ON THE COME UP

Hannah Weyer's novel is based on the true story of a young pregnant girl from Far Rockaway, Queens, whom she met over a decade ago during the filming of an independent movie. Yolonda Ross narrates the life of AnnMarie Walker, and, despite not sounding remotely like a 13-year-old girl, she creates a vivid and immediately believable world in which to immerse the listener. Ross's delivery is infused with soul, turning AnnMarie into an almost heartbreakingly realistic character. Thanks to Ross, AnnMarie all but leaps through the listener's earbuds, and her all-too-common story is one that will continue to haunt one long after the audiobook is over. J.L.K. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2013]