November 1, 2017 - December 1, 2017
Judy from Colorado Springs, CO
Sherri from Gladstone, OR
Sherrie
Victoria by Daisy Goodwin
Narrator Name: Anna Wilson-Jones
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator did a very good job with all the different characters and making their voices unique. She also conveyed the emotions well and kept my attention. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Enjoyed the story very much. Always love stories about English Royalty!
Tessa B C
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
Narrator Name: Janet Song
Rating the Audio Performance
Janet Song does a superb job performing the audiobook. Her delivery was perfectly suited to this type of fantasy. I was mesmerized. I am reminded of the stories my grandparents, aunts and uncles told on many a night, as we sat on the front porch in the dark, my imagination running wild with tales of adventure. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
What a delightful story for middle-school readers (and adults). Inspired by Chinese folklore, Lin weaves a fantasy tale of one young woman’s quest to help her family. Minli’s courage, grace, kindness and perseverance are to be admired. I’m glad that I also had a copy of the text, however, because it includes some lovely illustrations.
Jill
The Cuban Affair by Nelson DeMille
Narrator Name: Scott Brick
Rating the Audio Performance
He did a nice job. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is another great Nelson DeMille book. Engaged me from the start.
Amy
Ali: A Life by Jonathan Eig
Narrator Name: Kevin R. Free
Rating the Audio Performance
An absolutely wonderful narration that captures the personality and the bravado of “the greatest”. This is 22 hours of listening so it’s a commitment. I listened while painting and the time flew by. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Fantastically researched book about the life of Ali with lots of historical context and personal reference. It’s not just about the boxing.
Ricki
Final Girls by Riley Sager
Narrator Name: Hillary Huber and Erin Bennett
Rating the Audio Performance
The first person narration is good, but the third person is a little jarring; wouldn't be so bad if the book didn't start out in the third person. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Started off slow, but really picked up halfway through. I figured there was a twist, but it caught me off-guard, and ended up being more satisfying that the one I imagined.
TM
Beacon: Lantern, Book 2 by Chess Desalls
Narrator Name: Janine Haynes
Rating the Audio Performance
Wow...pretty darn good! The narrator, Janine Haynes, was awesome and the writer, Chess Desalls, even better. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The characters were well developed for a novella. The time/ different-world travel was a great twist. I was actually starting to get attached to the characters when the story ended -- I must have more!
Carol
Killing England by Bill O'Reily and Martin Dugard
Narrator Name: Robert Petkoff
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent. As if he having a conversation with you personally. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
There were so many historical facts, especially in the footnotes, which I was unaware of. This is best of the "Killing" books l have read. Amazing!
Judy
Big Girl by Danielle Steel
Narrator Name: Kathleen McInerney
Rating the Audio Performance
I really enjoyed the way that Kathleen told this story. She was very easy to listen to and made the story very engaging. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I think most women can relate to a woman dealing with fluctuations in her weight, particularly when approaching special occasions in her life.
Lori
Prayers for Sale by Sandra Dallas
Narrator Name: Maggi-Meg Reed
Rating the Audio Performance
I thought Reed did an excellent job; until I just looked her up. I assumed she was as elderly as the character narrating the story! She used what sounded like an authentic accent and made the story that much more atmospheric. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I enjoyed the book, which was mostly conveying the life of a woman by her telling stories to a young woman new to her remote area. She lived during a very challenging period of history which the author brought to life.
Anna
The Whistler by John Grisham
Narrator Name: Cassandra Campbell
Rating the Audio Performance
Fantastic! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Excellent.
shannon
Where Gable Slept by Irene Bennett Brown
Narrator Name: Mara Lynne Thomas
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator spoils this book! Most of the time she sounds like she is reading to a group of children! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is just a "nice" mystery, nothing deep, psychological, etc. I bought it because it takes place on the Oregon coast in an area I am very familiar with. Listeners won't be overwhelmed but they will be entertained.
Kimiko
The Black Book by James Patterson and David Ellis
Narrator Name: Edoardo Ballerini
Rating the Audio Performance
Pretty good job with so many characters to read. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
One of the best James Patterson novels in a long time. Kept me on edge. Didn't want to leave my car (to work!) because I wanted to hear what was coming up next! Surprise ending.
Heather
The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith
Narrator Name: Robert Glenister
Rating the Audio Performance
I loved the audio performance. The narrator, Robert Glenister, captured the likable but flawed Strike with a voice that was gritty and heavily accented like London's North End. He transitioned easily to more refined accents as well as softer tones and convincingly portrayed all the memorable characters in this mystery. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The book is fast-paced and entertaining. Strike is heroic while not intending to be and he has a great backstory. He's the illegitimate son of a rock star whose half-siblings grew up in privilege. He's brooding, but not annoyingly so.
Brooks
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
Narrator Name: Catherine Taber and Emily Rankin
Rating the Audio Performance
Great character representation. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Wow! Historical accuracy is dead-on! So sad and scary that this is part of our history.
MARILYN
Sunshine on Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith
Narrator Name: Robert Ian Mackenzie
Rating the Audio Performance
I am usually "hooked" on listening depending on the voice, or shall I say, voices of the reader. This book is no exception. It was most pleasurable to hear this fun account of the characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I enjoy all of McCall Smith's books for the charming stories that are interwoven. This is a delightful account of a group of characters who have now become like friends.
Francisca E B
The Christmas Thief by Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark
Narrator Name: Mary Higgins Clark
Rating the Audio Performance
Mary Higgins Clark narrates the audio version. Her pacing is good, but the voices she used for the various characters just irritated me. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
There’s not much holiday spirit in this slim volume; it is more a fun and entertaining comic crime caper than a mystery. I do like the cast of characters, and while the coincidences required for the plot to work stretch credulity a bit, but they do add to the suspense and enjoyment.
Lana
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Narrator Name: Cassandra Campbell and Bahni Turpin
Rating the Audio Performance
Outstanding performance. The narration made the book come to life for me. I listen to recorded books while driving and looked for excuses to go somewhere. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I had read and heard so much about this book that I put off reading it, which I tend to do when a book receives so much hype. I think, subconsciously I’m afraid the book will disappoint me. IMMORTAL absolutely did not disappoint. I worked in the medical field for 41 years, the last 25 in risk management and often dealt with patient rights and consent issues which were at the heart of this book’s message. What was sad for me was the total lack of consideration for Henrietta’s rights; they didn’t consciously disregard her rights, they didn’t seem to even think about them.
Sharon
Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls
Narrator Name: Jeannette Walls
Rating the Audio Performance
Well read and clear, this book was read by the author. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This was the story of an amazing woman, the author’s grandmother.
Linda
The In Death Series, Books 1-5 by J. D. Robb
Narrator Name: Susan Ericksen
Rating the Audio Performance
Susan has a nice tone. I am not thrilled with the voices she uses for some of my favorite characters, but overall she is easy to listen to. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Every one of the books are well written. There are 5 books in each set. They are easy reading and of course easy listening, especially while driving in the car. They aren't so complicated that you can't keep tract of everything going on while driving, but give good character stories and background. Of the five books, I really enjoyed NAKED IN DEATH. It introduced the main characters as in the first book in the series. It presented several suspects to the murder keeping you guessing a bit. It is a favorite of mine out of the series.
Laura
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Narrator Name: Dan Stevens
Rating the Audio Performance
Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey) does a great job narrating this book. Characters were distinct and pace was great. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Was feeling like listening to a classic. Other than every Hercule Poirot, this is a favorite.
Tessa B C
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Narrator Name: Carolyn McCormick
Rating the Audio Performance
Carolyn McCormick does a great job performing the audio version. She has great pacing and was able to make the various characters easily identifiable. I particularly loved how she voiced Effie Trinket and Haymitch Abernathy. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
In a future dystopian North America, twenty-four contestants fight to the death on live TV. Collins draws the reader in and made me care about Katniss. She’s a strong, intelligent, resourceful female heroine. The cliffhanger ending is a pet peeve and I dropped a star for that.
vicki
Life by Keith Richards
Narrator Name: Johnny Depp and Joe Hurley
Rating the Audio Performance
I give this 4 stars. The portions read by Johnny Depp falls short for me and I would give him 3 stars. But when Joe Hurley takes over, it is as if Keith is telling the story. I give Joe 5 stars for his reading. He doesn't try to imitate Keith's voice, but he's got the cadence down pat. Makes the story come alive. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Hey man, it's Keith Richards...it just is.
Nicole
Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling
Narrator Name: Mindy Kaling
Rating the Audio Performance
Mindy Kaling narrating her own book was fantastic. So funny and charming. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book was hilarious. Perfect for listening in the car while running errands.
Sherri
The Last Mile by David Baldacci
Narrator Name: Kyf Brewer and Orlagh Cassidy
Rating the Audio Performance
Good use of male/female voices of all the characters. Usually easy to follow because of the writing as well as the voice changes for characters. There was a unique use of music in the context of the synesthesia of the main character that I found interesting. The one thing I would like changed is that there was no indication of the end of the disc - my player just started over at track one. Since I am driving usually while listening I prefer an auditory signal that the disc has ended. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
As usual for this author, very well written. I got this book for a long trip but ended up listening on my daily commute instead. This is the second novel involving detective Amos Decker (so now I want to get the first, MEMORY MAN). Amos decides to take on the cold case task of finding out whether Melvin Mars who was incarcerated for 20 years murdered his parents. He is granted a last minute reprieve from lethal injection because another person admits to the murder. Amos sets out to find out the truth as part of a new special FBI task force that includes civilians working with FBI agents to solve cold cases. I found it kept me listening with all the new plot twists.
Aimee
The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines
Narrator Name: Chip and Joanna Gaines
Rating the Audio Performance
I love it when the authors read their stories, especially memoirs and autobiographies. I think they inject the right emotion and passion as they retell their story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
It's hard not to fall under the Gaines' spell when you hear their story. They are genuine, humble people who work hard and love their families and what they do.
Phyllis
Faithful by Alice Hoffman
Narrator Name: Amber Tamlyn
Rating the Audio Performance
Yes, that Amber Tamlyn! She does a great job of narrating the story! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is an unusual "coming-of-age" story about Shelby whose best friend, Helene, was injured and brain dead in a horrific car accident. The story deals with Shellby coming to grips with herself and her relationships. Through working with pets in an animal clinic, Shelby gradually works through her depression and has a healthy relationship with Mirabell and her family. Recommended audiobook.
Sherrie
America's First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie
Narrator Name: Cassandra Campbell
Rating the Audio Performance
Very well done. Each character had a distinct voice. She managed the language of our forefathers well. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Engaging story of Patsy Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson's oldest and devoted daughter. I enjoyed it very much!
Chris
Finding Jake by Bryan Reardon
Narrator Name: George Newbern
Rating the Audio Performance
Love listening to books narrated by him. Feels like you are taking to a friend. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Great ending. About a stay-at-home dad raising a sensitive son, a great kid named Jake who ends up being a hero. Shows how love of parents is everlasting.
Francisca E B
Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff
Narrator Name: Will Damron and Julia Whelan
Rating the Audio Performance
Will Damron and Julia Whelan narrate parts one and two, respectively. They are perfect in performing the audio version. I absolutely believed in their characters, was drawn in and held captive from beginning to end. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The book is told by the two central characters: Lotto (Fates) and Mathilde (Furies). Groff is masterful building these characters, with qualities that draw the reader into their circle. One revelation breaks the bond, forcing first Lotto, and then Mathilde to examine their relationship. By the end I’m left feeling battered and bruised and stunned. I want to start reading it again from the beginning so I can pick up any clues Groff may have buried.
Susan
What Happened by Hillary Clinton
Narrator Name: Hillary Clinton
Rating the Audio Performance
It is always interesting to hear the author’s story in their own voice. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This gives you a glimpse into Hillary’s experience leading up to and following the 2016 election. She weaves in her history, which makes for a richer story.
Julie
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Narrator Name: Bahni Turpin
Rating the Audio Performance
This narrator was amazing. Her voice differentiation for each character was so good. She emoted so well. I felt like I was in the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Great storyline. Very relevant. I thought she did a great job of showing both sides of the story.
Angie
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
Narrator Name: Cassandra Campbell
Rating the Audio Performance
I found Cassandra to be a very good narrator. She was kind of low key, but I think the book needed that kind of somber tone. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I didn't feel this book like maybe some of the other reviewers did. I believe it was probably a very accurate representation of how a family falls apart after the death of one of the children; maybe it just wasn't the right time for me.
Lory
The Silent Wife by A. S. A. Harrison
Narrator Name: Karen White and Donald Corren
Rating the Audio Performance
I thought these narrators did a great job personifying the characters in this book. I was glad they used two narrators with distinctly different voices - made it much more interesting. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I like this one - it was entertaining and additionally grabbed me with all of the psychology referencing throughout. Harrison approached the story alternating chapter narrations between husband and wife, giving a reader a glimpse into their differing views and personalities. Although we knew what was going to happen from the beginning, the author was still able to maintain my interest. I also liked how Jodi, the primary character and "silent wife", was saved by an unlikely scenario. As the story ended, THE SILENT WIFE had me feeling compassion for a murderer in a very Dexter sort of way. We disturbingly justify Jodi's heinous and unnecessary actions as Harrison expertly turns us against cheating, narcissistic Todd.
Marilyn
Bertie's Guide to Life and Mothers by Alexander McCall Smith
Narrator Name: Robert Ian Mackenzie
Rating the Audio Performance
There are a number of stories interwoven in this charming story and the performer does an excellent job changing his voice. It is as though his opinion of each character is clear the moment he speaks. Bertie is well-mannered but cautious. His mother is a control freak and I can hear it! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
There are several stories going at one time as the characters are all neighbors at 44 Scotland Street. But as neighbors, they are well connected and freely voice their opinions about what is going on. Poor Bertie wishes to be a regular kid, but his mother is determined to control every facet of his life. His father is henpecked but eventually finds his voice. I can't wait to read the next book to see how the families will work through their issues.
Lana
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald
Narrator Name: Fiona Hardingham and Lorelei King
Rating the Audio Performance
Wonderful performance, beautiful accents. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Sweet book about community and caring. Shows that in many instances friends can provide more support and comfort than family.
Melvin
The Shadow Land by Elizabeth Kostova
Narrator Name: Barrie Kreinik, Barbara Caruso and George Guidall
Rating the Audio Performance
The book was read by four separate people at various points. I believe Barrie is the principal reader representing the young woman, Alexandra, who is the main character. I don't know how to connect the other readers to specific chapters except that a different female reader read for the character Baba Yana. That section was hard to understand because of the nature of the voice, high & squeaky. I thought I would need to re-read the section on a printed page but did not do so. Another male reader had a very deep voice that also was a little difficult to understand. I did re-read his sections in print. It's a cute idea to dramatize with multiple readers, however, the main idea of audio is to delver the printed word in distinct spoken form. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The side story about Alexandra's older brother and his disapperance at age 16 did not seem significant and was an early distraction as I began to wonder what this book was about. This novel took a very complicated route to tell us something of the recent history of Bulgaria with a mystery to solve in the process. It did provide a somewhat plasuable story of how a cruel prison guard could rise to a high political position under a new freer gonverment but then fall from that position due to more responsible police officers and an outsider visiting the nation.
Susan
The Girl Who Wrote in Silk by Kelli Estes
Narrator Name: Emily Woo Zeller
Rating the Audio Performance
I really enjoyed this book. The narrator really brought the story to life. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Entertaining read about a time in history I knew nothing about.
Tessa B C
22 Britannia Road by Amanda Hodgkinson
Narrator Name: Robin Sachs
Rating the Audio Performance
Robin Sachs does an excellent job narrating the audiobook. He has good pacing and clearly differentiated the characters. I was never confused about who was speaking or what time frame I was in. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Hodgkinson’s debut novel is a beautifully told story of how a family torn apart by war slowly comes back together. Hodgkinson divides her chapters by location/time and by character, telling parallel stories: Poland during the war, England after the war. I was engaged and interested in the story from beginning to end.
Wendy
The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
Narrator Name: John Lee
Rating the Audio Performance
Wonderful narration -- really brought the story to life. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Historical story centered on the building of a cathedral. The first book in a trilogy and leaves the reader wanting to continue the story.
Carol
Two Kinds of Truth by Michael Connelly
Narrator Name: Titus Welliver
Rating the Audio Performance
Titus Welliver knows the character Harry Bosch well since he plays him on the Amazon Prime TV series. He does an excellent job narrating this latest Bosch book. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Another great Harry Bosch book. And this one is especially good since Mickey Haller and Sisco are also involved in the plot. I wouldn't miss one of the Bosch books.
Diane
Envy by Gregg Olsen
Narrator Name: Julia Whelan
Rating the Audio Performance
Good, crisp voice! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Intriguing characters and plot, but so much unnecessary product placement!!
Sandi
On Turpentine Lane by Elinor Lipman
Narrator Name: Mia Barron
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator of the audio, Mia Barron, did a great job. She has a smooth voice and was easy to listen to. Her character definition was really good and you had no problem figuring out exactly who was speaking.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I am not a romance or chic lit reader normally. And this book did not change my mind. I had both the book and the audio. The story itself was only fair. It was about a woman buying her first home, a place where an earlier murder had occurred. She was involved with a real crud who only thought of himself, and when she dumped him she took up with her office mate. She had a dysfunctional family that also entered the picture. Very light, basically humorless romantic comedy with a very small bit of a mystery thrown in. Not really to my liking.
Diana
The Time Traveler's Guide to Restoration Britain by Ian Mortimer
Narrator Name: Roger Clark
Rating the Audio Performance
I enjoyed listening to the the narrator for this book. Since it was a history book, he didn't really have to try to make any characters come to life. He did really well, however, in making the era he was discussing sound very interesting Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I love Ian Mortimer's Time Traveler's histories. This is the second I've read in the series and the first one that I've read on an era that I don't know much about. The Restoration has never been a focus so this book taught me quite a few things. The author does his best to put you in the era by giving you the sights and smells as if you were actually walking down the street in a village, town or city. It really does seem like you're there by his descriptions. I still have one more in this set to read and I hope that he continues with these books - they're one of my new favorites in the history genre.
Susie
Noelle by Greg Kincaid
Narrator Name: Mark Bramhall
Rating the Audio Performance
You can never go wrong with Mark Bramhall! Once again he brings the McCray family to life. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Another fabulous book in this series. I laughed, I cried! Just fabulous with a wonderful ending that I hope signals another book! Always happy to spend time with the McCray family!
Lana
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald
Narrator Name: Fiona Hardingham and Lorelei King
Rating the Audio Performance
Outstanding. The accents were wonderful. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I'm normally a nonfiction reader, but because of my library's more limited number of recorded books, I challenge myself to go outside my comfort zone. Thus I checked out this wonderful recorded book. It was so nice to read (listen to) a reaffirmation of the kindness of people.
Ricki
The Address by Fiona Barton
Narrator Name: Brittany Pressley and Saskia Maarleveld
Rating the Audio Performance
Both narrators truly captured the feel of the novel and the characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Very atmospheric historical fiction that almost feels Gothic. The more modern storyline has the same feel.
Renee'
Come Sundown by Nora Roberts
Narrator Name: Elisabeth Rodgers
Rating the Audio Performance
Her voice was excellent and perfect for this type of book. This was good listening while working in the house and driving a car. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A very good love murder mystery. 
