What we're Listening To

Libertie

“Libertie is a beautifully written, immersive historical novel inspired by the story of a Black doctor and her daughter who lived in a free Black community in Brooklyn during the Reconstruction era. It is also a profound meditation on what it means to be truly free — whether born free or formerly enslaved, whether in America, Haiti, or Liberia — while struggling against grief, sexism, racism, colorism, or classism. Libertie’s quest to forge her own path is a much-needed inspiration!”

Alyssa Raymond, Copper Dog Books

The Sea Queen

“The Half-Drowned King was one of my favorite debuts, and this is a worthy follow up! Six years have passed and Ragnvald has been fighting for his King. The refreshing thing about this book is Svanhild, a great and strong female character. With a mix of Song of Ice and Fire with the history and mythology of the Norse people, I am excited for what Hartsuyker has in store for us!”

Will Bason, BookPeople

"Each story is voiced by one or several narrators who match the gender expression of the main protagonist, giving the audiobook a robust collection of distinct performances. Every tragedy, romance, and comedy is narrated with the ideal amount of enthusiasm, high energy, or relaxed pacing and allows listeners to savor each shortened...

If you enjoyed The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, then you’ll love The Windsor Knot.

“Listening to The Windsor Knot resulted in more than one "driveway moment"-- no matter that I was home, I wanted to hear more! Anyone who misses The Crown on PBS will be more than content with narrator Jane Copland's perfect Queen Elizabeth. An inconvenient death of a dashing Russian pianist following a "dine and sleep" at Windsor Castle appears to be a murder. Local police and official royal investigators explore leads, but they're no match for the intuition of the very clever Queen, and her private secretary Rozie. Corgis, teas, royal equines, Prince Philip cameos and more enhance the mystery. Good news -- it's the first of a series!”

Cheryl, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza

Vera

“Experience the San Francisco earthquake of 1906 like never before — from inside the family of one of the most famous brothel madams. In this story, Edgarian combines lyrical writing and a cast of unforgettable characters, both real and imagined, with themes of love, rejection, graft, and economic disparity, all sprinkled with racism and misogyny. You won’t be able to visit the City by the Bay ever again without looking for Rose and her descendants. I couldn’t put this down.”

Gayle Shanks, Changing Hands