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.

Half Magic By Edward Eager

Reader: Full Cast

Short Review: Fun listen for the whole family. A fantasy classic brought to life by a full cast. Four siblings find a magic token and wacky adventures ensue.

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.

Hope in a Jar by Beth Harbison

Reader: Orlagh Cassidy

Short Review: Shallow beach-read sort of book. Estranged best friends reunited by twenty-year high school reunion. You probably already know if you would hate it based on this description.

Under the Dome by Stephen King

Reader:Raul Esparza

Short Review: A beautiful autumn day in the small town of Chester’s Mill, Maine is interrupted by a clear impenetrable dome which cuts it off from the outside world. Our story carries us along to meet a broad cast of local characters. Great reader and a captivating (but long) story.

Break No Bones (Temperance Brennan Novel) by Kathy Reichs

Reader: Dorothee Berryman

Short Review: A very average mystery delivered by a very average reader. I liked a lot of the characters, but it was really only my curiosity to know how the author would tie up the mystery that kept me listening.

Mystic River by Dennis Lehane

Reader: Scott Brick

Short Review: A well-read, strong mystery with one major flaw.