Compound Fracture

By: Andrew Joseph White

Narrated by: Dani Martineck

From bestselling and award-winning author Andrew Joseph White, a queer Appalachian thriller that pulls no punches—following a trans autistic teen who's drawn into the generational struggle between the rural poor and those who exploit them.

On the night Miles Abernathy—sixteen-year-old socialist and proud West Virginian—comes out as trans to his parents, he sneaks off to a party, carrying evidence that may finally turn the tide of the blood feud plaguing Twist Creek: Photos that prove the county’s Sheriff Davies was responsible for the so-called “accident” that injured his dad, killed others, and crushed their grassroots efforts to unseat him.

The feud began a hundred years ago when Miles’s great-great-grandfather, Saint Abernathy, incited a miners’ rebellion that ended with a public execution at the hands of law enforcement. Now, Miles becomes the feud’s latest victim as the sheriff’s son and his friends sniff out the evidence, follow him through the woods, and beat him nearly to death.

In the hospital, the ghost of a soot-covered man hovers over Miles’s bedside while Sheriff Davies threatens Miles into silence. But when Miles accidently kills one of the boys who hurt him, he learns of other folks in Twist Creek who want out from under the sheriff’s heel. To free their families from this cycle of cruelty, they’re willing to put everything on the line—is Miles?

A visceral, unabashedly political audiobook that won’t let you go until you’ve reached the end, Compound Fracture is not for the faint of heart, but it is for every listener who's ready to fight for a better world.

©2024 Andrew Joseph White (P)2024 Listening Library

He's done it again!

When I read AJWs first book, I love it, but when I read his second I was floored. I feel seen, and heard and understood reading his books, and on top of all that, he's an excellent story teller!
this one was no different, although, this might be my new favorite!
I can't wait for him to release more books!

impeccable

Possibly the best and most difficult coming of age novel I've read in a long time, it seamlessly blends localized history and current events, self-discovery, class struggles, small town life, family relationships, and... violence. The author's deft weaving of both details and sparse language match perfectly with the actor's telling. Or is the actor's voice and inflection the perfect match for the author's storytelling? Either way... Wow. This book will stay with me for a long while. Congratulations and thanks to both of you for jobs perfectly executed.

Wonderful and inspiring story

This book I would recommend to young people bc it deals with a lot of today’s topics and how people react to the issues that transgender and all the other issues that affect someone’s sexuality. Read with caution because some of the violence but it is a very informative book.

Relevant and magnificent

It’s hard to put into words, exactly how magnificent this book is. It is inclusive and powerful. While I am from the suburbs of New Jersey, I really felt as though I was physically in West Virginia while reading this book. I value the references to historical events, and the social and political power presented in the novel. Please read it.

Perseverance

I liked how this story takes the time to portray underrepresented queers characters in situations you wouldn’t normally expect to see them. I also love how we get to see a character fight back against realistic threats that hit close to home. The characters are amazing and relatable and I find the story to be inspiring. Love AJW’s work and will forever be a fan.

Haunting and fantastic

I love this author so much. I love the representation in all his books, and this one is no exception. This book is gritty and wonderful, and I couldn’t put it down.

Phenomenal.

Oof, this book hits where it hurts. The story grabbed me from the very beginning! Trans rage is one of my favorite things to read and this book delivers in abundance! The added notes of a society crushed under the weight of capitalism added with the push for anarchy really resonated with how I feel about today’s political climate. Adding to it spectacular trans Rep, and this book is one you don’t want to miss! It’s not cute and cuddly. Instead it’s full of rage and gore, and it’s perfection.

disturbingly well-done

This book made me uncomfortable in the good way of stuff that makes you take a step back and look at the preconceived notions and beliefs around you, while also being just a really well-written story. It was gross, thought-provoking and the characters were engaging!

Amazing VA performance

Loved the production and telling of the story, the voice actor was perfect for this role.

Better and better

WOW!!!
I just finished this one and WOW! I just can't say enough about this book. Having listen to the first two books (Hell Followed With Us & When the Spirit Bares Its Teeth), I was ready for the graphicness and blunt honesty of this book. What I was not ready for is the plethora of "Holy sh**" moments that drew me further into the world these characters live in. Yes, this one had some graphic violence but my takeaway from this book is one of unconditional love, community, and being brave enough to stand up to bullsh** ideas that tell us who were supposed to be.
Thank you AJ for another fabulous book. They just keep getting better and better, as do you. Thank you for being you 😊