Stealing Parker

Jorjeana Marie doesn’t narrate *Stealing Parker*—she *inhabits* it. I’ve listened to dozens of narrators tackle YA protagonists, but Marie’s take on Parker Shelton is a masterclass in restraint and precision. She doesn’t soften Parker’s edges or drown her in teenage melodrama; instead, she lets the character’s quiet fury and bone-deep exhaustion shine through. There’s a moment early on when Parker’s voice cracks during a confrontation with her former best friend, and Marie’s delivery is so understated that it feels like an actual betrayal—like you’ve just heard a secret you weren’t meant to. That’s what makes her performance so effective: it never feels performative. The pacing, too, is flawless. Kenneally’s writing is already tight, but Marie���s delivery keeps the story hurtling forward like a car skidding on ice. The supporting cast—especially the snarky, morally gray love interest—are given just enough nuance to feel real without stealing the spotlight. That said, there are two moments that stuck out as minor misses. First, Marie’s portrayal of Parker’s mother borders on caricature, flattening what could’ve been a more complex emotional counterpoint to Parker’s story. Second, the book’s climax hinges on a decision that comes across as abrupt in audio form, leaving me wondering if a few extra beats in the narration could’ve sold its weight. But these are quibbles in an otherwise stellar listening experience. *Stealing Parker* isn’t the kind of audiobook you’ll want to revisit for comfort, but it’s the kind you won’t be able to pause. It’s a story that burrows under your skin, leaving you to grapple with uncomfortable questions long after the credits roll. If you’re in the mood for a YA audiobook that refuses to coddle its listeners, this one’s a knockout.