MBR: The Audiobook Shelf
Midwest Book Review
Highbridge Audio
33 S. 6th St., CC-2205, Minneapolis, MN 55402
www.highbridgeaudio.com
Haynes Johnson's THE AGE OF ANXIETY: MCCARTHYISM TO TERRORISM
(1565119975, $34.95) receives Kristoffer Tabori's dramatic rendition as
it provides journalist Johnson's history of the demagogue Joseph
McCarthy and his reign of terror during the 1950s with his
anti-Communist crusade. Johnson re-creates the key figures of the times
and their interactions - and also offers insights for modern times as
civil liberties are being challenged. A timely story comes alive in
audio. Jill Lepore's NEW YORK BURNING: LIBERTY, SLAVERY AND CONSPIRACY
IN 18TH CENTURY MANHATTAN (1565119681, $29.95) receives a vivid reading
by Beth McDonald and tells of an 18th century conspiracy by slaves to
destroy New York City: a history nearly forgotten were it not for this
vivid story. Audio brings the story to life in a way the written word
is hard-pressed to compete with as it recreates events and rationale.
Most striking of all is Joan Didion's THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING
(159887005X, 26.95), with a dramatic reading by Barbara Caruso bringing
to life the gripping autobiographical story of author Didion, who faced
the end of a comfortable and happy life when her only daughter fell ill
with septic shock and her husband died of a heart attack days later.
Her powerful account of the months and years which followed comes alive
in audio and is a recommendation not only for Didion fans, but for any
who have lost a loved one. Garrison Keillor's LOCAL MAN MOVES TO THE
CITY (1598870025, $13.95) presents Keillor's comedy at its best: a
funny account of the radio company presence's Minnesota home and roots,
and his New York life. Cuts from various broadcasts make for a varied
selection of insights and enjoyable listens. Haven Kimmel's A GIRL
NAMED ZIPPY: GROWING UP SMALL IN MOORELAND, INDIANA (1598870106,
$26.95) offers a memoir of a happy childhood, which stands in stark
contrast to the current popularity of miserable pasts. Kimmel's
delightful story is funny, warm-hearted, and involving: especially in
this audio version, narrated by the author herself.
Audio Editions
Auburn, CA 95604
www.audiopartners.com
These leisure readers are fine picks for listeners who enjoy classics
and mysteries. E.M. Forster's A PASSAGE TO INDIA (1572704861, $37.95)
is a social and political novel of British colonialism in India. An
expedition to the Marabar caves ends in a break that precedes the end
of the British rule in India. Narrator Sam Dastor brings the story to
life in a vivid classic tale. Agatha Christie's THE MAN IN THE BROWN
SUIT (1572704829, $31.95) receives Emilia Fox's winning British voice
and acting background as it tells of one Anne, who has seen little
adventure in her life until she sees a man die in the tub station when
he falls onto the tracks. A doctor at the scene pronounces him dead and
flees, leaving a small clue behind which Anne takes to investigate on
her own. A gripping saga of a woman whose life is changed by a
stranger's death. P.G. Wodehouse's STIFF UPPER LIP, JEEVES (1572704845,
$27.95) receives actor Jonathan Cecil's decades of stage and screen
acting experience, which comes through perfectly for the dry yet comic
character of butler Jeeves. Here Bertie faces an obstacle to his
marriage with Madeline when his friends find themselves at odds with
her. Gentle rivalry and problems abound. Fredd Wayne performs THE
AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (1572704950, $27.95), an unabridged
dramatic account spiced with reader Wayne's background in stage and
film productions. The story of Franklin's early years comes to life in
audio as it could not in print, and is based on memoirs he wrote
sporadically over a period of 18 years. Shakespeare comes alive in
audio with two excellent new Arkangel productions: ANTHONY AND
CLEOPATRA (193221903X, $24.95) and THE COMEDY OF ERRORS (1932219056,
$19.95). The liner notes on these productions are exceptional,
providing not just a complete cast list and plot synopsis but a guide
to cd track marks which makes these easy to start and stop. The
full-cast dramatizations are outstanding, wonderful listens which even
reluctant Shakespeare students will find lively and accessible.
Simon & Schuster Audio
1230 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10020
www.simonandschuster.com
Frank McCourt's ANGELA'S ASHES (0743550927, $49.95) won the Pulitzer
price with its memoir of the author's Depression-era Irish roots. His
childhood poverty and his survival of near-starvation and the cruelty
of adults makes for a gripping saga even more meaningful for its
rendering in audio by the author himself. Readers and fans of ANGELA'S
ASHES will find his TEACHER MAN (0743549937, $49.95) another
self-narrated account of how his teaching career shaped his career as a
writer. From his encounters in public high schools around New York City
to how his lessons with teaching translated to writing skills, TEACHER
MAN is filled with moving moments and insights. Stephen King's THE
COLORADO KID (0743550404, $29.95) receives Jeffrey DeMunn's excellent
film voice and brings to life this story of a dead stranger's mystery.
A local newspaperman and a gad student in forensics search for clues;
but what they find only adds more mystery and seems to point to an
impossible crime.
Brilliance Audio
PO Box 887 , Grand Haven, MI 49417
www.brillianceaudio.com
These new audios are wonderful leisure choices for audiences who want
solid readers paired with tested, true plots. Karen Kingsbury and Gary
Smalley's RETURN (1593558937, $21.95) is a romance fueled by veteran
Sandra Burr's reading as it tells of a shattered romance and faith. Add
a newborn baby, a father who isn't aware of his impending new
fatherhood, and a family secret and you have a gripping saga. Amy Tan's
SAVING FISH FROM DROWNING (1597377376, $26.95) enjoys a narration from
Tan herself as it tells of twelve Americans who join an art expedition
which begins in China and moves to the jungles of Burma. A tour
leader's death and the disappearance of eleven travelers will bring
into question ancient legends and the potentials of dangers yet to be
encountered in this gripping thriller which comes alive in audio.
Rochelle Krich's NOW YOU SEE ME (1596000546, $24.95) enjoys Deanna
Hurst's firm and revealing narrative style, enlivening the story of
feisty Los Angeles crime reporter Molly, newly married and enjoying
fame from her latest true-crime book when a fan's attentions border on
stalking. The fan wants something more than an autograph, however -
he wants Molly's help in finding his missing teen daughter - and
trouble evolves. Margaret Truman's MURDER AT THE WASHINGTON TRIBUNE
(1597374393, $24.95) receives veteran Dick Hill's fine style as it
tells of a young woman murdered at the Tribune, and a veteran
reporter's search for justice. Joe finds himself risking career,
marriage and even his own daughter's life in the course of a deadly
search for a serial killer. Kristin Hannah's COMFORT & JOY (1423311647,
$15.95) tells of a woman who used to love Christmas - until she finds
herself divorced, estranged from her sister, and bound for another
world when the plane crashes and she must literally survive the
holidays. Veteran narrator Sandra Burr brings the holiday odyssey to
dramatic life with a vigorous reading. Karen Armstrong's A SHORT
HISTORY OF MYTH (1423307690, $19.95) also enjoys Burr's seasoned and
professional reading as it surveys the world of myth through the
retellings of international myths by authors around the world. From
prehistoric times to myths of the last hundred years and the
discrediting of myths by science, A SHORT HISTORY OF MYTH is involving.
Jeanette Winterson's WEIGHT (1423307852, $19.95) brings the Greek myth
of Atlas into the 21st century, using this mythological figure to
examine related issues of destiny, courage, choice, and more. Any
interested in either myths or social introspection will find this a
creative, intriguing listen. Al Franklin's THE TRUTH WITH JOKES
(1596000600, $38.95) comes alive in a reading by Franklin himself as it
uses political humor to underline a message about the current
administration's logic and efforts. Both conservatives and liberals
will find the blend of humor and irony intriguing here. Margaret
Atwood's THE PENELOPIAD (1423307771, $19.95) enjoys veteran narrator
Laural Merlington's smooth voice as it relates the myth of Penelope,
wife of Odysseus, and relates it to modern times. A fun retelling
relates a new modern Penelope's concerns in this century. All are
wonderful, recommended picks.
Tantor Media
114 Mill Rock Rd East, Old Saybrook, CT 06475
www.tantor.com
Classics come alive in audio for even reluctant students, and three new
unabridged audio cd presentations are top picks for students and adults
who want vivid action paired with classics. Arthur Conan Doyle's HIS
LAST BOW (1400101697, $29.95) enjoys Tom Whitworth's solid reading
style as it tells another powerful Sherlock Holmes mystery; Rudyard
Kipling's MAN WHO WOULD BE KING & OTHER STORIES (1400100461, $24.99)
tells of two Englishmen who set off into wild India to win a kingdom
and enjoys Rebecca Burns' smooth accent and emphasis on a classic
adventure, and H.G. Wells' ISLAND OF DOCTOR MOREAU (1400100534, $24.99)
enjoys Jonathan Kent's spirited rendition as it tells of a brilliant
biologist whose delivery of exotic animals to his private island is
added to by a shipwrecked man. All are spirited, involving audio
listens and are very highly recommended indeed; especially for high
school and public library holdings.
Audio Renaissance
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
www.audiorenaissance.com 1-800-221-7945
Prior fans of Robert Jordan's lengthy 'Wheel of Time' series will be
delighted to see Book Eleven of his drama, KNIFE OF DREAMS (1593977654
$69.95), sequel to CROSSROADS OF TWILIGHT, in audio: it even includes a
bonus interview with author Jordan himself as it pairs a gripping dual
narration by Kate Reading and Michael Kramer with the equally complex,
involving story of walking dead, impossible deaths, and fractured
reality. Rand must confront the Dark One if humanity has any hope of
survival - but first he must have all the seals on the Dark One's
prison and has to handle an impossible army. In this showdown between
good and evil there is no place of safety in the world - and nothing
other than two sides. KNIFE OF DREAMS comes alive in audio and softens
the complexity of the story line with high drama only audio can bring
to life. Margaret Weis' MASTER OF DRAGONS (1593973578, $49.95) receives
Suzanne Toren's vivid reading as it concludes Weiss' Dragonvarld
trilogy, a story of politics, war and struggle. Familiarity with the
prior books is recommended for a smooth continuation of a powerful
story of violence, betrayal, and a divided kingdom that incites war and
outlaw dragons. A powerful fantasy. Davia Nelson and Nikki Silva's
HIDDEN KITCHENS (1593978332, $19.95) receives actress Frances
McDormand's excellent performance as it relates the 'Kitchen Sisters'
world of street-corner cooking and community food efforts. From a
street kitchen in San Francisco to a NASCAR kitchen in the racing pits
themselves, kitchen stories first heard on NPR's 'Morning Edition'
translate just as well to audio here.
Random House Audio
1745 Broadway, 8th floor, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/audio 1-800-726-0600
These excellent listens are sure to be popular picks for discriminating
audio cd fans. Andrew Weil, Ph.D.'s HEALTHY AGING: A LIFELONG GUIDE TO
YOUR PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING (0739314092, $27.50), to its
credit, enjoys the author's own reading - and he's a powerful speaker
indeed - as it tells of his methods for achieving optimum health
without rejecting the natural process of aging. Aging is inevitable, he
says - but it doesn't have to prove disabling. Keep mind and body in
good working condition as the aging process evolves with HEALTHY AGING.
Daniel G. Amen, MD's MAKING A GOOD BRAIN GREAT (073932229X, $27.50)
also enjoys the author's own reading as it tells of how to exercise the
brain to retain optimum mental health. People stress their brains by
working too hard and not sleeping enough, pollute them with caffeine
and drugs, and seem to have no idea the brain has its own requirements
to stay healthy. MAKING A GOOD BRAIN GREAT tells how to assure the
brain lasts as long as the body. Brian Strause's MAYBE A MIRACLE
(0739323512, $29.95) receives Michael Louis Wells' off-Broadway acting
skills and voice as it tells of teen Monroe, terrified of a sadistic
older brother who is a rising star, and a workaholic unobservant
father. Only his sister and girlfriend know his inner being - and
when his sister slips into a coma from a near-drowning, Monroe is left
with heartbreak and difficult decisions. Danielle Steel's TOXIC
BACHELORS (0739313401, $29.95) explores dating and love in a novel
which presents the lives of three single men who are best friends and
confirmed bachelors. Kyf Brewer's narration brings the romance to life
with all its twists and turns.
The Few
Alex Kershaw
Brilliance Corporation
PO Box 887, Grand Haven, MI 49417
1423315901 $34.95 www.brillianceaudio.com
If you like military history but find audio's high drama more
compelling than the written word, then Scott Brick's reading of THE FEW
is for you: he drives home the story of the American pilots who helped
save Britain, surveying the Americans who battled to keep the country
free. At the end of five years, just one would still be alive. High
drama spices an outstanding narrative style.
The Edge of Darkness
Tim LaHaye and Bob Phillips
Random House Audio
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
0739331981 $27.95 www.randomhouse.com/audio
Book 4 of the 'Babylon Rising' series requires prior familiarity with
the series for smooth entry into this story, with its vivid reading by
Paul Michael and its new installment which blends a conspiracy with
Biblical interpretation and drama. Here Michael Murphy's quest leads to
a revelation that one of the Bible's most dangerous prophecies is about
to come true. It's hard to stop listening to this riveting thriller:
prior fans won't be disappointed!
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Midwest Book Review
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