What Are We Looking Forward To? Summer Edition
The first steps toward choosing an Odyssey Award winner are identifying likely candidates and then listening, listening, listening. Today, we have each contributed three titles we think could have the potential to go all the way and why we’re excited about them. As you can see, sometimes we agree and sometimes we have very different ideas. Tell us what you think of these audios, and let us know which titles you’re looking forward to!
Sarah:
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, narrated by Bahni Turpin, HarperAudio
So much buzz on this one, but if Bahni Turpin’s reading it, the buzz must be justified! Her voice is so warm and animated, and I am constantly amazed at her ability to communicate the deepest of human emotions.
I love Elizabeth Wein, and all of her audiobooks have been excellent. Not familiar with Maggie Service, but that’s part of the fun. It’s always fun to meet a new narrator!
The Art of Starving by Sam J. Miller, narrated by Tom Phelan, HarperAudio
I loved Tom Phelan in Symptoms of Being a Human, and I’m so interested to know what he has in store for us with The Art of Starving. His previous narration was so authentic and piercingly affecting. I’m hoping for more of the same!
Natalie:
The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora, written and narrated by Pablo Cartaya, Listening Library
Some authors should not be allowed to narrate their own work, but even just listening to a sample, Cartaya brings this story to life.
Ramon Blue by Julie Murphy, narrated by Therese Plummer, HarperAudio
This is another recent title with plenty of buzz. Julie Murphy is becoming known for her novels with complex and diverse casts of characters, so I’m very interested to see what veteran narrator Therese Plummer will be able to add to the production.
Scythe by Neal Shusterman , narrated by Greg Tremblay, Brilliance Audio
Shusterman is an expert at turning creepy dystopian scenarios into all-too-believable reality. This is the kind of sprawling, multi-character novel that can really be elevated by a quality audio performance. I can’t wait to hear how Tremblay handles it.
Lizzie:
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, narrated by Bahni Turpin, HarperAudio
This audio is hands-down my favorite listen of year right now. Angie Thomas’ writing is getting so much rightfully deserved praise. Bahni Turpin’s narration really kicks into another level with her trademark believable emotionality and characterizations.
Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk , narrated by Lauren Wolk and Jorjeana Marie, Listening Library
Jorjeana Marie’s voice has this gentle curiosity that I think will be a great match for middle grade. Also, Marie’s voice has this transportive quality that will escort listeners back into Crow’s 1920’s Massachusetts island world.
The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora, written and narrated by Pablo Cartaya, Listening Library
I just started this recently. I’m enjoying the sprinkle of Spanish, and love that the audio book adds another level to this aspect of the book. Also, Cartaya’s affection for his hometown/setting of the book of Miami and its tight community is really palpable for listeners.
Ears on the Odyssey 
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