Monday, August 31, 2009
ON THE DIVINITY OF SECOND CHANCES by Kaya McLaren, read by Cassandra Campbell, Susan Denaker, et al.
This delightful novel of a family turning crises into opportunities is narrated by several different actors. Each character gets a distinct voice, from Grandma Pearl to Phil, Anna, their three grown children, and, from time to time, even the moon.
Listen now. Time 3:35
Download an excerpt as an mp3 file. Size: 4.1 MBSoundReview support comes from Harper Audio,
Scholastic Audio, Hachette Audio, and Full Cast Audio.
Comment here: Sunday, August 30, 2009
A PASSAGE TO INDIA by E.M. Forster, read by Meera Syal
Expect to enter into the heart of India with this audiobook's combination of Indian music, rich description, and Meera Syal's compelling reading. She gives a thoughtful reading of Forster's famous novel that reveals colonial India through the eyes of both Indian and British residents. Listen now. Time 3:12 Download an excerpt as an mp3 file. Size: 1.9 MBSoundReview support comes from Harper Audio,
Scholastic Audio, Hachette Audio, and Full Cast Audio.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
LITTLE BEE by Chris Cleave, read by Anne Flosnik
Worlds collide in this remarkable performance when Little Bee, a Nigerian girl orphaned by violence, meets Sarah, a dissatisfied British professional away on holiday. As the point of view shifts between Little Bee and Sarah, their respective pasts come to life, offering surprises and twists. Anne Flosnik gives a lyrical performance. Listen now. Time 3:43 Download an excerpt as an mp3 file. Size: 4.3 MBSoundReview support comes from Harper Audio,
Scholastic Audio, Hachette Audio, and Full Cast Audio.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
DIRK GENTLY'S HOLISTIC DETECTIVE AGENCY by Douglas Adams, adapted by Dirk Maggs, and performed by Harry Enfield, Billy Boyd, and a Full Cast
Like the author's classic HITCHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY, this zany novel imaginatively combines science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and trendy philosophy into a humorous and thought-provoking brew. "Holistic" gumshoe Dirk Gently encounters time-travel, space aliens, ghosts, and an electric monk, among other weirdnesses. This audio theater is expertly layered with sound, music and voices, and it's paced to keep the listener ever alert to the abrupt, lightening-fast transitions. Listen now. Time 3:03 Download an excerpt as an mp3 file. Size: 3.5 MBSoundReview support comes from Harper Audio,
Scholastic Audio, Hachette Audio, and Full Cast Audio.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
ABOVE THE LAW by Tim Green, read by Bernadette Dunne
Attorney Casey Jordan's investigation into the killing of an illegal Mexican immigrant by a Texas senator takes her up against some powerful factions. Bernadette Dunne gives a masterful performance, smoothly slipping from character to character. Listen now. Time 2:35 Download an excerpt as an mp3 file. Size: 1.5 MBSoundReview support comes from Harper Audio,
Scholastic Audio, Hachette Audio, and Full Cast Audio.
Monday, August 24, 2009
CRAZY FOR THE STORM: A Memoir of Survival by Norman Ollestad, read by the author
Ollestad’s memoir opens with his recollection of being in a plane crash in California's Sierra Madre mountains at the age of 11. He recounts the lessons he’d learned from his ambitious, demanding father that ultimately helped him survive. Listen now. Time 2:42 Download an excerpt as an mp3 file. Size: 3.1 MBSoundReview support comes from Harper Audio,
Scholastic Audio, Hachette Audio, and Full Cast Audio.
Friday, August 21, 2009
THE WELL-DRESSED APE: A Natural History of Myself by Hannah Holmes, read by Joyce Bean
In a fascinating and engrossing nonfiction work, the author looks at her biological identity as Homosapiens in our world's ecosystem. Bean's narration--neutral yet warm--balances the work's considerable science and research. Listen now. Time 2:53 Download now as an mp3 file. Size: 1.7 MBSoundReview support comes from Harper Audio,
Scholastic Audio, Hachette Audio, and Full Cast Audio.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
TEA TIME FOR THE TRADITIONALLY BUILT by Alexander McCall Smith, read by Lisette Lecat
In Book 10 of the bestselling No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, we find Precious looking into reasons for the failure of a popular football club. Lisette Lecat is the perfect performer for these extraordinarily charming tales of Mma Ramotswe, lady detective in hot and dusty Botswana. Listen now. Time 2:43 Download now as an mp3 file. Size: 3.2 MBSoundReview support comes from Harper Audio,
Scholastic Audio, Hachette Audio, and Full Cast Audio.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
HENRY'S FREEDOM BOX by Ellen Levine, read by Jerry Dixon
When a picture book has won a Caldecott Honor Medal for illustration it takes a particularly skilled narrator to capture the story’s words AND the visual elements that were celebrated. Jerry Dixon manages both with his gentle, intimate presentation for this readalong book & recording program. Kids ages 8 and up will love this one. Listen now. Time 2:22 Download now as an mp3 file. Size: 2.8 MBSoundReview support comes from Harper Audio,
Scholastic Audio, Hachette Audio, and Full Cast Audio.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
GRACELING by Kristin Cashore, performed by David Baker and a Full Cast
Cashore's well-developed characters and fantasy adventure are completely realized in this full-cast production. Graceling Katsa is gifted with special talents that include the "grace" to fight and kill. A perfect Young Adult listen. Listen now. Time 3:08 Download now as an mp3 file. Size: 3.6 MBSoundReview support comes from Harper Audio,
Scholastic Audio, Hachette Audio, and Full Cast Audio.
Monday, August 17, 2009
READING MAGIC: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever by Mem Fox, read by the author
Australian children's book author Mem Fox is also an international literary specialist. She uses her sparkling vocal personality to promote reading aloud to children.. Listen now. Time 3:00 Download now as an mp3 file. Size: 1.8 MBSoundReview support comes from Harper Audio,
Scholastic Audio, Hachette Audio, and Full Cast Audio.
Friday, August 14, 2009
BASEBALL GREAT by Tim Green, read by the author
Welcome to baseball in the twenty-first century! Author and narrator Tim Green smacks one out of the park with his portrayal of Josh, a gifted middle school baseball player who is faced with painfully intense pressures that make him question the game that he was born to play. Great for ages 8 and up. Listen now. Time 2:34 Download an excerpt as an mp3 file. Size: 1.5 MBSoundReview support comes from Harper Audio,
Scholastic Audio, Hachette Audio, and Full Cast Audio.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
THE VOICES OF JANET EVANOVICH: A CONVERSATION WITH C.J. CRITT
In today's special SoundReview, AudioFile editor Robin Whitten chats with narrator C.J. Critt about Janet Evanovich's hugely popular romance series. Listen as Critt revs up a scene from Evanovich's NASCAR romance, MOTOR MOUTH. Listen now. Time 4:48
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