Audiobook Sample

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Hey there, fellow wanderers and story lovers, it’s Marcus Rivera, coming to you from a dusty roadside café somewhere in the heart of nowhere. I’ve got a tale to share today, one that’s as unsettling as a desert mirage and as gripping as a late-night conversation with a stranger. Let’s dive into the aisles of ‘Supermarket’ by Bobby Hall, narrated by the man himself.

I first popped in my earbuds for the ‘Supermarket’ audiobook while navigating a winding mountain road in Peru, the kind of place where reality feels a little thinner, and every twist holds a surprise. Bobby Hall, known to many as the rapper Logic, steps into the literary world with this debut novel, and let me tell you, it’s a psychological thriller that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. Described as a mash-up of ‘Naked Lunch’ and ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ with a dash of ‘Fight Club,’ it’s a dark, funny, and mind-bending journey through madness and creativity. The story unfolds like a fever dream, set in the mundane yet eerie backdrop of a supermarket, where nothing is quite as it seems.

Flynn, our protagonist, is a young man drowning in depression, fresh off a breakup, and crashing at his mom’s place. He takes a job at a supermarket hoping for stability, a steady paycheck to anchor his drifting life. But the aisles of Muldoon’s Grocery become a labyrinth of secrets, and after arriving to a crime scene one day, Flynn’s fragile grip on reality unravels. Hall crafts a narrative that’s both a mystery and a horror story, steeped in psychological depth. It reminds me of a time when I was lost in the Atacama Desert, listening to ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ on audiobook, the surreal landscape outside my window mirroring the magical realism in my ears. ‘Supermarket’ has that same disorienting pull, where the ordinary – a fluorescent-lit store – becomes a portal to the bizarre.

What struck me most about this audiobook experience is how personal it feels, especially with Bobby Hall narrating his own work. There’s an intimacy to his voice, raw and unpolished at times, that mirrors the grit of Flynn’s inner turmoil. It’s like sitting with a friend who’s confessing their darkest thoughts over a late-night coffee. I couldn’t help but think back to evenings in Oaxaca, listening to a grandmother weave stories with perfect timing and haunting silences. Hall captures that same storytelling magic in his narration, using pauses and inflections to build tension. You can almost feel the cold tile of the supermarket floor underfoot, hear the hum of the overhead lights, and taste the bitter tang of Flynn’s anxiety. His performance isn’t just a reading; it’s a descent into the character’s fractured mind.

Diving into the themes, ‘Supermarket’ is a gripping exploration of mental health, creativity, and the chaos of the human psyche. Hall doesn’t shy away from the messy, uncomfortable truths of depression and trauma, and as someone who’s spent years on the road confronting my own shadows, I found Flynn’s struggles painfully relatable. The novel’s strength lies in its ability to blur the lines between reality and delusion, much like a mystery thriller should. It’s a psychological horror that resonates with the rawness of Black literature, offering a unique perspective on identity and societal pressures. Hall’s prose, fierce and lyrical, carries echoes of his music career, each line hitting with the rhythm of a well-crafted verse.

The audio quality of this Simon & Schuster production is top-notch, enhancing the listening experience. Every creak of a shopping cart, every whispered doubt in Flynn’s mind, comes through with chilling clarity. Hall’s narration, while not professionally polished, adds authenticity to the audiobook. His voice cracks with emotion at just the right moments, pulling you deeper into Flynn’s unraveling world. For fans of fiction and literature that push boundaries, this audiobook is a must-listen, especially if you’re drawn to stories that blend thriller and horror with deep emotional stakes.

That said, ‘Supermarket’ isn’t without its flaws. At times, the plot veers into territory that feels overly chaotic, even for a psychological thriller. Some listeners might find the pacing uneven, with certain revelations feeling rushed while others drag through the aisles a bit too long. And while Hall’s narration is heartfelt, there are moments where a more experienced voice actor might have brought additional nuance to secondary characters. Still, these limitations don’t detract from the overall impact of the audiobook experience – they’re just bumps on an otherwise wild ride.

If you’ve enjoyed works like ‘Fight Club’ by Chuck Palahniuk or ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ by J.D. Salinger, you’ll likely find ‘Supermarket’ a compelling companion. It shares that same rebellious, introspective energy, questioning reality and identity in a way that lingers long after the final chapter. For fans of mystery and horror, it offers a fresh take, setting its terror in the everyday rather than the supernatural. And for those who appreciate Black literature’s unflinching honesty, Hall’s perspective adds a vital layer to the narrative.

I’d recommend this audiobook to anyone who craves a story that’s as unsettling as it is thought-provoking. It’s perfect for long drives through unfamiliar terrain or quiet nights when you’re wrestling with your own thoughts. If you’re new to psychological thrillers or looking for a unique listening experience, ‘Supermarket’ delivers. And while it’s not advertised as a free audiobook, keep an eye out for promotions or library access to snag this gem without breaking the bank.

Reflecting on this journey through Muldoon’s Grocery, I’m reminded of how stories – whether heard around a fire in Oaxaca or through earbuds on a lonely road – have the power to mirror our own struggles. ‘Supermarket’ isn’t just a thriller; it’s a raw, unflinching look at the human condition, narrated with a vulnerability that makes you feel seen. As a travel writer who’s spent years chasing hidden histories and personal transformations, I found Flynn’s story a haunting reminder that sometimes, the scariest places aren’t distant deserts or foreign cities – they’re the aisles we walk every day.

So, my friends, that’s my take on ‘Supermarket.’ I hope it stirs something in you, the way a good story always does for me. Until our paths cross again on some far-flung road or forgotten corner of the world, keep listening, keep wandering, and keep seeking the tales that shake you awake. This is Marcus Rivera, signing off with a nod to the strange and beautiful.