Dead Jed

August Ross’s narration is the secret weapon here, turning what could’ve been a maudlin tale into a full-throttle audio experience. His Jed is equal parts sardonic teen and vulnerable kid, and Ross nails the delivery—snappy one-liners land like zingers, while quieter moments, like Jed’s conversations with his overprotective mom, feel achingly real. The humor isn’t just in the situations (which are gold: a failed heart-shaped valentine, a disastrous school dance, a crush who thinks he’s ‘sweet but fragile’) but in Jed’s unapologetic refusal to play the victim. That said, the audiobook stumbles slightly in its middle act. The side characters—especially the bullies—border on caricature, and the resolution wraps up a little too neatly, as if Craven wanted to tie up loose ends without fully earning the emotional payoff. But these are minor quibbles. The production itself is crisp, with Ross’s performance giving the audiobook a dynamic energy that’s perfect for listeners who want something engaging to listen to during car rides or chores. If your kid loves smart, flawed protagonists who win by being themselves (and occasionally breaking the rules), *Dead Jed* is a standout—just don’t expect a tearjerker. It’s a comedy first, with heart as its punchline.