Betsy from Fairfax, VA
Margaret from Moorestown, NJ
Shelby
Educated by Tara Westover
Narrator Name: Julia Whelan
Rating the Audio Performance
Julia’s performance was pitch perfect. She voiced the family members with such skill that they jumped off the page. This must have been a very difficult book to narrate due to the horrendous treatment the author received by her immediate family, but her delivery encouraged me to listen during every spare moment.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This was a painful listen and is an example of truth being stranger than fiction. Ms Westover’s life is truly “unbelievable” and I commend her for sharing the episodes that formed her personality and shaped her into a powerful woman with an important message.
Denise
Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney
Narrator Name: Stephanie Racine
Rating the Audio Performance
Beautiful English accent! Loved listening to this.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Somewhat confusing but still heart-pounding suspense.
Teri
Fierce Kingdom by Gin Phillips
Narrator Name: Cassandra Campbell
Rating the Audio Performance
Nice voice, great clarity.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I tried to read this but couldn't get into it. I was captivated by the audiobook. Highly recommend this.
Annmarie
How Hard Can It Be ? by Allison Pearson
Narrator Name: Poppy Miller
Rating the Audio Performance
Miller does a wonderful job of capturing the angst and the fun in this light, funny, relatable audiobook.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Everyone can relate to Kate in the adventures and misadventures she faces in work, love and life in this wonderful book.
Karen
Rocket Men by Robert Kurson
Narrator Name: Ray Porter
Rating the Audio Performance
Ray Porter was an excellent choice to read this book. His performance draws the listener in to the story and keeps them listening. As the story unfolds his voice reflects the events as they happen. The listener feels the tension as the mission is playing out. The question is will the astronauts be able to safely complete the mission and return home. The listener is on the edge of their seat until the question is answered.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The story of Apollo 8 and the astronauts who first circled the moon is really amazing. The mission was put together quickly to beat the Russians to the moon as well as to meet a presidential goal. The men had very little time to train, and the rocket was a bit rough, but the mission was well planned otherwise and surprisingly the problems were small and not mission-ending. The astronauts and ground crew were able to analyze issues and work out solutions. In addition, 1968 was a rough year for the country because of dissatisfaction with the Vietnam War, so the Apollo 8 mission with its transmissions and photos of the Earth and Moon were uplifting and helped unite the country.
Kate
Lies by TM Logan
Narrator Name: Leighton Pugh
Rating the Audio Performance
Loved, loved, loved it!! Very easy to listen, precise speech with no real afflictions (British accent) so very clean crisp and clear. I love the variation in tones and even the way he voiced females and kids. Perfect all around!
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Really thrilling. A treasure trove of anxiety and frustration. A great thriller that has you guessing from start to finish and you don't really see the end coming!
Tessa B C
The Shape of Water by Andrea Camilleri
Narrator Name: Grover Gardner
Rating the Audio Performance
Grover Gardner does a great job narrating the audio. He really brought Montalbano to life.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
3.5 stars. Book number one in the Inspector Montalbano mystery series, set in Sicily is an absolute delight! Montalbano is a wonderful character. He deals with the worst of human situations and yet still finds humor in his life. Camilleri’s writing is very atmospheric. I almost felt as if I were visiting Sicily. I look forward to reading more of this series.
Melanie
The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis
Narrator Name: Cassandra Campbell
Rating the Audio Performance
Cassandra is a familar voice on the audio circuit as she should be. She is very smooth in handling the transition between characters. Her accents are spot-on.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Fascinating to learn the history of the Grand Central School of Art through a fictional characterization.
Vicki
The Last Ballad by Wiley Cash
Narrator Name: Karen White and Elizabeth Wiley
Rating the Audio Performance
Liked the changing voices and southern dialect.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Did not know much about textile strikes in the south and made me want to know more.
Vicki
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
Narrator Name: Kelvin Harrison, Jr., Chris Chalk, and Rutina Wesley
Rating the Audio Performance
Liked the change of voices, especially for the women characters.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The story told by the son and his mother was compelling. The inclusion of the spirits/visions of the brother to the mother as well as the young boy from the prison to the son added another aspect to the story.
Laura
The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt
Narrator Name: John Pruden
Rating the Audio Performance
John Pruden does a fine narration. Good characterization. He has a nice deep voice which works well with the characters and language of the book.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This was a fun book. I thought the language of the characters was absolutely spot-on for the period. There were some parts I had to “La la la “ through because the description of what was happening was to gross for my ears. Didn’t know this book was about to be released as a movie and am looking forward to seeing it.
Jennifer
The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Narrator Name: Jayne Entwistle
Rating the Audio Performance
Jayne is my very favorite narrator. Her British accent is spot-on for this book set in England during WWII. I could listen to her all day.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a children's novel, but adults will find it engaging as well. The main character is a girl with a club foot who leaves London when children are evacuated from the city during WWII.
Bobbie
Tailspin by Sandra Brown
Narrator Name: Victor Slezak
Rating the Audio Performance
Victor Slezak did so many different voices and accents which made this a dream book to listen to.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Sandra Brown again wrote a compelling story and I think I listened to this in about 3 days! It kept me entertained. I loved the way the different voices were portrayed. Altogether such a fun interesting book.
Carol R.
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Narrator Name: Nicholas Guy Smith
Rating the Audio Performance
Narrator gave an excellent performance in voicing the various characters.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Storyline and the history of Russia following the revolution.
Gerry
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
Narrator Name: Simon Slater
Rating the Audio Performance
Slater is able to adjust his voice to distinguish male from female characters, as well as multiple accents, and generally does an excellent narration.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Very interesting story of Thomas Cromwell during the reign of Henry VIII. The novel is long and detailed with many characters to keep track of, but held my interest throughout.
Gerry
The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher by Hilary Mantel
Narrator Name: Jane Carr
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent!
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Sadly, short stories are just not my cup of tea. But, this collection did give me enough of a sample of Mantel's writing to spur me on to read one of her longer novels.
Gerry
America for Beginners by Leah Franqui
Narrator Name: Soneela Nankani
Rating the Audio Performance
Does a great job conveying accents while still being absolutely clear.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Franqui's debut novel has had good reviews, and now I see why. It's a heartwarming tale of a Bengali widow traveling to America, with interesting, well-develped characters and relationships, and cultural references that left me wanting to read more about the partition and revolution that led to the formation of Bangladesh from the former East Pakistan. Definitely an author to follow!
Tessa
Catch Me If You Can by Frank W. Abagnale
Narrator Name: Barrett Whitener
Rating the Audio Performance
Barrett Whitener does a fine job narrating the audiobook. Great pacing and Abagnale’s charming personality shines through.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The book’s subtitle depends on the edition: The Amazing True Story of the Most Extraordinary Liar in the History of Fun and Profit! -or- The True Story Of a Real Fake. Frank Abagnale began his career as a forger, check-kiter and con-man when he was just sixteen years old. It’s a fascinating "memoir" of his years of crime, full of daring escapades, humorous situations, and outlandish lies.
Pat
The Glass Ocean by Beatriz Williams, Karen White and Lauren Willig
Narrator Name: Brittany Pressley, Saskia Maarleveld, and Vanessa Johansson
Rating the Audio Performance
Narrators do a great job of narrating a wonderful story.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A historical fiction written by three great authors who know how to weave a great historical tale.
Kristen
Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier
Narrator Name: January LaVoy
Rating the Audio Performance
As usual, Ms. LaVoy does an excellent job of narrating different types of characters.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Not the most original thriller I've read.
Erin
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
Narrator Name: Hillary Huber
Rating the Audio Performance
Hillary Huber kept me interested and helped me stay with the book.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I almost stopped listening a few times. I struggled a bit to feel involved with the characters, but once I was I really loved it. Follows the lives of two young girls who become friends and the different paths their lives take. Slow but worth it. I am looking forward to Book 2.
Megan
The World As It Is by Ben Rhodes
Narrator Name: Mark Deakins
Rating the Audio Performance
It was good hearing the author read his own introduction, and at first I had hoped he would read the whole book but I really enjoyed Mark Deakins narration. When Obama was speaking, he changed his voice just slightly enough for you to recognize who he was speaking for.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Great insight into the Obama years by someone who was with him from before the primaries until the very last time Obama stepped off Air Force One. The content dealt mostly with Obama's foreign policy during his eight years in the White House. Great background information and great insight into how foreign policy is formed and put into practice
Kalyn
Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler
Narrator Name: Dion Graham
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator gave a very authentic feel to the African American setting and characters. I also enjoyed the voice acting for each character which made it very easy to discern one from the other. My only regret is that he did not get to voice the rest of the series.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The storyline is very pre-X-men with supernaturals living and fighting among each other. The two main characters, Doro and Anyanwu, are at the core of the story as they struggle to usurp one another with their powerful special gifts. As time passes, they must deal with the consequences of their actions and how it affects others. To add to the story's plot the book also covers a multi-generational genetic engineering project that goes on with or without consent from others.
Margaret
Angel Falls by Nora Roberts
Narrator Name: Joyce Bean
Rating the Audio Performance
I like the narrator. I like the tone of her voice and how she is able to differentiate between characters, male and female.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I normally read Nora Roberts and throughly enjoyed this book. Couldn’t figure out the bad guy and couldn’t stop listening.
Jenelle
The Queen of Hearts by Kimmery Martin
Narrator Name: Sharon McManus
Rating the Audio Performance
Well-paced and clear.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
About two physicians that have been friends since medical school and one has a secret.
Lory
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
Narrator Name: Bahni Turpin
Rating the Audio Performance
This felt like different narrators were used for the differing characters was great and helped me to follow along with the story.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This was an infuriating, heart-wrenching, and beautiful story. Cora's journey and experiences, to and from freedom, were unimaginable, yet what is even more shocking is the awareness of how much these attitudes, actions, and atrocities are a factual part of American history. THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD was very well written and thought-provoking; a good read. I never tire of reading about the angst and harsh realities of the slavery experience, human stories of survival and of resilience.
Patricia
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Narrator Name: Nicholas Guy Smith
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator perfectly captures the elegance of the Count as we learn of his life living at the Metropol.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A book you slowly savor so you can enjoy Towles’ magnificent use of language. The descriptions make you stop and reread the sections, appreciating a story so well told!
Richard N B
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
Narrator Name: Simon Vance
Rating the Audio Performance
The audiobook is performed by Simon Vance, who voices the introduction, and Vanessa Benjamin, who narrates the governess’s manuscript. They are both accomplished voice actors and do a marvelous job with James’ work.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
3.5 stars. A ghost story and psychological thriller. A young woman is hired to be governess to two young children, Miles and Flora. The governess is certain that some malevolent entity is intent on capturing the children in her care, and she is determined to prevent it from doing so. All the uncertainty and secrecy serve to increase the emotional tension in the story. It is dark, and puzzling, and disturbing.
Sherri
The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer
Narrator Name: Jen Tullock
Rating the Audio Performance
I thought Jen did a pretty good job of distinguishing between characters despite the numbers and genders.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
My daughter recommended this to me for a bingo reading contest I was participating in. I enjoyed it and have wanted to read a book by this author for a long time so was glad to finally do so (next will be THE TEN-YEAR NAP). This is a "coming-of-age/growing-up" of a group of teens who meet at a special camp for the arts and how their friendship changes over time. I found the wide range of life topics covered (from coming out to autism to divorce to suicide) to be a bit hard to imagine. The writing style was very compelling and kept me reading - though I did get confused occasionally by the number of characters and the wide life span covered in the book. There were several very good "one liners" or thought-provoking descriptions.
Amy
Circling the Sun by Paula McLain
Narrator Name: Katharine McEwan
Rating the Audio Performance
Wonderful! Pacing is perfect and it just sounds lovely.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A beautifully-written book about the life of a fascinating woman whom I had never heard of. The setting is a huge part of the storyline and it made me want to see long-ago Kenya. It also made me wish I had met Beryl Markham! My only negative was that the last few chapters felt rushed and didn't get as much attention as the earlier chapters in the book.
Ricki
How Hard Can It Be? by Allison Pearson
Narrator Name: Poppy Miller
Rating the Audio Performance
Very believable as the main character.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Classic British chick lit, but with an interesting twist of an older protagonist.
Debbie
Circe by Madeline Miller
Narrator Name: Perdita Weeks
Rating the Audio Performance
I thought Ms. Weeks did a good job at narration. It was somewhat difficult to distinguish between characters but her narration of Circe's voice was amazing.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I loved this book. Ms. Miller's knowledge of Greek mythology and her familiarity with the stories of the Greek gods and their interactions with mortals makes this story very interesting. I have also read her SONG OF ACHILLES and that is wonderful as well. If you enjoy Greek mythology you will enjoy this book.
Pam
Pirate Hunters: Treasure, Obsession, and the Search for a Legendary Pirate Ship by Robert Kurson
Narrator Name: Ray Porter
Rating the Audio Performance
Good voice for narration, clear and understandable with some expression.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I liked the story but found it got bogged down in some of the characters' backstories.
Debbie
Am American Marriage by Tayari Jones
Narrator Name: Sean Crisden and Eisa Davis
Rating the Audio Performance
The voice of each character, was so easy for me to visualize each character and follow the story to the bitter end. Their cadence and inflection were mesmerizing. A must-listen for sure!
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The storyline has touched everyone of us in some way, shape or form. Heart-wrenching, page-turner and a fabulous love story.
Helen
Heartland by Sarah Smarsh
Narrator Name: Sarah Smarsh
Rating the Audio Performance
I always feel that a book is more personal when it is read by the author. The nuisances that only the writer can deliver are powerful.This book was inspiring on many levels. Sarah Smarsh’s humanity speaks volumes.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book was inspiring on many levels. People work hard to make a decent living for their families. There is a joy in the struggle, but the constant worries about making ends meet is exhausting. Yet, hope never dims even in the darkest times. This book reminded me of NICKLE AND DIMED. The book will stay with me for a very long time.
Francisca E B
The Girl Who Fell From the Sky by Heidi W. Durrow
Narrator Name: Karen Murray, Emily Bauer and Kathleen McInerney
Rating the Audio Performance
The audiobook was capably performed by a trio of talented artists: Karen Murray, Emily Bauer and Kathleen McInerney. One does the general narration. One voices Rachel and the third voices Nilla. This is pretty affective for this story told from multiple points of view.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Rachel, the daughter of a Danish mother and a black G.I., becomes the sole survivor of a family tragedy after a fateful morning on a Chicago rooftop. I found the book in turns horrifying, moving, disturbing, riveting, and confusing. The story moves back and forth in time, and with multiple narrators. I was moved by Rachel’s predicament and empathized with her struggles to come to terms with what had happened to her, and to those she loved. All told, this is a great debut, and I look forward to reading future works by Durrow.
Megan
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Narrator Name: Julia Whelan
Rating the Audio Performance
Julia Whelan did an amazing job narrating this book. Her vocal changes for each character were subtle but you always knew who was speaking. It was a long book but Julia's narration kept it interesting.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Excellent book and story. It was reminiscent of many true stories of children being raised by parents "off the grid". The characters were believable and the storyline was fascinating. Only criticism, it was longer than it needed to be.
Jamie
Endurance: A Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery by Scott Kelly
Narrator Name: Scott Kelly
Rating the Audio Performance
This was read by the author, astronaut Scott Kelly. While I don't know that I would suggest he read other books, this one worked well for reading his own. I finished the last couple chapters reading in print form, but I could still hear his voice "reading" to me.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I found this book to be fascinating. I learned so much about astronauts, the International Space Station, space travel, and so much more. This is one I have already recommended to others.
Lori
Fly Girls by Keith O'Brien
Narrator Name: Erin Bennett
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator did a great job reading the book. No fault of hers, but it was sometimes hard to keep track of the characters when the book moved from person to person.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This was an interesting history of early aviation, focusing on the women aviators. I enjoyed learning some of the history of this period and how extra challenging it was for these women. I would recommend the book to people interested in aviation history.
Sheila
The Book of Unknown Americans by Christina Henriquez
Narrator Name: Christine Avila, Ozzie Rodriguez, Yareli Arizmendi, Gustavo Res, Gabriel Romero and Jesse Corti
Rating the Audio Performance
It was like having live theater in my car with so many different voices and characters.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a raw story of the immigrant experience in the U.S., why they sacrificed their own lives and happiness for their families. It is heartbreaking, yet hopeful at the same time. I can't express how riveting this story is.
Marilyn
Betrayed by Lisa Scottoline
Narrator Name: Maria Bello
Rating the Audio Performance
Well done, suspenseful, interesting.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Interesting plot, conversation about the true identity of parent. Was especially well written.
Cindy
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Narrator Name: Cathleen McCarron
Rating the Audio Performance
Such a great audiobook! I’ve caught myself “running errands” so I could listen to more of “Eleanor” as I puttered around town! Cathleen’s lovely voice made this a joy!
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Although quite funny, “Eleanor” is a sad tale of a “lost” childhood and the devastation and power a parent can wreak. It is also a testament to the power of love, friendship, and ultimately the personal fortitude we each have to “save” ourselves.
peggy
Salem's Lot by Stephen King
Narrator Name: Ron McLarty
Rating the Audio Performance
I read this book years ago but wanted to revisit it in the audio form and I wasn't disappointed. My job requires me to check on vacant homes after they are foreclosed on and you cannot imagine the thoughts going through my head! The audiobook has much more effect than just reading it. I really enjoyed it and hope to revisit more of Stephen King's books in audio.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Really good read for this time of year. Don't know how it happens that I always seem to pick up books that are taking place during the same time of year in real time, i.e. reading/listening to "winter solstice" near the actual winter solstice!
Carol
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
Narrator Name: Allison Hiroto
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator did a good job of making the characters real. Sometimes sounds childish though.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The storyline was good, but too much telling. It was too long.
Jenelle
The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant
Narrator Name: Linda Lavin
Rating the Audio Performance
I did not think I would like Linda’s narration. I was so sure prided. I loved every second of her narration. She was the perfect pick for the story.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I really enjoyed the story of life in Boston in the early 1900s. It was an interesting subject. I cannot express how much I enjoyed this book.
Richard N B
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann
Narrator Name: Will Patton, Ann Marie Lee and Danny Campbell
Rating the Audio Performance
The audiobook is very well done, using three narrators: Will Patton, Ann Marie Lee and Danny Campbell. They are talented voice artists and keep the pace moving.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Wow. I am ashamed to say that I knew nothing of this shameful episode of American history. Grann did a marvelous job researching and reporting his findings. He did more than simply report what the FBI managed to uncover, and that only emphasizes how institutionalized the racist attitudes were.
