth, warm voice that carries the listener through her story of falling in love with Saro, an engaging Sicilian chef, his early death from cancer, and how time with his family helped heal her intense grief. Locke's memoir frequently shifts timeframes, alternately voicing the devastation of his death and the joy of their life together. Locke captivates as she tells of her love for Saro and their daughter, Zoela; the pain of rejection by his family when he married her, a black American; and the bittersweet joy of reconciliation during his illness. Listeners will savor Locke's lyrical English and Italian, and will be swept away by scenes in his Sicilian village of finding solace in food made with love. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award. Published by Simon & Schuster Audio. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Assistant Editor Emily Connelly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For a story built on first impressions, perceptions, and secrets, tonal variety is key. Narrator Soneela Nankani does a beautiful job with the nuances in this fresh take on the Jane Austen classic. Chef DJ Caine is hospitable but steely to Dr. Trisha Raje after their disastrous initial meeting. The two are thrown together constantly by a series of circumstances, and there’s an underlying heat to their relationship that neither can deny. Nankani seamlessly transitions from an Indian-American accent to a posh British tone and a breezy Californian inflection. She takes care to give a distinct voice to each member of the Raje family, a tactic that illuminates the patriarch’s stony demeanor in particular. Published by Harper Audio. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Assistant Editor Emily Connelly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Narrator Ramón de Ocampo brings out all the emotion in this tender, serious, funny, and warmly hopeful love story. Smart, snarky Alex Claremont-Diaz, first son of the United States, is about to graduate from Georgetown and is eager to work on his mother’s reelection campaign. Then he falls headlong into a whirlwind and very secret romance with England’s Prince Henry. De Ocampo beautifully conveys the depth of feeling in their late-night text and email exchanges and intimate physical encounters. Alex gets a hint of a Texas twang and Henry a wobbly but endearing British accent as de Ocampo differentiates among the large cast of supporting characters in orbit around them. Listeners will be swept up as Alex and Henry face questions of identity and coming out amid familial duties and political machinations. Published by Macmillan Audio. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Assistant Editor Emily Connelly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Elizabeth Acevedo sounds natural and authentic as Emoni, an immensely likable Philadelphia high school senior with a 2-year-old daughter and a gift for cooking. In both her writing and her narration, Acevedo warmly depicts the loving and supportive people in Emoni’s life—her Puerto Rican abuela, who helps take care of baby Emma; her best friend, Angelica; and Malachi, a new transfer student who is taking a culinary arts class with Emoni. In short chapters, listeners learn about Emoni’s magic in the kitchen—not only does she have an instinct for what will taste good, but her emotions are an essential ingredient that infuses her cooking. This delicious feel-good story will have listeners rooting for Emoni as she figures out the next steps on her life path. Published by Harper Audio. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Assistant Editor Emily Connelly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emily Woo Zeller narrates a deeply moving love story between two passionate and strong-willed individuals from its emotionally devastating lows to its profoundly satisfying conclusion. Khai Diep is convinced he is incapable of feeling, and, therefore, has no need of a wife. Esme Tran, despite numerous obstacles, jumps at the chance to meet a potential husband who is American. Zeller perfectly captures Esme’s journey from naïve country girl to determined young woman as she navigates a new country, a new living situation, and a complicated new relationship. Similarly, she skillfully portrays Khai’s slow and painful progress as he realizes that he does indeed possess very deep feelings. Zeller’s comfort with the occasional Vietnamese phrases adds another layer of realism to the story. Published by Dreamscape. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Assistant Editor Emily Connelly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In deep tones that will be familiar to viewers of Netflix’s “Queer Eye,” social worker and cultural commentator Karamo Brown narrates his debut audiobook. Blending memoir with inspirational lessons, he recounts the joys and challenges of his life, including his unorthodox routes to fame and fatherhood, his experiences with addiction and abuse, and his ambitious drive. He describes how each of these qualities and experiences shaped his worldview and empowered him to help others. Although Brown’s narration style doesn’t achieve the level of charisma listeners might expect based on his television work, his delivery is straightforward and accessible, with occasional bursts of warmth and humor. Overall, fans will be fascinated by this dive into Brown’s personal history, particularly the lengthy final chapter, which focuses on “Queer Eye.” Published by Simon & Schuster Audio. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine publisher Michele Cobb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Narrator David Pittu’s smooth, soft delivery is the perfect contrast to the unnamed protagonist in this domestic thriller about a happily married couple whose hobby is killing innocent women. The story is told mostly through the voice of the husband, who describes his relationship with his wife and problems with his kids, as well as details of the couple’s secret life and growing concerns about getting caught. Pittu’s performance authentically mirrors the way people talk to themselves and matches tempo, volume, and tone to the husband’s varied personas, which range from loving family man to lady-killer (literally). Listeners may feel somewhat uncomfortable as they become invested in the husband’s story and could even start to root for him, lulled by Pittu’s spot-on portrayal. Published by Penguin Audio. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine publisher Michele Cobb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brittany Pressley performs this audiobook at a fast pace that will be familiar to listeners who live in large, bustling cities. But she knows how to moderate her energy for the tender sections, and her overall performance sounds authentic, conversational, and true to the core intentions of the author’s story. Lori Gottlieb, a psychotherapist, describes her experiences trying to help a variety of clients and shares a few of her own issues—like how to help others when your own life has just been bombed by the unexpected ending of a romantic relationship. She’s a candid reporter, and the portraits she offers of her clients, her own therapy, and the practice of psychotherapy sound both authentic and inspiring. Portrayed by Pressley, she also sounds like someone you know, which makes her observations and insights all the more accessible. Published by Audible, Inc. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine publisher Michele Cobb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With remarkable vocal agility, narrator Michael Crouch takes a fascinating novel and makes it downright riveting. No matter what appears in the audiobook, Crouch is game. Ilya is an exchange student from Russia who is living in Louisiana. Fluent accents emerge without hesitation or exaggeration. The cast of characters expands, time shifts between past and present, and a mystery involving Ilya’s brother in Russia is introduced. Crouch's skill with diverse voices and dialogue delivered with exceptional timing come to the fore. His well-measured delivery is agreeable and shifts subtly with each new event or character. Before long, this audiobook is less a production one is hearing and more a revelation taking place in one's own mind. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award. Published by Penguin Audio. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine publisher Michele Cobb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this memorable audiobook, Connell and Marianne, both smart, odd, and socially at sea, are deeply connected to each other and too young to know how rare their bond is. Everyone at their village high school in Sligo knows that Connell’s mother cleans house for Marianne’s family, so they feign indifference. At university, everything changes, then reverses, then changes again. Aoife McMahon, a skillful actor with a gorgeous Irish accent, makes each personality idiosyncratic and believable, and perfectly captures their confusion at being young and emotionally innocent, and trying to be decent but with no idea how to manage it. Rooney’s subtle writing and engrossing plot work with McMahon’s nimble and witty performance to balance your sympathies on a knife edge between these unforgettable characters. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award. Published by Random House Audio. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine publisher Michele Cobb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our culture values early success and achievement. Karlgaard’s message: It’s simply wrong to assume that success in life must begin early and that, past a certain age, we should not expect much of ourselves. This inviting audio will make listeners in their later years rethink how they want to spend their lives. Narrator Fred Sanders offers a steady narration that engages listeners. Published by Random House Audio. Read the full review of LATE BLOOMERS at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine contributor Jonathan Smith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Harvard Professor and PBS regular Henry Louis Gates, Jr., explores how people of color navigated their lives, identity, and culture from the period of Reconstruction to the rise of segregation and the Harlem Renaissance. Dominic Hoffman gives a natural and compelling narration of Gates’s complex meditation on black identity in a racist America. Published by Penguin Audio. Read the full review of STONY THE ROAD at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine contributor Jonathan Smith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President John F. Kennedy made an astonishing announcement in May 1961. He announced his goal of putting a man on the moon by the end of the decade. Douglas Brinkley’s history takes listeners to the 1960s to bring together the extraordinary political, cultural, and scientific factors that fueled the birth and development of NASA and the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo projects. Narrator Stephen Graybill’s assured performance captures the space race and its part in the social and political complexities of the Cold War era. Published by Harper Audio. Read the full review of AMERICAN MOONSHOT at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine contributor Jonathan Smith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Count the works of David McCullough among the richest listening experiences. The acclaimed historian has read many of his own audiobooks, but this history of the settlement of America’s Northwest Territory is presented by narrator John Bedford Lloyd. Lloyd possesses many of McCullough’s familiar virtues, in particular, a deep-throated calm and a balanced tone, making this an Earphones-worthy listen. Published by Simon & Schuster Audio. Read the full review of THE PIONEERS at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine contributor Jonathan Smith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bienville is not a sleepy Mississippi town. When journalist Marshall McEwan returns to care for his ailing father, he renews relationships with former lovers and others while also uncovering dark secrets about the Poker Club and others who control every aspect of the town. Narrator Scott Brick gets every nuance of accent and pacing, giving listeners an Earphones Award performance. Published by Harper Audio. Read the full review of CEMETERY ROAD at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine contributor Jonathan Smith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Food writer Goulding offers mouth-watering essays that go region by region around Italy. It’s not a cookbook, though it was a James Beard Award finalist, but it will make you want to book a trip to Italy to follow in his footsteps. Will Damron narrates with energy, poise, and precision. Published by Tantor Media. Read the full review of PASTA, PANE, VINO at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Founder and Editor Robin Whitten. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Psychology professor and therapist Pipher invites listeners into her life with engaging observations and advice. Suzanne Toren’s mature pitch and thoughtful phrasing are perfect for this memoir-like study of the various ways women transition into their later years. Published by Audible, Inc. Read the full review of WOMEN ROWING NORTH at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Founder and Editor Robin Whitten. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author and playwright Lillian Hellman wrote this biting and darkly humorous story that never gets old. In this full-cast reading before a live audience, the narrators sport dead-on Southern accents. A piercing examination of the Old South that proves a woman can be just as devilish and greedy as any man. Published by L.A. Theatre Works. Read the full review of THE LITTLE FOXES at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Founder and Editor Robin Whitten. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Seasoned thriller master Harlan Coben and narrator Steven Weber know how to grab the listener and not let go. Simon and Ingrid Greene are searching for their daughter—a search that takes them to drug dens in the Bronx, adoption agencies, and more unexpected places. Great suspense with unexpected twists and a perfect performance. Published by Brilliance Audio. Read the full review of RUN AWAY at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Founder and Editor Robin Whitten. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Humorist and columnist Dave Barry treats us to good listening with his trademark humor and ruminations on old dogs and aging. Taking ideas from Lucy, his old dog and faithful friend, Barry shares chapters like “Make New Friends,” “Don’t Stop Having Fun,” and “Pay Attention to the People You Love.” Published by Simon & Schuster Audio. Read the full review of LESSONS FROM LUCY at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Founder and Editor Robin Whitten. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No one writes a teen love story quite like Nicola Yoon. Before being swept away by Natasha and Daniel on the big screen in THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR, listen as Bahni Turpin, Raymond Lee, and Dominic Hoffman narrate this story of a whirlwind one-day romance set in New York City. Natasha is desperate to keep her family from being deported back to Jamaica when she meets Daniel on his way for a college interview — one he has no interest in actually doing. Natasha and Daniel’s relationship builds as the hours tick closer and closer to deportation. You won’t be able to put this audiobook down. Published by Listening Library. Read the full review of THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Assistant Editor Emily Connelly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travel from the Arctic to Antarctica and everywhere in between with Barry Lopez, author of ARCTIC DREAMS, as he takes listeners along on his autobiographical reflections. James Naughton narrates with the appropriate gravitas as Lopez brings listeners to the Galapagos and the Kenyan desert, often focusing his stories on his concerns for the health of the planet and humanity’s future. Explore the world with Lopez and Naughton as your guides. Published by Random House Audio. Read the full review of Horizon at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Assistant Editor Emily Connelly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Queenie is 25, a Jamaican Brit, and absolutely hilarious. Listeners follow Queenie through group texts, disastrous relationships, and problems with family as she searches for meaning and acceptance. Narrator Shvorne Marks gives a powerful performance of Queenie and excels with the diverse accents from the UK, Jamaica, Pakistan, and Uganda. Squeamish situations are hilarious, and Queenie’s low points are touching. Ideal listening to queue up for summer. Published by Simon & Schuster Audio. Read the full review of QUEENIE at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Assistant Editor Emily Connelly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sal has just moved to Miami and is going to a magnet middle school to study magic. Listeners soon find out that Sal not only excels at sleight-of-hand but can also tear holes into alternate universes and bring things (and people!) into his own universe. Narrator Anthony Rey Perez skillfully interprets this delightful mix of realistic and fantastical events and nimbly switches between English and Spanish. Listeners will love hearing Sal and Gabi’s banter and growing friendship, the loving support of their Cuban-American families, and their out-of-this-world escapades as they try to make things right. Published by Listening Library. Read the full review of SAL AND GABI BREAK THE UNIVERSE at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Assistant Editor Emily Connelly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nora’s father Driss Guerraoui is killed in a hit-and-run, and she’s determined to find out why. A cast of narrators gives voice to the perspectives of the people impacted by his death. Mozhan Marno stands out for her ability to capture daughter Nora’s raw emotion. There’s a mystery at the heart of this audiobook, but it’s also an examination of what it means to be an American and an immigrant in America. Published by Random House Audio. Read the full review of THE OTHER AMERICANS at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Assistant Editor Emily Connelly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Take a trip to the ’70s with this story of a fake rock band—sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll. A star-studded cast—Jennifer Beals, Benjamin Bratt, Judy Greer, and Pablo Schreiber lead the ensemble of narrators as they recount the band’s meteoric rise to fame and mysterious fall from grace as an oral history. A tapestry of memorable characters with electric chemistry and authentic-sounding relationships creates a remarkable audiobook. Published by Random House Audio. Read the full review of DAISY JONES & THE SIX at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Publisher Michele Cobb.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SYNC kicks off today—it’s an exciting free summer program that lasts 14 weeks. The program is focused on young adults, but anyone can participate. AudioFile offers 2 audiobook downloads a week, thematically paired. Every Thursday, two new titles are available. This season we have everything from Shakespeare’s OTHELLO to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s BECOMING KAREEM. We have classics, plays, nonfiction, and something for all tastes. Learn more about the summer teen audiobook program at audiobooksync.com. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Publisher Michele Cobb.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Detective Amos Decker discovers that a mistake he made as a rookie may have led to deadly consequences in this latest Memory Man thriller. Earphones Award performances by Kyf Brewer and Orlagh Cassidy should push this audiobook to the top of every thriller fan’s must list. Published by Hachette Audio. Read the full review of REDEMPTION at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Publisher Michele Cobb.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Formerly an observant Orthodox Jew, Larry refuses to say Kaddish, the mourner’s prayer, for his recently deceased father. Instead he uses an Internet-based alternative to avoid his obligation, and his life is profoundly changed. Poignant and yet funny writing and Rob Shapiro’s nuanced narration make this a must-listen. An Earphones Award winner. Published by Random House Audio. Read the full review of KADDISH.COM at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Publisher Michele Cobb.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Onwauchi is in the running for the 2019 James Beard Rising Star Chef of the Year. He narrates his own memoir that dishes on the restaurant industry as it weaves the tale of a his upbringing, his rise— including a stint on Top Chef—and the rapid fall of his restaurant Shaw Bijou. Now at New York’s Kith and Kin, Onwauchi delivers a compelling sense of emotion and passion with his performance. Published by Random House Audio. Read the full review of NOTES FROM A YOUNG BLACK CHEF at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine Publisher Michele Cobb.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Mark Synnott’s unique window on the ethos of climbing, his friend Alex Honnold’s astonishing “free solo” ascent of El Capitan’s 3,000 feet of sheer granite is the central act. Mark Deakins paints an authentic, wry portrait of climbing history and profiles Yosemite heroes and the international climbers who explore the limits of human potential. Published by Penguin Audio. Read the full review of THE IMPOSSIBLE CLIMB at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine reviewer Jonathan Smith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Historian Wilson-Lee’s biography of Christopher Columbus’s son, Hernando Colón, offers a fresh perspective on the age of European exploration, the emergence of modern printing and libraries, and the concept of a global world. Richard Trinder narrates here with enormous grace, skill, and understanding. Published by Simon & Schuster Audio. Read the full review of THE CATALOGUE OF SHIPWRECKED BOOKS at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine reviewer Jonathan Smith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A detailed recollection of Bob Dylan’s groundbreaking “Blonde on Blonde.” Cue up the soundtrack and get the inside story on the musicians, engineers, and producers who had a role in the creation of Dylan's trailblazing album. Narrator Graham Halstead is a great guide for listeners. Published by Tantor Media. Read the full review of THAT THIN, WILD MERCURY SOUND at audiofilemagazine.com. For more free audiobook recommendations, sign up for AudioFile Magazine’s newsletter. On today’s episode are host Jo Reed and AudioFile Magazine reviewer Jonathan Smith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices