SHADOWS IN BRONZE
Lindsey Davis, Read by Anton Lesser, Anna Madeley and a Full Cast • Audio Program • OCTOBER 2008
BBC Audiobooks America/ BBC Radio • Library Ed.

Never was ancient Rome so saucy as it is in this mystery/romance, which takes detective Falco from the palaces of Rome to the sun-drenched Italian countryside. The setting would be nearly idyllic were it not for the scandalous traitors sunning themselves and a murderous madman on the loose—not to mention the problems Falco is having with his love life. This BBC dramatization is full of stormy performances. The best moments feature Anton Lesser's alternatingly dopey and cunning Falco as he pleads for forgiveness—or escape—from ladylove Helena Justina, portrayed by Anna Madeley. While one might wonder about the similarity between ancient Roman culture and that of modern-day Britain, sound effects and appropriate music help one maintain suspension of disbelief throughout. F.G. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine




Biography & Memoir To Category List

AMARCORD Marcela Remembers
Marcella Hazan, Read by Concetta Tomei • Abridged • OCTOBER 2008
Harper Audio • Trade Ed.
Recorded Books • Library Ed.

In the dialect of Italy's Romagna region, “amarcord” means "I remember," and remember Marcella Hazan does. Now 84, she reflects on a life that has taken her around the world as she has shared her love of food and authentic Italian cooking. Hazan's memoir recalls a life that celebrates food, family, and community. Concetta Tomei narrates this memoir in a voice reminiscent of a conversation with an old friend. Tomei’s enthusiasm comes through as she talks of recipes, cookbooks and cooking classes that will make listeners’ mouths water. Her facility with the Italian language as she pronounces the names of people and places brings the story to life. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

THE OTHER GREAT DEPRESSION
Richard Lewis, Read by Richard Lewis • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
Phoenix Audio • Trade Ed.

As an actor and comedian, Richard Lewis became well known, but apparently it came at a cost, as this book, which outlines his battles with alcoholism and substance abuse, makes painfully clear. Lewis makes his story that much more palpable by narrating it himself. Given the highly personal and frank nature of the work, he is in the best position to give his memoir the treatment it deserves. He does so with a heavy Brooklyn accent and a droll delivery reminiscent of one of his idols, Lenny Bruce—right down to the frequent use of four-letter words. But for those who can endure its brutal candor, this is a worthy exorcism. J.S.H. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

PERSHING Great Generals Series
Jim Lacey, Read by Tom Weiner • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
Blackstone Audiobooks • Library Ed.

General of the Armies (six-star) John James Pershing was a native of Laclede, Missouri, and his first memory was of Confederate guerillas raiding his hometown in 1863. After completing West Point, he saw service against the Apaches in the Southwest, charged up San Juan Hill in Cuba, subdued the Moros in the Philippines, and commanded the 1916 expedition that chased Pancho Villa in Mexico. Pershing's WWI leadership of the American Expeditionary Force influenced such future leaders of the Army as Marshall, MacArthur, Patton, and Eisenhower. Tom Weiner's resonant baritone voice is a good match for Pershing’s story. His staccato delivery is somewhat quick but clear, and he narrates with the confidence and authority befitting a general. Weiner makes one want to hear the entire work in one sitting. M.T.F. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

THIS IS NOT A DRILL
Paul Carter, Read by Paul Carter • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
Bolinda Audio • Library Ed.

Get ready for loosely connected, bawdy stories about the author and his outrageous friends. Some tales come from the oil rigs Carter worked on, but most take place in bars, where misogynistic alpha males drown themselves in a sea of liquor. How about the one where a bloke with a glass eye pops it into someone's beer, and the crowd waits until the victim quaffs the last ounce to see it staring at him from the bottom of his glass? Carter narrates the audiobook in his working-class Australian accent, loaded with the national vocabulary of “mates,” “queuing,” “boiled sweets,” and "rubbing one out" (think gas). His rapid narrative style leaves the listener little time to ponder the novel metaphors, similes, and analogies. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

WHAT I TALK ABOUT WHEN I TALK ABOUT RUNNING
Haruki Murakami, Read by Ray Porter • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
Blackstone Audiobooks • Trade Ed.
Blackstone Audio • Library Ed.

The bestselling author of wildly imaginative novels like THE WIND-UP BIRD CHRONICLE here muses "in real time" about his sport and hobby, long-distance running. While Murakami writes that he worked over the text, it seems starkly unself-conscious (or poorly translated)—as when he talks about shining his running shoes. And yet this lack of guardedness as presented in Ray Porter's forthright and relaxed voice gives the book rare bite. Murakami isn't pushing his running, or his prose. "It doesn't matter what field you're talking about, beating somebody else just doesn't do it for me." If Murakami had a point to make, or if Porter had tried harder—had embellished the text or reached for an accent—this recording would fail. Instead it succeeds brilliantly. No secrets here, just the companionship of a dazzling intellect. B.H.C. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine




Business & Finance To Category List

THE RIDDLE Where Ideas Come From And How to Have Better Ones
Andrew Razeghi, Read by Jim Bond • Abridged • OCTOBER 2008
Brilliance Audio • Trade Ed.
Brilliance Audio • Library Ed.

THE RIDDLE seeks to answer the question, "How can I think more creatively?" Narrator Jim Bond delivers the answers with enthusiasm and energy. His lively reading is characterized by energetic inflection and pacing. Bond delivers the performance (yes, it IS a performance) as if he is genuinely delighted by the material. He conveys authority mixed with congeniality, making this production a pleasant companion that may genuinely inspire confidence in our own ability to make connections between ideas. While categorized as a business book, THE RIDDLE is more like a tool kit for anyone wanting to harness unconscious brainpower to solve problems. Bond's consistently enjoyable rendition of the phrase "aha moment" is just right. R.M. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

SATISFIED CUSTOMERS TELL THREE FRIENDS, ANGRY CUSTOMERS TELL 3,000 Running a Business in Today's Consumer-Driven World
Pete Blackshaw, Read by Lloyd James • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
Tantor Media • Trade Ed.
Tantor Media • Library Ed.

Keeping an eye on customer-generated feedback, or “CGM,” is the key to good business. Blackshaw aims to tell companies how to monitor and react to such feedback. He recommends regular research on blogs and websites, as well as the use of surveys, as ways to learn about customers' reactions to one’s company or business. Lloyd James’s narration is evenly paced and clearly enunciated, especially as he delivers all the lists in this book. Blackshaw recounts many stories of practices that provided negative publicity for businesses, and refers them to more than once, illustrating himself the actions of dissatisfied customers. The concept of the potential damage resulting from negative publicity is especially powerful in James’s strong narration. M.B.K. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

THE STARBUCKS EXPERIENCE 5 Principles for Turning Ordinary into Extraordinary
Joseph A. Michelli, Read by Dick Hill • Abridged • OCTOBER 2008
McGraw-Hill Audio • Trade Ed.

In a captivating narrative, success expert Joseph Michelli explains how Starbucks uses consistent respect for its employees to encourage the company's core values. Principles like "Make it your own," "Leave your mark," "Be involved," and "Be genuine" provide a sense of the company's commitment to its employees, a commitment that translates into consistently positive customer experiences. Dick Hill adds his own commitment and a mature vocal tone to this success story, along with enunciation that is meticulous without ever sounding technical. The depth of his skills is remarkable. You can hear him skillfully relaxing the management theory segments of the production and warming up human stories to create a moving listening experience. This is an important business lesson disguised as inspirational listening. T.W. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

WHILE AMERICA AGED
Roger Lowenstein, Read by Michael McConnohie • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
BBC Audiobooks America • Trade Ed.
BBC Audiobooks America • Library Ed.

Michael McConnohie delivers a historical examination of Social Security and corporate pensions in a strong, straightforward manner. The rising crisis surrounding aging populations whose previous employers have promised more than they can deliver means current taxpayers should beware as pension providers fail to make good. McConnohie's resonant, authoritative tone comes to the aid of the text, which is filled with intricate explanations and minute details of the looming fiscal crisis. The natural pace of his narration moves forward the three case studies involving a trade union, retiree healthcare, and the fiscal irresponsibility of the city of San Diego. M.R. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine




Children To Category List

ONE-HANDED CATCH
M.J. Auch, Read by Ryan Sparkes et al. • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
Full Cast Audio • Library Ed.

When 11-year-old Norm loses his hand in a meat grinder, life becomes a series of challenges. Norm's dream of playing baseball seems impossible. Spurred on by his mother and his friend Leon, Norm meets every obstacle with grit and ingenuity. This full-cast audiobook enlivens Norm's family-friendly story, set in the 1940s. Ryan Sparkes captures Norm's myriad emotions in a clear, precise delivery, and his voice is appealing. Secondary characters are equally strong. Listeners will feel this story is immediate and heartfelt, but never sappy. Jazzy music sets the tone for each episode in Norm's life. Also included is an interview with the author and her husband, Herm, whose story inspired the character of Norm. C.A. ••• © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

PIPER REED, THE GREAT GYPSY
Kimberly Willis Holt, Read by Emily Janice Card • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
Listening Library • Trade Ed.
Listening Library • Library Ed.

Piper Reed's dad is in the Navy, so she's moved around a lot—hence, her creation of a “Gypsy Club” for friends with similarly uprooted backgrounds. Narrator Emily Janice Card gives thoughtful dimension to Holt's engaging characters—from Piper's mother, with her soft Southern accent, to Uncle Leo, the eccentric hummingbird expert. Card also portrays Piper and her two sisters beautifully, capturing realistic friction between the siblings. Through Piper's story, young readers will glimpse a funny and genuine exploration of home (when you keep leaving homes behind) and identity (when you're the Navy-brat middle sister with a dog who won't obey your commands). Piper Reed is a gem, and Card makes her multifaceted nature shine. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

THE SECRET HISTORY OF TOM TRUEHEART, BOY ADVENTURER
Ian Beck, Read by Clive Mantle • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
BBC Audiobooks America • Library Ed.

Ian Beck takes familiar fairy tales, shakes them up, and delivers a fresh story that interweaves many familiar chestnuts. When young Tom Trueheart's twelfth birthday doesn’t turn out as he hoped, he sets out on an adventure in the Land of Stories, where he aims to discover the whereabouts of his six brothers, all named Jack. Clive Mantle is a narrator who embraces his role. He rises to the challenge of portraying an imposing cast of characters, many of whom are well known from traditional stories. Listeners will relish Mantle’s voicings of the impertinent Rapunzel, the pondering giant, the exasperated matron with a handful of beans, and the effervescent Tom. A.R. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine




Classics To Category List

TESS OF THE D'URBERVILLES
Thomas Hardy, Read by Anna Bentinck • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
Naxos AudioBooks • Trade Ed.

Anna Bentinck’s narration shows how a classic comes alive when voiced by just the right performer. Her voice is a delight as she breathes life into a broad cast of characters. Tess’s parents pressure her into a world she has never known, a world of wealth and privilege darkened by malicious intent that changes the young woman's life forever. Hardy’s novel is gripping from its opening and offers an authentic look into timeless human themes such as loyalty and morality. Bentinck's crisp accents and consistently flowing pace suit the beauty of Hardy’s language, as well as the intricacies of his plot. With verve and personality Bentinck delivers a classy performance of a truly classic novel. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

TESS OF THE D'URBERVILLES
Thomas Hardy, Read by Simon Vance • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
Tantor Media • Trade Ed.
Tantor Media • Library Ed.

In this classic novel of a peasant girl meeting the aristocracy, and then dealing with the consequences, Thomas Hardy examines the mores and contradictions of late-nineteenth-century England. Tess is the ultimate tragic heroine, and her plight—especially the questions of sexuality it raises—resonates even today. Simon Vance narrates this timeless story as a one-man band of Englishness. From his impeccable rhythm to the wonderful variety of accents he employs throughout the book, his reading is outstanding. One might think the book is being delivered by a full cast. In bringing the book to life, especially through the accents he uses for the country folk, Vance reminds us why Hardy's great work remains a classic of English literature. K.M. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine




Contemporary Culture To Category List

ALPHABET JUICE The Energies, Gists, and Spirits of Letters, Words, and Combinations Thereof; Their Roots, Bones, Innards, Piths, Pips, and Secret Parts, Tinctures, Tonics, and Essences; with Examples of Their Usage Foul and Savory
Roy Blount, Jr., Read by Roy Blount, Jr. • Abridged • OCTOBER 2008
Macmillan Audio • Trade Ed.

Roy Blount, Jr., may lament that he's never been cited in a dictionary, but that doesn't mean he doesn't know a lot about words. As he shares that knowledge, Blount, who's on the American Heritage Dictionary Usage Panel, revels in wordplay and alliteration as he demonstrates his joy at the sounds of language. His Georgia roots still present in his voice, Blount reads his book with a quick drawl as he jumps from topic to topic. It may be in alphabetical order, but there's willful disorder to Blount's collection of news items, anecdotes, explanations of origins of words, and opinions. Listeners are sure to be entertained and could even learn something while having a chuckle. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

MIKE'S ELECTION GUIDE
Michael Moore, Read by Michael Moore • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
Hachette Audio • Trade Ed.

Ever-controversial political commentator and activist Michael Moore offers his first book in five years, which acts as a so-called "guide" to the upcoming U.S. election. Read by Moore with his trademark sardonic sense of humor, the book is less a guide to the election than it is a manual that analyzes the list of mistakes the right wing has made in the last eight years. Moore is always good at looking at both sides of the story with raw honesty, and this book is no different. He gives listeners plenty of reasons to vote for Obama, but more prominently, a plethora of reasons not to vote for another four (or eight) years of a Republican administration. Ultimately, Moore offers an entertaining reading that will keep listeners engaged. L.B. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

PROUST AND THE SQUID The Story and Science of the Reading Brain
Maryanne Wolf, Read by Kirsten Potter • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
HighBridge Audio • Trade Ed.

Proust, a metaphor for reading, and the squid, an analogy for early investigations of the nervous system, are meant to tease the curious into exploring a scientific treatise on the subject of literacy. The author integrates multiple disciplines to explain the evolution of the reading brain—its development and some common variations. Narrator Kirsten Potter facilitates the scientific vocabulary, words such as “retinotopic,” “logosyllabary,” “disambiguate,” and “metacognitive.” Speaking as the author, she explains all the difficult terms as they appear, transforming the formidable into the accessible. Potter's scientific fluency makes this challenging information easier to grasp and more enticing than it would be in print. Listeners may be surprised to learn how intellectual and biological transformations take place in their brains as they listen. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

PROUST WAS A NEUROSCIENTIST
Jonah Lehrer, Read by Dan John Miller • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
Brilliance Audio • Trade Ed.
Brilliance Audio • Library Ed.

The provocative title of this work neatly summarizes its argument: that writers, painters, musicians, and at least one chef had insights about the human brain that came decades before science confirmed them. The book has a fascinating intellectual and aesthetic sweep, so long as one doesn’t take it too literally. Dan John Miller's warm voice provides a welcome balance to the text, which isn't pedantic but uses a lot of jargon. His briskly paced narration suits Lehrer's prose, though listeners will need to tune in carefully during some of the more rigorous sections. That’s just as well. As Stravinsky says in this audiobook: "To listen is an effort, and just to hear is no merit. A duck hears also." D.B. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

THIS LAND IS THEIR LAND Reports from a Divided Nation
Barbara Ehrenreich, Read by Cassandra Campbell • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
Tantor Media • Trade Ed.
Tantor Media • Library Ed.

In this collection of short essays, Ehrenreich takes on her usual topics—economic and social injustice, the exploitation of the poor by the rich, the diminishment of American freedoms and of the middle class—all from her usual strongly populist viewpoint. Cassandra Campbell's voice is pleasant and professional. Perhaps it's too soothing—it could have a bit more edge, given Ehrenreich's nearly constant use of sardonic mockery, satire, and plain old disdain. Misreadings and mispronunciations, while few, are glaring. Still, Campbell expresses the feelings the text conveys (though never very strongly), modulates her voice skillfully, and is easy to listen to. The listener will recall the book more than the reader, which is perhaps not a bad thing. W.M. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

A THOUSAND BARRELS A SECOND The Coming Oil Break Point and the Challenges Facing an Energy Dependent World
Peter Tertzakian, Read by Dick Hill • Abridged • OCTOBER 2008
McGraw-Hill Audio • Trade Ed.

The ominous and timely subject of oil consumption, particularly in the United States, makes this title both interesting and current. Dick Hill's narration has the tone of a high-quality 1950s radio announcer. His pronunciation is crisp and precise as he tells this tale of woe in which American dependence on foreign oil creates an increasing interest in the welfare of oil-producing countries. The situation has only gotten worse since this work’s first publication in 2006. Hill manages to make the dire predictions surrounding this mounting crisis more palpable with his even and measured delivery. One could almost be lulled by his rhythmic tone if it weren't for the alarming content of his words. M.R. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine




Fiction To Category List

I SEE YOU EVERYWHERE
Julia Glass, Read by Julia Glass, Mary Stuart Masterson • Unabridged •
Random House Audio • Trade Ed.
Books on Tape • Library Ed.

In this enjoyable family story, Glass and Masterson portray a pair of vastly different sisters. As Louisa and Clem tell their story in alternating chapters, their disparities are heightened by the narrators’ interpretations. Glass gives practical, cautious Louisa a no-nonsense voice while free-spirited Clem comes across as the lively, adventurous woman she is. Masterson’s professional experience lends her character the expressive quality that the younger, freewheeling sister embodies. Both narrators delight the listener with humorous depictions of an elderly aunt with a past and the sisters’ mother, ever ready with a cliché to address any situation. The women move through adulthood, sharing as best they can life’s struggles and tragedies and embracing a sisterhood that is uniquely their own. J.J.B.

A SUMMER AFFAIR
Elin Hilderbrand, Read by Isabel Keating • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
Hachette Audio • Trade Ed.

Claire Danner Crispin's sweet nature gets her in trouble when a guilty conscience prompts her to accept the leadership role in a huge charity fund-raiser. Before long, Claire's already overbooked life has spun out of control, emotionally and logistically. Isabel Keating provides the perfect voice for Claire—young, fresh, and sparkling. She gives Claire's Irish sister-in-law a realistic accent and offers believable portrayals of all the story's female characters. Keating's males come across less convincingly, particularly Claire's husband, who receives a thick but unidentifiable accent. On balance, however, the story flows as gently as a summer breeze, carrying the listener to its refreshing conclusion. R.L.L. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

TIME IS A RIVER
Mary Alice Monroe, Read by Mary Alice Monroe • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
Brilliance Audio • Trade Ed.
Brilliance Audio • Library Ed.

Mary Alice Monroe is both author and reader of this uneven and trite story about breast cancer survivor Mia Landon. Monroe's love of the South, nature, and fly-fishing is evident throughout as she brings awareness to the important mission of Casting For Recovery, a nonprofit organization that sponsors fly-fishing retreats for women in treatment or recovery from breast cancer. That said, the story and her reading are uninspired—full of lifeless clichés and unrealistic, one-dimensional characters. Monroe’s voice is most enthusiastic when sharing lessons on fly-fishing. She may encourage listeners to try the sport, but that’s the most they’ll get out of this book. N.E.M © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

THE TURNAROUND
George Pelecanos, Read by Dion Graham • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
BBC Audiobooks America • Library Ed.

Novelist George Pelecanos engages the imagination and plucks the heartstrings with his latest novel of crime and its aftermath. Dion Graham’s narration adds to the inflammatory mix of racial hatred, violence and redemption. When three white teenage boys venture into an unfamiliar Washington, DC, neighborhood on a sweltering summer afternoon in 1972, they encounter three black teens, and a violent confrontation occurs. Graham handles all the characters with aplomb, adding just the right measure of sneer or growl to his delivery when needed. This is a heartfelt story of violence, its repercussions, and the magnanimity of the human spirit. R.O. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY
Lin Enger, Read by Kirby Heyborne • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
Books on Tape • Library Ed.

Kirby Heyborne expertly renders the isolation of a teenager who is falling apart in the midst of an icy winter landscape. In this reworking of HAMLET, Jesse Matson's father dies on a deer hunting trip in the snowy woods of Minnesota, and the death is ruled a suicide. After a ghostly visit, Jesse believes his Uncle Clay murdered his father and is in love with his mother. He vows retribution. Avoiding fake Minnesotan accents (thankfully), Heyborne creates authentic characters. Jesse is not particularly likable, but his anger and pain are palpable. Girlfriend Christine Montez, daughter of an immigrant baseball player with handy fists, is empathetic and honest. Jesse's dead father has a voice that is hollowed-out and haggard. A.B. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

THE VISIBLE WORLD
Mark Slouka, Read by Glen McCready • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
Naxos AudioBooks • Trade Ed.

In his evocative reading, Glen McCready accomplishes the narrative equivalent of a sepia-toned photograph. At once he conveys a sense that we are in a time and place soaked in sorrows—first, Czechoslovakia during the war, then, New York in the decade or two afterwards. But he also captures an immediacy that renders the conflicting emotions of love astonishingly vivid and present. Slouka's tricky novel begins with a young narrator, the son of Czech émigrés, recalling the suicide of his mother. This mystery eventually leads him to Prague and his attempt to unearth the wartime events that would doom his mother to her self-destruction. With a hushed, ever-restrained reading, McCready delivers a shattering listening experience. M.O. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine




Historical Fiction To Category List

STEALING ATHENA
Karen Essex, Read by Susan Denaker • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
Books on Tape • Library Ed.

Two determined women trapped in male-dominated worlds come alive in this novel about the controversial "Elgin marbles." Aspasia, mistress of Pericles, influences the creation of the sculptures. Mary Nisbet, rich and pretty Scottish wife of the Earl of Elgin, charms the Turks into letting the treasures go to England centuries later. Kudos to Susan Denaker for making each of these women stand out—Aspasia with a distinctive accent and an awareness of her vulnerability in Greek society, and Mary with a Scottish burr and a good grasp of her own charms. The manipulative earl, powerful Pericles, gossipy servants, and self-important noblemen are individually voiced, adding color and tension to the alternating duo of dramas. Entertaining and informative, this is well worth listening to. J.B.G. ••• © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

WINTER IN MADRID
C.J. Sansom, Read by Gordon Griffin • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
Recorded Books • Library Ed.

Set in 1940, during the evocative and uncertain period when the Spanish Civil War is over but WWII terrors persist, WINTER IN MADRID is riveting historical fiction. Harry Brett, who is recovering from recent traumatic experiences at Dunkirk, acts as a reluctant spy for the British Secret Service. He is sent to Madrid to gain the confidence of an old schoolmate who is now a businessman with politically shadowy associations. Sansom’s vivid thriller is reminiscent of Zafon's THE SHADOW OF THE WIND. Gordon Griffin's clearly articulated characterizations are effortlessly drawn, and his enigmatic emphasis makes for compelling pacing. Further, his Spanish accents and pronunciations are entirely believable. Overall, Griffin's delivery makes for an exceptionally dramatic listening experience. A.W. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine




Inspirational Fiction To Category List

THE ULTIMATE GIFT
Jim Stovall, Read by Tom Bosley • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
Oasis Audio • Library Ed.

The gravelly voice of Tom Bosley is perfectly suited to this inspiring little novel. He deftly changes characters—from an elderly man to a young man to a middle-aged woman—keeping each distinct and interesting. The story revolves around Jason, a spoiled young man whose great-uncle dies and leaves a fortune. Expecting to inherit great wealth, Jason is shocked to find that, before he receives “the ultimate gift,” he must accomplish a series of challenges within a year. His evolution from selfishness to caring and empathy delivers a powerful message. This enjoyable story is brought alive by Bosley’s narration. N.L. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine




Romantic Fiction To Category List

PLEASURE
Eric Jerome Dickey, Read by Susan Spain • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
Brilliance Audio • Trade Ed.
Brilliance Audio • Library Ed.

Nia Simone Bijou takes an erotic journey through summertime Atlanta, exploring the wilder sides of her sensual nature. Meeting identical twin brothers, Nia races with them into an emotional and seductive storm of graphically described sexual acts. Susan Spain tells Nia's first-person story as though she were reading her own diary out loud. Passion is tempered by detachment, and screams of pleasure never reach the full fever pitch they would in real life. This slight holding back enables the listener to stay with the story in a way that might not be possible, at least in public, with a fully performed presentation. Even so, both story and narration provide a healthy dose of imagined erotica. R.L.L. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine




History To Category List

WASHINGTON BURNING How a Frenchman's Vision of Our Nation's Capital Survived Congress, the Founding Fathers, and the Invading British Army
Les Standiford, Read by Michael Prichard • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
Tantor Media • Trade Ed.
Tantor Media • Library Ed.

Standiford's account of the early years of Washington, DC—and America—blends history with biography of the major players, primarily architect Pierre Charles L'Enfant. It also includes pleasant traces of gossip and speculation about what might have happened in certain circumstances. For the most part, Michael Prichard's narration fits all of these purposes well. His pace changes to match the subject matter, his voice is confident, even resonant, and his tone is friendly. However, despite Prichard's extensive experience, L'Enfant's accent gives him trouble in the selections of letters written by him. Sometimes the accent sounds French, but sometimes it wavers through a range of indeterminate foreign accents. Fortunately, this is a minor weakness. G.T.B. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine




Mystery & Suspense To Category List

PALACE COUNCIL
Stephen L. Carter, Read by Mirron Willis • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
Books on Tape • Library Ed.

Stephen L. Carter (THE EMPEROR OF OCEAN PARK, 2002; NEW ENGLAND WHITE, 2007) offers a fascinating new political thriller spanning the years 1954-1974. From the opening words, narrator Mirron Willis makes listeners sit up and take notice. His insistent tone gives seemingly ordinary events an air of importance. Eddie Wesley, an African-American writer, uncovers a secret multiracial organization, a "Star Chamber," with plans to manipulate political destinies. Willis's performance is strong, credible, and engaging as Eddie observes Harlem high society, visits with period notables, and travels to Vietnam, and exposes political misdeeds. Willis elects to imitate the voices of famous figures—Langston Hughes, J. Edgar Hoover, Richard Nixon, John and Robert Kennedy—a risky choice that doesn't work well. Even so, Willis's performance of Carter's novel is top-notch. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

ROBERT LUDLUM'S THE BOURNE SANCTION
Eric Van Lustbader, Read by Jeremy Davidson • Abridged • OCTOBER 2008
Hachette Audio • Trade Ed.

With panache Jeremy Davidson depicts Jason Bourne—aka David Webb, linguistics professor—as Bourne rejoins Central Intelligence to search for an extreme Muslim sect suspected of murder. Davidson effectively conveys Bourne's frustration with teaching after his high-risk experiences as a CI agent. The understatement with which Davidson portrays Bourne’s return to life-and-death adventures befits the character. Soon Bourne is up to his neck in trying to stop a lethal plot against the Empire State Building and evading a black-ops assassin who is charged with eliminating him. As the tension builds, Davidson effectively depicts a variety of characters and delivers believable German and Eastern European accents. The high action is further enhanced by sound effects and musical transitions. Ludlum fans will not be disappointed. G.D.W.
© AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

SOMEBODY OWES ME MONEY
Donald E. Westlake, Read by Stephen Thorne • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
BBC Audiobooks America • Library Ed.

Stephen Thorne sounds like a natural-born reader of Westlake's breezy, irreverent characters. This pre-Dortmunder saga, written in 1969, is less polished than many of his more recent novels, but his trademark elements are here. Lots of buddies, some losers, a few heart-of-gold types, one misunderstood protagonist, one beautiful woman, and New York City. Stephen Thorne makes the most of it, rendering the implausible goings-on (which start with a cabbie being paid with a tip on a horse race) almost believable through an assured, commanding delivery. He handles male and female voices expertly and gives each of the main characters a distinct, consistent voice. This is a romp through the New York of 40 years ago. R.E.K. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

WHAT WAS LOST
Catherine O'Flynn, Read by Catherine Skinner • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
BBC Audiobooks America • Library Ed.

Junior detective Kate Meaney, who solves "crimes" at her local mall along with her stuffed monkey, goes missing. Her one true friend— 22-year-old Adrian—is blamed. Catherine Skinner shines as Kate. Skinner imbues her with all the wonder, curiosity, and busyness of a child who is keeping her mind active to avoid the emotional pain of having lost her parents. Skinner stumbles, however, after Kate is kidnapped and the book's focus shifts from Kate's perspective to an examination of the crime scene—the local mall. Skinner's sharp accent and high-pitched voice don't help a mystery derailed by tedious details about a shopping mall. J.T. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine




Personal Growth To Category List

THE SECRET OF “THE SECRET”
Karen Kelly, Read by Kathleen McInerney • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
Macmillan Audio • Trade Ed.

Kathleen McInerney delivers a well-researched analysis of how and why media products based on the law of attraction have captivated the nation's attention. The author explains that "The Secret"—based on positive psychology and the practices of mindfulness and living intentionally—was a response to a cultural need. She then skillfully unpacks every possible aspect of using what you think about to bring what you want into your life. One of the freshest voices in audio, McInerney gets every phrase right and adds appealing doses of surprise at just the right moments. Her pitch and pacing convey youthful enthusiasm for this thoughtful study of a fascinating personal development subculture. T.W. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

WAR AND THE SOUL Healing Our Nation's Veterans from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Edward Tick, Read by Edward Tick • Abridged • OCTOBER 2008
Quest Books • Trade Ed.

The author looks at war with references to the Greek philosophers, Greek mythology, and the major religions. He mixes in his personal opinions about the soul in battle. As a psychotherapist with years of experience treating veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, he includes patients' conflicted memories as they serve to exemplify his rhetoric. Tick's narration sounds like that of a student reading his first speech, one painful word at a time. Although we hear a few weak impersonations, overall the delivery is shaky and uncertain. On the positive side, he excels at pronouncing the scientific vocabulary. The recording sounds as though it was done in a small space without echo reduction, making it clear why high-quality studio equipment makes a big difference. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine




Philosophy & Religion To Category List

THANK GOD FOR EVOLUTION How the Marriage of Science and Religion Will Transform Your Life and Our World
Michael Dowd, Read by Michael Dowd • Abridged • OCTOBER 2008
Penguin Audio • Trade Ed.

A Baptist minister expresses his views on the place of evolution in the Christian doctrine by abandoning a literal translation of the Bible. He proposes a position he calls "evolutionary Christianity," in which the fundamentals of Christianity remain intact but allow for the abundant evidence that the process of natural selection exists. Because of Dowd's extensive public speaking experience, he presents a masterful narration that achieves a comfortable pace and a conversational modulation that keeps the lilstener's attention level high. He breaks the stereotype of the traditional Baptist preacher by introducing science into his message and reaching out to those of all faiths—and no faith. A large audience of religious fundamentalists may find his view of evolution as a divine process refreshing and novel. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine




Young Adult To Category List

NATION
Terry Pratchett, Read by Stephen Briggs • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
Harper Audio • Trade Ed.

After a giant wave has hit his home island, Mau returns from the rituals for transitioning from a boy to a man to find that everyone has been washed away. Along comes Daphne, who was washed ashore after the ship on which she was traveling was caught in the same wave. Narrator Stephen Briggs deftly acts as guide as the building of a new nation begins in a time like the nineteenth century in a place like those on the edges of the British Empire. Briggs adopts a tone of fun without resorting to outrageous hilarity and thus preserves the satire, and the overall sweetness, of the story. He preserves the proper British manners of Daphne's father, who has now become king and whose position allows him to finally put his mother in her place. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

SWEETHEARTS
Sara Zarr, Read by Sara Zarr • Unabridged • OCTOBER 2008
Listening Library • Library Ed.

National Book Award finalist Sara Zarr has created another solid story about teenage girls—a bittersweet story of the bonds of friendship. As teenagers, Jennifer and Cameron are loners, outcasts who find comfort in each other as they endure the bullying of their peers. When they’re reunited years later, they must confront the different directions they've chosen and struggle to hang on to the love that made them so close. The story is read by the author with such genuineness that listeners will find themselves believing they’re actually listening to the teens themselves. Zarr perfectly captures the nuances of voice and inflection that teens use with friends or adults. Choosing Zarr to read her own story was a wise decision. D.G. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine