My Fair Brady is the latest release from Brian D. Kennedy, the award-winning author of A Little Bit Country. When not writing, he works at an LGBTQ nonprofit or is obsessing over all things Dolly Parton.
Wade Westmore, a theatre legend at his high school, is passed over for the lead in this year’s spring musical for a supporting role. To his further demise, the lead role is given to his ex-boyfriend, Reese, who recently dumped him for being narcissistic. Awkward sophomore Elijah Brady is determined to change his image this year. So he joins the stage crew for the musical in an effort to make new friends. When Elijah and Wade have a disastrous run-in, Wade comes up with a plan to win his ex back. If he can teach Elijah how to be confident, he will prove to Reese that he cares about more than just himself. Determined to win back Reese before senior prom, Wade makes a big effort to transform Elijah into the new and improved “Brady.” But as Elijah’s transformation becomes more successful than anyone could have hoped, Wade suddenly begins worrying about losing Elijah more than his ex. Soon, an unexpected love triangle is brewing that no one saw coming!
This audiobook is an entertaining coming-of-age story. Although the storyline of an awkward kid transforming into a popular, confident young man is far from original, the context of the story and its contemporary characters certainly are. While it’s easy for the audience to empathize with and cheer on Elijah throughout the book, the opposite can be said of Wade. Wade endures his own lessons and evolves in the book, but the audience is left questioning if his feelings for Elijah are genuine or if he’s still feeding his need to attain the top prize. The dramatic shift in Elijah’s and Wade’s relationship from a friendship of convenience to a romance is somewhat far-fetched, especially with how different these characters are.
Fortunately, the story is greatly enhanced by talented narrators, Kevin R. Free and Michael Crouch. Both narrators are perfectly cast as their respective characters. Kevin portrays Wade with just enough confidence, flair, and skepticism to make the character believable and somewhat likeable. Michael’s performance of Elijah is a complete contrast—introspective, compelling, and full of well-placed emotion and humour, making Elijah very appealing. If you’re looking for a contemporary coming-of-age YA novel and enjoy the world of musical theatre, then give this audiobook a serious consideration!
