February 1, 2017 - March 1, 2017
Denise from White Lake, MI
Lonnie from Richmond, VA
BARBARA DOWD
The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg
Narrator Name: Fannie Flagg
Rating the Audio Performance
The voice of Fannie Flagg with her southern accent is pleasant to listen to. The various voices she uses for the characters is also pleasant. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book on audio is well done. However, the storyline was boring to me. The main character, Sookie, is too wishy-washy for lack of a better word. She is insecure in herself and just didn't appeal to me. The story had some interesting moments and some adventures, but overall, I was bored with it.
katherine
The Spring at Moss Hill by Carla Neggers
Narrator Name: Susan Boyce
Rating the Audio Performance
Good reader. Kept me interested. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A sappy romance but just what I needed after listening to a dystopian audiobook. I had previously read one of her other titles in this series.
Richard N B
Throne of Jade by Naomi Novik
Narrator Name: Simon Vance
Rating the Audio Performance
Simon Vance is marvelous voicing the audiobook. He has great pacing and is able to “act” the scenes to heighten suspense or convey anger or compassion. And I love the voice he uses for Temeraire. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
In Book Two of this series, the Chinese demand the return of the dragon known as Temeraire. Novik does a great job imagining a fantasy scenario where dragons are part of the Air Corps, while also keeping the reader in a (circa) 1801 time frame. The battle scenes are exciting, and the intrigue builds suspense. I really like the growing relationship between Temeraire and Captain Laurence. This is not my preferred genre, but I think I’m hooked on the series.
Donna
The Guilty: Will Robbie, Book 4 by David Baldacci
Narrator Name: Kyf Brewer
Rating the Audio Performance
Very well read and vocal expressions enhance listening. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Will Robie is the government's most professional, disciplined, and lethal assassin. He infiltrates the most hostile countries in the world, defeats our enemies' advanced security measures, and eliminates threats before they ever reach our shores. But now, he is sent overseas on a critical assignment, he fails, unable to pull the trigger. Without his talents, Robie is a man without a mission, and without a purpose. He returns to Mississippi to confront his past and his father. A personal family crisis occurs and Will must help his father clear his name from a murder charge. Will gets help from his partner, the equally formidable Jessica Reel. Robie and Reel ignore his father and investigate.
Beverlee
The Girl in the Spider's Web by David Lagercrantz
Narrator Name: Simon Vance
Rating the Audio Performance
Simon Vance brings the characters to life with his storytelling. He moderates his tone and inflections to give each character their own identity. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
It was like coming home -- being back with Michael and Lisbeth. The suspense was fantastic and while sometimes I still get confused with all the details, I loved the book and hope the series will continue.
Ricki
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Narrator Name: Anton Lesser
Rating the Audio Performance
It drove me nuts that sometimes I thought the narrator sounded like a British woman with a masculine voice. Also, the audiobook just ends. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I had little expectations going into this and it was just as I expected. Dickens's novels are just too wordy to keep my interest.
Annette
Last Kiss Goodbye by Karen Robards
Narrator Name: Ann Marie Lee
Rating the Audio Performance
Consistently good. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A little too much redundancy about the lead male character's physical appearance in each book of this series.
Mary Lou
Revival by Stephen King
Narrator Name: David Morse
Rating the Audio Performance
Mr. Morse does a good job with this book. His has a calm and measured voice, which is what the story needed. It was easy to distinguish the characters, male and female. I would give him 4.5 stars if I could. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Well written as always, this sleeper of a horror story meanders along from Jamie’s childhood as the youngest of five boisterous children living in Maine to his later years in Hawaii. Reverend Jacobs, appears early in Jamie’s life, and exerts substantial influence throughout. Jamie is a musician, who has a drug problem. The Rev helps him over that, and they are bound for life, thereafter. It’s a slow-moving story, about religion and faith, family, friendship and addiction, and the novel’s voice is paced and measured. Not spellbinding, but the tale is interesting nonetheless, and it, of course, has King's requisite horror moments.
Melanie S.
Cruel Beautiful World by Caroline Leavitt
Narrator Name: Xe Sands
Rating the Audio Performance
Xe Sands is a narrator with a unique way of delivering a story. Her performance was good on this novel, but not my favorite of hers. I found her voice modulation went up and down with her phrasing and sometimes I had to rewind to listen to what was just said. The fact that I bumped up the speed to 1.40 on my Overdrive may have had something to do with that. However, while I am able to listen to most books at an even faster reading rate, I found that I couldn't listen any faster than 1.40 or I missed some of her spoken words. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I thought the character development in this novel was terrific. The characters were really interesting to get to know. There was a bit of mystery thrown in that I was not expecting and kept me engaged. The storyline was unique, and although some of it seemed a bit unlikely and unrealistic, it was still a book I would recommend for a quick read with some depth.
Helene
Burning Bright by Nick Petrie
Narrator Name: Stephen Mendel
Rating the Audio Performance
I enjoyed the plotting of the book more than the reading of the book, but the reader did an adequate job - good, but not great. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is Petrie's second book in the Peter Ash series. His growth as a writer is phenomenal - the first book was good, but the second, BURNING BRIGHT, is leaps and bounds ahead of it. The characters are more deeply drawn, the writing is fresher, the plot is more twisting...a wonderful "read."
Lory
And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Backman
Narrator Name: David Morse
Rating the Audio Performance
I feel that listening to this one led to this story of Grandpa and Noah, Noah to pull on the heartstrings even more than if I would have read the hard copy. Mr. Morse hesitated in the right spots and successfully altered his voice from character to character. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This was a short book that was sweet and endearing. Fredrik Backman has a way of touching his readers, while delicately working us through the difficult passages of illness and then, upcoming death. Leaves a smile on my face every time.
Melanie S.
The Sleepwalker by Chris Bohjalian
Narrator Name: Cady McClain and Grace Experience
Rating the Audio Performance
The audio performances by the main narrator, Cady McClain, and the supporting narrator, Grace Experience, were excellent and propelled the story forward, engaging me throughout. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Interesting, quick read about a family tragedy centering on sleep disorders, specifically sleepwalking. I thought I had figured out the mystery about halfway through, but I still enjoyed the book, reading forward to see if I was indeed correct.
Deborah Smith
The Weekenders by Mary Kay Andrews
Narrator Name: Kathleen McInerney
Rating the Audio Performance
I enjoyed it quite a lot. The only small (and I mean very small) issue I had is occasionally the mother and daughters voice are identical. It is not throughout the book. I noticed it a handful of times, however it was noticeable. Other than that small thing, it was done well. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I haven't read/listened to Mary Kay Andrews in quite some time. I enjoyed the book as it had elements of family issues, mystery and a bit of a love story. To me it also provided a lesson that people are not what they appear to be and don't let someone have full rein of your finances without being involved. I am looking forward to my next read of this author.
Lonnie
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett
Narrator Name: Hope Davis
Rating the Audio Performance
She did a good job with the characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Interesting "study" of human nature and relationships in families of divorce. I didn't like the ending though. It just stopped.
Bobbie
On Second Thought by Kristan Higgins
Narrator Name: Xe Sands and Amy Rubinate
Rating the Audio Performance
Each played a sister and the were both amazing as those sisters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Best story I have read by Kristan Higgins. Great women's fiction regarding two sisters who each have relationship issues.
Roe
I'll Take You There by Wally Lamb
Narrator Name: George Guidall
Rating the Audio Performance
Perfect. Felt like I was listening to the character. Good inflection and able to bring me into the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Interesting. Not a good discussion book but a good story. Makes you think back to how different attitudes were in the 1950s through 70s to today.
Patricia
Last Words by Michael Koryta
Narrator Name: Robert Petkoff
Rating the Audio Performance
The narration was just okay. I felt like the main character was fine, but the narrator read too slowly for my taste. Also, the main "villain" of the story was a bit overdone. Sounded like he should be twirling his handlebar mustache while he spoke. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book was hard for me to get through. The main storyline was okay, but it just seemed to take forever for him to get to the point! It felt like you would sit and spin your wheels in one scene for SO long. For example, when he's stuck in the cave - that part of the story seemed to last an hour or more. I just think the book would have been so much better if the author had picked up the pace a bit.
Karen
Faithful by Alice Hoffman
Narrator Name: Amber Tamblyn
Rating the Audio Performance
Amber is a very good reader. She voices the characters believably, and her voice reflects the pace of the events in the novel. Her reading draws the listener in and keeps them listening to see what happens next. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A very good read. Seventeen-year-old Shelby Richmond and her friend, Helene, are involved in an automobile accident that leaves Helene in a vegetative state. Shelby, who was driving, feels guilty and worthless and punishes herself relentlessly with suicide attempts and drug abuse. She is finally able to move on when she leaves for New York with her geeky, drug dealer friend, Ben Mink, who is going there to attend college. She works at a bookstore, cares for dogs and has an affair. She breaks up with Ben when he discovers the affair, but she continues to move forward with in a positive way with her life. She is upset when Ben marries another woman and decides to get a tattoo. She meets her "angel" in the tattoo parlor.
Francisca E B
Pax by Sara Pennypacker
Narrator Name: Michael Curran-Dorsano
Rating the Audio Performance
Michael Curran-Dorsano does a marvelous job voicing the audiobook. He had a good pace, and it was easy to tell when he was voicing Pax’s point of view vs. Peter’s. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Peter is forced to turn his pet fox, Pax, loose in the woods, but then reconsiders and sets out to rescue his beloved pet. This is a wonderful tale of loyalty, love, grief and perseverance. The point of view shifts from from Pax’s story to Peter’s experiences by chapters. Both Peter and Pax have been betrayed and are distrustful as a result. They draw on reserves of strength, courage and perseverance they didn’t know they had to help not only themselves but those around them.
Melanie S.
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Narrator Name: Trevor Noah
Rating the Audio Performance
Trevor Noah gave an outstanding delivery of his story. I could not imagine anyone else reading this autobiographical tale. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
4.5 stars. This insider view taught me a lot about what living under Apartheid actually meant and how the African culture differs so vastly from our own. Truly remarkable that Trevor Noah's brilliance allowed him to rise above the environment in which he was raised and become well-known and successful. Probably the best of the autobiographies/biographies I have read recently.
Kimiko
Honeymoon by James Patterson and Howard Roughan
Narrator Name: Campbell Scott and Hope Davis
Rating the Audio Performance
I liked having a male to read the male characters and a female to read the female characters (especially the protagonist), although Mr. Scott kept the same voice for every male character. It was enjoyable "listening" to a book during my morning and evening commutes. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Interesting story of a black widow, but I do not like when the characters (who are supposedly above average in intelligence and older) do incredibly stupid stupid things -- as in, thinking with the "wrong head". The ending contained a twist, but I felt justice was served in the end.
Kathie
Curious Minds by Janet Evanovich and Phoef Sutton
Narrator Name: Lorelei King
Rating the Audio Performance
Great book, flowed nice and smooth. A very interesting story, good characters. Will definitely get any future books in the series. I really like the reader, kept the right rhythm and voice was nice, and I was able to follow the different characters with very little problem. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Gold coins and what happened to them and what should have never happened to them and men who want what they can't have. Two characters, one thrown into a situation she didn't ask for and the other who could handle every turn in his own special way. You'll see...
Rebecca Chome
Just Take My Heart by Mary Higgins Clark
Narrator Name: Jan Maxwell
Rating the Audio Performance
Audio performance was very good - the characters were well delineated and voice pleasant to listen to. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This audiobook was lent to me by my sister-in-law and was one I would not have chosen as MHC has not been one of my favorites in the past. Emily, our main lawyer character, has WAY too much going on to plausibly be a living, breathing person (which she is because of her heart transplant several years ago.) She is defending the husband of a murdered actress...oh, wait, her transplant donor also. She is being stalked by neighbor "Zack", not his real name, who loves and plants yellow mums (What?) Her boss gives her this prime case...wait, is he the real killer?...oh my aching head!
Denise
Fall of Giants by Ken Follett
Narrator Name: John Lee
Rating the Audio Performance
John Lee does an amazing job narrating Follett's century trilogy, starting with this book. He has wonderful accents for each country and person, making it easier to keep track of who is who in this immense work. He distinguishes between American, British, German, and Russian accents marvelously. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
If you lived during the 20th century, this book series highlights the significant events of American and European (including Russian) history. Follett takes several families and traces their history through the century, placing each of them in the important events through the years.
Carol
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
Narrator Name: Audra McDonald, Cassandra Campbell and Ari Fliakos
Rating the Audio Performance
Superb, suspenseful audio presentation in all ways. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Suspenseful portrait of a highly respected black woman's triumph over racist, white spremacist persecution.
Bev
A Square Meal: A Culinary History of the Great Depression by Jane Ziegelman and Andrew Coe
Narrator Name: Susan Ericksen
Rating the Audio Performance
At first I wanted to call the audio stilted, but then I realized Susan Ericksen was aptly portraying the audio tone (or monotone, if you will) of the era. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Through the sieve of American history, I was able to get a proper view of the culture and the culinary outlook of the era.
Kristen
The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher
Narrator Name: Carrie Fisher
Rating the Audio Performance
Hearing Carrie's story in her own voice added so much depth to this story for me. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The narrative rambles a little bit, but is still cohesive. I love hearing about Star Wars!
Judy
Being A Dog: Following the Dog into a World of Smell by Alexandra Horowitz
Narrator Name: Alexandra Horowitz
Rating the Audio Performance
Perfect voice for the narrative. Her love and admiration for dogs comes shining through, along with her curiosity and admiration for the subject. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This lady knows what she's talking about. Fascinating facts and experiences. Always open to new information as she learns more about dogs' capabilities. Humor, too. I actually listened to this audiobook twice.
Rebecca
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
Narrator Name: Jacqueline Woodson
Rating the Audio Performance
Listening to a book written by the narrator makes the work come alive in a very special way. The emotion comes from the heart and is not just an interpretation of what the narrator thinks the author intended. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I was hooked from chapter one. I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio in the late 50s. My experiences were both similar and very different. I found the short chapters refreshing. I will read/listen to other works by Jacqueline Woodson.
Mary Lou
Settle for More by Megyn Kelly
Narrator Name: Megyn Kelly
Rating the Audio Performance
Megyn Kelly has a wonderful, deep, resonant voice. Her diction, timing, pacing, etc. is fabulous. First author-read audiobook I have listened to that the experience itself was great, not taking into account the material itself. Well done. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a very interesting memoir. Some portions of it are a bit overlong, especially when Megyn talks her personal philosophy. I love her approach to life and found it inspirational. However, she gets a bit preachy in parts, although her story is so compelling I found myself moving through the slog to get to the good parts. I think I might have appreciated it more if I were a younger woman. Nonetheless, Megyn's sense of humor, intelligence, determination, kindness, grit and love of life come through loud and clear. I gave this one to my daughter-in-law at Christmas, that's how much I like Megyn Kelly.
Karen
Guilty Minds by Joseph Finder
Narrator Name: Holter Graham
Rating the Audio Performance
Holter Graham makes listening to this book a satisfying experience. He voices each character so that the listener can imagine the character speaking the words. His reading reflects the action taking place in the novel and keeps the listener's attention to see what happens next. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
P. I. Nick Heller is hired to find evidence to refute a claim that the chief justice of the Supreme Court has been involved with an escort, supposedly provided by a person who has recently had a favorable judgement. Nick must act quickly because a gossip tabloid is going to publish the escort's account of this alleged liaison. Nick investigates all kinds of leads including the untimely death of the escort and the kidnapping of the journalist writing the story. He becomes suspicious because some aspects don't make sense. There are distractions and leads too easily obtained. He continues trying to make sense of it all even after the client tells him he is finished.
Karen
The Light of Paris by Eleanor Brown
Narrator Name: Cassandra Campbell
Rating the Audio Performance
Ms. Campbell has a pleasant voice to listen to. Her voice is a very appropriate choice for this novel. The tempo of her reading makes the novel exciting. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Three generations of women find it is difficult to escape the expectations of others. The grandmother, Margie, wants to be a writer and goes away to Paris. She works in a library, writes and enjoys the company of other young people in Paris. When her job ends and she becomes ill, she is forced to go home knowing that her family will expect her to get married. Margie's daughter settles. Her granddaughter, Madeline, loves painting, but her parents have discouraged it as being frivolous activity. She works in public relations, and when the handsome Phillip proposes she marries him. Phillip smothers her. She can't work or paint. He criticizes her constantly so she is miserable,and eventually leaves him after reading Margie's diaries.
Georgene A. Bramlage
The Spy Who Came for Christmas by David Morrell
Narrator Name: David Colacci
Rating the Audio Performance
Well done. The narrator brings his characters to life by sounding as I imagined that they would talk. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Fast moving, shortish story with real research on spycraft, colorful Santa FE and Christmas customs. Paul Kagan is an American spy who acts as a mole within the US-based Russian mafia. The prize this Christmas is a newborn baby boy, the baby of peace which Kagan snatches away from his mob colleagues. They chase Paul, and find the house; Kagan, the woman, and her son wait. While waiting, Kagan sets booby-traps around the house and uses the Socratic method to teach the boy, using Jesuit methods Kagan learned at school, about Christmas from a spy's point of view. The end comes with a house invasion and shoot-out...
Pat
Rocket Girls by Nathalia Holt
Narrator Name: Erin Bennett
Rating the Audio Performance
Erin made each one of girls tell their story of their contribution to the tremendous group effort at the JPL back in the forties and fifties. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Really informed me of a contribution that I never knew about -- the women computers who were critical in our space race. I read it after seeing Hidden Figures, which was a perfect compliment.
Valerie Maryman
Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue
Narrator Name: Prentice Onayemi
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator did very well. Some of his female voices were a little weird but after a while you got used to it. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
It is the written version of coming to America except these immigrant’s don’t have any money and staying is not an option.
Frances
The Green Mile by Stephen King
Narrator Name: Frank Muller
Rating the Audio Performance
Oh, my! Frank Muller is unbelievably talented! He makes the characters come alive. I was so disappointed in the movie because the actors were not nearly as individualistic as Muller's. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Such a great story! It was hard to walk away from it because the plot was so intense.
Richard N B
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Narrator Name: Alexander Spander and Susan Adams
Rating the Audio Performance
There are several different audio versions. The one I had from my library was masterfully performed by Alexander Spander and Susan Adams. Each voiced the journals/diaries based on the gender of the character writing that segment. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Stoker wrote this as a series of journal or diary entries, letters and newspaper clippings. This gives a certain immediacy to the writing, and builds suspense. The novel is very atmospheric; from the delights of a new culture as Harker first experiences the loveliness of Eastern Europe, to the creepy, skin-crawling scene with the hordes of rats, and finally to the “pure-white” snow of the mountain blizzard, time and again Stoker puts the reader smack dab in the middle of the scenes. But the novel is more than just a horror story. There are several themes which would be great for book group discussion.
Cathy
The Chemist by Stephanie Meyer
Narrator Name: Ellen Archer
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator did a superb job of creating excitement, and the male voices just blended with the thrilling story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Great storyline with a female protagonist in the center of all the action. She reminded me of ORPHAN X, on top of every little thing.
Ricki
X by Ilyasah Shabazz and Kekla Magoon
Narrator Name: Dion Graham
Rating the Audio Performance
Graham is one of my favorite narrators. His inflection is great and he is very easy to understand, never getting too soft to hear. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Not only is this a highly approachable fictional look at Malcolm X's adolescence, but it is also a great immersion into 1940s Roxbury and Harlem.
virginia
Every Dark Corner by Karen Rose
Narrator Name: Hillary Huber
Rating the Audio Performance
It took me a while to get used to this narration, but now I'm hooked. Good performance. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Great story. Love the characters and the story keeps you hanging until the very end.
Winnie
News of the World by Paulette Jiles
Narrator Name: Grover Gardner
Rating the Audio Performance
Grover Gardner's deep sonorous voice breathed such vitality into the main character. His voice was warm and deep, like a respected southern gentleman. Hands down one of the best voices I've ever heard read a book! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A wonderful story about two wounded souls whose paths of life crossed at a time when each needed the other. Set in the wild, wild west of Texas after the American Civil War where Cowboys and Indians roamed the hills, this gem of story is about the power of the human spirit.
Janette
They May Not Mean To, But They Do by Cathleen Schine
Narrator Name: Cynthia Darlow
Rating the Audio Performance
The performer was excellent. She captured the voice of Joy perfectly. She gave each character a subtle change in tone and expression. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The first half of the book was, at times, hard to read. It was too real and dwelled at times too long on the struggles Joy faced when attending to Aaron's dementia and his health demands. The message was clear without the need to repeat certain situations, which at times were a tad gross. The second part of the book was very well written and captured Joy's struggles with grief and overwhelmed by the changes to her life, health and financial situation. It was a very true story, at times too true to read as many may have lived or are living it.
Jean
Why My Third Husband Will Be a Dog by Lisa Scottoline
Narrator Name: Lisa Scottoline
Rating the Audio Performance
I love when the author herself narratates the book. She does a great job! Her humor entertains. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book is humorous and candid. A fun, fun read for any woman in her 50s with adult children.
Sue
Rush of Blood by Mark Billingham
Narrator Name: Toby Longworth
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator, Toby Longworth, had an amazing accent, which cemented the characters and plot. This book felt more like an audio production, a play, or a movie. Very well done. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
RUSH OF BLOOD will take you back and forth between Florida and the U.K. Three U. K. couples share a holiday in Florida and their lives change when two girls are murdered. The challenges of marriage and secrets between spouses come to life. It's a twisty, spellbinding murder mystery which will leave you thinking you know who did it, but you won't.
Tessa B C
Anne's House of Dreams by L. M. Montgomery
Narrator Name: Justine Eyre
Rating the Audio Performance
Justine Eyre does a marvelous job voicing the audiobook. There are many characters, and she is up to the task of giving each of them a unique voice and demeanor. Of course, Montgomery’s writing gets much of the credit, but Eyre really brings them to life. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
What I love about these books is Anne herself. She’s so optimistic and friendly, with good common sense, a kind heart, and a generous spirit. She is no stranger to trouble and heartache, and this book definitely includes some heart-wrenching events. I love the young woman she has become.
Catherine
Be Frank with Me by Julia Claiborne Johnson
Narrator Name: Tavia Gilbert
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator really brought the characters to life, especially 9-year-old Frank. I read the book previously and really enjoyed listening to the audiobook. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a heartwarming and funny book about motherhood and growing up.
Karen
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
Narrator Name: Cassandra Campbell
Rating the Audio Performance
A wonderful interpretation of the essence of the novel and its characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A sensitive story of an Asian father and American mother who have demons of their own, trying to raise their children, especially Lydia, to fit into an unaccepting culture. Secrets, lack of communication and differing expectations create heartbreak.
Linda
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg
Narrator Name: Lorna Raver
Rating the Audio Performance
Very nice job using different voice intonations to differentiate various characters. Never had any trouble understanding her, even with various Southern drawls. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A nice story of the various characters who visit and live around Whistle Stop, Alabama. Standard and enjoyable Fannie Flagg book.
Cindy
This Is Your Life, Harriett Chance! by Jonathan Evison
Narrator Name: Susan Boyce
Rating the Audio Performance
Sounds were great. Easy to recognize different characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Since time jumped, a little hard to follow on the audio. Dates were emphasized. Just felt story was a little goofy. Found it hard to relate to the main character, Harriett.
Cindy
Turn Coat by Jim Butcher
Narrator Name: James Marsters
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator really makes the book come alive - his mastery of different voices have made me prefer the audiobooks over print. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I've enjoyed the Dresden Files series so much on audiobook that this is my SECOND time through the series!
Aimee
Code Talker by Judith Schiess Avila and Chester Nez
Narrator Name: David Colacci
Rating the Audio Performance
The tone of the narrator made you think the author was reading the book in the later years of his life. I wondered if the narrator was Navajo, as he spoke quite a few of the words. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This was an interesting memoir. I found the description of his life on the reservation as interesting as his time in the South Pacific during WWII. Chester lived a full life, and had many sorrows, but had an amazing, full life and is a true American hero. We owe him and the other 28 original Code Talkers our gratitude for their service and dedication to our country.
Dottie
The Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende
Narrator Name: Joanna Gleason
Rating the Audio Performance
Loved how she changed her voice for the different characters Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book takes on multiple storylines, and while they seem to be separate, all flow together nicely in a rich and heartwarming story. Escaping from Poland at the start of WWII, Japanese intermittent camps, homosexuality, human trafficking, pedophiles, and love. It is truly amazing how so much is expertly wound together in a marvelous book.
Patrice
My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout
Narrator Name: Kimberly Farr
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator, Kimberly Farr, did a wonderful reading MY NAME IS LUCY BARTON. Unfortunately, the story is just dull, not coming anywhere near the magnificence of Strout's wonderful OLIVE KITTERIDGE. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Just a disappointment of a story, especially in light of the brilliance of Strout's masterpiece, OLIVE KITTERIDGE.
June
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Narrator Name: Polly Stone
Rating the Audio Performance
French accents seem flawless. Voices are easy to listen to, and the voices fit the characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
THE NIGHTINGALE is one of the bestsellers of the year, and with good reason. The story is compelling and beautifully told. The details of life in war-torn France is exquisitely written.
Nancy
And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Backman
Narrator Name: David Morse
Rating the Audio Performance
I have heard this gentleman read books previously and really like him as a reader. He is on my ongoing list of readers I like. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Loved this book, but I am old and appreciate what this grandfather/father is saying.
Marion
Crooked Heart by Lissa Evans
Narrator Name: Karen Cass
Rating the Audio Performance
Superb narration of an interesting story about a waif who finds a home in London during the Blitz. The narrator speaks at an understandable pace (this is a criticism I have about many books on CDs), and uses varying British accents and different voices for the characters. Her timing and expression are those of a professional actor.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a quirky and charming tale to which I listened twice! I learned a lot about the evacuation of kids during the war, the bombing of London during World War II (and the various scams perpetrated in those times), and the suffragette movement of decades before. The author delineated the characters with a fine brush, and I enjoyed the entire story.
Judy
News of the World by Paulette Jiles
Narrator Name: Grover Gardner
Rating the Audio Performance
When I first heard Gardner's voice I wasn't sure he was right for the job, as I knew him from more lighthearted performances. It didn't take long to realize he was the perfect choice! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Enthralling and educational too. The post-Civil War world in Texas was drawn with such detail I felt I was there in the back of the wagon. The Captain's relationship with and stewardship of the 10-year-old girl rescued from the Kiawas unfolds naturally. The 71-year-old professional reader of world news (with performances in most of the small towns in Texas) is kind, and the child learns to trust him. As they travel from Wichita Falls to Castroville, unbreakable bonds are formed. I was so charmed by the book that I plan to listen to it again soon.
Judy
Thank You for Being Late by Thomas L. Friedman
Narrator Name: Oliver Wyman (introduction by the Author)
Rating the Audio Performance
Well-voiced, with an obvious understanding of and enthusiasm for the author's experience and insights. A pleasure to listen to; will seek out other audiobooks with his voice. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Friedman combines pithy commentary on how the speed of change is accelerating in all areas of life, from workplace change to climate change (the latter was pretty scary!). Pulitzer winner Friedman (author of THE WORLD IS FLAT) combines urgent warnings all peoples of the world must listen to. In a different vein, he spends a good amount of time describing the community of his youth in the golden era of relative peace, the fifties especially. He shows us what it meant to be connected, neighborly and "Minnesota nice". Fascinating and well-written.
Dianne
My Beloved Country by Sonia Sotomayor
Narrator Name: Rita Morena
Rating the Audio Performance
What an amazing woman. From her roots in a Hispanic immigrant home in New York City to Princeton, Yale Law School, New York City's District attorney's office, private law practice, the Federal District Court and ultimately, the Supreme Court, she tells a story of hard work and opportunities offered. Inspiring. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Ms. Moreno is an excellant narrator.
Paulette Brooks
The Dry by Jane Harper
Narrator Name: Steven Shanahan
Rating the Audio Performance
The audio version narrated by Steven Shanahan is enhanced because his Aussie accent adds atmosphere. Characters are well drawn. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Stellar debut mystery novel set in small town Australia. Great present-day story of a man who returns to his hometown and ends up delving into the accusation that his best friend shot his wife and son, then killed himself. The plot also involves flashbacks which cleverly fill in the backstory about a girl who dies in the Australian outback under mysterious circumstances. Highly recommended! Look forward to more from Jane Harper!
Linda
Mischling by Affinity Konar
Narrator Name: Vanessa Johansson
Rating the Audio Performance
Vanessa Johansson does a remarkable job of adding a layer of beauty to the horror found in this book. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Dr. Joseph Mengele performs his unimaginable evil on twins in the concentration camp. Stasha and Pearl are separated. This story is told alternately by Pearl wondering about Stasha and Stasha worrying about Pearl. Will they find each other? The ethereal writing of Ms. Konar makes what should be horrifying into something more palatable. Worth the read.
Jean
The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams
Narrator Name: Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams
Rating the Audio Performance
It was amazing to hear these profound and moving words direct from the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu. This audiobook is outstanding. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The messages presented in this book are life changing. You will feel more joyful after absorbing their straightforward and humble approach to life. I am going to listen to this book a second time.
Linda
This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection by Carol Burnett
Narrator Name: Carol Burnett
Rating the Audio Performance
It was a wonderful book. Very interesting stories and memories. It was well read by Ms. Burnett with her own reflections in voice and character. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Well composed with interesting stories pretty much told in a nice, easy to follow time line. It was interesting for me to hear as I remembered well, many of the people she referred to along with many of the sketches she talked about from her shows.
Francisca E B
The Dinner by Herman Koch
Narrator Name: Clive Mantle
Rating the Audio Performance
Clive Mantle does a fine job performing the audio version. He has good pacing, and he gives Paul a sort of hypnotic, suppressed voice -- it’s as if he is an outsider and not affected by the events. Chillingly eerie and yet perfect for this work. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
In an oh-so-fashionable restaurant in Amsterdam two couples meet for dinner. I was completely fascinated by the psychological nuances explored in these two couples. Over the course of this meal they dance around the very serious situation their sons have gotten into. Emotions are triggered, and just as quickly suppressed. I can hardly wait for my F2F book group discussion!
Laura
The Expatriates by Janice Y. K. Lee
Narrator Name: Ann Marie Lee
Rating the Audio Performance
Very good narration. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The story of three American women living the expatriate life in Hong Kong. I honestly didn't like the characters that much, but the story was interesting and there were a couple of surprises here and there.
Virginia
The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan
Narrator Name: Lucy Price-Lewis
Rating the Audio Performance
Very good. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Good story. Would listen to another of her books. This is the first book that I've read or listened to by Jenny Colgan.
Catherine
A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner
Narrator Name: Tavia Gilbert
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator really had a soothing vice and pulled me into the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Great story that interwove the two stories.
Diana Thomas
American Assassin by Vince Flynn
Narrator Name: George Guidall
Rating the Audio Performance
He was the perfect choice for this book. He did really well differentiating between the characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I love that my library has Overdrive. I can get so many audiobooks to listen to while doing various things during the day. This book has been on my want to read list forever, but it wasn't one that was at the top of my list to actually pick up and read. That's why I was so happy to be able to get the audiobook. I first heard about Mitch Rapp from a fan fiction author I used to read. She put up a list with characters she loved and listed the series they were in. I thought this series sounded interesting and wanted to give it a chance. This was one recommendation that was spot-on for me. I enjoyed the book and will definitely be listening/reading more of this series. This book is about why Mitch Rapp decided to follow the path he's on.
Lynn
The Rook by Daniel O'Malley
Narrator Name: Susan Duerden
Rating the Audio Performance
I'm not sure which is better; the writing or the narration. I do know both were superb. The creativity of O'Malley's book was captivating and Duerden's ability to voice so many different linguistic accents was incredible! She captures the author's dry humor perfectly. I now actively seek out books narrated by Duerden. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
O'Malley has created a world bizarre yet utterly believable. The Checquy is a secret organization made up of people with strange talents whose job it is to contain others with strange talents who have run amok. Both fun and slyly humorous, I listened to this book nonstop.
Lynn
Stiletto by Daniel O'Malley
Narrator Name: Moira Quirk
Rating the Audio Performance
After listening to O'Malley's first book in this series, THE ROOK, I was initially disappointed this sequel wasn't by the same narrator. I was so wrong. Moira Quirk was proven to be a fabulous narrator as well. She conveyed the story complete with various accents, dry wit and completely pulled me in to this sequel from the first page. I now have another favorite narrator! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Oftentimes a sequel just doesn't match up to the original. Absolutely not the case here! When O'Malley gave me two new protagonists I thought they couldn't be as intriguing or nearly as much fun as the original, but again I was proven wrong! Building on his storyline, O'Malley brings in a new faction of bizarre characters and had me on the edge of my seat all over again. I can only hope there will be a third in this series!
Michele
Good Behavior by Blake Crouch
Narrator Name: Julia Whelan and Blake Crouch)
Rating the Audio Performance
Julia Whelan is an excellent narrator. Pleasant to listen to and able to change her voice and intonations with different characters and situations. The author was very interesting to listen to, giving script comments and behind the scenes information regarding character development and storyline. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Three parts to the book -- two were excellent and the third very good.
Mary Lou
Heartbreak Hotel by Jonathan Kellerman
Narrator Name: John Rubenstein
Rating the Audio Performance
Where to begin. First of all, the voice fit the character of Milo Sturgis very well, but it was a difficullt voice to listen to. It felt very labored, like the narrator was out of breath all the time. That quality contributed to my impression that the story was extremely slow moving. As for the other characters, it was easy to tell when he moved from one to the other. Still, I did not enjoy this listening experience, although I feel that Mr. Rubenstein did a really good job. I think this book might have been more to my taste if I had read it instead of listened to it. I think maybe my dissatisfaction with the novel itself affected my impression of the narrator, and I would like to listen to another book he narrates to be sure. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This story is the latest in the Alex Delaware series. In it, Alex, a consulting psychologist with the LAPD, teams up with his pal homicide detective Lt. Milo Sturgis to investigate and solve the death of Thalia Mars, a 99-year-old resident in the Aventura Hotel in LA. Who would strangle such a sweet old woman? We find out, in snail like fashion, as the two follow the trail left by the criminals. There is mystery around the wealthy Thalia, as she is loved by all she interacts with, yet she is without any family or ties. Alex meets her the day before she is killed, as she charmed him into making a house call for a consultation with her. This is not one of Kellerman’s best, as I found it difficult to really care about Thalia and her story.
KC Davis
The Glass Bird Girl by Esme Kerr
Narrator Name: Katey Sobey
Rating the Audio Performance
I loved the narrator's accent and the characters' voices. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
11-year-old orphan, Edith Wilson, lives on an English farm with her guardian, Aunt Sophia, and her dreadful cousins. The boys torture her, her Aunt ignores her, and she longs to visit her grandmother, who resides in a nursing home. One day, her much older cousin Charles, comes to take her to Knight's Haddon, an all girls boarding school. Charles employer, Russian Prince Stolonov, needs Edie to "spy" on his daughter, Anastasia, who the prince believes is being bullied. As Edie and Anastasia's friendship blooms, a larger plot unfolds, and the girls find themselves in a dangerous and sinister circumstance. This story really picked up near the end and at times I felt that the time period was somewhat off, but other than that, I enjoyed this.
Jeanette
Journey to Munich by Jacqueline Winspear
Narrator Name: Orlagh Cassidy
Rating the Audio Performance
Very pleasant. I love Maisie Hobbs and the narrator helped me feel the settings of the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Maybe not her best but a new venue for Maisie. I felt the storyline a bit weaker than her earlier titles, but it was totally enjoyable.
Kristen
Shrill by Lindy West
Narrator Name: Lindy West
Rating the Audio Performance
Nothing like the author reading their own work so well. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a great memoir. I enjoyed reading her perspective on many things like comedy and weight-related issues as well as her writing process.
Mary
The Shack by Wm. Paul Young
Narrator Name: Roger Mueller
Rating the Audio Performance
Wow! I started to read this book a few years ago but just couldn't get too far into it. I knew that the movie was coming out soon (March 3rd), so I got the audio version to listen to. The narrator is spectacular! He makes the story come alive, and it is a very emotional story. You can really hear, see and feel what the characters sense through the narrator's tone. I was drawn in during the first minutes of the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The story is told as a "story within a story." There were some parts where I lost track of who the author was referring to (a character is mentioned, and I didn't recall who it was). Overall, this is a good story worth reading/listening to. I can't wait to see how the movie portrays the story.
Patricia Miller
I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
Narrator Name: Marc Aden Gray
Rating the Audio Performance
I really liked this narration. Sometimes the accent was strong enough that maybe it would be a bit too hard to understand for some people. But all in all, it was really enjoyable to listen to. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I enjoyed this book very much. The first chapter in particular was really great. The author has a great wit that comes through in a delightful way. There were some sections of the book that seemed to wander off in pointless directions at times. But overall it was a really enjoyable read.
Patricia Miller
The Gates of Evangeline by Hester Young
Narrator Name: January LaVoy
Rating the Audio Performance
I enjoyed this performance. I particularly liked how she did the creole accents. My only criticism was that the narrator read entirely too slowly and with too many pauses for dramatic effect. And the app I was using to listen on didn't allow me to speed it up like some do. So it took entirely too long. The reading was something like 14+ hours, but had the narrator read at a better pace, I'm guessing that could have been cut down by 1-2 hours. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I'd read this book before and absolutely loved it! I was just rereading it to refresh my memory before the next book in the series comes out this month. This book is so great. The twists and turns are unpredictable. And the main characters have great depth and are extremely likable. I can't wait to continue the series!
Sherri
Aging Backwards: Reverse the Aging Process and Look 10 Years Younger in 30 Minutes a Day by Miranda Esmonde-White
Narrator Name: Miranda Esmonde-White and Sandra Burr
Rating the Audio Performance
The accent in the first section took a bit of time for me to get used to, but the content was clear. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Very persuasively written. The biological information, research presented and anecdotal evidence encouraged me to move more in order to age less rapidly. The only drawback I could see was that you can't practice while driving (which is how I listened.) I very much appreciated the bonus CD with workouts illustrated --- essential to further practice. 
