Hangman (Maya Binyam)

Audiofile Magazine, April 2024

Ron Butler sets a lively pace for this allegorical story of a man who is revisiting the unnamed African country of his childhood after a lifetime abroad. As the main character, also unnamed, sets out to find his brother, he encounters obstacles ranging from vengeful sharpshooters to corrupt bureaucrats, along with a series of storytellers. Through the main story and the storytellers, themes emerge of an individual who is searching for meaning and a nation that is experiencing numerous economic and political struggles. Butler's easy style draws the listener in, and the chapters flow by quickly. For fans of international fiction, this is an interesting story told in an entertaining manner. M.R. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2024]

Digital Download • Spotify Audiobooks • 2023

DD ISBN 9781669662020 $19.99

Three Poets of the Harlem Renaissance

Audiofile Magazine, December 2023

by Langston Hughes, Georgia Douglas Johnson, Countee Cullen | Read by Kevin Kenerly, Robin Miles, Ron Butler

In this inspiring anthology of more than 250 poems from the 1920s high-water mark of the Harlem Renaissance, narrator Ron Butler accentuates the classical tones and themes of Countee Cullen. Robin Miles finds the warmth and intelligence in Georgia Douglas Johnson's best work. And Kevin Kenerly captures Langston Hughes's distinct groundbreaking jazz rhythms. Quick, focused, insightful--pieces such as Hughes's "Weary Blues" and "The Negro Speaks of Rivers," Johnson's "Tears and Kisses," and Cullen's "Uncle Jim" created the sound of African American artists staking their claim to the American Dream. As performed by these fine narrators, the poems sound as fresh, fabulous, and necessary as they did 100 years ago. A wonderful introduction to a vital literary world. B.P. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2023]

Imago (by octavia butler)

Audiofile Magazine, January 2024

This classic postapocalyptic science-fiction novel is newly brought to life through the stunning narration of Ron Butler. Ron's years of experience as a voice actor shine in this sensitive and meaningful performance. Combining Octavia Butler's imagination, creativity, and expansive views with Ron Butler's narration--simultaneously very deep and matter of fact--creates a listening experience far greater than average. As protagonist Jodahs develops into their own best self, the listener will discover many passages that call to mind today's discussions and debates about gender roles and politics. This 1989 work is still both timely and deeply important. C.F. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2024]

because of you john lewes (by andrea davis pinkney)

Audiofile Magazine, February 2022

Narrator Ron Butler brings joy to this story about a boy who is inspired by the late Civil Rights hero John Lewis. The poetic account of 10-year-old Tybre Faw's eagerness to meet Congressman Lewis is threaded with stories of how the young Lewis was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Butler's bright, crackling narration establishes the delicate balance between hope and gravity as the story lays out the struggles and violence Lewis faced. The production begins with the full story, including page-turn signals to accompany the picture book; then another reading without them, followed by historical backstory, a timeline of Lewis's life, and a reading of the poem "Invictus." Music and sound effects are included in all but the backstory, adding energy and context. S.T.C. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2022].

Beyond Temptation (by Brenda Jackson)

Audiofile Magazine, March 2021

Narrator Ron Butler captures the slow-building the courtship between wealthy Morgan Steele and Atlanta real estate agent Lena Spears. Morgan is sure Lena is perfect for him and proposes a marriage of convenience in order to secure a future with her. Butler employs a rolling, rich tone with hints of humor and flirtation for Morgan. Lena's voice is slightly higher and subtly feminine. Lena's grandmother is delineated with an older, forthright voice that further adds to Jackson's humorous take on the arranged match. The romance builds through the couple's shared values and is strengthened by Butler's command of intimate scenes. Butler navigates the opinions of the Steele family and their high-society acquaintances in a clear reading so new listeners can easily jump into Jackson's Black contemporary romance series. C.A. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2021]

Audiobooks can help get you through forced family time.

The Washington Post (Katherine Powers), March 2020

Zetta Elliott’s “Dragons in a Bag” (Listening Library, 3½ hours) presents 9-year-old Jaxon, whose mother, on a mission to prevent their eviction from a run-down Brooklyn apartment, leaves him in the charge of an ornery old woman known only as “Ma.” She, it emerges, is a witch and has troubles of her own in the shape of three tiny dragons who must be returned to another dimension, one where magic flourishes. Jaxon and Ma end up traveling together through a portal (a Prospect Park guardhouse) to another world, the wrong one, as it happens. From then on complications proliferate, most arising out of a missing dragon. Jaxon’s friend Vikram and his little sister, Kavita, get involved with ramifications that spill over into a sequel, “The Dragon Thief ” (Listening Library, 4 hours). Ron Butler narrates the first book and is joined by Soneela Nankani in the second, both readers bringing a wonderful medley of voices to the characters, human and animal, who populate these adventures in fantasy.

king & the dragonflies (by KaCen calendar)

Audiofile Magazine Earphones Award, February 2020

Ron Butler lends expertise, elegance, and an unerring expressiveness to his heartbreakingly beautiful performance as King, a black tween living in Louisiana who is coping with the death of his older brother…Butler's exemplary delivery is full of emotion that mirrors the novel's bittersweet but hopeful tone…This spectacular and touching performance is a must-listen for all ages.

Read the full review here.

The Best 10 Audiobooks of February 2020

Paste Magazine, February 2020

The audiobook version of Saint X gives an already nuanced story even more complexity. It boasts a full cast of voices trying to make sense of the crime—chosen by Schaitkin herself! You’ll recognize favorites like Prentice Onayemi, Ron Butler and Bailey Carr, but those are just a few of more than a dozen narrators whose performances make Saint X a rewarding, multi-dimensional listening experience. (Macmillan Audio.)

AUDIE AWARD FINALISTS 2020

February 2020

In the category of Science Fiction, "The Lesson" by Cadwell Turnbull; published by Blackstone Publishing and read by Ron Butler and Janina Edwards.

In the category of Middle Grade Fiction:

"Roller Girl" by Victoria Jamieson; published by Penguin Random House and narrated by a full cast.
“New Kid” buy Jerry Craft; published by Harper Audio and narrated by a full cast.