MBR: The Audiobook Shelf
MWBOOKREVW
Me: Stories Of My Life
Katharine Hepburn
Books On Tape, Inc.
Box 25122, Santa Ana, CA 92799-5122
www.library.booksontape.com
073669692X $99.00 1-800-541-5525
Expertly narrated by Bernadette Dunne, Me: Stories Of My Life is an unabridged
audiobook autobiographical memoir of celebrated silver screen star Katharine
Hepburn. Tracing her private life from her upscale upbringing in Connecticut to
her sweeping career, (including her 27-year affair with Spencer Tracy), and so
much more, Me: Stories Of My Life is a captivating listening experience and
especially recommended for fans of Hepburn's movies, career, and sheer star
quality. With its eight 1 _ hour cassettes and sturdy plastic shell packaging,
Me: Stories Of My Life will make an ideal and highly popular addition to any
community library audiobook collection and is a "must listen" audiobook for all
dedicated Katherine Hepburn fans.
Caedmon/Harper Audio
10 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022-5299
1-800-242-7737 www.amazon.com
Two excellent books on CD are recommended picks for listeners. F. Scott
Fitzgerald's Great Gatsby (0060098910, $29.95) comes to life with a vivid audio
performance by Tim Robbins who brings to life this story of the Jazz Age.
Included to spice the plot is a selection of letters written by Fitzgerald to
his editor, agent, and friends. C.S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters (0060093668,
$29.95) enjoys a fine performance by Joss Ackland as it presents a fine satire
of the human condition. Two classics worthy of listening pleasure; especially
if the initial print has been absorbed some time ago.
Secret Justice
James W. Huston
Blackstone Audio Books
PO Box 969, Ashland, OR 97520
078612508X $62.95 1-800-729-2665
James W. Huston's Secret Justice is a gripping, unbridged novel from Blackstone
Audio Books. This is the riveting story of Lieutenant Kent "Rat" Ratham and his
secret Special Forces team in their struggle to bring a ruthless and deadly
terrorist to justice. A behind-the-scenes betrayal puts the lieutenant's life
in danger from political forces at home as well as his vicious-minded enemies,
while the real threat lies waiting to strike in this suspenseful and dark tale
of escalating tension. A very strongly recommended addition to any personal or
community library audiobook collection, this completely unabridged, flawlessly
recorded, 12 hour 30 minute, sturdily packaged, 9 cassette audiobook is
dramatically and expertly narrated by Christopher Lee.
Tantor Media
931 Negocio, #F San Clemente, CA 92673
1-877-782-6867 www.tantor.com
The Tantor Media focus on outstanding classics blends high adventure appeal
with solid literary quality, presented unabridged for maximum impact, makes
them highly recommended to audio cd listeners who seek something different. If
classics on cd are the desire, you can't go wrong with their presentation of
Robert Lewis Stevenson's Treasure Island (144010078X, $39.00): veteran narrator
Michael Prichard's smooth and compelling voice brings to life the drama of a
quiet innkeeper's son who embarks on a quest for treasure. Edgar Rice
Burroughs' classic Tarzan Of The Apes (1440100003, $42.00) and Tarzan And The
Jewels Of Opar (1440100-798, $36.00) both enjoy narrator Shelly Fraiser's
focuson the dramatic as they present lively renditions of two classic jungle
adventure stories replete with spies and action. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's A
Study In Scarlet (1440100836, $29.00) receives a compelling narration by Derek
Partridge, who brings tol ife the story of a surgeon who returns from war to
embark in a crime-solving partnership with sidekick Watson. Zane Grey's Call Of
The Canyon (1440100062, $39.00) brings to the audio cd format an author
typically reproduced only in cassette. John Bolen's brisk style lends perfectly
to the drama of Carley, who must adapt to a dangerous life in the rugged wild
West. Three additional audio cds deserve equal attention and recommendation,
though they aren't classics in the usual sense: Anna Katharine Green's Mystery
Stories Of Violet Strange (144-0100372, $42.00) tells of a New York debutante
who leads a secret life as a professional sleuth: her adventures come to life
under Shelly Frasier's hand; James Oliver Curwood's Baree: The Wolf-dog
(14401-00917, $29.99) enjoys Patrick Lawlor's vigorous narrative style as it
tells of a young wolf dog who struggles for survival in the wilderness; and
Joshua Slocum's Sailing Alone Around The World (144-0100755, $39.00) has Alan
Sklar's fine voice as it tells of the first man to sail single-handed around
the world. All are recommended picks.
Brilliance Corporation
PO Box 887, Grand Haven, MI 49417
1-800-854-7859
The Brilliance Corporation selections on CD are designed to hold general
interest appeal to audiences who want to enjoy contemporary writers and action
plots. New offerings include Stephen White's Remote Control (1590868803,
$26.95), with veteran Dick Hill providing the winning narration about the
daughter of an assassinated Surgeon General who faces danger; Ken Abraham and
Daniel Hart's Prodigal Project Book 3: Numbers (159-0860189, $19.95) also
benefits from Hill's style as it tells of a special agent's task of taking out
a militant Islamic leader; Paul Maier's Skeleton In God's Closet (1590-862610,
$19.9) pairs J. Charles' fine acting background and narrative voice with the
story of a hoax of the century which could be a dangerous truth; Maier's More
Than A Skeleton (1590862661, $19.95) keeps the smoothness of Charles' voice as
it tells of a mysterious miracle worker; John Saul's God Project (1590868773,
$26.95) receives Mel Foster's fine and smooth voice as it tells of children
facing mysterious deaths in a small town; Saul's Nathaniel (1590868862, $26.95)
enjoys veteran Laural Merlington's studied presentation of the story of a
village darkened by a folk legend who brings death; Amy Tan's Opposite Of Fate
(1590860774, $33.95) displays the talented author's dual skills in narration as
it tells of a legacy of a belief in fate; Linda Howard's Cry No More
(1590861698, $36.95) receives Joyce Bean's long audio narrative experience as
it tells of a woman's gift for locating lost children; John Nance's Blackout
(159086-882X, $26.95) enjoys the author's own smooth narrative as he tells of a
plane's mysterious demise and a possible new weapon; Joel Rosenberg's Last Days
(1590860863, $38.95) receives Patrick Lawlor's smooth style as it tells of a
changed Middle East and a historic Arab-Israeli peace plan threatened, and
Stuart Woods' Capital Crimes (1590867386, $29.95), receiving Barrett Whitener's
fine voice as it tells of a killer's intention to kill the nation's
politicians. All are excellent, exciting stories.
Random House Audio
1745 Braodway, New York NY 10019
1-800-726-0600 www.amazon.com
These new audios are excellent cd presentations worthy of ongoing mention. John
Grisham's Runaway Jury (0553455486, $29.95) receives Michael Beck's extensive
film background experience as it brings to life the story of a jury trial which
swerves off course. Tom Clancy's Teeth Of The Tiger (055306685, $31.95) pairs
Stephen Lang's Broadway background and fine voice with the action-packed story
of a stock firm facing new talent and a changed world. Diane Johnson's
L'Affaire (05530-769X, $29.95) enjoys an abridged presentation and lively
reading by Blair Brown as it tells of Amy, a young executive who has made her
fortune but sets off for Europe to find culture and her roots. Iris Johansen's
Fatal Tide (0553756532, $29.95) enjoys Kate Burton's extensive Broadway
experience as it tells of Melis, who faces a past wrought by violence. Don't
miss Molly Ivins and Lou Dubose's Bushwhacked (055306596, $29.95), which offers
a critical, abridged survey of observations about George W. Bush. The analysis
of Bush's flawed concepts and how they affect his presidency provide intriguing
reflections on the future of America. All come to life in cd format.Terry
Brooks' Sword Of Shannara (0553404267, $25.95) begins the epic Shannara fantasy
epic of adventure and magic, spearheaded by narrator Charles Keeting, an
award-winning TV and film actor. Richard North Patterson's Balance Of Power
(0553401306, $44.95) enjoys a fine unabridged appearance as it pairs Patricia
Kalember's film background and narrative prowess with the moving political
story of a president and TV journalist 's marriage which brings violence to the
country. Anne Rice's Blood Canticle (055-3406316, $39.95) also brings a fine
unabridged story to audio life with David Pittu enhancing her latest edition to
her vampire stories – this telling of the vampire Lestat's quest for
redemption and love. Chuck Palahniuk's Diary (0553407479, $27.50) takes the
form of a 'coma diary' kept by Misty as her husband lies senseless in a
hospital after attempting suicide. The most highly reommended of all, however,
must be the new J.R.R. Tolkien gift set featuring the BBC presentation of
Hobbit plus the Lord Of The Rings trilogy in one very fine boxed set
(0553410119, $75.00). Enhanced by a full-cast performance by BBC Radio
dramatists, spiced with realistic sound effects, and paired with musical
scores, this set far exceeds the efforts of others.
Recorded Books
270 Skip Jack Road
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
www.recordedbooks.com 1-800-638-1304
Recorded Books' quality, flawlessly recorded books are highly recommended for
library holdings which see extensive audio lending action. Jan Karon's
Shepherds Abiding (1402559895, $62.00) arrived too late for holiday mention,
but narrator John McDonough's story of an aging minister's discovery of a
battered nativity scene in an antique shop should appeal year-round. John
Sandford's Hanged Man's Song (14-02561172, $82.00) enjoys veteran narrator
Richard Ferrone's brisk voice as it tells of a superhacker's murder and a
friend's investigation. Gore Vidal's Inventing A Nation (1402566573, $50.00)
enjoys veteran Paul Hecht's drama background as it tells of the minds and
decisions of some of America's most famous early men; Peter Carey's My Life As
A Fake (1402559917, $89.00) receives Susan Lyons' smooth voice as it tells of a
literary hoax in Australia. Andrea di Robilant A Venetian Affair (1402558058,
$99.00) receives a multi-faceted narration by Paul Hecht with Lisette Lecat and
Jeff Woodman as it tells of actual letters the author's father found in the
family attic, describing an illicit affair between ancestor Memmo, a Venetian
statesman, and a beautiful half-English girl. Elizabeth Lowell's Die In Plain
Sight (1402548206) receives narrator Alyssa Bresnahan's fine voice as it tells
of an adored grandfather artist and his granddaughter's legacy. Diana
Gabaldon's Lord John And The Private Matter (1402561-156, $59.00) enjoys Jeff
Woodman's excellent narrative style and tells of Outlander character Lord John,
whose cousin is engaged to a dubious character. All are excellent coverages.
Doc Watson Legacy
David Holt
High Windy Audio
PO Box 553, Fairview, NC 28730
0942303350 $30.00 www.amazon.com
This 3-CD set isn't just another collection of Doc Watson bluegrass music. The
Doc Watson Legacy is a revealing audio biography of a man who has interpreted
and preserved American roots music for over half a century. The blend here of
conversation, song, and a 72-page CD-sized book with Doc and his friend David
Holt makes for an excellent survey of Doc Watson's life and bluegrass music's
evolution.
Audio Partners
1133 High Street, Auburn, CA 95603
www.audiopartners.com
A new Brother Cadfael mystery provides an unabridged 20th chapter of the
popular Ellis Peters series of medieval intrigue. Stephen Thorne narrates
Brother Cadfael's Penance (1572702826, $29.95), the rollicking story of a
search for an endangered, imprisoned son caught in the midst of politics in
1145. Brother Cadfael discovers drama and dangers in his attempts. Agatha
Christie's Murder In The Mews (1572702834, $25.95) provides three Pirot cases,
enhanced by a dual narration by Nigel Hawthorne and Hugh Fraser. These
unabridged short stories of intrigue include Incredible Theft, Triangle At
Thodes and the title mystery. Dorothy Sayers' Striding Folly (1572702222,
$18.95) pairs Ian Carmichael's smooth British accent with a collection of three
puzzles with Wimsey solutions – the cover story of a frightening premonition;
Haunted Policeman of a house containing an unusual dead man, and Talboys, where
one of Lrod Peter's kids is accused of theft. All are exceptionally involving
productions.
Time Warner Audio
1271 Ave. of the Americas, NY NY 10020
1-800-759-0190 www.amazon.com
Time Warner Audio's ongoing set of audios mixes nonfiction with fine fiction
choices certain to attract a wide audience of listeners. Michael Connelly's
Chasing The Dime appears both unabridged (158-6214500, $39.98), narrated by
Jonathan Davis; and an abridged edition (1586214-489, $26.98), narrated by
Alfred Molina. Henry's new voicemail brings some intriguing messages which
prove the key to crime and an investigation into another world of web sites and
passions in this fast-paced story of danger. James Patterson's Four Blind Mice
(1586214047, $29.98) receives Peter Fernandez and Michael Emerson's lively
joint rendition as it tells of Alex's investigation of his detective friend's
involvement in a military intrigue case. David Baldacci's Christmas Train
(1586214608, $29.98) receives Tim Matheson's involving narrative style as it
tells of a disillusioned journalist's attempt to get home for Christmas. This
arrived too late for more timely Christmas mention but is still a year-round
warm story of change and discovery. For a taste of comedy, try The David
Sedaris Box Set (1586-214349, $79.98), a 14-cd box set of comic stories and
essays performed by Sedaris and his sister. Hysterical humor. Curt Coffman and
Gabriel Gonzaleaz-Molina's Follow This Path (1586214535, $18.98) assesses the
strategies of the world's most successful organizations as it tells how to
follow a new path for business success. Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter's
novel Rich Dad's Prophecy (1586214357, $18.98) receives Jim Ward's clear
narration as it tells how an even bigger stock market crash is in the winds –
and how one can profit from it. Tim LaHaye's Merciful God Of Prophecy
(1586212885, $25.98) receives Richard Davidson's warm narration as it tells of
Biblical indications of a loving plan for humanity at the end of days. Sarah
Ban Breathnach's Simple Abundance (1586214071, $24.98) tells how to incorporate
spirituality into one's lifestyle for maximum living. Six basic principles to
apply such are revealed. James Redford's Celestine Prophec (158-621408X,
$24.98) receives Jesse Corti's calm and soothing voice as it presents, on cd,
the story of a manuscript discovered in Peru which holds insights into human
nature. Salle Merrill Redfield's Joy Of Meditating (1586214101) and Celestine
Meditations (1586214098, $16.98 each) are each based on the Prophecy and
creates two meditations which expand insights from the book in a series of
relaxing exercises. All are exceptional listens.
Audio Renaissance
5858 Wilshier Blvd., Suite 200, Los Angeles CA 90036
1-800-266-2834 www.amazon.com
Two excellent presentations make for involving listening. Janet Evanovich's
Full House (1559277793, $40.00) receives a fine unabridged presentation on cd
paired with Lorelei King's smooth and exceptionally dramatic style. A woman's
pleasant and proper life is changed when her attraction to a footloose man
leads to seduction and an unusual love. Brian Herbert and Kevin Anderson's
Dune: The Butlerian Jihad (1559277556, $60.00) is an excellent prequel to the
Dune saga and is especially recommended for prior fans of Dune, as well as
newcomers to the entire series. The authors worked from Frank Herbert's own
notes to reveal a war fought ten thousand years before the events of Dune. A
gripping science fiction political saga emerges.
Hyperion Audio
114 Fifth Avenue, 14th fl, NY, NY 10011
1-800-759-0190 www.amazon.com
Three new audio presentations are recommended picks. Joan Collins' Star Quality
(1401396976, $25.98) tells of a gutsy woman who defies her poor Irish roots to
pursue a life on stage. Millie and her family find themselves caught in
intrigue and 1917 drama which lasts for generations in this story of
self-discovery and challenge. Rudolph Giuliani's Leadership (1401370-699,
$25.98) receives Tony Roberts' calm, smooth narrative style as it tells how
leadership skills practices by Giulani can be employed by any leader. From
business to politics, this provides a range of tried-and-tested successful
strategies. Richard Carlson's What About The Big Stuff? (14013-6950X, $18.98)
provides the author's insights on how to find strength and move forward when
stakes are high. Issues ranging from death and injury to aging are tackled in a
guide to locating inner stren-gth. All are exceptional listens.
Star Fuentes
1-800-909-0707 www.amazon.com
Two blends of guided meditations and music with psychic/healer Fuentes will
appeal to any interested in learning meditation's healing attributes. Healing
blends music by Steven Halpern with guided meditations by Fuentes with a
specific focus to mind/body link healing methods. Guided Meditations, also with
music by Halpern, focuses further on releasing energies of cancer. Both are
intriguing Mayan healing techniques which promote self-help and relaxation.
The Janson Directive
Robert Ludlum
Audio Renaissance
5858 Wilshire Boulvard, #200, Los Angeles CA 90036
1559277637 $60.00 1-800-266-2834
Paul Michael dramatically narrates Robert Ludlum's The Janson Directive, the
story of Peter Novak, a billionaire committed to global democracy who faces a
determined terrorist/executioner. It's up to Paul Janson, legendary covert
operative, to come back from retirement to save him, in this gripping strongly
recommended and riveting saga of terrorism, murder and intrigue.
Simon & Schuster Audio
1230 Avenue of Americas, NY NY 10020
1-800-223-2336 www.amazon.com
Four new presentations provide a diverse set of experiences for leisure
listeners. Stephen King's From A Buick 8 (0743520-955, $49.95) receives an
unabridged presentation and an exceptional narration by multiple readers which
brings a theatre-like effect to the results and brings to life the story of a
state police secret uncovered by troopers who investigate a dangerous abandoned
car. Supernatural intrigue abounds with many unexpected twists heightened by
the audio narrators. Thomas Harris' Red Dragon (0743527054, $19.95) receives
Chris Sarandon's quietly dramatic style as it tells of a happy family shattered
by more sacrificial murders. It's up to agent Wil to uncover the killer's
identity and rage in this fast-paced drama. Jennifer Weiner's novel, In Her
Shoes (0743528-271, $26.00) enjoys a warm and moving narration by Karen Ziemba
as it tells of an unemployed woman who dreams of fame and fortune and who finds
her fate linked with family members. Volume One of Ernest Hemingway's The Short
Stories (07-43526317, $28.00) receives Stacy Keach's smooth voice and a hearty
recommendation for lively style as it presents some of the short stories which
helped make the author's literary reputation. All are exceptional listens.
Highbridge Audio
33 S. 6th St. #CC02205, Minneapolis, MN 55402
1-800-847-5515 www.amazon.com
These audio collections provide leisure listeners with a diverse range of
offerings and recommended picks. Garrison Keillor's Good Poems (1565116933,
$24.95) receives readings by Keillor and others, resulting in a diverse and
changing blend of voices and classic and contemporary recommendations. Anyone
who loves poetry will find this a fine opportunity for audio appreciation.
Keillor stars as Guy in the radio drama Guy Noir (1565117492, $14.95), offering
eight hilarious detective/investigative episodes in true radio drama style.
Prairie Home Companion's A Few More Pretty Good Jokes (1565117298, $14.95)
gathers contributions from the fifth and sixth Joke Shows ala Prairie Home
style. From puns and one-liners to ethnic and political jokes, Keillor hosts a
live recording which is hilarious. Tom Shales and James Andrew Miller's Live
From New York (1565115244, $36.95) provides an uncensored history of the
Saturday Night Live comedy show, told by its stars and writers. Dozens present
backstage stories and insights. The packaging of a fully dramatized JRR Tolkien
Lord Of The Rings and Hobbit classics (15651-17077, $89.95) in one case will
attract any interested in the NPR production. Enjoy a fully dramatized
production which arrives enhanced by the audio format. The fully dramatized
Seeing Ear Theatre production Tales From The Crypt (1565116747, $26.95)
presents seven fully dramatized episodes on cd, bringing alive radio drama
which excels in tales of horror. Fans of old-style radio production will find
this engrossing. Richard Wright's Clara Callan (1565117611, $34.95) is set in
1934 and pairs Anne Twomey and Joanna Adler's smooth voices with the story of
sisters linked by a shared past of trials. Michael Chabon's Summerland
(1565117-212, $39.95) is narrated by the author and tells of a magical town
threatened by an ancient enemy of goblins and mythical beings. Lee Smith's Last
Girls (1565117026, $36.95) is narrated by the author and provides the
bittersweet comedy of a troupe of girls who reunite thirty five years aftr a
rafting attempt on the Mississippi. Fans of Westerns won't want to miss the
boxed set Louis L'Amour Collection (1565117-379, $26.95), pairing Willie
Nelson's smooth voice with other notable country music singer/narrators. Book
One of 'Tales of the Otori', Across The Nightingale Floor (1565117115, $36.95)
pairs the voices of Kevin Gray and Aiko Nakasone with the story of a warlord
who relies on a floor which keeps out assassins. All are exceptionally vivid
listens.
Books in Motion
9922 E. Montgomery #31, Spokane, WA 99206
These excellent unabridged audios from Books in Motion artfully blend
fast-paced plots with absorbing readers and packaging lending to library loan
durability. Susan Sussman and Sarajane Avidon's Audition For Murder
(1581164726) receives Stephanie Brush's entertaining and gripping voice as it
tells of a struggling actress whose auditioning partner turns up dead,
promoting her move into the detective field. Linda Berry's Death And The Easter
Bunny (1581162375) enjoys Lynda Evans' smooth and revealing voice which
captures perfectly the underlying humor in a murder mystery centering around a
female Georgia policewoman's investigations. Lise McClendon's Painted Truth
(1581163991) provides a gripping Alix Thorssen mystery which pairs a fine
rendition by Kris Faulkner with the second book in an Alix mystery series. No
prior familiarity is needed to enjoy this story of an art expert's probe of a
gallery fire. Linda Sandifer's Daughters Of Luke Mccall (1581162103) pairs a
firm reading by Deb Slater with the Western story of a rancher and his
daughters who face a corrupt lawman. Gary McCarthy's American River
(1581162634) provides a fine Rivers West novel with a reading by Michael Taylor
sparking the story of a settler who comes to California to build an empire.
John Duncklee's Genevieve Of Tombstone (1581162162) enjoys Juanita Parker's
spirited voice as it tells of 1880s Tombstone trials and a tough young woman's
determination to survive. Michelle Black's Lightning In A Drought Year
(1581161573) focuses on 1800s Kansas and a backward niece who is too
strong-willed for a genteel family. Laurel's forbidden relationship threatens
all social customs. All are fine leisure listens pairing strong narrators with
equally-durable writers and packages.
Audio Editions
Four fine new presentations are highly recommended picks from this publisher.
Charles Dickens' classic Hard Times (1572703369, $34.95) pairs Martin Jarvis'
award-winning British narrative voice with the classic story of Industrial
Revolution days. For solid mysteries, try Agatha Christie's Halloween Party
(157270330X, $29.95), with John Moffatt providing the vocal drama for a Hercule
Poirot mystery centering around a woman who brags she's observed a murder; or
the new Rex Stout mystery Hand In The Glove (1572703-490, $27.95), receiving
Chicago actress Judith West's fine style as it tells of a beautiful New Yorker
who runs a detective agency; or Ruth Rendell's Babes In The Wood (1572703105,
$34.95), enjoying Nigel Anthony's TV background as he narrates the story of
teens who go missing. All are excellent high-interest listens.
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Midwest Book Review
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