Alicia D. Williams’ novel-in-verse, MID-AIR, is read by Landon Woodson who shows sensitivity to both the character and the structure with which the book was written. Landon Woodson begins, for example, with a blow-by-blow, high-speed reading that makes for immediacy as Drew, Darius, and Isaiah, three best friends, attempt to set a new BMX record. Eighth-grade Isaiah, first-person narrator, admits he’s not the daredevil his friends are but still, as Woodson’s fever-pitched reading shows, he’s consumed in the efforts. Then suddenly Darius is killed in a terrible accident and Woodson’s voice slows, subdued and somber, as grief envelops sensitive Isaiah and continues when he is the victim of a racist beating. Sent to southern relatives for healing, Woodson’s reading then reflects Isaiah’s vulnerability and eventually, considerations of a new ways of being. Finally, Woodson shows Isaiah’s healing and a shift to his more genuine nature. Throughout Woodson’s narration honors the versified structure, supporting all its rhythms. There’s more information about this book and the audio in the purchase link below.