January 3, 2017 - February 1, 2017
Beth from Somers, CT
Francisca from Bayside, WI
Linda
The Christmas Story by Jean Shepherd
Narrator Name: Dick Cavett
Rating the Audio Performance
His reading added just the proper amount of ascerbity to add to the humor of this book. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is actually multiple stories written by Jean Shepherd, one of which is the story so many have become familiar with thanks to the movie. Shepherd's writing is so rich and funny. I really related to the stories of the neighbors from Hades. So funny because it was somebody else.
Linda
Love Warrior: A Memoir by Glennon Doyle Melton
Narrator Name: Glennon Doyle Melton
Rating the Audio Performance
This book is a painfully honest memoir. There couldn't be any one better to read it than the woman who experienced it all. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Unbelievably honest explanation of the author and her marriage. Talk about "wars and all!" It appears she held nothing back. Not many would be this open with parts of life most of us keep to ourselves.
Wendy
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
Narrator Name: Imogen Church
Rating the Audio Performance
Edge-of-your seat psychological thriller, with enough handy character differentiation you'll marvel it isn't full-cast. This one accelerates nicely and doesn't let up until the end. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Solid, but elevated by Church's breathless, spiraling re-telling.
Tessa B C
The Girl in the Green Raincoat by Laura Lippman
Narrator Name: Linda Emond
Rating the Audio Performance
Linda Emond does a great job performing the audiobook. She has good pacing, and really brings Tess to life. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
In a plot reminiscent of Hitchcock’s "Rear Window," Baltimore PI Tess Monaghan is bed-bound and bored, so she takes to watching the people in the park across the way. When she notices a woman in a green raincoat, and then the woman’s “disappearance,” her curiosity gets the better of her, and Tess gets her boyfriend, BFF, and assistant to help her find the truth. The plot moved quickly, there were several twists and turns that kept me guessing, and the reveal was a surprise.
Nancy
Behind Closed Doors by B. A. Paris
Narrator Name: Georgia Maguire
Rating the Audio Performance
Loved Georgia Maguire! Her reading was spot-on for me. She didn't go over-the-top at all, but was great at emphasizing just the right words, and in doing so, created the proper atmosphere; sometimes so normal and other times, so outrageous. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Psychological suspense novels are my favorite. This story was good but had a lot of problems suspending my belief at the crazy circumstances. Grace could have, in my opinion, gotten away from her sociopath husband many times. But that did not ruin the book for me. I just needed to know how she finally did get away. A satisfying ending!
Susan
Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner
Narrator Name: Alana Kerr Collins
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent performance with good character differentiation. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Interesting story, with a well-presented perspective on the period and how it felt to live in England during WWII.
Susan
A Long Time Gone by Karen White
Narrator Name: Pilar Witherspoon, Jennifer Ikeda and Susan Bennett
Rating the Audio Performance
These three women each did a great job of taking on the roles they played. They had very different voices and very different characters, and I thought they were all well matched to the character they were playing. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Great picture of family conflicts and misunderstandings and how difficult it can be to get past these, especially within a family of strong women. This story provided a fascinating picture of several different time periods and the impact the times had on the women growing up in those eras. I felt the author did a good job of keeping the story and the people real and interesting.
Carol Elliott
The Kept Woman by Karin Slaughter
Narrator Name: Kathleen Early
Rating the Audio Performance
Easy voice to listen to. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The Will and Sara storyline continues to keep us on the edge of our seats till the end of this latest book by Karin Slaughter. I think I'm over Angie...hopefully the next book in the series will let Will and Sara have their "happily ever after"!
Beverlee
The Girl in the Spider's Web by David Lagercrantz
Narrator Name: Simon Vance
Rating the Audio Performance
Simon Vance makes the book live for me. I walked an extra 15 minutes just to hear his voice!
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Felt that David Lagercrantz kept the spirit of the trilogy alive. I loved being back with Lisbeth and Mikail -- such compelling characters!
George
Bikeman by Thomas F. Flynn
Narrator Name: Jim Dale
Rating the Audio Performance
Being a first hand account of a true life event that must have been both dangerous and frightening, the narrator brought a controlled fierceness to his narration, creating in this listener a sense of a shared and nightmarish experience. I believe his narration game credibility to the unfolding tale that would not have been matched by anyone else who had been asked to take that role. First rate, from beginning to end. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a long poem telling a true story lived, witnessed, and written by the author on the fateful day in NYC, 9/11/2001. Mr. Flynn, a reporter by profession, witnessed the planes crashing into the Twin Towers from his apartment window. Notebook and pen in hand, he drove his bicycle first into and then away from the scene and tells us the harrowing story of what he witnessed and what he thought about what he saw and heard.
Margaret
Girl in the Woods by Aspen Matis
Narrator Name: Stephanie Tucker
Rating the Audio Performance
Stephanie Tucker is one of my favorite narrators but even she could not save this book. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I really wanted to like this book; I was drawn to it for a few reasons. I am always interested in reading about adventurous women. My son was actually hiking the PCT at the time, and Lena Dunham endorsed it! What more could I ask for, right? I sooo wanted to like this book. I could empathize with her reason for needing to hike, to grow, to heal. I am amazed she managed to stay alive! I know from experience her errors concerning food and water could have ended very badly. She is self-absorbed about her weight and sex, she never truly enjoys the magic of the trail. She ended pretty much just as she started in my opinion. Spoiled and self-absorbed. Really makes me question Lena Dunham. Not really -- I will always love her.
Melanie S.
Superficial by Andy Cohen
Narrator Name: Andy Cohen
Rating the Audio Performance
I think Andy reading his own words and thoughts made this book more interesting than reading it would have been. However, it was overly long for the subject matter with a lot of celebrity name-dropping. If you like Andy's nighttime talk show then you will probably enjoy the audiobook of his diaries. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Aptly titled, this reading of Andy's diaries by the author himself is full of name-dropping, but I do enjoy his wit and observations. This book was much too long for the value of the content and could have benefited from being edited down. That being said, I love my Bravo shows and found it entertaining, just like the Bravo shows (my guilty pleasures) that Andy produces. I think reading this would have been a snore, especially because of the length and the fact that there is no climactic moment, but with Andy narrating it was just like watching episode after episode of Watch What Happens Live!
Karen
Blue Dahlia by Nora Roberts
Narrator Name: Susie Breck
Rating the Audio Performance
She did a great job reading the book and she did the women's and kids' voices really well. I wasn't real impressed with the way she did the male voices. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The book content and storyline was great. I had a physical audiobook and I don't have a player in my house, so I had to do some extra driving, and I also had the book, but I enjoyed how Ms. Breck read the the book.
Linda
Brighton by Michael Harvey
Narrator Name: Stephen Mendel
Rating the Audio Performance
3-1/2 stars. Reader was very good and held my interest, but a little stiff. His voice didn't really distinguish the different voices of the characters, but overall a narrator that I would listen to again. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a very good novel, but it requires patience. I almost gave up on the story, but I am very glad that I didn't. The story takes a turn and becomes very engaging. The novel is about two boys who are close friends from a rough neighborhood. One holds the promise of getting out of the neighborhood and becoming a success story and one seems destined to remain there. As a result of an act of violence, the boys lives and friendship are changed forever. Years later the one that left returns and secrets get exposed.
Phyllis
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
Narrator Name: Audra McDonald, Cassandra Campbell and Ari Fliakos
Rating the Audio Performance
Run, do not walk to get the excellent audiobook! I was very impressed with their dramatic performance of the text! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Wow! What a powerful book! I am so glad I listened to this because the subject is one that needs to be heard! I am so impressed with Ms Picoult's approach to racism and I learned so much about American society and the importance of equity, not just equality along with the justice system. Highly recommended!
Karen
Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood
Narrator Name: R. H. Thomson
Rating the Audio Performance
R. H. Thomson's reading is excellent. He voices each character believably, and his voice reflects the action that is occurring. His reading draws the listener into the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Felix Phillips is the artistic director of the Makeshiweg Theater Festival. He favors productions of Shakespeare Plays. His job is usurped by his assistant,Tony, who says musicals are more appropriate. Felix has lost his wife and daughter as well so he grieves for them and withdraws from the world for twelve years until he finds an opportunity to teach a theater class at a nearby prison. He is able to put on his version of Tempest with the Fletcher Correctional players while teaching them to read and understand the play, cooperate with each other to learn their lines, update the presentation for current viewers and use their skills for special effects to get revenge on those who usurped his job.
Melanie
Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology by Leah Remini
Narrator Name: Leah Remini
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
For those of you unfamiliar with Scientology, this is a must-read.
Tessa B C
The Mirror Crack'd From Side to Side by Agatha Christie
Narrator Name: Emilia Fox
Rating the Audio Performance
Emilia Fox did a superb job narrating the audiobook. She was able to give the many characters unique voices, although her deep, gravelly voice for some of the male characters was a little over-the-top. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
3.5 stars. Miss Marple is showing her age but she’s really not so frail as people think, and she can still out-detect the most experienced Scotland Yard inspector. Christie really kept me guessing on this one. There are plenty of suspects, and lots of red herrings. Miss Marple is at her best in using her knowledge of human behavior and deducing the truth.
Deborah Ader
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
Narrator Name: Bryan Stevenson
Rating the Audio Performance
I am not usually fond of an author reading his own book but Bryan does a good job -- you really feel his passion for his work. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book brings to the forefront the work we need to do with our prison system.
Terry
To Capture What We Cannot Keep by Beatrice Colin
Narrator Name: Polly Stone
Rating the Audio Performance
Thank goodness Ms. Stone didn't read this in a monotone voice as many I have listened to lately have. Her voice is full of inflection and beautifully glided through this reading as if on ice. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Set in Paris in the 19th century with the construction of the Eiffel Tower as backdrop, this is about a chance meeting between two strangers - Cait and Emile, blossming love, and of choices one must make because of social standards. Filled with historical tidbits, Ms. Colin has crafted a story of many moods, doubts, and dilemma. What a glorious story.
Renee'
The Perfect Homecoming by Julia London
Narrator Name: Tanya Eby
Rating the Audio Performance
I'm in love with audio and how they able to change voices to match the characters. I thought this book was so believable. The only time I don't like audio narrator is when the author does the speaking. Every author is not able to pull it off. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
It about a girl name Emma who could not find love even for herself. At one time she was happy with life as a child and then her personality became strange to others due to the fact she never found the love she needed from her father and was hurt when her best friend (step-sister) slept with her dad. So she only wanted to sleep with guys who were older and overweight to kill her pain. Until she met a guy name Cooper in her age range who make her take a double take.
Shelley
The Beast's Garden by Kate Forsyth
Narrator Name: Jennifer Vuletic
Rating the Audio Performance
Compelling storytelling and great narration of the events surrounding a young bride in Nazi Germany. Narration was effective and believable and added to the intensity of a great listening experience. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Kate Forsyth uses fairy tale - in this case Beauty and the Beast - to relate the story of a young woman who marries a Nazi officer and confronts the horrors of Berlin at the beginning of Hitler's rise to power.
Chris
The Trespasser: A Novel by Tana French
Narrator Name: Hilda Fay
Rating the Audio Performance
Hilda Fay's performance was spectacular. Her narration felt true to the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This may have been Tana French's best work yet. The story is a page-turner with just enough twists and turns; the characters are well developed and very interesting.
Debbie
The Story of a New Name by Elena Ferrante
Narrator Name: Hillary Huber
Rating the Audio Performance
Ms. Huber does an excellent job at narrating this story and getting into the heads of the two main characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Although the first book in this quartet did not always keep my attention, I am now hooked. Ms. Ferrante has drawn me into her story of a life-long friendship between two girls beginning in the 1950s and extending into the 21st century. Their lives continue to intersect but not always happily. I continue to ask -- what is it that connects these two very different girls?
Melanie S.
Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsberg by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik
Narrator Name: Andi Arndt
Rating the Audio Performance
Andi Arndt gave a flawless reading of this biography of the life of this female Supreme Court justice. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
3.5 stars. RBG is certainly a fascinating woman with gusto and determination. However, I found the book to be a bit dry and full of legal rulings in addition to interesting aspects of her personal and legal life. I am glad I read it. I definitely learned more about this interesting woman, but I don't know that I'd recommend it to anyone but a non-fiction, history loving reader, which I am not.
Don
The Columbus Affair by Steve Berry
Narrator Name: Scott Brick
Rating the Audio Performance
Loved it! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Great storyline.
Deb
Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time by Mark Adams
Narrator Name: Andrew Garman
Rating the Audio Performance
Easy to understand. Expressive. Good pacing. Garman's voices fit the characters well. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
An entertaining and informative "listen." Adams relates current and past stories about a place that intrigues me. I doubt I will ever get to Machu Picchu, due to cost, distance, and altitude, but I cherished being able to "ride along" with Adams.
Barbara
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
Narrator Name: Robin Miles
Rating the Audio Performance
Narration was very easily understood and took me back to the time of the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
An excellent representation of the time and the personal feelings of the characters involved. I could easily relate the storyline to some of my own experiences in the accounting and computer fields.
Jean
Why My Third Husband Will Be a Dog by Lisa Scottoline
Narrator Name: Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serritella
Rating the Audio Performance
I never knew Lisa Scottoline was so funny! I have enjoyed her mysteries and now I am enjoying her musings on life. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Hilarious!
Patricia Miller
Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King
Narrator Name: Will Patton
Rating the Audio Performance
I started listening to this book and kept thinking to myself how familiar the man's voice was. So finally I looked him up - and I recognized him from various TV and movie roles! I absolutely loved Will Patton's narration. He did such an awesome job at the different characters. And his voice is very pleasant to listen to. I'm hoping that he reads the other books in this series. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I really really enjoyed this book. I haven't read a Stephen King book in years, but I love series books so when I saw that he wrote a few books with the same main character, I thought I'd give it a try. What a great read! Very interesting. Kept me engaged the entire time. And was on the edge of my seat towards the end. Can't wait to read the next one.
Patricia Miller
The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths
Narrator Name: Jane McDowell
Rating the Audio Performance
I absolutely LOVED this narration. Jane McDowell has such a pleasant accent and her voice is very 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 Elly Griffiths and I really enjoyed it! She writes very likeable characters. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I'm very eager to see where she takes the continuing storyline!
Jill
I Loved Her in the Movies by Robert J. Wagner with Scott Eyman
Narrator Name: Robert J. Wagner
Rating the Audio Performance
Robert is the consummate actor, so narrating his own book was a no-brainer. He did an amazing job and I could listen to him read a phone book (if they still make those, that is). It was as if we were at a cocktail party together and he was regaling me with stories of all these wonderful actresses. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Fascinating tales of the ladies Robert has loved in the movies, from the 1930s through now. It was fun to hear the never-before-told stories and to hear ones I have heard before again, through his eyes.
Francisca E B
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald
Narrator Name: Fiona Hardingham and Lorelei King
Rating the Audio Performance
Fiona Hardingham and Lorelei King take turns performing the audiobook. While they are not specifically credited, I believe King voices Amy Harris’s letters to Sara, while Hardingham performs the rest (i.e. majority) of the story. I apologize if I have that backwards, because I had a real problem with whichever of these women was voicing the major part of the book. First she speaks in a British accent; shouldn’t the narrator be American? Or Swedish? And then she gives every resident of Broken Wheel a Southern accent?! Just drove me crazy. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Sara Lindqvist arrives in Broken Wheel, IA to visit her pen pal Amy Harris. But Amy has died and the town’s residents invite Sara to stay on in Amy’s house, because that’s what Amy would want. At a loss, Sara decides to open a book shop with Amy’s books, and begins to change how the citizens feel about books, reading themselves and others. A sweet (if simplistic) fairy tale story with a happy ending.
Jamie
Paris for One and Other Stories by Jojo Moyes
Narrator Name: Fiona Hardingham, Susan Duerden, Jayne Entwistle, Olivia Mackenzie-Smith and Katharine McEwan
Rating the Audio Performance
All of the narrators did a nice job. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I enjoyed all the stories in the book. It was just a little odd that the first story was so long and the others much shorter. Maybe that was just because I was listening to the book though and was confused since I couldn't look ahead in the book to see the other stories?
Ricki
Dodger by Terry Pratchett
Narrator Name: Stephen Briggs
Rating the Audio Performance
Briggs really brought the time period to life (and I hear this was an easier listen than read due to dialect.) Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Fun historical fiction - the authors calls it fantasy - that really immerses the reader in the time period, but some parts dragged a little too long.
Lori
A Truck Full of Money by Tracy Kidder
Narrator Name: Paul Michael
Rating the Audio Performance
Paul Michael did a great job reading the book. He had a trace of a Boston accent, and that worked well with the main character being from Boston. He was animated which helped since the book is nonfiction. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I enjoyed learning about the life of one of the founders of Kayak as well as a view of the high-tech industry over the last 30+ years. There was a lot about bipolar disease which was also interesting. I also liked learning about his philosophy about wealth accumulation and philanthropy. The book was inspiring in an unconventional way.
John
Bound by Blood and Sand by Becky Allen
Narrator Name: January LaVoy
Rating the Audio Performance
This is a case where the narrator raises the story to a new level. There are some passages where her narration is so intense and emotional where you forget your surroundings and cower in a corner of the room where the action is taking place. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a fascinating fantasy, but not for the faint of heart. There are instances of rape and some violence (both integral to the story) and it slows a bit near the end, but it's a fascinating tale with great main characters, and there's definitely sequel potential.
Linda
Hush by Jacqueline Woodson
Narrator Name: Sisi Aisha Johnson
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator's voice fit my idea of a teenage girl. She did an excellent job of giving character to Toswiah. Marvelous. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Toswiah's dad, a policeman, is a witness to a murder resulting in the family entering the witness protection program. Toswiah and her sister have a tough time transitioning to new names, new schools, new environment, making new friends. If it hasn't happened to you, it would be difficult to think of all that such a move makes in young people's lives.
Lucy
The French Chef in America: Julia Child's Second Act by Alex Prud'homme
Narrator Name: Alex Prud'homme
Rating the Audio Performance
Prud'homme is a little flat, but because he has such a personal connection to the story and knew Julia Child so well he ultimately succeeds in delivering a fine narrative. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
If you are a fan of Julia Child, this book is for you. A close look at her years after publishing MASTERING THE ART OF FRENCH COOKING.
Janice
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande
Narrator Name: Robert Petkoff
Rating the Audio Performance
This narrator always does a great job, and this was no exception. He had just the right emotional nuances for relating Dr. Gawande's personal stories, as well as the other well researched information. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book deals with the difficult issues of how the ill, elderly, or dying are dealt with both by the medical profession and the culture of the U.S. at large; Atul Gawande writes of this with elegance, sensitivity and grace. Dr. Gawande, himself a surgeon, follows stories of patients, colleagues, and family members as he examines issues like nursing homes, assisted living, financial reimbursements for physicians, home health care, palliative and hospice care. I found this book to be thought-provoking, and very informative.
Linda
Behind Closed Doors by B. A. Paris
Narrator Name: Georgia Maguire
Rating the Audio Performance
I thought the reader was excellent. I liked her voice and her reading enhanced the story. I would definitely listen to other books read by her. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a very disturbing novel and was not for me. It was brutal psychological torture.
Bobbie
Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen
Narrator Name: Bruce Springsteen
Rating the Audio Performance
Perfect voice to read his works! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
What a powerful memoir read by the author. Whether you knew anything about Bruce and his life before this book, you will have a new appreciation of him and his music after listening. It was perfect!
Beth
When All the Girls Have Gone by Jayne Ann Krentz
Narrator Name: Amanda Leigh Cobb
Rating the Audio Performance
Pacing was good, inflections and tone usually correct. Easy to identify different characters, even when same gender having conversations. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Both a romance and a mystery, WHEN ALL THE GIRLS HAVE GONE introduces us to Charlotte Sawyer, jilted bride, and Max Cutler, jaded PI. The two join forces to solve a crime and locate Charlotte's step sister, Jocelyn, who appears to have gone off the grid. As the two get closer to one another, they also discover unexpected secrets about Jocelyn and encounter their own dangerous, life threatening situations. I liked the pace, the side characters and the setting in Washington state. There are many false leads along the way and a few legitimate ones interspersed throughout the novel, making it hard to guess just who the bad guys are. In addition, there are storylines related to Max's past, which are interesting and open the door for a sequel.
Deborah Smith
Solitude Creek by Jeffery Deaver
Narrator Name: January LaVoy
Rating the Audio Performance
I enjoyed the narration. I felt there was the right amount of inflection and character change. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I love books by this author and this was no exception. It's one of the Katherine Dance series, who reads body language. The story starts out with a fire in a club where the patrons are there to hear a band. There are three different storylines - who caused the fire, locating the leader of a gang and issues at home. Well worth a listen.
Debbie
Circling the Sun by Paula McLain
Narrator Name: Katharine McEwan
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent voice, perfect for the book's character. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I had read the book when it came out. This was a book club choice for January 2017 so I decided to listen to it instead of rereading. I am so glad I did - I enjoyed it immensely.
Cassandra Early
The Widow by Fiona Barton
Narrator Name: Hannah Curtis, Nicholas Smith, Handy Williams, Jayne Entwistle and Steve West
Rating the Audio Performance
Awesome story and told in such a way that the tension built slowly and totally caught me off guard, including the ending. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Awesome story. It just kept building the twist and turns kept you breathless. The ending was the catch-all. It was shows you how different people perceive themselves and others. Fantastic.
Jeane
The Wrong Side of Goodbye by Michael Connelly
Narrator Name: Titus Welliver
Rating the Audio Performance
Titus Welliver felt natural doing the audio for this book. Might be so as he is the actor doing Bosch in the Amazon prime series. Worked for me. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I like this series and have picked up the books since the beginning. Two storylines in the book. He has left the LAPD and is now doing volunteer work for the San Fernando PD on cold cases and also is a private investigator. Enjoyed both stories. Both were not simple, predictable nor boring. As usual, Connelly gives us a thriller.
Lisa
Britt Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman
Narrator Name: Joan Walker
Rating the Audio Performance
Enjoyed her voice. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Very similar storyline to A MAN CALLED OVE, which I preferred over this book.
Katie Toffey
Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Narrator Name: Linda Stephens
Rating the Audio Performance
For those that love an epic novel and hours of listening, GONE WITH THE WIND on audio is a must. 49+hours -- the longest book I have ever tackled on audio. The narration is fantastic. Linda Stephens does a masterful job capturing the time, accents, emotions of the novel. She truly brings the characters to life. What a well-crafted story - it should be on everyone's TBR list. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This was my first time reading GONE WITH THE WIND. I saw the movie a few years back and really wasn't a fan. I decided to tackle on audio feeling it is a book I should read. I was amazed by the story. You feel like you are seeing for yourself what life was like in the south before, during and after the Civil War - the choices people made, the sacrifices, the changes, etc. How some people were broken and others rallied in unimaginable ways to support their families. The dialog between Scarlett and Rhett is priceless -funny, witty, honest. So happy to have added this epic novel to my completed list.
Sandie
Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue
Narrator Name: Prentice Onayemi
Rating the Audio Performance
Fantastic expression and fun voices. I loved it! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A story of trying to make it in the American Dream.
Kelley
The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty
Narrator Name: Heather Wilds
Rating the Audio Performance
This may be a case of the audiobook being better than the print book! I normally read a print book and listen to an audiobook in the car and while exercising. However, this book I loved so much I stopped reading my print book so I could just listen to this one! The narrator has a fantastic Australian accent (which enhances the descriptions of the setting) and does a wonderful job giving each of the characters their own unique voice. She just added to the story so much! I loved the voice she gave Veronica. It was perfect for her character!
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
THE LAST ANNIVERSARY in true Moriarty fashion follows the stories of several characters (in this book they are mostly part of a multi-generational family.) Each character has struggles and secrets that we uncover as the book unfolds. The primary story revolves around Sophie receiving a house when the aunt of an ex-boyfriend passes away. What I loved about this book was how real each of the characters seemed. Their struggles seemed authentic to me, and I was rooting for them. Usually with multi-character storylines, I am really invested in one storyline, but in this book, I found myself invested in several of the characters. The plot moves at a steady pace, though, and the secrets are revealed at the right time.
Lonnie
Winter Storms by Elin Hilderbrand
Narrator Name: Erin Bennett
Rating the Audio Performance
Totally engaging. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Third book in the author's Winter Street series. I thought this might be the last in a trilogy, but happily it appears to be continuing. A lot happened with the Quinn family in this book -- I can't wait for the next one!
Elaine
The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett
Narrator Name: Alan Bennett
Rating the Audio Performance
The author/narrator is a playwright. His delivery is British and wonderfully subtle as he changes voice very slightly and manages to portray each character with feeling but without sounding strained or goofy. I found it so easy to listen to and so full of nuance that I've kept it on my MP3 for months. I like hearing it, even in random chunks, for the tremendous sense of well being and delight it brings. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
THE UNCOMMON READER is uncommon because she's the Queen. The Queen of England in her old age walks her dogs who bark at the bookmobile by the palace backdoor. From that point, she discovers reading for pleasure for the first time ever. She becomes a reading proselytizer, an inspired thinker, and then an activist of sorts. When Elizabeth II dies, the Uncommon Reader is the queen I will grieve. She's tremendously appealing, even humorous.
Sandi
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
Narrator Name: Jon Lindstrom
Rating the Audio Performance
Smooth reading. Good use of voices. Good inflection when needed. A voice that takes you along, does not bore you, and easily pulls you into the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book is science fiction. Science fiction described as, "Technology that, while theoretically possible, is not yet practical." A very good description of DARK MATTER, which deals with dimensions, choices, lives lived and lives not lived, time travel and ultimately love. The protagonist is Jason Desson. The book follows the life of Jason and his family. Saying any more would probably take away from the reading of the novel. It is unique and needs to be experienced only by reading it yourself. The novel reads very smoothly and quickly. Quantum mechanics are mentioned, but they do not get into the way of the story. You can relate to the protagonist and his family, and it is easy to be distressed by the other surrounding characters.
Amy
Dead Wake by Erik Larson
Narrator Name: Scott Brick
Rating the Audio Performance
Good, but not great. His voice was enjoyable to listen to, but the pacing was very slow. I used the "speed up" option on my iPad to move it along. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The history was very interesting, as well as the background stories on all the passengers. At times, the technical details were a bit boring. Overall, I'm glad I stayed with it. I learned a great deal.
Deborah Martinelli
Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen
Narrator Name: Bruce Springsteen
Rating the Audio Performance
As a native of the Southern Jersey Shore, the music of Bruce Springsteen is as familiar as the sound of the gulls and surf. My friends and I were fans of the local sound and fury known as Bruce, and sneaked into his performances while still in high school in the early 1970s. His writing and performance on the audio version captures his journey with riveting, truthful storytelling revealing not only his struggle to formulate and remain faithful to his sound, but gives a voice to all of us who grew up at the Jersey Shore. Thank you, Mr. Springsteen, for the journey, both in words and music. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
See above comments.
Gail
Cold Fear by Rick Mofina
Narrator Name: Christian Rummel
Rating the Audio Performance
Very good clear narration. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Enjoyed the story very much. This was the first Rick Mofina book that I have read or listened to. The story was fairly predictable but it kept my attention because I wanted to know if the little girl was okay. I will definitely read or listen to more of Mr. Mofina's books.
Deborah Ader
Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty
Narrator Name: Caroline Lee
Rating the Audio Performance
Some of the accents were a bit off but overall a good performance. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
While it became a bit maddening to get to what happened at the BBQ, I enjoyed the book and felt the characters were well formed.
Mary Lou
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
Narrator Name: Audra McDonald, Cassandra Campbell, and Ari Fliakos
Rating the Audio Performance
All three narrators did an outstanding job on this work. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book was a groaner. In writing a book that presumably intends to expand the reader’s consciousness about race, the author creates a story that is so unsubtle and so stereotypical that it becomes difficult to listen to the end. During my reading of the book I alternated between feeling condescended to and shouting out the trajectory of the next event in the story before it happened in the plot. Seriously? It left me feeling angry, both for the stereotypes portrayed of my race and for the same kind of exaggerations of the “other” race. And then the afterward by the author, dripping with white guilt and mea culpas, assuming that she has the inside scoop on all things racial. I’m sorry I wasted my Audible credit.
Laura
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
Narrator Name: Cassandra Campbell
Rating the Audio Performance
I've listened to a lot of books read by Cassandra Campbell. She is an excellent narrator and handles the male voices well. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I really enjoyed this book. It's about a girl from a mixed race family (Chinese father, American mother) who dies at age 16. The reader learns about the pasts of the mother and father as well as what it is like growing up in a mixed race family during the 1970s.
Linda
The Gunning of America: Business and the Making of American Gun Culture by Pamela Haag
Narrator Name: Bernadette Dunne
Rating the Audio Performance
For what could have been a very dry subject, Ms. Dunne does an excellent job. Easy to understand, good pacing. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Ms. Haag writes nonfiction books. She knows how to do research. There is a lot about the production and history of the gun business and the people involved with promoting the business. (If you don't sell the guns, the business goes caput.) I had been hoping for more about the how the division between those in favor of the 2nd Amendment and those against guns came to be. I guess that's another book.
Carol Elliott
The Whistler by John Grisham
Narrator Name: Cassandra Campbell
Rating the Audio Performance
Very enjoyable. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Enjoyed this book quite a lot. So many of his books have a disappointing ending, but this book had a solid ending and tied up the storyline. Elaborate plotting to tie in all the characters.
Tessa B C
Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom
Narrator Name: Mitch Albom
Rating the Audio Performance
Albom narrates the audiobook himself, and he does a fabulous job. I don’t know how he managed to read this without breaking down, because I was certainly in tears just listening. As a bonus, at the end of the book, one of the tape recordings Mitch made of his discussions with Morrie is played, and the reader can hear Morrie Schwartz himself imparting his words of wisdom. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The subtitle is the perfect synopsis: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life’s Greatest Lesson. This little gem of a book is the result of Tuesdays the author spent discussing life, death, family, work, and love with his former professor and mentor, who was dying of ALS. It’s touching and inspiring.
Diane
The Girl With All the Gifts by M. R. Carey
Narrator Name: Finty Williams
Rating the Audio Performance
Very compelling. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Excellent, edge of chair thriller!
Irene
The Fixer by Joseph Finder
Narrator Name: Steven Kearney
Rating the Audio Performance
This performance from Mr. Kearney was the best I have listened to in a long time. He changes voices from different characters of men, women, the educated and uneducated. I totally enjoyed the ride. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I enjoyed this book because I was familiar with the city of Boston and surrounding towns. The plot is a wild ride for a newspaper reporter investigating the mystery of his finding millions of dollars in his abandoned childhood home. It also involves an old disaster that truly happened in Boston and about the famous "Big Dig." This book will not disappoint the reader/listener.
Lory
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
Narrator Name: Cassandra Campbell
Rating the Audio Performance
It was okay...not the best, but not the worst. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This story gave an interesting perspective on the soul-earching and reflection we do when a loved one dies, as well as how this occurrence can completely alter a family.
Lory
Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty
Narrator Name: Caroline Lee
Rating the Audio Performance
Loved it! Made the book for me. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The book's storyline was creative and held the reader in suspense throughout. Moriarty did a great job of introducing a variety of characters and not muddling them all up for the reader. I enjoyed listening all about the "baaaarbecue" and wanted to continue listening all day long.
Melanie S.
Euphoria by Lily King
Narrator Name: Simon Vance
Rating the Audio Performance
Great narration made the story more interesting than in written form. I had attempted this book prior to listening to it, and I couldn't get into it, but listening to Mr. Vance allowed me to get through this book. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
3.5 stars. I felt as if this book was inconsistent. Some of the passages were incredibly beautiful and at times I found myself totally immersed in the wonderful writing. But the actual story itself was somewhat lackluster and I found myself zoning out and bored many times while listening. The characters didn't grab my interest. Just so-so for me.
Lory
The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez
Narrator Name: Various narrators
Rating the Audio Performance
Wasn't bland and helped decipher each character. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book was interesting and follows the lives of several Hispanic immigrants relocated in Delaware. It reviews the struggles, adjustments and alterations many undergo when deciding to move to another country. There is also some young romance which, to me, makes it a bit more YA than just an adult fiction read.
Melanie S.
Believing in Magic by Cookie Johnson
Narrator Name: Robin Miles
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent narration by Robin Miles. She really gave feeling to Cookie Johnson's words, as if Cookie was reading it herself. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
3.5 stars. While this story was truly interesting and I learned a lot about this celebrity relationship, I found the structure of its telling glaringly "out of order" at times, which bothered me. I did learn a lot about their relationship - Cookie really put up a lot to be with the man she loves. I'm quite sure I wouldn't have stuck with the relationship over so many break ups that he initiated. I found the segments about parenting their unique children one of the most interesting parts in the book. A quick read about a cultural icon. This couple has done a lot to promote awareness of HIV in the heterosexual community, which is certainly very important work.
Patricia Miller
The Likeness by Tana French
Narrator Name: Heather O'Neill
Rating the Audio Performance
For the most part I didn't mind this narration. The accent got kind of strong at points. My only issue was the way she did one particular character (Frank). It was so over-the-top and hard to listen to. But other than that, not too bad. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Boy, this book was a challenge to get through. First off, it's ENTIRELY longer than it needs to be! It's 5+ hours before Cassie even goes undercover - which is the entire base of the plot. And metaphors are so drastically overused throughout the book. I'm not saying that the metaphors are bad (you're painting a word picture, after all). But anything can turn bad when it's overused. They're practically in every sentence! They're not something you, as the reader, should even be realizing/thinking about. The fact that it got to the point where that's all I could see, is very telling. I really enjoyed this book when she was actually focusing on the main storyline. But there was so much unnecessary filler. Needed HEAVY editing.
Janice
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Narrator Name: Trevor Noah
Rating the Audio Performance
Noah has a wonderful voice. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Trevor Noah's story is a must read (or listen). His life experiences are so tremendous and heart-shattering, it's hard for an American such as myself to comprehend. At 32, he has lived through apartheid, an abusive stepfather, poverty, and crime. And yet, he came out of the other side with a strong sense of right and wrong, empathy for others and unbelievably, a sense of humor.
Beth
Everything You Want Me to Be by Mindy Mejia
Narrator Name: Jeff Harding, Caitlin Thorburn and John Moraitis (in order of my comments below).
Rating the Audio Performance
There are three narrators. One was good. One was irritating. One nearly spoiled the book for me. Terrible. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
It's really hard. I try to imagine what it would have been like to read the print version of this book and I would have liked it much more. Kept me guessing most of the time. The timeline kept going back and forth.
Aimee
I Will Send Rain by Rae Meadows
Narrator Name: Emily Sutton-Smith
Rating the Audio Performance
I loved the slow, sultry voice of the narrator. It was perfect for the story. You can feel the frustration, sorrow and despair in her voice. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I cannot imagine the grit needed to live through the Dust Bowl. Between loss of crops, livestock, health (from dust pneumonia), there was challenge and sorrow everywhere.
Lori
The One-in-a-Million-Boy by Monica Wood
Narrator Name: Chris Ciulla
Rating the Audio Performance
The reader had subtle differences that distinguished the different voices of the characters. Wonderful job. I couldn't stop listening. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I loved this story about love between seemingly unrelated people. It was warm and refreshing. The threads of Guinness World Records and birds wove the story together in a very unusual way. I highly recommend this listen.
Linda
The Dry by Jane Harper
Narrator Name: Steven Shanahan
Rating the Audio Performance
Steven Shanahan was a perfect reader for this novel. His voice brought the story and characters to life. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but I think this one would have been better read than listened to. There are flashbacks throughout the story and sometimes it was difficult to follow. I think if I had read this novel it would have been easier to follow and I would have had the capability to flip back if necessary. The story itself was excellent. A murder-suicide of a local family from a small town has caused panic in this farming community. Additionally, the residents are suffering personally due to a drought. A police officer, who once lived in the area as a teen and was driven out when a local girl drowned under suspicious circumstances, returns by request of the suspected killer's parents to investigate.
Mel
Settle for More by Megyn Kelly
Narrator Name: Megyn Kelly
Rating the Audio Performance
Genuine. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I have a new found respect for Megyn Kelly. She worked very hard to get to where she is today.
Aaron
Wonderland by Steven Johnson
Narrator Name: George Newbern
Rating the Audio Performance
Good. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Excellent book covering history of social events and science.
Rebecca
Shakespeare: The World as Stage by Bill Byson
Narrator Name: Bill Bryson
Rating the Audio Performance
Mr. Bryson has an excellent voice, and it is very easy to listen to his narration. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a very interesting book...no, Shakespeare was not uneducated...Shakespeare had an interesting family with his father as the mayor of a city, Will and his wife having several children. I found very interesting the common phrases we use today which were introduced by Shakespeare.
Rebecca
206 Bones by Kathy Reichs
Narrator Name: Linda Emond
Rating the Audio Performance
Ms. Emond was an excellent narrator, and the characters were very distinguishable. She has many acting credits including "The Knick", "John and Abigail Adams", and "The Sopranos". Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
If you're looking for Sealey Booth, Sweets, Angie, and other television characters, stop. The original Kathy Reichs' Tempe has been married to and divorced from Pete, and together the two have a grown a daughter. Temperance is thinking of getting back together with her detective boyfriend Ryan. In this episode, Dr. Brennen has been kidnapped with the intention of death.
Elizabeth W. Wade
One Shot by Lee Child
Narrator Name: Dick Hill
Rating the Audio Performance
Hill is a marvel reading Archer's Jack Reacher books. His reading is one of the reasons I have no desire to see any of the movies! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
It isn't perfect - not many are, but the story is typically complex, and just what you expect in the Jack Reacher series.
Jan
Lab Girl by Hope Jahren
Narrator Name: Hope Jahren
Rating the Audio Performance
Flawless! Hearing her story in her own voice made it more meaningful. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I loved this memoir. The author reads her own book and does so flawlessly. She writes about her love for science (she's won a ton of awards for her work), her travels and adventures in pursuit of knowledge, her (non-romantic) relationship with her quirky lab partner Bill, her struggles with bipolar disease, her marriage and family. Interspersed in the chapters are passages about the lives of plants and trees. For some, it might be too technical but I loved it, all of it, and will never look at a tree the same. The author has the gift of making these passages interesting and thoughtful. I now have an even greater respect for the life of a research scientist.
Highly recommended!
Shellie
After You by JoJo Moyes
Narrator Name: Anna Acton
Rating the Audio Performance
Anna did a terrific job. I felt like I was right there in the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The timing of listening to this book was very poignant, as my community just experienced the suicide of a beloved and popular teenager. As this book clearly portrays, there is much to deal with for those left behind. I'm glad the story has a happier ending than the first book!
Tessa B C
By the Shores of Silver Lake by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Narrator Name: Cherry Jones
Rating the Audio Performance
Cherry Jones is simply marvelous performing the audiobooks in this series. She brings Laura to life, and through her performance the listener experiences the excitement of a first train ride, the anxiety of waiting for Pa to return, and the joy of Christmas morning with the family. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Book number five in the Little House Series has the Ingalls family moving to Dakota Territory. Wilder gives the reader a good picture of the joys and sorrows of pioneer life – the harshness of weather, the bounty of a good crop and plenty of game to hunt, the dangers of the wilderness, the joy and comfort of family. These books are just a joy to read.
Sandi
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
Narrator Name: Jon Lindstrom
Rating the Audio Performance
Very well narrated. Good strong voice, good inflection when needed. Easily able to distinguish the varying voices of the novel characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Does everything come down to choice? This happens if I choose this and that happens if I choose that? Does choice, or our actions, take us to different dimensions? This book is science fiction. Science fiction described as "Technology that, while theoretically possible, is not yet practical." A very good description of DARK MATTER. DARK MATTER deals with dimensions, choices, lives lived and lives not lived, time travel and ultimately love.The protagonist is Jason Desson.The book follows the life of Jason and his family. Saying any more would probably take away from the reading of the novel. It is unique and needs to be experienced only by reading it yourself.
Helen
Rise by Cara Brookins
Narrator Name: Cara Brookins
Rating the Audio Performance
I enjoy audiobooks when they are read by the author - it seems so personal, so intimate. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I like books that show how strong women can do anything they set their minds to do. She inspired me. What she accomplished for her family was amazing. I ask myself if I could be as brave, as daring.
Candace Brenner
The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian
Narrator Name: Mozhan Marno and Grace Experience
Rating the Audio Performance
Very authentic. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Haunting because it could really happen.
Prudence
Wild Tales by Graham Nash
Narrator Name: Graham Nash
Rating the Audio Performance
Graham Nash is a very good reader. His British accent and clipped direct enunciation makes for easy listening. It would not have been as believable or immediate if read by someone else. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I loved hearing about behind-the-scenes and drama surrounding Crosby Still Nash and Young. I also loved to hear about his love affair with Joni Mitchell and others. I took off one point as his ego is much larger than I would have suspected. He was also way more of a womanizer than I would have expected. It is always the quiet ones you have to watch.
Laura
Before I Go by Colleen Oakley
Narrator Name: Kirby Heyborne and Rebecca Lowman
Rating the Audio Performance
Rebecca Lowman Is one of my favorite narrators. Her pace and subtle difference in characters makes for an excellent listen. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A sad story about a young woman battling cancer and her quest to find a mate for her husband before she dies. A sad but happy ending.
Sally
Victoria by Daisy Goodwin
Narrator Name: Anna Wilson-Jones
Rating the Audio Performance
Easy to listen to. The accent fits the time period and the characters well. Voice changes for each person. I like the idea that she also has a part in the PBS Masterpiece show, so an actress and a reader. Good. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Interesting historical fiction- enjoyable.
Lori
The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict
Narrator Name: Mozhan Marno
Rating the Audio Performance
I enjoyed the audio performance. The reader gave a taste of the characters having eastern Europe accents, which enhanced my enjoyment of the book. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I will never feel the same about Albert Einstein after reading about his relationship with his first wife. As with other novelizations of the lives of real people, I wonder how much is based on fact and how much in the author's imagination. I found the beginning of the book about Mileva's days as a student less of interest than the rest of the book. Now I'm curious to read Walter Isaacson's biography of Einstein!
Julie Bockstiegel
Lucky Us by Amy Bloom
Narrator Name: Alicyn Packard
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator was good - kept me going when I might have given up on this strange book. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is kind of a strange book and hard to describe. It is about two sisters with a dysfunctional family in the 1930s and 1940s.
Patricia
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
Narrator Name: Cassandra Campbell, Kathleen Gati and Kathrin Kana
Rating the Audio Performance
Absolutely on spot! The accents were fun to listen to. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Great story. And...a great way to fill in the blanks of my somewhat spotty education.
Toni
Magruder's Curiosity Cabinet by H. P. Wood
Narrator Name: Nancy Wu
Rating the Audio Performance
Many voices, done well. Narrator just received an award for her work on this audiobook. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Cast of quirky characters living on Coney Island during a plague.
Laura
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Narrator Name: Nicholas Guy Smith
Rating the Audio Performance
Loved this book. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Learned a lot about Russian lifestyles in the 1920s through 1950s.
Patricia Miller
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Narrator Name: Rebecca Lowman and Sunil Malhotra
Rating the Audio Performance
Both of the narrators did a really good job. I've never listened to a book read by multiple narrators before. It was a nice change of pace. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book was good, but I'm only giving it 3 stars because it was too 'young adult' for me. As an adult, I guess I had a hard time connecting with the characters who are teenagers. But the storyline was very good as well as the character development. I felt like the ending was a tad unoriginal. But I definitely think a teenager would enjoy this book.
Shari
Unleashed by Emily Kimelman
Narrator Name: Sonja Field
Rating the Audio Performance
I enjoyed the audio performance -- Sonja changed her voice so you could follow the characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I listened to this book while on a road trip so I was looking for something easy to listen to that kept my attention, and this book did just that. I got attached to the characters. It even made me cry! Enjoyable listen.
Chris
The Revisionists by Thomas Mullen
Narrator Name: Robert Fass
Rating the Audio Performance
Exactly what you want in a narrator. Different voices enough to distinguish in dialogue. Good pacing and enunciation. No problems understanding words or losing focus due to monotony. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This story concerns itself with a future that is deemed to be utopic, the "perfect present". Of course there are revolutionaries that think otherwise and want to go back in time to disrupt some events in order to change things. The government wants to preserve their present and believe any disruption in the past including altering anything to do with the "Great Conflagration" will change things. And so people like Z are sent back to protect key events or people. At times this whole feel of the novel turns from sci-fi to thriller to drama and back through. Admittedly, it did not stay in the sci-fi realm long enough for me. I may have missed something along the way because at one point I thought the whole time travel aspect was all made up.
Kimiko
Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella
Narrator Name: Rosalyn Landor
Rating the Audio Performance
I think the narrator did a superb job -- she even switched from London accents to an American male accent. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a wonderful author, although I had some difficulties with the overly dramatic sections (that were going on inside the head of Lara Linton) so I had to skip past some of the more incredible flights of fancy (over imagination going amok.) I slogged through until the end and really enjoyed the ending. I felt the character of Lara really "grew up" in that book, doing something unselfish and heartwarming, which helped her entire family.
Mary
Shopaholic to the Stars by Sophie Kinsella
Narrator Name: Clare Corbett
Rating the Audio Performance
Ms. Corbett does an amazing job wrapping you up in Becky Bloomwood's world as she navigates the stars in Hollywood, CA. Her adventures with best friend, Suze, come to life and are laugh-out-loud funny. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
How can two woman get into so much trouble? Becky and her best friend Suze manage to walk the red carpet, hob-knob with celebrities, and witness a crime. Sometimes you want to shake some sense into the pair, and other times you are cheering them on as they battle their foes in the world of high fashion, glamour, and glitz.
Francisca E B
The Girls of Atomic City by Denise Kiernan
Narrator Name: Cassandra Campbell
Rating the Audio Performance
Cassandra Campbell does a superb job performing the audio. She has become one of my favorite audio performers. She has good pacing, clear diction, and is able to breathe life into the performance. In places I felt that I was listening to the young women relate their experiences. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a fascinating micro history of the men and women – many women – who worked to extract the key ingredient that would fuel the bombs the U.S. dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasacki, thereby ending the war. Kiernan did much research and was able to interview a few surviving women to get their personal stories. Using the personal stories of a handful of women made the history personal and engaging.
Victoria Simon
On Writing by Stephen King
Narrator Name: Stephen King
Rating the Audio Performance
Stephen King states often that what makes a great writer is a great reader. He does a beautiful job reading his own life story out loud. It feels like he's in your living room talking to you. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is my favorite audiobook of all time. Whether you are a constant reader of Stephen King's books or not, this autobiographical tale given through writing tips is extraordinary. You will learn some things about King, about writing and a lot about life. It's also read by him, which is great.
Chris
And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Backman
Narrator Name: David Morse
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator brought an inviting gentleness to the performance which added an intimate depth to the reading experience. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a beautifully told novella about family relationships, the response to declining awareness, and the love that transcends the here and now. I was moved to tears and have eagerly pursued additional titles by this author.
Shirley
No Man's Land by David Baldacci
Narrator Name: Kyf Brewer
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent story with great narrators who bring the characters alive. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Excellent story with great characters.
Maryann
The Golden Son by Shilpi Somaya Gowda
Narrator Name: Sunil Malhotra
Rating the Audio Performance
This was a great book showing the conflicts of an Indian man, Anil Patel, trying to live in two worlds.
Anil comes from a small town in India and he's the first in his family to go to college. He leaves to complete his residency in the USA. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I loved how the author successfully makes you feel the struggle Anil faces in each world.
Marianne Houck
Razor Girl by Carl Hiaasen
Narrator Name: John Rubinstein
Rating the Audio Performance
Great plot and characters, in typically hysterical Hiaasen fashion. Also, great narration by Rubinstein, making the story very funny and entertaining. Set in the Florida Keys, anyone who is familiar with the Keys can totally relate. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The storyline of the RAZOR GIRL is a wild scam. Character Andrew Yancy, formerly introduced in Hiaasen's BAD MONKEY is back, and the plot centers around him and a murder case. Very entertaining.
Helene
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
Narrator Name: Simon Vance
Rating the Audio Performance
Simon Vance is an outstanding narrator/actor. He's able to use his voice to effectively change characters so that the listener always know which character is "speaking." Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
David Copperfield is Dicken's most autobiographical book. Its story is as inspirational as Dickens' own life. Listening to a classic is a real treat, because I probably wouldn't take the time to re-read these books that I read in school. It was a pleasure to retrace Davy's life from his birth through his childhood struggles, and onward...to meet once again the wonderful characters that make up the cast of this gem of a book.
Dottie
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Narrator Name: George Newbern
Rating the Audio Performance
Is it the author or the narrator? I absolutely loved the voice, intonation and timing of this narrator. I listened to this book (mostly) while walking my dog, and I was hilariously laughing, with people starring at me, many times throughout the book. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I had a difficult time initially getting into this book. I actually read more about the book after starting it, because, I kept thinking, "Why am I reading about/listening to this crotchety old man? And how did this book get so highly recommended?" I am so glad I continued because Ove really was a curmudgeon (I LOVE that word), but he had a reason for his sadness and ended up bringing happiness and a sense of belonging to himself and others. I truly was laughing out loud, plus I immediately rented the movie -- although the book was 100 times better!
Cheya Weber
Finding Rebeca by Eoin Dempsey
Narrator Name: Napoleon Ryan
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent performance. I felt like Ryan captured Christopher's character perfectly. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The horrors of the Holocaust told through the eyes of a German soldier searching for the Jewish girl he loves. There are lots of books set during this time period but this was a new and interesting direction.
Susie
The Nowhere Man: Evan Smoak, Book 2 by Gregg Hurwitz
Narrator Name: Scott Brick
Rating the Audio Performance
Scott Brick is one of my favorite narrators. His narration is easy to listen to and he does a great job of differentiating the characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I fell for the Orphan X character in the first book and was anxiously awaiting the 2nd. The NOWHERE MAN provided more back story on the character, and an unexpected twist (no spoiler) opens up possibilities for future stories. I do prefer Evan in rescuer mode over Evan as a captive. The captive storyline was interesting but seemed to drag on in parts. I found myself thinking "get out and get on with it." However, the post captive revelations were well worth the wait. Gregg Hurwitz tells a great story and I'm glad that he writes standalone books. I have a few more to listen to while waiting on Book 3 of the Evan Smoak series.
Annette
Gray Mountain by John Grisham
Narrator Name: Catherine Taber
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent narration! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Both captivating and depressing due to story content.
Tessa B C
Life Studies: Stories by Susan Vreeland
Narrator Name: Karen White
Rating the Audio Performance
Karen White’s performance on the audio was adequate, but I never really connected to the work. I thought she did a better job on the contemporary stories. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Vreeland is best known for her historical novels focusing on various artists. This is a collection of short stories that focus on art, but more on the people around the artist, rather than on the artist him/herself. The first half of the book is set in an historical time frame, the second half is contemporary. I really liked some of these stories, and others left me feeling ‘meh.’
Melanie S.
The German Girl by Armando Lucas Correa
Narrator Name: Joy Osmanski
Rating the Audio Performance
Joy Osmanski's performance was very good. My only issue was that at times when the chapters changed I didn't realize a different character was speaking and that it was a different chapter unless a new chapter number was spoken. Her voices for different female characters sounded very similar to each other. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
4.5 stars. This was a fantastic story. Yet another take on the World War II experience. This time a German family flees via a ship called the St. Louis, only to be turned away initially from Cuba who had originally agreed to take in the refugees. Paying an exorbitant fee allowed the mother, daughter Hannah and son to enter Cuba while the father is taken away from shore and back to sea on the St. Louis. The story moves between current day NY where Anna, who lost her father in 911 and a great niece of Hannah, travels to Cuba to meet her aunt Hannah, who was the child allowed to enter Cuba and who raised her nephew, Anna's father. I enjoyed this story immensely.
Patricia Miller
Defending Jacob by William Landay
Narrator Name: Grover Gardner
Rating the Audio Performance
This isn't my first time listening to a narration by Grover Gardner and he's certainly not my favorite. I feel like his voice is very robotic. And therefore, in my opinion, the way he reads the characters makes them come across as unlikeable. He's not the worst I've heard, just definitely not my favorite. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I really enjoyed this book! I love a good legal drama and this is one of the better ones I've read. All throughout the book I wavered back and forth as to how I thought it was going to end. There was really only one part of the story that I found a little predictable - but I won't say what it is because it gives away too much. But, all in all, I definitely would recommend this book.
Nancy
St. Albans Fire by Archer Mayor
Narrator Name: Christopher Graybill
Rating the Audio Performance
Christopher is my favorite narrator of this series. (There are other narrators recording in this long series.) I discovered this series late last year and have gone back to listen to each title. He brings in the flavor of Vermont and keeps each character separate. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I have been listening to this series since I discovered it late last year. I enjoy the development of the characters through the long time period this series covers. It is like listening to a family history. I thoroughly enjoy the Vermont locale and the descriptive language Mayor uses to describe terrain and weather. I was so happy to stumble upon this series and highly recommend it to other mystery listeners.
Tollie
The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman
Narrator Name: Gloria Reuben, Tina Benko, and Santino Fontana; Alice Hoffman - afterword
Rating the Audio Performance
I found the use of many voices on this audiobook very enjoyable and it helped keep the intricate details of this beautiful story straight. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
When I started listening to this book, I did not know this was a fictionalized account of the life of Rachel, the mother of Camille Pissarro. As I got into the story, I was more and more intrigued by the complicated life of this woman and her talented son. Hoffman's descriptions were so easy to imagine, especially the island descriptions. Alice Hoffman has always been a favorite of mine, and this story added to her long list of great books.
Patricia Miller
Cemetery Girl by David Bell
Narrator Name: Fred Lehne
Rating the Audio Performance
I liked this narration. I really liked his narration of the main character. And he did well distinguishing between characters. I wouldn't say the female characters were 100%, but not too bad. I would listen to another book narrated by him. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I really enjoyed this book - although, much of it I absolutely hated, but in a good way. What I mean with that is that the storyline is very difficult, and the issues don't really have any 'good' outcome. But it was very gripping and powerful. And I really couldn't wait to see how things turned out. This was my first time reading David Bell and I'm definitely going to look for his other books.
Renee'
The Company We keep by Mary Monroe
Narrator Name: Patricia Floyd
Rating the Audio Performance
Patricia Floyd has a natural way of playing a character. She able to switch with ease. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Main character Teri had a good life with no man or family. She spends her days on her career and nights alone. Her best friend is searching for a Mr. Right, but all she see is Mr. Maybe.
Jill
Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly
Narrator Name: Robin Miles
Rating the Audio Performance
Robin does a wonderful job of pulling one into this fascinating true story of the women we have never learned about in school --- the Hidden Figures who were the female computers for NASA. I loved listening to this history lesson narrated by Robin. Her voice was perfect for this book! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book was one I feel every single person should read, and it should be mandatory reading in all schools. These women were amazing, and we need to know what they did for NASA and our history. I am so glad that Margot Lee Shetterly wrote this for all of us to learn about the Hidden Figures. 
