Audiobooks narrated by James Shippy

Read by an Earphones Award-winner as part of a dual narrator performance, this 2022 International Book Awards Winner for African-American Fiction is “one of those well-written, nuanced books” that will “keep you guessing, keep you thinking…an impressive read” (Reader Views). Ori may seem like an idealist, but he understands how this world works. Powerful people want to stay that way, and a degree of social order is needed to ensure that’s possible. Ego can be dangerous… However, through everything he has done as founder and CEO of Singularity Group, Ori has proven what good can come from granting people certain freedoms. Though he hoped otherwise, he knew the day might come when powerful opposing forces would threaten what he’s built. When a series of suspicious events escalates to an attempt on his life, Ori must use all he is capable of to see the bigger picture and who, or what, is pulling the strings. Is protecting this legacy worth exposing who he truly is? With imaginative twists that span across time into the near future, this visionary thriller explores greater possibilities for humanity. The Recruiter is “an intriguing thriller” with an “intelligent storyline” that “feels quite original” (The BookLife Prize). Additional Recognition for The Recruiter: 2022 International Book Awards Finalist, Visionary Fiction 2021 American Fiction Awards Winner, African-American Fiction 2021 Royal Dragonfly Ebook Awards Winner, Mystery 2021 CIBA Finalist, Mystery & Mayhem

Alexander Mukte (Author), Cortney Wright, James Shippy (Narrator)

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The Real Hank Aaron: An Intimate Look at the Life and Legacy of the Home Run King

A heartfelt portrait of Hank Aaron, featuring nearly 40 years of stories plus never-before-told insights from the home run king When journalist Terence Moore was 12 years old, he treasured his poster of Henry Aaron. Years later, Aaron would sign it for him: 'Best wishes to Terry.' Later still, Moore would be named an honorary pallbearer at the home run king's funeral, staying up late into the night with Aaron's widow, Billye, to get the obituary just right for the program. Friends and family knew Aaron as quick-witted, hilarious, and fiercely opinionated beyond what was shown in public. With the encouragement of Aaron's family, Moore now shares this intimate perspective on the baseball legend, the culmination of decades of friendship and correspondence. The Real Hank Aaron captures the icon's contagious laugh and pointed views, from the depth of his admiration for Jackie Robinson to his true thoughts on Barry Bonds and the steroid era. Also featuring Aaron's views on race, politics, media, and sports fandom, this is a charming and illuminating glimpse at the man outside the spotlight.

Terence Moore (Author), James Shippy (Narrator)

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The Pass It On: Work Hard, Serve Others . . . Repeat

Breakout NFL star Deshaun Watson, quarterback for the Houston Texans, shows readers the lessons that have driven him to become a leader and to put others first. Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson is one of the most promising young players in the NFL, but he believes that true success lies in leading his team from a perspective of service. In this inspiring, practical book, Deshaun illustrates how the seven qualities of a servant leader can lead to a more successful life. Deshaun Watson was only eleven when his family qualified for a Habitat for Humanity house, which was furnished by Atlanta Falcons running back Warrick Dunn through Dunn's charity, Homes for the Holidays. But that early gift left a lasting impression, teaching Deshaun that generosity and service to others are important parts of true success. Now a star in his own right, and the most promising young player in the NFL, Deshaun reveals the lessons that have guided him throughout his life. From Deshaun's early days in Gainesville, Georgia, where he supported his mother through cancer, to his years at Clemson University-where he graduated in three years while being nominated for the Heisman twice-to his first few seasons in the NFL, Deshaun has distinguished himself as a leader by putting others first. In Pass It On, Deshaun opens up about the seven core values that have guided him on his own journey. - Generosity - Empathy - Self-Sacrifice - Service - Commitment - Strength - Values in Action Interweaving stories from his life with practical advice that every reader can apply, Deshaun demonstrates how true strength lies in putting others first. Reflection questions are available in the audiobook companion PDF download.

Deshaun Waton (Author), James Shippy (Narrator)

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The Mixtape

Since the death of his twin brother, Oliver’s caught between pleasing his fans and finding himself. Emery finds him first. Emery has never felt more alone. Raising her daughter is both her pleasure and her pain as she struggles to hold on to her job as a bartender and keep a roof over their heads. With no one to help them—no support system—any unexpected expense or late bill could turn their whole world upside down. Reeling from the death of his twin brother and bandmate, rock star Oliver Smith is trying to drink his problems away. Apparently he isn’t very good at it; they follow him wherever he goes. Also in hot pursuit are the paparazzi, who catch Oliver at his lowest low. He could have walked into any bar in California, but he walked into hers. Emery helps Oliver lose the crowd, and they find themselves alone: two people whose paths are marked with loss and pain. However, they hold an unshakable hope for healing. They find solace together, but can their love withstand the world?

Brittainy Cherry (Author), James Shippy, Jordan Cobb (Narrator)

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The Man Who Shot Out My Eye Is Dead: Stories

A stunningly original debut collection about lives across history marked by violence and longing. A brother and sister turn outlaw in a wild and brutal landscape. The daughter of a diplomat disappears and resurfaces across the world as a deadly woman of many names. A young Philadelphia boy struggles with the contradictions of privilege, violence, and the sway of an incarcerated father. A monk in sixteenth century England suffers the dissolution of his monastery and the loss of all that he held sacred. The characters in The Man Who Shot Out My Eye Is Dead, Benz's wildly imaginative debut, are as varied as any in recent literature, but they share a thirst for adventure which sends them rushing full-tilt toward the moral crossroads, becoming victims and perpetrators along the way. Riveting, visceral, and heartbreaking, Benz’s stories of identity, abandonment, and fierce love come together in a daring, arresting vision.

Chanelle Benz (Author), Cassandra Campbell, James Shippy, Janina Edwards, Johanna Parker, Matthew Waterson, Tristan Morris (Narrator)

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The Man Who Came Uptown

In bestselling and Emmy-nominated writer George Pelecanos' "taut and suspenseful" new novel, an ex-offender must choose between the man who got him out and the woman who showed him another path (Booklist, Starred Review) Michael Hudson spends the long days in prison devouring books given to him by the prison's librarian, a young woman named Anna who develops a soft spot for her best student. Anna keeps passing Michael books until one day he disappears, suddenly released after a private detective manipulated a witness in Michael's trial. Outside, Michael encounters a Washington, D.C. that has changed a lot during his time locked up. Once shady storefronts are now trendy beer gardens and flower shops. But what hasn't changed is the hard choice between the temptation of crime and doing what's right. Trying to balance his new job, his love of reading, and the debt he owes to the man who got him released, Michael struggles to figure out his place in this new world before he loses control. Smart and fast-paced, The Man Who Came Uptown brings Washington, D.C. to life in a high-stakes story of tough choices.

George Pelecanos (Author), James Shippy (Narrator)

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The IF in Life: How to Get Off Life's Sidelines and Become Your Best Self

James Shippy, Rashad Jennings (Author), James Shippy, Rashad Jennings (Narrator)

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The History of Gangster Rap: From Schoolly D to Kendrick Lamar, the Rise of a Great American Art For

The History of Gangster Rap is a deep dive into one of the most fascinating subgenres of any music category to date. Sixteen detailed chapters, organized chronologically, examine the evolution of gangster rap, its main players, and the culture that created this revolutionary music. From still-swirling conspiracy theories about the murders of Biggie and Tupac to the release of the 2015 film Straight Outta Compton, the era of gangster rap is one that fascinates music junkies and remains at the forefront of pop culture. Filled with interviews with key players such as Snoop Dogg, Ice-T, and dozens more, as well as breakout bios of notorious characters, lists, and more, The History of Gangster Rap is the be-all-end-all book that contextualizes the importance of gangster rap as a cultural phenomenon.

Soren Baker (Author), James Shippy, Soren Baker (Narrator)

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The Free

In the beginning, Isaac West stole to give his younger sister Janelle little things: a new sweater, a scarf, just so she looked less like a charity case whose mother spent money on booze and more like the prep school girls he'd see on his way to school. But when Isaac's petty theft lands him in juvie, he's cut off from helping Janelle. Friendless in a dangerous world of gangs and violent offenders, he must watch his every step. His sentence requires him to meet regularly for group therapy, where the inmates reenact their crimes, attempting to understand what happened from the perspective of their victims. The therapy is intense. And as Isaac works through scenes with the group, he begins to recall a memory he'd long ago repressed. A memory that changed everything. And as he begins to piece together the truth about the circumstances that shaped his life-the circumstances that brought Isaac to Haverland in the first place-he must face who he was, who he is.and who he wants to be.

Lauren Mclaughlin (Author), James Shippy (Narrator)

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Striving for Justice: A Black Sheriff in the Deep South

On a sweltering day in August 1960, in the segregated Deep South city of Jacksonville, Florida, a seventeen-year-old Black boy finished his dishwashing job at Morrison’s Cafeteria, walked out the back door, and found himself in the middle of a nightmare. Hundreds of white men with ax handles and baseball bats were attacking Black sit-in protestors in Hemming Park. Suddenly surrounded, the young man endured menacing blows and racist taunts. He called for help from a white police officer standing nearby, but no help came. And he felt an unwarranted shame he determined never to feel again. His name was Nat Glover. Nat’s life could have ended that day, but instead, the ordeal reinforced his plans to become a police officer. His belief in a better world could have faded to cynicism, but instead, it took root in his spirit. His desire to overcome the poverty and racism of his youth could have given in to shame, but instead, Nat resolved to dedicate his life to honoring the dignity of all people. Nat Glover went on to serve in law enforcement for thirty-seven years, became the first Black sheriff in Jacksonville and the state of Florida since Reconstruction, and chose—again and again—to do the right thing at the right time for the sake of justice, compassion, and truth. In Striving for Justice, Nat recounts his history-making years in police reformation,the values that fuel him as a leader and American citizen, and what he believes will move this country forward toward hope and healing just as he once rose again … against all odds.

Nathaniel Glover (Author), James Shippy (Narrator)

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Stolen Justice: The Struggle for African American Voting Rights

A thrilling and incisive examination of the post-Reconstruction era struggle for and suppression of African American voting rights in the United States. Following the Civil War, the Reconstruction era raised a new question to those in power in the US: Should African Americans, so many of them former slaves, be granted the right to vote? In a bitter partisan fight over the legislature and Constitution, the answer eventually became yes, though only after two constitutional amendments, two Reconstruction Acts, two Civil Rights Acts, three Enforcement Acts, the impeachment of a president, and an army of occupation. Yet, even that was not enough to ensure that African American voices would be heard, or their lives protected. White supremacists loudly and intentionally prevented black Americans from voting -- and they were willing to kill to do so. In this vivid portrait of the systematic suppression of the African American vote, critically acclaimed author Lawrence Goldstone traces the injustices of the post-Reconstruction era through the eyes of incredible individuals, both heroic and barbaric, and examines the legal cases that made the Supreme Court a partner of white supremacists in the rise of Jim Crow. Though this is a story of America's past, Goldstone brilliantly draws direct links to today's creeping threats to suffrage in this important and, alas, timely book.

Lawrence Goldstone (Author), James Shippy (Narrator)

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Requiem Moon

Salo must journey into the heart of darkness to find his way back home in the next epic book of C. T. Rwizi’s debut series. Salo’s queen has finally accepted his desire to be a mystic despite taboos concerning men’s use of magic. But her acceptance is not support; it is strategy. Under a disguise of the queen’s making, Salo enters Jungle City as a pilgrim to the Red Temple, only to find a magical barrier barring his entrance. Left at the mercy of the warring political factions that run the city, Salo faces a series of obstacles wrought by an unseen hand, knowing he cannot return home without completing his pilgrimage. But Isa, King of the Saire clan, has her own plans for Salo. She needs his help to extract the Covenant Diamond from the Red Temple’s inner sanctum—an artifact with the power to end her tribe’s divisions, prevent a genocide, and even save herself from her fate. His new task in hand, Salo navigates a cursed maze of invisible authority—and when he encounters shocking revelations about the power residing in the depths of the undercity, he must wield his magic to finally bring the truth about his world’s history to light.

C. T. Rwizi (Author), Adenrele Ojo, James Shippy, Janina Edwards, Kimberly Woods, Korey Jackson, Marcus Stewart, Susan Dalian (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by James Shippy