Kevin R. Free has narrated 118 audiobooks on Listento.it by 107 authors, with an average listener rating of 4.7★ across 3,191 ratings. The most-rated is The Sun Does Shine.
The Decameron Project
Summary
A stunning collection of short stories originally commissioned by The New York Times Magazine as the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world, from 29 authors including Margaret Atwood, Tommy Orange, Edwidge Danticat, this year's National Book Award winner Charles Yu, and more. When reality is surreal, only fiction can make sense of it. In 1353, Giovanni Boccaccio wrote The Decameron: 100 nested tales told by a group of young men and women passing the time at a villa outside Florence while waiting out the gruesome Black Death, a plague that killed more than 25 million people. Some of the stories are silly, some are bawdy, some are like fables. In March 2020, the editors of The New York Times Magazine created The Decameron Project, an anthology with a simple, time-spanning goal: to gather a collection of stories written as our current pandemic first swept the globe. How might new fiction from some of the finest writers working today help us memorialize and understand the unimaginable? And what could be learned about how this crisis will affect the art of fiction? These 29 new stories, from authors including Margaret Atwood, Tommy Orange, Edwidge Danticat, Charles Yu, Rachel Kusher, Colm Toibin, and David Mitchell vary widely in texture and tone. Their work will be remembered as a historical tribute to a time and place unlike any other in our lifetimes, and will offer perspective and solace to the listener now and in a future where COVID-19 is, hopefully, just a memory. Table of Contents: “Preface” by Caitlin Roper “Introduction” by Rivka Galchen “Recognition” by Victor LaValle “A Blue Sky Like This” by Mona Awad “The Walk” by Kamila Shamsie “Tales from the LA River” by Colm Tóibín “Clinical Notes” by Liz Moore “The Team” by Tommy Orange “The Rock” by Leila Slimani “Impatient Griselda” by Margaret Atwood “Under the Magnolia” by Yiyun Li “Outside” by Etgar Keret “Keepsakes” by Andrew O’Hagan “The Girl with the Big Red Suitcase” by Rachel Kushner “The Morningside” by Téa Obreht “Screen Time” by Alejandro Zambra “How We Used to Play” by Dinaw Mengestu “Line 19 Woodstock/Glisan” by Karen Russell “If Wishes was Horses” by David Mitchell “Systems” by Charles Yu “The Perfect Travel Buddy” by Paolo Giordano “An Obliging Robber” by Mia Cuoto “Sleep” by Uzodinma Iweala “Prudent Girls” by Rivers Solomon “That Time at My Brother’s Wedding” by Laila Lalami “A Time of Death, the Death of Time” by Julián Fuks “The Cellar” by Dina Nayeli “Origin Story” by Matthew Baker “To the Wall” by Esi Edugyan “Barcelona: Open City” by John Wray “One Thing” by Edwidge Danticat
©2020 The New York Times. All rights reserved. (P)2020 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.
Mind Games
Summary
A deadly game of hide and seek with an imaginary friend. A wealthy family with secrets they'll do anything to protect .Another day on the job for Gordon Pope. When Sophie was a child, she used to play hide and seek with her imaginary friend Mo. Now she's 13, and Mo's games are getting more and more dangerous. She knows he's supposed to be make-believe, but someone is starting very real fires in her exclusive Baltimore neighborhood, and Sophie is terrified it might be Mo. Detective Dana Frisco is hot on the trail of the firebug, but the arsonist is elusive and getting more dangerous by the day. If she hopes to solve the case before someone gets killed, she's going to have to pull together every resource she has and figure out a way to soothe warring hearts, including her own. Gordon Pope is trying to get his fledgling child psychiatry practice off the ground. When he answers Sophie's call for help, he thinks he's simply taking on another troubled young patient. What he doesn't realize is that he's about to find out just how deadly Mo's games really are.
©2017-2020 Griffith Publishing (P)2021 Griffith Publishing
Breakthrough: How One Teen Innovator Is Changing the World
Summary
Jack wouldn't give up. After a dear family friend died of pancreatic cancer, Jack Andraka decided to create a better method of early detection. It took 200 letters before Jack found lab space to pursue his idea and months of work to make it a reality, but in the end he did it. Jack's early-detection test for pancreatic, ovarian, and lung cancers has the potential to be more than 400 times more effective than the medical standard and costs only three cents. Jack was 15 at the time. Jack's story is not just one of dizzying international success; it is a story of overcoming depression and homophobic bullying and finding the resilience to persevere and come out. His account inspires young people, who he argues are the most innovative, to fight for the right to be taken seriously and to pursue their own dreams. With hands-on science experiments included, Jack's memoir empowers his generation with the knowledge that we can each change the world if we only have the courage to try.
©2015 Jack Andraka (P)2015 HarperCollins Publishers
Because of You
Summary
Recipient of a Zora Neal Hurston Literary Award, Rochelle Alers is the best-selling author of the Hideaway novels. In this sizzling series debut, a casual meeting of high-profile lawyer Jordan Wainwright and attorney Aziza Fleming soon leads to unexpected fireworks. Aziza thinks Jordan could be everything she desires—if he’s the trustworthy man she needs. Jordan must now choose between keeping a decades-old secret or embracing their newfound passion.
©2010 Rochelle Alers (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC
Soldier Boy
Summary
Soldier Boy begins with the story of Ricky Richard Anywar, abducted at age 14 in 1989 to fight with Joseph Kony's rebel army in Uganda's decades-long civil war. Ricky is trained, armed, and forced to fight government soldiers alongside his brutal kidnappers but never stops dreaming of escape. The story continues 20 years later, with a fictionalized character named Samuel, representative of the thousands of child soldiers Ricky eventually helped rehabilitate as founder of the internationally acclaimed charity Friends of Orphans. Working closely with Ricky himself, debut author Keely Hutton has written an eye-opening audiobook about a boy's unbreakable spirit and indomitable courage in the face of unimaginable horror. This title has Common Core connections.
©2017 Keely Hutton (P)2017 Macmillan Audio
The Sleepwalkers
Summary
Is it still a crime if you commit it in your sleep? Ethan Barret is on trial for attempted murder. The problem is, he doesn't remember doing it. His hands committed the crime, but he was asleep the whole time. Ethan Barret is also only 12 years old. Gordon Pope is down on his luck. He was one of the best child psychiatrists in the country before his divorce. Now he’s broke, bored, and spiraling into depression. He agrees to be an expert witness in Ethan’s case because he needs the extra cash for drinking money. What he doesn’t know is that he’s about to be thrown into a race against time to save the boy, and himself, before it’s too late for both of them. The Sleepwalkers is a dark thriller that will change the way you think about sleep and dreams - forever.
©2016, 2020 Griffith Publishing LLC (P)2020 Griffith Publishing LLC
The Black Male Handbook
Summary
An NAACP Image Award nominee, The Black Male Handbook is an impassioned call to end the problems facing today's Black men. Author and activist Kevin Powell offers insights on steering away from violence and toward a more responsible manhood. A new climate is rising in the Black community. Despite a shared thirst for cutting-edge opportunities and fresh directions, today's hiphop generation is still plagued by many long-standing problems. But with guidance from these inspiring essays, the modern Black male can rise above the political, cultural, and spiritual struggles opposing him to thrive against all odds. Featured prominently on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Powell and his book offer welcome guidance to all Black men - and the women who love them. Narrators Ezra Knight, Kevin R. Free, and Avery Glymph each turn in compelling performances, capturing every facet of this important work.
©2008 Kevin Powell (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC
Singled Out
Summary
"[An] excellent exercise in narrative nonfiction." (Booklist, starred review) From New York Times best-selling author Andrew Maraniss comes the remarkable true story of Glenn Burke, a "hidden figure" in the history of sports: the inventor of the high five and the first openly gay MLB player. Perfect for fans of Steve Sheinkin and Daniel James Brown. On October 2nd, 1977, Glenn Burke, outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, made history without even swinging a bat. When his teammate Dusty Baker hit a historic home run, Glenn enthusiastically congratulated him with the first ever high five. But Glenn also made history in another way - he was the first openly gay MLB player. While he did not come out publicly until after his playing days were over, Glenn's sexuality was known to his teammates, family, and friends. His MLB career would be cut short after only three years, but his legacy and impact on the athletic and LGBTQIA+ community would resonate for years to come. New York Times best-selling author Andrew Maraniss tells the story of Glenn Burke: from his childhood growing up in Oakland, his journey to the MLB and the World Series, the joy in discovering who he really was, to more difficult times: facing injury, addiction, and the AIDS epidemic. Thoroughly researched and packed with never-before-seen details about Glenn's life, Singled Out is the fascinating story of a trailblazer in sports - and the history and culture that shaped the world around him.
©2021 Andrew Maraniss (P)2021 Listening Library
"Slowly, Slowly, Slowly," Said the Sloth
Summary
Slowly, slowly, slowly...that's how the sloth lives. He hangs upside-down from the branch of a tree, night and day, in the sun and in the rain, while the other animals of the rain forest rush past him. "Why are you so slow? Why are you so quiet? Why are you so lazy?" the others ask the sloth. And, after a long, long, long time, the sloth finally tells them! Set in the lush world of the tropical rain forest, this original book has a meaningful message: Slow down! Take time to enjoy your world.
©2002 Eric Carle (P)2021 Listening Library
Jesse Owens
Summary
Jesse Owens’ mother frequently told him, “Put your best foot forward.” So Jesse followed her advice, worked hard, and made his dreams come true as one of the greatest Olympic champions of all time. But it wasn’t easy, as Jesse had to overcome many obstacles. Even though World War II hadn’t started yet, Adolf Hitler controlled Germany during the 1936 Olympics. He wanted to prove during the games that Germans were a superior “race” to other people of the world. Little did he know that a black American would smash those claims by dominating the games as no athlete had before. Carter G. Woodson Award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford captures the incredible story of a true American hero who raced his way into our history books. Narrator Kevin R. Free’s thrilling performance will have listeners cheering Jesse’s every step.
©2007 Carole Boston Weatherford (P)2008 Recorded Books, LLC
Calm with the Very Hungry Caterpillar
Summary
This beautiful audiobook featuring the Very Hungry Caterpillar provides a simple, easy-to-follow journey to relaxation, perfect for children and adults. Just stop and breathe.... How do you feel? Join the Very Hungry Caterpillar for a soothing story. With simple coping mechanisms, this audiobook is an excellent reminder to kids and adults alike to take a moment, breathe deep, and smile!
©2019 Eric Carle (P)2021 Listening Library
Bronx Masquerade
Summary
Acclaimed poet, novelist, journalist, and educator Nikki Grimes was born and raised in New York City. Each of the 18 kids in Mr. Ward's inner city classroom has something important to say, but some don't even realize it. Then Mr. Ward begins to have "open mic" poetry slams once a month on Fridays. Young adult listeners will identify with the characters in Bronx Masquerade as they explore questions about life and self-expression.
©2002 Nikki Grimes (P)2006 Recorded Books
Lies Like Poison
Summary
Riverdale meets Kara Thomas’s The Cheerleaders in this electrifying, twisted thriller about estranged friends who reunite when someone commits the murder they’d planned - but didn’t go through with - and leaves one of their own to take the fall. Poppy, Lily, and Belladonna would do anything to protect their best friend, Raven. So when they discovered he was suffering abuse at the hands of his stepmother, they came up with a lethal plan: petals of poppy, belladonna, and lily in her evening tea so she’d never be able to hurt Raven again. But someone got cold feet, the plot faded to a secret of the past, and the group fell apart. Three years later, on the eve of Raven’s 17th birthday, his stepmother turns up dead. But it’s only belladonna found in her tea, and it’s only Belladonna who’s carted off to jail. Desperate for help, Belle reaches out to her estranged friends to prove her innocence. They answer the call, but no one is prepared for what comes next. Now, everyone has something to lose and something equally dangerous to hide. And when the tangled web of secrets and betrayal is finally unwound, what lies at its heart will change the group forever.
©2020 Chelsea Pitcher. Originally published in Great Britain in 2020 by Simon & Schuster UK. All rights reserved. (P)2020 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.
All of the Above
Summary
We know there’s a lot of people out there who think our school is a dead end. And that all the kids inside it are dead ends, too.... But they’ve got it all wrong. Just you wait and see! James, Rhondell, Sharice, and Marcel are four inner-city students on a quest to build the world’s largest tetrahedron with their math teacher, Mr. Collins. If they succeed, maybe Rhondell will make new friends, Sharice’s foster mother may start to care, James will discover something he’s good at, and Marcel’s dad will finally see that there is more to life than barbecue. Maybe they’ll even end up in the Guinness Book of World Records! Weaving together the stories of the kids, their teacher, and the community that surrounds them, award-winning author Shelley Pearsall has crafted a vividly engaging story about math, life, and the importance of friendship.
©2008 Shelley Pearsall (P)2021 Recorded Books Inc.
Dream Snow
Summary
It's December 24th, and the old farmer settles down for a winter's nap, wondering how Christmas can come when there is no snow! It is in his dream that he imagines a snowstorm coming and covering him and his animals - named One, Two, Three, Four, and Five - in a snowy blanket. But when the farmer awakens, he finds that it has really snowed outside, and now he remembers something! Putting on his red suit, he goes outside, puts some gifts under the tree for his animals, and presses a button near a Christmas tree, creating a most surprising musical treat for children everywhere.
©2000 Eric Carle (P)2021 Listening Library
Freedom Over Me
Summary
Using original slave auction and plantation estate documents, Ashley Bryan offers a moving and powerful book that contrasts the monetary value of a slave with the priceless value of life experiences and dreams that a slave owner could never take away. Imagine being looked up and down and being valued as less than chair. Less than an ox. Less than a dress. Maybe about the same as a lantern. You, an object. An object to sell. In his gentle yet deeply powerful way, Ashley Bryan goes to the heart of how a slave is given a monetary value by the slave owner, tempering this with the one thing that can't be bought or sold - dreams. Inspired by the actual will of a plantation owner that lists the worth of each and every one of his workers, Bryan, through expansive poetry, imagines and interprets each person's life on the plantation, as well as the life their owner knew nothing about - their dreams and pride in knowing that they were worth far more than an overseer or madam ever would guess.
©2016 Ashley Bryan (P)2017 Recorded Books
The Very Quiet Cricket
Summary
One day, a little cricket is born and meets a big cricket who chirps his welcome. But the little cricket cannot make a sound. The cricket meets many insects, but it isn't until he meets a beautiful female cricket that he can finally chirp "hello!" Excerpt: Hello! whispered a praying mantis, scraping its huge front legs together. The little cricket wanted to answer, so he rubbed his wings together. But nothing happened. Not a sound.
©1990 Eric Carle (P)2021 Listening Library
Rigged
Summary
Named a New York Times Editors' Choice Book A Washington Post Notable Work of Nonfiction "The first book to put the story of Russian interference into a broader context... Extraordinary and gripping." (Tim Naftali, The New York Times Book Review) The definitive history of the covert struggle between Russia and America to influence elections, why the threat to American democracy is greater than ever in 2020, and what we can do about it. Russia's interference in 2016 marked only the latest chapter of a hidden and revelatory history. In Rigged, David Shimer tells the sweeping story of covert electoral interference past and present. He exposes decades of secret operations - by the KGB, the CIA, and Vladimir Putin's Russia - to shape electoral outcomes, melding deep historical research with groundbreaking interviews with more than 130 key players, from leading officials in both the Trump and Obama administrations, to CIA and NSA directors, to a former KGB general. What Americans should make of Russia's attack in 2016 is still hotly debated, even after the Mueller report and years of media coverage. Shimer shows that Putin's operation was, in fact, a continuation of an ongoing struggle, using familiar weapons radically enhanced by new technology. Throughout history and in 2016, both Russian and American operations achieved their greatest success by influencing the way voters think, rather than tampering with actual vote tallies. Casting aside partisanship and sensationalism, Rigged reveals new details about what Russia achieved in 2016, how the Obama administration responded, and why Putin has also been interfering covertly in elections across the globe in recent years, while American presidents have largely refrained from doing so. Shimer also makes disturbingly clear that this type of intrusion can be used to harm Democrats and Republicans alike. Russia's central aim is to undermine and disrupt our democracy, to the detriment of all Americans. Understanding 2016 as one battle in a much longer war is essential to understanding the critical threat currently posed to America's electoral sovereignty and how to defend against it. Illuminating how the lessons of the past can be used to protect our democracy in the future, Rigged is an essential book for listeners of every political persuasion.
©2020 David Shimer (P)2020 Random House Audio
Wild Minds
Summary
In 1911, famed cartoonist Winsor McCay debuted one of the first animated cartoons, based on his sophisticated newspaper strip Little Nemo in Slumberland, itself inspired by Freud’s recent research on dreams. McCay is largely forgotten today, but he unleashed an art form and the creative energy of artists from Otto Messmer and Max Fleischer to Walt Disney and Warner Bros.’ Chuck Jones. Their origin stories, rivalries, and sheer genius, as Reid Mitenbuler skillfully relates, were as colorful and subversive as their creations - from Felix the Cat to Bugs Bunny to feature films such as Fantasia - which became an integral part and reflection of American culture over the next five decades. Pre-television, animated cartoons were aimed squarely at adults; comic preludes to movies, they were often “little hand grenades of social and political satire”. Early Betty Boop cartoons included nudity; Popeye stories contained sly references to the injustices of unchecked capitalism. “During its first half-century”, Mitenbuler writes, “animation was an important part of the culture wars about free speech, censorship, the appropriate boundaries of humor, and the influence of art and media on society”. During WWII it also played a significant role in propaganda. The golden age of animation ended with the advent of television, when cartoons were sanitized to appeal to children and help advertisers sell sugary breakfast cereals. Wild Minds is an ode to our colorful past and to the creative energy that later inspired The Simpsons, South Park, and BoJack Horseman. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2020 Reid Mitenbuler (P)2020 Recorded Books
Dave the Potter
Summary
Laban Carrick Hill, the best-selling author of the National Book Award Finalist Harlem Stomp, here delivers an inspiring and lyrical story of a gifted craftsman who lived in South Carolina two centuries ago. Dave’s superb artistry and the deeply observant poetry he carved onto his pots reveal how he transcended the limitations he faced as a slave.
©2010 Laban Carrick Hill (P)2011 Recorded Books