Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine

Ilya is an exchange student from Russia who comes to Louisiana and leaves behind a brother. Narrator Michael Crouch takes this fascinating novel and makes it downright riveting as an audiobook.

Set in Ireland, Sally Rooney’s subtle writing and engrossing plot work with narrator Aoife McMahon’s nimble, witty performance and gorgeous Irish accent in this story of Connell and Marianne’s special relationship.

Early achievers get all the attention—the prodigy, the phenom, the superstar. The author explores alternative narratives with this look at “The Power of Patience in a World Obsessed with Early Achievement,” and narrator Fred Sanders makes it accessible to listeners.

Historian Henry Louis Gates, Jr., creates a complex meditation on black identity in a racist America from Reconstruction to the Harlem Renaissance. Narrator Dominic Hoffman draws in listeners with his deep voice and smooth delivery.

As the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing approaches, American historian Douglas Brinkley celebrates the Kennedy administration’s role in the nascent aerospace industry. An excellent listening introduction to space history.

This history of the settlement of the Northwest Territory is a worthy companion to David McCullough’s other histories of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Panama Canal. Narrator John Bedford Lloyd gives an engaged narration of this unique saga of the making of America.

Two murders, one town, a lifetime of secrets—Bienville, Mississippi. Greg Iles’s thriller is both an absorbing crime story and an in-depth exploration of grief, betrayal, and corruption. Scott Brick masters this narration.

Does the world need another book about Italian food? Food writer Matt Goulding asked Anthony Bourdain this question before starting the book. Listeners will say “yes” and “thank you” to Goulding and narrator Will Damron.

Mary Pipher, author of REVIVING OPHELIA, offers a memoir-like study of the various ways women transition into their later years. Suzanne Toren captures her highly personal style of writing.

This classic American drama about gender politics and greed in a Southern family at the turn of the 20th century has had multiple film and stage adaptations. It’s just as powerful as an audiobook performance.

Great suspense with unexpected twists from thriller master Harlan Coben and a perfect performance by narrator Steven Weber. A couple’s search for their missing daughter takes unexpected turns.

Lucy—Barry’s old dog and best friend—inspires his trademark humor. The author’s natural wry, understated presentation style is totally in sync with his writing. Barry treats us to good listening as he ruminates on old dogs and aging.

Natasha is doing everything she can to keep her family from being deported to Jamaica. Daniel’s desperate for his Korean-American parents to take his dreams seriously. Three narrators tell their story. Listen before you see the movie.

Barry Lopez’s autobiographical reflections cross broad swaths of time and boldy travel the world, and narrator James Naughton proves a worthy guide. The author of ARCTIC DREAMS tells of his concerns for our planet’s future, based on his own explorations.

Laugh and cry through this hilariously honest novel about Queenie, a 25-year-old Jamaican British woman who just broke up with her long-term boyfriend and tumbles from one bad decision to another. Shvorne Marks’s narration will leave you in stitches.