Reader: David Sedaris
Short Review: Sedaris' funny, self-deprecating, heart-breaking stories about moving to France with his partner Hugh, learning French, his family, and his own flaws and experiences. The author reads his own work in his distinctive voice, never flinching as he excoriates himself either in front of a live audience or alone in a studio. Sedaris is an amazing, brave writer and reader. I've listened to this particular book three or four times, and I know I'll keep returning to it.
Charlie and The Chocolate Factory
Author: Roald Dahl
Reader: Eric Idle
Short Review: Dahl's award-winning children's book read wonderfully by Eric Idle.
Coraline
Author: Neil Gaiman
Reader: Neil Gaiman
Short Review: A stunning story beautifully read by the author. Coraline's boredom leads her to a place just beyond our reality. What at first seems just odd and fun becomes creepy and worth escape, but only by delicate inches. Gaiman's voice lulls and tantalizes. He is just so good at painting images with the combination of words and his own voice.
Reader: Neil Gaiman
Short Review: Neil Gaiman reads his Newbery Medal winning book beautifully. His nod to Kipling's The Jungle Book is just scary enough, intriguing, inventive, well-written, enchanting . . . it's downright wonderful. I loved Bod, Silas, Scarlett, Liza, Miss Lupescu, and the rest of the graveyard's denizens and rooted for them throughout the story. I miss them. I'll return to this book again and recommend it to adults and kids.
Posted: February 25th, 2009 ˑ
1 Comment
Filled under:
Audio Books Read By The Author,
Award Winning Audio Books,
Best Audio Books,
Children's Audio Books,
Fantasy Audio Books,
Intrigue Audio Books,
Mystery Audio Books,
Mythology Audio Books,
Vampire Audio Books,
Young Adult Audio Books
Reader: Peter Riegert
Extra features: The audiobook includes an interview with Michael Chabon about his inspiration for the book, his favorite books and genres, and his writing process.
Short Review: Chabon's Hugo and Nebula award-winning alternate history of a world without Israel but with a temporary Jewish homeland in Sitka, Alaska. Hard-boiled detective Meyer Landsman investigates the murder of a junkie chess-player with his partner and cousin Berko Shemets, a half-Tlingit, half-Jewish cop who is a good father, a good Jew, and a good partner trying to save Landsman from himself. As the case progresses, more and more connections to organized crime, shady US government machinations, separatist Orthodox communities, and zealotry reveal themselves. Riegert is an ideal reader, comfortable with accents, Yiddish, noir, and sadness.
Reader: James Marsters
Short Review: Down on his luck detective Harry Dresden also happens to be a real, live wizard. This introduction to Harry's world includes magic, potions, a talking skull named Bob, werewolves - and of course a murder mystery. James Marsters is brilliant.
The Dark Is Rising Sequence, Book One: Over Sea, Under Stone (The Dark Is Rising Sequence)
Author: Susan Cooper
Reader: Alex Jennings
Short Review: This timeless story will spirit you away to a summer in Cornwall to join Simon, Jane, and Barney on a great and noble quest. Alex Jennings creates distinct voices for all the characters (especially for the three children) - and knits together a magical world for your enjoyment.
The Goose Girl
Author: Shannon Hale
Reader: Full Cast Audio
Short Review: A magical fairy tale brought to life by an amazing cast of readers. This modern retelling of a Grimm's tale follows Ani, Princess of Kildenree, as she finds her own inner strength and true path in life. It is officially listed for Grades 6-9, but I am here to tell you that it is a fine choice for any adult interested in getting swept along by a well told tale of magic and strength.
Brokeback Mountain
Author: Annie Proulx
Reader: Campbell Scott
Short Review: A ground-breaking story about the nature of love and sexuality, beautifully-read by one of my favorite audio book narrators.
Reader: Lloyd James
Short Review: Amazing storyteller + multiple fabulous characters + a rollicking fantasy adventure + the perfect voice to pull it all together = one darn good fantasy audio book experience.