Audio

Fiction

New York Times best-selling author Allston (Star Wars®: Legacy of the Force; Betrayal) writes this first entry in a projected nine-book series, which takes place two years after the savage civil war chronicled in the "Legacy of the Force" series. While a bit static, the characters are sharply drawn and realistic. The near-constant atmospheric sound effects are fresh, though unnecessary, given voice-over artist Marc Thompson's skill at mimicking familiar characters and creating distinct new ones (like lovers Jag Fel and Jaina Solo). This, plus the zippy story line, should please fans and new listeners alike. [Embeddable audio clip available through library.booksontape.com; "purchase for inevitable demand," read the review of the Lucas Bks. hc, LJ 4/15/09.—Ed.]—Douglas C. Lord, Connecticut State Lib., Hartford

Emmy Award-winning screenwriter/novelist Brennert (www.alanbrennert.com) follows up his 2003 novel, Moloka'i—also available from Recorded Books, in December 2009—with this portrait of Korean picture bride Jin, who escapes her homeland to reinvent herself in early 20th-century Hawaii. The fast-paced, first-person narrative is enlivened with cultural touches (e.g., descriptions of the ethnic cuisine) and the incorporation of major historic events (e.g., the 1910 Japanese annexation of Korea). Actress/narrator Ali Ahn's (The Fold) subtle, sensitive depiction of Jin is delightfully juxtaposed with her rather raucous voicing of Hawaiian pidgin. Her singing—snatches of popular songs of the day—is also good. Fans of the author's and of historic fiction, Hawaii, and the bildungsroman genre will enjoy. [The St. Martin's hc received a starred review, LJ 1/09.—Ed.]—David Faucheux, Louisiana Audio Information & Reading Svc., Lafayette

Lanie Coates, her three young boys, and her husband, Peter, relocate from their comfortable life in Texas to a comparatively cramped existence in Cambridge, MA, so that Peter can follow his dreams of becoming a musician. Wanting to follow her own dreams, Lanie soon sets out to reclaim herself. Center's (The Bright Side of Disaster) writing is touching and humorous though somewhat pessimistic about motherhood. Actress/narrator Kirsten Potter (Emotional Freedom) skillfully conveys the sarcasm of Lanie and her cohorts. Recommended for fans of mommy lit and book-club members interested in relationship dynamics. [Embeddable audio clip available through library.booksontape.com; the Ballantine hc, described as "a keeper," was recommended "for all popular fiction collections," LJ 3/15/09.—Ed.]—Lisa Anderson, Metropolitan Community Coll. Lib., Omaha

This is a nice but flawed entry in an already crowded field (a WorldCat search for Sherlock Holmes and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle produces 137 records for audiobooks). Five of these six stories were written after Doyle resurrected Holmes following the character's death in "The Final Problem." While none are especially well known, all are worth hearing. Actor Edward Hardwicke, who played Dr. Watson in the BBC/PBS adaptation of these tales, does an excellent job narrating. Overlooking the omission of a portion of "The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans," which makes for a confusing conclusion to the story, this fine production is recommended for all collections.—Stephen L. Hupp, West Virginia Univ. Lib., Parkersburg

In this third installment of No. 1 New York Times best-selling author Iggulden's (www.conniggulden.com) masterly "Conqueror" series on Genghis Khan—following Lords of the Bow (2008), also available from Recorded Books—Genghis and the Mongols must rely on all of his brilliance and force of personality to confront opposition from an army of Arab warriors. The story has something for nearly everyone: intrigue, loyalty, betrayal, action, jealousy, tension, and a good grasp of the time period. Actor/Audie Award-winning series reader Richard Ferrone's performance is vivid and captivating. Truly, historical fiction at its best; highly recommended. [An alternate recording is available from Blackstone Audio, with Stefan Rudnicki reading.—Ed.]—Scott R. DiMarco, Mansfield Univ. of Pennsylvania Lib.

This 2002 first novel in Kenyon's (www.sherrilynkenyon.com) New York Times and USA Today best-selling "Dark-Hunter" series—whose later entries are also available from Macmillan Audio and BBC Audiobooks America—features Julian of Macedon, trapped within a book for two millennia and sex slave to whomever summons him. The reading by Christine Louise Marshall, who voices The New Yorker online, is competent: her Greek accent is more Eastern European than Mediterranean, and she tends to overemote, but she successfully conveys Julian's pain and desperation, also elevating secondary characters to three dimensions through accent and pacing. Not Kenyon's best but a welcome addition to the Dark-Hunter mythos in audio that will delight series fans as well as explain much to series novices.—Jodi L. Israel, MLS, Salt Lake City

New York Times best-selling author Laurens (www.stephanielaurens.com) pens her 15th novel in the Cynster series—following The Taste of Innocence (2007)—this time focusing on the character of Jonas Tallent, Lucifer Cynster's brother-in-law. The satisfaction of reacquainting yourself with the series' characters is offset by occasional historical and character-based inconsistencies (e.g., the exceedingly independent Regency-era heroine). The smooth reading by actress/narrator Roz Landor (Seduction of a Proper Gentleman) helps create some suspense, but she cannot overcome the unfortunately mediocre character development and numerous rote seduction scenes. This more modern-seeming-than-Regency tale, though disappointing, will attract Laurens's many fans. [Audio clip available through www.harperaudio.com.—Ed.]—Denise A. Garofalo, Mount Saint Mary Coll. Lib., Newburgh, NY

Edgar and Agatha Award-winning author Lippman's (www.lauralippman.com) latest novel—following Another Thing To Fall (2008), also available from Recorded Books and HarperAudio—finds memoirist Cassandra Fallows forced to face her own family's past as she investigates the case of a childhood friend's missing and possibly murdered infant son. The engaging combination of politics, secrets, and differing perspectives makes this novel flow; the ending, however, does not entirely live up to the buildup. Actress Linda Emond's (www.lindaemond.com) narration adds a thoughtful tone necessary to the two central characters. Lippman's fans may well appreciate this break from her Tess Monaghan series. [The Morrow hc was described as "an engaging psychological tale of mystery and love," Xpress Reviews, LJ 3/20/09.—Ed.]—Joyce Kessel, Villa Maria Coll., Buffalo

In 1958, Richard Matheson (I Am Legend) wrote one of the most harrowing descriptions of clairvoyance ever written, about an ordinary man who develops extraordinary powers enabling him to read minds and predict future events. This classic is now available on audio, and while it shows its age a bit, there is still enough of an audience for Matheson's books—several of which have been adapted into movies, including this one—to recommend it. Audie Award winner Scott Brick (www.scottbrickpresents.com) does an outstanding job of delineating characters and giving the appropriate verbal jolt. Recommended for mystery fans and for libraries where budgets permit. [Audio clip available through www.blackstoneaudio.com.—Ed.]—Joseph L. Carlson, Vandenberg Air Force Base Lib., Lompoc, CA

Best-selling Australian author Rollins's (www.davidrollins.net) sequel to The Death Trust (2007) has wise-cracking ex-air force investigator Vincent "Vin" Cooper looking into the seemingly accidental death by shark of a Defense Department scientist and continues the globe-trotting from there. This exciting novel is a conspiracy theorist's dream and features some amazingly incredulous coincidences, but it is still quite enjoyable. Audie Award winner Mel Foster's (Finding God in Unexpected Places) relaxed reading suits Cooper's personality, and he also affects credible voices for the other characters. Fans of Dale Brown and Tom Clancy should appreciate. [Audio clip available through brillianceaudio.com.—Ed.]—Michael T. Fein, Central Virginia Community Coll. Lib., Lynchburg

Bannister, the proud daughter of Russian nobility, endured German forced labor camps, the loss of family and friends, and other experiences more commonly associated with the persecution of Jews and other minorities during World War II. Here, more than half a century later, she shares her story through self-translated diary entries and accounts of her family history. The diary text is greatly enhanced by the numerous editorial comments, which provide context, supplemental information, and some chronological orientation. Rebecca Gallagher (Why I Jumped) adeptly transitions between the diary and editorial text. Though this is a fascinating work, Bannister's Christian proselytizing can be annoying. Recommended for any adult interested in Holocaust materials; too graphic for kids. [Audio clip available through www.oasisaudio.com.—Ed.]—I. Pour-El, Ames Jewish Congregation, IA

New York Times best-selling author Cahill (www.thomascahill.com) explores the case of Dominique Green, executed by lethal injection in Houston in 2004 for his purported role in a robbery that resulted in a fatal shooting. The book is as much about the injustices of the legal system as it is about a man's ability to improve himself and inspire those around him, even in the worst of circumstances. Cahill himself reads, and though he has a pleasant voice, his narration lacks artistic flair. Also, listeners will be left wanting to know more about Green's complex and inspirational life. For those who enjoyed John Grisham's An Innocent Man and those wanting to gain insight into the criminal justice system. [Embeddable audio clip available through library.booksontape.com; the Nan A. Talese: Doubleday hc was recommended "for general readers," LJ 3/15/09.—Ed.]—Theresa Stoner, St. Joseph Cty. P.L., South Bend, IN

Conn (English, Univ. of Pennsylvania; Pearl S. Buck: A Cultural Biography) offers a lively, broad-brushed survey of 22 best-selling U.S. novels and nonfiction books in 24 consistently interesting lectures, each averaging 30 minutes in length. He explores these works at various stages of American history, from the first book printed in British North America (The Bay Psalm Book, 1640) to modern-day blockbusters by authors including Dale Carnegie and James Patterson. Conn's vigorous, somewhat wry delivery will help sustain the interest of erudite listeners eager to learn how to place these most recognizable works of American literature into their proper historical context. Essential for professors and students of English and American literature. [Audio clip available through www.naxosaudiobooks.com.—Ed.]—Dale Farris, Groves, TX

This memoir by first-time author Davis, an Emmy Award-winning writer for Saturday Night Live (SNL), tells of the early days of the show and the nature of the comedy business in the 1970s—drugs, alcohol, and all. Certainly not everyone famous at the time survived to tell about this moment in history, but listeners will be glad that Davis is one who made it. He reads his own work with wonderful expression, giving voice along the way to such luminaries as Timothy Leary, Jerry Garcia, John Belushi, and SNL producer Lorne Michaels. Davis's former comedy partner, Al Franken, writes the foreword. For the many millions of SNL fans. [Audio clip available through www.tantor.com; the Grove hc was recommended as "a welcome addition to the storied history of an iconic show," Xpress Reviews, LJ 3/20/09.—Ed.]—Barbara Valle, El Paso P.L., TX

This abridged collection features short poems by two of England's most beloved female poets. The Elizabeth Barrett Browning works include "How Do I Love Thee?" and selections from "Sonnets from the Portuguese." Among the Christina Rossetti poems is "When I Am Dead, My Dearest," typical of her interest in death. This successful pairing makes for an audio long enough to delve into the religious, social, and romantic themes of the Victorian age yet not so long as to overwhelm listeners. Short biographies of each poet help to put their works into context. The pleasing voices of narrators Rachel Bavidge (The Woman in White) and Georgina Sutton (Kafka on the Shore) strike just the right dramatic tone. Recommended for novice poetry listeners and admirers of these poets' works.—Nancy R. Ives, SUNY at Geneseo

This densely packed biography analyzes the lives of well-known sex therapists William Masters and Virginia Johnson and their groundbreaking work on human sexuality. Drawing on numerous interviews with the couple, Maier (Dr. Spock: An American Life) creates a fascinating, provocative work that will serve as a standard on the topic. Unfortunately, actress Dorie Barton's narration is ill matched to the material; she seems at times to be addressing an audience of fellow sorority sisters. For this reason, the print copy alone is recommended, for university libraries supporting therapy curricula and for larger public libraries. ["Academics and amateur sexperts alike will rejoice," read the review of the Basic Bks: Perseus hc (Xpress Reviews, LJ 4/17/09).—Ed.]—Dale Farris, Groves, TX

In 1994, frustrated by the widely held attitude that low-income students were incapable of academic success, teachers Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin founded the Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP; www.kipp.org), which emphasizes the "joy factor" of learning and is today implemented in 82 schools nationwide. Here, Washington Post education reporter Mathews clearly demonstrates the enthusiasm, hard work, and dedication of the KIPP teachers and students, while Audie Award winner J. Paul Boehmer does a credible job of portraying Feinberg and Levin. Sure to inspire both educators and parents, especially those looking to make a difference in schools performing poorly and in need of change. [The Algonquin pb, published in January, was a New York Times best seller.—Ed.]—Theresa Stoner, St. Joseph Cty. P.L., South Bend, IN

Looking for an enjoyable tribute to life in the City of Love? Try this memoir by Melbourne, Australia-based actress/publicist Nielsen. Nielsen loves Paris and wants to live there; fortunately, her husband Jack agrees. The couple's two-week whirlwind real-estate tour is liberally enhanced with reminiscences from previous visits as well as with a dash of trite, stock French phrases. Another Australian actress, Nicki Paull, provides a fun and focused reading of this entertaining, at times almost satirical ode to the ultimate French experience: buying a Parisian apartment. For listeners who appreciate lighthearted fare. [Audio clip available through www.bolinda.com; "Nielsen's tale is sweet," read the review of the St. Martin's hc. "Ultimately, however, the language issues make this an optional purchase," LJ 11/1/08.—Ed.]—Denise A. Garofalo, Mount Saint Mary Coll. Lib., Newburgh, NY

Restaurant critic Reichl (www.ruthreichl.com), whose three previous memoirs—Tender at the Bone (1998), Comfort Me with Apples (2001), and Garlic and Sapphires (2005)—were all best sellers, here stitches together the account of her mother's unhappy life from letters and notes she discovered after her mother's death. This brief but poignant title underscores the plight of intelligent women forced by societal expectations into leading unfulfilled lives. Although not a trained narrator, Reichl reads with knowing authority. Mothers and daughters interested in learning more about the restrictions placed on women during the mid-20th century as well as appreciators of Reichl's previous books should also enjoy this one. [Audio clip available through us.penguingroup.com; the Penguin Pr. hc, a New York Times best seller, received a starred review, Xpress Reviews, LJ 4/24/09.—Ed.]—Nancy R. Ives, SUNY at Geneseo