July 5, 2017 - August 1, 2017
Kathy from Wilsonville, OR
Shannon from Portland, OR
Jill
Camino Island by John Grisham
Narrator Name: January LaVoy
Rating the Audio Performance
I liked the audio. Was done well. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Not one of his best. Was just an okay book. Took me a while to get into it. F. Scott Fitzgerald manuscripts have been stolen and a young woman author is working with FBI to try and break case.
Tessa B C
The FitzOsbornes in Exile by Michelle Cooper
Narrator Name: Emma Bering
Rating the Audio Performance
Emma Bering does a fine job narrating the audiobook. She has good pacing and enough skill as a voice artist to clearly differentiate the characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is Book Two in a series about the royal family of the fictitious island nation of Montmaray. It’s a fast read, an easy young adult novel about the beginning of World War II. The British social class of the late 1930s is described well, including the debutante season. I liked this one better than the first in the series. The characters are better developed, and I enjoy reading about strong, resourceful, intelligent young people.
Lory
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Narrator Name: Dan O'Grady
Rating the Audio Performance
Believable. Felt Don, the main character, was speaking to me. O'Grady used good intonations and pauses to fit Don's description. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This was a fun read, with some LOL moments. I "read" the audiobook format and it lent a different perspective to Don, the primary character, narrating his life and journey to find a wife. The book seemed to lose me a bit at the end and I feel Don's character, and his predictable, obvious ASD behaviors throughout started to fall somewhat short. I think not leading Don to confront and become aware of the Asperger's diagnosis in himself, as an add to his growing relationship with Rosie, was a miss by Simsion.
Kathryn
The Little French Bistro by Nina George
Narrator Name: Emma Bering
Rating the Audio Performance
The reader was fantastic with all the voices and accents in character! She makes it sound like a room full of people are reading to you. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I had enjoyed her other book, THE LITTLE PARIS BOOKSHOP, and this one did not disappoint. And listening to the food descriptions, the sounds and views of the sea I felt I was there enjoying things with Marianne. Women in the same age-bracket as she will enjoy this book. Many emotions here to explore.
Eileen
Confessions of a Domestic Failure by Bunmi Laditan
Narrator Name: Tara Sands
Rating the Audio Performance
Cute, funny story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Daily life of a first time mom.
Deborah
The Girl Before by J. P. Delaney
Narrator Name: Emilia Fox, Finty Williams, and Lise Aagaard Knudsen
Rating the Audio Performance
Audio was nicely done with clear contrast between the characters enhanced by the different voices. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Well-done thriller with an interesting twist as two women have a relationship in the same house with the same man at different time periods.
Sandi
Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani
Narrator Name: Adriana Trigiani
Rating the Audio Performance
Great narration. Narrating her own book the author is able to give just the right inflection to the parts and pieces that she expects to be that way. She has a great accent and is hilariously funny. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Wonderful book about the life and times of a backward coal mining town in Virginia. The author brings the characters alive. Very funny in parts and then gentle, tender and heartbreaking in other sections. It will take you back to a simpler time, when doors could be left unlocked and peoples' first thought was not, "What does he want?" This is the beginning of a series, one that is well worth the read, giving a person a well-deserved break from the hectic rush and the overwhelming sense of threat in today's world.
Lana
The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway
Narrator Name: Gareth Armstrong
Rating the Audio Performance
I loved this audiobook about the effect of music on the assassins and how people lived in the war zone, but also how they helped each other thru the terrible times. The cellist plays to play and to honor those dead, but he helps the rest of the city without trying to. The narrator has a lovely voice and is easy to listen to. He pauses and reads at a nice pace. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Story is excellent and helps us see how people live in a war zone and help each other thru the terrible times. The cellist plays 22 days to honor the 22 people who died at this spot. An assassin will guard the cellist.
Jill
A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline
Narrator Name: Polly Stone
Rating the Audio Performance
I liked Polly reading this novel. Her reading kept me more engaged to story than I think I would have been if reading on my own. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A beautifully written piece of work by Christina Baker Kline. Christina Olson, has a disability to deal with, as well as having to work around the farm. I was not familiar with Andrew Wyeth's painting of Christina's World. The narrative is built around this painting. A good read even if not interested in art. A difficult read at times, but also heartwarming.
KC
The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Narrator Name: Jayne Entwistle
Rating the Audio Performance
Jayne Entwistle does a stellar job reading this audiobook. Her voice is impish when she speaks Ada, her brother and friends but soothing when she speaks Susan and hard when she speaks her mother. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This story takes place during WWII, England. Nine-year-old Ada and her 6 year old brother Jaime. Ada, born with a club foot is often beaten by her abusive mother, is left in her room never to leave or able to learn to read or write. War is upon them and many of the city's children are being taken to the country to get out of harm's way. Ada has no chance of being sent off to safety since her mother doesn't seem to think Ada is worth saving, so she sneaks out with her little brother. They are placed temporarily with Susan Smith. This wonderful yet painful tale is one of how a young girl is in search of love while wrestling her demons. She must learn to fight for herself and her brother, against the backdrop of war.
Jean
You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
Narrator Name: Jen Sincero
Rating the Audio Performance
Jen Sincero does a fabulous job of narrating her book. Her humor is delightful! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Loved the his audiobook. I have listened to it twice already. Filled with wisdom, advice and humor.
Francisca E B
The Quiet American by Graham Greene
Narrator Name: Joseph Porter
Rating the Audio Performance
Joseph Porter’s performance on the audio actually gets a zero. His voice is nasal and irritating. His “American” accent is appallingly bad (he makes Bostonian Pyle sound like a Texan). And his pace is slow. I read sections because listening was just driving me crazy. If there are other audio versions with different narrators, try one of those. Stay away from Porter. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This has been cited as the quintessential book about Vietnam, especially the conflict begun with the French war. I don’t know if I would agree, but it’s definitely a good book about what was happening in the country during the mid-1950s. The reader gets some inkling of the politics of the era, but is more consumed by the personal drama of these two men and the Vietnamese woman they both say they love.
Simonne
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Narrator Name: Nicholas Guy Smith
Rating the Audio Performance
Superior! I have been listening to audiobooks constantly for over 20 years and this is FAR AND AWAY the very best performance I have had the pleasure to listen to. The narration is indeed a pleasure. The characterizations are spot-on. The story is great anyway, but Mr. Smith's performance brings it to life capturing the Count's thoughts, nuances and mannerisms perfectly. If I wasn't driving while listening, I would close my eyes and imagine the whole movie. Just splendid! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is in the top three books I have read in the past 20 years. Just magnificant. What a wonderful story; really brings the reader to another time and place. The characters are wonderful.
Linda
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
Narrator Name: Ruthie Ann Miles, Kimiko Glenn, Alexandra Allwine, Gabra Zachman, Jeremy Bobb, Joy Osmanski, Emily Walton, and Erin Wilhemi
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book gives you understanding of a little-known region of China and a wonderful history of tea, especially Pu'er. The story is about a mother and daughter separated by unfortunate circumstances, culture and distance.
Kristen
Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan
Narrator Name: Lydia Look
Rating the Audio Performance
I love Ms. Look's style and how well she pronounces the variety of languages and dialects that encompass this large cast of characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This was a great finale to this trilogy, and I loved visiting with these familiar characters.
Karen
Full Wolf Moon by Lincoln Child
Narrator Name: Jonathan McClain
Rating the Audio Performance
Jonathan McClain has a very pleasant voice for reading this book. He voices each character in a voice appropriate to their occupation, gender and role in the book. His reading draws the listeners into the story and keeps them listening. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Dr Jeremy Logan, a Yale professor, goes to Cloudwater, a secluded retreat in the Adirondacks to finish writing a book. Soon after he arrives, he is approached by a former classmate, Forest Ranger Randall Jessup, who asks him to investigate some mysterious deaths. The victims have been killed in gruesome way. Dr. Logan's avocation as an enigmologist makes him a suitable investigator for these deaths which occur when the moon is full. He must discover if the killer is an animal like a bear, a member of a strange family living in the woods, a paroled killer or maybe a werewolf.
Tessa B C
The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon by Alexander McCall Smith
Narrator Name: Lisette Lecat
Rating the Audio Performance
Lisette Lecat is superb performing the audio version. Her voices for the various characters bring them to life, and her narration imparts a sense of Botswana and the culture of the locale. Five stars for her narration. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I rarely get past book four or five in a mystery series, because they become formulaic for me and I lose interest. But this series is a wonderful exception. As in most of the books, there are two cases the Ladies work on in this 14th installment, but the real focus of the series is on the relationships between the characters. Fans of the series will find most of the characters they have come to love present.
Linda
Eleanor Roosevelt, Vol 2, 1933 - 1938 by Blanche Wiesen Cook
Narrator Name: Kate Reading
Rating the Audio Performance
Beautiful! Even was able to provide footnotes without disrupting the continuity. I was able to increase the listening to speed to 1.75 x normal and still completely understand every word distinctly. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
In depth look at the first six years of Eleanor Roosevelt as First Lady of the U.S. Includes her friendship with Lorena Hickcok that has been rumored about for years. Mrs. Roosevelt was, for her time, a very unusual First Lady. Thank goodness. She was a strong influence on Franklin and fought battles to give/get civil rights for many. God bless her.
Linda
The Nine of Us: Growing Up Kennedy by Jean Kennedy Smith
Narrator Name: Lorna Raver
Rating the Audio Performance
I was surprised by the quality of Ms. Raver's voice. She sounded like an old lady (and I AM an old lady). There was an obvious quiver to her voice. (Ha! I just looked her up, she's 73!). She did an admirable job reading the text. I realize the author is in her very late 80s, but the stories were from when she was a child. I just expected a younger sounding voice. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
An inside look at growing up in Joe and Rose Kennedy's house. Most of the stories involve the last five of the siblings since the older four were at least ten years older than Ms. Kennedy-Smith. Still stories not heard before. Gentle read.
Beverlee
Notorious RBG by Shana Knizhnik and Irin Carmon
Narrator Name: Andi Arndt
Rating the Audio Performance
Andi definitely brought the book to life! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This has to be one of my favorite books this year! I knew very little about RBG until I listened to the book, but she is now one of my favorite super heroes!! What a great listen!!
Diane
The Story of the Human Body: Evolution, Health, and Disease by Daniel Lieberman
Narrator Name: Sean Runnette
Rating the Audio Performance
Crisp and articulate. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Very thought-provoking, with much new information, accessible to the layperson.
Mary
Unfaithful Music and Disappearing Ink by Elvis Costello
Narrator Name: Elvis Costello
Rating the Audio Performance
I love the author telling his own story in his own voice. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Great background into one of the most recognizable and talented artists from the New Wave music movement. Loved hearing about his influences and all of the artists he's collaborated with over the years.
Mary
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
Narrator Name: Morven Christie
Rating the Audio Performance
This book is so much better understood and followed in an audio format. The narrator captures the bleak mood of the topic and the quiet, understated tone of the different speakers. Hearing the Icelandic language spoken gave the book more dimension. If I was reading the book I might have confused some of the different characters/names. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
BURIAL RITES tells the story of an Icelandic woman condemned to death for the murder of a local countryman. Did she really do it? And if so, why? The story takes place in the 1800s and unfolds the prejudices of the local community and shows many sides to the story. The exterior landscape reflects the inner struggles and thoughts of the main characters. It is a story that leaves you thinking about the characters and the plot long after the conclusion of the book. This story is a hidden gem.
Karen
Exit Strategy by Steve Hamilton
Narrator Name: Ray Porter
Rating the Audio Performance
Ray Porter's reading makes this an exciting book to listen to. The tempo of his reading reflects the actions in the novel. He voices the characters as one would imagine them. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Nick Mason's second life isn't turning out as he hoped it would. He was released from prison early with the help of another convict, Darius Cole, but the early release wasn't a "get out of jail free" card. He is on call at all times, and when the call comes, he must perform the assigned duties or his family and friends will be harmed. He wants to be free to spend time with his daughter, other friends and to be free of his distasteful assignments. He devises an exit strategy with others in his situation and law enforcement. Darius Cole is given a retrial and brought back to Chicago where he is released on a technicality. Then Nick discovers the organization he works for is much larger than Darius Cole, and it is more complex.
Francisca E B
Under the Wide and Starry Sky by Nancy Horan
Narrator Name: Kirsten Potter
Rating the Audio Performance
Kirsten Potter does a fine job narrating the audiobook. She has good pacing and sufficient skill as a voice artist to bring the characters to life. Four stars for her performance. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
2.5 stars. This work of historical fiction tells the story of the relationship of Fanny Van de Grift Osbourne and Robert Louis Stevenson. Once again Horan turns her attentions to a man who was difficult to live with and a woman who was conflicted about her life with that man. It should have been interesting, but this book somehow failed to capture me. The best part was their lives in Samoa, only about 100 pages in a nearly 500-page book.
Deb
Mississippi Blood by Greg Iles
Narrator Name: Scott Brick
Rating the Audio Performance
Scott Brick's resonant voice is effective in portraying in a commanding way the various characters in Iles' story. His ability to get me engrossed in the story is a consistent quality of a great performer. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Iles is an expert in weaving twists and turns in his stories and this final edition to the trilogy did not disappoint. More, please!
Patti
Can't Wait to Get to Heaven by Fannie Flagg
Narrator Name: Cassandra Campbell
Rating the Audio Performance
Great and fun listening. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Fanny Flagg's humor and her characters make the story as they try to figure out what life is all about!
Joyce
Whisper to the Blood by Dana Stabenow
Narrator Name: Marguerite Gavin
Rating the Audio Performance
Marguerite Gavin is THE embodiment of Stabenow's Alaskan P.I. Kate Shugak. She captures perfectly who Kate is and how she sees her world. I can't imagine any other narrator for this series. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
WHISPER TO THE BLOOD lets the reader see what has happened and is happening to the state of Alaska because of mining conglomerates and individual greed. It's an exotic setting but a down-to-earth portrayal of life in our northernmost state. Investigator Kate Shugak, trooper Jim Chopin and Alaskan old fart Old Sam are characters that stay in your mind after you've finished the book.
Melinda
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
Narrator Name: Ruthie Ann Miles, Kimiko Glenn, Alexandra Allwine, Gabra Zachman, Jeremy Bobb, Joy Osmanski, Emily Walton, and Erin Wilhemi
Rating the Audio Performance
All narrators speak very clearly and are appropriate to the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Lisa See always brings multiple things to a book: beautiful dialogue, amazing history of China (in this case the Akha culture and tea industry). There are always several stories going on in a Lisa See book. In this case, Lin Yan has a child that is secretly given away. This child is adopted by an American couple and is named Haley. You wait to see how the family might be reunited. I very much admire the amount of research needed to write this book.
Debi
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Narrator Name: Sissy Spacek
Rating the Audio Performance
Her Southern drawl will transport you to Maycomb, Alabama. You will feel the heat of the still summer, hear the wooden screen door gently slam and miraculously a few beads of perspiration will form on your upper lip. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A classic you read in school deserves a second time around --- with a listen.
shannon
The Little French Bistro by Nina George
Narrator Name: Emma Bering
Rating the Audio Performance
The reading is wonderful --- Bering brings each character to life and each is immediately recognizable. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Wonderful story! A sixty-year-old woman's "coming-of-age" story.
Marion
Moonlight Over Paris by Jennifer Robson
Narrator Name: Jane Copland
Rating the Audio Performance
Jane Copland is an excellent reader who can speak with an English, American or French accent.
Her delivery is great and understandable. She must have had a lot of stage training --- her diction is crisp and one never wonders which character is speaking. She's never strident, but she imparts a lot of emotion into the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
In the 1920s (Lady) Helena, dumped by an indifferent and luckluster fiancé, rebelliously goes to Paris to attend art school for a year. The training is difficult and demanding, but she pluckily perseveres, and she falls in with various interesting people, including ex-pats like the Fitzgeralds, the Murphys and the Hemingways. She also meets a fascinating newspaperman. Life becomes much better for Helena!
Linda
The Windfall by Diksha Basu
Narrator Name: Soneela Nankani
Rating the Audio Performance
What a delight! The narrator bounced seamlessly between a "normal" English speaking narrator and beautiful variations of Indian accents for the various characters. The narration was as good as the book. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
How would you change your life if you came into a lot of money? This delightful book looks into just that situation for an Indian family who suddenly has a windfall. Does the money change more than their circumstances? Read and enjoy this book to find out.
Linda
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
Narrator Name: Nick Podehl, Kate Rudd and Diana Steele
Rating the Audio Performance
This crew represented the voices of Auggie Pullman, his sister Via, her boyfriend Justin, the Pullman's friend Miranda and Auggie's friends, Summer and Jack Will. They all were great, but I especially liked the person who voiced Auggie. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A fifth grader with multiple facial deformities enters school for the first time. The principal of the school reaches out to three students to help Auggie transition from being home schooled. Not everything goes as smoothly as Mr. Tuchman hopes, but the students have ways to work out the difficulties encountered. I think everyone should read this book. EVERYONE!
Miriam
Al Franken: Giant of the Senate by Al Franken
Narrator Name: Al Franken
Rating the Audio Performance
This is a remarkable book made more remarkable by the author as narrator. He knows exactly what to emphasize. Makes the book all the more enjoyable. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Basically, the book is a memoir of how this comedian and "Saturday Night Live" writer became a politician. Along the way he discusses his take on today's political scene. Highly entertaining but also spot-on.
Tessa B C
Deeper Than the Dead by Tami Hoag
Narrator Name: Kirsten Potter
Rating the Audio Performance
Kirsten Potter does a fine job performing the audiobook. She has good pacing and enough skill as a voice artist to give each character a unique voice. I particularly liked the way she voiced Anne and Vince. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
3.5 stars. Set in a California town a few hours from Los Angeles in 1985, Hoag’s thriller begins when four children stumble upon the partially buried body of a woman while playing in the woods. Hoag writes a tight, suspenseful tale. The action is fast-paced and I was completely captivated from beginning to end.
Karen
The Stars Are Fire by Anita Shreve
Narrator Name: Suzanne Elise Freeman
Rating the Audio Performance
Suzanne Freeman's reading draws the listener into the story and keeps the listener waiting to find out what happens next. She voices the characters, and their feelings, believably. The tone of her voice reflects the activities and action in the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Grace Holland, a 24-year-old wife and mother, feels trapped in her marriage. She thinks about what she can do, but comes up with no answers. She at least has some friends and family close by to talk to. A massive fire changes everything. Her husband, Gene, is working with other volunteers to try to stop the fire, but the fire gets out of control and burns all the houses in the neighborhood. Grace is forced to rescue herself and her children as well as her neighbor and her children. After emergency crews find them, Grace has to take charge of caring for her family as well as her mother. She learns to drive, gets a job and buys a car. Then her severely injured husband returns and her life turns into a nightmare.
Linda
Days Without End by Sebastian Barry
Narrator Name: Aidan Kelly
Rating the Audio Performance
Perfect brogue for the Irish man who came to the U.S. to escape the trials and tribulations of life on the Emerald Isle. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book kept surprising me. Beautiful writing, but situations that were completely unexpected. But then again, I'll bet an Irishman who signed up to be part of the Union Army found himself in a lot of situations that he did not expect.
Francisca E B
The Vicious Vet by M.C. Beaton
Narrator Name: Diana Bishop
Rating the Audio Performance
Diana Bishop does a fine job narrating the audio version. She has good pacing and brings out the humor in several situations. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Book two in the popular Agatha Raisin mystery series. I was not a fan of the first Agatha Raisin book, but she’s growing on me. One of the review blurbs calls Agatha “a glorious cross between Miss Marple, Auntie Mame, and Lucille Ball, with a tad of pit bull tossed in” (St Petersburg Times). I’m beginning to see that combination here and I’m starting to appreciate the humor in Agatha’s character.
Julie
The Child by Fiona Barton
Narrator Name: Mandy Williams, Rosalyn Landor, Jean Gilpin, Katharine McEwan, Steve West
Rating the Audio Performance
There were several narrators for this book and all did an outstanding job. It was immediately clear who each character was, although they announced the name of each character at the start of each new chapter. I assume the book is the same. I enjoyed listening to Barton's previous book, THE WIDOW, but I thought this one was even better. Excellent voicing all the way around! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I liked Barton's first book, THE WIDOW, but enjoyed this one even more. I kind of kicked myself that I didn't see the "twist" sooner, but I guess that kept the fun suspense going longer. I hope she continues the idea of having reporter Kate Waters as a character in future books. I think she is a good "jumping off" point.
Lory
Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum
Narrator Name: Jorjeana Marie
Rating the Audio Performance
She was interesting and held my attention throughout. Also, the book contains several segments of texts/IM's/emails, Marie read through them flawlessly. I am glad I chose the audiobook version because I feel this narrator brought the story to life. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
TELL ME THREE THINGS is heartfelt and raw without being too mushy with over-the-top teen angst. Although I felt Buxbaum was too obvious with attempting to veer the reader to the supposed identity for Somebody/Nobody (SN), the actual reveal was hilarious and unexpected. I also liked the added epilogue at the end, in which Buxbaum shared some of her parallel history and challenge in expressing the complex and difficult emotions experienced when a parent dies at such a young age. My teenager and I listened to this one together on a road trip and she got so into it, she finished it without me.
Cathey
Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley
Narrator Name: Michael Urie
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator was very good EXCEPT when he spoke for Lily - I was quite put off by the attempt at "bark-speaking" - and at one point in the book, Lily spoke in a normal voice. Not sure what that was about. Other narration was very good. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
An interesting storyline - a pet owner who "all of a sudden" notices that their dog is quite ill and dying - a different way of being in denial. I'm glad I read the book, but was also glad I didn't pay for it but borrowed it on Bridges/Overdrive. Not nearly as good as THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN or A DOG'S PURPOSE but certainly entertaining. (Sorry to those who LOVED this book.)
Elaine
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
Narrator Name: Marin Ireland
Rating the Audio Performance
This is my new author, love all his books, especially listening to them. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Strong language but a great book club book because of subject matter.
Ricki
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Narrator Name: William Golding
Rating the Audio Performance
Golding has a pleasant but lulling voice. This gave it more of the feel of being read to than being immersed in the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Lots of symbolism, but there was a missed opportunity for Piggy (the only character I cared about) to have achieved an even higher level of symbolism.
Kathy
Born to Run by Bruce Springstein
Narrator Name: Bruce Springstein
Rating the Audio Performance
Read by the author/rock god himself made it entertaining and authentic. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Fascinating autobiography.
Tessa B C
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Narrator Name: Kirsten Potter
Rating the Audio Performance
Kirsten Potter does a fine job narrating the audio version. However, the nonlinear plot, the changes in point of view from character to character, and the movement back and forth in time make for a confusing experience. As soon as I finished the audio, I read the text version, picking up many more of the connections between characters and plot points. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
3.5 stars. The snow falling on Toronto gives the city a peaceful look, but the hysteria caused by a spreading plague that kills within days cannot be stopped. Dystopian or postapocalyptic novels are really not my thing, but I found this novel quite interesting. Mandel moves back and forth in time, and from character to character, keeping the reader off balance.
Amy
Friction by Sandra Brown
Narrator Name: Stephen Lang
Rating the Audio Performance
It was hard to take seriously. Sounded like a bad imitation of Clint Eastwood. And the pacing was off for several characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Same-old, same-old with a few twists along the way.
M Landolphe
She Came to Stay by Simone de Beauvoir
Narrator Name: Clemence Poesey
Rating the Audio Performance
Poesey seems to have a deep grasp of de Beauvoir's existentialist philosophy and how it appears when enacted in daily life. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
What can you say about Simone de Beauvoir that has not long since been said. One of the 20th century's great thinkers and writers of fiction. The book is a profound yet clever tale of one woman's journey to the final point of decision and action. A masterpiece!
Judith
Never Let You Go by Chevy Stevens
Narrator Name: Caitlin Davies and Rachel Fulginiti
Rating the Audio Performance
I really liked one of the readers, but I am not sure which one she was. It was the voice of the mother. The voice of the daughter was a little harsh. I know this is crazy, but I couldn't stand the reader who said the chapters and titles. It was like fingernails on a chalkboard to me. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is the second book that I have read by this author and I loved them both. It keeps moving and the characters come alive. I will look for more from her.
Sandi
The Dream Lover by Elizabeth Berg
Narrator Name: Emily Sutton-Smith
Rating the Audio Performance
Narrated very well. The mastery of French was obvious. Easy to tell between characters and voices. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I have given a very low rating on this book. I was unable to finish it. As much as I like Elizabeth Berg, I dislike authors using a foreign language throughout their novels. This one is filled with French names, French cities, French, French, French. I was barely getting a feel for George Sands and who she was and the French names, accents and interpretations just got in the way. Not sure that I would like reading the book any better than listening to the audio, so sadly ending this as a "did not finish".
Robin
The Last Painting of Sara de Vos by Dominic Smith
Narrator Name: Dominic Smith
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent and engaging narration of this fascinating work of fiction! I haven't been as engrossed in a novel I knew nothing about in a while. The twists and turns this story takes really kept me interested and wanting more! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
If you love art or if you like it and don't know a lot about it, you will definitely want to learn more about art forgery and art theft and what motivates people to take risks like these.
Richard N B
The Dog Stars by Peter Heller
Narrator Name: Mark Deakins
Rating the Audio Performance
Mark Deakins does a fine job performing the audio version. Deakins’s narration and skill with voices was such that I was never confused about who was speaking. After listening to the entire book, I picked up the text to check a few things before writing this review. I understand now some of the reviews that criticize the book for lack of quotations. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Heller’s writing is both poetic and spare, with short sentences that come at the reader like staccato gunfire. This gives the novel a feeling of impending danger, of uncertainty and fear. I wanted to rush through it, and yet, I wanted to take my time to understand what was happening and how these characters were dealing with the changes in this post-apocalyptic world.
Barbara
Wonder Woman Unbound by Tim Hanley
Narrator Name: Colby Elliott
Rating the Audio Performance
The perfect voice for this book. Easy to understand and kept me alert for what was to happen next. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Excellent history of both super heroes and women's progress through history in the 20th century. Learned many new tidbits of history and a different way of viewing the progress of women's positions in that history.
Kimiko
Agnes and the Hitman by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer
Narrator Name: Sandra Burr
Rating the Audio Performance
It was a bit difficult for a woman to sound out so many different men's voices so sometimes it was hard to follow which man was doing the talking, but the content of the book brought my ire up, which means it was a good audiobook! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Collusion, embezzlement, robbery, lying to an officer of the law, bribery, treachery, deceit and murder...all in just 5 short days! Unbelievable! Not to mention it makes one believe that everyone who lives in this small southern town has an IQ of 12 or less. But it was entertaining.
Linda
House of Names by Colm Tóibín
Narrator Name: Juliet Stevenson, Charlie Anson and Pippa Nixon
Rating the Audio Performance
Wonderful cast - A+++. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Retelling of the Greek tragedy of Clymenestra and her family. Don't turn your back on anybody. You may end up the next lifeless body.
Jamie
This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel
Narrator Name: Gabra Zackman
Rating the Audio Performance
Zackman's narration was about as perfect as you can get. Her intonation was spot on; she didn't try to put on a completely new voice for every character which, with a lot of prepubescent boys in the story, would have been disastrous if attempted. Her mellow style was fitting for this book which features a not so low-key topic. I looked forward to listening to her voice about as much I anticipated listening to the next chapter. I will definitely be keeping an eye open for other books that she has read because for me it elevated this book to a whole new level. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Timely, topical book! With transgenders such a hot issue, I was mesmerized by Frankel's story of a fairly commonplace family whose youngest member is anything but. Frankel does a great job addressing the nature versus nurture debate and shows us some people are just born into the wrong body and even they don't know how to deal with it- especially at a young age. I fell in love with the entire family - parents, grandparents, all five boys, even their therapist. Her characters are extremely well thought out and distinctive; I found myself wanting to move in with them! I started listening to this book while painting three rooms (including ceilings) in my house and credit this book for helping me get it done in less than two weeks!
Karen
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
Narrator Name: Ruthie Ann Miles, Kimiko Glenn, Alexandra Allwine, Gabra Zachman, Jeremy Bobb, Joy Osmanski, Emily Walton, and Erin Wilhemi
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrators are excellent readers. Their performances make the book exciting to listen to and keeps the listener listening. They voice the characters believably. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Li-yan is the only daughter of a tea growing Akha ethnic minority family living in a remote area in China. They have been cut off from more modern areas, and their lives are still governed by spirits, taboos, ritual cleansing and village shamans. Li-yan is the only one in her family who has been educated. Her mother is a respected midwife which allows her to be a bit more independent. She wants Li-yan to follow in her footsteps, but Li-yan doesn't agree with the old ways and wants more schooling. She is derailed but is able to continue her education with her mother's help.
Karen
The Pecan Man by Cassie Dandridge Selleck
Narrator Name: Suzanne Toren
Rating the Audio Performance
Suzanne Toren does a great job reading this book. She voices the characters very appropriately from the Southern lady, Ora Lee Beckworth, to the high raspy voice of the Pecan Man, Eddie. Her reading brings the story to life. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Ora Lee Beckworth, a recent widow, has no family but her housekeeper, Blanche, and her family fill the void. Ora Lee often sees an old man, the pecan man, walking by with a lawn mower. She hires him to mow her lawn and take care of her flower beds. Ora's neighbors are very suspicious of the old man, Eddie, because he is black. Blanche's youngest daughter, Grace, is raped by a young man. Blanche feels she can't go to the police because she is black and she fears repercussions, and the culprit is the police chief's son. They tell Grace it was a bad dream, but she knows it isn't, and her life is changed forever. Eddie, a small man, is blamed when the police chief's son is stabbed to death. Ora intervenes to help Eddie.
Diana
Everything We Keep by Kerry Lonsdale
Narrator Name: Amy Landon
Rating the Audio Performance
Narration was very good. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I loved it!! Childhood sweethearts. He goes on a business trip to Mexico. Something happens. She buries him on what would have been their wedding day. Strange things happen and a love story turns into a really good mystery!
Diane
Fairest by Marissa Meyer
Narrator Name: Rebecca Soler
Rating the Audio Performance
Her usual stellar performance! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Great new perspective on the series from this stand-alone stunner!
Elizabeth
The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson
Narrator Name: Joshilyn Jackson
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent. I think I have listened to all of Ms. Jackson books and this is my favorite. She makes the main character, Leia, come alive. I can't imagine a better narrator for this story. Her southern accent is spot-on! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The book is poignant, witty and oh so human. Leia is one of my all time favorite characters in a book. I cannot recommend this enough!
Linda
Refuge by Dina Nayeri
Narrator Name: Moshan Marno and Youssif Kamal
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent job by both narrators. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A story of refugees somewhat based on newspaper clippings. The story concentrates on a father and his daughter who are separated. The daughter escapes Iran to the Netherlands. The father is stuck in Iran. The relationship becomes strained. This one tugged at my heart.
Francisca E B
Voyager by Diana Gabaldon
Narrator Name: Davina Porter
Rating the Audio Performance
Davina Porter is absolutely perfect when narrating this series. Her skill with voices and dialects gives each character a unique voice, making it easy to distinguish who is speaking in any given scene. I could listen to her for hours (and I did … 36 hours to be exact). 5 stars for her performance. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Book three in the popular Outlander series. This isn’t great literature, but the series is fun to read. This installment delves more deeply into the supernatural, which I thought detracted from the central story.
Lori
The Notorious RBG by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik
Narrator Name: Andi Arndt
Rating the Audio Performance
The reader did a decent job performing the book, but the book was not well-suited to be solely listened to. The print version has great illustrations and lots of footnotes. I looked at the Kindle version, and it was difficult to see the illustrations well because the text could be enlarged but the illustrations stayed small. I would recommend the print version of this book to fully appreciate it. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Although I find the life of RBG interesting, I had already read MY OWN WORDS which covered a lot of the same material. There were some additional biographical events in this book which I appreciated. I thought there were several things in the book which were repetitive. I think it could have been better edited. Comparing the two books, this one was lighter, more about her personal life and more readable.
Nicolette
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Narrator Name: Nick Podehl
Rating the Audio Performance
One of the best narrations I've heard! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I enjoyed this epic tale. Audiobook was the perfect way to push through this long story and it was worth every minute.
shannon
The Cracked Spine by Paige Shelton
Narrator Name: Carington MacDuffie
Rating the Audio Performance
The audio is great - the narrator brings individuality to all the characters! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
It is a good entertaining book, not great, but a nice mystery that leaves the reader guessing. This is the first in a series so the characters have little depth - it is hard to really care about any of them. I have no doubt that this will change in the following stories.
Diana
Bellevue: Three Centuries of History and Mayhem in America's Most Storied Hospital by David Oshinsky
Narrator Name: Fred Sanders
Rating the Audio Performance
I really enjoyed the narrator for this audiobook. He made what could have been a very dry history entertaining and engaging. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This was a very readable (listenable?) book on how Bellevue hospital came to be. It started out as a pest and alms house caring for those who fell victim to one of the many epidemics of the age or who were extremely poor and needed care due to age or injury. It goes through its history from the typhus and smallpox outbreaks of the late 1700s to early 1800s through the Spanish Flu, the White Plague, the beginning of Aids to the Ebola scare of the 2010s. I enjoyed it, and I learned quite a bit about a hospital that to me was more of a place for mental patients rather than a teaching hospital that took care of everyone.
Tessa B C
Chestnut Street by Maeve Binchy
Narrator Name: Sile Bermingham
Rating the Audio Performance
Sile Bermingham does a fine job narrating the audiobook. She really brought these characters to life. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Binchy does a great job of giving us a picture of a neighborhood in this collection of short stories. Characters come in contact with one another, interact, leave, and return. Binchy’s characters seem like real people; I recognize many of them though I live in Wisconsin and this is set in Dublin.
Lory
Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn
Narrator Name: Ryan Gesell and Tara Sands
Rating the Audio Performance
I think Tara Sands did amazing. It was authentic and believable. Unfortunately, I felt Ryan's voice was too adult to play a teenager, especially one who had such a large vocabulary. I often had to remind myself that he was 16 and not a sexual predator. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The clues were fun, as were the locations visited throughout NYC, and Lily and Dash's different encounters along the way. I would've preferred the game to have continued further into the book, cut closer to their time in the Strand. Lily getting drunk (way forced and out of the character described) and throwing Dash's expectations off was just...unnecessary. Let's see what #2 brings if the Game has already been completed.
Jim
Night School by Lee Child
Narrator Name: Jeff Harding
Rating the Audio Performance
Jeff Harding does all the Reacher books. He uses the same droll, dry style that one imagines Reacher would use when speaking. I don't know if I would enjoy a Reacher book narrated by anyone else. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is your typical Jack Reacher story. But there were too many other protagonists involved. Reacher usually acts alone or with one other "good guy." This story had a half dozen others helping him. No problem with that, just out of character with the other Reacher books. At the end, it seemed that Lee Child got tired of writing. There was no exciting climax. Just a resolution.
Kimberly
The Marriage Pact by Michelle Richmond
Narrator Name: Tom Taylorson
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator captures the furious pace of the book along with the male narrator Jake's sensitive side. I loved that the voice sounded like someone I'd want to sit down at a table with. It sounded like he was telling me the intimate, crazy story of his and his wife's life --- their ups and downs and their struggle to survive The Pact. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
THE MARRIAGE PACT is one of the most suspenseful books I've read in a very long time. When Jake and Alice sign up to join The Pact, which is supposed to help them have a happy marriage, they have no idea what they're in for. It is a brilliant story about a couple set against impossible odds. This novel reminded me of THE FIRM, only scarier (if that's possible). I felt out of breath just wondering what was going to happen to them, and if they were going to make it. The story genuinely scared me and surprised me over and over again.
Renee'
A Sinful Calling: A Reverend Curtis Black Novel by Kimberla Lawson Roby
Narrator Name: Maria Howell and Peter Jay Fernandez
Rating the Audio Performance
I love the ways the narrator knows how to change voices so quickly. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
It is so interesting to see what can go on behind the closed door of a church. 
