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The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman
Reader: Anton Lesser
Short Review: A beautifully read story about a resourceful young woman who finds herself orphaned and embroiled in a deadly mystery. -
Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
Reader: Alan Cumming
Short Review: Fun and captivating steampunk adventure set in an alternate World War I Europe. Strong male and female leads should keep both genders interested and a very talented reader makes the story zoom along.
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Catching Fire (Hunger Games, Book 2) by Suzanne Collins
Reader: Carolyn McCormick
WARNING: Have you read The Hunger Games yet? No? Then stop and go listen to that before reading this review. There is NO way to even describe this book without huge spoilers of book one.
Short Review: Strong sequel, with a slightly different pace than the original. Our protagonists are barely out of the arena on their way back to District 12 as they begin to realize the strangle hold the capitol still has on their lives. More characters, more suspense – a fun, if dark ride.
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3 Willows: The Sisterhood Grows by Ann Brashares
Reader: Kimberly Farr
Short Review: The summer before high school, three old friends grow, change, and find their way back to themselves.
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The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak
Reader: Allan Corduner
Short Review: This is absolutely a fantastic audiobook. When next I need to convince someone that audiobooks are worth considering, I’ll recommend this book first. It’s gorgeously written, and beautifully read. Moreover, it’s a book that truly matters.
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The Joys of Love by Madeleine L’Engle
Reader: Maggi-Meg Reed
Short Review: This sweet story of romance and self-discovery is lovely. We join twenty-year-old Elizabeth’s for week of working in a summer theater in 1946. Beautifully read – a nice story for a dreamy afternoon.
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Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
Reader: Martin Jarvis
Short review: One of my favorite humorous novels, expertly read by Martin Jarvis. I’m sure I’ll listen to this book over and over again.
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The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place by E.L. Konigsburg
The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place
Available from Audible.comAuthor: E.L. Konigsburg
Reader: Molly RingwaldShort Review: Solid story and well read. Twelve year old Margaret Rose’s summer turns into an exploration of what is important in life – and what you are willing to do to defend uniqueness, beauty and love.
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The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams
Reader: Jenna Lamia
Short Review: A good book about a controversial subject, improved by an excellent reading by Jenna Lamia.
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Rag and Bone Shop by Robert Cormier
Reader: Scott Shina
Short Review: Cormier’s final novel, published posthumously, read by the talented Scott Shina. It’s disturbing, and upsetting, and good despite its flaws. -
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Reader: Carolyn McCormick
Short Review: Creative, captivating and intense young-adult drama with a strong 16-year-old female protagonist and set in a brutal far-future. Decent reader, but I kept wishing for a bit more emotion in her reading. That said, the story was so captivating that I couldn’t stop listening!
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Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey
Readers: Katherine Kellgren & Jeff Woodman
Short Review: Fairly standard ‘boy meets girl, boy turns out to be vampire’ romance – but with a few twists you likely won’t expect. A pair of excellent readers, endearing characters and a fresh take on Romanian vampires make this a very enjoyable story.
