May 1, 2018 - June 4, 2018
Janice from Monmouth, OR
Kristen from Pearland, TX
Ivy
The Best of Adam Sharp by Graeme Simsion
Narrator Name: David Barker
Rating the Audio Performance
While I usually don't opt for audiobooks, I was interested in the theme of the story. Once I started listening I became hooked by the intensity of Barker's voice. Soon I got hooked on the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
An emotionally and surprisingly funny story about love between Adam and Angelina. Loved it!
Karen
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Narrator Name: Julia Whelan
Rating the Audio Performance
Julia Whelan does a good job voicing all the different characters. Her reading is very pleasant to listen to. The tempo of her reading draws the listeners into the story and keeps them listening to see what happens next. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Leni Allbright's family is constantly moving. Her mother, Cora, is always trying to find herself, and her father, Ernt, is a Vietnam vet and POW who has been forever scarred mentally and physically by his captivity and torture. He has trouble keeping a job and fails at his attempts to start a profitable business. When Ernt learns he has inherited land in Alaska, the family anticipates a new life. It is a different life, and the neighbors soon arrive to help them prepare for winter. Leni does well in school and makes friends, but Ernt grows more paranoid. He fears the government and progress, and doesn't get along with some of the neighbors. Ernt lashes out at Cora violently, and when he turns on Leni, Cora fights back.
Julie
The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn
Narrator Name: Ann Marie Lee
Rating the Audio Performance
Very well read, with just the right amount of drama. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Very suspenseful plot, the twists kept me guessing to the end.
Richard N B
Eventide by Kent Haruf
Narrator Name: Geroge Hearn
Rating the Audio Performance
George Hearn does a fine job narrating the audiobook. He has the perfect pace and tone for this quiet novel. He really brings these characters to life; I particularly like how he voices the McPheron brothers. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Continuing the story of the residents of fictional Holt, Colorado, the novel features some of the same characters that readers came to love in PLAINSONG. Life can be hard in Holt. Accidents cause injury and death. Alcohol fuels violent tendencies and foolish behavior. Then again, some people rise to the occasion and help one another, moving forward with courage and grace. I came late to the party when it comes to reading Haruf. But better late than never.
Natalie
Letters From Skye by Jessica Brockmole
Narrator Name: Elle Newlands, Katy Townsend and Lincoln Hoppe
Rating the Audio Performance
I cannot imagine reading or listening to this book without hearing it in Scottish brogue. The emotions that were part of the story were excellently performed by the readers. I loved this story and the readers really brought it to life expertly. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Epistolary novels are one of my favorite genres. And this novel crosses the lives of the main characters from pre-WWI to WWII, taking place mostly in Scotland. This has been one of my favorites this year.
Ricki
Wishtree by Katherine Applegate
Narrator Name: Nancy Linari
Rating the Audio Performance
Linari was the perfect voice for Red and kept the story moving. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This short MG fantasy packs a punch with a tale about prejudice, friendship, conservation, tradition, and community.
Lory
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
Narrator Name: Nick Offerman, David Sedaris, Carrie Brownstein, George Saunders, Miranda July, and Lena Dunham
Rating the Audio Performance
Very helpful in understanding all of the characters and progression of the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
What a strange read? George Saunders. you're an odd one aren't you? I kept thinking, as I listened to this audiobook, "How did he even come up with this?" This book is very inventive and extremely unique in its approach to covering a portion of Abe Lincoln's work and life, specifically his second son's death. The primary setting is actually a graveyard. Saunders introduces us to over 15 former people from all walks of life who have tarried in this area, sharing their perspective on the intrusion of the Lincoln boy, the history of their individual experiences, and their continued struggle with refusing to acknowledge their deaths. I have never read a book quite like this one.
Kristin
The Sweet Spot by Stephanie Evanovich
Narrator Name: Katie Schorr
Rating the Audio Performance
Katie had the perfect voice for this story. She never lost my interest like has happened with other audiobooks. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
It takes a lot to make me laugh out loud when reading a story, but this one had me constantly giggling. Such a great love story peppered with the perfect amount of wit to keep you on your toes.
Audrey
13 Bullets by David Wellington
Narrator Name: Bernadette Dunne
Rating the Audio Performance
The reader did a good job of acting without being a distraction to the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a modern vampire story taking place in America in the 80s. A federal agent tracking a vampire almost gets killed but manages to live and tracking vampires down becomes his passion. He particularly wants one being kept alive, protected and studied in an asylum. Harmless and guarded, she nevertheless manages to increase vampire numbers. The agent is assigned an assistant who must toughen up because the vampires are growing and they are targeting her. His assistant is a gay woman, but there is no explicit scenes and it is tastefully done. This is first in a series.
Geri
My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie
Narrator Name: Casandra Campbell
Rating the Audio Performance
The performance brought you into the novel; it gave you laughter and tears. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a great historical novel with many historical characters. The authors brought the historical figures to life.
Wendy
Still Me by Jojo Moyes
Narrator Name: Anna Acton
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator did a great job with the different characters voices. Sometimes when the story has a British character the narrator's voice can be a little harsh and grating. This narrator has a nice tone to her voice. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A light, funny story. Just the perfect story to listen to after a day of work. You can imagine this being made into a movie.
Wendy
Daddy's Girl by Lisa Scottoline
Narrator Name: Barbara Rosenblat
Rating the Audio Performance
Not sure where to begin. The main character was a law professor and the narrator made her sound like a wimpy non-intelligent woman. Her reading was not believable for this character. Her other voices were very jarring. I had to keep adjusting the sound because her male voices were always in a yelling tone, while the others were soft. I almost gave up on the story because of the narrator. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Not one of her best books. The plot seemed a little far-fetched. Her characters were not very likable.
Sandi
Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J. D. Vance
Narrator Name: J. D. Vance
Rating the Audio Performance
Good voice. Obviously, as the author, he knew the material and when to emphasize and when to pull back. An easy voice to listen to. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is the memoir of an attorney. Listening you would not view this man as an attorney, or anyone currently from a middle income family. Vance resorts back to his - in his words - "hillbilly upbringing". Born in a poor dysfunctional family, it was due to the stability of his grandmother, a very brash and unconventional woman, that Vance was stable enough to complete high school, apply to colleges and become the man he is today. This memoir tells of the social, economic and cultural decline of the middle income white population. Living with alcoholism, drugs, domestic violence and poverty, this is one man's story of survival. The story of how he broke free, the people who helped him along the way, and the residual effects of that culture.
Francisca E B
Blood, Bones and Butter by Gabrielle Hamilton
Narrator Name: Gabrielle Hamilton
Rating the Audio Performance
Hamilton narrates the audiobook herself, and she does a very fine job. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Subtitle: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef. I’ll say this for Hamilton – she can definitely write. I was fascinated by the stories of her upbringing. I laughed, cheered and gasped at the anecdotes of her years working for the big catering companies, the summer camp and her own restaurant. But she kind of lost me when she got to her marriage. What really shines in this memoir is her relationship with food. I relished in the descriptions of both simple and elegantly complicated meals.
Stacey
The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks
Narrator Name: Julia Whelan
Rating the Audio Performance
This was a great audiobook. I found myself not being able to stop listening I highly recommend it. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I love a good mystery and this is definitely one of them. Twists and turns that I didn't see coming.
Jenelle
The Perfect Mother by Aimee Molloy
Narrator Name: Cristin Milioti
Rating the Audio Performance
Good narration. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The storyline skipped around. Hard to follow.
Sharon
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Narrator Name: Nicholas Guy Smith
Rating the Audio Performance
This was a very clear, engaging delivery which kept me interested in the story as I drove. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The story set in Russia was a compelling tale with a variety of wonderful characters. It is historical fiction set around activity in a luxurious hotel and restaurant.
Diane
The Book of Guys by Garrison Keillor
Narrator Name: Garrison Keillor
Rating the Audio Performance
He is masterful! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I have to admit the Me Too accusations affected my enjoyment of this book, but nonetheless it was interesting, insightful and humorous.
Barbara
River of Doubt by Candice Millard
Narrator Name: Paul Michael
Rating the Audio Performance
Mr. Michael's voice is a pleasure to listen to. I have been spending a lot of time on the road recently and he has been a great companion. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Wow! That is about all I can say. This book was recommended to me in the written form, but because of my recent traveling I decided to download it and listen to it instead. What a fascinating slice of history about President Roosevelt post-White House.
Kristen
A Higher Loyalty by James Comey
Narrator Name: James Comey
Rating the Audio Performance
I think listening to the author read his own work added to the whole experience. He has a great narration voice! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I learned a good amount and feel more informed after listening to this book.
Cindy
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Narrator Name: Jennifer Lim
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent narration. Easy listening. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Great character development about two families whose lives intersect. The teenagers are well characterized as well as the adults. Classic cases of miscommunication cause issues. Slow reveal technique keeps reader guessing about outcome and conflict causes. A great story.
Hannah
The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith
Narrator Name: Robert Glenister
Rating the Audio Performance
Voice acting is a form of art, and Robert Glenister did a fantastic job with this book. I sometimes struggle with listening to people speak with an accent different to my own (I think my brain feels like it is working extra hard to absorb everything), but I never found myself drifting or having to rewind while listening to this audiobook. He is consistent while reading dialogue to the point where I could fast forward by 10 minutes to a random point in the book and know immediately if he was using "Strike's voice" or "Robin's voice" or someone else. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
As far as the story itself goes, I did enjoy THE CUCKOO'S CALLING more than I did THE SILKWORM. I was just as engrossed in THE SILKWORM, but in a different sort of way. While listening to THE CUCKOO'S CALLING, I couldn't wait to learn whodunnit, and there were times I'd be listening to the book in the car and realize I was holding my breath in anticipation. With THE SILKWORM I found that I was more interested in the relationship between Robin and Strike, and learning more about these two characters, than I was with the story itself. Overall, it was a great read. One disclaimer: I did guess early on whodunnit, but was convinced a chapter or two later that I was wrong -- I wasn't.
Susan
Note to Self by Gayle King
Narrator Name: Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, Chelsea Handler, Jane Fonda, Jimmy Carter and Joe Biden
Rating the Audio Performance
Outstanding. Each note to self is read by the person who wrote it. Gayle King introduces each story with a brief comment to introduce the person. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Excellent. Like mini memoirs and visibility into what is important in making each person who he or she is.
Gerry
In the Distance by Hernan Diaz
Narrator Name: Hernan Berkrot
Rating the Audio Performance
Berkrot is a very engaging narrator, perfect for this novel. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Diaz's IN THE DISTANCE is a very readable story of a gentle man struggling to survive and find his home. Emigrating from Sweden to America, Håkan beomes separated from his brother and ends up on the Pacific coast, rather than in New York as anticipated. His life is devoted to trying to make his way to NY to find his brother. Along the way, he meets up with a variety of characters, some helpful and others threatening, and becomes something of a legend himself.
Gerry
The Rainbow Comes and Goes by Anderson Cooper
Narrator Name: Anderson Cooper and Gloria Vanderbilt
Rating the Audio Performance
Beautifully read by mother and son. I felt that I was privy to a lovely conversation between the two of them. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Very enjoyable conversation between Anderson Cooper and his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt. I knew virtually nothing about either of them prior to listening to this book, which was read by the two authors. Themes of love, family, aging, regrets, all explored thoughtfully and lovingly in a series of letters between mother and son. "I do now know the world, the good and the bad, and I would rather greet it with open arms. It is worth the hurt, the sting of loss or betrayal, yes, worth it all. Hope is essential. The alternative is to stop living. It never occurs to me that the rainbow will not come back...I know that the rainbow comes and goes, and really, isn't that enough?" ~ Gloria at age 91
Gerry
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Narrator Name: Trevor Noah
Rating the Audio Performance
Love when a book is read by its author! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Noah has a very engaging writing style, and presented in this memoir a fascinating look at his own chidhood and the larger South African society in the years after apartheid officially ended.
Gerry
The Orphan's Tale by Pam Jenoff
Narrator Name: Jennifer Wydra and Kyla Garcia
Rating the Audio Performance
I did enjoy the different voices to represent different characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
3-1/2 stars for a touching story of two women in Germany and Vichy, France, each holding their own secrets close as they travel and work together in a circus during World War II. I wanted to love this novel, but the writing style and too-pat plotting put me off a bit.Still, it's interesting to note that the story is based on real events that occurred at that time, and to gain yet another perspective on the horrors of that war, and all wars.
Amy
The Doll House by Fiona Davis
Narrator Name: Tavia Gilbert
Rating the Audio Performance
Very enjoyable! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A good read told from changing time periods. A little bit of romance, mystery, and history of the Barbizon Hotel.
Audrey
The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
Narrator Name: Amy McFadden
Rating the Audio Performance
This performer manages to not steal the show with a performance but keep each character's personality while making the story stand out. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Ruby has lived at Thurmond for the last 6 years, a rehabilitation camp for people like her. It's bleak, depressing and controlling. There's an epidemic of kids and teens dying. On the opposite side, there are kids and teens with abilities that are deemed dangerous. Ruby falls in the latter category, only her abilities are even more threatening compared to her peers, and if it was known, she would disappear. When Ruby has a chance to escape and meets some other escapees, she discovers a world she has been out of touch with and connects, against her better judgement, with other runaways. They are trying to reach safety - a place, a family member, something they each believe will make life better. Meanwhile, they are hunted by the government.
Tessa B C
Dreams of Joy by Lisa See
Narrator Name: Janet Song
Rating the Audio Performance
Janet Song does a fine job narrating the audiobook. She has great pacing and a style of reading that really gives a sense of the culture. I’ve listened to other books set in China, narrated by Song, and she’s equally wonderful reading them all. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is the sequel to SHANGHAI GIRLS, but this book really focuses on China during the cultural revolution. The novel gives the reader an horrific look at the devastating results of Mao’s Great Leap Forward. I was already familiar with this episode in China’s recent history, but watching it unfold through these characters made is somehow “personal” and gave it much more impact. My main problem with the book was the central character: Joy. She was so immature and naïve…I just wanted to throttle her.
Geri
The Disappeared by C. J. Box
Narrator Name: David Chandler
Rating the Audio Performance
David Chandler does the book justice. I enjoyed listening to this book with the suspense in waiting to see the full picture in the multiple mysteries going on. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
In the end will Joe Pickett get the best of his evil mother-in-law, will he find the missing Brit and who the heck are they burning at the sawmill? And last but not least will the busy body near the mill survive to tell her story?
Ori
Swing Time by Zadie Smith
Narrator Name: Pippa Bennett-Warner
Rating the Audio Performance
I find it very frustrating when the narrator affects different voices for different characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Enjoyable read - although I didn't particularly like the protagonist.
Kimiko
Open and Shut by David Rosenfelt
Narrator Name: Grover Gardner
Rating the Audio Performance
I didn't like this voice at all. Made me think the character of Andy Carpenter was a wimpy man. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I liked the storyline and felt Andy Carpenter has a sharp and sound legal mind but no common sense whatsoever. He is warned off the case (retrial of a capital murder) by someone breaking into his home, his office, leaving threatening messages, beating him up and even shooting his wife, yet he does NOTHING to ensure the safety of those around him.
Dottie
Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney
Narrator Name: Xe Sands
Rating the Audio Performance
Loved the changes in the voice inflections for the various characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Fun story about an older lady and her life in NYC, incorporating and reliving her life from 1920s to 1980s as she walks over 10 miles on New Years Eve. A spunky woman who has an incredible life and journey, making strangers into acquaintances into friends.
Diane
Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
Narrator Name: Justine Eyre and Mandy Williams
Rating the Audio Performance
She does an excellent job of conveying different personalities. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Compelling vision of dragons living as humans and with humans.
Alison
The Lost for Words Bookshop by Stephanie Butland
Narrator Name: Imogen Church
Rating the Audio Performance
The storyteller was lovely and the somewhat overexaggerated Yorkshire accent lent itself to the prose and poetry in Butland's writing. Wanted to give 3.5 stars rather than 3. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A book about love, friendship and ultimately forgiveness and written in such beautiful manner, too. Respect for the author's ability to use prose and poetry so masterfully but remain focused on the storytelling, too.
Jay
A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James
Narrator Name: Robertson Dean, Cherise Boothe, Dwight Bacquie, Ryan Anderson, Jonathan McClain, Robert Younis, and Thom Rivera
Rating the Audio Performance
There were a variety of voice actors that did the narration for the chapters tied to their characters. The variety helped to keep the characters straight, but there are a lot of them in this book, and it can get a bit confusing as you listen. I found the narration was excellent, with a combination of American voices and Jamaican voices, many in heavy patois. If you have difficulty dealing with a variety of accents and slang, you will have difficulty at times here. I found it was worth the trouble. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Strangely, this reminded me of how READY PLAYER ONE put me in a nostalgic mood. Unlike that book’s trip to the Eighties, this had many heavy references to pop culture – American pop culture – of the Seventies. Throughout the book you are in the character’s heads, hearing their thoughts. And what did they think about? Clint Eastwood movies, “The Dukes of Hazzard”, and lots of disco. I found myself chuckling many times along the way, recalling how TV, movies, and music were really common culture back then. Sure this is violent. Sure it has characters that describe their own death and after death (shades of LINCOLN IN THE BARDO). The characters mostly aren’t nice, but the great storytelling makes up for it.
Pay
A Speck in the Sea by John Aldridge and Anthony Sosinski
Narrator Name: Robert Fass
Rating the Audio Performance
Narrators really capture the drama of this amazing story of rescue of a commercial fisherman which rallied the whole community to find the washed overboard fisherman. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Wonderful true story with a happy ending which we sorely need these days. I loved the never-give-up spirit it conveyed.
Laura
The Lying Game by Ruth Ware
Narrator Name: Imogen Church
Rating the Audio Performance
Imogen Church does a fine job with narration. Her characterization is excellent. Not only does she change the tone of a character, but there is change in accent as well. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A suspenseful story of four boarding school friends who come together as adults after a body is found near their old school. A very good book.
Marilyn
44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith
Narrator Name: Richard Ian Mackenzie
Rating the Audio Performance
So many great voice inflections, I feel I know everyone well. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Scotland Street neighbors have their own story to tell, yet have definite opinions about each other. Their attempts at working through relationships have a message for the reader, as well.
Francisca E B
Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie
Narrator Name: David Suchet
Rating the Audio Performance
David Suchet is perfect in his performance on the audio. He reads at the brisk pace a mystery requires, and seems to effortlessly handle the many different voices required for the large cast of characters. I could listen to him all day. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Hercule Poirot may be on holiday in Egypt, but his “little grey cells” are working overtime. There are plenty of suspects and almost as many motives.
Eve
The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny
Narrator Name: Robert Bathurst
Rating the Audio Performance
His first time narrating an Inspector Gamash book...well done. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Louise Penny is always excellent. I love these characters from Three Pines.
Stacey
The Ship of Brides by Jojo Moyes
Narrator Name: Nicolette McKenzie
Rating the Audio Performance
Narrator was great, she pulled you into the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
It was a great storyline, but at times it was dragged out a little too much.
Donna
The Secrets She Keeps by Michael Robothan
Narrator Name: Lucy Price-Lewis
Rating the Audio Performance
Execellent at drawing you into the story and having distinctive differing voices for the two main characters of Meghan and Agatha. I was so entranced I switched between the text and the audio for when I was home and not driving. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Very engrossing, dark, psychological thriller. Plot is somewhat predictable, but entertaining nonetheless, and I stayed with it because I wanted to see how the author had things turn out.
judith
The Family Next Door by Sally Hepworth
Narrator Name: Barrie Kreinik
Rating the Audio Performance
Barrie's voice added richness and depth to this story which, at times, could have fallen flat. I originally heard her voice in TWO-FAMILY HOUSE, and look forward to hearing it again in TANGERINE. I am very particular about storytellers: If the voice(s) do not match the tone of the story, I don't waste my time listening. Barrie's voice engaged the characters and story very well and kept me listening into the wee hours of the night, creating suspense when necessary, and humor where appropriate. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Wow! One of the best that I've read in a long time! I've picked up and put down a lot of unfinished books in the past three years, and never having read Hepworth before, decided to take the plunge! I was neither swayed nor disillusioned by comparisons to other authors; I feel that Hepworth has gained standing in her own right (write?!) with strong yet imperfect characters, twisty motives, and clear writing styles. I enjoyed listening to this story while I walked to work from the train station, catching coworkers up every morning on Essie's dramas, Isabelle's mysterious presence, the neighbors' quizzical nosiness!
Mike
Pop Goes the Weasel by James Patterson
Narrator Name: Michael Kramer
Rating the Audio Performance
Michael Kramer was great at making all the different voices distinct and very much enhanced the listening experience. He elevated the material with great performances. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This one had a lot more plot than the last book in the series (Cat & Mouse). I went 4 stars instead of 5 as I made a prediction about what was going to happen very early on and I was right on the money. I love being surprised. Now, having said that, it is a great story with a great villain, and I enjoyed it immensely.
Julie
The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn
Narrator Name: Ann Marie Lee
Rating the Audio Performance
Very good narration -- suspenseful without being overly dramatic. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Great plot, full of twists and possibly suspicious characters.
Cindy
Risk the Queen: Lennie Carson Mysteries, Book 1 by MCM
Narrator Name: Gracia Gillund
Rating the Audio Performance
Gracia Gillund did a wonderful job at keeping the story going, and was clever with all the many voices. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I found RISK THE QUEEN packed full of fun for such a short story. This quick-talking, fast-moving 20's style P.I. story kept my interest from beginning to end. This is a fun and entertaining story that I will listen to again.
K.C.
Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover
Narrator Name: Julia Whelan
Rating the Audio Performance
Julia Whelan conducted a stellar narrating performance of this audiobook. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Tara Westover was growing up in a Mormon household in rural Idaho, alongside her doomsday prepping parents and six siblings. She and her brothers and sister had never visited doctors, no matter how serious the injury or illness, always being treated by their mother's tincture, salves and energy healing. They had no formal education and often had to listen to their father's religious lectures on anti-establishment, the illuminati, and gentiles, until the day came when Tara decided to leave Buck's Peak and attend BYU, eventually going on to Cambridge and Harvard earning herself a PhD. This is her amazing testimony of perseverance, persistence, and willpower.
Rachel
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Narrator Name: Zach Appelman
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator smoothly carries us through an emotionally devastating story. We were with him every step of the way. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The content of the book was intricate and fascinating. So many subjects covered in such detail. We followed Marie-Laure in France and Werner in Germany during WWII. When they finally meet the outcome is devastating.
Pam
The Monuments Men by Robert M. Edsel and Bret Witter
Narrator Name: Jeremy Davidson
Rating the Audio Performance
Clear, concise delivery of the book. Easy to understand and well-paced. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
It's a very interesting aspect of WWII, but there's too much information for one book. The story meanders as detailed background stories of various Monuments Men are interjected just as the action gets interesting. This interrupts the flow and dampens the excitement as the Men attempt to save/recover precious art during the war. The best parts are near the end as the author describes the incredible number of treasures that the Nazis hoarded and hid. The rescue of the art in the huge salt mine is fascinating. Unfortunately it takes a long, long time to get to the most interesting part of the book.
Sharon
Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J. D. Vance
Narrator Name: J. D. Vance
Rating the Audio Performance
This book was wonderfully read by J.D. Vance. It was clear and easy to follow and full of the emotion of the author reading his own story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This was a very engaging, interesting story with personal commentary by the author relating to the problems of his culture.
Tessa B C
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Narrator Name: Simon Vance, Alan Cumming, Tim Curry, Katherine Kellgren, Susan Duerden, John Lee, Graham Malcolm and Steven Crossley
Rating the Audio Performance
There are several different audio versions. For my second listen, I managed to get the Blackstone Audio version narrated by Simon Vance. I liked this audio even better than the first one I listened to. But then, I would probably listen to Simon Vance read his grocery list. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
If you’ve seen any of the movies, you know the basic plot, but the original novel is so much more! To begin there is the typical Victorian theme of strong men coming to the rescue of a damsel in distress. However, Stoker turns the tables a bit when he gives Mina the intelligence, foresight and courage to fight the evil forces in her own way. The novel is wonderfully atmospheric; time and again Stoker puts the reader smack dab in the middle of the scenes.
Jan
Saints for All Occasions by J. Courtney Sullivan
Narrator Name: Susan Denaker
Rating the Audio Performance
I liked the narration very much. It was easy to follow characters by Ms. Denaker’s inflections and voice changes. I took off one star because I found that I needed to speed up the audio to 1.25. This helped the voice that was too drawn out without making the other voices seem rushed. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This novel was a very good family character study for a recent immigrant Irish family to the Boson area. A death in the family brings to light secrets of the past to the next generation. This was a book club read for me and I think that the Catholic members of the gathering liked the book slightly better since they had more connection with the experience of growing up in the church. It was very well written, paced and narrated.
Gerry
Marina by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Narrator Name: Daniel Weyman
Rating the Audio Performance
I listened to Marina on audiobook via Hoopla, and found the reader's voice entrancing, and just perfect for this mysterious, almost mystical story of a young boy exploring Barcelona as an escape from his somewhat stuffy boarding school. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Carlos Ruiz Zafón's books make me want to visit Barcelona. It sounds like an amazing old city!
Alice
Paris in the Present Tense by Mark Helprin
Narrator Name: Bronson Pinchot
Rating the Audio Performance
Mr. Pinchot's French-accented English for the characters' dialogue added another luscious detail to an already rich, multi-layered story. His portrayals of both male and female characters was very subtle but distinctive. Avoiding to imbue some of the American characters with a fake, uncreative, and stereotypical Southern accent was appreciated by this Texan. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
My first Mark Helprin book. Luckily I have the gift of exploring many more. I loved the character of Jules Lacour, a Jewish musician and child of the Holocaust. His thoughts about love, life, and music will stay with me for a long time.
Richard N B
In the Woods by Tana French
Narrator Name: Steven Crossley
Rating the Audio Performance
Steven Crossley does an excellent performing the audiobook. His pacing is good and his skill as a voice artist clearly differentiated the characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a stunning debut. Gripping and suspenseful, with many twists and turns. I guessed the culprit fairly early on, but was still enthralled by the psychology of the characters – whether police, victims or perpetrator.
Barbara Crossler
Dear Madam President by Jennifer Palmieri
Narrator Name: Jennifer Palmieri
Rating the Audio Performance
Easy to listen to voice that fit the narrative. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Thought-provoking and informative.
Pat
Paddle Your Own Canoe by Nick Offerman
Narrator Name: Nick Offerman
Rating the Audio Performance
Classic Offerman. He is the only person who could narrate his memoir. Hysterical! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Amazing storyteller and you can easily imagine all his escapades actually happening. What a laugh riot!
Jan
Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
Narrator Name: Anne Marie Lee, Will Patton, and Danny Campbell
Rating the Audio Performance
Each narrator performed their role very well, although I did have to speed up the female narrator to x1.25. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book surpasses any fictional murder mystery – the fact that it’s true and took place in this country in the not-too-distant past makes it even more horrifying. Before reading this book, I knew little of the Osage Indians, their wealth, and the injustices done to them. It’s shameful that this wasn’t taught in American history classes. The horrifying crimes, the cover-ups, the bungled investigations, and, finally, the newly created FBI’s involvement makes for riveting reading.
Janice
The Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Life by Anu Partanen
Narrator Name: Abby Craden
Rating the Audio Performance
Abby Craden has a very calming voice and reading style. Her timing is perfect. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is an important book comparing life in the Nordic countries (Finland, Norway, Iceland, Sweden) with life in the United States. The Finnish author who has become an American citizen explains how the healthcare systems, education and schools, social services, work and most importantly don't work in these countries. Partanen, a journalist, gives a balanced and fair accounting. This should be important reading for U.S. citizens and those in Congress. This book was written pre-Trump so probably should be updated with current happenings.
Jane
Telegraph Days by Larry McMurtry
Narrator Name: Annie Potts
Rating the Audio Performance
This is the first audiobook that I have listened to. Annie Potts is the perfect narrator. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A good story for both my husband and me to listen to together on a long drive.
Jo
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Narrator Name: Davina Porter
Rating the Audio Performance
Ms. Porter has the ability to sound like females and males at any age. She is amazing. I've listened to the whole Outlander series on audio and Porter narrates them all. Each book is over 20 hours and when I listen I feel like I'm getting together with old friends - I know her voices so well. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The Outlander series is everything you'd want in a book. The series goes on and on and maintains its momentum throughout. I love it!
Tessa B C
The Three Weissmann's of Westport by Cathleen Schine
Narrator Name: Hillary Huber
Rating the Audio Performance
Hillary Huber shines in her performance of the audiobook. She has the timing and tone to perfectly deliver this comedy of manners, and, as a skilled voice artist, she is able to differentiate the large cast of characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
3.5 stars. This is a charming re-telling of Jane Austen’s SENSE AND SENSIBILITY (my personal favorite Austen novel). I had great fun trying to match Schine’s characters with Austen’s, and trying to figure out how certain plot elements might play out. Despite my familiarity with the original, Schine surprised me more than once.
Kay
Sleeping Beauties by Stephen King and Owen King
Narrator Name: Marie Bouvier
Rating the Audio Performance
Good clear reading, easy to understand. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Very slow, hard to stay interested.
Melanie
Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler
Narrator Name: Bahni Turpin and Lorna Raver
Rating the Audio Performance
One of the best audiobook performances that I have listened to recently. Both voice artists did an amazing job to create their characters; both drew me in and made me cry at times, something that rarely happens while listening to an audio performance. Both narrators were excellent but Lorna Raver's performance was outstanding. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
While this road trip to an out-of-state funeral unfolds, 90-year-old Isabelle slowly confides secrets of her forbidden interracial relationship, which took place in the 1930s, to Dorrie, the younger black woman who has been doing her hair for ten years. Incredible that this book is the author's debut novel! Very moving and heartfelt. Highly recommend in print or audiobook.
bridget
The Perfect Mother by Aimee Molloy
Narrator Name: Cristin Milioti
Rating the Audio Performance
Cristin Milioti was FANTASTIC! She made you feel as if you were watching a movie, as if you were there. You could feel the characters emotions through her narration and it made a real, lasting impression. She laughed and sighed and cried. All characters voices were distinguishable and flowed beautifully. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
THE PERFECT MOTHER had me ALL over the place. Biting my nails and looking over my shoulder and not trusting anyone! I thought I had it all figured out and wrapped up with a little neat bow, and the author ripped that bow off and stomped on it and flipped the script! Great book! I’m glad to see it doing so well as it is much deserved!! I look forward to more from this author!
Megan
Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney
Narrator Name: Stephanie Racine
Rating the Audio Performance
Stephanie Racine was an excellent narrator. This was my first fiction audiobook, and I was worried I would not like it. But Stephanie was able to just slightly change her voice for the different characters so you always knew exactly who was talking. The story moved a quick pace, and her narration always kept me interested. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Great story! At first I didn't know how I could only be halfway through when it seemed obvious what the mystery was, but in the last two discs in particular the story quickly changed and sped up.
Cathey
The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy
Narrator Name: Alan Rickman
Rating the Audio Performance
There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with Alan Rickman's narration. He intones the women equally as well as the men. It is very sad that we won't hear more of his velvet voice. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Another beautiful 19th-century novel, fraught with missed connections and misunderstood phrases and looks. But it's so beautifully done! There's a reason we are reading Hardy 150 years later. I'll ready more Hardy --- it's much more well done than some of the drivel that passes for books right now. 
