July 1, 2016 - August 1, 2016
Carol from Lenoir City, TN
Leslie from Charlottesville, VA
Liz
The David Foster Wallace Reader by David Foster Wallace
Narrator Name: Robert Petkoff, David Foster Wallace, Sally Foster Wallace, Sean Pratt, Kristine Hvam, Ben Shenkman, Bobby Cannavale
Rating the Audio Performance
This was my first exposure to Wallace. I had wanted to read his works, but was torn because he was the son of a dear friend from 'across the hall' my freshman year at Mt. Holyoke College. And I could not help but feel deeply for her loss. Sally read some of their correspondence, and they alone were worth listening to this compendium. Not only is everything read meticulously, but the breadth of what was selected was amazing. I'm already listening for the second time. The readers all caught the mood and direction of Wallace's writing, from his humor to its irony, and even the seriousness. I wish it had been more than the 48 hours. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Since this is made up of essays, parts of books, commentary, writings on grammar, you can't discuss storyline. You can find out that this has to have been one of the most talented, broad-ranging authors in our lifetime. By the end I wanted to be able to attend one of his classes. A brilliant mind and author lost to us much too soon.
Angela
Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
Narrator Name: Full cast dramatization; multiple narrators
Rating the Audio Performance
Good readers. Clearly read, which I like. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
It wasn't that bad of a book. I just feel like William Shakespeare has written better books than this one and at some points it gets boring.
Karen
Troublemaker by Linda Howard
Narrator Name: Tanya Eby
Rating the Audio Performance
The performer has a good voice and did a good job voicing the characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I was disappointed with this novel. The storyline in the beginning was not well developed. It started in the beginning of the novel and finished at the end with very little detail. The female character went from being an independent woman to a "mushy adolescent", although at the end of the story she did seem to realize she was a real police chief and needed to take charge. The male character was a little more believable. The supporting characters (co-workers and friends) were good, as was the dog who was consistently amazing.
Mary
Boundary Waters by William Kent Krueger
Narrator Name: David Chandler
Rating the Audio Performance
David Chandler has narrated several of the books of this series and does an excellent job. I have listened to four of them (The Cork O'Connor mystery series) and he has narrated all of them. He gives a slightly different voice to each character. It's enough to differentiate but not so different as to be distracting or over-dramatic. I hope he is the narrator of the others in the series. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I have listened to four of the books in this series. They are all good. BOUNDARY WATERS is the one I finished today. The mystery in each book is interesting, has a steady building of the story, and doesn't come across as far-fetched or convoluted. I loved the character of Cork O'Connor. Several characters are repeated in the books so the storyline and characters develop a little more in each book.
Debbie
My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman
Narrator Name: Joan Walker
Rating the Audio Performance
Ms. Walker does a wonderful job with all the voices. The personalities of the characters come through and you get a sense of what the characters look like and how they act. Ms. Walker moves the story along, showing just the right amount of emotion as she narrates both the sad and happy parts of the story. She also gives you a glimpse into the relationships between the characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a wonderful story about a little girl, Elsa, and her Granny, who is just a little bit crazy, doesn't like rules, and, at the end of her life says "sorry" to the people whom she helped and annoyed the most. Elsa is a very precocious almost 8-year-old who is different and not very popular at school. Elsa is very smart and knows a lot of things because she looks them up on Wikipedia and reads quality literature, i.e., the Harry Potter series and Marvel Comics. As the story unfolds, Elsa learns that fairy tales and reality are not always so different.
Vikki Cabral
The Rainbow Comes and Goes by Anderson Cooper and Gloria Vanderbilt
Narrator Name: Anderson Cooper and Gloria Vanderbilt
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent performance. I liked their reading of emails to each other. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Anderson Cooper and Gloria Vanderbilt's relationship.
Diane
Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
Narrator Name: Rebecca Soler
Rating the Audio Performance
Love Scarlet's accent! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Good continuation, interesting story.
Linda
Girl Waits with Gun by Amy Stewart
Narrator Name: Christina Moore
Rating the Audio Performance
A marvelous narrator who, with subtle variations in her voice, made it possible to positively identify which character was speaking. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Very engaging story of one of the first female sheriffs in 1915 northern New Jersey. The book is based on actual people the author discovered while doing research on another book. A follow-up volume is due in the fall. I loved this book so much that I'll be first in line for that one.
Jan
After Her by Joyce Maynard
Narrator Name: Joyce Maynard
Rating the Audio Performance
Read by the author, her performance was flawless. She neither over-acted nor was she monotone. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Based loosely on Marin County's "Trailside Killer" back in the 70s, this book is part thriller, part family drama/coming-of-age story. The effects of a serial killer on the loose on the lead detective's family is explored. Rachel is the older daughter, now in her 40s, and tells the story as she looks back to her childhood. I was hooked from page one. The characters were well developed and the tension palpable. I loved the 1970s references.
The bond between the sisters, the love between a father and his daughters, the wild imagination of young girls, the emotional toll on their father as the murdered girls accumulated, the depressed mother who read all day....all this and more combined to mak
Janice
The Waters of Eternal Youth by Donna Leon
Narrator Name: David Colacci
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator was good, used good inflection and voice modulation to give voice to different characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I enjoyed this one, telling of Brunetti's delving into an old case, that wasn't even really ever a case. A young girl fell into a canal, and although rescued, was left with significant brain damage and impairment. Or did she fall... Her grandmother wants answers and persuades Brunetti to investigate, even though the incident happened 15 years ago. Brunetti becomes more convinced that a crime was committed and slowly begins to suspect what actually happened, confirming his suspicions with dogged inquiry. I liked the characters here, and want to read more. This has prompted me to want to go back and begin this series at the beginning. I think I would have enjoyed this one more if I had read the other preceding books first.
Roe
Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
Narrator Name: Shonda Rhimes
Rating the Audio Performance
Fun, witty story of the year Shonda decided to say yes and put herself out in the world. Quick, enjoyable listening, and hearing Shonda narrate just made it that much better!! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Thanksgiving 2013, Shonda Rhimes' sister commented that "she never said yes to anything." Shonda took this to heart and decided to change her ways for 2014 and start saying yes. The changes that she encountered just by saying yes were amazing. She basically was giving herself permission to enjoy and experience life. I enjoyed the journey and could relate to many aspects.
Tessa B C
Dream When You're Feeling Blue by Elizabeth Berg
Narrator Name: Elizabeth Berg
Rating the Audio Performance
3.5 stars. Berg narrated the audio version herself. She does a credible job, but she should really let a professional voice artist read her books. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
2.5 stars. Berg takes us to Chicago at the time of World War II in this story about three sisters, their lively Irish family, and the men they love. It started out okay, got very interesting in the middle and then completely lost credulity in the last two chapters. What I most enjoyed about this novel was the look at everyday life on the domestic front during this very trying time in history. I especially liked the way Berg talked about the way that the roles of women in America were forever being changed by the requirements of war. Too bad the ending really ruined the novel.
Charlotte
The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony
Narrator Name: Simon Vance
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent. The audio voice was soothing; during difficult passages he helped you understand the situation by his tone. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Conservationist Lawrence Anthony accepts a rogue heard of elephants on his reserve. This was the herd's last chance for survival. Over the years he became a part of their family. During this time he came to realize that they had something to teach him. This is an exciting, heartwarming and at times a sad account of these huge sympathetic animals. Animal lovers and adventurous souls will find this book delightful.
Mary Lou
One Summer by Bill Bryson
Narrator Name: Bill Bryson
Rating the Audio Performance
I normally love Bill Bryson's books, but I found the audio version of this book to be very difficult to listen to. Bill has an odd accent, developed, I am sure, as a result of being American who has lived in England for quite a while. It is so affected sounding that it is distracting. Once I got used to it, I found it difficult to actually understand what he was saying at times, because he is soft-spoken with a tendency to swallow his words. Overall not a good performance at all. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This was my second go-round with this book, as I had listened to it last year, and then again last month for my book group. I liked it less the second time around. I kept thinking, really? All this to say about a single summer? 1927? There were parts of it that I found fascinating - the material about Lindberg and also Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. But all those other aviators were not interesting. Nor were the boxers. Nor were the financiers. It was fun to hear Bill's take on Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover, I will admit. There was some definite snark going on in the narrative. Interesting to note the extreme weather that summer, similar to what we have had recently, as well as the bombing of a grammar school, killing 40 children. Grim.
Mary Lou
End of Watch by Stephen King
Narrator Name: Will Patton
Rating the Audio Performance
Will did a great job on this. Really outstanding. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I love and adore Stephen King. He has been part of my reading for probably 35 years. My sons and I fought over his books when they were teens, to see who would get the book first, and one of the perks of working for the library years ago was getting first dibs on the new Stephen King book. So I'm easy when it comes to his books. And I loved the characters in this book, the third and final in a series, with MR. MERCEDES and FINDERS KEEPERS being the other two. I actually shed a tear at the end of this one, since the friendship and love amongst the heroes was so lovely and sweet. I won't say any more, so no spoilers, but, as usual, I hated to see the latest Stephen King book end.
Mary Lou
Her Again: Becoming Meryl Streep by Michael Schulman
Narrator Name: Eliza Foss
Rating the Audio Performance
She simpered her way through this book. It was very annoying. She tried to mimic Meryl's way of speaking, and it came out simpering. It was awful. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I did not trust this book. It held itself out as a biography of Meryl Streep. However, I felt like it was written more for the tabloids than as if it was a true biography. I don't think it was a sanctioned work, because it just didn't ring true. I do not recommend it personally.
Karen
The Second Life of Nick Mason by Steve Hamilton
Narrator Name: Ray Porter
Rating the Audio Performance
Ray Porter's performance was excellent. He voiced the characters so that listeners can picture
them in their minds. The tempo of his reading pulls the listener into the excitement of the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
In this riveting novel, Nick Mason is released from federal prison in the 5th year of his 25 year sentence when his conviction is overturned. In prison he had been befriended by an powerful inmate who has connections outside the prison. He arranged Nick's release, but Nick is now indebted to him. He must wait for his call and perform whatever assignment he receives. It leads him into a world where he must commit acts that he doesn't want to to save himself, his daughter, ex-wife and anyone who is close to him. He is caught between his benefactor, other criminals and the police some of whom worked with his benefactor. He has to find a way to survive without endangering those he cares about.
Karen
All Summer Long by Dorothea Benton Frank
Narrator Name: Bernadette Dunne
Rating the Audio Performance
The performer, Bernadette Dunne, is a great choice to read this book. She reads in the voice of each character so the reader feels as if they are actually listening to the character speaking. The story flows along smoothly as she reads, and the listener is waiting to hear what happens next. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
ALL SUMMER LONG is a light, fun read. Interior designer Olivia Ritchie and professor-husband Nicholas Seymour, who is retiring, are preparing for a move to Charleston, S.C, Olivia is just realizing what a big undertaking this is going to be. Selling her home in New York, sorting years of possessions, buying a home in Charleston, moving to a strange place all while trying to keep her business and finances "afloat." Complications arise with a long time client/friend and his wife, and they look to her help.
Eileen
Brooklyn by Colm Toibin
Narrator Name: Kirsten Potter
Rating the Audio Performance
Lovely Irish accent and totally understandable at the same time. Good attempt at doing different characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Very enjoyable story about a young Irish woman of her times. Could have kicked her a couple of times for just letting the chips fall as they may.
Karen
Redemption Road by John Hart
Narrator Name: Scott Shepherd
Rating the Audio Performance
Scott Shepherd is a good reader. His reading draws the listeners into the book and keeps them interested as the complicated story proceeds. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This complicated novel opens with young Gideon Strange planning to kill the man, Adrian Wall, who was charged with his mother's murder. Adrian Wall is being released from prison after thirteen years of torture at the hands of a greedy, sadistic warden and three of his guards. Adrian is a former cop who inspired Detective Elizabeth Black to take up police work. She was on on the verge of suicide after being let down by her father, a preacher, after she was raped and impregnated by a boy who was a church member. Adrian stopped her suicide. She has been drawn to help children in crisis since then, including Gideon and a young woman she rescued from two men who had kidnapped and tortured her. The problem: bullets from her gun killed them.
Diane
Half A King by Joe Abercrombie
Narrator Name: John Keating
Rating the Audio Performance
Good voice, good tone. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Great tale, kept me interested.
Patricia
The Bat by Jo Nesbø
Narrator Name: John Lee
Rating the Audio Performance
He did pretty good narrating the book. His Australian accent was good. My only problem was distinguishing between characters sometimes. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I had heard such good things about this Harry Hole series and was so excited to read this book. But boy, was it ever a disappointment! When the book was actually focusing on the murder mystery, it was ok. But so much of the book was devoted to describing his alcoholic bender, or telling an aboriginal folk tale, or talking about his current or past romantic relationships. It just drug on and on! Took me forever to finish this book, and for me that's always an indicator of how good it is. I've read some reviews on Goodreads and apparently the series gets much better. So I don't know if I'll continue on with it or not.
Susan
The Wife by Meg Wolitzer
Narrator Name: Dawn Harvey
Rating the Audio Performance
Narrator portrayed each character with a distinctive voice. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The story was predictable about the wife of a famous author who you surmised was responsible for more of his career than the public knew. It had a gossipy feel told in first person by the wife. There was wry humor in the delivery of what she chose to tell of their marriage which was all too familiar to a long married reader. Compared to the acclaimed THE INTERESTINGS, this was an easier read for its lack of internal musings.
Debbie
Before the Fall by Noah Hawley
Narrator Name: Robert Petkoff
Rating the Audio Performance
Mr. Petkoff is able to capture the personality of each character. The personality and the heart of Scott Burrows really comes through. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a great story. Eleven people end up on a private jet on a Sunday in August. Two of them survive a crash. Who are these people? What are their back stories? Was the crash an accident? Told through the voices of each character Mr. Hawley reveals the answers.
Linda
The Long Game: A Memoir by Mitch McConnell
Narrator Name: Mitch McConnell
Rating the Audio Performance
It was Mitch McConnell --- no doubt, no denying it. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
It won't take long for others to figure out that Mitch McConnell is not one of my favorite people. I do, however, like to hear what is behind thought processes. That was what I was hoping for in this book, but don't feel that I got.
Francisca E B
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
Narrator Name: Cassandra Campbell
Rating the Audio Performance
Cassandra Campbell does a fine job narrating the audio version. She has good pacing, and I felt connected to the characters by her performance. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
“Lydia is dead. But they don’t know this yet.” So begins this exquisite novel about a Chinese American family living in 1970s small-town Ohio. Ng explores the nuances of family dynamics -– how a parent’s own disappointments may translate into dreams for a child’s future, how a child may feel burdened by those dreams, how siblings may compete for or retreat from parental attention.
Vikki Cabral
The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney
Narrator Name: Mia Barron
Rating the Audio Performance
Good job on the narration. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The story just didn't capture my interest. I finished it, but it wasn't my favorite.
Sarah Lehman
The Last Mile by David Baldacci
Narrator Name: Kyf Brewer & Orlagh Cassidy
Rating the Audio Performance
I enjoyed how the narrators did different voices and accents for the characters. It added depth and made it easier for me to follow along with the storyline. Another aspect of the audio performance that I liked was the music that was played to indicate when the main character was having one of his mental episodes in which he saw death as the color blue. I got the chills every time I heard it! This is the second book in the series and I've listened to both on audio. I like to listen when I'm doing housework or going for my daily walks. This series really made me look forward to my listening time --- even if it was while I was folding laundry or cooking dinner! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
After reading the first book in the Amos Decker series --- MEMORY MAN --- for book club, I just had to read the next book in this series! I'm new to the Baldacci bandwagon, but I can see why people enjoy his books so much. The characters --- particularly the main character, Amos Decker --- are down-to-earth and realistically flawed, which I appreciate as a reader. I don't quite know why, but Amos Decker reminds me of Cormoran Strike from Robert Galbraith's best-selling mystery series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I was not able to predict the outcome no matter how I tried to wrap my brain around it. I'm hoping Baldacci is planning to continue this series. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a fast-paced mystery!
Roe
The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer
Narrator Name: Jen Tullock
Rating the Audio Performance
Easy to listen, engaging, clear narration. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Story was ok --- expected more. A group of privileged kids who grow up to be entitled adults and the one person who did not belong but was brought into the group because she would always be their yes man. Listened to this because Amazon made into a movie and I wanted to read the book before seeing the movie.
Roe
A Sudden Light by Garth Stein
Narrator Name: Seth Numrich
Rating the Audio Performance
Compelling, clear narration. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Engaging, different story. Many themes brought together in new light. Dysfunctional family and how they communicate to resolve their dysfunctionality; ghosts with unfinished business; ghosts to ease the pain of loss; homosexuality in the early 1900s. This book has been on my shelf since it was released and I am glad I finally got to it. Well worth the read/listen --- highly recommend.
Deborah
End of Watch by Stephen King
Narrator Name: Will Patton
Rating the Audio Performance
Will Patton was an outstanding narrator for this series. He captured the heart and soul of Bill Hodges while still being able to maintain a neutral voice for the overall story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
King did a great job of bringing this trilogy to its conclusion. No loose ends --- the villain is dead and unfortunately so is the protagonist but you can imagine the lives of the remaining characters without needing another book.
Laura
The Fireman by Joe Hill
Narrator Name: Kate Mulgrew
Rating the Audio Performance
I loved Kate Mulgrew's normal voice as a narrator but some of her characters had the same aggressive voice that never varied. Got on my nerves after 18 CDs. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Meh. This book was really not about the fireman at all. I did not even consider him a main character. No background on him until CD 11. The story started out interestingly enough but then went off the rails. People being in love or being wicked with no build up to it. I'm sad I didn't love it after all the great reviews I'd seen.
Kelly
Dinner With Buddha by Roland Merullo
Narrator Name: Sean Runnette
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent narration. This was my first audiobook in years and I was hesitant because I have read all of the author's previous books and was very familiar with the characters. The narrator nailed it for me. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Love Roland Merullo's books especially the Buddha series.
Heather
Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes
Narrator Name: Shonda Rhimes
Rating the Audio Performance
Shonda Rhimes narrates her own story and she knows how to read it. Her anecdotes are told with the perfect amount of inflection and her points are made with the necessary pause. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I don't watch Shonda Rhimes' shows. I used to watch Grey's Anatomy and liked it over much. My point is, you don't have to watch Rhimes' shows to enjoy her audio book, which she narrates. I suspect if you do, you'll enjoy it that much more. Listening to the audio version of this book will make you want to say Yes to the things you avoid. Rhimes is real, like a girlfriend you want to hang out with who has a bit of attitude. Yes, that friend. Who tells you that dress is ugly. We need friends like this we can trust. Listening to the audio was inspiring, heartfelt, and very relatable. There are live speeches included that almost brought me to tears and definitely made me laugh out loud. Highly recommended.
Julie
Miller's Valley by Anna Quindlen
Narrator Name: Brittany Pressley
Rating the Audio Performance
I thought this narrator did a wonderful job on this book. She captured the young and then aging, male and female voices with aplomb. I felt she was the perfect choice for the main character, who ages from a young girl to an older woman looking back on her life. I'm sure she added immeasurably to the enjoyment of this book. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I usually enjoy Anna Quindlen's books. I guess we are of a similar age and I can identify with a lot of the things she writes about. I think she is good at exploring things that happen in every day life and I often find myself thinking, "yes, that's true" when I read her books. I thought this was one of her better efforts and hated to finish the book. I felt like I had visited Miller's Valley and knew the people there.
Doris Ann
The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens
Narrator Name: Zach Villa
Rating the Audio Performance
A monotone voice but into the role as first person. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a story filled with heart, courage and challenge.
Lori
Boston Girl by Anita Diamant
Narrator Name: Linda Lavin
Rating the Audio Performance
Linda Lavin did a great job portraying the narrator of the book. Her accent was in keeping with the character. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I was disappointed in the actual book. I didn't find it particularly original and was a little too sweet for me. The author did a good job portraying the time period, but there was nothing riveting about the book.
Nissa
The Trap by Melanie Raabe
Narrator Name: Julie Teal
Rating the Audio Performance
Performance was good. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A great psychological mystery with lots of twist and turns.
Leslie
A Girl's Guide to Moving On by Debbie Macomber
Narrator Name: Nancy Linari, Allyson Ryan
Rating the Audio Performance
I liked the two women reading the parts for the two leading ladies....but I was not thrilled with the accent for the male European character. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I love Debbie Macomber but this was not my favorite.
Carol
The Widow by Fiona Barton
Narrator Name: Hannah Curtis, Nicolas Guy Smith, Mandy Williams, Steve West, Jayne Entwistle
Rating the Audio Performance
This multi-cast production of THE WIDOW is truly the way to go. The three main characters are brought to life with their distinctive accent and perfect pacing in their respective roles, Hannah Curtis as The Widow, Nicolas Guy Smith as The Detective, and Mandy Williams as The Reporter. Steve West as The Husband and Jayne Entwistle, The Mother, read smaller, but key parts to flesh out the rest of the story. Bravo! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN or Gone Girl it is not. THE WIDOW stands on its own in the psychological genre and moves smoothly in its time shifting and multi-narrative telling.
2 year-old Bella disappears. Jeanie, do not call her Jean, knows her husband Glen is guilty of viewing online porn but is he the pedophile that abducted and possibly murdered Bella? Jeanie prays that Bella will be found. After all, Jeanie and Glen can’t have children. Can Jeanie continue to swear allegiance to Glen when she knows he has looked at pictures of women dressed as children, what she comes to term as “his nonsense”? Can she stay married to a man who may be responsible for this horrible deed? But Glen loves children. THE WIDOW surprised me, an enjoyable debut.
Jamie
Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave
Narrator Name: Joy Osmanski
Rating the Audio Performance
The reader did a nice job with this book. I could tell various characters apart, and the tone and delivery were not distracting in any way. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Some parts were predictable, but many parts were not.
Susan
Watership Down by Richard Adams
Narrator Name: Ralph Cosham
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent reading --- very captivating and entertaining. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a book that has stood the test of time. I read this many years ago, but still found the story to be a very fun listen. Good character development and plot line.
Vikki
Winter Stroll by Elin Hilderbrand
Narrator Name: Erin Bennett
Rating the Audio Performance
Erin is always great reading Elin's books. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Another installment of the Quinn family on Nantucket. Something tells me another one is on the way this Christmas.
Gwen
The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem by Sarit Yishai-Levi
Narrator Name: Gabriela Yishai-Levi
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator was very good. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Excellent read. Narrated by the daughter. Well-written and draws the reader into the story from the beginning.
Aimee
Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight
Narrator Name: Khristine Hvam
Rating the Audio Performance
Very good performance. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I think I finished this book in three days. Once Kate understood that Amelia's death might not have been a suicide, she goes on a quest to uncover what really happened. She discovered that everyone involved has secrets, including herself. As a mother, I was disturbed how teenagers treat each other, and how easily it is to get into something way over your head so quickly, without your parent knowing.
Patricia
In The Woods by Tana French
Narrator Name: Steven Crossley
Rating the Audio Performance
Overall this narrator did a really good job. I guess my only complaint is that I feel like he overemphasizes too much. And when the book is over twenty hours long, that gets tiring after a while! But I would listen to another book by this narrator. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I really liked this book a lot! This is my first time reading Tana French so I didn't know what to expect going in. There were some sections that I felt started to drag a little bit (the book is pretty long, so in my opinion that's not that unusual). But boy, the last third of the book seemed to fly by because I was so engrossed in the story! My only complaint would be that she left a major story line unanswered. I want to know what happened to the children?
Marilyn
The Handsome Man's Deluxe Café by Alexander McCall Smith
Narrator Name: Lisette Lecat
Rating the Audio Performance
These stories are simply delightful and the reader does an amazing job of using many voices to portray each character. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Always delightful to read or listen to Alexander McCall Smith's books. The stories are captivating and there are many philosophical insights to be enjoyed along the way.
Susan
Cold Betrayal by J. A. Jance
Narrator Name: Karen Ziemba
Rating the Audio Performance
Easy to listen to. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A two-part story: one of getting older and having family take advantage of you and one of a polygamous cult in Arizona and the state of the women and children.
Deb
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Narrator Name: Polly Stone
Rating the Audio Performance
Polly Stone offers one of the best multi-character performances I've heard. She is able to not only portray varying ages of both genders but also their French, German and American accents. Five stars are not enough! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Although WWII seems to be prevalent genre, I enjoyed this story because it is from the perspective of females rather than males. Two sisters, who seem to be polar opposites, experience the consequences of their risky choices in dealing with the Nazis. Heart-wrenching as well as heart-warming, it is a story that is 'staying with me' long after the storytelling is over.
Richard N B
Dance Hall of the Dead by Tony Hillerman
Narrator Name: George Guidall
Rating the Audio Performance
George Guidall does a good job on the audio. He has good pacing and I really like the way he voices Leaphorn. There were times when Guidall’s performance transported me to my childhood, listening to my grandfather (or grandmother, or aunts or uncles) telling stories in the dark, as we all sat on the porch on a summer evening. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is book number two in Tony Hillerman's Joe Leaphorn series? They are good mysteries with a little Native American cultural information in the mix, with an interesting plot and great characters. I love the way Leaphorn thinks things through before acting.
Noreen Bormet
End of Watch by Stephen King
Narrator Name: Will Patton
Rating the Audio Performance
Fantastic. How he can change from character to character - including the females - amazed me. This was the last part of a trilogy so by now I knew who was speaking without any reference to the character. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Loved it. Not a big Stephen King fan - usually too scary for me. This series attracted me because I enjoy detective stories. King did a wonderful job bringing his characters to life for me. Since it was a trilogy and I have gone through all three, I will miss them.
Kristen Stewart
LaRose by Louise Erdrich
Narrator Name: Louise Erdrich
Rating the Audio Performance
I first read this book and then decided to listen to it as well. I often found more meaning if I do both methods. I wasn't sure if I would like Ms. Erdrich's own reading, but it was fantastic! She is an excellent narrator. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a rich book with many layers. I love how Ms. Erdrich layers her stories with folklore.
Ellen
The Wright Brothers by David McCullogh
Narrator Name: David McCullogh
Rating the Audio Performance
McCullogh's deep voice adds extra gravitas to his compelling biography of the Wright brothers and the history of their time. Though not from a wealthy family, the Wright brothers and their sister Katherine were raised in a household where reading and curiosity were as important as family. Despite some personal hardships, the brothers were able to pursue their vision and would not be dissuaded. Not until hearing this book was I aware that Kitty Hawk was a personal triumph for the Wrights and that the acknowledgement of the achievement and acceptance of age of flight would not occur for a number of years. A definite winner! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
As above. Having the author read was critical to the delivery of the history.
Marty O'Connor
Gray Mountain by John Grisham
Narrator Name: Catherine Taber
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator did a good job of making different characters stand out. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a good story with unexpected turns of the story. Having lived in coal country for 6 years I could visualize the scenery and characters described.
Michael
The Monkey's Raincoat by Robert Crais
Narrator Name: Patrick G. Lawlor
Rating the Audio Performance
At first, I didn't care for the narration but it finally won me over. The main character is very snarky and I decided, after a while, that the narrator performed it rather nicely. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book suffered a little by comparison as the audiobook I had just finished was the first Jack Reacher book which was excellent. So this story wasn't as exciting but it is still quite a fun mystery. There is a lot of personality to the writing, which makes up for a story that lags at times. I would still recommend it.
Ricki
Spirit Animals (Book 1 - Wild Born) by Brandon Mull
Narrator Name: Nicola Barber
Rating the Audio Performance
Barber has a very pleasant and nuanced voice that works well as a storyteller. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I was not sure what I was expecting, but I was pleasantly surprised. Fun MG fantasy with excellent world-building.
Linda
A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson
Narrator Name: Bill Bryson
Rating the Audio Performance
The author read his own book. I expected him to be a little more animated, but he did an excellent job. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I love Bryson and his sense of humor that definitely comes across in his writing. He also does his homework. There were a lot of facts about the Appalachian Trail and nature in general in the United States. Bryson and his friend Stephen Katz walked less than 40% of the 2100+ trails, but learn a lot about themselves and the trail along the way.
Jan
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Narrator Name: George Newbern
Rating the Audio Performance
The narration was perfect. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Several people recommended this book to me, but I passed it by. When my book club picked it as July's selection, I started it will low expectations. I quickly became charmed by Ove and his odd assortment of neighbors who dragged him into their lives. I am so glad that I chose to listen to this book.
Debbie
The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson
Narrator Name: Fiona Hardingham
Rating the Audio Performance
Ms. Hardingham has the perfect voice for this book and, of course, her English accent doesn't hurt. Her narration allows you to see the characters and to get a good look at their personalities. She is especially wonderful when she is narrating the part of Beatrice Nash and Hugh Grange. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a wonderfully written story of what happens to people and their ideals when confronted by war -- in this case World War I. Set against the backdrop of the beginning of WWI, the story tells the lives of a small community in England -- the gentry, the gypsies, the Belgian refugees, and everyone in between. It is a story of emotions -- love, hate, fear, and redemption. Ms. Simonson has done a wonderful job of bringing her characters to life, with all their foibles, and telling the story of war and the damage that it does to all.
Gerry
The One-in-a-Million Boy by Monica Wood
Narrator Name: Chris Ciulla
Rating the Audio Performance
Pleasant voice, good expression, easy to listen to. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Beautiful story about the relationship between a shy, somewhat awkward eleven-year-old boy and the 104-year-old woman to whom he is assigned in a Boy Scout service project.
Gerry
After Her by Joyce Maynard
Narrator Name: Joyce Maynard
Rating the Audio Performance
One benefit of hearing the author read her own work: she knows exactly how she meant it to be phrased and emphasized. Joyce Maynard is an excellent reader, and this made her already-engaging book an even better experience in audio. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Well-written story loosely inspired by the Trailside Killer case that terrorized Marin County in the late seventies, but with a focus on the young daughters of the lead detective in the case. The plot is tight, but even more enjoyable is the coming-of-age story embedded in the mystery. Maynard truly understands the world of the young teenager, with all its insecurities, fears, and bravado. Her description of a thirteen-year-old girl, with all her conflicting feelings and ideas, is letter-perfect! I'll be looking for more by this author.
Debbie
Everyone Brave Is Forgiven by Chris Cleave
Narrator Name: Luke Thompson
Rating the Audio Performance
Mr. Cleave brings his characters to life. By the end of the book, you feel as if you know Tom, Alistair, and Mary intimately. You suffer with each of them as they suffer with the war and its devastation and have to face who they are. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Chris Cleave has written an amazing book about the effects of war on ordinary people and the times in which they live. Set in London during World War II, the book tells the ordinary story of ordinary people as they struggle with the effects that war has on their lives and the people they are and hope to be. War changes everything -- individual people, society, and our relationships with both. Cleave does not pull any punches -- war is war in all its devastation and heartbreak -- but below the surface there is humanity, a humanity that perhaps would have never come to life had war not intervened in our complacency. His characters are all human and they struggle with their humanity.
Jayne
The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman
Narrator Name: Gloria Reuben, Tina Benko and Santino Fontana, Alice Hoffman - afterword
Rating the Audio Performance
Spectacular narration. Brilliant storyline and the narrators make it come alive spectacularly! Artist Camille Pissaro, born to a St. Thomas woman who finally finds love, is particularly interesting as he fights to "work" doing his art and not in the family business. I was able to see the colors of the island and feel as though I was there! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Extremely well written with fascinating information about the island of St. Thomas and families living there. The classification system on the island (with slavery and religious rules) is explained as are the secrets that pervade personal histories. I loved this audiobook as it told of the life of the artist and his family plus the attempts to keep him from his work. Captivating, with some parts that weren't as thrilling as others!
MAUREEN
Long Lost by Harlan Coben
Narrator Name: Steven Weber
Rating the Audio Performance
Steven Weber, from the TV show "Wings", has a wonderful voice and great fluctuations for various moods of the characters. Easy to listen to. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Great Harlan Coben mystery. Starts in Paris and involves Homeland Security, the Mossad and Interpol. Great audio!
Nadine
The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks
Narrator Name: Paul Boehmer
Rating the Audio Performance
Paul Boehmer's pace and clarity in speaking is superb. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The life of biblical David is brought to life in a way, although you know the basic story, that is fleshed out to make him a real, flawed man.
Melanie
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Narrator Name: George Newbern
Rating the Audio Performance
Captured the protagonist perfectly. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A wonderful story that shows you can't read a book by its cover.
Crystal
Death of a Dentist: A Hamish Macbeth Mystery by M. C. Beaton
Narrator Name: Shaun Grindell
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent audio performance. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Good cozy mystery.
Josie
When I'm Gone by Emily Bleeker
Narrator Name: Dan John Miller
Rating the Audio Performance
Very good interpretation of the story. He kept my interest and didn't "overdo" the narration. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A good book for audio, not a lot of characters and a simple storyline. The book was entertaining.
Patricia
Edge of Black by J. T. Ellison
Narrator Name: Joyce Bean
Rating the Audio Performance
I am not a fan of Joyce Bean. If she would just use her regular speaking voice, I would like her. But for the main characters, she performs them in character - and the characters she does are grating and SO annoying by the end of the book. The main character (Sam) she does in a squeaky southern voice that brings to mind Minnie Mouse. And when she does the male voices, she tries so hard to make her voice very low, that it comes out as a croak. This is the second book I've listened to with her narration and I won't listen to another. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book was a big disappointment to me. I'm a lifetime fan of Patricia Cornwell so when I saw a series with a forensic pathologist as the main character, I was so excited. But the 'forensic pathology' portion of this book doesn't even warrant 1%. So much (too much) of the book is devoted to the romance between Sam and Xander. I'm interested in the mystery, not the romance. And my other big problem is the characters themselves. They're too predictable and too 'perfect'. Sam and Xander are always the best at whatever they do. Fletcher is of course pining away for Sam. The characters just aren't relatable if they're not flawed. I don't think I'll be reading the next book in the series.
Kelly
Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling
Narrator Name: Jim Dale
Rating the Audio Performance
The accent of the narrator makes the stories so much more realistic. I read the books and listened to the audio, and by far the audio was more exciting. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Harry Potter. What more to say?
Sherrie
Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
Narrator Name: Shonda Rhimes
Rating the Audio Performance
Wonderfully read and easy to listen to! Her voice was very soothing and her emphasis perfect! So glad I listened to the audio version. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Very interesting story of stepping out of the comfortable and into a fuller life. Very timely for me as an empty-nester to move into the next phase of my life. Enjoyed it very much!
Diane
The Eye of Minds by James Dashner
Narrator Name: Erik Davies
Rating the Audio Performance
Intense, gripping. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Deep thinking combined with exciting action!
Rezina
Flight of Dreams by Ariel Lawhon
Narrator Name: John Lee
Rating the Audio Performance
Mr. Lee changes voices very well. When he starts narrating you know which character it is in the story. His inflections are great as well. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I enjoyed the writing. The fact that she followed a character and then overlapped the time frame with another character, made me feel like I knew where all the characters were and what they were doing on the ship at all times. At times during the story, I felt I was aboard the ship. What a fantastic vessel it must have been. I admit that I would never have gotten on board, not because of the cost but because of the potential danger.
Karen
Mercy by Michael Palmer and Daniel Palmer
Narrator Name: Hillary Huber
Rating the Audio Performance
Hillary Huber is a good choice to read this book. She has a serious, professional sounding
voice and reads both male and female characters well. Her delivery makes the story compelling to listen to. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Should the terminally ill be assisted to die when they are in so much pain and their quality of life is so poor that no longer want to live? How are the opinions of proponents affected when loved ones are involved? What happens to the profitability of hospitals when the hospital has too many terminally ill patients? These are some of the issues addressed in this mystery in which terminally ill patients with healthy hearts start dying of heart attacks, but not painlessly.
Karen
The Children by Ann Leary
Narrator Name: Gretchen Mol
Rating the Audio Performance
Gretchen Mol does a good job reading this novel. She voices the characters so that one has a vision of what the characters are like. Her reading is quiet and conversational, but it speeds up to represent exciting events. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The characters in this novel are: Charlotte, a reclusive, 29-year-old, childless woman who writes a mommy blog, her sister Sally who is musically gifted and bipolar, their mother, Joan, who is a health enthusiast and was married to the late Whit Whitman, Whitman's two sons from a previous marriage, Perry and Spin, the caretaker, Everett and Spin's (Phillip) girlfriend Laurel.
They live or have lived, except for Laurel and Everett, in the vacation home the wealthy Whit Whitman winterized for year-round living when he married Joan and decided to pursue his own interests. His passion is banjos, which he collects and also builds, and bluegrass music. Spin meets Laurel on a ski trip and falls for her. They elope, and changes begin.
Tessa B C
Roots: The Saga of an American Family by Alex Haley
Narrator Name: Avery Brooks
Rating the Audio Performance
Avery Brooks is magnificent! His deeply resonant voice was mesmerizing. His diction, his ability to voice various characters (even young girls), and his passion for the subject clearly come through. He brings the book to life, in the same way that the best oral historians/storytellers do. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Haley’s blockbuster history of his ancestors begins with the birth of a baby boy – Kunta Kinte – in a small African village in the Spring of 1750, and ends two centuries later in Arkansas. It’s a gripping tale and Haley is a great storyteller. I was engaged from page one and found myself very interested in all aspects of the book. Haley’s narrative focuses on three of his male ancestors: Kunta Kinte, Chicken George, and Tom (Haley’s great-grandfather).
Linda Johnson
The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick
Narrator Name: James Langton
Rating the Audio Performance
Mr. Langton did a yeoman's job of both narrating the story and delineating characters voices. No quibbles from me. His reading only added to my enjoyment. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A year after his wife's death, Arthur Pepper still isn't ready to admit he has a life without his wife. He hides from his neighbor who has designated herself the neighborhood overseer. Neither of his children attended their mother's funeral. Arthur has held much inside until he decides it might be time to clean out some of his wife's belongings. He discovers a bracelet he did not know she owned and is curious about its origin. His search takes him places, both geographic and emotional, he never expected.
Janice
Make Me by Lee Child
Narrator Name: Dick Hill
Rating the Audio Performance
I always enjoy Dick Hill's narrations, and his voice and inflections are just right for the Reacher novels. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Each one of the books in this series could easily be a stand-alone, as Jack Reacher is a man with no attachments, living life on the road, facing new challenges, and in new communities around the U.S. Retired from the military, Reacher is a man of supreme confidence, undaunted by the conflicts and struggles that seem to quickly bloom in his life, regardless of where he travels. In this book, Reacher stops in the town of Mother's Rest, somewhere in Oklahoma, intrigued by the name, and trying to find out its origin. As in the other books, Reacher meets an attractive woman who becomes the other central character of this book, and together they face numerous challenges and mysteries. I received this audio version from Bookreporter.com.
Laura
The Truth According to Us by Annie Barrows
Narrator Name: Ann Marie Lee, Tara Sands, and Julia Whelan
Rating the Audio Performance
I love a book with multiple readers! All of them did a fine job distinguishing voices and accents. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Fun book. I always love a book with letters/emails/texts as part of the story and like THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL SOCIETY, the letters are filled with humor. The characters were interesting and there were many secrets.
Robin
The Shepherd's Crown by Terry Pratchett
Narrator Name: Stephen Briggs
Rating the Audio Performance
On a recent lengthy roadtrip, this book was so engrossing I didn't even mind the traffic jams! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
If you're a Discworld fan, you will love this final book!
Karen
LaRose by Louise Erdrich
Narrator Name: Louise Erdrich
Rating the Audio Performance
Who better to read this novel than the author. She has the voice of a storyteller, and knows the rhythms of the story. The listener is compelled to keep listening. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The novel opens with a sad event. Landreaux, an Ojibwe Indian, is hunting and accidentally kills his neighbor's son, Dusty. Following an ancient custom, he gives his son, LaRose who was Dusty's friend and playmate, to the neighbors. LaRose who is said to have special powers, does get to go home to visit his family occasionally. LaRose bonds with Dusty's sister, Maggie, and helps her look out for her suicidal mother. Maggie and LaRose attend the Indian school with Larose's siblings which helps to improve Maggie's life and school performance. LaRose helps to unite the two families and the community. Many of the community members, as children, went to white boarding schools to eliminate their Indian culture and education.
Peggy
Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty
Narrator Name: Heather Wilds
Rating the Audio Performance
I really enjoyed this book. The narrator does a wonderful job using different voices for each character and each is very enjoyable. She doesn't rush the storyline either. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is not my favorite book of hers but I still found it very enjoyable. I have read two of her other books and I feel that they were so wonderfully done that I was bit disappointed. THE HUSBAND'S SECRET and BIG LITTLE LIES were much better.
Carol
Early Warning by Jane Smiley
Narrator Name: Lorelei King
Rating the Audio Performance
This was the 3rd book in her trilogy. The narrator did an excellent presentation. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I grew up in Iowa and so many of the landmarks and people resonate with me. My daughter went to Iowa State and I grew up going to movies and having pizza on the ISU campus. I enjoyed her family saga - a labor of love for the author, I'm sure. I bike every day, and all the characters came to life as I pedaled my way through all three books in the trilogy.
Beverlee
End of Watch by Stephen King
Narrator Name: Will Patton
Rating the Audio Performance
Will Patton makes each of the characters come to life - I love him! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Loved all three of them!! Wouldn't say this was my favorite story but I loved the interaction of the characters!!
Deborah Ader
The City of Mirrors by Justin Cronin
Narrator Name: Scott Brick
Rating the Audio Performance
Scott Brick is always a wonderful reader and his telling of the final Passage book was top notch. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is probably the most well crafted trilogy I have read. The characters were well-rounded and each book flowed into the next without missing a step. This final book brought you back into the AV world seamlessly, and the ending was perfect.
Roe
Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleave
Narrator Name: Luke Thompson
Rating the Audio Performance
Clear, engaging narration. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I wanted more from the characters. I was so looking forward to this book and enjoyed the first half with the character development but was disappointed with how the characters evolved. I was hoping for a more optimistic ending.
Patrice
Every Last One by Anna Quindlen
Narrator Name: Hope Davis
Rating the Audio Performance
I think Hope Davis is completely believable and delivers just the right amount of ennui in the first half of the book as the suburban mother of teenagers who seem to have the normal ups and downs in her life and in the lives of her three children. Davis is equally convincing in the second half of the novel when her world is unexpectedly shaken to the core. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Anna Quindlen appears to be telling us the most ordinary of stories at first, but something about the delivery keeps you engaged, and then ultimately, keeps you glued to the seat of your car in the driveway, long after you’ve returned home. Very good. Just don’t read any reviews beforehand, because they may give away the storyline!
Shirley
The Last Mile by David Baldacci
Narrator Name: Kyf Brewer and Orlagh Cassidy
Rating the Audio Performance
Very, very good. They make the story come alive. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Always enjoy Baldacci's books. I am enjoying this Amos very much.
Peggy
The Rumor by Elin Hilderbrand
Narrator Name: Kathleen McInerney, Erin Bennett and Rick Zieff
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrators did an excellent job with this book. Very professional and enjoyable. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The plot was a bit predictable. I would have loved to have had more intrigue and suspense in wondering if Trevor or Grace would get caught.
Mary Lou
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
Narrator Name: Caroline Lee
Rating the Audio Performance
This was an excellent performance. The reader told the story, read the parts, and completely had me hooked. I felt completely swept along with the tide of the story, characters, etc. Great job! Loved the Aussie accent. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This was a great read/listen. The framework for the story was a group of kindergarten children and their parents in a small, upwardly mobile seaside community in Australia. The book raised many interesting issues to ponder within that framework, such as bullying, gossip, cliques, blended families, senior parents, materialism, domestic violence. The book did not preach, however. It told a great tale with interesting characters, many likable, some not so much. Even though my days of kindergarten children are long past, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found much to ponder in it. Highly recommended.
Doris
Sycamore Row by John Grisham
Narrator Name: Michael Beck
Rating the Audio Performance
Michael Beck did a super job! He was easy to listen to and had great character voices! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Wonderful book! What a cliff hanger! You keep wondering why is he giving her that kind of money? What a great follow up to his very first book! It was a superb sequel, which doesn't always happen.
Cathey Avery
Circling the Sun by Paula McLain
Narrator Name: Katharine McEwan
Rating the Audio Performance
Superb audio performance. Voice differentiation different enough to recognize, but not enough to distract. I will look for her name on other audios. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
After having read WEST WITH THE NIGHT, Beryl Markham's own book, I REALLY hesitated to read this one. Finally enough time passed and I was able to enjoy this, but I have to stay that I still like Beryl's own book better - she was a much more lyrical a writer, though Ms. McLain is a good writer. This book also seemed to lean heavily on her relationship with Denis Finch Hatton - I almost felt this was done on purpose for the purpose of selling the book. Of the two, I felt like Beryl's was more objective, Paula's less so.
In any case, I did enjoy both of them and the pictures of an Africa long gone were painted beautifully.
Debbie
The Bat by Jo Nesbo
Narrator Name: John Lee
Rating the Audio Performance
John Lee does a great job with a variety of voices. As Harry Hole, the main character, he is excellent and he moves the story along. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
THE BAT is the first book in the Harry Hole series and, in my opinion, not the best. Although I enjoyed reading about Australia, its native peoples and their legends, I did not think the story was very well developed. I have read other books in the Harry Hole series and have enjoyed them much more.
Aimee Hegedus
I Shall Be Near to You by Erin Lindsay McCabe
Narrator Name: Allyson Ryan
Rating the Audio Performance
I loved the narrator's voice. It was almost haunting, and carried the perfect pitch of this love story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I thought it was an informative book about the time period. This was definitely more of a love story than a historical book.
Scott Dennis
What Is Not Yours Is Not Yours by Helen Oyeyemi
Narrator Name: Ann Marie Gideon and Piter Marek
Rating the Audio Performance
Well-chosen narrators for each short story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The short stories are not your usual point-A-to-point-B, but instead they lead you through an addicting labyrinth, one that makes you want to go back and do it all over again.
Francisca E B
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
Narrator Name: Edoardo Ballerini
Rating the Audio Performance
Edoardo Ballerini was simply marvelous performing the audio version. I loved the way he voiced Pasquale, Dee, Michael Deane and the many supporting cast members – including Richard Burton, Aunt Valeria, and a host of fishermen. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
What a delightful story! Moving back and forth in time, and with multiple styles and points of view, Walter has crafted a love story with wide appeal. I was engaged and entertained from the beginning, and was so sorry to see it end.
Margie
Maya's Notebook by Isabel Allende
Narrator Name: Maria Cabezas
Rating the Audio Performance
Maria's voice is clear and pleasant. After only a few minutes into the book I was drawn into Maya's story, forgetting entirely that the voice was not actually Maya's but that of Maria.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Beautiful coming-of-age story. Isabel Allende is a fabulous writer. Having relatives in Chile, I very much enjoy her books of Chilean's and their experiences as immigrants to the U.S.
Nora
Hard Truth by Nevada Barr
Narrator Name: Barbara Rosenblat
Rating the Audio Performance
Ms. Rosenblat has a good command of the characters she portrays. I forgot there was only one voice speaking. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Nevada Barr, using her character of Anna Pigeon, always offers a unique storyline and plot twists that kept my interest until the end.
Margaret
The Good House by Ann Leary
Narrator Name: Mary Beth Hurt
Rating the Audio Performance
She has the perfect voice for this story. Mary Beth Hurt makes you believe she really is Hildy Good who is a 60-something real estate broker and also an alcoholic. The narrator makes the story funnier then it would have been if you just the read the book to yourself. Her voice really makes you feel that she did have a few drinks in real life when explaining about Hildy, maybe having one too many. She gave an excellent audiobook performance. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I loved this book. I felt sorry for Hildy Good, having a bipolar mother and a husband that she found out later was gay. She had a hard life and I think her drinking made it a little less manageable, but she did let it get out of hand. Her family tried to help her and she did have a good relationship with her daughters, and she saw her grandson and her relationship with her ex-husband was good. Even though there were hardships in the book, as a whole it was made to be funny and it let your laugh at life a little.
Kristen
The Girls by Emma Cline
Narrator Name: Cady McClain
Rating the Audio Performance
Ms. McClain captured the essence of each of the characters very well. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This was an essentially disturbing tale well told. It was revealed gradually in mostly flashbacks, but I wish we could know more about the woman today.
Cynthia
Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas
Narrator Name: Lorelei King
Rating the Audio Performance
Narrator's voice is very pleasant, soothing and appropriate for the era of story. Only criticism is lack of emotional expression. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Interesting story of how a small town in Colorado deals with a Japanese internment camp being placed outside their town during WWII. Prejudice abounds, as does some folks' reason and kindness. Heartwarming story with some elements of tension and mystery.
Melanie S.
Hamilton: The Revolution by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jeremy McCarter
Narrator Name: Mariska Hargitay
Rating the Audio Performance
Mariska Hargitay did a terrific job narrating this amazing story about the creation of the masterpiece that is Hamilton the musical. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Fantastic background information about the creation of the revolutionary (no pun intended) Broadway musical, Hamilton. I read this book in anticipation of seeing the show. Now that I have seen the show I plan to re-read the book as the descriptions of how the sets, costumes and various songs were created and how the roles were cast will be that much more meaningful.
Lonnie
The BFG by Roald Dahl
Narrator Name: David Walliams
Rating the Audio Performance
Mr. Walliams did a terrific job voicing the various characters. I also enjoyed the sound effects! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Wonderful children's story about doing what good you can, despite your age or size.
Lisa
Sum It Up by Pat Summit and Sally Jenkins
Narrator Name: Sally Jenkins
Rating the Audio Performance
Loved it. Clear. Easy to listen to. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Great story about a great woman's life.
Patricia
Heartbroken by Lisa Unger
Narrator Name: Amanda Carlin
Rating the Audio Performance
I really, really liked this narration! Her voice is so pleasant to listen to. I would definitely listen to another book narrated by her. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This was my first time reading Lisa Unger and I really enjoyed this book! It wasn't at all what I was expecting. I thought it looked like more of a mystery-type book - and there was somewhat of a mystery element to the book, but that wasn't the main focus by far. And normally that would take away some of my enjoyment of the book. But with this, the storyline was so intriguing and the characters had such depth, that it kept me pulled in. I really connected with the book in many ways. I'm excited to read more by Lisa Unger!
Linda
The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu: And Their Race to Save the World’s Most Precious Manuscripts by Joshua Hammer
Narrator Name: Paul Boehmer
Rating the Audio Performance
It was read completely like a newscaster. There was no variation. I think that decreased my enjoyment of the book. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A remarkable story of what people in a city in Mali did to protect documents of their heritage under very dangerous conditions. It did make me wonder if, under similar conditions, the people in the U.S. would do something similar. Anyone who thinks all Muslims are alike should read this book that explains the differences.
Ricki
Divide and Conquer by Carrie Ryan
Narrator Name: Dion Graham
Rating the Audio Performance
Graham's does an excellent job with inflection and keeping the story exciting. He also just has a very nice voice. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
With a lot of the exposition out of the way, this was a deeper story than the first book in the Infinity Ring series. However, it seems there was a short story in between the two that was referenced a few times, making some things rather confusing.
Vikki
The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian
Narrator Name: Mozhan Marno and Grace Experience
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent performance. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Details the sad situation of human trafficking. The ending was a bit far-fetched to me, but overall I enjoyed the story.
Susan
Before the Storm by Diane Chamberlain
Narrator Name: Abby Craden and Kris Koscheski
Rating the Audio Performance
The female and male characters were portrayed by the narrator of the same sex, which was more authentic. They both did a good job of making each character distinct using voice only. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I was really engaged in the story of a teen with fetal alcohol syndrome. The backstory tells of the postpartum depression contributing to the use of alcohol by the mother of the children. The plot involves the arrest of the teen for arson and the family members determined to keep him out of jail. I was disappointed with the ending but had to allow for the foolish decisions teens often make which changes lives.
JOAN
The Master Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg
Narrator Name: Amy McFadden
Rating the Audio Performance
Amy's performance was terrific. The characters were distinguishable. The tone and speed were snappy. Accents enhanced the characters and didn't make the story difficult to follow. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I listened to the whole series and loved it. Crony is a refreshing. I liked the development of the characters and relationships over the course of the three books in the series.
Mary Lou
The Summons by John Grisham
Narrator Name: Michael Beck
Rating the Audio Performance
The problem I had with the narration is that Michael Beck had a tendency to swallow his words. It was difficult to catch what he was saying if I was listening on my dock instead of with earbuds. Listening with earbuds I could catch all of the narration, but it was annoyingly unclear in the dock. Otherwise the performance itself was well done, with appropriate changes in characterizations which indicated shifting people speaking the dialogue. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I just love listening to John Grisham stories on Audible. They are so well crafted and well-layered. Perfect for the listening venue. Just spend a lazy summer afternoon listening to one of Grisham's books, and you'll get what I mean. This story meandered around, building suspense, about a surprise payload found after well-loved and well-respected Judge Atlee passed away. Two heirs, Ray and Forrest, very different people, each flawed in their own way. I thought I had the bad guy figured out, and then I was wrong. The story just flowed over me without much effort. This is not one of Grisham's best, but it is very entertaining and a good buy in a two book package. Small town Mississippi is a great backdrop. Good stuff.
Gerry
On the Small Backs of Children by Lidia Yuknavitch
Narrator Name: Amanda Dolan
Rating the Audio Performance
Generally good reader, with the exception of some jarring mispronunciations. I know, mispronunciations mean she encountered the words by reading, not in conversation, but an audiobook narrator needs to get it right! Ms. Dolan did do a good job on the accent for "the girl", though all other characters spoke in the same voice, which made it confusing at times. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Despite some marvelous imagery and language, I found this book off-putting because of its excessive focus on blood, violence, and sexual excess.
Wendy
The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott
Narrator Name: Susan Duerdon
Rating the Audio Performance
Duerdon did a good job of distinguishing individual characters by voice, accent and intonation. However, the accent she did for the main character, Tess, as well as for another character were much too upper class for the biographical details in the book. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is another book that uses the Titanic sinking to give drama to the storyline. Tess is a young British girl working as a maid in Cherbourg when the Titanic docks to take on more passengers. Tess really wants to be a dress designer and she is desperate to get to the United States. She goes to the docks hoping to find work on the Titanic so she can work her way. She recognizes famed couturier Lady Lucille Duff Gordon who has just learned her maid cannot accompany her. Tess offers to take her place and suddenly her life is changed. I was quite enjoying the book until the survivors of the sinking made it to New York. Then the pace and storyline became mired in detail.
Elizabeth
The Good Wife by Stewart O'Nan
Narrator Name: Laural Merlington
Rating the Audio Performance
The audio was fine and the narrator did the best she could with the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I have never read a more painfully slow to read book. For twenty-five years you get a glimpse of a couple. One in jail and one who raises a son taking him to the jail to see his father. There was no real redemption or even a redeeming reason to care about the family. For all these years the wife is waiting for her husband to be free.
Janice
The Devil in the Junior League by Linda Francis Lee
Narrator Name: Jenna Lamia
Rating the Audio Performance
Jenna Lamia is one of my very favorite narrators. On this one, as always, she does an excellent job with changes in voice tone and pitch that easily helps identify the character who is speaking. She adds just the right emotional nuances to the words. I love listening to her work. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
There was nothing profound here, no deep thinking required, just a really fun read, and great entertainment. The author deftly draws the snobbery and cliquishness of a small town in Texas, especially among the more well-to-do members of the Junior League. When Frede Ware is faced with the first real crisis of her life, a wild and transforming ride begins. 
