Community reading initiatives are gaining attention across the country. The National Endowment for the Arts's program, The Big Read, is the most prominent and offers exceptional resources to communities who receive their grants.
Each community program provides the opportunity to read and discuss a single book from the 30 works of American and world literature chosen for The Big Read. For more information about the initiative, community resources, and Big Read Audio Guides, visit www.neabigread.org.
In celebration of the Big Read, AudioFile is featuring audiobook versions of the various Big Read titles. In some cases, there are multiple versions--author Ray Bradbury reads one version of FAHRENHEIT 451, and Scott Brick reads another. We also showcase short recorded discussions of the audiobook versions as Audiopolis SoundReviews. Listen to and use our SoundReviews and print reviews of these classic Big Read titles for your community program, blog, library, or just for fun! New titles and their audiobook counterparts are continually being added.
FAHRENHEIT 451
Ray Bradbury UN
Read by Scott Brick
(Books on Tape)
Read by Ray Bradbury
(Harper Audio)
READ review (Brick) READ review (Bradbury)
LISTEN to the SoundReview
SHARE the SoundReview
THE GRAPES OF WRATH
John Steinbeck UN
Read by Dylan Baker
(Penguin Audiobooks)
Performed by a by Shirley Knight, Jeffrey Donovan, and a Full Cast
(LA Theatre Works) / AUD
THE MALTESE FALCON
Dashiell Hammett UN
Read by William Dufris
(Audio Partners)
Performed by Michael Madsen, Sandra Oh, Edward Herrmann, and a Full Cast
(Blackstone Audiobooks) / AUD
READ review (Dufris) READ review (Full Cast)
LISTEN to the podcast SHARE the podcast
A WIZARD OF EARTHSEA
Ursula K. Le Guin UN
Read by Harlan Ellison and Ursula K. Le Guin
(Audio Literature/ Fantastic Audio)
