Staff Picks Young Adult Audiobooks
Young Adult novels are often read by folks other than the teenagers for whom they are intended, and this age designation is somewhat arbitrary. For example, one of the books suggested in today’s post, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak was first published in Australia as a book for adults and then later published as a YA title in the United States. And speaking of reading and/or listening to YA books, have you heard about the new book group created by Teen Services Librarian Sherry Schlundt? The new group is for adults who enjoy reading and discussing YA books and it’s called YA4A - Young Adult 4 Adults and you can find the schedule and read all about it on our website.
Beth suggests . . .
The Book Thief
by Markus Zusak
narrated by Allan Corduner
Set in Nazi Germany, narrated by the character Death, it might seem a little far-fetched to want to recommend The Book Thief to anyone and everyone, but I do. Author Markus Zusak once said that this book is “about trying to find beautiful moments in an ugly time” and I believe he succeeded. There is much tenderness in this story featuring Liesel Meminger, a nine-year-old girl who, after witnessing the death of her younger brother on an uncomfortable train ride, goes to live with foster parents, Hans and Rosa Huberman in a small town near Munich, not far from Dachau. The audiobook is narrated by Allan Corduner, whose voice is simply captivating from the first sentence.
Find it in the library catalog Here
Also available in digital format:
Axis 360 eAudiobook
Montana Library2Go eAudiobook
Long Way Down
by Jason Reynolds, narrated by the author
Long Way Down is a fictional story that takes a look at the repercussions of gang violence on the lives of young people in urban America. It’s a marvelous and unique book—told completely in free verse poetry. At age fifteen, main character Will loses his much-revered older brother, Shawn, to gun violence. In such situations, Will believes he must follow the three rules of his neighborhood: no crying, no snitching, and even though he doesn’t have proof of who actually killed his brother, the third rule is he must seek revenge. There’s an interview with Jason Reynolds at the end of the audiobook. He describes the book as a mix between Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and the movie Boyz n the Hood. At a little less than 2 hours total playing time, narrated by the author’s own rich voice, this audiobook is well worth a listen.
Print copy available in the library catalog Here
Available in digital format:
Axis 360 eAudiobook
Montana Library2Go eAudiobook
Also, if you’re interested in reading Long Way Down, the YA4A book group will be discussing it later this month. Print copies are available for pick up at the public service desk and the online meeting will happen September 28th at 6:30 pm.
Hope to see you there!