Audiobooks discussion

Shelli wrote: "I just finished Motherless Brooklyn...I loved the narration by Frank Muller."

That one is my hands down #1 favorite audiobook!

Richard Poe's reading of The Ha-Ha is runner-up.

Chris wrote: "Just started Lolita read by Jeremy Irons - wonderful!"

Best audio book ever Iron's voice coupled with Nabokov's prose. wonderful

I found Lolita disturbing, but perhaps that's just me? Hmmm....

Michael wrote: "Chris wrote: "Just started Lolita read by Jeremy Irons - wonderful!"

Best audio book ever Iron's voice coupled with Nabokov's prose. wonderful"

Oh I have that one waiting for me. When I first got it I listened to about 30 minutes of it and I can't wait to listen to the whole thing.

I finished Never Knowing by Chevy Stevens. Oh my gosh I loved this book, what suspense. I gave this book 5 stars.

I started listening to Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

Finished The Night Circus I really liked it its so different but very hard to review!

Now listening to The Lanternby, Deborah Lawrenson narrated by,Gerrianne Raphael, Kristine Ryan liking it so far.

I loved the audiobook productions of Motherless Brooklyn and John Adams. I listened to John Adams just after 9/11. Somehow, it was very comforting to go back in time and remind myself of how much the U.S. had gone through to become a country.

Wendy T wrote: "I finished Never Knowing by Chevy Stevens. Oh my gosh I loved this book, what suspense. I gave this book 5 stars.

I started listening to Forever b..."

Love Jenna Lamia - Forever not so much though.

Tess wrote: "I found Lolita disturbing, but perhaps that's just me? Hmmm...."

I too find it disturbing, and even more disturbing that I want to continue the book with such a loathsome character as Humbert, but the language and wit is masterful, and Jeremy Irons is the perfect reader for it.

After listening to Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series (7 books) and George RR Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire (5 books), I have been looking (without much success) for something with a bit of substance and think I have finally found it! I'm listening to The Lies of Locke Lamora and although I was expecting to be disappointed, am happy to report I am now enjoying this story. It started out slow but the story is as colourful as the language! The disadvantage of audiobooks is the lack of maps to help the reader better understand the geography. Thankfully, there is a wiki for just about everything nowadays and I found a website for the book which is very helpful. The city is based on old Venice in Italy and as I had the pleasure of visiting Venice a few years ago, I can now better appreciate the descriptions of the waterways, canal and bridges. Love to hear your thoughts if you have read or are reading this series: also known as The Gentlemen Bastards 1,2 & 3.

Tess wrote: "I found Lolita disturbing, but perhaps that's just me? Hmmm...."

I can't bring myself to read Lolita because of the subject matter. I don't know what the problem is, I've read books about murderers and all kinds of unsavory people before.

I will have to try Motherless Brooklyn as Frank Muller is one of my favorite narrators.

John wrote: "I am a couple of hours into Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer, which is interesting; my misgivings were misplaced. Speaking of misgivings, I'm reading this nearly back-to-b..."
You are brave to try Farm City despite your misgivings. And I think you're spending more time with me than my husband does :)

Thanks for the recommendation Tracey - I listened to Charlie Wilsons War after the Outlander series and now that I am full of paranoia and conspiracy theories am ready to move back to some good historical escapism again!


Tracey wrote: "After listening to Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series (7 books) and George RR Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire (5 books), I have been looking (without much success) for something with a bit of substa..."

Chris wrote: "Tess wrote: "I found Lolita disturbing, but perhaps that's just me? Hmmm...."

I too find it disturbing, and even more disturbing that I want to continue the book with such a loathso..."

Charlie Wilson's War

Just a quick follow up to Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer - some reviewers have criticized her language, specially the F-word, but I must have lead a very un-sheltered life as I haven't found much profanity at all.
I'm about 2/3 of the way through, and have paused to switch to the mp3 player I'm bring along on a trip this week, so will be listening to A Red Herring Without Mustard, last year's Flavia DeLuce offering that I hadn't gotten to; the new one is due out soon.

Barbara wrote: "I loved the audiobook productions of Motherless Brooklyn and John Adams. I listened to John Adams just after 9/11. Somehow, it was very comforting to go back in time and remind myself of how much..."

Barbara, where did you get the audiobook for Motherless Brooklyn?

Wendy, I got the Motherless Brooklyn audiobook from my library. It was a Recorded Books production read by Frank Muller. I really wonder if I would have enjoyed it as much in print. Muller had Lionel Essrog so completely nailed. And, I don't think I would have been able to interpret his speech patterns as well by myself.

Wendy -

If your local library doesn't have that recording, ask if they can order order it for you via Inter-Library Loan. Specify you want the Recorded Books unabridged edition, as I believe Steve Buscemi read an abridged version.

In recent weeks I have read:
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. I loved the book, but might have gotten lost with all the many layers of stories, and the plethora of characters, without the wonderful narration of Jonathan Davis; he kept me engaged and attentive to the story and all that was happening. Set in Barcelona, opening in 1945, the very first images are wonderful, in the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, and the story continues through the decades. There is mystery, romance, humor, a wonderful read!

Whiskey Sour is the second in the Jack
Daniel's series by J.A. Konrath.
This was a fast easy read, and the narration was pretty good. What was frustrating is that on the case there is only the name of Dick Hill listed as narrator, and most of the book is told in the voice of a female narrator, who did a good job, but is unnamed!

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger is an engaging story, part ghost story, part family drama. I liked most everything, but felt the ending was very weak. Bianca Amato does a great job of narrating.


A Change in Altitudeis the first book I have read by Anita Shreve in several years, having not liked her more recent works. This was a well developed story, although the main character is not always very likeable--I found her at times insensitive and obtuse. The setting is Kenya, and Shreve does a good job in describing the surroundings there. The narration by Anna Stone is at times very good, but at other times she sounded a little too stilted.

Today I started The Passage by Justin Cronin. At 29 discs, it is rather daunting, but Scott Brick's narration and the interesting story is moving me quickly through.

Finished Just Breathe by Susan Wiggs. I really enjoyed this book, but thought it was predictable. I loved the main character Sara. I gave this book 4 stars.

I'm now starting the audio book All Night Long by Jayne Ann Krentz

Janice wrote: "In recent weeks I have read:
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. I loved the book, but might have gotten lost with all the many layers of stories, and the pleth..."

Oooo Janice! I finished The Passage recently. I'd love to hear your thoughts when you are finished. I might read The Shadow of the Wind next on your recommendation. I love a multi-layered plot with lots of characters.

Janice wrote: "In recent weeks I have read:
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. I loved the book, but might have gotten lost with all the many layers of stories, and the pleth..."

I really enjoyed The Passage, hope you do as well!

I just finished Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods" and have to admit I am a bit disappointed. I had high hopes for this one, but the fact that it was not narrated by Bryson himself was a bit of a let down. The narrator IS very good, but I like the author's stories best when they're told in his voice.

I also think the middle was all filler and that the story totally lost it's momentum as soon as the boys took a break from the trail.

I started Magnificent Folly by Iris Johansen today. It's a review copy I received from AudioGO. It's only 4 1/2 hours, so it shouldn't take me very long. It's pretty good so far.

I'm also still working through Age of Wonder. I just needed something lighter for when I'm feeling tired at work.

I finished The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. It was very powerful, and a great listen. With books like this I usually borrow the hard copy to skim and take notes of important names and dates. The history in this book was fascinating, as were all the people involved. It is amazing to see the contrast between all the insights Henrietta's cells brought to our world, alongside the bewilderment and lack of knowledge her family has. The family's journey was extremely moving. I was nearly brought to tears more than once while sitting at work or in the car.

Up next is Jane Eyre.

I am currently listening to Dracula by, Bram Stoker narrated by, Robert Whitfield who I believe is Simon Vance I am loving it so far!

EDIT: to say yes it is Simon Vance I heard back from him on twitter he said it was his alter ego from 10 years ago and that was his first audiofile earphones award and well deserved!

John wrote: "Shelli wrote: "I just finished Motherless Brooklyn...I loved the narration by Frank Muller."

That one is my hands down #1 favorite audiobook!

Richard Poe's reading of [book:The Ha..."

I'll have to check this out.

Wendy T wrote: "Barbara wrote: "I loved the audiobook productions of Motherless Brooklyn and John Adams. I listened to John Adams just after 9/11. Somehow, it was very comforting to go back in time and remind my..."

I got mine from the library too..on cds.

Barbara wrote: "Wendy, I got the Motherless Brooklyn audiobook from my library. It was a Recorded Books production read by Frank Muller. I really wonder if I would have enjoyed it as much in print. Muller had L..."

I thought the same thing Barbara...that I enjoyed it more because of the great narration!

Just started Anita Shereve's " The Weight of Water"

Hello all,
I'm doing a giveaway right now related to some fun audiobook news: a prime time procedural will be featuring an audiobook in it's Halloween week episode - guess who the narrator is and what the TV show is to be entered in the giveaway. Then stay tuned for news on when and where to see the episode! http://wp.me/pVxNh-aH

Finished Dracula Loved Simon Vance's narration and had forgotten what a great book it was happy I reread this one!

Now listening to The Evil Genius: A Domestic Storyby, Wilkie Collins narrated by, John Bolan who I like for his male voices (even if Mr. Lynly sounds like Mad Eye Moody) but his women's voices not so much. This book also is not what I thought it was its a very different Wilkie Collins than Woman in White.

I finished Darkness, My Old Friend: A Novel by Lisa Unger. I was expecting more suspense from this novel and I thought it was somewhat predictable.

I'm starting The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

I am listening to and enjoying 'The Leopard' by Jo Nesbo. Although the first chapter was a little cringe enducing!!

I'm currently listening to Still Life by Louise Penny. I'm enjoying it more than I'd expected I would.

Finished The Evil Genius: A Domestic Story by, Wilkie Collins narrated by, John Bolen didn't like his narration much and the story was not at all what I expected.

Now listening to The Wake of the Lorelei Lee: Being an Account of the Adventures of Jacky Faber, on her Way to Botany Bay by, LA Meyer narrated by the wonderful Katherine Kellgren

Jamie wrote: "I'm currently listening to Still Life by Louise Penny. I'm enjoying it more than I'd expected I would."

I like that series best on audio. The narrator pronounces things much better that I would in my mind!

Jamie wrote: "I'm currently listening to Still Life by Louise Penny. I'm enjoying it more than I'd expected I would."

My library owns this! It looks good.

Heidi wrote: "Jamie wrote: "I'm currently listening to Still Life by Louise Penny. I'm enjoying it more than I'd expected I would."

I like that series best on audio. The narrator pronounces t..."

This series just gets better too!Ralph Cosham does a great job at the narration!

I just started today and I absolutely love it. I'll be taking a long drive for no reason again! :D

I just finished listening to Bossypantsnarrated by Tina Fey. I enjoyed listening to Tina and felt like I had my own personal stand-up comic in the car with me. Currently listening to The Tiger's Wifewhich is an unusual mix of literary fiction and magical realism, not sure yet whether I love it, but I am intrigued.

I recently finished (in the last 2 weeks):
Wintergirls
Speak
Please Ignore Vera Dietz
Girls in Pants: The Third Summer of the Sisterhood

That is in addition to paper and ebooks. Fast reading for me lately. My favorite of those was Wintergirls. I thought it was intense and powerful.

I just started Paper Towns and I am really looking forward to it.

Hey! I am listening to Papertowns too. Don't forget to join me in the featured author thread in our YA group Awesomevegan as John Green is the author this month! :)

p.s. I enjoyed Vera Dietz in print - how was the audio?

Tensy wrote: "I just finished listening to Bossypantsnarrated by Tina Fey. I enjoyed listening to Tina and felt like I had my own personal stand-up comic in the car with me. Currently listening to..."

I really enjoyed Tina's narration too.

I highly recommend A Monster Calls on audio.

I'm listening to Game of Thrones, narrated by Roy Dotrice. Good narrator and I'm enjoying the book so far but it's a bit difficult in audio because there are sooo many characters and I know I've missed a lot.

I just finished The Elegance of A Hedgehog which I mostly enjoyed but did find myself getting lost a bit and tuning out because it is so prose heavy.
I am now listening to Plato and a Platypus Walk Into a Bar which I am completely loving except that I feel like this is one where I should read it along with listening to it. It's very funny and understandable to someone as uneducated in philosophy as I, but there have been many times when I would like to go back and here the basic definition again or compare two similar but opposing ideas.
So I am moving on to Lolita and will get back to Plato/Platypus when I can have the hard copy in hand too.

I am currently listening to A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton, this is my first book by this author. There are 7 discs and I am on disc 5, it was a little slow going for me for awhile and I wasn't sure that I was enjoying the story - it is picking up now.

Maggie wrote: "I just started today and I absolutely love it. I'll be taking a long drive for no reason again! :D"

I listened to this one also Maggie and really enjoyed it - it was my first book by this author.

Maggie wrote: "I just started today and I absolutely love it. I'll be taking a long drive for no reason again! :D"

Maggie, I read Unaccustomed Earth in print and loved it. Jhumpa Lahiri is one of my favorite authors. Her short stories are excellent too.

Linda, I love the alphabet mysteries by Sue Grafton and always listen to the audiobook productions. I tried to listen to one midway through the series first but just couldn't connect. Then, I started with A is for Alibi and listened to them in order. Now, I'm hooked and always looking forward to the next one.

I recently finished The Charming Quirks of Others. It's the 7th in the Isabel Dalhousie series by Alexander McCall Smith. I usually like this series and don't expect a fast-paced plot from McCall Smith, but this one just didn't keep me interested.