November 2, 2015 - December 1, 2015
Connie from Naples, FL
Judith from New Lenox, IL
Nancy from Balwinsville, NY
Linda
The Hummingbird's Daughter by Luis Alberto Urrea
Narrator Name: Luis Alberto Urrea
Rating the Audio Performance
Luis Alberto Urrea is PERFECT narrating his own work. He is so talented bringing his work to life and moves seamlessly between English pronunciation and Spanish. I may have found a new favorite narrator. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Well researched book Urrea took twenty years to write. Based on the idea of a relative who lived in pre-revolutionary Mexico at the turn of the 20th Century. Parts reminded me of Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
Karen
The English Spy by Daniel Silva
Narrator Name: George Guidall
Rating the Audio Performance
George Guidall's performance of THE ENGLISH SPY. His reading pulls the listener into the novel and makes them feel they are observing the action. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
THE ENGLISH SPY is an action-packed novel. Gabriel Allon, famous spy and assassin, is hired to investigate the untimely and suspicious death of an English princess. Allon is assisted by Christopher Keller, a former British commando who is also a paid assassin. Together they attempt to solve the mystery which links them to the past and leads them on a journey filled with intrigue and retribution.
Nissa
Mosaic by Diane Armstrong
Narrator Name: Deidre Rubinstein
Rating the Audio Performance
Great audiobook about five generations of Polish Jews before, during and after WII and how their family survives those terrible years of 1939-1945. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I loved the story but the narrators voice is a little put-offish due to her accent. Other than that, it was really good.
Linda
Still Alice by Lisa Genova
Narrator Name: Lisa Genova
Rating the Audio Performance
The author was the narrator. I felt that her voice sounded too young for the 50-year old Alice. (As it turns out, Genova isn't that much younger.) I would have preferred more of an acting job for the narrator. Genova's reading was rather flat. I could rationalize that possibly the Alice character would have been overwhelmed and not recognizing all that was affecting her, resulting in a subdued affect, but I think she would have actually been angrier and more belligerent. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Too clinical and sparse. Some of the events will haunt me forever, however.
Diane
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
Narrator Name: Ariadne Meyers
Rating the Audio Performance
Differentiated parts well. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Charming YA love tale.
Kathy
The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks
Narrator Name: Paul Boehmer
Rating the Audio Performance
This is the first time I listened to one of this author's book, although I have read four of her previous novels. I LOVED the narrator; he added such a new and interesting dimension to the novel. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
As with all of Geraldine Brooks historically set novels, she did an amazing job bringing the reader into the world the novel is set in.
Jane
Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth by Reza Aslan
Narrator Name: Reza Aslan
Rating the Audio Performance
Professor Aslan is a remarkably enthusiastic narrator--and because he reads his own book, it is easy to understand the main ideas he is expressing. It's a pleasure to hear--and find accessible--this fascinating and historically rich material. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
After years of research and study, Professor Aslan provides the listener with the historical, social and geo-political circumstances around the life and death of Jesus of Nazareth. It's a detailed, textured recreation of a fascinating time in history and provides context for the birth and rise of Christianity. It continues after Jesus' death and how the chaos after his death led to the birth of the Christian Church as we know it today. I found it fascinating, uplifting and very provocative in the best possible way. I look forward to listening to it again.
Kaya
Language Arts by Stephanie Kallos
Narrator Name: Tavia Gilbert
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent characterization. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Started a little slow, but then I didn't want to get out of the car...surprising twists really got me!
Cathy
Faithful Place by Tana French
Narrator Name: Tim Gerard Reynolds
Rating the Audio Performance
The story takes place in Ireland, and the narrator does an excellent job with the many voices, all with an Irish accent. He is very good at expressing many emotions with his voice. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Although the book is a little too long, it is a good mystery. It takes place in Dublin, Ireland, and the author does a good job of character development. The main character is an undercover detective whose investigating two murders, one of a former girlfriend and one of a family member. I was kept guessing until the end.
Kim
Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
Narrator Name: Malcolm Gladwell
Rating the Audio Performance
Loved listening to the information via the author's voice. Great speed and delivery throughout the performance. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
VERY thought-provoking. The author has a way of sharing a variety of examples that stretch your thinking and make you wonder "do I do that also?" Which you probably do! I would definitely recommend this book.
Rebecca
The Girl in the Spider's Web by David Lagercrantz
Narrator Name: Simon Vance
Rating the Audio Performance
Vance does an excellent job of interpreting the characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Even though this is a book NOT written by Steig Larsen, Lagercrantz reintroduces us to Lisbeth Salander and her specialties of being a hacker and being quite secretive. Both traits are extremely useful as she saves an abused autistic boy and his mother from their seeming fate.
Tessa B C
Sabriel by Garth Nix
Narrator Name: Tim Curry
Rating the Audio Performance
Tim Curry does a fantastic job performing the audio. His voices for the various malevolent creatures just about scared the pants off me. And the ease with which he switched from voice to voice during several dialogue passages involving two or more people was nothing short of brilliant. Bravo! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
What an extraordinary fantasy adventure! I love that Nix chose for the hero a young woman – Sabriel – who is smart, resourceful, courageous and determined, if inexperienced and sometimes rash. The plotting is wonderfully complex and full of danger. I don’t know if I’ll read any more in the series (this kind of fantasy is just not my genre of choice), but I’m glad I read this one.
Dara
44 Cranberry Point by Debbie Macomber
Narrator Name: Susan Berg
Rating the Audio Performance
Susan does a pretty good job. Some of her character voices are little off, especially the male one. But over all, Susan does a good job. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Debbie does a good job writing. Her stories are interesting. This is the 4th book in the series, The stories have become my audio soap opera, seeing what happens next.
Vikki
Black-Eyed Susans by Julia Heaberlin
Narrator Name: Whitney Dykhouse, Eric G. Dove and Karen Peakes
Rating the Audio Performance
Good narrating. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Started off good, but then the pace slowed way, way down. It was just okay to me. Not as suspenseful as I had hoped.
Melanie S.
Language Arts by Stephanie Kallos
Narrator Name: Tavia Gilbert
Rating the Audio Performance
As a solo narrator/reader, Ms. Gilbert did an excellent job executing the many voices, male and female, child and adult, in the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
3.5 stars.The writing is beautiful. The story is told in flashbacks as a middle-aged teacher reflects on his life as he packs up his house to move. He has a severely autistic son, who is institutionalized, and an adult daughter. There is side storyline about an aging Italian nun with dementia. Ms. Kallos' talent is evident but the story wasn't as cohesive as it could have been. It felt overly descriptive, which made my interest ebb and flow rather than staying continually engaged. There were two twists, one I figured out, the other I did not, but once the first was revealed it wasn't revisited again. I am not sure about how I feel about this book, but it was an emotional story, very sad and disturbing at times, yet also filled with hope.
Jean
What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey
Narrator Name: Oprah Winfrey
Rating the Audio Performance
Outstanding audiobook. Love the whole message of the book, and that it is read by Oprah herself is just frosting on the cake! It feels like I'm having a personal visit from Oprah. Her voice is both empowering and calming. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I thoroughly enjoyed the messages of the book about happiness, health, connections, and love.
Brenda
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Narrator Name: Edward Herrmann
Rating the Audio Performance
Herrmann's voice--pacing, timbre, execution--was a perfect fit for the story of Louis Zamperini. Zamperini's story is enthralling and Herman's performance made it more so. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The experiences of Louis Zamperini and the other men depicted in UNBROKEN were gut-wrenching and inspiring. I usually don't read about war but I'm so glad I read this biography. I learned so much about WWII in the Pacific theater; much more than was taught in school.
Cathey
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Narrator Name: Zach Appelman
Rating the Audio Performance
I guess I wasn't expecting a male narrator so for the first minute or two I was a little shocked, but Zach was perfect. Just the right cadence - just the right amount of emotion; not too much. I'll look for more that he has read. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is an incredible story that reads true - you had to pay attention when the chapters changed so you would understand where and when you were, but that device wove the story closely together, I thought. I immediately started it over again.
Patricia
Lost Empire by Clive Cussler and Grant Blackwood
Narrator Name: Scott Brick
Rating the Audio Performance
I really like Scott Brick. This is the second book I've listened to with him. He doesn't try to overdo the voices. But yet he's pretty good with using accents, etc. He definitely gives the voices character, without going overboard. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This was the second Fargo adventure that I've read. I did really like it, but it just didn't thrill me as much as the first one. I don't know if it's because I was listening to it instead of reading it, but I found it hard to keep track of the different historical characters and references they were referring to. Somewhere along the way I kind of lost the central plot so it made it hard to stay engaged. But I did enjoy the action of the book. I particularly liked when they were diving and discovered the bell. I'll be listening to the next book in the series.
Rezina
Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands by Chris Bohjalian
Narrator Name: Grace Blewer
Rating the Audio Performance
Grace Blewer made Emily/Missy real. She had the right inflections and tone for a teenage girl. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Tragedies happen around us all the time but until they happen to us it's hard to understand how/why people react to them the way they do. Emily makes and is forced to make choices/decisions on the spot. She faces many challenges after finding herself all alone in the world after a catastrophe that involves her father and mother. She makes many bad mistakes, some she realizes and changes, and some she can't.
Francisca E B
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Narrator Name: Sissy Spacek
Rating the Audio Performance
Sissy Spacek does a creditable job performing the audio of this classic novel. Her pacing is good, but I felt her accent was wrong. Spacek is a Texan and has a “flat twang” quality that is just not right for the softer Southern Alabama narrator. Still, by the second disc I had pretty much managed to ignore this and just got swept away by the story. I have to admit, however, that there were a few phrases where I wished I were listening to whoever voiced the narration in the 1963 movie. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
5 stars and a great big HEART! This is a singularly powerful novel that has touched generations of readers in the 50-something years since it was first published. It is a novel of personal integrity and courage, and shines a light on a particular time and place in America’s history. The characters, even the minor ones, are richly drawn; Lee peoples this small town with a wide range of personalities, strengths, weaknesses and ethics.
Kate
Radiant Angel by Nelson DeMille
Narrator Name: Scott Brick
Rating the Audio Performance
To me, Scott Brick is THE voice of John Corey. I would never consider reading one of DeMille's books, although I'm sure if I did I'd still hear Brick's voice in my head. He's one of the best readers I've heard. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Until the last couple of CDs I thought the story a bit monotonous. Not as much action as in other John Corey books.
Wendy
The Awakening by Kate Chopin
Narrator Name: Shelly Frasier
Rating the Audio Performance
Wonderful performance. The narrator captured the tone and pace of this book perfectly. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book was one of the first to suggest the being a wife and mother was not fulfilling to a woman. That was pretty scandalous in 1899. But more than a work of women's fiction this is an evocation of the deep South. The pace of life is slower and softer, and this book captures that perfectly.
Kimberly
Circling the Sun by Paula McLain
Narrator Name: Katharine McEwan
Rating the Audio Performance
I would listen to anything this woman reads! What a perfect voice-pitch, tone, pronunciation, and just overall really compelling. There were so many words in this book that would have tongue-tied me mentally if I had read it instead of listening, and what a bonus it was that Ms. McEwan has the skill to make me believe I'm listening to the main character speak, complete with both British accent and, most importantly, proper pronunciation of every location in Africa and Swahili term in the story. Fantastic job! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A splendid telling of the story of the interesting and remarkable Beryl Markham. The author did an excellent job of researching the many points of view that have been associated with this crowd of upper class Brits who lived in Africa during the early 20th century. When I discovered that we were reading this for my book club, my first thought was, "Oh, great, another OUT OF AFRICA drama". I was so happy to be wrong. Yes, there was drama, but I was so captivated by the storytelling here that I could overlook the drama and was happy to have the author's perspective on this fascinating woman. It added to my own ideas about Beryl Markham and made me immediately reserve WEST WITH THE NIGHT (Ms. Markham's writings about her own life in Africa).
Patti
One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
Narrator Name: C. J. Critt
Rating the Audio Performance
Easy to listen to and characters appeal comes out in the voices. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Fun to listen to anytime.
Linda
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Narrator Name: Ta-Nehisi Coates
Rating the Audio Performance
The author is the narrator and does an excellent job. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Coates is a writer for The Atlantic where this started as an article. He wrote this as a letter to his teenage son, letting the son know about dad's life and what son can expect as a black man in America.
Linda
Crazy Salad and Scribble Scribble: Some Things About Women and Notes on Media by Nora Ephron
Narrator Name: Kathe Mazur
Rating the Audio Performance
I've gotten use to listening to Nora Ephron narrate her own work. These are columns that she wrote in the 1970s. Mazur does an excellent job - especially because these are not humorous columns, but essays about current events from then. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Brushed off a lot of cobwebs about events from the 1970s. I think to really appreciate this work one should have some familiarity with what were current affairs in the 1970s.
Judy
Future Crimes by Marc Goodman
Narrator Name: Robertson Dean
Rating the Audio Performance
Great voice and pacing. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a scary book. It talks about how the blessings of technology come with dangers. Criminals, hackers, identity thieves, and other "bad actors" are not only using the latest in spyware and more, but how the "good guys" are woefully behind in providing the necessary protections. The Internet of Things, 3-D printers, online banking, drones--all of these wonders carries with it the threat of misuse. We are so far behind in security technology, it's frightening. This is a valuable wake-up call to individuals and nations to speed up the safeguards we need. Although this sounds grim, I enjoyed the book very much and hope it spurs more innovation and more protection.
Michael
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Narrator Name: Fred Berman and Phoebe Strole
Rating the Audio Performance
I thought the use of two narrators was very effective. There were two viewpoints and I liked the fact that it switched back and forth - it enhanced the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a fun book with a very clever love story. You can figure out the plot from the title - a love story between a time traveler and his wife. Very fun and clever and unique, but if you are picking up the book expecting an explanation of the time traveling, don't bother. That is never addressed. It didn't bother me but it might bother others.
sue
Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
Narrator Name: David Sedaris
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Excellent.
Heather
Bad Feminist by Roxanne Gay
Narrator Name: Bahni Turpin
Rating the Audio Performance
Bahni Turpin reads exactly as I imagine Roxanne Gay's narration to be, inflection, diction and all. The narrative flows with the vibe intended i.e., a book review is more formal and an essay on girlfriend rules is spoken as if you are talking with a friend. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a collection of essays and reviews on various subjects including books, scrabble and television. Gay writes about culture and how she relates to it as a black woman, a natural feminist. I loved the essays on Scrabble tournaments and becoming Miss America.
Paula
The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes
Narrator Name: Penny Rawlins and Clare Corbett
Rating the Audio Performance
Loved, loved, loved this book and a large part goes to the awesome readers, particularly Sophie's part. I have an hour commute to work and I've found that audiobooks make the drive so much more enjoyable, but if the reader is not adept at emoting or separating character voices, it can detract from the entire story. I've stopped 'reading' a book because of the reader. This story has two time periods and two distinct female protagonists, and I think it was perfect to have different readers, though I did have withdrawal when Sophie's part ended as I wasn't ready to stop listening. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
As stated above, this was a great story and it was a book club pick last month for my neighborhood book club. There was much to discuss and we all tried to envision what we would do in either Sophie's or Liv's shoes.
Lori
Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff
Narrator Name: Will Damron and Julia Whelan
Rating the Audio Performance
Although I enjoyed listening to the audio version of the book, I realized when I opted to read the end of the book as an eBook that there were a lot of parenthetical observations which couldn't be distinguished when one listened to the book. Otherwise, I think the readers did a great job. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The book definitely kept my attention, particularly during the second half. Unfortunately, most of the characters were not likable but learning about their secrets made for entertaining reading. There certainly would be plenty to discuss in a book discussion.
Mary
Gumption: Relighting the Torch of Freedom with America's Gutsiest Troublemakers by Nick Offerman
Narrator Name: Nick Offerman
Rating the Audio Performance
I couldn't imagine anyone else narrating Offerman's book. His humor shines through in his writing and his narration.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
GUMPTION offered an interesting perspective on the Americans (both living and dead) whom Offerman admires including George Washington, Ben Franklin, Yoko Ono and Eleanor Roosevelt. He was able to meet some of his subjects and his admiration only grew after meeting them. Some of the people were unknown to me and I found myself searching for more information about them. Short story author George Saunders is now on my list of to-read authors.
Mary
Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling
Narrator Name: Mindy Kaling
Rating the Audio Performance
Kaling brings humor and the personal touch to her narration. I prefer autobiographical audiobooks that are read by the author themselves, and I have a hard time imagining another narrator. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I enjoyed Kaling's first audiobook IS EVERYONE HANGING OUT WITHOUT ME? more than WHY NOT ME? Possibly I've just overdosed on Mindy. Her first book was more autobiographical and this one was more anecdotal. If she writes another book, I probably won't read it or listen to it as I believe she doesn't have more to offer me.
Julie
The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton
Narrator Name: Davina Porter
Rating the Audio Performance
I picked this title up on impulse and when I saw it was narrated by Davina Porter, I knew it had to have some merit. Porter did her usual wonderful job of narrating. While I love audios with accents, I particularly loved the Dutch words thrown into the story to help it feel more authentic. It was easy to distinguish between the many characters, male and female. I feel I enjoyed the audio version of this story more than I would have the hardcover due to the various voices. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This was a very different kind of story and I'm glad I kept with it. The author did a good job of portraying Amsterdam in the late 1600s and I felt the cold of the winter described. She wrote a believable and satisfying story without feeling the need to make everything tie together neatly at the end.
Gretchen
Girl Waits With Gun by Amy Stewart
Narrator Name: Christina Moore
Rating the Audio Performance
I loved how the narrator could change her voice, very pleasant to listen to. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The Kopp sisters live on a farm outside of town in New Jersey; the time is 1914. Ever since the death of their mother, their brother Francis has been trying to convince them to move in with him and his family in town, but the sisters have done very well living on their own. Norma is the eldest and she and Constance do most of the farming and upkeep of the property while their youngest sister Fleurette keeps house and sews for herself and the home. It is during one of their occasional visits to town that their buggy is hit by an automobile driven by the wealthy owner of a silk factory. A request for payment for damages is just the start of this enjoyable story.
Patricia
Moscow Rules by Daniel Silva
Narrator Name: Phil Gigante
Rating the Audio Performance
I really like him! He does a great job. Not only with all the various accents (without going overboard), but with distinguishing between the different characters. I'll definitely listen to another book with him as the narrator. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I really enjoyed this book in the series. It was nice for Russia be the backdrop this time. I always like how Silva doesn't make Allon invincible - there are times when I wonder how in the world he's actually going to make it out and be okay in the end. It's gritty and realistic. It keeps the stories grounded. Will definitely be reading the next book in the series.
Tessa B C
The Christmas Train by David Baldacci
Narrator Name: Tim Matheson
Rating the Audio Performance
Tim Matheson does a fine job performing the audiobook. He is a gifted voice artist and had many different voices for the big cast of characters. The audio also includes sound effects of train whistles and the clackity-clack of rail cars over the rails, as well as some seasonal music. Usually this kind of embellishment irritates me, but it really added to the atmosphere of this story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
2.5 ** I’d never read anything by Baldacci before and somehow thought of him only as a writer of “legal thrillers” so I was surprised to find this holiday romance with a little bit of mystery involved. I was quickly drawn into the story. For the genre, it was fairly entertaining, but the resolution of the central conflict was just too over the top for me. The novel lost a half star with that.
Cathy
Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf
Narrator Name: Mark Bramhall
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator was great. I was captivated by his voice and found it easy to follow the story and the characters. It was a job well done. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a sweet story. It's very contemporary and realistic. I felt saddened that the couple's story didn't turn out the way I wanted it to. And I was a little angry at the son for his part in trying to prevent this. But, that's life. However, the book also ended on a sweet note ... and with hope.
Vikki
In A Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware
Narrator Name: Imogen Church
Rating the Audio Performance
Great performance. Sometimes I wonder how they can stand reading a story that is really bad. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The whole plot was ridiculous and disappointing. If I hadn't been listening to it on audiobook in a car in traffic I would have given it up. I give it 2 stars because it was funny at times, but the ending was just terrible. I think I'm getting sick of suspense stories where the main character can't remember a darn thing until the very end.
Karen
Circling the Sun by Paula McLain
Narrator Name: Katharine McEwan
Rating the Audio Performance
Katharine McEwan's performance enhanced the listening experience. Her voicing of the characters envelops the listener in the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Paula McLain's novel about Beryl Clutterbuck Markham's life was a novel written by a great writer. The tale of Beryl's life from her early motherless days in Kenya thru her life described an amazing woman. Beryl learned to be independent and look out for herself as a child, and continued to do so through out her life; she refused to be restrained by the social mores of the time. The listener goes on her journey with her as life hands her disappointments and set backs. There is a feeling of joy when she reinvents herself and goes on to new experiences.
Francisca E B
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
Narrator Name: Finella Woolgar
Rating the Audio Performance
Finella Woolgar dos a fine job performing the audio version. She has good pacing and a gift for voices that makes all the many characters easily identifiable. Her pronunciation of French and German words adds much to the dialogue. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Ursula Todd is born on a snowy night in February 1910…over and over again. Sometimes she remembers how things turned out in a previous life, other times she seems totally unaware that she has been there before. I was fascinated by how Atkinson would explore a small change – taking this path rather than that lane, for example – and the effects of that decision. However, I did find the constant rebirths somewhat repetitive.
Karen
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
Narrator Name: Steve West, Emma Bering, and Cassandra Campbell
Rating the Audio Performance
The performers were very good. Having different readers for the characters made the story very enjoyable. One could visualize the characters speaking and telling the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A book about books and bookstores is always a treat. I was intrigued by the idea of the book barge, and it's owner, Monsieur Perdu, prescribing books to address the ills of his customers even though he couldn't address his own problems. I was amused by Monsieur Perdu's bartering of books for his travel needs because he impulsively set off on the journey to discover the truth about his lover. The colorful description of his travels, and the people he met and traveled with on his journey entices the listener to keep listening. Happily, he was able to reach the end of his quest, and discover why his lover, Manon, left him without explanation.
Anne
The Wright Brothers by David McCullough
Narrator Name: David McCullough
Rating the Audio Performance
I wish someone else had read this book, as I loved the book but didn't like David McCullough's phlegmy voice and his pronunciation of the letter "L"! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
THE WRIGHT BROTHERS was a well-researched, well-written book. I liked learning about the brothers' upbringing and home life and had no idea how brilliant they were.
Patricia
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger
Narrator Name: William Kent Krueger and Rich Orlow
Rating the Audio Performance
I loved the narrator's different voices. I felt I knew the characters better; it was an insight into their mannerisms. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a combination coming-of-age and murder mystery. It is told by the victim's 13-year-old brother and is set in the midwest during the early 60s. It's an interesting insight into the time period, life in a small town and coming of age.
Beverlee
The Mountain Story by Lori Lansens
Narrator Name: Corey Brill
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator took me to the mountain with his distinct voice for each character. I felt each person's emotions through the reading! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Can't wait to read more of Lori Lansen's books - felt this was well structured and realistic. Didn't want the book to end!
Ricki
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
Narrator Name: Scott Brick
Rating the Audio Performance
Audio performance definitely sets the atmosphere, but the running together of author bio and first chapter ruined the start. There needed to be some sort of definite break between the two. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Everyone knows the story, which makes the book a little hard to categorize. Thought of as horror, it is more of a Victorian mystery, complete with the immense amount of talking common to Sherlock Holmes.
Pat
The Wright Brothers by David McCullough
Narrator Name: David McCullough
Rating the Audio Performance
Listening to David's thoroughly researched and wonderfully written account just gets better when he reads his account of how the Wright brothers persevered in their quest to fly.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Wonderful story of two brothers with a dream and the hard work to make it happen.
Tollie
Dawn Light by Diane Ackerman
Narrator Name: Laural Merlington
Rating the Audio Performance
I am very inpressed with Ms. Merlington's performance. She did a great job on pronouncing all the names of nature that Ms. Ackerman describes. I am very glad I listened to this book instead of reading it. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Diane Ackerman has always been a favorite of mine. I have heard her speak about THE ZOOKEEPER'S WIFE at Cornell University and have been a fan ever since.
Gerry
Trumbo by Bruce Cook
Narrator Name: Luke Daniels
Rating the Audio Performance
Narrator Luke Daniels tries to enhance the narration by speaking in a different voice for each character quoted in the book, with limited success. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Content is very interesting, and I very much enjoyed learning more about the Congressional (HUAC) Hearings and the subsequent blacklist, as well as about Trumbo's personal background. The author's writing style, however, seemed to me to interject too much of himself and his own investigative process into the story.
Aimee
Don't Ever Get Old by Daniel Friedman
Narrator Name: Nick Sullivan
Rating the Audio Performance
Nick does a great job alternating between the two main characters - Buck Schatz, an 82-year-old former cop, and his 22-year-old grandson, who he constantly ribs for his youth as well as his nickname, "Tequila". I enjoyed this audiobook, mostly because of the emotion given to the characters by the narrator. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I don't know how many more crime solving days Buck Schatz has in him, but I want to be alongside him as he retells the story. Great storyline, very good characters, and heartfelt emotions as we travel with Buck through aging with his beloved wife.
Sandra
Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith
Narrator Name: Dennis Boutsikaris
Rating the Audio Performance
Overall, the narrator did a good job in differentiating between the characters, but it took me a little time to get accustomed to his faux Russian accent. I'm not sure that was necessary. But he did a good job of sounding rushed and breathless when the plot line got stressful. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I love a good mystery, so I loved this book. I usually can figure things out halfway through, but this book I didn't have any idea of the plot twists. And even better, the plot twists did not come out of nowhere to save the author but seemed integral to the story as if I should have seen them coming if I were paying attention.
Sandra
Billy Bathgate by E. L. Doctorow
Narrator Name: Mark Deakins
Rating the Audio Performance
I enjoyed the narrator's performance because it seemed seamless. He didn't use any fake accents to try to differentiate between characters. I also looked at a physical copy of this book. After seeing the never-ending sentences Doctorow employed, I preferred to listen rather than read. I think it was a good choice. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I liked the coming-of-age story. The ending, in which Billy gives a summary of his life after the main events of the book, seemed rushed and unnecessary to me. The male characters were well-rounded with understandable motivations. The female characters seemed a bit staged and flat. I'm not sure if that is Doctorow's style (this is the only book of his I have read) or if that was supposed to reflect the immaturity of the narrator.
Diane
Inside a Silver Box by Walter Mosley
Narrator Name: Dion Graham
Rating the Audio Performance
Chilling! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Very suspenseful and imaginative.
Deb
Deep Down Dark by Hector Tobar
Narrator Name: Henry Leyva
Rating the Audio Performance
Leyva was able to convey the broad range of emotions experienced by a diverse group of men. He made the book come alive, and truthfully, I enjoyed the audiobook better than the movie, "The 33", which was based on Tobar's book. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Good character development as well as background information about the mining industry without being boring or overwhelming. Tobar/Leyva brought to the listener the fears, hopes, pettiness, competitiveness, and superstitions of 33 men trapped in a collapsed mine for 69 days with only 3 days' rations. What started out as an ordinary day in Chili turned into a global event as other countries' mining experts brainstormed an incredible rescue as the world watched via the news media, which put their own spin on the story (of course!).
Michael
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Narrator Name: Nathaniel Parker
Rating the Audio Performance
Nathaniel Parker does great voices! There are some really odd characters in this book and they were all distinct. The voices fit the characters perfectly. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I thought it was a lot of fun! I guess this is geared more toward a younger audience, but as an adult I enjoyed it immensely. It is short and sweet and has characters I wanted more of (luckily this is a book series), so huge thumbs up!
Connie
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling
Narrator Name: Jim Dale
Rating the Audio Performance
This book was so interesting mainly due to the voices of the narrator. Early on I was able to determine who was talking just by his tone and inflection, without his mentioning the character speaking. The story was exciting and fun, but I don't think anyone could have done a better job of narrating it. It made all the difference. I'm so glad I listened to it instead of reading it. Thank you, Jim Dale. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The book had very interesting and well-developed characters. The action never stopped as Harry and his friends were forever faced with problems and obstacles. It kept one's interest the whole way through the book. I think it is a book for all ages, not just the young.
Connie
Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind by Ann B. Ross
Narrator Name: Karen White
Rating the Audio Performance
I started this series by listening to this first book. Karen brought the characters of Miss Julia, Hazel Marie, faithful maid Lillian and all the friends in town to life. She did such a wonderful job that in future issues of the series that I read I was able to picture these characters because of the way she "portrayed" them so vividly in that first novel. I did listen to a later one in the series performed by someone else and they really missed the mark. Thank you Karen for such a great job. You made these unique characters real to me. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Miss Julia is one of a kind. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her. I felt sorry for her losing her husband, and things got very complicated for her, which made her life very interesting but very enjoyable to the reader. She has a tender heart and wants to do right by the church but just doesn't agree with the pastor, which makes for more enjoyable reading. I have since read every book in the series and can't wait for the next.
Liz
The Children Act by Ian McEwan
Narrator Name: Lindsay Duncan
Rating the Audio Performance
Fiona Maye is a High Court judge who is faced with the tough decision whether or not to force a young man to receive medical treatment which would save his life. He is refusing treatment because of religious reasons. As she hears the case she must come to terms with her childless life and failing marriage. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
It was a very interesting storyline, but it would have been better to spend more time on Adam, the seventeen-year-old boy refusing treatment and less time on the judge's personal life.
Melanie S.
Born With Teeth by Kate Mulgrew
Narrator Name: Kate Mulgrew
Rating the Audio Performance
Ms. Mulgrew, a gifted actress, did a fabulous job delivering her own words in just the way she wanted them received by the listener. A terrifically engaging audiobook. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
4.5 stars. I had the great pleasure to see Kate Mulgrew speak about her wonderful memoir at the Hachette Book Group Brunch back in October. She has led an incredibly interesting and challenging life, which made for a most interesting read. Her writing was surprisingly excellent. I am not a huge fan of autobiographies, but this one ranks very high up there along with Candice Bergen's book. Definitely recommend!
Beth
Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee
Narrator Name: Reese Witherspoon
Rating the Audio Performance
What a delight to listen to the mellifluous voice of Reese Witherspoon as she narrates Harper Lee's story. Although I was not a huge fan of the book, I couldn't wait to get in my car each day to listen to Ms. Witherspoon's southern twang!! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I was disappointed by the plot. I was waiting for something big to happen. I could not connect to the grown-up Scout; I was impatient with her.
Gwendolyn
The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in a New World by Alan Greenspan
Narrator Name: Robertson Dean
Rating the Audio Performance
The reader gives this book his all. He holds the reader through a sometimes complicated and convoluted subject. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A book that educates and entertains.
Trudy
10% Happier by Dan Harris
Narrator Name: Dan Harris
Rating the Audio Performance
Because this book is autobiographical he did a great job of reading his book. It definitely felt like he was just telling his story of how he overcame some of his shortcomings. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Very enlightening to hear the viewpoint of a television news personality's rise to fame and also learning some insights of the newsroom. His very real description of a 9-day stay at a silent seminar was really interesting, hearing how he progressed each day. The last quarter of the audiobook lost a little steam but it was still a good audiobook. After hearing his backstory, it does make it more interesting to watch him on GMA Weekend.
Linda
All the Stars in the Heavens by Adriana Trigiani
Narrator Name: Blair Brown
Rating the Audio Performance
Actress Blair Brown did a good job narrating. She made very subtle changes in her speech to help denote the various characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A fictionalized account of Loretta Young's life from her chaste relationship with Spencer Tracy in the early 1930s through her affair with Clark Gable, which resulted in the birth of a daughter, then on to a couple of months after Young's death in 2000.
Nancy
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaimen
Narrator Name: Derek Jacobi
Rating the Audio Performance
Fabulous!! Full cast, like listening to a wonderful play. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
It exceeded my expectations in many ways. The story is unusual and captivating. Nobody and the inhabitants of the Graveyard, Scarlett, and the Jacks are all fully developed characters. I would love to know what happens to Bod in the future.
Michael03-26-15
Overall
Performance
Story
"It's one of those that you wish never had to end."
We all want to know what other adventures Bod went on after the last line of this book.
Bobbie
Out of my Mind by Sharon M. Draper
Narrator Name: Sisi Aisha Johnson
Rating the Audio Performance
Storytelling overall was very hard to listen to at times. The book is about a girl that has cystic fibrosis so the narrator tried to make the narration fit the book, but at times it was tough to deal with. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The book was very slow to begin with but picked up speed as we went along. I listened to this book with my 14-year-old daughter and it was really relatable. The story is about a girl with cystic fibrosis that has a brilliant mind but because of her physical looks she is taken as someone that needs to be babied. The girl is in all special ed classes, but when she hits fifth grade inclusion classes are started. She is assigned a biography project and decided to do it on Stephan Hawking. Stephan has ALS and is confined to a wheelchair like the main character. Soon doors are opened for the main character and she proves how smart she actually is. You would think that this would be a dream come true, but problems still arise for her.
Adam
Unbecoming by Rebecca Scherm
Narrator Name: Catherine Taber
Rating the Audio Performance
I listen to many audiobooks, and I must say this "narrator" is as talented as Cassandra Campbell, who appears to be one of the top "narrators" based on the volume of her work, and who narrated the amazing EVERYTHING I NEVER TOLD YOU. But back to Catherine Taber, she provided a unique and distinguishing voice to each character, paced the story beautifully and made the story true theater of the mind. I honestly could not stop listening, and her ability to create suspense, atmosphere and visualization of the characters and places was perfect. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
It was very difficult to choose one audiobook to recommend as THE NIGHTINGALE, EVERYTHING I NEVER TOLD YOU, TELL THE WOLVES I'M HOME and IN ONE PERSON were excellent as well, but UNBECOMING was so original in concept, and had a roller coaster- like feeling once you got into the "meat" of the story. It was loving, suspenseful and took you places least expected. Ms. Scherm cannot follow up quickly enough for me. An amazing debut.
Lynn
The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny
Narrator Name: Robert Bathurst
Rating the Audio Performance
The man who narrated all of Louise Penny's previous audiobooks died last year. The new narrator is fabulous. He has the same tone of voice and the same rhythm. I was so afraid a new narrator would somehow make the book less good, but I was pleasantly surprised with Bathhurst. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Louise Penny's books just keep getting better. I feel like the residents of Three Pines are just my neighbors down the road...a little quirky but fun to know.
Penelope
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
Narrator Name: Barbara Rosenblat and Cassandra Morris
Rating the Audio Performance
This story is told in the first person by an adult and an older child. The narrators were just perfect at portraying each person - intelligent language and French phrases included. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Without any spoilers, the story is of a concierge in an exclusive apartment building in Paris who is treated as a servant but in truth is highly intelligent and cultured. One of the residents in the building is a 12-year-old genius who has made the decision to end her life on her 13th birthday. The story is about these two characters and how they become kindred spirits.
Andria
The Brain's Way of Healing by Norman Doidge
Narrator Name: George Newbern
Rating the Audio Performance
Pleasant voice easy to listen to. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Educational and enlightening, about a complex subject but quite readable for the non-scientist.
Patricia
Still Life by Louise Penny
Narrator Name: Ralph Cosham
Rating the Audio Performance
At first I wasn't sure I would like Ralph Cosham's performance. But it turns out he fit the story perfectly! It felt like a wise older man was telling you a story. And he also fit with how I pictured Gamache in my head. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This was my first Louise Penny book and I loved it so much! The characters are well written and the story was lush and captivating. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Jan
The Girl With All the Gifts by M. R. Carey
Narrator Name: Finty Williams
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator was excellent. Ms. Williams' voice rang true for all the characters and the narration. It never distracted from the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Zombie books are definitely not my usual reads, but ironically the "humanness" of the story was terrific. How do we remain human (or not) when humanity is lost.
Phyllis
Early Warning by Jane Smiley
Narrator Name: Lorelei King
Rating the Audio Performance
Clear and well spoken narration. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Much more satisfying than A SPOOL OF BLUE THREAD, but still similar with a multi-generational story about 4 brothers and sisters who grew up on a farm in Iowa. It is also historical fiction with a correlation to what was going on in the U.S.A., and that makes it very interesting.
Judie
After You by Jojo Moyes
Narrator Name: Anna Acton
Rating the Audio Performance
Anna Acton makes this novel come alive. Her British accent adds credence to the characters, yet she is easily understood. She infuses each character with their own voice so one knows who is speaking at all times. Anna Acton is a wonderful narrator, and for those of us who like audible books, we know the reader often makes or breaks the pleasure of the book. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
AFTER YOU is a perfect follow up on the character of Louise Clark, whose life came alive while caring for quadriplegic Will Trainor in ME BEFORE YOU. After the end of that book, it is interesting to find Louisa at loose ends again, and the characters who enter her life so seamlessly draw the two books together. Highly recommended for all who enjoyed the first novel, yet AFTER YOU can stand on its own quite well.
Susan
The Quartet: Orchestrating the Second American Revolution, 1783-1789 by Joseph J. Ellis
Narrator Name: Robertson Dean
Rating the Audio Performance
This is a really interesting book but the narrator was a little to monotone for me. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
If you like history you will find this book really interesting. It is Ellis' theory on how the colonies evolved from a collection of independent states to the United States run by one single government. And it was all orchestrated by four men - Washington, Hamilton, Jay and Madison.
sandy
Delicious! by Ruth Reichl
Narrator Name: Julia Whelan
Rating the Audio Performance
Julia is able to convey the different characters easily. The story is very good and I was having trouble not sitting in the car to finish it!! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Living in the Boston area, I am aware of America's Test Kitchen and their magazines. This story talks about a food magazine's demise -- and ATK is having some problems now as well, so it's very interesting.
Janice
Back of Beyond by C. J. Box
Narrator Name: Holter Graham
Rating the Audio Performance
I thoroughly enjoyed Holter Graham's narration; he had just the right tone for each character, and his voice made me believe he had been a hard-drinking cowboy, just like Cody Holt, the lead character. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I have enjoyed all of C.J. Box's books that I have read in his Joe Pickett series, but I think I liked this one even more. Cody Hoyt is a hard-drinking cop, recently trying to become sober with the help of his AA sponsor and mentor. When that man is found dead, his death is ruled a suicide, but Cody doesn't buy that at all. His investigation into what he believes is a murder leads him into the wilds of Yellowstone National Park, tracking a group taking a wilderness adventure; Cody feels sure that the murderer is among those in this group, but learns that his own teenage son is also with the group as well. Box does a great job building the suspense, creating complex characters, and a multi-layered plot. A good start for this new series!
Judy
Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Narrator Name: Stephen Fry
Rating the Audio Performance
Well done, excellent reading tone. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a classic, and will be on store shelves for years to come.
Tessa B C
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
Narrator Name: Neil Gaiman
Rating the Audio Performance
I do applaud Gaiman’s superb narration of the audio version – he has good pacing and a wonderful gift for voices. I believed he was a 7-year-old boy, and a middle-aged man; he was convincing as the kind, resourceful 11-year-old Lettie Hempstock and as evil Ursula Monkton. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Gaiman is a talented writer and I appreciate his skill in crafting the story, but this just wasn’t the book for me.
Vikki
There's More to Life Than This by Theresa Caputo
Narrator Name: Theresa Caputo
Rating the Audio Performance
Funny! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I have never really watched Theresa Caputo's show on TLC, but I love to learn about different people and for some reason something was drawing me to listen to this on audiobook. (Spirits maybe?) I was surprised. Certain stories really resonated with me and were actually very comforting.
Nancy
Stardust by Neil Gaiman
Narrator Name: Neil Gaiman
Rating the Audio Performance
It was really fun having Neil narrate his own book. He has a great voice for it. And I really felt like I was inside the novel. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
It is a fun, adventure and really gets one's imagination going.
Tia
Friction by Sandra Brown
Narrator Name: Stephen Lang
Rating the Audio Performance
The performer brings the characters to life. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The twists and turns keep you guessing.
Judith
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
Narrator Name: Edward Herrmann
Rating the Audio Performance
I felt that this narrator did a wonderful job. He kept the book moving and didn't let the parts that could be boring be boring! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This was truly an awesome book. I loved the historical background and this author made it come alive. It was based on meticulous research, but wasn’t boring. I felt like I knew these boys and was cheering for U.S.A. What was extra special was that I went to "Google" and found an actual filming of the final race. This brought home how real this book actually was.
Paulette
Circling the Sun by Paula McLain
Narrator Name: Katharine McEwan
Rating the Audio Performance
As the bulk of the story takes place in Kenya, Africa, I appreciated the narrative in the accents of the British colonists as well as characters of the native Kipsigis tribe. Katharine McEwan's voice was melodic, and you feel as though you are sitting on a colonial veranda listening to this fantastic story Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Readers will be captivated by the story of Beryl Markham who was determined to make her own way in the male-dominated society of 20th century British colonial Kenya.
Judith
Crash & Burn by Lisa Gardner
Narrator Name: Christina Taister and Mikael Naramore
Rating the Audio Performance
I usually like it when women do women's voices and men do men's. This was not like that and while Christina Taister was good, listening to her partner Mikael Nanamore was not. Some of the voice changes were like fingernails on a chalkboard. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
It took forever for this story to get started. Not this author’s best. It was really stretching to think well of this plot.
Doris
The Eye of Heaven by Clive Cussler and Russell Blake
Narrator Name: Scott Brick
Rating the Audio Performance
Loved the book! The reader did an excellent job with the different characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Exciting! Can't-put-it-down story.
Wendy
Candide by Voltaire
Narrator Name: Tom Whitworth
Rating the Audio Performance
Whitworth did a good job of what is sometimes very unbelievable material. I wonder if he ever burst out laughing as he was narrating? Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
It's an over-the-top adventure story from the 1700s. Candide was taught by his tutor, Pangloss, that everything happens for the best. As Candide ventures through life everyone he is close to is killed (or seems to be) and horrible things happen to him. He tries to remain optimistic as he was taught by Pangloss but, finally, he changes to a different philosophy and takes his fate into his own hands.
It is quite fun at times and if you are trying to read books from the 1001 Books to Read Before You Die then this is a pretty easy one.
Melanie S.
The Water Knife by Paolo Bacigalupi
Narrator Name: Almarie Guerra
Rating the Audio Performance
Ms. Guerra's performance was okay. The material was so gritty that I think it would have been more well-suited to a male narrator, even though the main character was a female. Also, there was a section of the recording during which, within 10 minutes, 4 words were mispronounced, and this really annoyed me. The narrator was able to move between male and female voices fluidly. I really didn't like the book, so I doubt any narrator would have garnered a high rating and made the material engaging. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
2.5 stars, mostly for the writing, which was good. However, this was one of the darkest, most violent books I've ever read. I nearly stopped but since it was for a book group I kept going. There wasn't a moment of humor or light. Not for the faint of heart, but if you like a totally dark, dystopian tale of a possible future in a drought scenario then this might be for you.
Pat
The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett
Narrator Name: Alan Bennett
Rating the Audio Performance
This book was narrated by the author. It was a pleasure listening to the subtle differences in his English accents. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This was a charming novella about Queen Elizabeth and her newfound interest in reading that emerged when she discovered a bookmobile outside the palace and checked out her first book to be polite. She learns a lot about life, both outside and inside the palace. Perfect for book lovers and Anglophiles. I loved it.
Pat
Left Neglected by Lisa Genova
Narrator Name: Sarah Paulson
Rating the Audio Performance
The reader was smooth and professional. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This story of a career woman/mother who suffered a brain injury in a car accident was fascinating to me. How she coped with a weird problem of basically missing the left side of everything was amazing. The story could have been depressing and bitter, but it was interesting, bittersweet, and often very funny. I loved it.
Pamela
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Narrator Name: Davina Porter
Rating the Audio Performance
The performance was very satisfying. Scottish/ Gaelic accents and varied characters were distinguishable and entertaining. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I resisted this series because the books are so lengthy. The audible version helped entertain me while driving and doing various household tasks. Now I am committed to the series.
Jan
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Narrator Name: Kirsten Potter
Rating the Audio Performance
Narrator did a good job - it was the material that was lacking. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I don't get the hype surrounding this book. I thought this would be a good post-apocalyptic story but instead it was blathering on and on about Arthur's pre-pandemic life, and it was boring and uninteresting. I just didn't care and couldn't wait to finish this book club book. The other characters were poorly developed and too many things in the book just didn't make sense. Not recommended.
Jan
The Woman Who Walked in Sunshine: (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, #16) by Alexander McCall Smith
Narrator Name: Lisette Lecat
Rating the Audio Performance
Wonderful, as always, with a lovely lilting accent. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a favorite series. I read them for a quiet, gentle read filled with wisdom, compassion and a bit of humor, not for the mystery, which is sometimes pretty thin. But I loved being back in Botswana with Mma Ramotswe and the cast of quirky characters. If you're a fan, you'll enjoy this latest installment.
Gerry
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
Narrator Name: Emily Woo Zeller
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent reader! Neither too slow nor too fast, always expressive and clear. Very pleasant voice quality made listening a joy. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Content was interesting and made a lot of sense. Hoping to implement Kondo's strategies this winter after retirement!
Nissa
Troublemaker by Leah Remini
Narrator Name: Leah Remini
Rating the Audio Performance
This book is a mixture of humor and at times can get bogged down with too much information about Leah and Scientology. I did like the book and would recommend, but it is a little slow at times. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The storyline is good and Leah liked to put humor into everything she was saying. It starts from her childhood and then into her rise to fame, all the while practicing Scientology, and she talks about how the church brainwashed her and how she eventually got out.
Lorena
Yes Please by Amy Poehler
Narrator Name: Amy Poehler and others
Rating the Audio Performance
Amy reads her own book and it is funny and insightful! She also has guests stars read portions of the book - lots of fun to hear new voices! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Amy writes a wonderful account of her time at the beginning of her career (back when she didn't even think it was a career), her successes and family, and how it all comes together to give her the funny and smart outlook in life - her life!!
Lucy
Trapeze by Simon Mawer
Narrator Name: Kate Reading
Rating the Audio Performance
The performance is fine but I'm American so the British accent can be hard to follow at times. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a book in a series. It is book #1 and I plan on reading Book #2, TIGHTROPE, soon too. The story is based in WWII about a British woman spy that goes to occupied France to get information on the Germans for the French Resistance and along the way has a few bumps. This book is really good, and I would definitely recommend to anyone who likes WII novels.
Brenda
Entwined by Heather Dixon
Narrator Name: Mandy Williams
Rating the Audio Performance
The performance was well done. She held my attention from start to finish. Performance was full of emotions. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I listened to this book while doing some crafts. I borrowed the book from the library. The story about the "Dancing Sisters" made me think and dream. I enjoyed this story that made me imagine a very good looking man bewitching a princess. The undertone of magic made me think about what might be true or not. This princess in the story did win the "real" man in the end.
Paula
A Banquet of Consequences by Elizabeth George
Narrator Name: John Lee
Rating the Audio Performance
John Lee's quiet style fits the story well. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I always look forward to the next Elizabeth George book. This one started slowly, had lots of twists and turns and even gave away the ending if you listened carefully. This book did not disappoint. I enjoyed the further development of Barb, Lynley and Winston's stories. 
