If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch Audiobook Review

If You Find Me audioAudiobook: If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch, published by Blackstone Audio Inc, March 26, 2013

Book Info: YA contemporary, purchased via Audible. Run time: 7 hrs, 51 mins. Read by: Tai Sammons. Also available in HC, 256 pages from St. Martin’s Griffin.

Rating: 5 / 5 Stars, Raw, emotional, and honest.

More Info:  Goodreads | Audible | Amazon

I read the book If You Find Me recently and was so impressed. I didn’t write up my thoughts on it right away though, so when I saw the audiobook I took the chance to experience the book with fresh ears.  If You Find Me is Emily Murdoch’s debut novel and is heartfelt, harrowing, and lovely all at once. This is a tough issue book about abuse and survival that is hard to hear/read at times but very powerful and uplifting too.  Tai Sammons’ narration makes the story feel even more realistic, and I noticed things I missed the first time I read the book.

If You Find Me is the story of 15-year-old Carey and her 5-year-old sister Jenessa. They live in the woods in a camper with their unstable mother who frequently leaves them alone to find drugs. Carey is more like a mother than a sister to Jenessa and they only have each other to rely on. One day, Carey’s father and a social worker suddenly appear to rescue them from the woods. Now they must adjust to life in the real world, including school, technology, what to wear, and how to act. But the woods still haunt them in various ways, and secrets can’t be kept forever.

Even though I’ve read the book and listened to the audiobook now, it’s still hard to put my thoughts into words. The descriptive writing would sometimes distract me with its elegance and I’d get lost in the story. Even though the subject matter is disturbing, Murdoch adds lighter moments like a new friend, or a cute dog, to brighten the mood. But at the same time there are certain recollections of Carey’s that hurt like a kick in the gut. The reader learns about Carey’s backstory through flashbacks that hint at the mystery behind Jenessa losing her voice.

Carey has an artistic spirit and a unique way of thinking and expressing herself. She is such a mature character, that it was easy to relate to her from one mother to another, even though she’s still a teen. The sisterly bond is strong understandably, and I rooted for them both to get some well-deserved peace and happiness. My heart soared with each small victory on their journey, and ached for the pain that lingered.

Tai Sammons’ reads the audiobook, and this is my first experience with her narration. Her dialect is spot on and she conveys Carey’s emotional state of being well. The book is set in Tennessee and Sammons’ gives the book an authentic feel with her Southern accent.  Sammons’ gets to use her talents on different types of voices like the mean girl, authority figures, and a child’s voice for Jenessa. I’d listen to this narrator again- she delivers a strong, nuanced performance that made me feel all the emotions. Though the book is powerful on its own, the audiobook made me connect even more with the story.

If You Find Me is a great choice for realistic contemporary readers, and one you won’t want to put down.  I’m looking forward to reading more from Emily Murdoch.

Ornament

22 thoughts on “If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch Audiobook Review

  1. I’ve actually been on the lookout for a review of the audio for this book (my mom highly recommended this book to me)–it’s great to hear that the story (which sound phenomenal) is enhanced by the narration!

  2. Lucy says:

    I’m glad your mom liked the book! I think riveting books like this are so powerful in audio format. It hit me even harder than the print version. Plus, it’s just under 8 hours and quickie audiobooks are appreciated sometimes 🙂
    Hope you enjoy the book or audio when you get the chance to check it out, Sarah!

  3. veganyanerds says:

    I already knew I wanted to read the book and I so wish the audio book was avail. to Aussies, but it’s not, boo!

    This really sounds amazing, and I like that despite being a book about a horrible subject, it manages to balance it out with some more positive moments

    1. Lucy says:

      Sorry the audio is not available for you 🙁 I do think you’ll like the book though, and hope you check it out!

  4. Great review! I’m adding this to my TBR. I might just make it my first ever audio book purchase!

    1. Lucy says:

      I hope you connect with this book/audio, and I look forward to hearing what you think!

      1. Thanks again for sharing!

  5. I keep hearing great things about this one but I am not usually a contemporary fan so I have been hesitant. All the great reviews have me wanting to read this. It is nice to know the audio book is well done too, I might have go that route, seeing as I do love good narration.

    Ashley @ The Quiet Concert

    1. Lucy says:

      Maybe borrow it from the library since contemporary’s not your thing? I really liked the narrator but take a listen to the audio sample on audible to see what you think. I hope you connect with this story. I think it’s quite powerful.
      Thanks for stopping by, Ashley!

  6. MsJohannah says:

    I pre-ordered this book and it’s been begging me to read it! Can’t wait!

  7. fishgirl182 says:

    i hadn’t heard of this book before but it sounds really good. books with tough subjects like abuse are sometimes really hard for me to read. i am glad that there are some lighter moments in it. i may see if i can get it from the library.

  8. kay says:

    I absolutely loved this one too – your review makes me think I would love to read it again, although in audio this time!

  9. […] If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch – If You Find Me is a tale about abuse, and […]

  10. <3 I missed seeing your review when it originally posted–so, so happy that you loved it!

    Wendy @ The Midnight Garden

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  13. Great review! I’ve just put a hold on it at my library and can’t wait to give it a listen.

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