Tag Archives: audiobooks

Picks of the Week-May 17

Tantorian Favorites, ,

Well hello there, Spring! The temps are getting warmer and the birds are chirping. It’s the perfect time to start listening to a fresh new find while you go exploring or do your spring cleaning. We understand that at times it could be a challenge narrowing down your next listen, so we had our acquirers narrow down some of their top picks for you.

Savage Dominion

Luke Chmilenko presents Book 1 in the Savage Dominion series.

Note: From celebrated GameLit Author Luke Chmilenko comes a new collaboration with G.D. Penman – welcome to the wild world of Amaranth – Greg Souza

Publishing Date: 5/25/2021

Written by: G.D. Penman,Luke Chmilenko

Read by : Luke Daniels

The Tolls of Uncertainty: How Privilege and the Guilt Gap Shape Unemployment in America

An indispensable investigation into the American unemployment system and the ways gender and class affect the lives of those looking for work.

Note:  A leading sociology and labor experts shows how class, race, and gender affect people’s experience of unemployment and reveals the ways men’s and women’s reactions to job loss have changed in recent decades.  This book presents an extremely eye-opening account on the differences on how job loss can affect scores of people.  A very timely subject in these uncertain times. -Scott Smith

Publishing Date: 5/25/2021

Written by:  Sarah Damaske

Read by:  Teri Schnaubelt

Conquistadors of the Useless: From the Alps to Annapurna

The story of Lionel Terray’s ground-breaking climbs told with insight and wit.

Note: Available now for the first time in audio, the English translation of the Mountaineering Classic Conquistadors of the Useless. This is the firsthand account of the life of Lionel Terray and his astonishing summits of mountains in the Andes, the Himalayas, the Alaskan Rockies and the first ascent to the peak of Annapurna, in a time when those who chose to climb became national heroes. Lyrical and insightful Conquistadors of the Useless is perfect for fans of Jon Krakauer, David Roberts, and Maurice Herzog. -Nick Pouliot

Publishing Date: 5/25/2021

Written by: Lionel Terray

Read by: Nigel Patterson

What Abigail Did That Summer

Ben Aaronovitch presents another exciting novella in the Rivers of London series.

Note: While police constable and apprentice wizard Peter Grant is away solving mysteries in the countryside, his teenaged cousin, Abigail Kamara finds her own mystery in Hampstead Heath. Teens in the area have gone missing and when they return they have no answers about their whereabouts. Filled with magic, adventure, and talking foxes, What Abigail Did That Summer is another fantastic and fun novella in The Rivers of London Series that you won’t want to miss!-Kim Budnick

Publishing Date: 05/25/2021

Written by: Ben Aaronovitch

Read by: Shvorne Marks & Kobna Holdbrook-Smith 

Picks of the Week-May 10

Tantorian Favorites, , ,

Well hello there, Spring! The temps are getting warmer and the birds are chirping. It’s the perfect time to start listening to a fresh new find while you go exploring or do your spring cleaning. We understand that at times it could be a challenge narrowing down your next listen, so we had our acquirers narrow down some of their top picks for you.

The Matchmakers of Minnow Bay

The Matchmakers of Minnow Bay is a story of the surprising beauty of past mistakes and the unexpected pleasures of correcting them.

Note: Romance fans will love Kelly Harms’ witty story of love and new beginnings. In the sleepy town of Minnow Bay, Lily seeks out Ben to annul a long forgotten Vegas wedding—much to their surprise, this unexpected reunion becomes a turning point in both their lives. -Maddy Collins

Publishing Date: 5/11/21

Written by: Kelly Harms

Read by: Piper Goodeve

Sit, Stay, Love

When a cute pug named Potato is brought in to the shelter where she volunteers, Cecilia Murray knows he is the dog she’s been waiting for. There’s just one problem: Eric Chung—a popular, arrogant boy from school—adopts Potato first.

Note: A feel-good listen for dog lovers! Cecilia misses out on adopting the cute pug Potato. What will she do to sabotage the boy from school that adopted Potato and is putting him in dog shows. Cecilia hates dogs shows and doesn’t think Potato should be in them. Will she be able to save Potato or will she change her mind? -Jannah McCowan

Publishing Date:   5/11/21

Written by: J.J. Howard

Read by: Em Eldridge

Jumpstart Learning in Your Kids

In Jumpstart Learning in Your Kids, Bridget Spackman, a public school educator and the YouTuber behind The Lettered Classroom, shares her expertise with parents to help educate and encourage children, learn how children succeed, and support lifelong education in the home and beyond.

Note: After the disruption of Covid, getting kids back to a sense of normalcy will be a challenge. This is especially true in the realms of learning and education. Bridget Spackman provides tips on how to ensure your child succeeds no matter what the situation. -Aaron Piccirillo

Publishing Date: 5/18/21

Written by: Bridget Spackman

Read by: Heather Wynne

My Name is Resolute

Resolute tells the exciting and heartfelt story of a woman struggling to find herself during the tumultuous years preceding the American Revolution. Contains mature themes.

Note: Fans of Stephanie Dray and Amy Belding Brown will have another historical novel set in early America to get lost in with My Name is Resolute. Nancy E. Turner tells the story of Resolute Talbot’s harrowing adventure to the New World in the years building up to the American Revolution. While she grapples with hardship, rebellion, and a colony in turmoil, we wonder: can Resolute live up to her name? -Sonia Brand-Fisher

Publishing Date: 5/18/2021 

Written by: Nancy E. Turner

Read by: Mhairi Morrison

     

Picks of the Week -May 3

Tantorian Favorites, , ,

Well hello there, Spring! The temps are getting warmer and the birds are chirping. It’s the perfect time to start listening to a fresh new find while you go exploring or do your spring cleaning. We understand that at times it could be a challenge narrowing down your next listen, so we had our acquirers narrow down some of their top picks for you.

Ember of Night

Molly E. Lee presents Book 1 in the Bloodlines series.

Note: All Harley wants is to give her little sister, Ray, a better life and is counting down the days until she turns eighteen to do just that. But of course, nothing goes as planned. Days before her birthday, hot and cold Draven comes hurtling into Harley’s life. Once she meets Draven, strange things start happening to Harley–like getting attacked by demons, and she knows he is hiding something. There’s more than meets the eye is this thrilling supernatural story, and you don’t want to miss the twists and turns Molly throws in! -Kelly Srubas

Publishing Date: 5/4/21

Written by: Molly E. Lee

Read by: Chris Chambers and Stephanie Rose

Jacobo’s Rainbow

Jacobo’s Rainbow is a historical literary novel set primarily in the 1960s during the convulsive period of the student protest movements and the Vietnam War. It focuses on the issue of being an outsider—the “other”—an altogether common circumstance that resonates with listeners in today’s America. Written from a Jewish perspective, it speaks to universal truths that affect us all.

Note: Written from a Jewish perspective, this historical novel, set in the 1960s during the Vietnam War focuses on the issues of being an outsider. Jacobo is arrested and sent to jail, he is allowed to leave, if and only if, he joins in the war, and fights in Vietnam. After the war, Jacobo’s is back home and notices that America is not the same as it was before he left. For fans of Olivia Hawker and Talia Carner, you don’t want to miss David’s newest book, Jacobo’s Rainbow, out now.- Jordan Spellman

Publishing Date: 5/4/2021

Written by: David Hirschberg

Read by: Neil Hellegers

The Murders That Made Us

The 170-year history of the San Francisco Bay Area told through its crimes and how they intertwine with the city’s art, music, and politics.

Note:  The history of San Francisco through its crimes, both infamous and obscure.  Calhoun and Sellon-Wright take us on a fascinating journey to show how crime in San Francisco has always been intwined with and molded the city’s art and politics.  Perfect for fans of true crime and anyone looking to learn more about one of America’s most interesting cities. -Dan Totten

Publishing Date:  5/4/2021

Written by:  Bob Calhoun

Read by:  Keith Sellon-Wright

The Newton Code

In a tunnel under the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, Michael, a teacher of investigative journalism, has to confront a powerful opponent. Will he succeed in his race against time? Will he prevail in his attempt to stop Armageddon?

Note: For fans of Dan Brown and Raymond Khoury, this mysterious historic thriller will leave you on the edge of you seat!- Kristen Hummel

Publishing Date: 5/4/2021

Written by: Liam Fialkov

Read by: Jennifer Jill Araya

Secret on the Fens

Joy Ellis presents Book 12 in the DI Nikki Galena series.

Note: My favorite series of the last five years – these binge-worthy listens will have you on the edge of your seat waiting for your friends Nikki and Joseph to return with the next installment. -Jenn Eschrich

Publishing Date: 5/4/21

Written by: Joy Ellis

Read by: Henrietta Meire

Picks of the Week-April 19

Tantorian Favorites, , , , ,

Well hello there, Spring! The temps are getting warmer and the birds are chirping. It’s the perfect time to start listening to a fresh new find while you go exploring or do your spring cleaning. We understand that at times it could be a challenge narrowing down your next listen, so we had our acquirers narrow down some of their top picks for you.

The Noose of a New Moon

The author of the Midnight Smoke series presents a standalone novel.

Note: Fans of Harper’s titles will love this branch-off of the Firebrand series. With intrigue powered by werewolves, a secret society, and murders by an illegally turned shifter, The Noose of the New Moon captivates from beginning to end. -Kara Boucher

Publishing Date: 4/27/2021

Written by: Helen Harper

Read by: Shaun Grindell

Three Half Goats Gruff & Dragons Don’t Eat Meat

Kim McDougall presents the prequel and Book 1 in the Valkyrie Bestiary series.

Note: Exciting new paranormal series from author Kim McDougall filled with suspense, adventure, and magical creatures (includes bonus prequel)! -Kristen Hummel

Publishing Date: 4/27/2021

Written by: Kim McDougall

Read by: Hollie Jackson

Going to Trinidad: A Doctor, a Colorado Town, and Stories from an Unlikely Gender Crossroads

Going to Trinidad focuses on the pre- and post-surgery lives of two transgender patients who experienced very different outcomes. Through them, the author takes listeners deep into the often-mystifying world of gender, genitalia, and sexuality, and chronicles a fascinating segment of the human species that’s often misunderstood by those for whom gender remains a binary male-or-female equation.

Note: “A fascinating look at the little Colorado mining town that for decades was secretly know as the ‘sex-change capital of the world’.  This book is full of remarkable stories of both hope and disappointment and chronicles a fascinating segment of the human species that’s often misunderstood by those for whom gender remains a mostly binary male-or-female equation.” -Scott Smith

Publishing Date: 4/27/2021

Written by: Martin J. Smith

Read by: Natasha Soudek

The Right Player

From bestselling author Kandi Steiner comes a sexy, hilarious, opposites-attract sports romance set in the lively city of Chicago. Contains mature themes.

Note: Kandi is back again with another hilarious, opposites-attract contemporary sports romance. Meet Belle and Makoa, they both have a three date rule but to each of them it means something entirely different. Belle is wild, free and only looking to have a little fun in life; Makoa is a football player and a true gentleman and wants inside Belle’s heart before in her bed. Did these two meet their match and each find the right player? For fans of, Melanie Harlow and LJ Shen, you don’t want to miss The Right Player. -Jordan Spellman

Publishing Date: 4/27/2021

Written by: Kandi Steiner

Read by: Leon Nixon and Mia Madison

Picks of the Week-April 5

Tantorian Favorites, , , , ,

Well hello there, Spring! The temps are getting warmer and the birds are chirping. It’s the perfect time to start listening to a fresh new find while you go exploring or do your spring cleaning. We understand that at times it could be a challenge narrowing down your next listen, so we had our acquirers narrow down some of their top picks for you.

Forgotten Peoples of the Ancient World

A chronicle of forty forgotten ancient civilizations which highlights the important contributions that each has made to modern society.

Note: Fans of The Horse, The Wheel, and Language by David W. Anthony can continue their journey through early history with Philip Matyszak’s Forgotten Peoples on the Ancient World.- Greg Souza

Publishing Date: 4/13/21

Written by: Philip Matyszak

Read by: Michael Page

The Little Princesses: The Story of the Queen’s Childhood by Her Nanny, Marion Crawford

Originally published in 1950, The Little Princesses was the first account of British Royal life inside Buckingham Palace as revealed by Marion Crawford, who served as governess to princesses Elizabeth and Margaret.

Note: Perfect for fans of The Crown!  Hear about the Queen and Princess Margaret’s childhood straight from their childhood nanny. Originally published in 1950 this was the first book to ever be published by a palace insider. This is a must listen for anyone interested in the British Royals! -Jannah McCowan  

Author: Marion Crawford

Narrator: Sophie Roberts

Pub Date: 4/13/21

Sweetness in the Blood: Race, Risk, and Type 2 Diabetes

In a rousing indictment of the idea that notions of biological race should drive scientific inquiry, Sweetness in the Blood provides an ethnographic picture of biotechnology’s framings of Type 2 diabetes risk and race and, importantly, offers a critical examination of the assumptions behind the recruitment of African American and African-descent populations for Type 2 diabetes research.

Note: Sweetness in the Blood is an eye-opening examination of diabetes as well as a criticism of ethnographically focused research. Readers will be captivated by the historical analysis of biomedical research in relation to race. -Maddy Collins

Publishing Date: 4/20/21

Written by: James Doucet-Battle

Read by:  Terrence Kidd

The Bus

Detailing a six-hour window on April 21, 1941, The Bus features eight different narrators on a bus from the Scheuern institution to the Nazi euthanasia clinic in Hadamar, Germany. Contains mature themes.

Note: Describing the hours leading up to the arrival of 41 patients to be euthanized at Nazi Germany’s Hadamar Clinic from Scheuern Institution on April, 21, 1941, The Bus is told from the point of view of six mental patients, the physician whose job it is to kill them, and the man whose job it is to burn all the corpses that come out of the gas chamber. Soothed into submission by the promise that they can shower when they arrive at Hadmar, each patient reflects on their lives before Scheuern, while, in many cases, dearly missing the family members who gave them up to the Nazis for perceived imperfections that lead them to become institutionalized and ultimately exterminated. The physician struggles to reconcile what he must do versus what he knows to be moral and the man who operates the oven harbors his own secrets. An #ownvoices story, Adam Pottle’s writing offers a terrifying glimpse into the human toll of the Holocaust. It is devastating in its truth and beautiful in its detail of the humanity of the victims who perished. -Kim Budnick

Publishing Date: 4/20/2021

Written by: Adam Pottle

Read by: Suzanne Elise Freeman & Aaron Shedlock

Picks of the Week-March 29

Tantorian Favorites, , ,

Well hello there, Spring! The temps are getting warmer and the birds are chirping. It’s the perfect time to start listening to a fresh new find while you go exploring or do your spring cleaning. We understand that at times it could be a challenge narrowing down your next listen, so we had our acquirers narrow down some of their top picks for you.

Valcour:  The 1776 Campaign That Save the Cause of Liberty

The wild and suspenseful story of one of the most crucial and least known campaigns of the Revolutionary War when America’s scrappy navy took on the full might of Britain’s sea power.

Note:  Before he famously became a turncoat, Benedict Arnold was perhaps the best strategic officer in the Colonial Army.  This is the story of one the most impressive and exciting victories he had a hand in, and  brings to light an important, yet little-known, naval battle from the American Revolution.  Strap in and listen to Jack Kelly’s riveting account! -Dan Totten

Written by:  Jack Kelly

Read by:  David Colacci

Publishing Date:  4/6/2021

The Psychology of Notorious Serial Killers

Applying personality theory to more than a dozen of the most notorious serial killers in modern history, the mystery surrounding their crimes begins to unravel. Contains mature themes.

Note: “An engaging dive into the personality theory behind the most notorious serial killers and the mystery surrounding their crimes. A must have companion to the Serial Killer Whisperer for professionals to true crime enthusiasts alike.” -Ashley Fortier

Written by: Todd Grande, PhD

Read by: Charles Constant

Publishing Date: 4/6/21

The Flipside of Perfect

A heartfelt, fun, and romantic novel about balancing who we are with who we’re expected to be, perfect for fans of Jenna Evans Welch, Morgan Matson, and Jenn Bennett.

Note: Adelaide Beloise Jepson works hard to keep her two lives very, very separate: AJ, the perfect older sister  and high-school student who follows all the rules, and Delia, a free-spirited younger child with no cares. But when her summer is crashed by her younger sister, she is forced finally embrace her whole self and realizes perfection might not be all it’s cracked up to be. Reminiscent of Morgan Matson, The Flipside of Perfect is the perfect sweet, springtime read! -Kelly Srubas

Written by: Liz Reinhardt

Read by: Amy McFadden

Publishing Date: 4/6/21

And We Came Outside and Saw the Stars Again: Writers from Around the World on the COVID-19 Pandemic

In this rich, eye-opening, and uplifting anthology, dozens of esteemed writers, poets, artists, and translators from more than thirty countries send literary dispatches from life during the pandemic.

Note: What would we do without the power of shared experience during the COVID-19 pandemic? In this moving anthology, global voices speak to their realities of living through what we are all still living through. Listen to the words of Jhumpa Lahiri, Eavan Boland, Daniel Alarcon, Ariel Dorfman, Wu Ming-Yi, and others as they confront and navigate a world in lockdown. Within each offering is an opportunity for collective healing from over a year of isolation, uncertainty, and upheaval of our daily lives. As we look forward with hope to a brighter future, these stories validate our pain, challenge our assumptions, and remind us of our resilience.    -Sonia Brand-Fisher

Written by: edited by Ilan Stavans

Read by: Raechel Wong

Publishing Date: 4/13/2021

Picks of the Week-March 22

Tantorian Favorites, , , ,

Well hello there, Spring! The temps are getting warmer and the birds are chirping. It’s the perfect time to start listening to a fresh new find while you go exploring or do your spring cleaning. We understand that at times it could be a challenge narrowing down your next listen, so we had our acquirers narrow down some of their top picks for you.

Agatha H. and the Siege of Mechanicsburg

Phil Foglio and Kaja Foglio present Book 4 in the Girl Genius series.

Note: In book 4 of the beloved Girl Genius series, we continue to follow Agatha’s journey in an action-packed adventure! -Kristen Hummel

Written by: Phil Foglio and Kaja Foglio

Read by: Angela Dawe

Publishing Date: 3/30/2021

Bones of the Past

Drew Hayes presents Book 2 in the Villains’ Code series.

Note:  Come along with narrator Amy Landon for another exciting trip into Drew Hayes’ Villains’ Code series.  In the second book the stakes get raised, as does the drama, excitement, and tension.  Like a movie on the page, this world of super heroes and villains is sure to keep your earbuds locked in! -Dan Totten

Written by:  Drew Hayes

Read by:  Amy Landon

Publishing Date:  3/30/2021

Crown of One Hundred Kings

Rachel Higginson presents Book 1 in the Nine Kingdoms Trilogy.

Note: Tessana, once a lost princess, now on a quest to go back home to take back what’s rightfully her place as Queen of the Nine Kingdoms. Tealon, a prince who was once in love with a princess and risked everything to save her, finds her again years later. Will Tealon do anything to protect Tess again or will his main focus be for his own kingdom? You don’t want to miss this new epic fantasy by Rachel Higginson! -Jordan Spellman

Written by: Rachel Higginson

Read by: Devon Sorvari

Publishing Date: 3/30/21

Picks of the Week-March 8

Tantorian Favorites, , , , ,

Spring is just around the corner and we are so excited for the warmer temps! It’s the perfect time to start listening to a fresh new find. We understand that at times it could be a challenge narrowing down your next listen, so we had our acquirers narrow down some of their top picks for you.

The Haunting

A dark family secret prompts a ghost to wreak havoc in this spooky novel in the spirit of Mary Downing Hahn.

Note: In this spooky middle-grade story, a 12-year-old orphan gets adopted and swept off to a haunted manor in London. Emily becomes fast friends with Kat, unaware she is a ghost! Join Emily as she uncovers the mysteries surrounding Kat, her new family, and the weird incidents that keep almost killing her! -Jannah McCowan

Publishing Date: 3/2/21

Written by: Lindsey Duga

Read by: Piper Goodeve

Roxanne

Peter Grainger presents Book 3 in the Kings Lake Investigation series.

Note: Peter Grainger is an author all murder mystery and police procedural readers should know. While a work of fiction, the realistic storyline of ROXANNE will thrill Grainger fans new and old. -Kara Boucher

Publishing Date: 3/2/2021

Written by: Peter Grainger

Read by: Gildart Jackson

Where Dogs Go To LIVE!

This book focuses on the stories of the senior dogs that have been taken in by Michele and Jeff through Monkey’s House, a dog hospice and sanctuary. Share in their journeys, laugh at their crazy antics, and shed a few tears while witnessing miracles of transformation.

Note: We’ve all heard the stories of sick and/or senior dogs abandoned or surrendered to shelters by their owners. To animal lovers, it’s a story that forms a knot in the stomach as we think about our own beloved pets, but Jeff and Michelle Allen chose to do something about it. In the last 5 years, they have opened up their home and hearts to over 100 dogs with terminal diagnoses or hard-to-adopt disabilities, and, in WHERE DOGS GO TO LIVE!, Jeff shares the stories of 37 of these dogs – not just the stories of where they came from, but how they thrived when given a second chance. The dogs who cross paths with Jeff, Michele, and their team are shown true love and then guided over the rainbow bridge as a member of a real family. Before you press play, make sure to have tissues handy – you’re sure to shed happy and sad tears listening to this inspiring story. -Jenn Eschrich

Publishing Date: 3/9/21

Written by: Jeff Allen with Michele Allen, Foreword by Larissa Wohl

Read by: Barry Abrams

Attack of the Not-So-Virtual Monsters

Kim Harrington presents Book 1 in the Gamer Squad series.

Note: “Equal parts action and adventure, your child won’t want to stop listening with a thrilling narration from Amy Melissa Bentley. Catching virtual monsters is Bex’s favorite hobby, but when those monsters find their way into the real world, she’ll have to enlist the help of her best friend Charlie before they become monster lunch.” -Ashley Fortier

Publishing Date: 3/16/2021

Written by: Kim Harrington

Read by: Amy Melissa Bentley

Picks of the Week-March 1

Tantorian Favorites, , , ,

Spring is just around the corner and we are so excited for the warmer temps! It’s the perfect time to start listening to a fresh new find. We understand that at times it could be a challenge narrowing down your next listen, so we had our acquirers narrow down some of their top picks for you.

Covet

The third book in the smash-hit Crave series will not disappoint—full of shocking twists, high-stakes romance, and deep fantasy lore, it’ll be a must-have for die-hard series fans and new audiences alike.

Note: The highly anticipated third installment in the Crave series is finally here! On top of her love life being a mess, Grace has to juggle winning over The Circle and an arrest warrant out for her and Hudson. You don’t want to miss what comes next. -Kelly Srubas

Publishing Date: 3/2/21

Written by: Tracy Wolff

Read by: Heather Costa & Tim Paige

Fast Funny Women

In Fast Funny Women, you’ll find everything you want from thoughtful essays in a short, delicious form.

Note: In Fast Funny Women, Gina Barreca has brought together seventy-five internationally celebrated women, including Jane Smiley, Dawn Lundy Martin, Susan Shapiro, and “Judge Judy” Sheindlin, with each contributing their own hilarious and insightful essay. This collection of flash nonfiction essays is sure to delight! -Kim Budnick

Publishing Date: 3/2/2021

Written by: Gina Barreca

Read by: Allyson Johnson & Cindy Kay

George Washington’s Final Battle: The Epic Struggle to Build a Capital City and a Nation

In George Washington’s Final Battle, Robert P. Watson brings this tale to life, telling how the country’s first president tirelessly advocated for a capital on the shores of the Potomac.

Note: In George Washington’s Final Battle, author Robert Watson examines an often-overlooked achievement in George Washington’s long political career. Hear the full story of how he used all his political savvy and influence to help establish, plan, and design the city that would be seat of the federal government and a reflection of the American identity. For anyone seeking new insight into the founding era or a story to the origin of the national capital George Washington’s Final Battle is the right title.  –  Nick Pouliot

Publishing Date: 03/02/2021

Written by: Robert P. Watson

Read by: Peter Lerman

Silicon Values

In Silicon Values, leading campaigner Jillian York looks at how our rights have become increasingly undermined by the major corporations’ desire to harvest our personal data and turn it into profit. She also looks at how governments have used the same technology to monitor citizens and threatened our ability to communicate.

Note: We hoped that the Internet would be a great leveling field. A place where everyone’s voice was heard equally without the continued distortion of corporate and political gatekeepers. On the surface, it still might seem that way, but underneath, as Jillian C. York shows, it’s anything but. For fans of The Social Dilemma and The Age of Surveillance Capitalism. -Aaron Piccirillo

Publishing Date: 3/2/21

Written by: Jillian York

Read by: Megan Tusing

Picks of the Week-February 22

Tantorian Favorites, , , ,

We hope that you’ve all kept your resolutions to read or listen to more books! We understand that at times it could be a challenge narrowing down your next listen, so we had our acquirers narrow down a couple top picks for you.

Tales of the Astonishing Black Spark

This wry debut is at once a fanboy’s homage to the history of superhero storytelling in America and a keen-eyed satire of those same stories, raising questions about race and privilege that are becoming impossible to ignore.

Note: When a lightning strike gives Donald McDougal superhuman powers, he must navigate his new identity as a superhero while being a Black man in America. Author Charlie J. Eskew wryly subverts the tropes of the superhero narrative while engaging themes of race and privilege with humor and humanity. Peppered with comic book culture references and social commentary, Tales of the Astonishing Black Spark will appeal to the superhero fiction enthusiast and newcomer alike. -Sonia Brand-Fisher

Publishing Date: 2/23/21

Written by: Charlie J. Eskew

Read by: Sean Crisden

Love at First

From Kate Clayborn, the acclaimed author of Love Lettering comes a sparkling, tender novel about bickering neighbors, surprise reunions, and the mysterious power of love. Contains mature themes.

Note: Kate is back again with another wonderfully cute and heartfelt contemporary romance. Stubborn Will meets quirky Nora, when trying to sell his newly inherited apartment, in the community that Nora adores. Nora will do anything to stop this close-knit community from gaining an unwanted interloper, while Will just wants to get back to his life as an overworked doctor. With this increasing feud between the two, will Nora and Will find love or are they just to different? If you loved Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn then you don’t want to miss her newest novel, Love At First. -Jordan Spellman

Publishing Date: 2/23/21

Written by: Kate Clayborn

Read by: Lauren Ezzo