The Sword and Laser discussion

Anyone else listening? I'd read the print already so I decided to listen to the Audible version. Something about the narrator's voice makes me think of an elementary school teacher, maybe the slightly slow and very enunciated pace. I like how some of the names sound foreign, even though the characters are supposed to be from the former USA. Haymitch has a Gaelic "ch," almost, and I'm suddenly hearing Peeta as an English Peter.

If you read my review, you'll see that I felt pretty much the same about the narrator. Fortunately, the story is good enough that it makes up for the narration. The narrator does do a much better job on the second two books of the trilogy.

It's been a while since I listened to it, but my lasting impression is that it was a pretty average narration. I didn't feel it stood out or that it stunk.

I am listening to the Overdrive version from Scholastic. Who is the narrator in the Audible version?

I don't remember the name of the narrator, but Scholastic is the publisher of the Audible download, so it's probably the same recording.

Yes, the same.

I'm listening. I'm glad to see Peeta written out. I have been debating if it was an English accent as well, thinking he couldn't be named after the bread!
The narrator's voice has a storybook quality, which is in stark contrast to the dark theme. It makes the violence more shocking. I kind of like it.

Jenny wrote: "and I'm suddenly hearing Peeta as an English Peter.

I thought the same thing. I was like, why does she keep saying his name in a Brittish accent? The discussion here clued me in and it made more sense.

also, I don't think the narrator makes Katniss tough enough sounding. She sounds kinda wimpy when she speaks.

My wife got it for me as a playaway and thank goodness it has a speed setting so I can listen to a much faster read. At regular speed this narrator is slower than Hodor at reading aloud.

I'm listening in the Audible App at x1.5 speed. I like this speed better than x2 just in case my mind starts to wander (as sometimes happens). I also like that the Audible app on the iPhone has this speed option because the regular iPod player on the iPhone jumps from x1 to x2 which can be a little fast for me depending on the book. It's amazing how well your mind can adjust to the speed thought, as long as you are not distracted.

I have never seen this option and can't wait to try it out! I used to do debate competitively and the people in the top level speak at superhuman speeds. I'm sure listening to audio books quickly would be no problem!

I listen at 1.4x when I can. It's strange but, I don't even notice the difference in speed until I move to 1.5x. Unfortunately, my phone isn't supported and my zune doesn't have speed settings.

I tried listening to it & was so put off by it I didn't even finish it. Something about the narrator rubbed me the wrong way. Got the Kindle version to give it a second chance and loved it.

I am listening to the Audible version as well and I have not had any problem with it. I wouldn't say this reader stands out as one of the best, but her voice is adequate.

Yeah it's ok...but it could have been a lot better. I agree with the school teacher remarks.

Probably trying to jam too much of this book into a couple of listening sessions, but I tend to find the narrator pretty tiresome. She is entirely too dramatic and overwrought in many sections. Also she has some very annoying speech "impediments". She has some consistent lisps in her S's, L's, and T's. I guess that could be seen as giving her voice a distinct character, but it makes her sound relatively childish and, hmm, kind of stupid.

I listened to this book at 2x, and the narrator didnt bother me, but she did sound like an elementary teacher. If I had listened at 1x I dont think I could have finished it, she would have driven me crazy with her slow talking.

Listening to the Overdrive download of the audiobook - (Scholastic version, narrated by Carolyn McCormick. So far I don't have a problem with it.

Sounds bad, but I didn't think I would have liked a woman narrator, but after a while I like it.

She's no Jim Dale, but I've heard a lot worse. Try listening to Fablehaven and you'll really come to appreciate her. ;o)

Tina wrote: "Listening to the Overdrive download of the audiobook - (Scholastic version, narrated by Carolyn McCormick. So far I don't have a problem with it."

I also listened to all 3 and very much enjoyed them. 30 plus hours but I liked Carolyn's voice.

I listened to all 3 and liked her too. She spoke nice and clear allowing me to listen at 2x speed. Some books that is hard to do.