Audiobooks discussion

I'm listening to The Transcriptionist, and while Xe is a great fit as the narrator, the story itself moves slowly. I find myself looking at the time counter thinking, "That's all?"

I just finished the new audio version of The Master of Whitestorm by Janny Wurts, narrated by Simon Prebble. I had read the book in 2011 and loved it but the audio version put me over the moon! It's fantastic and I upped my star rating from 4 to 5 stars. I've always loved Simon Prebble, but I've never heard him like he is narrating this book. If anyone enjoys audiobooks I highly recommend it!

I've got about 5 hours left of Skin Game by Jim Butcher. This is the 3rd or 4th Dresden Files novels I've listened to rather than reading in print. My first was the one that James Marsters didn't narrate. I was one of the few people who liked it because the narrator sounded more like my head Harry than James Marsters. Marsters is growing on me. I really like the way he does the other characters, and he's slowly becoming my head Harry.

Next up is Crown of Renewal by Elizabeth Moon. The Paladin's Legacy series is finally coming to a close. I was hoping it was a trilogy, but this is the fifth book.

Hopefully, I'll get to knock a couple more books off my backlog list before my next pre-order, On the Steel Breeze by Alastair Reynolds comes out on the 12th.

Sandra wrote: "I just finished the new audio version of The Master of Whitestorm by Janny Wurts, narrated by Simon Prebble. I had read the book in 2011 and loved it but the audio version put me over the moon! It'..."

THank you for the recommendation. Guess my WishLists are now a bit longer; the Audible version is only $1.99 if you buy the Kindle edition first. Sadly, this isn't available via OverDrive/library, apparently.

CatBookMom wrote: "Sandra wrote: "I just finished the new audio version of The Master of Whitestorm by Janny Wurts, narrated by Simon Prebble. I had read the book in 2011 and loved it but the audio version put me ov..."

You're welcome! I've now started Sorcerer's Legacy which is also newly out in audio, narrated by Emily Gray who is doing a bang up job so far!

A couple years ago I started and quickly dropped Aleph. My impression of Coehlo was that he’s just trying way too hard to sound smart and profound.

Now I have finished The Alchemist's Book, mostly because it’s really short, and I think my position on Coehlo is still the same. This was a decent little story. I’m done with Coehlo, though.

Next up: Coyote Blue. Then back to some more substance. :)

listening to I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban - i remember when she was shot a couple of years ago nearly...still kind of ambivalent about the book, but I'm learning lots about Pakistani history

I just started The River of Souls fresh out today

I am listening to Sorcerer's Legacy by, Janny Wurts narrated by Emily Gray it's really good so far, Emily's narration is fantastic.

MissSusie wrote: "I am listening to Sorcerer's Legacy by, Janny Wurts narrated by Emily Gray it's really good so far, Emily's narration is fantastic."


Me too! Me too!

I just finished In the Shadow of the Banyan and was disappointed in it. Here's part of what I wrote in my review:

This book struck me as a meditation on the author's young life and harrowing experiences in Cambodia more than a story. So while there are some beautiful passages and the overall plot is interesting, for me it lacked impact because the characters were so thinly drawn.

I'll also say that I found the narrator a bad fit. She read with a tone of wonder and awe that to me did not go with the dark events. Even though a lot of the book was about the spirit that nurtured and sustained the author. It was jarring and made her seem a bit shallow to me.

This is the second "girl copes during awful regime and war" story I've read in a row that I found kind of dull. The last one was The Dressmaker of Khair Khana: Five Sisters, One Remarkable Family, and the Woman Who Risked Everything to Keep Them Safe.

I'm now reading The Invention of Wings. I'm about 40 minutes in. So far so good, even though I'm tired of slavery books.

I'm still slugging through The Night Circus. Narration and descriptions are wonderful - I am just not liking it. Will be picking up the first half of A Breath of Snow and Ashes tonight from the library and will probably just return Night Circus while I"m there. I don't like "quitting" a book but I also don't want to waste time on ones I don't really enjoy!

Nancy wrote: "I'm still slugging through The Night Circus. Narration and descriptions are wonderful - I am just not liking it. Will be picking up the first half of A Breath of Snow and Ash..."</i>

Nancy, I too didn't like [book:The Night Circus. It seemed like everyone else loved it but I couldn't finish it. Now, I don't feel all so alone!

I took advantage of the Audible Daily Deal yesterday and bought Orange Is the New Black. I heard the cast of the series interviewed on NPR and it got me interested in the story. The author also narrates. She got good reviews as narrator on Audible, so I'm hoping I'll like her narration.

Is anybody starting Mr. Mercedes Mr. Mercedes tomorrow? Can't wait!

Carol wrote: "I took advantage of the Audible Daily Deal yesterday and bought Orange Is the New Black. I heard the cast of the series interviewed on NPR and it got me interested in the story. Th..."

I think Cassandra Campbell is the narrator (at least she was in the version I got from Audible)
I saw the TV show and the book (thankfully!) was quite different...and I really enjoyed the book a lot. Helped along by the fact that Ms Campbell is one of my favourite narrators.
The real Piper is a lot nicer and more introspective than they made the TV version.

I'm still working through The Shadow of the Wind. It's only 17 hours or so, but real life is keeping me from getting quality listening time. I'm having to re-listen to bits of it to get the flow back.

I like the writing style and the narrator is fine. The plot meanders a bit but I'm looking forward to seeing how it's all resolved.

After this, I'll probably start on The River of Souls, which I blew a credit on the other day, when it came out. I'm also looking forward to Mr Mercedes, but it will have to wait.

HBJ

Hunchback wrote: "I'm still working through The Shadow of the Wind. It's only 17 hours or so, but real life is keeping me from getting quality listening time. I'm having to re-listen to bits of it to get the flow ba..."

My mind meandered a lot during The Shadow of the Wind. I thought it was ok but could have been much shorter IMO.

Nancy wrote: "I'm still slugging through The Night Circus. Narration and descriptions are wonderful - I am just not liking it. Will be picking up the first half of [book:A Breath of Snow and Ash..."

I couldn't get through The Night Circus either. I don't know if I made it much past the first hour.

Joy wrote: "Currently listening to Mary Poppins, She Wrote: The Life of P. L. Travers for my book club.

Also I have less than 4 hours to go in [book:A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Cour..."

Connecticut Yankee nearly undid me with its scene involving the woman about to be hanged who had a baby... I couldn't read Twain again for many years out of fear a similar moment might present itself... it just broke my heart.

Joy wrote: "Currently listening to Mary Poppins, She Wrote: The Life of P. L. Travers for my book club.

Also I have less than 4 hours to go in [book:A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Cour..."

I have read that one several times and thought, like you, it would be humorous but found some quite adult themes of introspection and revisiting values! I didn't know ANYone else had read it lately!

I finished The Accounting by William Lashner and it was a reasonable mystery thriller. The violence is a bit graphic for those who prefer a cozy mystery. For the moment, I'm trying to listen to shorter, less than 15 hour, recordings as I get ready to make the annual 2 day trek to the summer home. So I'm now listening to The Silent Girl, one of the Rizzoli and Isles series. This is the first time I'm listening to the book, I've only seen the TV series. I have to listen close to the narration because there isn't a lot of differentiation between the characters. Again, a nice mystery and change of genre from the literary fiction I'm usually plugged in to.

Just starting Glimpses, narrated by Stefan Rudnicki. Anyone else read/listened to it?

Heidi *Listen. I'll just keep talking anyway. * wrote: "My mind meandered a lot during The Shadow of the Wind. I thought it was ok but could have been much shorter IMO..."

I thought it was a little long too but I loved the narrator's voice, so I really did not mind having to re-listen.

Fran wrote: "I finished The Accounting by William Lashner and it was a reasonable mystery thriller. The violence is a bit graphic for those who prefer a cozy mystery. For the moment, I'm trying..."

The Rizzoli and Isles characters in the books are quite different than the TV Series characters. The names are the same but that is about all.

Cherie wrote: "Fran wrote: "I finished The Accounting by William Lashner and it was a reasonable mystery thriller. The violence is a bit graphic for those who prefer a cozy mystery. For the momen..."

i like the books soo much more than the TV show - probably because i got into those firsst

Oh don't get me wrong. I loved the narration for The Name of the Wind. The actual story not as much.

I'm about 70% of the way through Coyote Blue, and sadly it doesn't even hold a candle to some of Moore's other books. A Dirty Job was absolutely hysterical. Some of his others, like the Pine Cove series, were at least amusing. This one isn't even provoking a chuckle. I am enjoying the reappearance of Minty Fresh from A Dirty Job, though. I do have Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal, and based on reviews, I'm more optimistic for it.

After I finish this one tomorrow, I'm on to Elmer Gantry. I loved Main Street, so hopefully I'll like this one, too. (I tend to give MN natives the benefit of the doubt. :) ) It's narrated by Anthony Heald, who was so great in The Good Earth.

Finished A Monster Calls I absolutely loved it. Thanks to those who recommended it! I even enjoyed the interview with the narrator, Jason Isaacs, and the author (I usually skip interviews along with the bits where the author thanks every living being in the galaxy for their contribution to the book).

Catherine wrote: "Finished A Monster Calls I absolutely loved it. Thanks to those who recommended it! I even enjoyed the interview with the narrator, Jason Isaacs, and the author (I usually skip in..."

Yay!

Listening to Outlander. I'm about 1/3 of the way in, around Chapter 14 -- Claire, Jamie and Dougal have just gone to see Captain Randall. For those who have read it, is it just me, or is this rolling along pretty slowly? I was expecting much more in the way of epic adventure and romance ..... am I getting close to it picking up? The narration is quite good by Davina Porter, so I don't think that's what's missing. Wondering if I should try actually reading it, or stick it out with the audio? Thoughts?

it gets better...but it does take some time...i'm a huge outlander fan though, so I may be kind of biased...

Jessi wrote: "Listening to Outlander. I'm about 1/3 of the way in, around Chapter 14 -- Claire, Jamie and Dougal have just gone to see Captain Randall. For those who have read it, is it just me, or ..."

I gave up before that - I looked at the time left to go, how I was waiting for the real story to start, the number of books in the series and compared all that to long list of books I want to read and decided I could return to Outlander if I had time later.

Sandy, I felt the exact same way about the Game of Thrones series.

Jessi wrote: "Listening to Outlander. I'm about 1/3 of the way in, around Chapter 14 -- Claire, Jamie and Dougal have just gone to see Captain Randall. For those who have read it, is it just me, or ..."

That book was way too long IMO (same as I noted with The Name of the Wind). I know a lot of people loved it but it was just ok for me. If it had been condensed I may have loved it but it just seemed to meander on and on at times. I secretly think people just fell in love with Jamie (I mean what is not to love?) and forgave the book for it's long windedness.

Sandi wrote: "I've got about 5 hours left of Skin Game by Jim Butcher. This is the 3rd or 4th Dresden Files novels I've listened to rather than reading in print. My first was the one that James..."

I love James Marsters as Dresden. And it's crazy that he was Spike from Buffy and always had a british accent. However, maybe im biased because I've listened to Marsters as Dresden since book 1. When the other guy did ghost story I couldn't do it and I had to read it from an actual book. I'm glad he's growing on you. Skin Game was fantastic!

Xe wrote: "Just starting Glimpses, narrated by Stefan Rudnicki. Anyone else read/listened to it?"

Dammit, XE. The description is so intriguing, and it's a great price. Rudnicki is such a reliably good narrator. I just bought it. I DON'T NEED ANY MORE AUDIOBOOKS!!!!!!

I am currently reading Clash of Kings...and I guess im the only person that finds this book way too long. I find myself skipping chapters of Characters I dont' want to hear their POV (ex. Bran,Jon,Catelyn)

Jessi wrote: "Listening to Outlander. I'm about 1/3 of the way in, around Chapter 14 -- Claire, Jamie and Dougal have just gone to see Captain Randall. For those who have read it, is it just me, or ..."

That book is so, so, so slow. I love the narration, but not the story. I gave up shortly after Claire and Jamie get married. I'm not even going to go into how much I dislike that she's got a husband in the present that she loves, but falls in love with and marries the guy in the past. Fortunately, I got it free. (I got the e-book free too.)

I finished listening to Skin Game. I can't believe that the Dresden Files series is up to #15. This one was so good. James Marsters is now my head Harry. I was disappointed we didn't see Toot or Thomas. Bob was in it, but he didn't have a speaking role. I hope these characters come back for the next one.

I was going to listen to Crown of Renewal next, but I think I'll listen to Glimpses first just because of the description.

AngryMab wrote: "I am currently reading Clash of Kings...and I guess im the only person that finds this book way too long. I find myself skipping chapters of Characters I dont' want to hear their POV (ex. Bran,Jon,..."

You are not the only one, AngryMab. I got 92% of the way through that book and decided that I wasn't going to go any further in the series, and I had no desire to finish the last 8% of that book either. I know the story doesn't take place in a time of cars, cell phones, and the internet, but seriously...could it be any more dragged out?

Kristie wrote: "AngryMab wrote: "I am currently reading Clash of Kings...and I guess im the only person that finds this book way too long. I find myself skipping chapters of Characters I dont' want to hear their P..."

I love the show and so I wanted to catch up to find out what happens and learn details the show doesn't provide. But I feel like ive been listening for months and i stil have 14 hours left. I don't know if I will continue. Probably just wiki everything lol. Thank you for letting me know I wasn't alone. The book is so highly rated and raved about...I wish I was in agreement.

AngryMab wrote: "Kristie wrote: "AngryMab wrote: "I am currently reading Clash of Kings...and I guess im the only person that finds this book way too long. I find myself skipping chapters of Characters I dont' want..."

I liked the scheming and "politics," but not enough to stick with all the rest. Life's too short to stick with a book that's not compelling to you.

Jessi wrote: "Listening to Outlander. I'm about 1/3 of the way in, around Chapter 14 -- Claire, Jamie and Dougal have just gone to see Captain Randall. For those who have read it, is it just me, or ..."

Stick with it...Gabaldon's long books are notorious for having slow sections. I've just finished her 7th book, An Echo in the Bone. At times it was tough slogging through some parts and posted the same questions you are asking.

Others at the time inspired me to continue and although not great books (IMO), the story line and dialogue kept me going. The Fiery Cross was the most challenging and I summed up my feelings in this REVIEW which seem to align with what you're currently experiencing.

Davina Porter's narration is also a joy to listen to. Now I'm looking forward to the Outlander STARZ mini-series beginning in August.

Heidi *Listen. I'll just keep talking anyway. * wrote: "Catherine wrote: "Finished A Monster Calls I absolutely loved it. Thanks to those who recommended it! I even enjoyed the interview with the narrator, Jason Isaacs, and the author ..."

Agreed! I wanted to get as much as possible from the book - was soo good and sad that I didn't want it to end - so the interview was a welcome addition.

Sandi wrote: "Dammit, XE. The description is so intriguing, and it's a great price. Rudnicki is such a reliably good narrator. I just bought it. I DON'T NEED ANY MORE AUDIOBOOKS!!!!!! "

LOL! Let me know what you think.

I'm a fan of Stefan Rudnicki also.

Grumpus wrote: "Jessi wrote: "Listening to Outlander. I'm about 1/3 of the way in, around Chapter 14 -- Claire, Jamie and Dougal have just gone to see Captain Randall. For those who have read it, is i..."

concur...but its those random factoids that she throws in, that appear 2 or 3 books later and play a role - maybe a character who was injuried who comes back etc...its ridiculous! i can't wait for MOBY to come out or the TV show to start

Xe wrote: "Heidi *Listen. I'll just keep talking anyway. * wrote: "Catherine wrote: "Finished A Monster Calls I absolutely loved it. Thanks to those who recommended it! I even enjoyed the in..."

Xe did you know the book is in pre-production as a movie? Patrick Ness posted something last week about open casting calls in London.

Grumpus wrote: "Jessi wrote: "Listening to Outlander. I'm about 1/3 of the way in, around Chapter 14 -- Claire, Jamie and Dougal have just gone to see Captain Randall. For those who have read it, is i..."

Yes! I've been wanting to read anyway and began this last month; then heard about the new STARZ series and was so excited. I'm sure I'll keep on with it if only for that reason ;)