Hit and Run

I went into *Hit and Run* expecting another after-school-special morality tale, but McDaniel’s writing surprised me with its sharp, unflinching honesty. The way she weaves together the perspectives of five teens—each with their own secrets and excuses—feels like watching a car crash in slow motion, except you’re the one holding the keys. The audiobook’s tight structure works in its favor; the short runtime means you’re not drowning in melodrama, just the suffocating weight of consequences. Julie McKay’s narration is a masterclass in restraint. Her voice is steady and calm, which makes the moments of despair feel even more devastating because she’s not trying to manipulate your emotions—she’s just letting the story do the work. That said, the ending felt a bit too tidy for my taste. After such a harrowing emotional journey, a little messiness might have felt more authentic. Also, the audio production occasionally swallows some of the quieter dialogue, which is a minor but distracting hiccup in an otherwise polished experience. If you’re a fan of YA that doesn’t shy away from tough questions—or if you’ve ever stayed up at night wondering ‘what if?’—this audiobook will haunt you long after the credits roll. Just don’t listen before bed; you’ll be up replaying the choices in your head.