Audiobooks by Tom Leveen
I narrated SICK myself. Give it a listen. Then write a blistering critique. Or, you know. A good one.
Sick
PARTY features a full-cast ensemble, one actor per chapter! Good stuff.
Party
Remember: Tori is the villain. This performance captures her excellently.
Random
Nonfiction
This short, powerful book changed the way I see the world. I do not say that lightly. Strongly recommended.
The Gospel of Rutba: War, Peace, and the Good Samaritan Story in Iraq
Closer to home–there’s a chapter set in the Phoenix metro area–this one shook me up. And still does. I’ve read it at least twice now.
Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America
I still refer to this rare nonfiction book of Stephen King’s. Recommended for horror writers and horror fans alike.
Danse Macabre
Great gift for horror fans, I really enjoyed this book. I would take Poole’s class in person if I could.
Monsters in America: Our Historical Obsession with the Hideous and the Haunting
A somewhat lighter take on the history of monsters, but thorough and engaging.
The Monster Show: A Cultural History of Horror; Revised Edition with a New Afterword
If you freelancers are having money woes, read this:
The Money Book for Freelancers, Part-Timers, and the Self-Employed: The Only Personal Finance System for People with Not-So-Regular Jobs
For educators, this text by the inimitable “Dr. B” is an outstanding resource.
Books That Don’t Bore ‘Em: Young Adult Books That Speak to This Generation
Friends
I will be populating this slot with one favorite novel of my author friends and associates. These are in no particular order.
A dark and chilling YA about a girl with OCD. Probably my favorite of Lisa McMann’s YA.
Cryer’s Cross
Robin Brande’s absolutely adorable YA novel
Doggirl
Janette Rallison has written dozens of YA novels. This one blew me away. It’s sort of a romance…but it’ll fool you.
Just One Wish
If alternates or re-tellings are your thing, check out this “mad” Hatter’s bladed arsenal, by Frank Beddor:
The Looking Glass Wars
Erin Jade Lange and I sometimes teach together, and her books are right up the “edgy YA” alley.
Butter
My good friend Bill Konigsberg has won a couple awards for this one, including one for humor.
Openly Straight
This is about a girl who discovers she’s actually a fairy, by Aprilynne Pike. Yes, I liked it. Shut up and read:
Wings
And then, if your tastes run darker like mine, you can’t beat this take on fairies by Janni Lee Simner:
Bones of Faerie: Book 1 (The Bones of Faerie Trilogy)
Jon Lewis not only is a character, but he writes great ones for tweens.
Invasion (A C.H.A.O.S. Novel)
Amy Fellner-Dominy has a great sense of fun in her novels, and her debut here rang true.
OyMG
If you are a Hobbit or Narnia fan, and haven’t read James Owen…read this.
Here, There Be Dragons (Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica, The)
