PHOENIX- The Listen List Council of the Collection Development and Evaluation Section (CODES) of the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) has announced the 2024 selections of the Listen List: Outstanding Audiobook Narration. This year’s committee evaluated 257 titles with a total listening time of more than 2,724 hours. The final deliberation produced a list of 12 winners. This award highlights extraordinary narrators and listening experiences that merit special attention by a general adult audience and the librarians who advise them.
Adhering to established criteria, these benchmarks of excellence are available for purchase by libraries. Committee members matched the 12 titles on the list with three listen-alikes each, which match in some way the tone, theme, or style of the title on the list. None of these titles have appeared on any previous Listen Lists. Titles are named to the list because the narration creates a new experience with an outstanding performance in terms of voice, accents, pitch, tone, inflection, rhythm, and pace, offering listeners something they could not create by their own visual reading. This juried list, designed for both avid listeners and those new to the pleasures of stories read aloud, includes fiction and nonfiction and features voices that enthrall, delight, and inspire.
The 2024 selections are:
All This And More by Peng Shepherd. Narrated by Helen Laser. HarperAudio.
Marsh’s whole life has recently imploded, but things are looking up–[SH1] she’s been chosen as this season’s star for the world’s hottest reality TV show, where the producers use cutting-edge quantum technology to explore alternate realities and change your life. This dark exploration of reality television is a delightfully adult take on the choose-your-own-adventure novel. Helen Laser’s always-engaging narration keeps the reader riveted in this fast-paced story.
Listen-Alikes:
The Husbands by Holly Gramazio. Narrated by Miranda Raison. Books on Tape.
Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography by Neil Patrick Harris. Narrated by Neil Patrick Harris. Books on Tape.
Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore. Narrated by Brittany Pressley. Macmillan Audio
The Bullet Swallower: A Novel by Elizabeth Gonzalez James. Narrated by Lee Osorio. Simon & Schuster Audio.
When movie star Jamie acquires a stench-exuding family history, he discovers a family curse traced to his great grandfather, Antonio Sonoro. As we follow the two men, we discover the violent history of Antonio, his path of vengeance and retribution, and how the curse continues to impact the family in 1964. Lee Osorio’s graveled vocals are a perfect complement to this gritty historical Western, with a hint of magical realism.
Listen-Alikes:
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar. Narrated by Arian Moayed. Books on Tape.
The Turtle House: A Novel by Amanda Churchill. Narrated by Joy Osmanski & Kelly Wilkinson. HarperAudio.
The Witches of El Paso: A Novel by Luis Jaramillo. Narrated by Raquel Beattie. Simon & Schuster Audio.
California Bear by Duane Swierczynski. Narrated by James Urbaniak, Jesse Vilinsky and Duane Swierczynski. Hachette Audio.
When Ex-LAPD officer Cato Hightower finds evidence to free Jack Queen from prison, it comes with a price. He wants to find the infamous serial killer, the California Bear. Meanwhile, Jack’s daughter is determined to prove her father was not a killer. This darkly comedic crime novel is nonstop action with a twist when the serial killer discovers he is being hunted. The narrators ably differentiate the characters and give each voice a distinct personality.
Listen-Alikes:
No Sunscreen for the Dead: A Novel by Tim Dorsey. Narrated by Oliver Wyman. HarperAudio.
Hit List by Lawrence Block. Narrated by George Guidall. Recorded Books.
The Ascent by Adam Plantinga. Narrated by Charles Halford and Christine Lakin. Hachette Audio.
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. Narrated by Jane Oppenheimer. Books on Tape.
This enthralling mystery, centered on a midwife in the late 1700s, is filled with suspense and heart. Martha is summoned to declare the cause of death when a body is found in a frozen river and quickly finds herself investigating a murder. The engrossing narrative immerses listeners in the rich details of the era, weaving suspense and emotional depth throughout. Oppenheimer shines, delivering a gripping performance that brings the characters and their struggles to life.
Listen-Alikes:
The Secret Midwife by Soraya M. Lane. Narrated by Elizabeth Knowelden. Brilliance Audio.
Briar Club by Kate Quinn. Narrated by Saskia Maarleveld. HarperAudio.
The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden. Narrated by Michael Crouch, January LaVoy, and Katherine Arden. Books on Tape.
A Grandmother Begins the Story by Michelle Porter. Narrated by Michelle Porter, Jani Lauzon, Tara Sky, Tantoo Cardinal, Dakota Ray Hebert, Bernard Starlight, Elle-Màijà Tailfeathers, Wesley French, Jenny Pudavick, Lisa Cromarty, Monique Mojica, Alison Deon, Jacob MacInnis, Yolanda Bonnell, Brefny Caribou, and Kiawentiio. Hachette Audio.[SH2]
The rich and complex lives of five generations of Indigenous women and the world they inhabit are intricately explored by this full cast of talented narrators. The performance brings to life the profound bonds among the Métis women as they navigate challenges of grief, struggles with alcoholism, and the search for identity. Through powerful storytelling, the women’s legacies and experiences offer listeners a poignant glimpse into their enduring spirit.
Listen-Alikes:
A Council of Dolls by Mona Susan Power. Narrated by Isabella Star LaBlanc. HarperAudio.
The Cemetery of Untold Stories by Julia Alvarez. Narrated by Alma Cuervo. Recorded Books.
Antelope Woman by Louise Erdrich. Narrated by Louise Erdrich. HarperAudio.
Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay. Narrated by Ari Fliakos, Dani Martineck, Micky Shiloah, Michael Crouch, Frankie Corzo, Stacy Gonzalez, Tyla Collier, Ariel Blake, Johnathan McClain, Dan Bittner, Eva Kaminsky & Gisela Chípe. HarperAudio.
A low-budget horror film from the ‘90s[SH3] , unreleased due to on-set controversy, becomes a viral sensation on YouTube, leading to a big-budget remake. A full cast narrates, weaving together two different timelines while alternating sections contain table readings of the new film, adding a dimension of realism. The cold narration of the unreliable main character draws listeners into his twisted world, even as you might wish you could just turn it off.
Listen-Alikes:
The Laws of the Skies by Grégoire Courtois. Narrated by Daniel Matmor. Coach House Books.
Bunny: A Novel by Mona Awad.Narrated by Sophie Amoss. Books on Tape.
How to Make a Horror Movie and Survive by Craig DiLouie.Narrated by Garrett Michael Brown. Hachette Audio.
I’m Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom by Jason Pargin. Narrated by Ari Fliakos. Macmillan Audio.
A young, anxiety-ridden Los Angeles rideshare driver picks up an unusual woman with an exceptionally large road case who offers him unbelievable money to take her to Washington, DC. Wild stories proliferate about them as they become a social media sensation on their journey across the country…along with predictions that the case they are transporting may end the world. The narration changes tempo, accelerating as things get exciting and assuming a reassuring pacing as needed.
Listen-Alikes:
Finna by Nino Cipri. Narrated by Amanda Dolan. Tantor Media.
The Road to Roswell by Connie Willis. Narrated by Jesse Vilinsky. Books on Tape.
The Graveyard Shift by DM Guay. Narrated by Todd Haberkorn. Podium Audio.
James by Percival Everett. Narrated by Dominic Hoffman. Books on Tape.
This audiobook offers a reimagined adaptation of Mark Twain’s classic, the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. In this version, Jim is presented as a fully developed character in his quest for freedom, rather than a mere sidekick. Hoffman’s dynamic performance brings depth to Jim’s journey, captivating listeners and drawing them into a rich exploration of themes and emotions.
Listen-Alikes:
John Henry Days by Colson Whitehead. Narrated by Peter Jay Fernandez. Recorded Books.
Song Yet Sung by James McBride. Narrated by Leslie Uggams. Books on Tape.
March by Geraldine Brooks. Narrated by Richard Easton. Books on Tape.
Nephew: A Memoir in 4-Part Harmony by M.K Asante. Narrated by M.K. Asante, Dion Graham, Adenrele Ojo, and Neph. HarperAudio.
Set in Philadelphia, Asante shares an emotionally charged narrative that serves as a heartfelt love letter to his nephew. This inspiring story of resilience after the young man was shot nine times, explores themes of family, trauma, and the enduring power of love. Asante’s powerful memoir is highlighted by the authentic performances of M.K. Asante, Dion Graham, Adenrele Ojo, and Neph.
Listen-Alikes:
The Beautiful Struggle: A Memoir by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Narrated by JD Jackson. Recorded Books.
There’s Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension by Hanif Abdurraqib. Narrated by Hanif Abdurraqib. Books on Tape.
Armed With Good Intentions by Wallace “Wallo267” Peeples. Narrated by Wallace “Wallo267” Peeples and Iyanla Vanzant. Simon & Schuster Audio.
Our Hidden Conversations: What Americans Really Think About Race and Identity by Michele Norris. Narrated by Michele Norris and a full cast. Simon & Schuster Audio.
An extraordinary culmination of a 14-year endeavor dedicated to uncovering the unvarnished perspectives of Americans on the complex topic of race. Through six-word stories, we listen to a profound and insightful exploration of the varied ways in which the nation views itself and grapples with its racial identity. With a rich tapestry of voices and experiences, listeners are invited to reflect deeply on the conversations that shape our understanding of race in America.
Listen-Alikes:
Why Does Everything Have to Be About Race?: 25 Arguments That Won’t Go Away by Keith Boykin. Narrated by Keith Boykin. Hachette Audio.
An American Dreamer: Life in a Divided Country by David Finkel. Narrated by Rob Shapiro. Books on Tape.
When the Sea Came Alive by Garrett M. Graff. Narrated by Edoardo Ballerini and Garrett M. Graff. Simon & Schuster Audio.
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst. Narrated by Caitlin Davies. Macmillan Audio.
Kiela and her sentient spider plant companion flee a revolution and a burning library to Keila’s childhood home. They find their place in the small community of magical creatures by selling jam and secretly teaching spell work. Caitlin Davies creates a distinct voice for each of the characters, adding emotional depth to the dialogue. She perfectly matches the heartwarming and whimsical tone of Sara Beth Durst’s low-stakes and heartwarming cozy romantasy.
Listen-Alikes:
Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne. Narrated by Jessica Threet. Macmillan Audio.
Drinks and Sinkholes by S. Usher Evans. Narrated by Deborah Balm. Sun’s Golden Ray Publishing, LLC.
The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields. Narrated by Mia Hutchinson Shaw. Orbit.
Victim by Andrew Boryga. Narrated by Anthony Rey Perez. Books on Tape.
A man sets off on a journey to turn his personal tragedies into educational and employment opportunities within a society that often fixates on trauma porn. Anthony Rey Perez delivers a riveting and distinctive performance that immerses listeners in Javi’s odyssey. The audiobook transforms this polarizing narrative into an intimate confession from a close friend.
Listen-Alikes:
Homebodies by Tembe Denton-Hurst. Narrated by Marcella Cox. HarperAudio.
Colored Television by Danzy Senna. Narrated by Kristen Ariza. Books on Tape.
This is How You Lose Her by Junot Díaz. Narrated by Junot Díaz. Books on Tape.
The Listen List: Outstanding Audiobook Narration Council includes: Alicia Kathryn Ahlvers (Chair), Carmanita Turner, Christina Vortia, Diana Tixier Herald, Justine Fafara, and Julie Ann Murphy.
The Reference and User Services Association, a division of the American Library Association, represents librarians and library staff in the fields of reference, specialized reference, collection development, readers’ advisory, and resource sharing. RUSA is the foremost organization of reference and information professionals who make the connections between people and the information sources, services, and collection materials they need. Learn more about the association at www.rusaupdate.org.