National Book Critics Circle finalists have been announced, and we are so excited to have so many titles available on audio!
Make sure you have these evergreen pieces of fiction and nonfiction in your audiobook collection for patrons to enjoy.
Fiction Finalist:
“The audio version of Denis Johnson’s posthumous short story collection has an eye-popping cast of celebrity narrators. Actors Nick Offerman, Michael Shannon, Dermot Mulroney, Will Patton, and Liev Schreiber are simply terrific.” —AudioFile, Earphones Award Winner
“This is a skillfully narrated short story collection by a master of the form.” —Booklist
“The late Johnson writes here with rare understanding, compassion, and generosity of spirit. Elegiac, yet oddly hopeful, these stories represent a summation of hard lessons that in the end can only be called wisdom. A stunning valedictory.” —Library Journal, starred review
Nonfiction Finalists:
“This gritty, graphic description of problems on our southern border and the failures in enforcing immigration laws is a must-add to adult collections.” —Library Journal
“A heart-wrenching, discussion-provoking perspective on how a border, the separation of two countries, can tear apart families, lives, and a sense of justice.” —Booklist, starred review
“This is an essential listen for anyone wishing to understand politics and relations among the United States, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.” —Library Journal
“With his evenhanded approach, gift for limning character, and dazzling reporting skills, he has created an essential work of contemporary history.” —Booklist, starred review
“Narrator Malcolm Hillgartner delivers this audiobook in a deep authoritative voice that captures its mood and purpose.” —AudioFile
“An important examination of dismaying social and cultural trends.” —Kirkus “Highly recommended for Texans and non-Texans alike, who are interested in works about the current zeitgeist.” —Library Journal, starred review
“His soft-spoken narration is engaging, with the wry turns of phrase creeping up on listeners.” —AudioFile
“This thoughtful, engrossing, and often-amusing survey is a kind of “waltz across Texas”…This is an important book about a state and people who will continue to have a large impact on the U.S.” —Booklist
Autobiography Finalist:
“Few narrators can match Julia Whelan for the ease with which she draws listeners into a story…Her performance on Tara Westover’s beautiful and surprising memoir, Educated, continues this streak of near-perfect performances.” —Chicago Tribune
“Narrator Julia Whelan embodies Westover’s steely almost detached resolve, maintaining modulated control even amid desperate, dangerous situations… A Mormon metamorphosis memoir is such a rarity that readers will undoubtedly be drawn to getting Educated.” —Library Journal
“Narrator Julia Whelan’s performance is outstanding….Whelan conducts a master class in the fear, dread, and self-doubt wrought by domestic violence.” —AudioFile, Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2018 Best Audiobook
Criticism Finalist:
“Successfully analyses art and life through the prospective of the novelist. Fans of Smith’s writing, as well as readers of thoughtful nonfiction, will enjoy this book.” —Library Journal
The annual John Leonard Prize, honoring first books in any genre:
“Narrator Darrell Dennis, Shaun Taylor-Corbett, Kyla García, and Alma Cuervo help to keep characters distinct; that all but Cuervo identity as Native American/First Nations undoubtedly enhances their nuanced performances…Orange commands urgent, immediate attention in this masterly montage of voices, lives, visions, tragedies, and dreams.” —Library Journal, starred review
