Starred Audiobook Reviews for BUCKEYE, AUTOCORRECT, I LEAVE IT UP TO YOU, THE POISONED KING, ZOMROMCOM, ATMOSPHERE, and more (Sept 2025)

By Jennifer Rubins | September 18 2025 | Audiobook NewsStarred Reviews

Looking for new listening recs? Check out these recent starred reviews for adults and kids’ audiobooks including a new Read with Jenna pick, this summer’s out-of-this-world bestselling GMA Book Club pick, short stories from an ensemble cast, sequels in beloved fantastical kids’ series, inspiring nonfiction with some celebrity voices (hello, Idris Elba!)—and even some romances with zombies… and airplanes?! Be sure to check your digital collections for these recommended listens with starred reviews from Library JournalBooklist, and AudioFile! Hear what reviewers loved below and click on the covers to go to the product page and listen to an audiobook clip.

Adult Audiobooks Starred Reviews

A Novel

Read by Michael Crouch

“Golden Voice Narrator Michael Crouch brings his expert skills to this complex historical drama.  .  . as time marches forward and new characters are introduced to the lineage, Crouch captures their intergenerational trauma. Crouch’s smooth narration powerfully dramatizes how one moment can change everything. Mixed with heartfelt moments and heartbreak, his performance breathes life into a saga set in small-town America.”—AudioFile Earphones Award


Stories

Read by Multiple Narrators

”The audiobook is narrated by a talented ensemble; each story is paired with a narrator whose voice and delivery amplify its tone, mood, and emotional depth. Their performances feel as deliberate as the writing itself, creating an immersive experience where every new story feels fresh yet connected to the overall collection.

VERDICT Keret’s work is both engaging and vital, providing listeners with a quick escape while illuminating the intricacies of human experience. This carefully cast and skillfully produced audiobook is highly recommended.”—Library Journal starred review

A Love Story

Read by Kristen DiMercurio and Julia Whelan with a note read by the Author

“Whelan’s Joan and DiMercurio’s Vanessa narrate the journey, their perspectives alternating to make the story multidimensional, particularly in the climactic closing scenes. While both lightly differentiate the characters across age, gender, and personality, the general tone of the flashbacks is calm and steady, providing stark contrast to the high tension of the present day. . . The performance delivers plenty of suspense; fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid and shows like For All Mankind will find plenty to love.”—Booklist starred audio review


A Novel

Read by Daniel K. Isaac

“Narrator Isaac perfectly captures every quip, from wry to sardonic. The novel might have listeners tearing up as they, along with Jack Jr., come to the painful realization that his old life is truly over, even as a new life rises from the ashes. Jack Jr.’s anguish is impossible to ignore, leading to a heartfelt finale. . . VERDICT A truly moving story of a gay Korean American man making peace with his past and rediscovering his family and dreams.”—Library Journal starred review


Read by Joy Nash

“Trust narrator Joy Nash to make the zombie apocalypse a barrel of laughs. Edie Brandstrup is constantly on the lookout for zombies. Sure enough, some escape from a nearby prison. Rushing to save her neighbors, Edie first heads for Gaston “Max” Boucher, a brainless surfer dude who turns out to be a French vampire with hidden depths. Edie’s mockery of Max in the form of incessant bawdy parodies of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST’S Gaston song is comically brought to life by Nash. As Edie and Max seek allies, their repartee sparkles. Nash manages to balance their insecurities and sell the unlikely pair as a rock-solid couple. Voices for the supernatural creatures are equally adept. Nash delivers a must-listen romantic adventure with heart and humor.”—AudioFile Earphones Award


A Novel

Read by Kristen Sieh

“Sieh delivers a pitch-perfect narration, capturing Linda’s deadpan humor, awkward vulnerability, and odd but deeply human longing. Her performance makes Linda surprisingly relatable, and listeners will laugh out loud (and occasionally cringe) at the character’s dry inner monologue. VERDICT Funny, unsettling, and strangely moving, this novel is a distinctive exploration of desire, identity, and the struggle to belong. Sieh’s nuanced narration enhances Folk’s work and offers a memorable listening experience. Highly recommended.”—Library Journal starred review


The Art of Healthy Arrogance & Dreaming Big

Read by Multiple Narrators including the Author, Regina Hall, Kevin Hart, Carmelo Anthony, Idris Elba, and more

“Packer delivers masterful storytelling enhanced by cameo appearances from celebrities, lively music and sound effects, and a sideline commentator who keeps him honest. His narration brims with confidence, emotion, and enthusiasm, giving listeners the sense that he’s speaking directly to them. Beyond the high production values, listeners will hear moving stories told with candor and humor. . . Ultimately, this audiobook leaves listeners thoroughly engaged, entertained, and motivated. It’s an energizing listening experience from a dynamic creator.”—AudioFile Earphones Award


A Novel

Read by Peter Ganim and Helen Laser

“The advantages and perils of technology have long been examined in fiction, and this audiobook offers an excellent, profoundly human view of the topic. Helen Laser is outstanding as Jane, a teenager who is living off the grid in Montana with her father. As Jane learns more about her history, Laser’s portrayal subtly changes to reflect her growth. Jane’s voice shifts from that of a naïve girl to that of a capable young woman as Laser traces her path out of the wilderness. Peter Ganim pulls no punches as he portrays Jane’s father. His directness and sudden shifts in tone create a suspenseful mood. The result is an audiobook whose surprises will keep listeners engaged and that will inspire deeper thoughts about how we live in today’s world.”—AudioFile Earphones Award


Kids' and Teen Audiobooks Starred Reviews

Read by Samuel West

“Narrator Sam West effortlessly sweeps listeners along in this magnificent sequel to IMPOSSIBLE CREATURES. . . West’s narration always matches the story’s tone, whether he’s squawking the voices of the crow-like royal gaganas, who are devoted to Anya (and she to them), or portraying Anya’s fear, fury, and anguish. It’s an immersive and deeply empathetic performance that exemplifies the best of storytelling.” —AudioFile Earphones Award

Age 10 and up

Read by Allan Corduner

“Kate DiCamillo’s third installment in the Norendy Tales soars with a controlled narration by a very proper-sounding Allan Corduner. A childless shoemaker and his wife are surprised when a tiny child appears one day in a boot in his shop. He names her Evangeline. Corduner gracefully captures the tension that grows between the husband and wife as they focus on the child’s welfare. . .  Corduner’s myriad voicings for all the characters are thoughtful in their development. Especially charming are his performances of the original songs sung by Evangeline.”—AudioFile Earphones Award

Age 7-10 years