Welcome to the multidimensional world of audiobooks. I am Marge Fletcher,
known by some as AudioMarge, a reviewer for Bookreporter.com and consummate
reader and listener of books. Since the 1980s I've been reading 100+ books a
year, devouring most genres, but primarily interested in fiction and the
murder mystery. When I discover a new author (new to me, that is), I go back
and read everything written by them.
In the '90s I began to travel more on business, sometimes five to six hours
at a stretch, leaving my home at 5:00 AM. Needless to say, I craved something
that would keep my interest and sustain me on those long journeys alone in
the car. Thinking back on some of the authors and books I've read by sound, a
few really stand out for one reason or another. I think automatically about
Lillian Jackson Braun's "The Cat Who" series and her outstanding reader,
George Guidall. Another winner is the "Dorothy Gillman" series, Mrs.
Pollifax, and her reader, Barbara Rosenblatt. The Tom Clancy novels were so
much easier to understand by sound when he became technical, and Michael
Pritchard added enormously to my enjoyment.
Famous stars read as well... Joe Montegna, David Birney, Mary Kay Place,
William Hurt, and John Lithgow (whose reading of M. BUTTERFLY is incredible).
The point being is that a reader can make or break the experience. They set
the tone, transfer the emotion, action, and dialog. If a reader has a vast
range of emotion, a knowledge of the author's intent, their reading seems
much more a part of the book. They should be inseparable. Interestingly,
Stephen King has chosen to read some of his own works. Sorry, Stephen ---
you're a terrific writer, but your reading doesn't match the written word.
A word about the abridged/unabridged controversy: Two words... Unabridged
rules! I cannot imagine an author allowing his publisher to abridge his or
her work in writing or on tape. It just doesn't make any sense to me. I feel
as though I have missed something important if I listen to an abridged
version of a book --- I wouldn't read an abridged version of the book. I
understand that expense and time are both factors, and perhaps the audience
varies from the "diehard" reader, but nonetheless, I still feel gypped.
Travel with me through the exciting world of the audiobook, as we devour
mysteries, biographies, romances, classics, new authors, and bestsellers.
Some of my favorite recent audiobooks, which will be reviewed here, are DR.
DEATH, ROSES ARE RED, THE FIG EATER, MERRICK, and PROTECT AND DEFEND. This
range of mystery/thriller/horror audios will be sure to chill or entertain
--- or both.
--- Marge Fletcher
