Welcome to one of the September 20th stops on the audiobook tour for The Tribulations of August Barton by Jennifer LeBlanc, organized by The AudioBookworm. Check the tour info post on AudioBookworm’s blog for links to everyone else’s stops and catch other features, excerpts, interviews with the author and narrator, and other reviews!
Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means there is no additional cost to you if you shop using my links, but I will earn a small percentage in commission. A program-specific disclaimer is at the bottom of this post.
About the Book
The Tribulations of August Barton
August Barton Book One
by Jennifer LeBlanc
Narrated by James Oliva
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Humour
Page Count: 178
Audio Length: 4 Hours 28 Minutes
Add it to your Goodreads TBR!
August Barton could never have mentally prepared himself for his freshman year of college: not only has his anxiety increased, but his parents are divorcing, his new roommate thinks Augie is the biggest nerd in existence, and his grandma, a retired prostitute named Gertie, has taken to running away from her nursing home. Augie just wants to hole up in his dorm room with his Star Wars collectables and textbooks, but Gertie is not about to let that happen. What ensues is a crazy ride including naked trespassing, befriending a local biker gang, and maybe-just maybe-with Augie defeating his anxiety and actually getting the girl.
Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Audible
My Review
Look out world, Augie Barton is starting to figure life out! The Tribulations of August Barton is a college kid’s coming of age story like none other I’ve ever read.
In the beginning, we meet August Barton, or Augie if you please, who’s struggling with anxiety, his mother’s pending second divorce, and the great unknown that is starting post-secondary education. Fortunately for Augie his new roommate Isaac is the friendly, understanding type who both helps keep Augie grounded and pushes him past his comfort zone. Unfortunately for Augie, his ageing grandmother is also determined to do some pushing of her own. What’s Augie’s grandmother like? Gertie is a flamboyant and shameless retired prostitute who is extremely proud of the life she lead and not at all shy about sharing tips. What could possibly go wrong when Grandma Gertie invites herself to Augie’s first college party and supplies the alcohol?
I absolutely adored this book! It’s fun and silly, for sure, but it also has deeply heartfelt and gut-wrenching moments. This book captures a year in the life of Augie Barton, including love found and lost and found again, the rocky and painful mending of a broken family, two semesters of course work and exams, the best sort of friendship with his roommate Isaac, and a side serving of benevolent biker gang crime. It’s not at all what I was expecting, but now that I’ve sat through it, I’m not sure what I expected. What I got, though, was perfect.
Story: 5 Stars
Narration/Performance: 5 Stars
Overall: 5 Stars!
At just 174 pages or 4 hours and 28 minutes of listening time, this book is a quick enough read that there’s no excuse not to pick it up and experience it right now! I see it listed as a series in various places, and I’m quite excited by that. I can’t wait for more about Augie, Isaac, Rose, Gertie, and Dianne.
Thank you to the author for granting me access to a review copy through the book tour organized by Audiobookworm.
Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Audible
About the Author
Jennifer LeBlanc was born and raised in South Dakota and has always had a knack for story-telling. When not slaying zombies in the gaming world or writing, she can be found getting lost in a good book, doing something crafty, indulging in photography, or relaxing with her husband, two cats, and chihuahua. Jennifer loves animals and supports saving species on the verge of extinction. She currently works in merchant banking and credit services while writing her next project.
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Instagram
About the Narrator
James Oliva is the creator/writer/director of the audio drama podcast What’s The Frequency? He’s also the voice of Michael Tate on audio podcast drama Greater Boston, Willard on Oak Podcast. James has also had guest appearances on ars Paradoxica, The Strange Case of Starship Iris, Seminar, Big Data, Jim Robbie and the Wanderers, The Haven Chronicles, and Radiation World. He was a finalist for a 2016 and 2017 Audio Verse Award in the acting category.
Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Great post! It sounds like a fun read for YA readers.
Thanks! Definitely, but older readers too. It’s classified as NA (New Adult) which is a newer classification.