Although Mary Roach --- author of PACKING FOR MARS, BONK, SPOOK and STIFF --- doesn't often listen to audiobooks, she knows that a great narrator can add a whole new dimension of vitality to even the most lifeless text. Mary's writing has appeared in Outside, Wired, National Geographic and the New York Times Magazine, among others, and her latest book, GULP: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal, released in April.
Question: What does a great narrator add to an audiobook?
Mary Roach: Everything! Reading aloud is something people have traditionally done to put children to sleep! A great narrator turns that inside out, turns reading into performing. Great narrators bring the characters to life --- including, in my case, the author herself.
Q: What types of books do you like to listen to on audio?
MR: I am embarrassed to admit that I am something of a traditionalist when it comes to reading. If I ever had to commute, though, I would be listening to audiobooks every day.
Q: Have you ever narrated your own audiobooks? If so, tell us about your experience.
MR: I have not, no. I’m open to it, but figure that it is probably best left to trained actors and voice professionals...
