The Tribulations of August Barton

By: Jennifer LeBlanc

Narrated by: James Oliva

August Barton could never have mentally prepared himself for his freshman year of college: not only has his anxiety increased, but his parents are divorcing, his new roommate thinks Augie is the biggest nerd in existence, and his grandma, a retired prostitute named Gertie, has taken to running away from her nursing home. Augie just wants to hole up in his dorm room with his Star Wars collectables and textbooks, but Gertie is not about to let that happen. What ensues is a crazy ride, including: naked trespassing, befriending a local biker gang, and maybe - just maybe - Augie defeating his anxiety and actually getting the girl.

©2016 Jennifer LeBlanc (P)2018 Jennifer LeBlanc

What a hoot!

Your first day as a college freshman can be nerve-wracking, for sure, but Augie really isn’t looking forward to it. Nerdy and shy, he isn’t the least bit prepared for his new roommate, the very loud and boisterous Isaac, and is scared to death of going to his first college party. Things back home—only 15 minutes away—aren’t great either what with his mom and stepdad heading for divorce and his mom’s mom, Grandma Gertie, stashed away in a nursing home. Augie is very fond of Gertie and she’s the reason he’s planning to go into gerontology. Still, what’s about to happen with him and Gertie and a girl named Rose and Gertie’s pal, Auntie Tunes, is way beyond even his worst fears. I mean, how did he end up with Gertie as his date to that party?

This story is pure fluff and I loved it, laughing all the way through. Ms LeBlanc has created the most motley and wonderful cast of characters, every single one of them coming to life but, what really seals the deal is the narrator, James Oliva. Holy moly, this man is fabulous with the most wide-ranging collection of voices I’ve ever heard and I immediately knew who each character was as soon as Mr. Oliva opened his mouth.

Well done, Jennifer LeBlanc and James Oliva! I can’t wait for the next book, The Revelations of August Barton 😉

Great story. Brilliant narration!!!

Everything about this story is why I Iove audiobooks!!

Auggie was a great central character. He was quirky and sweet and socially inept but a fighter. I loved him. His first year at college was faced with some unusual challenges, not the least of which was his grandmother, the best whore on Fremont street in her day. This was a great listen!!

Oliva's narration was incredible, simply incredible. He added some production value that elevated the listen but at the core was very distinct character voices that put you deep into the story and evey aspect was felt and believed.

I'm so glad there is a book two!!

I Laughed So Hard!!

This story was so funny, that it had me rolling with laughter throughout. I could totally vision this awkwardly college freshmen doing all of these things. Loved Issac and Gertie! Gertie sounds like the most awesomeness grandma ever, and don't forget about her best friend Petunia. They were a riot with their bubbly energy and attitude for getting things done. Love them! Why couldn't I have and a college room like Issac?? Loved his laid back attitude and crazy sense of humor, especially with him and his cappuccino/coffee maker.

James Oliva, just took this awesome book up a notch, with his multiple voices (LOVED ALL OF THEM) and his background noises, which just added to the hilariousness of the story....James, thank you for your added "magic" to this piece.

Look forward to book 2 in this series.

I received this audiobook at no-cost from Audiobookworm Promotions. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

A ride from start to finish

I loved the writing in this book, from how it depicted anxiety attacks and their coping methods, to some of the more lewd details. This book is chock full of comedy and serious topics, both handled wonderfully and in equal measure.
And James's reading, from the emotion put in to the distinct voices for each character, truly breathes life into this story, making it feel so intensely real.
This book will leave you laughing your a** off, and thats a guarantee!

Super fun read!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! And the narration of James Oliva was perfect! It was funny and poignant with some fun twists. Highly recommend!