It Sounded Better in My Head

April 20, 2020
Kenwood’s well-written, Melbourne-set debut follows Natalie, 18, whose life has improved since puberty, during which a growth spurt, heavy periods, and painful cystic acne had left her feeling “messy, leaking, uncontained.” Now, her acne is under control; she has two best friends, Zach and Lucy; and she’s waiting to hear from universities. But her parents are splitting up, and years of feeling awful about herself has left marks, both physical (acne scars pit her back) and psychological (she’s insecure, still a bit of “shut-in,” and has never had a romantic relationship). It’s both exciting and terrifying for her when a series of events nudge Natalie toward Zach’s older brother, Alex, whom she’s written off as the kind of popular guy it’s best to avoid. No one thinks Alex and Natalie should be together, but not for the reasons she assumes. Natalie conveys the difficulties not only of puberty but of moving past internalized negativity in a voice that’s sharp, funny, and self-aware, making it even more satisfying for readers to see her realize that she can be the star of her life, not just the sidekick. Ages 12–up.

The spectacular narration and skillful writing work so well together in this debut audiobook that listeners will enjoy both the adorable and uncomfortable moments that come with teenage romance. Narrator Katherine Littrell delivers a delightful performance with an authentic-sounding Australian accent as she portrays Natalie--an introvert whose personal life is in shambles. Her parents have hidden their pending divorce for almost 10 months, her body is ravaged by acne scars, her best friends are dating, and her confidence is severely lacking. But when an unexpected romance begins, everything changes. Full of awkward interactions and relatable insecurities, the story as told in Littrell's dulcet tones makes these experiences sincere and relatable. Littrell masterfully expresses Natalie's vulnerability, emotional pain, and personal growth. E.P. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine