Audiobooks narrated by Sharmila Devar

Faux Feminism: Why We Fall for White Feminism and How We Can Stop

For readers of Hood Feminism and Against White Feminism An incisive examination of how the pillars of feminism have eroded-and how all women, not just the white neoliberals, can rebuild them After over 175 years, the feminist movement, now in its fourth wave, is still an invite-only club. In Faux Feminism, political philosopher Serene Khader argues against this approach, one that overwhelmingly serves affluent, white, neoliberal women. Inviting the reader into the conversation with empathy and passion, Khader inspects the movement's faulty foundation and imagines a new, more resilient path forward. A feminist mythbuster, Khader begins by identifying, defining, and debunking prevailing false ideologies like the freedom, restriction, and individualism myths. Thought to be the pillars of good feminism, these "faux feminisms" may appeal to many but, in truth, only benefit the few. Faux Feminism asks readers to think critically about - The Freedom Myth: The overarching misconception that feminism is about personal freedom rather than collective equality - The Individualism Myth: The pervasive idea that feminism aims to free individual women from social expectations - The Culture Myth: The harmful misconception that "other" cultures restrict women's liberation - The Restriction Myth: The flawed belief that feminism is a fight against social restrictions - The Judgment Myth: The fallacy of celebrating women's choices without first interrogating the privileges afforded or denied to the women In later chapters, Khader draws on global and intersectional feminist lessons of the past and present to imagine feminism's future. She pays particular attention to women of color, especially those in the Global South. Khader recounts their cultural and political stories of building a more inclusive framework in their societies. These are the women, she argues, from whom today's feminists can learn. Khader's critical inquiry begets a new vision of feminism: one that tackles inequality at the societal, not individual, level and is ultimately rooted in community.

Serene Khader (Author), Sharmila Devar, TBD (Narrator)

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In My Humble Opinion: My So-Called Life

A smart, engaging investigation of the show that brought real teens to TV My So-Called Life lasted only 19 episodes from 1994 to 1995, but in that time it earned many devoted viewers, including the showrunners who would usher in the teen TV boom of the late ’90s and the new millennium. With its focus on 15-year-old Angela Chase’s search for her identity, MSCL’s realistic representation of adolescence on TV was groundbreaking; without her there would be no Buffy or Felicity, Rory Gilmore or Veronica Mars. The series’ broadcast coincided with the arrival of third-wave feminism, the first feminist movement to make teen voices a priority, and Angela became their small-screen spokesperson. From her perspective, MSCL explored gender, identity, sexuality, race, class, body image, and other issues vital to the third wave (and the world). To this day, passionate fans dissect everything from what Rickie Vasquez did for gay representation to what Jordan Catalano did for leaning, and Soraya Roberts makes an invaluable contribution to that conversation with In My Humble Opinion.

Soraya Roberts (Author), Sharmila Devar (Narrator)

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Fall of the Iron Gods

The sequel to Rise of the Red Hand, a searing portrayal of the future of climate change in South Asia. After inflicting a devastating blow on the autocratic provincial government, Ashiva, Synch, and their remaining allies must take on the planetary government, which wants the Red Hand exterminated. The compelling conclusion to the Colorado Book Award winning Rise of the Red Hand, perfect for fans of Marie Lu and Zoe Hana Mikuta’s Gearbreakers. Despite hard-won victories, the revolutionary forces known as the Red Hand are more endangered than ever: the Planetary Alliance Commission—the PAC—has branded them public enemy number one, ramping up their efforts to eliminate the Red Hand’s remaining members even as the pandemic rages on. In order to protect the progress they have made, the team must adopt new tactics. Ashiva, armed with a new bionic upgrade, leads a team back into the fray on a dangerous mission across a toxic wasteland wracked by storms. Synch sets out to fortify their hidden Himalayan stronghold, but his presence may hurt their cause more than the Red Hand knows. And Taru, determined to prove herself, punches deep into the heart of governmental research facilities in a desperate gamble to bring down the regime from the inside. Greedy and unyielding, the PAC is all too willing to sacrifice the people of a province to achieve their optimal results, leaving Ashiva, Synch, and Taru to save their homeland from a government claiming to act for the greater planetary good.

Olivia Chadha (Author), Neil Shah, Sharmila Devar, Soneela Nankani (Narrator)

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Study Break: 11 College Tales from Orientation to Graduation

Study Break, a collection of interconnected contemporary Young Adult short stories written by Gen Z authors, explores different parts of 'the college experience,' from questioning your major to questioning your identity. College...the best time, the worst time, and something in between. What do you do when orientation isn't going according to your (sister's) detailed plans? Where do you go when you're searching for community in faith? How do you figure out what it means that you're suddenly attracted to your RA? What happens when your partner for your last film project is also your crush and graduation is quickly approaching? Told over the course of one academic year, this collection of stories set on the same fictional campus features students from different cultures, genders, and interests learning more about who they are and who they want to be. From new careers to community to (almost) missed connections ― and more ― these interconnected tales explore the ways university life can be stressful and confusing and exciting and fulfilling. Gen Z contributors include Jake Maia Arlow, Arushi Avachat, Boon Carmen, Ananya Devarajan, Camryn Garrett, Christina Li, Racquel Marie, Oyin, Laila Sabreen, Michael Waters, and Joelle Wellington.

Aashna Avachat (Author), Dominique Franceschi, Jennifer Aquino, Jess Nahikian, Ruthie Bowles, Sharmila Devar (Narrator)

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Rise of the Red Hand

“Steeped in elements from real-life South Asian cultures, the worldbuilding is original and intriguing, incorporating dystopian and utopian elements along with current hot issues such as societal inequities, digital surveillance, and technology’s impact on humanity. . . . [A] strong and intricate story.” —Kirkus Reviews This 2022 Colorado Book Award Winner is a rare, searing portrayal of the future of climate change in South Asia. A streetrat turned revolutionary and the disillusioned hacker son of a politician try to take down a ruthlessly technocratic government that sacrifices its poorest citizens to build its utopia. The South Asian Province is split in two. Uplanders live in a luxurious, climate-controlled biodome, healthy and artificially youthful forever. Outside, the poor and forgotten scrape by with black-market robotics, in slums threatened by rising sea levels, unbreathable air, and deadly superbugs. Ashiva works for the Red Hand, an underground network of revolutionaries fighting the government, which is run by a merciless computer algorithm. As a smuggler with the best robotic arm and cybernetic enhancements the slums can offer, her cargo includes the city’s most vulnerable abandoned children. When the brilliant Uplander hacker Riz-Ali stumbles into the Red Hand’s dangerous activities, he and Ashiva uncover a horrifying conspiracy that the government will do anything to bury. As armed guardians kidnap children, massive robots flatten the slums, and a pandemic threatens to decimate the city, Ashiva and Riz must put aside their differences to fight the system and save the communities they love.

Olivia Chadha (Author), Neil Shah, Sharmila Devar, Soneela Nankani, TBD (Narrator)

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The Surviving Sky

High above a jungle-planet float the last refuges of humanity—plant-made civilizations held together by tradition, technology, and arcane science. Here, architects are revered deeply, with humanity’s survival reliant on a privileged few. If not for their abilities, the cities would plunge into the devastating earthrage storms below. Charismatic and powerful, Iravan is one such architect. His abilities are his identity, but to Ahilya, his archeologist wife, they are a method to suppress nonarchitects. Their marriage is thorny and fraught—yet when a jungle expedition goes terribly wrong, jeopardizing their careers, Ahilya and Iravan must work together to save their reputations. But as their city begins to plummet, their discoveries threaten not only their marriage, but their entire civilization.

Kritika H. Rao (Author), Pranshu Mishra, Sharmila Devar (Narrator)

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DHARMA, A Rekha Rao Mystery

Rekha Rao, an Indian American professor of Art History, propelled by her sense of duty, dharma, decides to find the killer of her mentor and father figure. She walks a thin line between her match-making family and the Homicide Detective she is attracted to, but also distrusts. Follow the clues as Rekha searches for the murderer, and in the process, tastes the prospect of an unexpected romance, and discovers her true calling.

Vee Kumari (Author), Sharmila Devar (Narrator)

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Give it a Try, Yasmin!: Yasmin the Librarian, Yasmin the Scientist, Yasmin the Recycler, Yasmin the

In this fun collection of four new Yasmin stories, Yasmin tackles every challenge she faces with her head and her heart! Whether she's helping to solve a recycling problem at school, trying to avoid a science fair fiasco, searching for a favorite lost book, or gathering her courage to join in the fun, Yasmin is always willing to give it a try!

Saadia Faruqi (Author), Sharmila Devar (Narrator)

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Home Is in Between

In the timely yet timeless audiobook Home Is in Between, critically acclaimed author Mitali Perkins describes the experience of navigating multiple cultures and embracing the complex but beautiful home in between. Shanti misses the warm monsoon rains in India. Now in America, she watches fall leaves fly past her feet. Still, her family’s apartment feels like a village: Mama cooking luchi, funny stories in Bangla, and Baba’s big laugh. But outside, everything is different – trick-or-treating, ballet class, and English books. Back and forth, Shanti trudges between her two worlds. She remembers her village and learns her new town. She watches Bollywood movies at home and Hollywood movies with her friends. She is Indian. She is also American. How should she define home?

Mitali Perkins (Author), Sharmila Devar (Narrator)

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Yasmin in Charge: Yasmin the Teacher, Yasmin the Chef, Yasmin the Zookeeper, and Yasmin the Superher

In this collection of four stories, Yasmin takes charge of some sticky situations! At home, at school, or out and about, Yasmin faces challenges head on with creativity and quick thinking. Whether she's creating a new recipe, finding a way to rescue a stuck toy for a little friend, or calming down monkeys (and classmates!), a clever solution to any problem is just around the corner!

Saadia Faruqi (Author), Sharmila Devar (Narrator)

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Meet Yasmin!: Yasmin the Explorer, Yasmin the Painter, Yasmin the Builder, and Yasmin the Fashionist

Meet Yasmin! Yasmin is a spirited second-grader who's always on the lookout for those 'aha' moments to help her solve life's little problems. Taking inspiration from her surroundings and her big imagination, she boldly faces any situation, assuming her imagination doesn't get too big, of course! A creative thinker and curious explorer, Yasmin and her multi-generational Pakistani American family will delight and inspire listeners.

Saadia Faruqi (Author), Sharmila Devar (Narrator)

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You Can Do it, Yasmin!: Yasmin the Soccer Star, Yasmin the Gardener, Yasmin the Writer and Yasmin th

A collection of four more stories featuring Yasmin! Whether she's braving the goalie net for the first time on the soccer field, trouble-shooting a plant problem in the garden with her family, tackling a tricky writing assignment, or managing a disagreement with her friends, Yasmin is always thinking outside the box to come up with creative solutions. Yasmin can do it!

Saadia Faruqi (Author), Sharmila Devar (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Sharmila Devar