Audio
By Liz Danforth
Jun 21, 2010audio
Allen, Sarah Addison. The Girl Who Chased the Moon. 6 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 7 hrs. Books on Tape. 2010. ISBN 978-1-4159-6219-0. $90; 6 CDs. retail ed. Random Audio; digital download. F
New York Times best-selling author Allen follows up Garden Spells (2007), also available from Books on Tape/Random Audio, with another enchanting tale set in her home state of North Carolina. When Emily Benedict arrives in Mullaby, NC, she knows almost nothing about her late mother’s hometown and its quirky residents, including why many of them seem to despise her. She finds a friend in Julia, an avid cake baker grappling with her own secrets. This multigenerational tale, read with flair by actress Rebecca Lowman, has many special ingredients: a dash of romance, a touch of family drama, and a sprinkling of the paranormal, mixed with Allen’s trademark Southern charm. Enthusiastically recommended. [Embeddable audio clip available through library.booksontape.com; the Bantam hc also received a starred review, LJ 12/09.—Ed.]—Theresa Stoner, St. Joseph Cty. P.L., South Bend, IN
Cussler, Clive with Jack Du Brul. The Silent Sea. 9 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 11¼ hrs. Books on Tape. 2010. ISBN 978-0-307-71413-8. $100; 9 CDs. retail ed. Penguin Audio; digital download. F
A sunken treasure in a remote Washington State pit...a Chinese takeover of part of Antarctica...a shoot-out aboard a Mississippi casino steamboat. Where else could all this take place but in a Cussler novel? This seventh “Oregon Files” adventure, following Corsair —the Books on Tape/Penguin Audio edition of which received a starred review, LJ 8/09—brings back Juan Cabrillo and his band of supersleuths, who are this time trying to keep a vicious group of Argentine soldiers from establishing a foothold on the frozen continent with the help of their Chinese friends. Audie Award winner Scott Brick (see Behind the Mike, LJ 10/15/09) sustains just the right tone throughout this enjoyable mix of humor and nail-biting suspense. Recommended. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 11/1/09.—Ed.] —Joseph L. Carlson, Vandenberg Air Force Base Lib., Lompoc, CA
Earls, Nick. The True Story of Butterfish.8 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 9 hrs. Bolinda Audio. 2010. ISBN 978-1-7421-4655-3. $87.95; digital download. F
Curtis Holland, a former rock star with the now-disbanded band Butterfish, retreats to a small country house in Brisbane, Australia, to get his life back together following the death of his father and unexpectedly enters into a relationship with his divorced neighbor and her two teenage children that changes his perspective on life and finally helps him mature into adulthood. This entertaining and witty work, which Earls (Perfect Skin) wrote simultaneously as both a novel and a play, is ably read by actor/narrator David Tredinnick, whose pronounced Australian accent adds to its charm and helps to establish the setting. Highly recommended; suitable for teens.—Mary Knapp, Madison P.L., WI
Foden, Giles. Turbulence. 9 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 10 hrs. Clipper Audio, dist. by Recorded Bks. 2010. ISBN 978-1-4498-1292-8. $102.75; digital download. F
In his fifth novel, Foden, who won a Whitbread First Novel Award for The Last King of Scotland (1998), explores the role of weather in the 1944 Allied invasion of Europe. British meteorologist Henry Meadows, part of a team of scientists tasked with developing long-term weather forecasts, is sent by the Allies to Scotland to befriend conscientious objector Wallace Ryman, who has devised a mathematical formula that could conceivably forecast the most opportune moment to launch the D-day offensive. Interwoven with the main plot are musings on weather, science, and philosophy. Narrator Sean Barrett ( The Wilderness ) does an excellent job with the material, consistently holding listeners’ attention and bringing to life a wide range of British and American characters, including General Eisenhower. Recommended for those with a taste for war stories and scientific tales. —Stephen L. Hupp, West Virginia Univ. Parkersburg Lib.
Grahame-Smith, Seth. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. 9 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 9 hrs. Hachette Audio from BBC Audiobooks America. 2010. ISBN 978-1-60788-354-8. $69.99; 9 CDs. retail ed. Hachette Audio; Playaway digital; digital download. F
Grahame-Smith, author of the New York Times best seller Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2009), again plays it straight but strange in this reimagining of Abraham Lincoln as a vampire slayer hell-bent since a young age on avenging his beloved mother’s vampire-related death. The book incorporates well-researched U.S. histor formance is effective in translating to audio this sometimes uneasy mix of history and horror that should nonetheless make for an entertaining listen for fans of vampire stories. [Includes a bonus interview with the author and a PDF of historical photographic documents; the Grand Central hc was recommended for purchase “only where requested,” LJ 3/15/10.—Ed.] —B. Allison Gray, Goleta Branch, Santa Barbara P.L., CA
Lynds, Gayle. The Book of Spies. 12 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 14½ hrs. Blackstone Audio. 2010. ISBN 978-1-4417-2689-6. $54.50; 12 CDs. retail ed.; 1 MP3-CD. library/retail eds.; Playaway digital; digital download. F
In New York Times best-selling author Lynds’s (www.gaylelynds.com) sixth stand-alone novel, following The Last Spymaster (2006), rare-books expert/conservator Eva Blake must work with the CIA to find the Library of Gold, a legendary collection of rare, priceless books. Actress/narrator Kate Reading ( The Agency ) brilliantly captures Lynds’s colorful descriptions, employing multiple accents and conveying a wide range of emotions. The book closes with a time line illustrating the five-centuries-long real-life search for the Library of Gold. This thrilling tale of intrigue is perfect for audio and will appeal to listeners enjoying a complex story with roller-coaster turns. [“Readers of both espionage and artifact novels…will crave subsequent escapades with these characters,” read the review of the St. Martin’s hc, LJ 2/1/10.—Ed.] —Susan G. Baird, formerly with Oak Lawn P.L., IL
Mina, Denise. Still Midnight. 9 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 11 hrs. BBC Audiobooks America. 2010. ISBN 978-0-7927-6307-9. $89.95; 1 MP3-CD. library ed.; Playaway digital; digital download. F
This is John Creasey Dagger Award winner Mina’s (www.denisemina.co.uk) eighth crime novel, following Slip of the Knife (2008), also available from BBC Audiobooks America and read by Glasgow-born actress/musician Jane MacFarlane. In it, an elderly shop owner is kidnapped during what appears to be a botched home invasion. Alex Morrow should have been lead on the case, but a supporting role lands her in the middle of a political morass at least as complicated as the crime. Mina’s gritty, precise prose contains some enviably poetic imagery. The working-class characters of Glasgow are enlivened by MacFarlane’s versatile accents and husky tones. Though not Mina’s strongest novel, this police procedural is still a worthy addition to the current crop of international mysteries. Frequent vulgar language may offend some. [The Reagan Arthur: Little, Brown hc was recommended for “fans of Ian Rankin and anyone who enjoys a good police procedural,” LJ 3/1/10.—Ed.]—Janet Martin, Southern Pines P.L., NC
Murakami, Haruki. Hard-boiled Wonderland and the End of the World. 11 CDs. retail ed. unabridged. 14 hrs. Naxos AudioBooks. 2010. ISBN 978-962-634-338-8. $62.98; digital download. F
Murakami’s demanding 1991 novel, newly available on audio, features two parallel narratives reflecting on such issues as death, paranoia, information, freedom, and choice. In the first, read by Adam Sims (After the Quake), an unnamed protagonist becomes involved with an unusually helpful reference librarian, an eccentric scientist, two dangerous thugs, and even more deadly creatures living beneath Tokyo. In the second narrative, read by actor Ian Porter, a separate protagonist finds himself in a walled town and reading the dreams of others with the aid of another librarian. The narratives are told in alternating chapters and gradually intersect. Sims masterfully conveys his hero’s bewilderment at the odd circumstances of his life, while Porter is more somber in his performance, employing a different kind of tentativeness to convey his character’s uneasy adjustment to a strange new world. This unique blend of noir, sf, and fable owes a considerable debt to Jorge Luis Borges. Fans of Murakami and offbeat literary fiction will find much to like here, as will, naturally, librarians.—Michael Adams, CUNY Graduate Ctr. Lib.
Porter, Henry. The Bell Ringers. 11 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 13 hrs. Tantor Audio. 2010. ISBN 978-1-4001-4658-1. $79.99; 11 CDs. retail ed.; 2 MP3-CDs. retail ed.; Playaway digital; digital download. F
When New York lawyer Kate Lockhart travels to England to attend the funeral of her estranged friend, the UK prime minister’s former head of intelligence, her role as benefactor of his estate leads to a complex, Orwellian tale of political intrigue, devastating power, and unprecedented conspiracy. Porter (www.henry-porter.com), a political columnist for the UK Observer and author of the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award–winning novel Brandenburg (2005), contributes to the growing genre of political thrillers bent on bringing to light the more disturbing practices of today’s democratic governments. Indeed, many of this title’s most frightening details are based on legal fact. Multiple Audie Award winner John Lee’s homegrown British accent lends further believability to the story, and he reads with the appropriate degree of intensity. A worthy selection recommended for fans of the genre and those liking Michael Crichton’s State of Fear or Daniel Suarez’s Daemon . [The Atlantic Monthly hc received a starred review, LJ 11/15/09.—Ed.] —Lisa Anderson, Metropolitan Community Coll. Lib., Omaha
Trussoni, Danielle. Angelology. 17 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 21½ hrs. Books on Tape. 2010. ISBN 978-0-307-57749-8. $100; 17 CDs. retail ed. Penguin Audio; digital download. F
Trussoni’s (www.danielletrussoni.com) memoir, Falling Through the Earth, was a New York Times Book Review Best Book of 2006. In her debut novel, set at turns in late 20th–century New York City and World War II Europe, Sister Evangeline discovers an obscure correspondence that plunges her into a secret battle between the Society of Angelologists and the descendants of angels and humans, the Nephilim. Actress/narrator Susan Denaker (Before You Know Kindness) delivers an even performance, employing convincing accents for several of the characters, though one wonders whether a different narrator reading the World War II section might have better set off the book’s two parts. This long novel blends suspense and the supernatural in a manner reminiscent of Dan Brown, Elizabeth Kostova, and even Stephenie Meyer and would be enjoyed by their readers. [The Viking hc received a starred review, LJ 1/10.—Ed.]—David Faucheux, Louisiana Audio Information & Reading Svc., Lafayette
NONFICTION
Burden, Wendy. Dead End Gene Pool: A Memoir. 7 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 9 hrs. Tantor Audio. 2010. ISBN 978-1-4001-4569-0. $69.99; 7 CDs. retail ed.; 1 MP3-CD. retail ed.; digital download. AUTOBIOG
In her first book, Burden, the great-great-great-granddaughter of Cornelius Vanderbilt, writes of growing up amid great wealth and family dysfunction. Never playing the victim, she employs a quirky humor in relating anecdotes ranging from her early obsession with The Addams Family and grandmother’s flatulence to her uncle’s fondness for Hitler and her father’s suicide. Yet, despite her enjoyable look at childhood rebellion and the darker side and mixed blessings of excessive wealth, the memoir suffers from unevenness owing to a confusing chronology and certain narrative threads left hanging. Actress/narrator Coleen Malo (The Poisoner’s Handbook) captures just the right tone of defiance and childhood spunkiness. Recommended for those seeking an amusing insider’s account of life among the superrich. [The Gotham hc was described as “a hot commodity, especially with Burden’s many connections and America’s fascination with the very wealthy,” Prepub Exploded, BookSmack!, 11/5/09; more info at www.deadendgenepool.com.—Ed.]—Nancy Ives, SUNY at Geneseo
Deutschendorf, Harvey. The Other Kind of Smart: Simple Ways To Boost Your Emotional Intelligence for Greater Personal Effectiveness and Success. 5 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 6 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2010. ISBN 978-1-4233-9115-9. $82.97; 5 CDs. retail ed.; 1 MP3-CD. library/retail eds.; Playaway digital; digital download. SELF-HELP/PSYCH
Deutschendorf (Of Work and Men) is an American Psychological Association–certified administrator of BarOn EQi, the first scientifically validated test for emotional intelligence (EI), a niche in behavioral psychology frequently referred to as “advanced common sense.” In this title, originally published in 2009 and newly available on audio, he effectively uses storytelling, quotes, and exercises to demonstrate how readers/listeners can apply the principles of EI to help improve their relationships and increase their effectiveness at work, e.g., by learning to tolerate stress, develop empathy, boost assertiveness, and successfully resolve problems. A quiz for measuring one’s own EI is included. Actor/narrator Fred Stella’s (Hannah’s List) nicely paced delivery helps maintain interest in this lay approach to the subject, which is recommended especially for public libraries that have not yet begun to acquire any of the rapidly increasing number of works on EI.—Dale Farris, Groves, TX
Fox, Michael, J. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future...Twists and Turns and Lessons Learned. 1 CD. library ed. unabridged. 2 hrs. Recorded Bks. 2010. ISBN 978-1-4013-9518-6. $30.75; 2 CDs. retail ed. Hyperion Audio; digital download. AUTOBIOG
In his third memoir—following the LJ best sellers Lucky Man (2002) and Always Looking Up (2009)—abridged editions of which are also available from Recorded Books/Hyperion Audio—high school dropout Fox (www.michaeljfox.org) goes from broke, destitute, and hounded by bill collectors to superstar movie man. During his eventful journey, he accidentally learns the basics of economics, political science, comparative literature, physics, and more. This compact, biographical book of counsel and speculation for a YA audience is comical, genial, and trademark Fox. The author himself reads, bringing warmth to our hearts with his familiar voice. As we have come to expect, Fox doles out advice while honestly portraying himself, his family, and his work without mincing words or deleting circumstance. Great for fans of the Grammy Award–winning audio edition of Always Looking Up, also read by Fox, and especially well suited to recent grads.—Terry Ann Lawler, Phoenix P.L.
James, P.D. Talking About Detective Fiction. 4 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 4¼ hrs. BBC Audiobooks America. 2010. ISBN 978-0-7927-6904-0. $49.95; digital download. LIT
James, who turns 90 in August, wrote this Edgar Award–winning book on the history, development, and craft of detective fiction as a charitable contribution to the University of Oxford’s Bodleian Library. Exploring the genre in great detail, she begins with Wilkie Collins’s seminal 1868 novel, The Moonstone , also discussing the Golden Age of British detective fiction that gave us the works of Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers, among others. James additionally addresses her own contributions to the genre; namely, her Adam Dalgliesh series. Throughout, her prose is as clear and precise as her readers and listeners have come to expect. Actress/writer Diana Bishop does an extraordinary job of narrating this material; her British accent is crisp and lucid, and her pacing is perfect for optimal understanding by American audiences. Highly recommended for James’s fans as well as anyone interested in fiction writing and literary history. The Knopf hc was described as being “entertaining [and] approachable…an appealing read for a wide audience,” LJ 1/10.—Ed.] —Barbara Valle, El Paso P.L., TX
Kirkpatrick, Sidney. Hitler’s Holy Relics: A True Story of Nazi Plunder and the Race To Recover the Crown Jewels of the Holy Roman Empire. 9 CDs. retail ed. unabridged. 10¾ hrs. HighBridge Audio. 2010. ISBN 978-1-61573-043-8. $34.95; Playaway digital; digital download. HIST
Based on a true story spanning several centuries and continents, Kirkpatrick’s (sidneykirkpatrick.blogspot.com) latest nonfiction title, following A Cast of Killers (2007), reads like a wild cross between Raiders of the Lost Ark and the novels of Michael Connelly. From the Spear of Destiny that lanced the side of Christ to the detailed symbolism of the Third Reich, this incredible-but-true account follows the 1945 search for the pillaged symbols of Germanic glory. In it, U.S. Army lieutenant Walter Horn, a prewar professor of art history, is the lead investigator in a race against time for these stolen, priceless artifacts, which might have been a uniting factor in the rise of a Fourth Reich. Narrator Charles Stransky’s (Red Moon Rising) tension-filled performance is spectacular. Recommended for anyone interested in military affairs and American history. [See Prepub Exploded, LJ Online 12/3/09.—Ed.]—Scott R. DiMarco, Mansfield Univ. of Pennsylvania Lib.
Lundin, Stephen & Bob Nelson. Ubuntu! An Inspiring Story About an African Tradition of Teamwork and Collaboration.3 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 3½ hrs. Books on Tape. 2010. ISBN 978-0-307-70763-5. $40; 3 CDs. retail ed. Random Audio; digital download. BUS
In this management parable, Lundin (coauthor, Fish!) and Nelson (1001 Ways To Energize Employees) illustrate the impact mutual respect and collaboration can have on workplace productivity and morale. When Simon, a transplant from a small African village, volunteers to help his beleaguered boss to tackle a mound of departmental work, he enlightens his new manager about the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which, after a fact-finding company trip to South Africa, ultimately effects positive companywide change. Narrator Dominic Hoffmann (In Search of Our Roots) handles the variety of voices—male, female, American, African—naturally and with ease. Recommended for all supervisors and managers as a refresher in employee relations.—M. Gail Preslar, Eastman Chemical Co. Business Lib., Kingsport, TN
Rove, Karl. Courage and Consequence: My Life as a Conservative in the Fight. 7 CDs. library ed. abridged. 8 hrs. Recorded Bks. 2010. ISBN 978-1-4423-3406-9. $38.75; 7 CDs. retail ed. S. & S. Audio; digital download. AUTOBIOG
It’s doubtful any liberal Democrats will ever be swayed in their opinion of the George W. Bush presidency, no matter how powerful the argument. So why is this reviewer recommending Rove’s controversial best-selling hagiography? Not because Bush’s former senior adviser/deputy chief of staff himself narrates this abridged audio recording—his voice is soporific—but because it offers a uniquely inside view of the bloody, vicious, oftentimes ridiculous world of politics. Once listeners acknowledge that this is an unvarnished tribute to Bush, they will be both entertained and enlightened by this insightful and skillfully written account. The Iraq War, Hurricane Katrina, reports of fudging U.S. National Guard reports—all these and more are told here in a manner free of the venom oozing from most books on Bush ’43. Recommended for all listeners, particularly students of political science. [The Threshold Editions hc, which published in March, was a New York Times best seller; Bush’s own memoir of his presidency, Decision Points, will be available from Books on Tape/Random Audio in November, simultaneous to the release of the print and ebook editions.—Ed.]—Joseph L. Carlson, Vandenberg Air Force Base Lib., Lompoc, CA
