So, let's dive right into this audiobook summary. We've got a tale of tough choices, sibling loyalty, and the struggle to find a place to call home. The author behind this rich narrative is none other than Jennifer Richard Jacobson, with the talented Kate Rudd behind the mic as the narrator. Now, we've got a rating of 2.8 out of 5 for this audiobook, and it spans a total of 7 hours and 6 minutes. Buckle up, folks, because this story is about to unfold.
Our protagonist, Ari, finds herself caught in a heart-wrenching dilemma. She's torn between two choices: staying with her guardian or joining her big brother, Gage. Naturally, Ari chooses family over everything else. There's an obstacle, though—her brother doesn't actually have a place to live. Tricky situation, right?
Ari and Gage have faced their fair share of loss. Their mother passed away four years ago, bless her soul, but before she bid them goodbye, she had two final wishes. One, she wanted Ari and Gage to stick together through thick and thin. Two, she wanted Ari to attend Carter, the prestigious middle school specifically for gifted students. Now, let's fast forward a bit.
Gage, the courageous eighteen-year-old, decides that he can no longer endure living with their bossy guardian, Janna. And Ari, in her unwavering loyalty, knows she must stand beside her brother, even if it means bidding farewell to the joys of baking cookies with Janna and cozying up to HGTV. But here's the twist—Gage, dear Gage, doesn't have a place to crash yet. And guess what? Two months have passed, and still no apartment for him.
Our duo has been what you might call 'couch surfing,' leaping from one friend's tiny apartment to another, crashing at Gage's girlfriend's place alongside two roommates, and if push comes to shove, sneaking into a juvenile shelter to escape the bitter cold of Maine nights. Woah, talk about an unpredictable journey!
Unfortunately, all this hopping around makes it incredibly challenging for Ari to keep up with her studies, not to mention maintaining her friendships. On top of all that, her dream of getting into Carter starts to fade away. It all feels overwhelming, doesn't it? The weight of broken promises hangs heavy on her young shoulders. Will Ari have to shatter one of Mama's wishes?
This story unravels with an open, intimate voice, allowing listeners to connect deeply with Ari's experiences. And trust me, it's going to make you ponder the complexities of homelessness in an entirely new light. Jacobson's storytelling prowess, intertwined with Rudd's honeyed tones, brings this poignant tale to life, tugging at your heartstrings as you travel alongside Ari in her quest for stability and belonging.
Get ready to listen, my friends. This audiobook is here to captivate, educate, and leave you pondering long after the final words fade away.