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.

American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Reader: George Guidall
Short Review: A fantastic picaresque novel about a man traveling throughout the US, working for and with American Gods. It’s expertly read by one of the most respected narrators in the business.

The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

Readers: Cassandra Morris and Barbara Rosenblat
Short Review: A good but flawed book with two narrators of differing skill.

Possession by A.S. Byatt

Reader: Virginia Leishman
Short Review: An intricate, beautiful, arguably overlong book beautifully read by a very talented narrator. This isn’t a book for everyone, but it was definitely a book for me.

Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

Reader: Neil Gaiman
Short Review: One of my favorite urban fantasies, read expertly by the author.

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.

A Mercy by Toni Morrison

Reader: Toni Morrison

Short Review: A beautiful book, but difficult to listen to at times. Dr. Morrison is a wonderful reader in small doses, but perhaps should have handed this book over to a pro to read in its entirety.

The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood

Readers: Bernadette Dunne, Katie MacNichol, and Mark Bramhall

Short Review: This is a great book, but the audio version has a flaw that really annoyed me. I want a re-cut, just for me, sans music. I doubt I’ll get it.

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.

The Magicians by Lev Grossman

Reader: Mark Bramhall

Short Review: Dark hyper-real earth-based fantasy for adults, heavier on the emotional life-tracking and lighter on the actual magic. Great reader + descent story = a pleasant listen.

Bad Moon Rising (Dark-Hunter) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Short Review: Average paranormal romance made appealing by an excellent reader. Likely to be more enjoyable for those already invested in the Dark-Hunter series.

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.