February 1, 2016 - March 1, 2016
Audrey from Jacksonville, FL
Shelley from Centennial, CO
Lewis
The Girl in the Spider's Web by David Lagercrantz
Narrator Name: Simon Vance
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent audio performance. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book is the latest in the continuation of Stieg Larsson's series involving Lisbeth Salander. It is a wonderful book and true to the feeling of the Stieg Larsson novels.
Elizabeth
The Silent Sister by Diane Chamberlain
Narrator Name: Susan Bennett
Rating the Audio Performance
The audio performance was good. The voice was believable and kept me interested. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Diane Chamberlain always takes on deep and timely subjects. This is part mystery and part of a story that shows the secrets and lies families keep from their love ones. It also shows how lies affect all family members. This is a good book, but not my favorite of Diane Chamberlain's.
Peggy
Boys in the Trees by Carly Simon
Narrator Name: Carly Simon
Rating the Audio Performance
I loved the audio version!! Always love when a memoir is read by the author. I enjoyed the music scattered throughout the book. Made it more enjoyable for me. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I grew up with Carly Simon and James Taylor…even got to see them in concert on Cape Cod many moons ago. I really didn't know anything about her, so it was all new to me. I feel I really got to know both of them, especially her.
Richard N B
The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper
Narrator Name: William Costello
Rating the Audio Performance
William Costello does a fairly good job of reading the audio version, though his slow pace at the beginning made me reconsider whether I wanted to keep listening. I think, however, it was more due to Cooper’s style of writing, than to Costello’s skill as a performer. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
3.5 stars. The second (and most popular) of the Leatherstocking Tales is set in 1757, during the French and Indian wars. It’s an adventure novel and romance with a loner hero, “noble savage” trusted companion, lovely heroines in danger, and a plot full of chases and epic battles. If you can get past Cooper’s wordy verbiage, there’s a great story here.
Patricia
Invisible City by Julia Dahl
Narrator Name: Andi Arndt
Rating the Audio Performance
The narration was pretty good overall. It seemed like the narrator read many of the sentences more as questions instead of statements, but that's really just a small thing. Otherwise, I liked her reading style. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The book was okay. From what I'd read about it ahead of time, I was really expecting a page-turner. And, though the storyline was interesting, I certainly didn't consider it to be a page-turner. It was enough that it was hard to put down, which is a bit of a let down. But it was interesting to read about orthodox Jewish culture. I'd never heard much about it before. And I didn't suspect who the killer was, so that was good, too.
Karen
A Fine Summer's Day by Charles Todd
Narrator Name: Steven Crossley
Rating the Audio Performance
Steven Crossley was an excellent choice to perform this novel. His delivery pulls the listener into the story so well that one feels as if they are actually reading the story themselves. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A complex and engaging mystery. Policeman Ian Rutledge of Scotland Yard is asked to investigate a death that appears to be a suicide. More investigation reveals it is likely to be a murder. Unraveling the clues leads to more deaths, acts of vandalism in cemeteries, and a grieving man trying to avenge the hanging of his father. Rutledge is pressed by his superior to solve the case, and charge a young man who could be convicted of the murder based on vague circumstantial evidence. Rutledge wants the real killer, especially since he is still killing men who served on his father's jury or had anything to do with the trial, so he continues to pursue the killer. WWI looms, the killer isn't caught, but Rutledge enlists to find him.
Carmee
Still Foolin' 'Em by Billy Crystal
Narrator Name: Billy Crystal
Rating the Audio Performance
It is narrated by Billy Crystal and he does an excellent job telling his story and holding your interest. It's as if he is standing in front of you personally, with plenty of excitement, and there is never a dull moment. I would highly recommend this wonderful audiobook. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book is about the indignities of aging, from this beloved comedian. For 40 years he has captured the joys and anxieties of his generation. He tells of his youth and breaking into show business as a young family man. Takes us on the journey of balancing family life while taking on the challenges of his comedic dreams. He shares memorable moments of his days on Saturday Night Live and movies made. Friendships with iconic greats Mickey Mantle and Muhammad Ali. This is wise as well as laugh-out-loud funny. A perfect read/listen for car trips, lazy days on the beach or wherever and whenever you want to be truly entertained. Absolutely my favorite. Thanks Billy Crystal for writing this great read and telling your story.
Francisca E B
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
Narrator Name: David Pittu
Rating the Audio Performance
David Pittu does a superb job narrating the audio version of this novel. He has great pacing, and his skill with voices made the characters come to life. I particularly liked how he voiced Hobie, and he did a credible job with the women as well. I was confused about Boris, though, because Tartt describes his accent as a cross between Aussie and Russian, and yet Pittu seemed to lose the Aussie almost immediately. But that’s a small quibble. I still give Pittu 5 stars for his performance. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
3.5 stars. There is much about this novel to like, and quite a few things not to like. In the end I’m struggling with how to rate it because of these conflicting issues. I like the way Tartt writes, particularly the way she so vividly depicts the scenes in this book, but I thought the book needed stronger editing. How often must we read about their drunken episodes to get the point? And I was really unhappy with the ending.
Candice
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Narrator Name: Dan O'Grady
Rating the Audio Performance
Dan O'Grady completely captures the character of socially challenged professor Don Tillman as well as the other characters in this charming comedy. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The book was highly recommended by Bill Gates on his blog. My interest piqued, I decided on the audio format to make a dull commute more pleasant. It certainly did! Who would think a book about a socially inept (read Asperger's) genetics professor searching for a life partner would be funny? Don Tillman decides to vet candidates through a 16-page Wife Project Questionnaire and the results are hilarious. He meets a totally unsuitable candidate in Rosie and against all rational thought cannot seem to banish her from his life. We may laugh at Don's quirks (assessing every person's BMI) but we come to appreciate and love his integrity, enthusiasm and self awareness. You'll find yourself simultaneously laughing and hoping for a happy ending.
Brenda
Sweetland by Michael Crummey
Narrator Name: John Lee
Rating the Audio Performance
The story is set on a small island off the coast of Newfoundland. The eastern accent in Newfoundland is unique and I thought John Rafter Lee nailed it. Excellent story read by an outstanding narrator. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Moses Sweetland lives in a small community off the coast of Newfoundland. The people on the island are being relocated to the mainland. The government compensation package will only be forthcoming when all the residents sign the agreement. Moses refuses to leave and so a beautiful story about love, loyalty and family begins.
Eileen
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Narrator Name: Adjoa Andoh
Rating the Audio Performance
Beautifully done. Andoh has a terrific voice. She modulates her voice in a lovely way for different characters and the pacing of her reading is great. It is a fairly long book (17.5 hours) but I never tired of listening to her. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Adichie is a brilliant writer. AMERICANAH is an engaging, lively exploration of race, immigration, and politics, but it is also a compelling tale of a young woman's struggle to become herself, define herself, and find her place in the world.
Eileen
Lord John and the Private Matter by Diana Gabaldon
Narrator Name: Jeff Woodman
Rating the Audio Performance
Jeff Woodman's usual excellent performance. He manages to differentiate characters, even when several are British aristocratic men. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
My first Gabaldon, after several recommendations by friends. I was disappointed. Usually historical mysteries are near the top of my list. This book didn't enlighten me much on the history of the time and it wasn't really a mystery. Lord John didn't even figure anything out--somebody just told him what happened. The writing and the characters were enough to keep me listening (thus the 3 stars), but I probably won't try another.
Simpnne
Fatal Tide by Iris Johansen
Narrator Name: Bernadette Dunne
Rating the Audio Performance
Audio was great ... despite my listening to a cassette and having to plug my finger in the machine to make the tape read semi-properly. Dunne was terrific with the different moods and characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Story was kind of weak and far-fetched. Too many folks with unlimited sums of money available to unearth a mystical lost world.
Jill
Beach Town by Mary Kay Andrews
Narrator Name: Kathleen McInerney
Rating the Audio Performance
Great narrator, fun and light book. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Fun and light.
Jill
The Truth and Other Lies by Sascha Arango
Narrator Name: Corey Brill
Rating the Audio Performance
Pleasant voice and interesting story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Good, a little strange but intriguing.
Jill
What Was Mine by Helen Klein Ross
Narrator Name: Julia Whelan, Cassandra Campbell, Amanda Carlin, Rebekka Ross, and Jonathan Todd Ross
Rating the Audio Performance
Just all around great. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Really, really good book. It was a struggle to decide which character to be loyal to. Very good.
Jill
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Narrator Name: George Newbern
Rating the Audio Performance
At first I thought it was going to be a real drag listening to this guy, he had such a boring monotone voice, but after the story evolved, I realized that was the right narrator for the book. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Good, sweet book. You really befriend this grumpy old man.
Jan
The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens
Narrator Name: Zach Villa
Rating the Audio Performance
Good storyteller-- main character is a male college student and he fits this role. He also does a good job performing as a young man with autism and an old man on his death bed. However, he does not do so well with female voices. This did not detract from his narration, but it did not make him especially remarkable. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I enjoyed this story and it kept my interest. It was not a book I would run tell everyone they just had to listen to or read.
Marion
Corrupted by Lisa Scottoline
Narrator Name: Kate Burton
Rating the Audio Performance
She captured subtle Philly accents and without changing her voice too much; you could tell the men from the women. She was no nonsense, which is what you would expect Bennie Rosato to be. But she also showed a softer side which made her very believable. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I've read almost all of Scottoline's books and this is the first audio I've listened too. I believe this was her best book yet. She has a love interest whom I really liked, and the story was heartbreaking and believable.
Heather
Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson
Narrator Name: Jenny Lawson
Rating the Audio Performance
Jenny Lawson narrates her wacky memoir and take on mental illness which, despite the laugh-out-loud moments, manages to get to the heart of mental illness. I liked the audiobook so much, I bought the book! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The storyline covers Lawson's madcap adventures through mental illness which are often funny and sometimes terrifying, but never dull. Her narration always carries the right tone.
Shirley
The Invention of WIngs by Sue Monk Kidd
Narrator Name: Jenna Lamia, Adepero Oduye
Rating the Audio Performance
The performance was superb with wonderfully nuanced readings. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a novel based on a family in Charleston during the 1850s where an 11-year-old girl is given her own slave. The story was much better than I had expected and really made me understand the situation of slaves in the south and the limitations they had to accede to.
Vikki
A Widow's Story by Joyce Carol Oates
Narrator Name: Ellen Parker
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent. Could really feel the sadness as the story was being told. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I can see this memoir wouldn't be for everyone, but I felt sorry for Joyce Carol Oates. Well written and deeply moving. Ray sounded like a great person. I especially liked when she finally reads "Black Mass."
Karen
Code of Conduct by Brad Thor
Narrator Name: Armand Schultz
Rating the Audio Performance
Armand Schultz was a good choice to read this thriller. His delivery pulls the listener into the drama and excitement of the story and keeps them on edge until the drama is resolved. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
What happens if a wealthy, charismatic person in a position of power decides to use his resources to shape the world to fit his vision of the world? This story focuses on this issue. The weapon of mass destruction in this case is a virus, and once the investigator discovers the plot, he works with others in his organization, the government and Israel to thwart the spread of the virus and the takeover of the U.S. government.
Kathleen
Splinter the Silence by Val McDermid
Narrator Name: Gerard Doyle
Rating the Audio Performance
Gerard Doyle does a great job reading the book. I think it makes a big difference listening to the book with his British accent. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
SPLINTER THE SILENCE is a British detective story that is apparently the 9th of a series. It can definitely stand on its own, but I think now I would like to go back and read some of the earlier books. In this contemporary novel, Carol Jordan returns to police work and is put in charge of a special unit. She gathers her old team together and they work to stop a serial killer who is killing woman and making it look like suicide. Told in alternating viewpoints from the members of her team and the serial killer, you are submersed in the different character's lives, their emotional struggles and interpersonal relationships. The integration of social media, cyber-bullying and the crazy hacking skills of computer geek Stacey add interest.
Paula
Ms. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children - Hollow City (Second Novel) and Library of Souls (Third Novel) by Ransom Riggs
Narrator Name: Kirby Heyborne
Rating the Audio Performance
Job well done - there are so many characters and each one had their own distinct voice. This series was really enjoyable to listen to. Listening to the books gave the characters so much life. I don't know if I would have enjoyed the books so much if I had read them. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This series was a homerun! Such imagination and great description throughout the series. The only thing I missed listening to the books rather than reading them were seeing the pictures included in the books. I am looking forward to seeing the movie when it comes out.
Melanie S.
The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian
Narrator Name: Mozhan Marno and Grace Experience
Rating the Audio Performance
4.5 stars. This story is told from two points of view - from the perspective of the Russian girl, Alexandra (Grace Experience) and through the eyes of Richard, his wife and daughter, rendered by Mozhan Marno, who I felt gave the stronger performance of the two narrators. While I felt for Alexandra's plight, her "Russian" accent just didn't work for me. Living in the NY area, I have known many people with Russian accents, who sound nothing like the way "Alexandra" spoke in this audiobook. The reader attempted to convey a Russian accent by over-annunciating her "T"s, which isn't the only inflection when English spoken with a Russian accent. That being said, Grace Experience did give a good performance of her character's angst. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
An engaging, quick read that really made me think about the adult entertainment industry and how many of the girls involved may be there against their will, particularly those from a foreign country. This story kept my attention from start to finish, and I definitely recommend to both men and women readers.
Lynn
A Banquet of Consequences by Elizabeth George
Narrator Name: Julie Teal
Rating the Audio Performance
As I thought about this book after I listened to it, I couldn't remember whether it was read by a man or woman. I think that's a real compliment to the narrator. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The Lynley series just keeps getting better and better. The interplay between Lynley and Havers is just perfect.
Gerry
The Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende
Narrator Name: Joanna Gleason
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent reader! Clear, expressive, well-paced. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Loved the characters in this book, especially Alma. A few predictable elements in the plot did not detract from a lovely story.
Gerry
Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris
Narrator Name: David Sedaris
Rating the Audio Performance
Who better than the author to read his own essays, delivering the best lines with perfect timing! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Most of the essays were laugh-out-loud funny, especially those in the beginning and the end of the book. A couple in the middle dragged a bit. Overall, a very enjoyable read.
Gerry
Boys in the Trees by Carly Simon
Narrator Name: Carly Simon
Rating the Audio Performance
Read by the author, beautifully, with musical interludes that took me right back to the '70s. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I don't often read celebrity biographies or memoirs, but perhaps because I have long been a huge fan of Carly Simon's music (and James Taylor's as well), this one very much appealed to me. The audiobook was read by Carly Simon herself, and scored with snippets of her music, making it both interesting and very enjoyable.
Laura
A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson
Narrator Name: Alex Jennings
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator did a fine job. Accents were done well. Would definitely listen to him again. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
It's not LIFE AFTER LIFE, and I sometimes got confused because the time period would suddenly change. I was quite surprised by the end and had to back up and listen again. LOL!
Debbie
The Last Child by John Hart
Narrator Name: Scott Sowers
Rating the Audio Performance
It was a nail-biter; I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I believe it was all due to the narrator. Excellent. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Great story with lots of history thrown in.
Patricia
A Share in Death by Deborah Crombie
Narrator Name: Michael Deehy
Rating the Audio Performance
He was good. He read the characters as all a bit too posh for me. It didn't make the story feel contemporary - it made it feel like it was set in the 1930s or something. But other than that, I enjoyed him. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This was my first time reading Deborah Crombie and I thought the book was just okay. I had a difficult time really getting into it. It wasn't boring, but it certainly wasn't exciting either. I'll try the next book in the series and see how it goes.
Rezina
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Narrator Name: George Newbern
Rating the Audio Performance
Great! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Hard to put down once you started. A book about a very complex man that I could relate to.
Debbie
Avenue of Mysteries by John Irving
Narrator Name: Armando Duran
Rating the Audio Performance
Duran has the perfect voice for this book, and he does the voices of each of the characters perfectly. Lupe's voice is especially difficult, and the way Duran presents that voice is perfect. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The underlying story of Juan Diego and Lupe is wonderful, painful, and heart-rendering. Unfortunately it is overshadowed by Irving's rants about Catholicism and the Jesuits. In addition, some of the story seems very unnecessary and takes away from the story.
Debbie
After the Crash by Michel Bussi
Narrator Name: Daniel Philpott
Rating the Audio Performance
Philpott does a wonderful job with the voices of all the characters. The way he switches from character to character is really well done and he moves the story along nicely. This book has so many different characters -- some crazy, some sweet, and the detective's voice, in particular, is perfect. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book is wonderful. Bussi tells a wonderful and believable story. Although it has a twist at the end, it is a good twist, which is not impossible to imagine. Although the story is very sad, it also has a very uplifting quality to it. Some characters you will love, some you will hate, and others you will change your mind about by the end of the story. Bussi's prose is lyrical. He is a great storyteller.
Trudy
The Guilty by David Baldacci
Narrator Name: Kyf Brewer and Orlagh Cassidy
Rating the Audio Performance
Great way to present the story with a man and a woman narrator. Both were very good. It also had music in the background, which is pretty unusual. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
David Baldacci brings back Will Robie and Jessica Reel once again. This time the story takes place stateside involving Will reconnecting with his father after twenty years. Fast-paced and keeps the reader/listeners in suspense as to how the story is going to end.
Beckie
Orphan Train by Christina Kline Baker
Narrator Name: Jessica Almasy and Suzanne Toren
Rating the Audio Performance
Great sense of character. Timing was impeccable.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Excellent parallel stories of women facing the unknown.
Patricia
Darkest Fear by Harlan Coben
Narrator Name: Jonathan Marosz
Rating the Audio Performance
I enjoyed Jonathan's reading as usual. I like how he gives unique performances for the different characters, but without going overboard. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Another great read in the Myron Bolitar series. The storyline was interesting and kept me guessing throughout. I'll definitely be reading/listening to the next book in the series.
Sally
Between the World And Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Narrator Name: Ta-Nehisi Coates
Rating the Audio Performance
Beautifully read by the author. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book is written as a letter from the author to his teenage son and details what it is like to "inhabit a black body." Lyrically written, it is deserving of all the praise it has received, whether the reader agrees with the author or not. A fascinating book.
Tessa B C
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
Narrator Name: Nick Podehl
Rating the Audio Performance
I am really irritated by audiobooks that include cheesy “spooky” or atmospheric music/sound effects to convey suspense. And this audio is full of that junk. Nick Podehl gives virtually everyone, except Viola, the same backwoods, hillbilly accent, differentiated only by how deeply he growled (for the adult males), or how loudly he yelled (for Todd). I actually did like his voice for the dog, Manchee, however. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
ZERO stars. Todd is in many ways a typical young teen, full of anxiety about growing up, certain he knows much more than he actually does, prone to rash actions, and lacking impulse control. My stars, but he got on my nerves. Add the dystopian/post-apocalyptic scenario, the religious megalomaniacs, and the lack of proper English and I’m about to scream. One of my big pet peeves is cliff-hangers which try to force the reader to buy/read the next book. THAT alone would have lost this book a star or two … if there were any left to lose. Can I give negative stars?
Anne
Mort(e) by Robert Repino
Narrator Name: Bronson Pinchot
Rating the Audio Performance
I thought this was an excellent performance. There were nuances to the various characters without it being too much and taking away from the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This was a very odd story about a cat named Mort(e) on a search for his best friend, a dog named Sheba. The country is infected with a violent virus called EMSAH that kills all the humans. The animals then take on human characteristics and a war precipitated by a colony of ants begins.
Anne
The Beautiful Struggle: A Father, Two Sons, and an Unlikely Road to Manhood by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Narrator Name: J. D. Jackson
Rating the Audio Performance
This was an excellent reading of a memoir. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A very interesting story of this young author's father and brother. It of course encapsulated other family members, but his father had a huge influence on Ta-Nehisi's life.
Anne
The Kept by James Scott
Narrator Name: Kate Udall
Rating the Audio Performance
Nicely read. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A brutal crime is committed in the family home leaving Elspeth and her son Caleb as the only survivors. To survive they must seek out a new existence.
Anne
The Invaders by Karolina Waclawiak
Narrator Name: Bernadette Dunne
Rating the Audio Performance
It was a good reading with some significant technical difficulties causing the narration to have very erratic sound quality. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
An example of life in an exclusive community and what it is like to be an outsider.
Diane
Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles Book One) by Marissa Meyer
Narrator Name: Rebecca Soler
Rating the Audio Performance
Intense and believable. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Fun remake of a classic - riveting!
Linda
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Narrator Name: Mark Deakins
Rating the Audio Performance
Deakins did an admirable job helping to keep the tension high. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Young people who can't remember anything before they were placed in a situation with a maze and creatures that seem to be after them doesn't seem to apply describe this well-written book. Well-written, tension filled. The first of a trilogy.
Jan
You by Caroline Kepnes
Narrator Name: Santino Fintana
Rating the Audio Performance
Perfection - he captured Joe perfectly. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
After a chance encounter with Beck, Joe slowly moves from stalker to boyfriend. The reader spends the entire book inside of Joe's head and listens to every sick, twisted, and obsessive thought that he has. Yet, sometimes he's strangely likable. And snarkily funny. He's a reader who works in a book store and I enjoyed his references to books and Stephen King (who gave the book an enthusiastic endorsement on Twitter). I found myself nodding in agreement or chuckling with his observations on pop culture and then a bit horrified that I found this sicko funny or spot on. The author deserves kudos for taking the reader down that path. Warning: bad language and detailed sexual encounters, real and imagined.
Kelly
David Spade is Almost Interesting by David Spade
Narrator Name: David Spade
Rating the Audio Performance
Author read. He put his comedic style into the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Sliw in parts, but all interesting.
Dara
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
Narrator Name: Edward Herrmann
Rating the Audio Performance
Mr. Herrmann makes the story come to life. He makes me want to hear more of the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Great book, really tells the life of small town Americans during the depression.
Margaret Gulick
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
Narrator Name: Sunil Malhotra
Rating the Audio Performance
I so enjoy a good reader. Can't imagine listening to my own voice reading this book, accent so enhances the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
To quote the audio cover, "A sweeping, emotionally riveting novel - an enthralling family saga of Africa and America, doctors and patients, exile and home." Twins born to the unlikely secret union of a beautiful Indian nun and a brash British surgeon at a Mission hospital in Ethiopia. History, love and a very compelling story.
Pam
The Wright Brothers by David McCullough
Narrator Name: David McCullough
Rating the Audio Performance
Mr. McCullough speaks clearly and concisely throughout the story. His narration was easy to listen to and held my interest. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The story is fascinating as we follow Orville and Wilbur from childhood to adulthood, marveling at how they achieved all they did without big money or corporations backing them. My only complaint, as with many biographies, I wish we learned more about the emotional and personal aspect of their lives.
Teresa
Invisible by James Patterson and David Ellis
Narrator Name: January LaVoy and Kevin Collins
Rating the Audio Performance
Every few chapters the readers switch. The "bad guy" does "Graham Sessions". He did an awesome creepy guy that made me want keep listening. I work in a library and have been recommending to patrons. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
As always with James Patterson, the story was excellent. I did not see the end coming! It was a surprise to me.
Anne
Punked by the Pumpkin by Constance Barker
Narrator Name: Angel Clark
Rating the Audio Performance
It sounded as if she was speed reading and as if someone of the characters were shouting instead of talking. Very harsh delivery. Her voice for Eli, the hero, sounded more like a cranky old woman. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The fact that there was a variety of strange things going on fit with the Halloween theme of the book.
The story needed more intense action and the scariness more developed. This would make a C-grade Lifetime-type movie.
Trudy
The Crossing by Michael Connelly
Narrator Name: Titus Welliver
Rating the Audio Performance
Very good narrator. Easy to distinguish the different characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A forcibly retired Harry Bosch goes over to the other side, grudgingly, to do some investigative work for his half-brother, Mickey Haller, the Lincoln Lawyer. The plot has many layers and twists that reveal a truth never suspected at the beginning. Really interesting to listen to, maintaining my interest throughout.
Karen
Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
Narrator Name: Jesse Bernstein
Rating the Audio Performance
Jesse Bernstein's performance of this book draws the listeners into the book and keeps them focused on all the excitement of the escape from the library. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I loved the idea of a library that was based on board games as well as video games and other technology. Playing the board game and following the clues, many of which were found by reading books, was a clever idea for finding the escape route from the library. It was also interesting to see how the children interacted with each other while they were playing the game. The game fulfilled its mission. It led the children to the exit and peaked their interest in reading.
Jane
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Narrator Name: Zack Appelman
Rating the Audio Performance
Zack Appelman's reading is exquisite in its simplicity as he enthralls you with this story of three lives intertwined by one precious stone. A wonderful listen and excellent book, I have recommended to many. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book is one I have recommended to all of my readers in the library. Even those who are not history buffs will appreciate the intricacy with which Mr. Doerr twines three different lives into one story with one common denominator. An excellent read.
Patricia
The Drop by Michael Connelly
Narrator Name: Len Cariou
Rating the Audio Performance
I go back and forth when I listen to Len Cariou. I think he does okay with the main character. But some of the secondary characters he does are SO awful (sometimes they sound like cartoon characters). It can be a bit off-putting. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Another great one by Michael Connelly. I really enjoyed the story and was kept interested all throughout. I guess the only thing that started bothering me was his use of the term "high jingo". This isn't the first book he's used it in and sometimes I feel like he overdoes it with it. But otherwise, an awesome read. Can't wait to read the next in line.
Janet
Mrs. Grant and Madame Jule by Jennifer Chiaverini
Narrator Name: Christina Moore
Rating the Audio Performance
Christina Moore does a wonderful job of narrating Mrs. Grant and Madame Jule. You are
constantly engaged in the narrative with her expressive dialogue. Ms. Moore delves into the
book and her voice always mirrors the printed page. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I have previously read MRS. LINCOLN'S DRESSMAKER by Jennifer Chiaverini which made the choice of reading MRS. GRANT AND MADAME JULE an easy choice. Her attention to historical fact interspersed with anecdotal information contributes to the reader's/listener's enjoyment and
interest.
Richard N B
The Night Strangers by Chris Bohjalian
Narrator Name: Alison Fraser and Mark Bramhall
Rating the Audio Performance
Alison Fraser and Mark Bramhall did a fine job narrating the audio version. They have good pacing and Fraser uses a number of different voices for the various characters. Bramhall’s voice is appropriately “creepy” as he performs Chip’s point of view; I really got the sense of Chip’s slow deterioration into depression, paranoia and mental distress. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I’ve read several books by Bohjalian, but this one is quite a departure. I’m not a big fan of the paranormal/horror genre, but this certainly captured me, held my attention and kept me off balance. Tension builds to a dramatic confrontation that really had me on the edge of my seat. And then we come to the epilogue … totally took me in a direction I did not see coming.
Tollie
Georgia: A Novel of Georgia O'Keeffe by Dawn Tripp
Narrator Name: Ann Marie Lee
Rating the Audio Performance
Being able to listen to this book added to my pleasure of the story of her life. I am highly recommending it to my book club. Ann Marie Lee did a great job reading this book and I know her voice added to my listening pleasure. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
As a huge Georgia O'Keeffe fan, I jumped at the chance to read/listen to this book. When it popped up on my tablet I was so excited to listen to it, even though I know how it ends. I've been to Lake George several times and always think of her when there. Several years ago there was an art exhibition at the Hyde Museum in Glen Falls, NY, which is near Lake George. Her paintings were numerous and they were from the Lake George time period. I was able to search for the pictures she painted at Lake George in the art book I purchased at the museum. That really made listening to the book more exciting.
Debbie
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
Narrator Name: Steve West, Emma Bering, and Cassandra Campbell
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrators are wonderful, especially Steve West. He brings Perdu to life. The story flows seamlessly as the narrators tell the great love story -- between people, between people and books, and between people and their futures. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I loved this book. If you love books and believe that books can be an important part of people's lives, you will love this book. It is also a great story of love, loss and redemption and how, sometimes, we lose ourselves in our loss and forget how to live.
Diana
Never Turn Your Back on an Angus Cow by Dr. Jan Pol with David Fisher
Narrator Name: Tom Perkins
Rating the Audio Performance
I really enjoyed the narrator that they picked for this audiobook. I think he was a great fit to read the story of Dr. Pol's life. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Like most people, I first heard about Dr. Pol on his Nat Geo Wild show, and I loved it from the first viewing. So as soon as I saw he was releasing a book, I put it on request at the library. This book gives some more background on his life and why he became a vet. I listened to the audiobook and it was really well done.
Kimberly
The Assassin by Clive Cussler and Justin Scott
Narrator Name: Scott Brick
Rating the Audio Performance
Mr. Brick did an excellent job of reading clearly and separating the voices of the diverse characters in the story without doing women's voices in a silly, overly effeminate way. I look forward to hearing more from this narrator and hope he continues on the other Cussler audiobooks in the series. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This was a new type of Cussler for me - I hadn't read any of the Isaac Bell series, but I will definitely seek them out in the future. Cussler does just as fine a job with the bright male and female characters set in the old days as he does with his modern day scientists that I'm used to in the NUMA series. This book was smart, funny, and did a good job of adding the suffragette characters to help the story become not quite as predictable. Reminded me of an old-time Sherlock Holmes. A fun read!
Linda
The Casual Vacancy by J. K. Rowling
Narrator Name: Tom Hollander
Rating the Audio Performance
Very British but very precise. Excellent reader. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Much more adult than Harry Potter with a story that includes many adult scenes (drugs, sex, language).
Lori
The Road to Little Dribbling by Bill Bryson
Narrator Name: Nathan Osgood
Rating the Audio Performance
I was a little disappointed in the audio performance. I found some of the pronunciations bizarre (i.e."ter" for "tour" several times). One of my first and favorite audiobooks was NOTES FROM A SMALL ISLAND, and Bryson read that one and did a great job. I wish he had narrated this one. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
As with his other travel books, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I think I'd like having a copy of it with me if I was driving around England. I liked hearing what he had to say about places I have visited, and would like to see some of the ones I haven't. I know some readers didn't like the occasional bad language or Bryson's temperament in this book, but I felt it made him more human, and his sarcasm and imaginary conversations reminded me of one of my other favorite authors, Nelson DeMille.
Ricki
Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom by Cory Doctorow
Narrator Name: Cory Doctorow
Rating the Audio Performance
The recording of this is not very good, which really surprises me for Recorded Books. It is read by the author, which is fine aside from lack of distinction between characters, but it sounds like a live recording - there is paper rustling, flubbed lines, and general rushing through passages, plus some parts are loud and others are soft. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This a great example of cyberpunk and a rather fun story.
ROSEMARIE POSTILIO
A Necessary End by Holly Brown
Narrator Name: Khristine Hvam and James Patrick Cronin
Rating the Audio Performance
Both voices are soothing and show emotion at the correct moments in the plot. Very pleasing to the ear. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I found this book hard to stop listening to. The story centers around an adoption. The biological mother is a young girl and as things progress the adopting mother becomes jealous of her relationship to this baby. The adopting mother is very controlling -- all for good reasons -- but the adopting father has doubts about the whole procedure. The couple has been burned before by another woman who promised adoption. I usually listen while I cook dinner or do chores or workout, but I found myself tuning in much more often to this story. I recommend this book for its plot and its performances.
Melinda
Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner
Narrator Name: Alana Kerr
Rating the Audio Performance
An audio performance is good when the reader is consistent and doesn't get in the way of the story, but instead enhances it. Alana Kerr succeeds in all ways. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The story is of the evacuation of children from London to the countryside during the Blitz. This was a period of 5 years -- imagine not having your children with you for that period of time. Emmy and her sister Isabel are taken in by a lovely woman who they call Aunt Charlotte. They become separated and most of the story is about Emmy and the lies she makes both to herself and others. Fascinating historical novel by an author whose books are always worth reading.
Stacey
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Narrator Name: Polly Stone
Rating the Audio Performance
Absolutely fantastic! I had already read the book and loved it; the audiobook did not disappoint. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Wonderful story about family!
Suzanne
Grave Peril by Jim Butcher
Narrator Name: James Marsters
Rating the Audio Performance
James Marsters does an excellent job. He differentiates each voice and brings the characters to life. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is the book in which the Dresden files series starts to come together. I liked it even more than the first and second books combined.
Beverlee
The Danish Girl by David Ebershoff
Narrator Name: Jeff Woodman
Rating the Audio Performance
Felt that the reader did a great job defining each character and making them come to life in their own unique way. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Love David Ebershoff as an author. Felt this one was a little wordy at times but still a great read!
Shelley K Hitt
Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks
Narrator Name: Rebecca Lowman
Rating the Audio Performance
Good Boston accents. Easy to listen to and understand. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Way too long and drawn out in every phase of the action. Predictable and unpleasant.
Gail
The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin
Narrator Name: Cassandra Campbell and Paul Boehmer
Rating the Audio Performance
This felt like a very authentic reading of the characters' personalities, accents and speech impediments. The narrators made the book come alive as if it was a stage performance. I highly recommend the book and anything read by these narrators. I am more familiar with Cassandra Campbell who I have heard and enjoyed before, but this narration by both narrators was excellent. The author scored a winner with them. I had both the print and audio version of the book and preferred the audio. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Covering about three decades, this is a fictional, biographical presentation of Truman Capote's swans as upper crust ladies who were raised largely to seek appropriate husbands, perform their wifely duties impeccably, and seek the camera lens that would feature them on the society pages. Their wealth and breeding defined them. Truman came to life as self-absorbed, narcissistic and insecure. He would stop at nothing to gain fame and fortune, and he miscalculated the affections of others for him, leading to his downfall. The relationship between Truman and Babe Paley was unique. The fact that he betrayed these members of society who befriended and supported him seemed shameful, even though their ethics and behavior left much to be desired.
Melanie S.
The Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende
Narrator Name: Joanna Gleason
Rating the Audio Performance
Ms. Gleason did a good job on the audio, but at times I found her to be a bit monotone and found myself zoning out, requiring me to re-listen to some parts. This was particularly annoying because I was listening to a CD version and not a digital copy, so I couldn't go back in 15 second increments but had to go back to the beginning of a track, which was sometimes 20 minutes long. Sigh... I much prefer digital audiobooks for this reason. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The story centers on the character of Alma Belasco after she chooses to live in an assisted living facility as an elderly person. Why would a wealthy woman choose to live there? Her past story of being sent out of Nazi occupied Europe to live with cousins in San Francisco is told alongside her current interactions with various characters in the nursing home and those in her family. Central to the story is her love affair with a Japanese gardener who worked on the San Francisco estate of her adoptive family but who was sent to an internment camp after the Pearl Harbor bombing. While Alma was a character of great depth, I felt the secondary characters' stories lacked depth.
Dianne
Leaving Before the Rains Come by Alexandra Fuller
Narrator Name: Alexandra Fuller
Rating the Audio Performance
Wonderful story about Ms. Fuller's life as a white African, and about her experiences as her marriage fell apart. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Memoirs are always best when read by the writer.
sue
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
Narrator Name: Sunil Malhotra and Cassandra Campbell
Rating the Audio Performance
There's a prologue by Abraham Verghese which was just wonderful. He set the "scene" for the book by sharing his interactions with Paul Kalanithi. I liked the other narrators although, at times, they did seem to drone on. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Super challenging subject presented in positive way. I can't say I liked the book/audio as I felt very sad listening to the book. I know his message was positive but I couldn't feel it. I got caught in the finality of his life and impact on Lucy and their baby. I'm probably not the fairest of reviewers given my experiences with death by cancer and yet, I picked this book to listen to! I would recommend it to others.
Mark
The Girl With All the Gifts by M. R. Carey
Narrator Name: Finty Williams
Rating the Audio Performance
The narration is very good. This may be the first time I have heard Ms.Williams but I was very impressed. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Melanie is brilliant little girl, with amazing gifts. She is also wickedly dangerous. What exactly makes her so special? I am staying mum on this one, since one of the joys of this dystopian tale is watching it slowly unfold in this post-plague world. I will say, it is smart, fast-paced and well written. I will also confess that Melanie is one of my new favorite characters, and she will stay close to my heart for a while.
One warning: Beware of the hungries!
Nancy
The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian
Narrator Name: Mozhan Marno and Grace Experience
Rating the Audio Performance
Great readers. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I have read every book written by Chris Bohjalian. THE GUEST ROOM was one of the best. The topic, sex slavery, made me realize that this is something that is probably happening here in this country.
Shirley
The Invention of WIngs by Sue Monk Kidd
Narrator Name: Sue Monk Kidd, Jenna Lamia and Adepero Oduye
Rating the Audio Performance
The characters were brought to life without speaking in southern Black dialect. The characters had different voices and accents but also different cadences which added greatly to the story, making it seem as if it was actually happening now. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The risks that the characters took were difficult to believe, although I have read further and the story is based on real people from Charleston.
Jan
Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town by Jon Krakauer
Narrator Name: Mozhan Marno and Scott Brick
Rating the Audio Performance
The choice of a female narrator was a great choice. She does an excellent job. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
It’s a chilling statistic that most rapes do not get reported. This book follows three cases of rape on a college campus. Unfortunately, Missoula is no better or worse than any other college campus. I liked how the book focused on the victim – how she feels, how she acts both during and after the rape (it’s often not what you would expect), what she must endure after reporting the rape, the emotional aftermath, and how the justice system deals with cases such as these.
It is sometimes a difficult read given the subject matter. Part of the book recounts the courtroom scenes so there's necessary repetition of the harsh facts. It gets 5 stars from me because it's a strong and powerful book that should be read by everyone.
Audrey
Rogue by Mark Sullivan
Narrator Name: Jeff Gurner
Rating the Audio Performance
Very good narration. Distinctly different voices for the most part. Narrator uses inflection and does an excellent job. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book keeps delivering. The main character is a thief -- but as a thief he's more like Robin Hood - maybe the reason the author picked Robin as his first name. In this first of a series, he is being paid to get a piece of electronics that is like the trigger for a nuclear weapon. He is blackmailed into doing this - the object desired for the life of a lady friend. He not only gets it, but gets the lady and manages to get it paid for three times by three different governments while delivering it to nobody and outs a crook in the U.S. government as well. The money is delivered to a nun who pulled him out of a garbage dump when he was a child and took him in. When he can, Robin helps. Lots of action. All string tied up.
Mary
Circling the Sun by Paula McLain
Narrator Name: Katharine McEwan
Rating the Audio Performance
McEwan had the perfect voice for Beryl -- a lovely British/African accent -- and she could pronounce all those African names and places. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Beautifully written and much more engaging than both OUT OF AFRICA and WEST WITH THE NIGHT, which covered similar stories.
Michael
Horns by Joe Hill
Narrator Name: Fred Berman
Rating the Audio Performance
Fred Berman is a GREAT reader. He distinguishes between characters easily without sounding silly or campy. Great performer. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
It was okay. Not bad, not great. The concept was interesting but uses my least favorite device. It sets up an interesting plot and then jumps back and does flashbacks (which end up being a huge chunk of the book) that aren't nearly as interesting as the current situation. I was a little disappointed that the current storyline was relatively small because the book spends so much time in flashbacks. It wasn't bad by any means, but never quite drew me in either.
Sonia
Hush Hush (Tess Monaghan #12) by Laura Lippman
Narrator Name: Jan Maxwell
Rating the Audio Performance
She did a good job.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
It was not as good as her other stories. I enjoy Lippman's stories, her characters and locations. She said at the National Book Festival she pulls ideas from old newspaper articles from before the internet. All in all it was okay.
Sonia
The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism by Naomi Klein
Narrator Name: Jennifer Wiltsie
Rating the Audio Performance
It was good. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I hope everyone will read this book. I can’t think of any other book I would more highly recommend today. And I can't believe it took me this long to get to it. It was rich in exposing history and deep analysis. I strongly encourage anyone reading it to stick through to the end. The bulk of the book covers terrible things in the world.
Susan
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
Narrator Name: Jacqueline Woodson
Rating the Audio Performance
The author narrated her memoir, written in verse. Wonderful. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Loved hearing about her childhood down South and in Brooklyn, NY.
Karen
Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup
Narrator Name: Richard Allen
Rating the Audio Performance
It was a pleasure to listen to Richard Allen read this book. His voice is elegant, and gives the listener the feeling that they are in an audience listening to Solomon Northup tell his story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
It was appalling and sad to hear that a free man was kidnapped and sold into slavery. His description of the various plantations, the crops grown, the slave owners and their treatment of slaves was interesting. It is easy to think of all owners to be cruel and inhumane, but this wasn't always the case. Solomon's ability to survive and better himself even as a slave was very admirable. It was a great relief when he survived cruel owners and overseers and finally gained his freedom. Sadly, the years when his children were growing up were stolen from him because he was enslaved.
Darlene
All That Is by James Salter
Narrator Name: Joe Barrett
Rating the Audio Performance
This is the first time I have listened to the narration of Joe Barrett. He has a nice 'storytelling' voice, perfect for the recalling of memories, which is how the story is told. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This story takes place after the end of World War II. The narrator and subject of the story is Philip Bowman, an officer in the Navy. After returning home to the U.S., Mr. Bowman finds a job with a small publisher. He enjoys his job but seems to be looking for more in life. He marries a girl not long after meeting her and without really knowing her or having much in common with her. The marriage doesn't last and Philip continues to search for what is elusive to him, a lasting love. The story was beautifully written but I couldn't help but feel frustrated with Philip Bowman. With every relationship he entered, the reader could clearly see it wouldn't last. Although he was an intelligent person, he seemed to have little self-awareness.
Francisca E B
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Narrator Name: Nadia May
Rating the Audio Performance
Nadia May does an okay job of narrating the audio version. She does tend to “read” rather than perform, but her pacing was good and her diction clear. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
3.5 stars. Is there anyone who doesn’t know the basic storyline of Alexei Karenin, his wife Anna, and her lover Count Vronsky? Tolstoy’s novel explores much more than this love triangle, but this central story was what I found most compelling. Too bad I had to wade through all that other stuff.
Gail
M Train by Patti Smith
Narrator Name: Patti Smith
Rating the Audio Performance
I listened to this audio in its entirety; I must admit, I wanted to quit many times. The author narrates her own book, and her style is a monotone that drones on and on, without any modulation. In spite of the solemnity of the memoir and lamenting nature of the narration, the straightforward, conversational tone of the reading made me stay on long after I thought I would. I simply felt that the author was speaking directly to me, confiding in me, unleashing her tormented soul, relieving her emotional angst upon my shoulders, so how could I abandon her? I felt like I had been invited to read her diary. Obviously, in spite of her lack of emotion in the reading, she filled her story with it, in the telling, and I connected completely with her. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is an intense book that feels sad from beginning to end as Smith takes the reader on her journey following no timeline and no pattern, but randomly jumping from topic to topic, year to year, memory to memory. She examines her dreams, revisits excursions to many places and countries in order to photograph, write poetry, lecture, make music, and write monographs. Occasionally, it reads a bit like a travelogue, albeit one that is peppered with famous names. There is, midst the gloom of her memories, a sardonic moment and a touch of humor now and again. At the end, there was the barest hint that she would continue to investigate and participate in new projects, in spite of the heavy cloak of grief that seemed to travel along with her.
Julie Bockstiegel
The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny
Narrator Name: Ralph Cosham
Rating the Audio Performance
I had listened to the first two books in this series quite awhile ago. I quickly saw why so many people rave about the good choice of narrator for this series. I was unable to get the audio of this 3rd book for a long time, but recently it became available. I was quickly transported back to the town of Three Pines and its residents. I enjoyed every word. I am now eagerly waiting the audiobook for #4. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is an excellent series - one of the few where each title seems to get even better reviews than the previous one.
Bobbie
The Aviators by Winston Groom
Narrator Name: Robertson Dean
Rating the Audio Performance
Great narrator. Enjoyed listening to this. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Loved the story. So fascinating. True story told and read like a novel.
Patricia
G is for Gumshoe by Sue Grafton
Narrator Name: Mary Pfeiffer
Rating the Audio Performance
Another good read by Mary Pfeiffer. I enjoy listening to her very much. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book didn't keep my interest nearly as much as some of Grafton's others. The storyline seemed kind of convoluted. And once it was done, I could see that there were entire sections of the book that didn't really progress the storyline that could have been completely eliminated and it wouldn't have made a difference.
Trudy
The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom
Narrator Name: Mitch Albom, Roger McGuinn, Ingrid Michaelson, J. Pizzareli, P. Stanley, G.Guidall, M. Hodge, R. Miles, K. O'Neill, K. Brown
Rating the Audio Performance
Each narrator read their part as if the story was actually a true story of their meeting Frankie Presto. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The story of a fictional Frankie Presto begins in Spain but most of the people speaking are at his funeral, relating how Frankie Preston came into their life and how he influenced the music for many decades. He was guitarist, singer starting around Elvis Presley's era. How his life ends is revealed in the last chapter, last track. The Voice of Music (God) narrates the tale with a surprising twist at the end. I'm not sure I would have enjoyed it as much if I had read the book. Listening to it with the many narrators naming so many historical music greats made it seem that Frankie might just be a real person.
Melanie S.
The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner
Narrator Name: Ruth Wariner
Rating the Audio Performance
Reading her own words gave added authenticity to this very disturbing and sad description of growing up in a polygamist colony. Ms. Wariner shows true courage in writing, reading and sharing her story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
We have all seen stories on TV about women living in polygamist cults. Ms. Wariner's story seems truly authentic and describes the internal conflict she experienced growing up. She was taught to "do what G-d tells you to do" and "G-d teaches forgiveness" but yet knew in her heart that so much of what she experienced was morally wrong. Her story is very sad, tragic and yet one of survival and positivity. This is a very engaging read by a very courageous woman who found her way through a horrible upbringing to create a new and fulfilling life for herself.
Patricia
Rogue Lawyer by John Grisham
Narrator Name: Mark Deakins
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent! How can a narrator be one person, change voices for each character, then remember who is who?? There have been many audiobooks that I have given up on due to not appreciating the narrator's tone of voice, inflection, etc. Not so of Mr. Deakins. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
As usual, another terrific story from Mr. Grisham. Can't think of one of his books that I didn't enjoy. The career twists and turns of the main character are wild! His legal battles deal with so many real-life, happening now, situations (scary!). Sebastian puts his heart-and-soul into digging into the justice system while disclosing the (sad) truths.
Gail
The Road to Little Dribbling by Bill Bryson
Narrator Name: Nathan Osgood
Rating the Audio Performance
This book is best read in small doses either in print form or as an audiobook, savoring a chapter a night so that the day will end with a smile! Nathan Osgood does a wonderful job narrating this book with feeling, sardonic expression and wit, and when the book ends with the Bryson Line tune, the reader may feel disappointed and feel they have just lost a good friend that had been keeping them company!
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
In this book, Bill Bryson retraces a trip he took across England two decades ago. As he travels through villages, up and down roads with names most readers have never heard of, to visit some places that he is surprised to find no longer exist, he recounts his experiences with a sense of humor that will put a smile on the reader’s face. He reveals personal tidbits about his private life, and the reader will chuckle as he relates his escapades. His self-deprecating approach to his own and others’ shortcomings help to make this story enchanting as he retraces not only his own steps but also a good deal of the history of Great Britain. When he compares the once quiet English way of life to the noisy American approach, the contrast is comical!
Deborah A. Ader
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
Narrator Name: Oliver Wyman
Rating the Audio Performance
A great representation of the characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The most emotionally intense book I have read in a long time. These characters will stay with me.
sandy haber
Mrs. Lincoln's Rival by Jennifer Chiaverini
Narrator Name: Christina Moore
Rating the Audio Performance
Ms. Moore has narrated others of Ms. Chiaverini's books, and she's just great. She managed to separate the people just enough without going overboard. With this story she was definitely able to convince the reader that Senator Chase is a bit pompous! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
It's always interesting reading historical fiction -- this takes place during Abraham Lincoln's presidency, from late 1860 on. It doesn't spend as much time on the specific Civil War battles but more on the politics. The names are all familiar, so it's interesting to imagine what the people really were like.
Linda
The Last Bookaneer by Matthew Pearl
Narrator Name: Simon Vance and J. D. Jackson
Rating the Audio Performance
Simon Vance does a brilliant job, as usual (I'm not prejudiced). I especially loved listening to him when he was being the Scottish Robert Louis Stevenson. Jackson also did an admirable job. The first time that I've listened to him. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Very interesting history that I was unaware of. Prior to modern copyright rules, authors had to be aware of scoundrels who could steal their work and have it published in another country - under the scoundrel's name. This tale involves Robert Louis Stevenson plotting to foil one of those men and in the process having the thief aid in the proper publication of his latest manuscript.
Cristine
My Life on the Road by Gloria Steinem
Narrator Name: Debra Winger
Rating the Audio Performance
I thought Debra Winger did an excellent job reading the book as though she truly was Gloria! Maybe it was Gloria's style of writing that made it easy. It was the story's that made you want to stay and listen to just one more, well maybe one more. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
How could anyone not love this book! As Gloria states in the beginning, this is the first time she has actually written about her life and her trips, not because of an assignment! I loved learning about her family life growing up, and her early years before MS magazine.
Jeanette
Bootstrapper by Mardi Jo Link
Narrator Name: Karen White
Rating the Audio Performance
Having heard the author speak about a previous work, the narrator was just what I wanted for this memoir. She and Mardi thoroughly entertained me for a 5 hour drive plus some of the return trip. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Mardi recounts the year after her separation from "Mr. Wonderful", the divorce and her struggle to remortgage the farm she loves.Through all of the obstacles she and her three boys faced, she and the boys learned valuable life lessons. I really admire her stamina and parenting skills.
HELENE
The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin
Narrator Name: Cassandra Campbell and Paul Boehner
Rating the Audio Performance
It is enjoyable because they are people I've read about for years, and the fact that several people do the reading make the characters more alive. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The story may or may not be true...I guess a little of both.
sharon
After She's Gone by Lisa Jackson
Narrator Name: Julia Whelan
Rating the Audio Performance
Nice job by the narrator. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Love this author and enjoy mysteries on audio -- otherwise I drift off. This kept my attention.
Tessa B C
B is for Burglar by Sue Grafton
Narrator Name: Judy Kaye
Rating the Audio Performance
Judy Kaye does a marvelous job performing the abridged book on CD. She has great pacing and skill as a voice artist to bring all the various characters to life. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Book Two in the mystery series featuring private investigator Kinsey Millhone. I like this series. Kinsey is a smart, resourceful woman who takes her job seriously and doesn’t rely on some strong handsome type to come along and save her. The action is fast, the characters entertaining and Grafton includes enough twists and red herrings to keep this reader guessing right along with the characters.
Debbie
Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff
Narrator Name: Will Damron and Julia Whelan
Rating the Audio Performance
I thought that the narrators did a great job with the voices of the two main narcissistic characters. I hated the characters and the great narration was the only thing that kept me listening. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I know that this book received all kinds of awards and received great reviews, but I could not find much to like about the story. The two main characters, Lotto and Matilde, were so self-involved that I could not find anything to like about them. Writing the book in two parts, basically providing the two main characters' individual perspectives on the same events, was clever and had I liked the main characters, I might have enjoyed the story. Basically, I was just glad when I had finished the book, but perhaps my inability to appreciate the story is a generational problem.
Vikki Cabral
The White Princess by Philippa Gregory
Narrator Name: Bianca Amato
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent audio performance. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Pretty good. A bit of the same thing over and over again. Henry being mean, Henry being nice, Henry being paranoid and not trusting the queen. The Queen must have said, "I don't know" at least 25 different times throughout the book. I'm interested in anything about the Tudors, so I was okay with it. 
