RealTime Reviews December 3, 2009

editorial@audiofilemagazine.com — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:48:52 -0500

Your RealTime Reviews for December 3, 2009.

Check out the latest audiobook reviews published by AudioFile this week.

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Audio Theater
Biography & Memoir
Business & Finance
Contemporary Culture

Fiction
Fiction, Historical
Fiction, Romantic
History
Mystery & Suspense

Personal Growth
Philosophy & Religion
Spirituality
Young Adult
SoundReviews

Audio Theater To Category List

WIND-GONE-MAD

L. Ron Hubbard, Read by Shane Johnson, R.F. Daley, James King, Jim Meskimen, Tamra Meskimen, Paul Wertheimer, Michael Yurchak • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Galaxy Press • Trade Ed.

The outstanding Hubbard Golden Age sci-fi series continues with this compilation of tales set in pre-WWII China. The central story focuses on one man's search for a mysterious aviator known only as "Wind-Gone-Mad," who may be able to save the country from total destruction. The production quality of this entry in the series continues to be top-notch, with realistic sound effects that take listeners to a new time and place. The cast of narrators is stellar, with each performer deserving praise. A subtle musical score creates a stirring atmosphere of foreboding that draws listeners into each story from the start. In particular, R.F. Daley, the omniscient storyteller, delivers a pitch-perfect reading that sets the tone of each story. L.B. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Biography & Memoir To Category List

THE HEAVENLY MAN The Remarkable True Story of Chinese Christian Brother Yun

Brother Yun, Paul Hattaway, Read by Cristofer Jean, Jeany Park, Grover Gardner • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Christian Audio/ Hovel • Trade Ed.

"The world can do nothing to a Christian who has no fear of man," Brother Yun says as he tells the world about his trials as a leader in the Chinese house church movement. Brother Yun's testimony is read in a modest yet firm voice by Cristofer Jean. While soft-spoken, Jean conveys all the passion and pain in Yun's life as he hid from Chinese authorities or languished in prison, at times facing torture. Jeany Park reads his wife's accounts with similar grace, and Grover Gardner delivers the introduction with authority. Yun's determination to find God's message through his suffering brings a rare force to his message. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

HIGHEST DUTY My Search for What Really Matters

Chesley B. Sullenberger III, Jeffrey Zaslow, Read by Michael McConnohie • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Harper Audio • Trade Ed.

This inspiring book tells the story of U.S. Airways pilot Captain "Sully" Sullenberger. Listeners hear not just of his emergency landing on the Hudson, but of the life events that prepared him for that moment. As the author himself says, "My entire life led me safely to that river." Michael McConnohie's steady, matter-of-fact narration is very much in keeping with Sully's own character. McConnohie captures the author's refreshingly modest tone as he conveys his life story. Anecdotes about how he learned to fly as a teen, his years in the Air Force, his life as husband and father all build to create a sense of the qualities—hard work, perseverance, passion—that equipped Sully for his calmly heroic act in January 2009. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE MEANING OF MATTHEW My Son's Murder in Laramie, and a World Transformed

Judy Shepard, Read by Judy Shepard, Dennis Shepard • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Penguin Audio • Digital Download

Books on Tape • Library Ed.

The brutal murder of Matthew Shepard in 1998 in Laramie, Wyoming, brought violence based on sexual orientation to public view. His mother, determined that Matthew's life should have meaning, has become an activist for the inclusion of sexual orientation in hate crime legislation (the federal act, named for Matthew, was enacted in October 2009) and for gay rights in general. Judy Shepard's narration is consistent with her statements in the book that in various public situations she is determined not to break down—as she wants the focus of the story to be Matthew, not her. Matthew's father delivers the statement he made at the trial of one of the assailants. Both parents read in tightly controlled voices that are poignant and, by the absence of dramatization, tell a haunting story. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Business & Finance To Category List

END THE FED

Ron Paul, Read by Bob Craig • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Hachette Audio • Trade Ed.

Narrator Bob Craig is the calm voice of reason in Ron Paul's revolutionary rhetoric on the need for the United States to end the Federal Reserve. Paul lays the nation’s current and future financial problems firmly at the feet of the Fed and its powers to modify the financial system. Paul backs up his argument with a history of the Federal Reserve and his experiences and thoughts from his long political career as a congressman from Texas, and his even-longer interest in the financial system. Craig's soothing voice and ample pauses serve as counterpoint to the provocative content and allow the message to stand on its own, and not behind a flashy narration. E.N. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Contemporary Culture To Category List

THE FOURTH PART OF THE WORLD The Race to the Ends of the Earth, and the Epic Story of the Map That Gave American Its Name

Toby Lester , Read by Peter Jay Fernandez • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Recorded Books • Library Ed.

The limits of the audiobook form are severely tested by Lester's history of mapmaking and the European exploration of the globe during the Renaissance. The printed text is richly illustrated with maps and diagrams. It's a tribute both to the lucidity of Lester's writing and the authority of Peter Jay Fernandez's delivery that this is one of the season's most absorbing and satisfying audio experiences. Fernandez maintains a firm, clear narrative line throughout, and this expansive history, which compresses centuries of exploration and dozens of familiar and unfamiliar names, never seems to wander or lose its thread. Reading the text, you'd think nothing could replace the sight of the illustrations; but hearing it read, you'll agree that nothing can replace the sound of the names, the ships and cities, the instruments and doctrines from centuries past. D.A.W. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

HOPE FOR ANIMALS AND THEIR WORLD How Endangered Species Are Being Rescued from the Brink

Jane Goodall, Thane Maynard, Gail Hudson, Read by Jane Goodall • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Hachette Audio • Trade Ed.

Rather than just remind us once again that wildlife on the planet faces extinction, Jane Goodall shares some inspirational stories of endangered animals that have been restored to a bright future in the wild. Each account of a species being rescued bolsters hope for more public support and cooperation. Known for her 45 years of research with chimpanzees in Tanzania, this audiobook demonstrates Goodall's diversity of knowledge about all animals. Although her voice shows its 75 years, her youthful personality and fresh outlook on learning shine through. Within a few minutes, listeners will be hooked on her ability to narrate stories written from her own experiences with wildlife restorationists. Her ideas and language depict a rich scientific education, but her message never becomes too complicated for any age group. J.A.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

SOUL OF A DOG

Jon Katz, Read by Tom Stechschulte • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Recorded Books • Library Ed.

Tom Stechschulte adopts a wry, ironic delivery as he recounts Katz’s descriptions of life at Bedlam Farm, especially the shenanigans of his menagerie of animals, which will resonate pleasantly with long-suffering animal owners. Katz, who has built his writing career on his observations of his animal brood, especial his dogs, here tackles a question very much in vogue: Are animals self-aware? More specifically, does that awareness continue on after death? Filled with his own thoughts on what philosophers and theologians have to say on this topic, Katz's book succeeds best when he's telling stories about his own remarkable encounters with animals. Stechschulte does an admirable job conveying Katz's faith and doubt as he wrestles with this age-old dilemma. Stechschulte's considered performance reflects the author’s own soul-searching. D.G. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

TAKING WOODSTOCK

Eliot Tiber, Tom Monte, Read by Jim Frangione • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Recorded Books • Trade Ed.

Recorded Books • Library Ed.

As a native of Woodstock, New York, author Eliot Tiber saw his town evolve from a Jewish resort community in the fifties—when he helped his family run a hotel there—to the mecca for hippies it became in the sixties. In between is a tale of friends, family, culture, and commerce—all against the backdrop of Tiber's coming-of-age as a gay man amid the social upheaval of the time. Listeners be warned—the story is explicit in parts. Jim Frangione's voice is delightful as he applies his nasal tone to the myriad characters—from the original Borscht Belt crowd to the campy denizens of Seventh Avenue, with whom Tiber was running by the late sixties. He was even on the scene of the Stonewall Riots, which he recounts vividly. J.S.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Fiction To Category List

BLAME

Michelle Huneven, Read by Hillary Huber • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Blackstone Audiobooks • Trade Ed.

Blackstone Audiobooks • Library Ed.

Hillary Huber's throaty voice and sarcastic undertones convey the character of young college professor Patsy MacLemoore. Patsy careens between brilliant teaching and blurry alcohol binges and blackouts. One night she wakes up in a drunk tank and learns she swooped into her driveway, accidentally killing two Jehovah Witnesses, a mother and daughter. Both narrator and author keep to a solid pace as they trace Patsy's growth during two years of prison—then her release, remorse, redemption, and much later, a startling revelation. Detailed sensory descriptions of Patsy's life in Altadena Prison make convincing the story’s contrasting realities. Huber's on-target portrayals of minor characters and her snappy rendition of spicy dialogue also contribute to the compelling listening. S.W. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

A CHANGE IN ALTITUDE

Anita Shreve, Read by Anna Stone • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Hachette Audio • Trade Ed.

Books on Tape • Library Ed.

With her usual insightful, carefully constructed plot, Anita Shreve (THE PILOT'S WIFE, THE WEIGHT OF WATER) presents a character-driven analysis of a marriage in crisis. Margaret and her husband, Patrick, go to Kenya for a year while he does medical research. On a climbing trip up Mt. Kenya, disaster occurs, causing a rift between the couple. Narrator Anna Stone slips comfortably into Shreve's intricately drawn characters and is particularly adept at accents—from African and Afrikaans to American, British, and Italian. In an engaging, intelligent reading, Stone delivers Shreve's depictions of Africa's extreme poverty, women's roles, the effects of tragedy and mistrust on marriage, and the existence of an indifferent universe. Shreve fans won't want to miss this challenging look at human relationships. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE DEATH OF BUNNY MUNRO

Nick Cave, Read by Nick Cave • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Macmillan Audio • Trade Ed.

When Munro's wife, Bunny, commits suicide, he continues his life as a traveling salesman, taking along his son. More accurately, while the father is engaging in vividly (and crudely) described sex with his clients, his son is sitting in the car reading an encyclopedia. While the soundtrack running through much of the narration may be of interest to fans of Cave's music, it adds little to the performance and at times is distracting. Nonetheless, Cave's narration captures the tones of a dissolute man who is losing his grip on reality. A subtle recognition of (but not necessarily regret for) a wasted life is always present in Cave's delivery. This undercurrent makes the character of Munro, and the melancholy of his deteriorating personality, sadly believable. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

DRAWING IN THE DUST

Zoë Klein, Read by Justine Eyre • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Tantor Media • Trade Ed.

Tantor Media • Library Ed.

When Page Brookstone experiences every archaeologist's dream—finding previously unknown ancient documents—she soon encounters political bureaucracies who have something to gain from keeping them hidden. Each chapter of this novel begins with a passage from the scrolls discovered by Page, creating a story within the story. Justine Eyre is quite believable as the naïve researcher. Eyre's sweet, rich voice dramatizes Page's thoughts as she uncovers the ancient scrolls and works to make them public. The action moves briskly even though it’s filled with biblical and geographical references. Eyre manages a number of accents, from American to Middle Eastern, and credibly portrays the tension between the characters. R.F. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

A FRIEND OF THE FAMILY

Lauren Grodstein, Read by Rick Adamson • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

HighBridge Audio • Trade Ed.

Father-and-son tension escalates into a crisis in Grodstein's latest potboiler, which is given added emotional depth in a rigorous interpretation by narrator Rick Adamson. The story revolves around a doctor whose distrust of his best friend's daughter reaches a crescendo when the girl shows up in her thirties to make a play for his son, a young struggling artist. While the story itself may sound like an extended family argument to some, Adamson is superb in drawing out all the characters’ inner torments. His risk-taking performance is so good it will leave listeners wondering if this is just fine acting or if Adamson is personally familiar with this emotional landscape. J.L. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE LACUNA

Barbara Kingsolver, Read by Barbara Kingsolver • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Harper Audio • Trade Ed.

Recorded Books • Library Ed.

Kingsolver’s historical novel portrays the United States, Mexico, and the turbulent world in which they were developing early in the twentieth century. The story is seen through the personal journals of Harrison William Shepherd, a Mexican-American who grew up in the 1930s caught between the two cultures of his divorced parents. Historical figures such as Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, and Leon Trotsky are also involved in the story. Kingsolver narrates with the passion of an extraordinary storyteller. She adds an extra dimension with her command of the idiomatic Spanish she uses extensively in the text. However, the pace of her narration sometimes lags behind the forward momentum of the story. Nonetheless, Kingsolver’s fans have waited eagerly for nine years for a new work and will not be disappointed. M.C. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

LETTING GO

Philip Roth, Read by Luke Daniels • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Brilliance Audio • Trade Ed.

Brilliance Audio • Library Ed.

Philip Roth has written a number of novels that can fairly be called masterpieces, but his first is not one of them. It far exceeds most first novels but only hints at the coming glories of THE GHOST WRITER, AMERICAN PASTORAL, THE HUMAN STAIN, and others. Narrator Luke Daniels strives mightily, but not excessively, to bring out every emotional nuance of the text, and mostly does well by it. However, when the characters lack New York accents, the dialogue can be a bit confusing. Nonetheless, Roth's fans should not miss this taste of the master in his youth. D.M.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

A SEPARATE COUNTRY

Robert Hicks, Read by Sherman Howard, Isabel Keating, Kevin T. Collins • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Hachette Audio • Trade Ed.

Hicks's raw, searing novel, based on the life of controversial Confederate Army General John Bell Hood, is masterfully voiced. Set in post-Civil War New Orleans, the story's bizarre cast of richly developed characters includes a dwarf, a burly priest, and a boy of mysterious parentage. The compelling rendition of Hood's marriage to Anna Marie is especially believable. Outstanding narration by Sherman Howard and Kevin Collins depicts Hood's diary entries, and Isabel Keating's textured narration brings Anna Marie's letters to life. The narrators capture Hood's devastation when he's ravaged by financial misfortune. When he falls fatally ill with yellow fever, he makes a strange request to Eli Griffin, a friend turned hit man, to publish his secret memoirs. Listeners won’t be disappointed in this chilling story filled with complicated twists and turns. G.D.W. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Historical Fiction To Category List

CAPRICE AND RONDO

Dorothy Dunnett, Read by Christopher Kay • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Recorded Books • Library Ed.

Christopher Kay gives a marathon performance of the seventh book in Dorothy Dunnett's House of Niccolo series. Kay's voice is confident, and his reading of the many travel scenes is engaging. The story’s bloody scenes of battle are well depicted but disconcerting. Kay's particular strength is in delivering the dialogue of the male characters—his portrayals of the female characters are less compelling in comparison. This lengthy novel will be of interest primarily to followers of the Niccolo series, as beginning with this recording so far into the story would be confusing. Kay's performance anchors this sprawling epic to its flawed hero, Nicholas de Fleury, whose fortunes are the heart of this episode. R.F. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

WOLF HALL

Hilary Mantel, Read by Simon Slater • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Macmillan Audio • Trade Ed.

BBC Audiobooks America • Library Ed.

Simon Slater's inspired narration of this year's Booker Prize novel, set in the court of Henry VIII, is on every count one of this year's outstanding audiobooks. The story of Henry's endeavors to exchange Queen Catherine for Anne Boleyn is hardly new, but Mantel's account stands out for her graceful and textured prose, vivid depictions of the historical scene, and focus on the man in the background of the story, Thomas Cromwell. Slater conveys lowly characters and the grandees of court, church, and law with equal ease and authority. Especially memorable is his rendering of Cardinal Wolsey, a comic portrait that is at the same time poignant and deeply tragic. Memorable, too, are the detailed depictions of life in the 1520s, which Slater makes all too actual and close at hand. D.A.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

History To Category List

AMERICAN HEROES

Edmund S. Morgan , Read by David Chandler • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Recorded Books • Library Ed.

The ground covered by AMERICAN HEROES is well covered by popular history books, but Morgan's take on the men and women who shaped our nation in its early years is still worth a listen. He uses accounts of Americans like William Penn and Ben Franklin to show listeners what life was like in Puritan New England, at Yale, and in the fledgling democracy, to name just a few of his topics. Narrator David Chandler reads with an engaging professorial tone; his clear and informative presentation also has emotion and passion for his subject. Listeners will likely find themselves thinking about the principles and lifestyles illustrated by the stories a little more deeply than with similar histories. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE GOOD SOLDIERS

David Finkel, Read by Mark Boyett • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Audible, Inc. • Digital Download

Mark Boyett delivers the words of U.S. Ranger Battalion 2-16's soldiers as they live, fight, and, in some cases, die during the 2007 “surge” in Iraq. Their unsophisticated and vulgar military language mixed with attitudes of hopelessness, depression, and fear paints scenes contrary to the optimistic view of President Bush, who said of the effort: "We are kicking ass." Boyett mimics the accents of the Iraqi translators, assumes the excitement and desperation of men in battle, and conveys the pall of death when it happens. Boyett's portraits of men and war bring alive what would be considerably less so on the printed page. The stories of these 21st-century soldiers exemplify the timeless universalities of lethal combat. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Mystery & Suspense To Category List

BLACK FRIDAY

Alex Kava, Read by Tanya Eby • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Brilliance Audio • Trade Ed.

Brilliance Audio • Library Ed.

When a bomb goes off in a public place on the year's biggest shopping day, federal and state teams spring to action. This tightly spun story of Agent Maggie O'Dell's investigation gives new meaning to the question: Whodunit? As O'Dell scrambles to find the mastermind, the clock ticks on a second bomb. Tanya Eby's narration is passable. Her best voice is an overly enunciated minor character, a woman who assists in the investigation. But more variation among the investigators who are trying to close in on the elusive bomber would be helpful. Still, the latest in the O’Dell series maintains a suspenseful tone. M.B. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

DEXTER BY DESIGN

Jeff Lindsay , Read by Nick Landrum • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Recorded Books • Trade Ed.

Recorded Books • Library Ed.

Those acquainted with Showtime's hit series "Dexter," about the Miami Police blood spatter analyst by day, vigilante serial killer by night, will be thrilled by Lindsay's latest installment. Upon returning from his honeymoon in Paris, Dexter's iconic character continues to struggle with his "Dark Passenger," the driving force behind his bloody deeds. Landrum excels in depicting Dexter's macabre persona—every utterance is dripping with impeccable irony and self-ridicule. His tone as Dexter is menacing, not flat, although Dexter describes himself as having no soul. Lindsay's sharp wit and character repartee are also suited to Landrum's measured pace and modulated intensity. As the suspense of Dexter’s latest case builds and he faces a shock from his personal demon, even more horrors await at home. A.W. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

HOTHOUSE ORCHID

Stuart Woods, Read by Carrington MacDuffie • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Penguin Audio • Trade Ed.

Books on Tape • Library Ed.

CIA Special Agent Holly Baker has been ordered to take a vacation, so off she goes to her house in Orchid Beach, Florida, where she immediately becomes involved in a case of serial rape and murder. Carrington MacDuffie delivers a good performance—Holly's voice is appropriately light, and the masculine voices are excellent. However, the glib, mundane dialogue combined with narrative that is neither exciting nor dramatic is hard for even MacDuffie to overcome. There’s little in this book that grabs the listener, despite an interesting plot idea. Those who have read Woods's earlier books will be especially disappointed. S.S.R. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE MONSTER IN THE BOX

Ruth Rendell, Read by Nicolas Coster • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Phoenix Audio • Trade Ed.

Narrator Nicolas Coster's gravelly growl perfectly portrays the aging Chief Inspector Reginald Wexford in award-winning mystery novelist Ruth Rendell's twenty-second novel in this series. In this taut mystery Wexford revisits a case that stymied him years earlier. Coster allows the energy to drain out of his voice in the present-day chapters but adds energy to his reading when Wexford recounts the case of suspected serial killer Eric Targo in flashbacks. Fans of the series will delight in the account of Wexford's romance with his soon-to-be wife, Dora, and in Rendell’s crystal-clear prose. While the author assures her readers there will be more stories in the series, closing the top of this box could bring a satisfying conclusion to the illustrious career of one of the genre's best and most beloved characters. R.O. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Personal Growth To Category List

CONQUERING FEAR Living Boldly in an Uncertain World

Harold S. Kushner, Read by Harold S. Kushner • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Random House Audio • Trade Ed.

Books on Tape • Library Ed.

Harold Kushner shows both breadth and depth in understanding the fears that haunt people—natural disasters, loss of job or love, terrorism, aging, death. Sound overwhelming? Kushner's straightforward delivery assures listeners that while some fear is healthy, reacting to frightening situations by taking life-affirming actions signifies hope and faith and negates the overemphasis of fear in our lives. Kushner supports his views with religious references, quotations derived from the wisdom of bold thinkers, his own life experiences, and the thoughts of the many people he's counseled in his years as a rabbi. Even better than his words of reassurance is the way he utters them—with certainty, evenness, and a calmness that is comforting. S.W. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Philosophy & Religion To Category List

GREAT LIVES: PAUL

Charles Swindoll, Read by Raymond Todd • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Christian Audio/ Hovel • Trade Ed.

Author Charles Swindoll analyzes the Apostle Paul's character, providing ancient and current illustrations that listeners can use to examine their own lives. In a seamless delivery, narrator Raymond Todd portrays Paul's journey to Damascus, as described by Swindoll, during which he is blinded and then experiences the restoration of his eyesight by God. Then, as an example of solitude, Swindoll recounts the story of the movie CAST AWAY, about a FedEx employee who is stranded on a deserted island for four years. With light enunciation, Todd describes how, like Paul, the executive comes to surrender his pride and desire for prestige when he realizes that being on top will result in a loneliness and isolation similar to what he is experiencing as a castaway. The story of Paul's journey motivates self-examination. G.D.W. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Romantic Fiction To Category List

RENDEZVOUS

Amanda Quick, Read by Anne Flosnik • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Brilliance Audio • Trade Ed.

Brilliance Audio • Library Ed.

The Earl of Graystone, a former spymaster, is looking for a traitor known as "Spider" while, at the same time, searching for a bride from a list of suitable candidates. Augusta Ballinger, feisty, headstrong, and determined, is trying to prove that her dead brother was not a traitor. The Earl should not consider her one of the "suitables," but the heart isn't a big believer in lists. Anne Flosnik's smooth and skillful narration is perfect for this Regency romance. Flosnik is proficient in her portrayal of the British, both members of the "haute ton" and servants. She is equally adroit whether the characters are male or female. A pleasant, well-presented escape. A.C.P. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Spirituality To Category List

SOUL SURVIVOR The Reincarnation of a World War II Fighter Pilot

Bruce Leininger, Andrea Leininger, Ken Gross, Read by Paul Boehmer • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Tantor Media • Trade Ed.

Tantor Media • Library Ed.

Do the nightmares of a Louisiana boy mean he is the reincarnation of a downed WWII pilot? His parents make a case for just such a phenomenon as they detail their investigation into the facts behind his dreams. Paul Boehmer's tone is a little too astonished at times as he talks about James Leininger's obsession with airplanes and his uncanny knowledge of the details of a pilot's life. At the same time, though, Boehmer brings humanity to the story as he talks about the pilot's sister and surviving comrades. Whether or not listeners believe in reincarnation, Bruce Leininger's research casts an important light on the lives and deaths of the flyers who figure in his son's dreams. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Young Adult To Category List

CLAUDETTE COLVIN: TWICE TOWARD JUSTICE

Phillip Hoose, Read by Channie Waites • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Brilliance Audio • Trade Ed.

Brilliance Audio • Library Ed.

This 2009 National Book Award winner introduces listeners to forgotten Civil Rights heroine Claudette Colvin, who (nine months before Rosa Parks) refused to give up her own Birmingham bus seat. Channie Waites superbly narrates a text that offers both cogent explanations of history, including especially informative sidebars, and first-person accounts of those who witnessed the battle for Civil Rights firsthand, dramatized by Waites in a vivid array of voices. Listening to Jim Crow policies along with quotes from people who were subjected to such indignities brings history alive. Waites's crowning accomplishment is her narration of long passages from Hoose's interviews with Colvin herself. Those listening as she gives voice to Colvin's memories, whether as inquisitive child or teen awakened by education and seething with injustice, will be incredibly moved. J.C.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

GHOSTGIRL

Tonya Hurley, Read by Parker Posey • Unabridged • DECEMBER 2009

Recorded Books • Library Ed.

Parker Posey begins her narration in a soft, flat tone that perfectly matches the character of Charlotte Usher, who feels invisible in her high school before she flat-lines from choking on a gummy bear. Still seeking popularity, the deceased Charlotte can't let go of her crush on Damen, or face the reality that in a postmortem high school of dead teens she’s STILL unpopular. Posey nurses the wry humor of the novel’s stereotypes—from wannabe to super cool. Her voice strengthens, and her pace quickens during the witty dialogue between Charlotte and various disdainful ghosts. Posey also dramatizes the heightened emotions during conversations between Charlotte and Scarlet, a living Goth girl who seeks the invisibility that comes naturally to her ghost friend. S.W. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

SoundReviews To Category List

Hear excerpts from each title and listen to a candid AudioFile review.

A new SoundReview is posted each weekday!

THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman, read by the author
http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/audiopolis/2009/11/graveyard-book-by-neil-gaiman-read-by.html

FRAGILE THINGS by Neil Gaiman, read by Neil Gaiman
http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/audiopolis/2009/11/fragile-things-by-neil-gaiman-read-by.html

UNSEEN ACADEMICALS by Terry Pratchett, read by Stephen Briggs
http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/audiopolis/2009/12/unseen-academicals-by-terry-pratchett.html

= Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award.

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©2009 AudioFile, Portland, Maine.

RealTime Reviews November 26, 2009

AudioFile Magazine — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:38:54 -0500

Your RealTime Reviews for November 26, 2009.

Check out the latest audiobook reviews published by AudioFile this week.

NEW: We’ve included this week's SoundReviews!
Hear excerpts from exceptional titles and listen to candid reviews.

The SoundReviews are available as a podcast here.

You can link to any of the print reviews, or sound reviews, directly in blogs, newsletters, or posts.

Browse the categories of interest or scroll to see all titles. Title links take you directly to the reviews on audiofilemagazine.com, where you'll also find complete bibliographic information.

Biography & Memoir

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Children

Contemporary Culture

Fantasy

Fiction

Fiction, Inspirational

History

Mystery & Suspense

Personal Growth

Philosophy & Religion

Poetry & Drama

Science Fiction

Young Adult

SoundReviews

Biography & Memoir To Category List

CHARLES KINGSFORD-SMITH AND THOSE MAGNIFICENT MEN

Peter FitzSimons, Read by Richard Aspel • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Bolinda Audio • Library Ed.

Richard Aspel gives a breezy narration to the story of one of Australia's flying legends. A decorated war veteran—seeing action in the infantry in Gallipoli and in France and then as a fighter pilot over the Western Front—Kingsford-Smith went on to set a variety of long-distance flying records after the war. At one point, he held more records than any other pilot. The author fills out his biography of "Smithy" with a brief history of motorized flight and WWI. Aspel’s narration style fits the tone of the book well. He gives non-English speakers a bit of an accent. This device generally works but sometimes seems strained, as when he gives the French-born Octave Chanute a kind of British urban working-class accent. R.C.G. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

HARD WORK A Life On and Off the Court

Roy Williams, Tim Crothers, Read by Alan Winter • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

HighBridge Audio • Trade Ed.

HighBridge Audio • Library Ed.

This memoir of University of North Carolina coach Roy Williams is far more than a basketball book. He traces his story from the poverty of his youth to the pinnacle of collegiate success, multiple NCAA basketball championships. The story is classic Southern Appalachian storytelling, reminiscent of the work of Rick Bragg. To satisfy the basketball fans, there’s lots of inside material on stars such as Michael Jordan. And the author's self-examination includes some of his shortcomings. Alan Winter narrates with enough of a drawl to make the account realistic but not so much that it makes understanding difficult. His pacing is easygoing and his tone is conversational, a style that makes the book speed along surprisingly quickly. R.C.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

MANHOOD FOR AMATEURS The Pleasures and Regrets of a Husband, Father, and Son

Michael Chabon, Read by Michael Chabon • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Harper Audio • Trade Ed.

Whether reflecting on his role as son, brother, husband, or father, Chabon's delightful essays are provocative and insightful. This wide-ranging collection touches on everything from becoming a father to losing a father-in-law (through divorce); from musings on a quirky childhood to a discussion of what society considers to be a "good father" today. He also describes his quandary over what to do with his four children's prolific artwork. (Note: If one disposes of it, it’s important to stuff it DEEP, so it isn't discovered.) By turns poignant and witty, Chabon is a comfortable, inviting reader. His relaxed and conversational style is shot through with occasional fervent moments. He's unhurried yet precise in his pacing and phrasing, and most of all likably, often ruefully, humorous. J.C.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE MOST THEY EVER HAD

Rick Bragg, Read by Rick Bragg • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Blackstone Audiobooks • Library Ed.

Blackstone Audiobooks • Library Ed.

Rick Bragg warns us in his introduction that these are not happy stories, and he is right. They are, however, stories worth hearing and knowing, in the tradition of James Agee's LET US NOW PRAISE FAMOUS MEN. Bragg’s work memorializes the community of Jacksonville, Alabama, and its way of life, and he reads it in its own voice and language. Southern speech doesn't rush, and it may take a while to get used to Bragg's pace and pauses. But he grew up among the mill hands he writes about and, while he doesn't distinguish the different characters as an actor would and doesn't always make clear where quotations begin and end, he does bring them lovingly to life. D.M.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THIN IS THE NEW HAPPY

Valerie Frankel, Read by Marie Caliendo • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Brilliance Audio • Trade Ed.

Brilliance Audio • Library Ed.

The anger in Valerie Frankel's memoir is never far from the surface in Marie Caliendo's committed and impressive performance. Caliendo aptly delivers Frankel’s biting accounts of her seemingly nonstop battles with her culture's expectations, her family legacy, a heartbreaking loss, and—her unifying theme—lifelong self-loathing. Not for the fainthearted, Frankel’s story is full of angry language that often makes connecting with her story a challenge. But she's a veteran novelist, so her negative emotions move quickly and without gratuitous embellishment. Frankel’s memoir could provide the motivation that many people need to break free of painful emotional patterns, especially those who battle excess weight and are fed up with their issues. T.W. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Business & Finance To Category List

LITTLE RED BOOK OF SALES ANSWERS

Jeffrey Gitomer, Read by Jeffrey Gitomer • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Simon & Schuster Audio • Trade Ed.

Recorded Books • Library Ed.

A prolific expert offers another welcome resource of practical ideas for sales professionals. Cold calls, crafting a message, and anticipating objections are just some of the valuable skills Gitomer teaches in this comprehensive presentation. He's adept at linking his own raw enthusiasm to practices anyone can put into action. The writer and narrator of many such guides, each with its own twist, Gitomer is focused on helping business people develop professionally so they can earn productive and loyal relationships with their customers. This message, and the nonstop tips and advice that flesh out his ideas, is amplified by Gitomer's authoritative delivery. A must-hear for anyone in the business of selling. T.W. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

TOO BIG TO FAIL The Inside Story of How Wall Street and Washington Fought to Save the Financial System from Crisis—and Lost

Andrew Ross Sorkin, Read by Wiliam Hughes • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Blackstone Audiobooks • Library Ed.

The financial crisis of 2008 is a huge challenge to explain. Sorkin uses his considerable knowledge and skills as a business reporter to present a comprehensible chronology and analysis of this monumental event while providing humanizing background on all the major players. Accomplished narrator William Hughes completes the experience for the listener. His presentation is clear with the straightforward delivery that such an intricate narrative demands. He achieves the necessary balance of a pace that is brisk enough to engage, yet sufficiently measured to allow the listener to absorb the incredible amount of detail that makes Sorkin's book so fascinating. This combination of a skilled author's accessible text and a talented narrator's performance makes TOO BIG TO FAIL too good to miss. M.O.B. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Children To Category List

PUMPKIN SOUP

Helen Cooper, Read by Kathleen McInerney • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Macmillan Audio • Book & Recording

BBC Audiobooks America

The old white cabin in the wood is the picture of warmth and harmony as Duck, Squirrel, and Cat make music and soup together. Each has a musical talent, and each has a specific cooking task. Jolly music, complete with Cat's bagpipes, radiates from the animals’ home. But what if Duck wants to be the head cook? Kathleen McInerney's narration is clear, and her enunciation distinct. Elongated pauses frame each scene of the story. She voices Duck's discontent with a whine; Cat's despair over the missing friend with tears; and Squirrel's fear of searching in the wood with diminutive squeaks. The musical accompaniment complements the action. Pore over the lush illustrations while listening! A.R. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

WINNIE, DANCING ON HER OWN

Jennifer Richard Jacobson, Read by Laura Hamilton • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Live Oak Media • Book & Recording

Third-grader Winnie is a delightful character in this charming chapter book, which captures the joys and tribulations of navigating close friendships while maintaining a sense of individuality. As narrator, Laura Hamilton does a great job centering the story in a young girl's experience and tone, though she's equally capable of depicting adults, such as Winnie's dad and her dance teacher. Hamilton's matter-of-fact narration allows listeners room for their own reactions to both funny and painful moments. She ably conveys Winnie's pleasure as well as her hurt feelings without overdoing them. Sound effects like double and triple girls' voices (when two or three friends say rhymes together) add fun touches to an excellent production. J.C.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Contemporary Culture To Category List

HOMER'S ODYSSEY A Fearless Feline Tale, or How I Learned About Love and Life with a Blind Wonder Cat

Gwen Cooper, Read by Renée Raudman • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Random House Audio • Trade Ed.

Books on Tape • Library Ed.

Fans of DEWEY: THE SMALL-TOWN LIBRARY CAT WHO TOUCHED THE WORLD will want to add this to their collection. Renée Raudman gives a warm delivery to this love story of human and cat. From the moment Cooper’s vet talks her into taking on the tiny blind kitten, despite the two she's already got, Homer steals her heart—and the listener’s. The author's delight in Homer's accomplishments and bravery shine through in Raudman's loving, joyful narration. Cooper even finds Homer’s no-fear attitude personally inspiring. Raudman is the perfect match for the first-time author's plainspoken text. This story of the powerful connection so many of us feel to our pets and the way they can change our lives will speak to animal lovers everywhere. D.G. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

NPR SUNDAY PUZZLES

National Public Radio [Eds.], Read by Will Shortz [Host] • Audio Program • NOVEMBER 2009

HighBridge Audio • Trade Ed.

Will Shortz, crossword editor of the NEW YORK TIMES and puzzle master extraordinaire, and Liane Hansen, the likable news commentator, offer up a sampling of on-air puzzles culled from NPR's “Weekend Edition Sunday.” The audio program features some very clever listeners, plus participation by special guests, notably Tom Hanks, John Lithgow, and Harry Shearer (in character as Mr. Burns and Smithers from “The Simpsons”). As puzzle facilitators, Shortz and Hansen are radio pros. Both are supportive, fun, and down-to-earth. They read and play puzzles with intelligence and charm, and seem to truly enjoy their partnership. The program seems short, at only one hour, but the puzzles don't get old, even on a second (or third) listening. R.M. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE SNAKEHEAD An Epic Tale of the Chinatown Underworld and the American Dream

Patrick Radden Keefe, Read by Patrick Radden Keefe • Abridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Random House Audio • Trade Ed.

A well-researched descent into the world of Chinese organized crime, THE SNAKEHEAD centers on the barbarous Sister Ping, who ran an international smuggling ring out of a noodle shop and ruled with an iron hand in the 1980s in New York City. The author reads his work himself, and it's a good thing. Keefe's voice is temperate but never monotonous as he describes the recently arrived Chinese immigrants, crammed 20 to a house, with nothing better to do than watch Asian martial arts movies and play video games before the sun goes down and they ply their ruthless trade. Similarly, accounts of boat people, jammed into shaky vessels to fester among one another, will make listeners recoil—but only at their horrific realism. J.S.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

SUPERFREAKONOMICS Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes, and Why Suicide Bombers Should Buy Life Insurance

Steven D. Levitt, Stephen J. Dubner, Read by Stephen J. Dubner • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Harper Audio • Trade Ed.

Books on Tape • Library Ed.

SUPERFREAKANOMICS follows the trend made popular in the authors’ first book, FREAKONOMICS, as well as the works of writers like Malcolm Gladwell: questioning conventional wisdom. Still, one has to wonder if they aren't deliberately seeking controversy by going after such sacred cows as Al Gore and whether Iran isn't ahead of us in paying people to donate organs, to say nothing of advice on how to become a better-paid prostitute. Couple that with the only thinly veiled hint of mischief that comes through in Dubner's delivery, and it seems clear he's having a fine old time tweaking our perceptions. Whether one agrees with the authors or not, Dubner's high-energy reading and obvious glee over some of the great "got-cha!" moments make for addictive listening. D.G. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

UNSEEN DIVERSITY The World of Bacteria

Betsey Dexter Dyer, Read by Betsey Dexter Dyer • Audio Program • NOVEMBER 2009

Recorded Books/ Modern Scholar • Library Ed.

Professor Dyer begins her course with the discovery of bacteria, the invention of microscopy, and the ways the pioneers in bacteriology learned to grow and isolate different bacterial types. Later proof that these unseen organisms could cause disease revolutionized medicine. Students can find images and read the text of the lectures—along with associated questions, suggested reading, and related web sites—in the accompanying material. Dyer's slow pace and perfect diction make every word clear. However, her frequent wandering to trivial things—her dollhouse, the difference between a million and a billion—could soon bore those who prefer hard science. Although this is intended to be a college-level course, the content and vocabulary may be better suited to a general audience. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Fantasy To Category List

THE SUNRISE LANDS

S. M. Stirling, Read by Todd McLaren • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Tantor Media • Trade Ed.

Tantor Media • Library Ed.

Todd McLaren comes to this narration with the cadre of characters he developed in narrating earlier books of the series. He’s comfortable with the Scots accent of the Mackenzies and the regional accents of various other characters. For the feudal lords, he even adds a layer of condescension relating to their self-appointment to their positions of power. The first generation of children born after the Change—the day advanced technology became nonfunctioning—sets out on a trek across the mainland to Nantucket, led by Rudi Mackenzie. McLaren presents the narrative at a steady, even pace. He picks up the pace slightly in the many debates and philosophical discussions, and goes full force when the adventures and battles are at the fore. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Fiction To Category List

THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU

Jonathan Tropper, Read by Ramon deOcampo • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Recorded Books • Library Ed.

Narrator Ramon de Ocampo gives a subtly nuanced rendering of Jonathan Tropper's family story involving a distressed and insecure man whose father has just died and whose wife is sleeping with his insufferable boss. Judd Foxman, portrayed in the novel with excruciatingly honest self-flagellation, is something of a comedian, his audience being his family and friends. De Ocampo reveals the various characters involved in the family shiva with a degree of variation in tone and voice that doesn't call attention to itself while delineating identity and gender. Listeners will enjoy the first half of the book for its wit and the second half for its insight, although the obsession with sexual innuendo may wear thin. J.L. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

TO LOVE, HONOUR AND BETRAY (TILL DIVORCE US DO PART)

Kathy Lette, Read by Nicki Talacko • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Bolinda Audio • Library Ed.

Following her husband’s new job, Lucy moves from London to Australia, only to find out that he’s been planning to leave her for her best friend (who is also her interior decorator). Narrator Nicky Talacko uses her childhood in England and her schooling in Australia to perfection, creating a medley of British and Australian accents. The brusque manner she gives to Lucy’s romantic interest, Jack, creates the ideal contrast to the caustic humor and awful puns Lucy uses to cope. With her life a mess and her children out of control, Lucy is determined to get her husband back by showing just how capable and exciting she can be. E.N. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

History To Category List

ANCIENT EMPIRES BEFORE ALEXANDER

Robert L. Dise, Jr., Read by Robert L. Dise, Jr. • Audio Program • NOVEMBER 2009

The Teaching Company • Library Ed.

Rather than speaking extemporaneously or from an outline, Professor Dise seems to be reading his lectures. The resultant quality of language, mixed with an experienced delivery style, provides a worthwhile experience. The names and geographical locations from the Ancient Near East may overwhelm some listeners, but lecture outlines and abundant course materials on the publisher's Web site reinforce the audio. His ability to pronounce the foreign vocabulary with fluency confirms that the lecturer has abundant experience with the ancient empires discussed. His speaking voice can be easily understood, but he occasionally drops the volume of some words to near inaudibility. Overall, listeners interested in history can expect to become well informed. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE BIG BURN Teddy Roosevelt & the Fire That Saved America

Timothy Egan, Read by Robertson Dean • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Brilliance Audio • Trade Ed.

Brilliance Audio • Library Ed.

The Great Fire of 1910, which burned through Washington, Idaho, and Montana, was a pivotal event in American history. It galvanized the nascent conservation movement that President Teddy Roosevelt championed, made a national figure out of Gifford Pinchot and saved his newly created U.S. Forest Service, and led to both legislative and social changes in the country. Robertson Dean performs admirably and is a good match for the text. He uses his baritone to create a sense of urgency and alarm when the fire is raging, then switches to a more sober tone when reading the narrative. His characters are decidedly low-key, and he lets the text speak for Roosevelt, rather than attempting to give voice to the voluble president. R.I.G. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

CLASSICAL ARCHAEOLOGY OF ANCIENT GREECE AND ROME

John Hale, Read by John Hale • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

The Teaching Company • Library Ed.

Hearing his enthusiasm, one can tell that Professor Hale is passionate about his subject: the discovery and understanding of ancient civilizations. From descending into old wells to diving for shipwrecks, he brings the excitement of discovery to his classes. Beginning with the birth of modern archaeology, he introduces the methods of transforming pieces of ancient objects and structures into a sophisticated understanding of their meaning. However, the beauty and clarity of his language suffers some disappointing inconsistencies as he drops many important words to inaudible mumbles, requiring listeners to intuit what the lost terms might have been. The course includes a detailed syllabus, which contains outlines, suggested reading, questions, a glossary, and a bibliography. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Inspirational Fiction To Category List

BEYOND THE NIGHT

Mario Schalesky, Read by Robin Miles • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Recorded Books • Library Ed.

Paul, an aspiring young doctor, and Maddie, a young chemist, are bound together by bonds of love. Then Maddie has a terrible accident. In the hospital, Paul remains at Maddie’s bedside while she hovers between life and death. Robin Miles’s deft narration draws listeners into this poignant and compelling love story. Her deeply moving portrayal brings listeners on a roller-coaster ride of emotions: Maddie’s memories of pain, regret, and hope are depicted in flashbacks as she lies in a coma. Paul's incredible bedside devotion is achingly depicted. Miles speaks with rich warmth and subtle rhythm as she recounts the story of two soul mates parted by circumstances yet still united by love. Listeners will want to have a box of tissues handy for the spectacular ending. G.D.W. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Mystery & Suspense To Category List

AWAIT YOUR REPLY

Dan Chaon, Read by Kirby Heyborne • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Phoenix Audio • Trade Ed.

This psychologically charged novel tells the gripping story of three strangers who escape from their corners of Middle America and become involved in an identity-theft scheme that profoundly changes each of their lives. It is an atmospheric, character-driven story that explores the human need to reinvent oneself after a great loss. Narrator Kirby Heyborne's reading urges the book forward, and his tone is both soothing and consistent. He does a masterful job of bringing the book's characters together while maintaining each person's identity through subtle but definite changes in pitch. Heyborne reads too quickly at times, but then gathers himself and returns to a more measured pace, deftly emphasizing key phrases and plot twists. R.I.G. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE KEEPER OF SECRETS

Judith Cutler, Read by Paul Ansdell • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

ISIS Audio Books • Library Ed.

In 1810 Parson Campion arrives at his first parish and is soon in the middle of several mysteries, which he and the local doctor set out to solve. Paul Ansdell neatly depicts the quintessentially introspective young clergyman. Ansdell uses accents and tone to reflect disparities of class and privilege, a central theme of the novel. He presents as reflective and thoughtful asides Campion's observations as his social conscience becomes much more developed as a parson than it was when he was merely a member of the privileged class. This trait does not necessarily endear him to his parishioners. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE RETURN OF SHERLOCK HOLMES

Arthur Conan Doyle, Read by Derek Jacobi • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

BBC Audiobooks America • Library Ed.

These stories, published in 1905, recount 13 of the great detective's cases after his supposed death while grappling with Professor Moriarity at the Reichenbach Falls. It’s amazing that the Holmes tales, which I’ve read three or four times, always seem fresh and new at each encounter. Here one’s enjoyment is substantially increased by the vigorous, exciting reading of Derek Jacobi, one of Britain's finest actors. He disappoints only in his interpretation of the title sleuth. Jacobi's Holmes has a high-pitched effete-sounding voice, an interpretation this reviewer finds at odds with the decisive and masterful portrayals of the well-known Holmes actors such as the BBC’s Jeremy Brett. Y.R. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Personal Growth To Category List

FROM ANGER TO INTIMACY How Forgiveness Can Transform Your Marriage

Gary Smalley, Ted Cunningham, Read by Lloyd James • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Christian Audio/ Hovel • Trade Ed.

The boyish quality in Lloyd James's narrating style is easy enough to hear. He's believable as he modulates his pacing and tone to match the intensity of the writing. But his vocal tone sounds too naïve for an assertive relationship guide who asks couples to take charge of their anger and their reactions to anger. The authors base their lesson on the conventional wisdom of secular relationship therapy, codependency thinking, and the psychology of individual vulnerabilities. Biblical references combine with revealing personal vignettes about their own trials with anger to give the lesson warmth and a reasonable spiritual context. This well-crafted guide will give listeners more emotional insight and help them feel less helpless and more forgiving toward loved ones who push their buttons. T.W. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Philosophy & Religion To Category List

THE CASE FOR GOD

Karen Armstrong, Read by Karen Armstrong • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Random House Audio • Trade Ed.

Books on Tape • Library Ed.

In a work somewhat more challenging then her previous works (such as THE BATTLE FOR GOD and A SHORT HISTORY OF MYTH), Armstrong takes on no less a topic than the world's religious history. She makes the case with meticulous detail that a good look at that history would help bring perspective to the radical views, both pro and con, that trouble our world today. Armstrong's polished and precise British voice seems quintessentially right—ringing with the gravitas of academia yet textured with her palpable curiosity about the many ways we've chosen to express belief in God. As always, Armstrong’s genuine compassion for how all religions struggle with faith shines through. Ultimately hopeful, Armstrong' s well-reasoned plea for the practical discipline of religion makes this lengthy journey worthwhile. D.G. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Poetry & Drama To Category List

THE NORMAN CONQUESTS

Alan Ayckbourn, Read by Julian Sands, W. Morgan Sheppard, Kirsten Potter, Samantha Robson, Jane Carr, Judy Geeson, Rosalind Ayres, Kenneth Danziger, Martin Jarvis, Jane Leeves, Christopher Neame, Carolyn Seymour • Audio Program • NOVEMBER 2009

L.A. Theatre Works • Library Ed.

L.A. Theatre Works has again hit the jackpot with this delightful audio presentation of Alan Ayckbourn's celebrated trilogy. THE NORMAN CONQUESTS is not one play but three comical pieces depicting the same six characters in one house over one crazy weekend. The presentation is well paced and appropriately energetic. The cast, led by Rosalind Ayres and Martin Jarvis, also features Jane Leeves (from TV's “Frasier”), Kenneth Danziger, Christopher Neame, and Carolyn Seymour. Each actor fully develops his or her character in a most consistent way. Incidental music and sound effects add to the excellence of this production. Playwright and actors make these characters so interesting and funny that the audio presentation seems to fly by. M.R.E. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Science Fiction To Category List

STAR WARS: FATE OF THE JEDI: ABYSS

Troy Denning, Read by Marc Thompson • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Random House Audio • Trade Ed.

Books on Tape • Library Ed.

ABYSS is the third novel in the Fate of the Jedi series, which is set two years after the Legacy of the Force series. Similar to the latter series, the former series is authored by Aaron Allston, Christie Golden, and Troy Denning in a cyclical style. In ABYSS, narrator Marc Thompson continues the familiar pacing and intonations of the characters in his energetic voice. Luke and Ben Skywalker continue their quest to find the reasons behind Jacen Solo's downfall. Additionally, the war of wills between the Galactic Alliance Chief and the Jedi Order is escalating. A Sith strike squad is bent on exterminating the Skywalkers. STAR WARS sound effects, including the snap-hiss of light sabers, and music make the listening experience enjoyable. B.C.E. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Young Adult To Category List

THE BECKONERS

Carrie Mac, Read by Edwina Wren • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Bolinda Audio • Library Ed.

In this gripping novel, 15-year-old Zoe transfers to a new high school and finds herself violently initiated into the "Beckoners," a gang of female bullies who terrorize students and teachers alike. Zoe is horrified by the gang's brutality but terrified to cross Beck, the gang's sociopathic leader. When their violence goes too far, Zoe has to find the courage to stand up and protect her true friends. Narrator Edwina Wren vividly brings this character-driven story to life with a multitude of voices. Zoe's perfect teenage-sounding delivery emotes angst and indifference. Beck's cruel, heartless voice is in stark contrast to that of the school outcast, April, and her heartbreakingly defeated tone. Wren does true justice to this powerful story of injustice and teenage bullying. A.R.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE LOOKING GLASS WARS: ARCHENEMY

Frank Beddor, Read by Gerard Doyle • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Scholastic Audiobooks • Trade Ed.

Scholastic Audiobooks • Library Ed.

Anyone looking for the next Harry Potter can stop looking—THE LOOKING GLASS WARS are here. ARCHENEMY is the third installment of Frank Beddor's reimagined story of ALICE IN WONDERLAND. (This description does not do justice to the wealth and scope of the novel.) And though Jim Dale set the audiobook bar impossibly high with his Harry Potter narrations, performer Gerard Doyle clearly has the master in his sights with his compelling impressions of hookah-smoking caterpillars, the twin-voiced General Doppelganger, and the albino Bibwit Harte (an anagram for White Rabbit). Doyle's skill at bringing the characters to vivid life elevates the novel to audio theater. Close your eyes and listen to the battle for the very existence of Alice, Wonderland, and imagination itself. And smile. M.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

SoundReviews To Category List

Hear excerpts from each title and listen to a candid AudioFile review.

A new SoundReview is posted each weekday!

The Voices of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett: Martin Jarvis
http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/audiopolis/2009/11/voices-of-neil-gaiman-and-terry.html

The Voices of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett: A Conversation with Stephen Briggs
http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/audiopolis/2009/11/voices-of-neil-gaiman-and-terry_20.html

THE WEE FREE MEN SERIES by Terry Pratchett, read by Stephen Briggs
http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/audiopolis/2009/11/wee-free-men-series-by-terry-pratchett.html

The Voices of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett: A Conversation with Nigel Planer
http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/audiopolis/2009/11/voices-of-neil-gaiman-and-terry_23.html

WITCHES ABROAD, Discworld Book #12 by Terry Pratchett, read by Nigel Planer
http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/audiopolis/2009/11/witches-abroad-discworld-book-12-by.html

The Voices of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett: A Conversation with George Guidall
http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/audiopolis/2009/11/voices-of-neil-gaiman-and-terry_24.html

AMERICAN GODS by Neil Gaiman, read by George Guidall
http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/audiopolis/2009/11/american-gods-by-neil-gaiman-read-by.html

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RealTime Reviews November 19, 2009

editorial@audiofilemagazine.com — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:24:08 -0500

Your RealTime Reviews for November 19, 2009.

You can link to any of the print reviews, or sound reviews, directly in blogs, newsletters, or posts.

Browse the categories of interest or scroll to see all titles. Title links take you directly to the reviews on audiofilemagazine.com, where you'll also find complete bibliographic information.

Biography & Memoir

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SoundReviews

Biography & Memoir To Category List

HAZEL SCOTT The Pioneering Journey of a Jazz Pianist from Café Society to Hollywood to HUAC

Karen Chilton, Read by Karen Chilton • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Recorded Books/ Griot Audio • Library Ed.

Author Karen Chilton narrates the life of classical pianist, singer, and actor Hazel Scott—from her Trinidad and Tobago roots to the Juillard School of Music, and on to Hollywood. Chilton's calm, eloquent tone replicates Scott's 1940s musical style. Chilton’s soft, melodious voice captures the listener’s attention with its hypnotic stillness. This performance invokes the memories of smoked-filled jazz clubs and the Hollywood glam of the era. Most vocals are in the author's natural speaking voice with slight tone variations for dramatic expression. Chilton occasionally mimics other prominent personalities such as singer Lena Horne and gossip columnist Hedda Hopper, who make appearances in Scott's life. Chilton's inspiring historical biography of an American entertainer and her ability to capture the period make this presentation a winner. A.L.B. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

WHERE MEN WIN GLORY The Odyssey of Pat Tillman

Jon Krakauer, Read by Scott Brick • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Random House Audio • Trade Ed.

Books on Tape • Library Ed.

Part of what makes Scott Brick such a gifted narrator is his ability to move smoothly from gritty or somber subject matter to empathy with the characters’ emotional highs and lows. All of Brick’s talent is on display here. Krakauer (INTO THIN AIR) brings us not only a heartfelt biography of Pat Tillman, the Arizona football player who was killed by friendly fire in the mountains of Afghanistan; the story of this often-complicated young man is also an overview of a time in our country's history that has cost us so much. Through Krakauer's superb writing and Brick's thoughtful delivery, we can't help but form an attachment to this young man whose death became a national tragedy. Deeply curious and emotional, a daredevil and an athlete, Tillman might very well have kept his friends up late talking about this book. D.G. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Children To Category List

HUBBLE AND THE BIG BANG

Paul Kupperberg, Read by Jay Snyder • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Brilliance Audio • Trade Ed.

Brilliance Audio • Library Ed.

Paul Kupperberg introduces upper elementary students to the life, times, and discoveries of Edwin Hubble, a premier American astronomer, for whom the Hubble Telescope was named. Jay Snyder presents the material in a clear professorial voice that will engage young students interested in the mysteries of the universe. Although the concepts are complex, Snyder’s careful, concise delivery helps the listener stay engaged. Hubble's life is placed in the context of the history of cosmology, an approach that shows how his studies and discoveries tested and verified theories scientists had studied for hundreds of years. A subtle musical tone alerts the listener to printed notes that clarify or expand on scientific milestones, and a time line places Hubble on the continuum of general scientific progress. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

Nancy Tillman, Read by Jim Dale • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Macmillan Audio • Trade Ed.

BBC Audiobooks America • Library Ed.

A pair of Christmas poems is rendered by the inestimable Jim Dale. The lovely opening poem evokes the heartwarming spirit of the season. It's short (picture-book length) and worth repeated listening. Then Dale segues into Clement Moore's classic "Night Before Christmas," and, once again, his delivery is as jolly as we've all grown to expect from this always-popular narrator. The rest of this production is filled with traditional Christmas carols sung by a choir of young-sounding voices. This filler material feels like what it is—padding. Holiday albums by your favorite musical artists would be more fun. M.M.C. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Classics To Category List

THE TIMELESS LAND

Eleanor Dark, Read by James Condon • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Bolinda Audio • Library Ed.

Eleanor Dark's 1941 novelistic tribute to her native Australia comes to life as James Condon depicts the arrival of the British in 1788, the reactions of the aboriginal people, and the clash of cultures that followed. Rather than just read, Condon declaims the text, making each word important, gliding over musical aboriginal names, and showcasing the poetic nature of the text. Aurally, he shows the difference between the mostly imperious Brits and the rough convicts who accompanied them. You hear the awe and wonder with which the natives encountered sailing ships, firearms, and alcohol. An informative introduction is included, also read by Condon, who was in his mid-eighties at the time of this tour-de- force performance. J.B.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Contemporary Culture To Category List

I SHUDDER

Paul Rudnick, Read by Paul Rudnick • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Harper Audio • Digital Download

His first apartment in New York, his misadventures in screenwriting, and his romance with a doctor are just a few of the stories that playwright Paul Rudnick relates in his collection of personal essays. His voice is a little thin, but its timbre goes naturally with both his self-deprecating humor and his vocal takes on the family and friends who populate his life. Rudnick adds touches of sentimentality to a blunt, profane, and mischievous narrative, ably steering between the flip and humorous and the deeply personal. The several fictional pieces included are less effective, seeming like interruptions in the audio form. Rudnick's humor isn't gentle, but it can be uproarious. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE SNAKEHEAD An Epic Tale of the Chinatown Underworld and the American Dream

Patrick Radden Keefe, Read by Feodor Chin • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Books on Tape • Library Ed.

Feodor Chin is the listener’s guide into Chinatown's heart: the neighborhoods that tourists don't see; the inner workings of human trafficking from China to America in the 1980s and '90s; and the growing violence of the emerging gang culture. The perfect guide, Chin keeps his voice instructive and interesting, never preachy or accusative. This grim true crime involves "Sister Ping," the “Snakehead” of the title, the person who, for an exorbitant price, arranges passage for the illegals—who then must pay her back or pay the consequences. Chin wisely doesn't give voices or accents to the many characters involved, but instead opts for a matter-of-fact tone that keeps Keefe's absorbing narrative moving and listeners listening. S.J.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

STILWELL AND THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE IN CHINA, 1911-45

Barbara W. Tuchman, Read by Pam Ward • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Blackstone Audiobooks • Library Ed.

Pam Ward is certainly listenable during this lengthy history of American relations with China through the end of WWII. However, fans of Blackstone's productions of other Tuchman works, read with sublime simpatico by Nadia May, may find this title a letdown. Tuchman is the most articulate and nuanced of popular historians, and this biography of "Vinegar Joe" Stilwell, head of American forces in China during WWII, is a thorough critique of American policy in China and of the Chiang Kai-shek regime—still controversial topics when this book was published in 1970. Ward misses Tuchman's fine edges, and her vocal renderings are not good. Her Vinegar Joe sounds improbable, and rather like her FDR, and, thankfully, Gandhi appears only for a sentence or two. Despite these shortcomings, the quality of the text and its foreshadowing of American-Chinese relations today recommend this title. D.A.W. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Fantasy To Category List

UNSEEN ACADEMICALS

Terry Pratchett, Read by Stephen Briggs • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Harper Audio • Trade Ed.

Would a cook at wizard-filled Unseen University fall in love with a soccer coach even if he ate all her pies? Would a shy kitchen maid wear a fake beard to make it big as a fashion model? Of course they would, and nobody is more delighted to read Terry Pratchett's 37th novel (or so) than longtime Discworld aficionado and narrator Stephen Briggs. He has a perfect accent and character voice for every vampire, dwarf, wizard, and human in this insightful spoof on college athletics, sports fans, and the fashion industry. Like Pratchett, Briggs loves the comic rhythm, sound, and very taste of words—just for their own sake. So order up a tuna-spaghetti-jam sandwich (with sprinkles) and be prepared for a wonderful time. B.P. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Fiction To Category List

ETTA

Gerald Kolpan, Read by Kirsten Potter • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Blackstone Audiobooks • Trade Ed.

Blackstone Audiobooks • Library Ed.

Hold onto your hats and suspend your disbelief because ETTA is the story of the woman who ran with the "The Hole in the Wall Gang." That's right, she was a gun-toting, horse-riding gutsy woman who rode with Butch Cassidy and loved the Sundance Kid without reservation. With a steady voice and careful enunciation, Kirsten Potter narrates the partially fictionalized life of Lucinda Jameson Carr, aka Etta S. Place. Reading newspaper articles, short stories, and tall tales, Potter depicts the forgotten chapters of Lucinda Carr's life. The listener will smile when Potter tells of how Etta crosses paths with Teddy Roosevelt, Wild Bill Hickok, Pinkerton agents, and even Eleanor Roosevelt. This charming novel crisscrosses North and South America at the end of an era. M.B.K. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

GOOD OMENS

Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett, Read by Martin Jarvis • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Harper Audio • Trade Ed.

Recorded Books • Library Ed.

Who would have thought that the Apocalypse would be so entertaining? For the first time on audio in the U.S., this 1990 collaboration between authors Gaiman and Pratchett follows the (mis)adventures of Aziraphale, an angel, and Crowley, a demon, as they somewhat grudgingly take up their roles—along with all the hosts of heaven and hell—in precipitating the coming of the Antichrist. The thing is, the Antichrist has been . . . shall we say . . . "misplaced." Narrator Martin Jarvis's outstanding performance captures all of Aziraphale's British officiousness and all of Crowley's vaguely disinterested sarcasm. Jarvis also shines as he bounces from Sister Mary Loquacious to Scarlett Zuibiger to Adam Young, the 11-year-old would-be Antichrist, and so many others, with impressive ease. Moreover, Jarvis’s attentiveness to the authors' sense of timing and humor enables his performance to accentuate every twinge of irony in this absurd comedy. A.H.A. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE WINNER STANDS ALONE

Paulo Coelho, Read by Paul Boehmer • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Harper Audio • Trade Ed.

Blackstone Audiobooks • Library Ed.

Paul Coelho has been to the Cannes Film Festival—and apparently didn't like it. Here he creates a psychopathic Russian zillionaire bent on killing random people during the festival in order to get his ex-wife back. How serial murder is to accomplish this is murky, and Coelho is too busy disdainfully telling (not showing) what film and fashion worlds are like, according to him, to make his (too) many characters, jaded celebrities, and hopeful wannabes real. So what suspense one feels as to who will live or die is largely created by Paul Boehmer's sympathetic narration. Boehmer occasionally loses focus in the middle of a sentence, but otherwise earnestly labors to create some recognizable people in this uncomfortable welter of nihilism and celebrity dirt. B.G. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

History To Category List

THE MURDER OF KING TUT The Plot to Kill the Child King

James Patterson, Martin Dugard, Read by Joe Barrett • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Hachette Audio • Trade Ed.

BBC Audiobooks America • Library Ed.

With the novelist's speculative "what if . . . ?" and the researcher's historical legwork, using X-rays, forensic clues, and previous period research, Patterson and Dugard try to prove that King Tutankhamen was murdered. The story shifts between the present to Egyptologist Howard Carter's early-twentieth-century journals to 1347 BC Thebes and the boy king's life. Joe Barrett's slightly sandpapery voice makes the moments in feel as if Patterson himself is speaking. In addition, Barrett’s "veddy" British Howard Carter is fun and informative. In the ancient Egyptian sections, with their romance and court intrigues, Barrett's reading quivers with excitement. Are the authors' conclusions scientifically grounded? Do they take too many liberties? The bottom line: The storytelling works, and Barrett's performance makes this three-thousand-year-old possibly true crime an engaging listen. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE NATIONAL PARKS America's Best Idea

Dayton Duncan, Ken Burns, Read by Dayton Duncan, Ken Burns, Lee Stetson, Kevin Conway, Carolyn McCormick, Tim Clark, James Keyson Lee, Feodor Chin, John H. Meyer • Abridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Random House Audio • Trade Ed.

The PBS National Parks series was a marvelous production featuring spectacular pictures and a compelling story of the preservation of natural and historic places for the use of all Americans, irrespective of class or wealth. This abridgment of the companion book to the series reveals the political battles and personal stories associated with the development of the national park system. However, Ken Burns is a far better filmmaker than a narrator. His pace is too slow, and his tone overly dramatic, making the whole production clunky and dull. A supporting cast provides some of the longer quotations from letters and documents, and Dayton Duncan (the author of the companion book) gives an effective afterword, but, sadly, the production as a whole is disappointing. A.B © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Inspirational Fiction To Category List

BO'S CAFE

Bill Thrall, Bruce McNicol, John Lynch, Read by Roger Mueller • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Oasis Audio • Trade Ed.

Roger Mueller's textured characterizations of Steven Kerner and Andy Monroe are riveting in this spiritual novel, which is reminiscent of THE SHACK. Steven is faced with the pressures of his high-powered executive position and his disintegrating homelife. Mueller delivers a compelling portrayal of Steven's feelings of worthlessness and explosions of rage toward his wife. Then he meets Andy Monroe, a mysterious aging hippie who claims to know his father, as well as personal things about Steven that his wife doesn't even know. As the story reveals the human need for honesty and a willingness to be vulnerable in relationships, Mueller depicts Steven's search for “a safe place," where he will be accepted without judgment. This is a story that lingers, and changes the listeners who let it. G.D.W. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Mystery & Suspense To Category List

ALIBI

Teri Woods, Read by Paula Jai Parker-Martin • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Hachette Audio • Trade Ed.

This is one instance when the narrator’s performance far surpasses the story itself. Three dope dealers are killed in a move to rob a stash house. The killer escapes but needs an alibi for his whereabouts during the shootings. Enter Daisy, a 22-year-old stripper, who provides the killer with said alibi—for two thousand dollars. Allegedly, they were in a bar together all night. But Daisy runs when she realizes what she’s covering up and is pursued by the killer, the law, and another interested party. Most of the characters in this depiction of 1986 Philadelphia are African-American, and Paula Parker-Martin's supreme efforts run the gamut—from the hard-nosed dope dealer to the streetwise but weary Daisy to a grandmother figure who rings true to life. A.L.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

DEAN KOONTZ'S FRANKENSTEIN: DEAD AND ALIVE Book 3

Dean Koontz, Read by John Bedford Lloyd • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Random House Audio • Trade Ed.

Books on Tape • Library Ed.

You might call this latest Koontz oddity: "Transylvania comes to New Orleans." The third installment in Koontz's updated Frankenstein series features the monster of old, now called Ducalian, and the good Doctor F, now called Victor Helios. As New Orleans awaits an enormous hurricane, deaths by monsters begin to multiply, and there's one monster on the loose that tops them all. John Bedford Lloyd is an old hand at this kind of story, and his voice ranges from the scary reality of the menacing monsters to the almost-jovial “replicants” created by Helios who tear humans apart just for the fun of it. The ending is quite satisfying, but makes one wonder whether there will be more to come. A.L.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

FIREFIGHT

Chris Ryan, Read by Colin Mace • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Recorded Books/ Clipper Audio • Library Ed.

Will, an SAS operative, loses his wife and daughter in a terrorist bombing in London. After being on the skids for almost two years, he's enticed to go to Afghanistan to discover the whereabouts of a supposed turncoat Muslim. He's not interested, of course, until the head of MI6 informs him that this was the man responsible for killing his family. Colin Mace's Cockney accent is perfect as he varies it slightly for each member of the covert team, and his Pasha dialect is highly believable. He’s at his best during the gunfights—and there are plenty of them. Forget the plot and bring on the action—you’ll be mesmerized. A.L.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

GET REAL

Donald E. Westlake, Read by William Dufris • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

BBC Audiobooks America • Library Ed.

Westlake's final novel featuring John Dortmunder takes the crime world's most hapless gang of burglars on a lighthearted look at reality TV. William Dufris restrains his typically lively tone to take on the sad-sack character of Dortmunder, the leader of a criminal gang that accepts a job performing as a criminal gang for a reality show. During the preparations for the show, the gang learns that reality TV is actually highly scripted. They also discover that the production team's parent company is hiding a lot more than stage props. Dufris deftly shifts through a variety of characters who run the gamut of age, ethnicity, and education. All the characters, with the possible exception of the cartoonish Asian Mr. Ming, are unique and believable. A lively conclusion to a delightfully crooked series. S.E.S. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

HEART OF THE ASSASSIN

Robert Ferrigno, Read by L.J. Ganser • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

BBC Audiobooks America • Trade Ed.

BBC Audiobooks America • Library Ed.

Listeners should consider taking in the first two installments of Ferrigno’s trilogy before listening to this final installment. The futuristic trilogy supposes the fracture of the U.S. into two parts—the Bible belt versus an Islamic entity. The book is jam-packed with characters, many complex and many more who may be more fully defined in the first two books. A lesser narrator than L.J. Ganser might not have brought this work of social analysis and speculation into focus at all. He deftly handles the score of odd and complex characters, each with a project to consider. Ritchie and his sidekick, Leo, are a tough duo to portray, but Ganser does it remarkably well. The story’s conclusion is eminently satisfying. A.L.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

HELL'S GATE

Stephen Frey, Read by Erik Steele • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

BBC Audiobooks America/ BBC Radio • Trade Ed.

BBC Audiobooks America • Library Ed.

If the listener can ignore the improbable plot and concentrate on the many action scenes so well delivered by Erik Steele, this latest from Stephen Frey can be truly enjoyable. A 35-year-old lawyer who regularly wins multimillion dollar verdicts against big-time corporations gives it all up to become a fire jumper in Montana. Soon he becomes involved in a mystery of apparent arson for profit. Eric Steele is his element with his credible delivery of courtroom scenes and is totally exciting as he describes the jumpers’ battles with raging Montana fires. As the sinister plot depicts what's really going on in this innocent backwoods community, Steele deserves kudos for his ability to deftly shift from scene to scene. A.L.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE LAST EMBER

Daniel Levin, Read by Jeff Woodman • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

HighBridge Audio • Trade Ed.

Jeff Woodman's breathless narration maintains the suspense through each twist of this implausibly byzantine but highly enjoyable adventure. Ex-archaeologist and current antiquities lawyer Jonathan Marcus returns to his first profession during a business trip to Rome. He joins his ex-girlfriend and former classmate in a search for the eight-foot gold menorah that once graced Jerusalem's temple. At every step, they're dogged by a well-connected terrorist who seeks the ritual object's destruction. Woodman is great with the accents of English speakers—English, American, Australian. But other languages, mainly Italian and Arabic, get the same vaguely foreign-sounding inflection. A.B.G. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE LOST PROPHECIES

" The Medieval Murderers, Read by Paul Matthews • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Recorded Books/ Clipper Audio • Library Ed.

Grisly fun! This fourth collaboration of the Medieval Murderers, six British writers of historical mysteries, begins in sixth-century Ireland, where a mad monk pens a book of enigmatic prophesies predicting all sorts of future mayhem. Accounts follow of six murder investigations recounted by the authors' signature sleuths, beginning in twelfth-century Essex, progressing to Shakespeare's London, and then jumping to the 22nd century, on the eve of Judgment Day. Mellifluous Paul Matthews has narrated other volumes by the participating scribes, so he comes to this one well prepared. His fine-tuned sense of dramatic propriety prevents excess while fueling tension and suspense. His fine voice and impeccable diction make the prose sound more eloquent than it reads on the page. Y.R. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

NINE DRAGONS

Michael Connelly, Read by Len Cariou • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Hachette Audio • Trade Ed.

BBC Audiobooks America • Library Ed.

Detective Harry Bosch returns in this police procedural to investigate the murder of a Chinese-American liquor store owner. Evidence leads him to a suspect connected to the Chinese Triad, and when an arrest is made, Bosch's teenage daughter is kidnapped by thugs who hope to influence the investigation. Len Cariou superbly voices the roughly seasoned Detective Bosch. Cariou’s grizzly vocals successfully invoke a range of characters—from the tender, caring parent to the aggressive cop. Cariou effortlessly switches between American regional accents and the soft tones of the Asian-American accent. From the streets of Los Angeles to the back alleys of Hong Kong, this suspense novel won't disappoint fans and should satisfy those new to the series. A.L.B. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

SKELETON JUSTICE

Michael Baden, Linda Kenney Baden, Read by Michele Santopietro • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Books on Tape • Library Ed.

Even Michele Santopietro's valiant narration effort cannot hide the weak plot, excessive medical details, and unlikely conclusion of this forensic mystery. While New York City’s Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Jake Rosen is investigating assaults by a villain who siphons blood from his unconscious victims, his lawyer girlfriend is defending two private school students charged with bombing a mailbox. Believe it or not, the police have labeled these kids "terrorists." Thanks to Santopietro's reading, the dialogue comes out clear, the accents are formidable, and the pace is just quick enough. Nonetheless, even with Santopietro's expertise, it's hard to suspend one’s disbelief. A.L.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

VICTORY SQUARE

Olen Steinhauer, Read by Don Leslie • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Blackstone Audiobooks • Library Ed.

Olen Steinhauer's novel once again features the methodical, honest-to-a-fault Inspector Emil Brod, who labors for justice in some Soviet Bloc country. He investigates crime in spite of the oppressive political structure of his unnamed nation, often to his own detriment. With the novel’s exotic locale and fascinating characters, listeners might expect narrator Don Leslie to inject a bit of a foreign accent into his characters. But he doesn't. The characters of VICTORY SQUARE might be New York private detectives if not for the intriguing story line—a confusing investigation into a decades-old murder on the eve of the fall of Communism in 1989. Fortunately, the novel is strong enough to overcome the narrator's shortcomings. M.S. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

WHERE THE DEAD LAY

David Levien, Read by Scott Brick • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Books on Tape • Library Ed.

P.I. Frank Behr is big, tough, and hard as a rock—but he sometimes develops a soft spot. So when he learns that his martial arts mentor has been gunned down, he sets out on a relentless search for the killers. Additional story lines involve the hunt for two missing detectives and a family (a father and two sons) that kills and maims without mercy. Ultimately, all these plots come together. There's no better narrator to deliver the goods than Scott Brick. He masters all the ironic dialogue, and can be both straightforward and menacing as he depicts the driven detective, who refuses to take no for an answer. Brick's descriptions of several martial arts fights, blow by blow, are outstanding. You feel like you're really watching the brutal action unfold. A.L.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Science Fiction To Category List

AND ANOTHER THING . . . The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Book 6

Eoin Colfer, Read by Simon Jones • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Hyperion Audiobooks • Trade Ed.

This is a title for people who wish they could hit the reset button and hear more from THE HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY. Writer Eoin Colfer does just that, picking up the story from the late Douglas Adams and continuing the bizarre, irreverent adventures of Ford Prefect, Arthur Dent, Zaphod Beeblebrox, and Thor, the Thunder God. Narrator Simon Jones (who played Dent in the BBC series) not only has to imitate humans from different cultures but also aliens, machines, insects, and talking cows with a death wish. And he makes it sound easy. While some may be critical of Colfer's attempt to bottle lightning and continue the hitchhiker saga, the result is a solid story that keeps the dream alive—in all its strangeness. M.S. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE YEAR OF THE FLOOD

Margaret Atwood, Read by Bernadette Dunne, Katie MacNichol, Mark Bramhall • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Random House Audio • Trade Ed.

Books on Tape • Library Ed.

Twenty minutes of patience rewards listeners with hours of a thought-provoking story in Atwood's latest. The production starts slowly with an engrossing narrative that shifts back and forth between the before and after of a "waterless flood" that nearly destroyed humankind. Members of the "Gardener" faction pursue a pacifistic, environmentally friendly lifestyle in a world owned by monolithic corporations and consumed by random violence. As the Gardeners' leader, narrator Mark Bramhall delivers sermons followed by performances of the group's songs. Bernadette Dunn and Katie MacNichol each voice survivors with just the right amount of authenticity. The depiction of futuristic social changes alongside contemporary phenomena like text messaging and cosmetic surgery make the horrors of Atwood's future all the more immediate. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Young Adult To Category List

GOING BOVINE

Libba Bray, Read by Erik Davies • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Listening Library • Trade Ed.

Listening Library • Library Ed.

Sixteen-year-old Cameron Smith doesn't like much, has few friends, and, frankly, isn't that likable. But when he finds himself in a hospital, he plans to escape to seek a cure—and then the journey begins. Bray crafts a fantastical story that is creative, laugh-out-loud funny, and poignant. It demands a creative narration. Erik Davies gives Cameron a steady, almost- nonchalant voice as his journeys take him to a jazz club, a cult, Daytona Beach, Disneyland, and other places. Davies relishes the characters Cameron meets—and there are many. They’re challenging, but all receive unique voices and accents. His best are Cameron's sidekicks, a teenage dwarf and a talking gnome. Witty dialogue and creative voices make this production a standout. M.B. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

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RealTime Reviews November 12, 2009

AudioFile Magazine — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:49:33 -0500

Your RealTime Reviews for November 12, 2009.

Check out the latest audiobook reviews published by AudioFile this week.

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SoundReviews

Biography & Memoir To Category List

THE DUCHESS

Amanda Foreman, Read by Wanda McCaddon • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Tantor Media • Trade Ed.

Tantor Media • Library Ed.

Those who found the movie dramatization of THE DUCHESS fascinating will delight in the more in-depth coverage of eighteenth-century European political intrigue, corruption, and sexual scandals of the rich and powerful in the full-length book. AUDIOFILE Golden Voice Wanda McCaddon's voice, with its precise British accent, is the perfect vehicle to deliver this detailed examination of the life and times of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. McCaddon convincingly handles the emotionally extreme outpourings of the Duchess, the worry and frustration of her mother, the languid indifference of the Duke, as well as the myriad personalities who make less prominent appearances. McCaddon’s presentation of this richly detailed history, which reads like a compelling soap opera, is further validation of her award-winning status as a narrator. M.O.B. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Children To Category List

GEORGE'S COSMIC TREASURE HUNT

Lucy Hawking, Stephen Hawking, Read by Hugh Dancy, Linda Emond • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Simon & Schuster Audio • Trade Ed.

Hugh Dancy sounds like a lovable museum curator in Lucy and Stephen Hawking's second science fiction novel for kids. George and Annie shoot around the universe searching for intelligent life while science essays by noted astronomers provide factual commentary. After the story, Linda Emond narrates approximately an hour of astronomy facts. The production claims to include a PDF file containing supplementary information; however, it was not present in the downloadable edition. While the science essays interrupt the narrative somewhat, one can't help but warm to Dancy's boyish humor. He also maintains a calm, approachable tone and pace as he wades through scads of scientific information. Science-hungry fans will warm to this astronomical feast. C.A. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

RETURN TO THE HUNDRED ACRE WOOD

David Benedictus, Read by Jim Dale • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Penguin Audio • Trade Ed.

Listeners who settle in to hear these new Winnie-the-Pooh stories will find good friends, good food (including lots of honey, of course), and good adventures. David Benedictus, who dramatized A.A. Milne’s Pooh stories for audio, succeeds admirably in staying faithful to the spirit of the originals. Jim Dale is a marvel. Without relying on any of his voices from the Harry Potter series, he nonetheless populates an entire small wood: His Rabbit gets a Scottish accent; his Piglet squeaks; his Eeyore is appropriately gloomy. Dale even sings Pooh’s “hums,” the rhyming songs he makes up. The whole is an utterly charming audio production that evokes the feeling of never-ending childhood summers. J.M.D. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

STRAWBERRY HILL

Mary Ann Hoberman, Read by Cassandra Morris • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Recorded Books • Library Ed.

Mary Ann Hoberman, Children's Poet Laureate, makes a successful foray into middle-grade fiction. With her poet’s ear she's able to connect with what’s going on in a 10-year-old’s mind. It's hard to imagine a more gifted and believable narrator of girls’ roles than Cassandra Morris. Morris is utterly convincing as Allie, making us feel her anxiety over moving to a new town and leaving behind her best friend. Yet Morris portrays Allie's great resolve and pluck as she determines to seek new friendships and find her way. Ultimately, it's Morris’s thoughtful delivery as Allie begins to rethink some of her first impressions that will leave listeners with that feeling of satisfaction that good books furnish. D.G. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Classics To Category List

TESS OF THE D'URBERVILLES

Thomas Hardy, Read by Imogen Stubbs • Abridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Naxos AudioBooks • Trade Ed.

Sweet Tess, one of the most lovely of heroines, is a provincial girl with a cursed beauty. In a deceitful world, the innocent Tess is drawn into two treacherous romances. Eventually, she is forced to keep a secret that will either tear her heart in two, or worse, forever destroy her chances of happiness. Narrator Imogen Stubbs brings to life the complicated characters that surround Tess. Stubbs’s voice can be both bright and innocent or gruff and detestable as the story switches between joy and sadness. Her skilled performance of Hardy's classic endears us to Tess all over again. L.P. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Contemporary Culture To Category List

BRIGHT-SIDED How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America

Barbara Ehrenreich, Read by Kate Reading • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Macmillan Audio • Trade Ed.

BBC Audiobooks America • Library Ed.

Fans of Barbara Ehrenreich love her not just for her concise, well-researched writing but her sly, sardonic humor. Reading handles her latest refreshingly askance look at life in America with a nuanced, meticulous reading that ensures listeners will miss none of Ehrenreich's acerbic humor or commonsense look at our penchant for delusion. Whether she's taking on corporate downsizing or mega churches, she deftly pricks the balloon of our fantasy that you just have to think positive thoughts and that every setback is really an opportunity. There's a good reason she points out why we need to pay attention to people warning us to stop building gas-guzzling SUV's or having sub-prime mortgage exposure. Fortunately, Reading's skillful performance makes it all a positive pleasure to take in. D.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Fantasy To Category List

THE DARK VOLUME

Gordon Dahlquist, Read by John Lee • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Tantor Media • Trade Ed.

Tantor Media • Library Ed.

This involved work of fantasy takes place in an alternate magical realm, where zephyrs are the preferred mode of intercontinental travel. Politics and intrigue are the usual orders of business as deviant factions employ magical mind control to gain power over one another. A continuation of GLASS BOOKS OF THE DREAM EATERS, THE DARK VOLUME is equally ambitious in its rich detail. However, the novel's intricate plot twists and multitude of characters may be too much for some listeners. John Lee's cadence also tends to be a tad monotonous. Taken separately, the two efforts are more-than-competent works deftly executed by seasoned practitioners. In combination, the book and performance are a lackluster experience. L.P. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

SPELL OF THE HIGHLANDER

Karen Marie Moning, Read by Phil Gigante • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Brilliance Audio • Trade Ed.

Brilliance Audio • Library Ed.

Jesse St. James, ambitious archaeology student, gets a lesson in Druid curses and steamy romance. Explaining why romance and paranormal fiction go so well together is beyond this reviewer. But why question a good read! With her gorgeous, magical hero—a time-traveling Scottish warrior—Moning has certainly cornered the market for this genre. Narrator Phil Gigante, who delivers the entire Highlander series, is outstanding. His voice is deep and sensual yet nimble in its ability to switch genders, deliver accents, and depict steamy love scenes. This seventh installment in the Highlander series is adventurous, sexy, and yes, at times, a wee bit silly. It’s totally fun! L.P. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Fiction To Category List

CASTING OFF

Nicole Dickson, Read by Emily Durante • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Brilliance Audio • Trade Ed.

Brilliance Audio • Library Ed.

Archaeologist Rebecca Moray travels to an isolated Irish fishing village to conduct research on the region's textile artists. Since Rebecca is accompanied by her daughter, Rowan, narrator Emily Durante is faced with the challenge of voicing a child. Durante takes a rosy, wide-eyed approach to the youngster, a vocal choice that matches the overall tone set by Dickson. Rebecca, despite her academic accomplishments, often sounds delicate and fragile—a deft vocal subtlety that corresponds to Dickson's hints of abuse in Rebecca's past. Durante seals the performance with believable Irish accents, including a mean-spirited aging fisherman whose heart softens through friendship with Rowan. Durante's spirited performance leaves listeners wrapped in the town's warm embrace. J.T. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

IN THE HEART OF THE CANYON

Elisabeth Hyde, Read by Mark Deakins, Cassandra Campbell • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Random House Audio • Trade Ed.

Books on Tape • Library Ed.

A rafting trip down the Colorado River unites an unlikely group of people, and their adventure only gets wilder when a stray dog appears. When their luck turns bad, trip leader J.T. and his motley group must seize what joy they can as they paddle through the Grand Canyon despite injuries, arguments, and surprises. Mark Deakins performs with confidence and competence, making a mildly interesting novel one that is difficult to shut off once the myriad characters take form. Cassandra Campbell's role is smaller, but she too is part of the production’s appeal. Even when the tension increases, the narrators remain consistent. Filled with appreciation for nature's beauty and peppered with incidents that demonstrate human foibles, CANYON is worth the ride. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

LAST NIGHT IN TWISTED RIVER

John Irving, Read by Arthur Morey • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Random House Audio • Trade Ed.

Books on Tape • Library Ed.

A master of denouement, John Irving weaves a multigenerational, multi-layered tale, by turns heartbreakingly funny and shockingly grisly. The story begins in a logging camp in Coos County, New Hampshire, in 1954, and moves across the years and the continent to end in Pointe Au Baril Station, Ontario, in 2005. Arthur Morey reads this complex novel with an impressive command of all the story's subtleties, holding the listener to rapt attention. With the artist's delicate touch, he weaves an aural tapestry, bringing to life the complex personalities of cook Dominic Baciagalupo; his writer son, Danny; and their earthy, loyal friend, Ketchum. Morey carries off the juxtaposition of horror and humor with subtle nuances that engage the listener in this engrossing story. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

RUDE AWAKENINGS OF A JANE AUSTEN ADDICT

Laurie Viera Rigler, Read by Kate Reading • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Tantor Media • Trade Ed.

Tantor Media • Library Ed.

In Rigler’s sequel to CONFESSIONS OF A JANE AUSTEN ADDICT, nineteenth-century Jane Mansfield finds herself transformed into 20-something Courtney Stone, who lives in L.A. Kate Reading's pitch and accent are spot-on as Jane’s cultivated British internal voice. Jane’s confusion and fascination with our current era's technology and pace are audible in Reading’s every voicing of Jane’s thoughts. Reading also shifts smoothly from Jane’s thoughts to Courtney's actual L.A. American speaking voice. And in a deft blending of the two periods, Reading delivers the charming formality of Regency language when Courtney is compelled to use such phrases in speaking to her contemporary L.A. friends in her American accent. The bewildering complications of 21st-century romance, employment, social strata, and freedoms are depicted in a story that asks if society has truly evolved for the better. A.W. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

SAY YOU'RE ONE OF THEM

Uwem Akpan, Read by Robin Miles, Dion Graham • Unabridged Selections • NOVEMBER 2009

Hachette Audio • Trade Ed.

This abridgment includes three stories from Nigerian writer Uwem Akpan’s collection. The title story, “Say You’re One of Them,” recounts horrifying days in the Rwandan Hutu-Tutsi conflict, narrated in the first person by a young girl. Robin Miles adopts a lovely French-African accent, and if she allows Akpan’s beautiful turns of phrase to shine, the underlying tension and fear are also never far from the surface. Miles also narrates “What Language Is That?” This story is partially unaccented, a choice that accentuates the second-person point of view. “An Ex-Mas Feast” follows the sometimes-humorous, sometimes-bleak fortunes of a street family in Nairobi. Dion Graham, in Kenyan-accented English, successfully embodies the family’s mother and father, teenaged daughter, and young son. Overall, not an easy listen, but a worthwhile one. J.M.D. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

A FIERY PEACE IN A COLD WAR Bernard Schriever and the Ultimate Weapon

Neil Sheehan, Read by Robertson Dean • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Random House Audio • Trade Ed.

Narrator Robertson Dean uses his deep, resonant voice for this account of the United States Air Force officer who led the effort to build intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) during the Cold War in the 1950s. It’s a thoughtful, interesting, and dramatic history—a comprehensive work that occasionally wanders off into thickets of detail but is well worth its 19-hour length. Dean savors each turn of events by slightly raising and lowering his pitch for emphasis and using subtle pauses to enhance the narrative. His delivery does not include character voices, but then, the story’s primary antagonist, Joseph Stalin, doesn't need any help to be remembered as one of history's most evil men. R.I.G. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Inspirational Fiction To Category List

THE BELL MESSENGER

Robert Cornuke, Alton Gansky , Read by Henry Strozier • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Recorded Books • Library Ed.

THE BELL MESSENGER is the story of a well-worn Bible that is passed down from the 1700s to the 1980s. Henry Strozier's rich tones tell a story that alternates between 1980s Phoenix and the travels of the Bible, beginning on an 1865 Civil War battlefield and ending in 1920s Egypt. The title refers to Elijah Bell, one of the owners of the Bible, who inspires the subsequent owners to be God's messengers. Overall, Strozier delivers a captivating narration with many robust characters, including the earnest Elijah Bell, determined Jeremiah Tate, wily Uncle Daniel, and daring Sister Ruth. However, his method of portraying female voices leads to rushing through the dialogue, disrupting the riveting cadence. E.N. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Mystery & Suspense To Category List

ANNA, WHERE ARE YOU?

Patricia Wentworth , Read by Diana Bishop • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

ISIS Audio Books • Library Ed.

There’s nothing like listening to an old-fashioned English cozy on a cold autumn night. This vintage Patricia Wentworth mystery features Miss Silver, formerly a governess, now a genteel private detective who knits and uses her considerable wits to solve murder mysteries that plague England from 1928 to 1961. Miss Silver is often compared to Miss Marple—both are elderly, timeless, and endearing—but Miss Silver is not nearly as well known even though she premiered two years before Miss Marple. Seasoned narrator Diana Bishop brings Wentworth's charming sleuth to life and draws the listener into this story of a girl gone missing. All of the characters are well portrayed, and the story, while suspenseful, feels satisfyingly comfortable and familiar. D.L.G. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE ARMS MAKER OF BERLIN

Dan Fesperman, Read by Dick Hill • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Brilliance Audio • Trade Ed.

Brilliance Audio • Library Ed.

Near the end of WWII, as the German war machine is unraveling, young, naïve Kurt Bauer, scion of a German munitions family, becomes involved with White Rose, a resistance movement. Eventually, he betrays them, hoping to save his family from the death camps. With flashbacks that alternate between the present and WWII, Dan Fesperman (THE PRISONER OF GUANTÁNAMO, THE AMATEUR SPY) draws complex characters with credible motives and understandable behaviors. Narrator Dick Hill offers impeccable timing as the FBI asks Nat Turnbull, a specialist in the German resistance, to examine the files of his one-time mentor. As Turnbull unravels the puzzle, people who know about the files begin dying. Hill's superb accents and intense yet understated performance make this an above-average espionage thriller. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

BAD CHILI Hap and Leonard, Book 4

Joe R. Lansdale, Read by Phil Gigante • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Brilliance Audio • Trade Ed.

Brilliance Audio • Library Ed.

Narrator Phil Gigante takes to Lansdale's fourth "Hap and Leonard" novel like a rabid squirrel to Hap Collins's arm. While Hap is in the hospital being treated for rabies, his best friend, the tough, black, gay Leonard, is suffering a different kind of convalescence. On the lam from the police, he’s suspected of beheading a leather-clad biker. The plot involves gay-bashing, pornography, and a uniquely greasy business scam featuring bad chili. Gigante so effectively takes on Hap's narrative voice and the voices of the other characters that the story, as beautifully told as any by Lansdale, comes alive like a movie between the listener's ears. Gigante's evocations of Lansdale's characters are so clear, distinct, and colorful that the attributions "he said" and "she said" are unnecessary and distracting. Listeners will, by turns, be moved and tickled by a story that has a memorable and spicy aftertaste. S.E.S. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

BLACK HILLS

Nora Roberts, Read by Nick Podehl • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Brilliance Audio • Trade Ed.

Brilliance Audio • Library Ed.

In South Dakota, wildlife biologist Lil Chance is plagued by a ruthless killer who wreaks havoc on her game preserve. Her lifelong friend and former lover, P.I. Coop Sullivan, helps her protect the reserve, the animals, and her heart. While they seek the identity of the killer, they find time to rediscover their love and desire for each another. Nick Podehl narrates this romantic suspense at a steady pace. But his distant tone misses the mark in portraying the emotions that inhabit this love story. The search for the killer is told in equally unemotional tones. As Coop and Lil try to find their way back to romance, Podehl struggles to connect with the characters. M.B.K. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE CRACK IN THE LENS A "Holmes on the Range" Mystery

Steve Hockensmith, Read by William Dufris • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Tantor Media • Trade Ed.

Tantor Media • Library Ed.

Brothers Otto and Gustav Amlingmeyer are the Holmes and Watson of the American West. On their fourth, case they investigate a series of murders involving prostitutes, one of whom was Gustav's truelove. Bill Dufris's "aw-shucks" reading somewhat blunts the gory reality of the story’s Jack-the-Ripper-style killings, but his performance is in line with the setting and characters. Of course, having narrated the other three Holmes on the Range adventures, he's had lots of practice. Both men's and women's voices have an appropriate rough edge, and the action moves right along. It's difficult to take these sagebrush Sherlocks too seriously; one wonders what Conan Doyle would think. J.B.G. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

A CURE FOR ALL DISEASES

Reginald Hill, Read by Jonathan Keeble • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Recorded Books/ Clipper Audio • Library Ed.

When we last heard from Superintendent Dalziel (aka The Fat Man), he had suffered serious injuries from a terrorist bomb blast. Now he’s convalescing in Sandytown, a seaside resort. But a murder is committed, and DCI Peter Pascoe is called in to investigate. The Fat Man, though officially off duty, finds a way to involve himself in the case. Jonathan Keeble voices Dalziel with a deep, gravelly voice and a thick Yorkshire accent. He is less successful with the other voices, especially the female characters—one of which, Charlotte Heywood, plays a prominent part through emails to her sister. Still, Keeble delivers the humorous parts perfectly, and the tone and tempo match the writing. Fans of the series will especially enjoy this. S.S.R. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE FITZGERALD RUSE A Sam Blackman Mystery

Mark de Castrique, Read by William Dufris • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Blackstone Audiobooks • Library Ed.

The second installment of the Sam Blackman mystery series finds the former military CID officer opening a private detective firm in Asheville, North Carolina, with his professional (and romantic) partner, Nakayla Robertson. If eclectic Asheville had a voice, it would sound like the understated Southern accent chosen by narrator William Dufris. His slow pace reflects the region; however, a faster speed would have aided the plot, which is a bit slow to start. It’s worth hanging in to see Blackman search for a long-lost F. Scott Fitzgerald manuscript. Dufris struggles to make a few of the female characters sound believably feminine but does a perfunctory job with co-detective Nakayla. Intrigue surrounding the military contractor Blackwater makes the story especially timely. J.T. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

FROM DEAD TO WORSE

Charlaine Harris, Read by Johanna Parker • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Recorded Books • Trade Ed.

Recorded Books • Library Ed.

Sookie, lover of a “weretiger” and the undead, is wearily at it again as the vampire community deals with the aftermath of tragedy. Johanna Parker delivers yet another great performance as Sookie Stackhouse, mind-reading muse of the vampires of Louisiana. Parker's voice is well suited to Sookie, not only in tone but in cleverness. Her male voices, however, leave something to be desired. It’s not that Parker isn't skilled—she switches deftly and clearly between characters—but her voice doesn't lend itself well to deeper octaves. However, it hardly matters in this great series. Sookie is as fascinating and lovable as ever. L.P. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

JERICHO'S FALL

Stephen Carter, Read by Kirsten Potter • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Books on Tape • Library Ed.

Kirsten Potter's robust interpretation of Beck DeForde, Carter's unforgettable heroine, is a virtuoso performance. Beck is the younger woman for whom Jericho Ainsley threw away his career in the CIA many years ago. Now she tells the story of the explosive secret that foreign governments and powerful corporations want to squeeze from her husband. This thriller takes place in an imposing mansion, Stone Heights, in the Colorado Rockies. Potter reads with verve, as if relating events as they happen, and imbues each character with a unique personality. The suspenseful plot moves in fits and starts as the emotional depths of a failed love affair and a family destroyed by mistrust are revealed. S.C.A. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

KINDRED IN DEATH

J.D. Robb, Read by Susan Ericksen • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Brilliance Audio • Trade Ed.

Brilliance Audio • Library Ed.

Susan Ericksen is outstanding in her performance of this latest edition in the futuristic In Death series. Eve Dallas, kick-ass cop for the NYPSD, must find out who is murdering innocent family members of officials who were involved in a routine case 20 years earlier. Well-acted, with each voice distinct and perfect for the character portrayed, this production is the best offering in the series to date. The story is clever, with more depth and more emotion, both sentimental and humorous, and Ericksen leaves no doubt that she’s at the top of her game. This is what every audiophile searches for in an audio experience. Masterful and not to be missed. A.C.P. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE PLANTATION

Chris Kuzneski, Read by Dick Hill • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Brilliance Audio • Trade Ed.

Brilliance Audio • Library Ed.

Best buddies Jonathon Payne and David D.J. Jones leap to action when Payne's girlfriend, Ariane, suddenly goes missing. The duo—former members of an elite Special Forces-like group—find themselves leaving a comfortable life in Pittsburgh and heading for a Louisiana swamp on a rescue mission. What they uncover is a disturbing, horrific place built for revenge. Dick Hill works wonders with the characters. Payne and Jones are differentiated well, and the host of villains have assorted demonic voices. Hill especially shapes two characters, a slow-witted cook and an injured woman. Hill's narration keeps up with fast-paced action, riveting twists, and comic relief in the author's first novel. M.B. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

SOMETHING IS ROTTEN

J.M. Gregson , Read by Gareth Armstrong • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

ISIS Audio Books/ Soundings • Library Ed.

Soon after Detective Bert Hook reluctantly agrees to perform in a community theater production of Shakespeare, the director gets his throat slashed. Hook finds himself knee-deep in the investigation, and, naturally, the suspects include members of the cast, among them a petty thief, a violent criminal, and an adulterer. Narrator Gareth Armstrong maintains a somber yet pleasant tone. His even-paced delivery effectively portrays each character’s personality. Armstrong demonstrates great vocal range and skill with aristocratic and regional British accents. His performance avoids melodrama and allows the writing to speak for itself. A most satisfying presentation of a traditional mystery with an intriguing retinue of suspects. A.L.B. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

SWIMSUIT

James Patterson, Maxine Paetro, Read by Christian Rummel • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Hachette Audio • Trade Ed.

Books on Tape • Library Ed.

Someone is killing beautiful women. Cop-turned-reporter-turned-investigator Ben Hawkins gets involved in a cat-and-mouse game with the killer. This new novel, co-written by the prolific James Patterson and Maxine Paetro, is a powerful portrayal of the mind of a murderer and the man obsessed with stopping him. Narrator Christian Rummel depicts Hawkins’s drive to reclaim his own soul and reputation after the scandal that cost him his badge. The high-adrenaline excitement pours out the speakers as Rummel takes the listener through an emotional wringer of egotism, fear, and ultimately triumph . . . of a sort. The novel is a powerhouse, and Rummel brings it to life. M.S. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE TWO-BEAR MAMBO Hap and Leonard, Book 3

Joe R. Lansdale, Read by Phil Gigante • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Brilliance Audio • Trade Ed.

Brilliance Audio • Library Ed.

From the opening strands of guitar and harmonica to the poignant final chapter, Phil Gigante narrates Lansdale's 1995 novel, the third to feature Hap Collins and Leonard Pine. Hap and Leonard are best friends—the former is white and straight; the latter black, gay, and unpredictable. When this duo sets out on an adventure, there's no telling which way the chips will fall. This adventure, involving the search for Leonard’s former girlfriend, takes the pair to a backwoods east Texas town, where the Klan is alive and well. Lansdale's writing is known for its direct “in-your-face” style, its tender and poignant character studies, and its laugh-out-loud situations and dialogue. Gigante's acute sense of Lansdale's writing is clear in his every nuance, every beat, and every accent. His singsong cadence captures the epitome of Texas storytelling and fits with Lansdale's writing like a well-worn pair of boots. S.E.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Personal Growth To Category List

BOYS SHOULD BE BOYS 7 Secrets to Raising Healthy Sons

Meg Meeker, Read by Pam Ward • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Blackstone Audiobooks • Trade Ed.

Blackstone Audiobooks • Library Ed.

Pam Ward reads this illuminating guide with gravitas. Her performance works, if somewhat conspicuously, to drive home the point that boys need careful parenting to become functional, integrated, and fulfilled men. Boys must do all the dangerous and obnoxious things they like to do but should be supported nonetheless. They need to have their strengths recognized, so they can approach the challenges of manhood with confidence, not shame. These helpful insights are nuanced and arresting, especially when compared to popular views that oversimplify and demonize boys. This is a comprehensive and intelligent resource for parents who feel insecure about their sons, their parenting, or both. T.W. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE FAMILY YOU'VE ALWAYS WANTED Five Ways You Can Make It Happen

Gary Chapman, Read by Chris Fabry • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Oasis Audio • Trade Ed.

Chris Fabry gives another memorable performance of a relationship guide from Gary Chapman. With his understated emotional presence and seamless connection with the author's message, Fabry has the aura and pacing of the relaxed, articulate teacher the author happens to be. Chapman is a gifted storyteller whose down-to-earth wisdom on family life is based on Christian concepts of authority, obedience, love, and charity. In this realm, he is on the kind and gentle end of the spectrum. Chapman's lack of judgment, pretension, or intellectualization makes his discussion energizing and accessible. Using familiar but never syrupy examples, he describes every possible way we can put more into our family roles and motivate our family members to do the same. T.W. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

LOVE YOUR LIFE Living Happy, Healthy & Whole

Victoria Osteen, Read by Victoria Osteen et al. • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Simon & Schuster Audio • Trade Ed.

Recorded Books • Library Ed.

The author gives a perfectly adequate reading of this relaxed and appealing material, which is helped by the masculine voice of an exceptional male narrator who reads chapter introductions and various quotations and affirmations. Osteen's teaching mirrors the approach of her televangelist husband, Joel, who integrates biblical principles with the language of personal development and recovery. With seamless writing and inspiring stories, she promotes practices like developing perspective, keeping a positive attitude, being proactive in relationships, rising above disappointments, and paying attention to health and fitness. An accessible growth audio for people of all faiths, this is a worthwhile reminder that finding value in yourself—and establishing habits that express this—is a necessary foundation to having a meaningful life that makes a difference in the world. T.W. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Philosophy & Religion To Category List

WHAT THE BIBLE IS ALL ABOUT

Henrietta Mears, Read by Kelly Ryan Dolan, Anna-Lisa Horton • Abridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Oasis Audio • Trade Ed.

Henrietta Mears's classic handbook on the Holy Bible has stood the test of time for over half-a-century, and now it finally gets an audio treatment, providing comprehensive overviews of all 66 books. Along the way, she does more than simply state biblical facts; she also offers applications and extrapolations culled from her years of experience as a Sunday school teacher. Kelly Dolan's and Anna-Lisa Horton's voices set off individual chapters, with Dolan carrying his parts off without a hitch. Horton's warm Australian accent and pronunciations sometimes contradict Dolan's. Still, the use of two distinct readers keeps the flow of the book moving. With such a varied tome as the Bible, the listener will enjoy the freshness of each new chapter's reader. S.M.M. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE WORD OF PROMISE AUDIO BIBLE New King James Version

Thomas Nelson [Eds.], Read by Michael York, Jim Caviezel, Richard Dreyfuss, Gary Sinise, Jason Alexander, Marisa Tomei, et al. • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Thomas Nelson • Trade Ed.

The elements of voice, sound, and music are densely woven together in this complete New King James Version of the Bible. Producer Carl Amari and director JoBe Cerny use many audio drama techniques (more than the average audiobook or even contemporary audio drama) to create the people and places found in the Bible. This production style is highly effective in retelling these stories—thanks to the many talented actors who populate the cast—but it can also be overused. The score is so dense and constant that it leads the listeners’ emotions, instead of letting them come to their own understanding. The one audio storytelling element that's missing is silence, which is often where we find insight. Given the deeply personal messages often found in the Bible, a little more sonic room would give listeners the opportunity to find their own understanding of these words. S.Z. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Western To Category List

INTO THE UNKNOWN Wilderness, Book 55

David Thompson, Read by Jeffrey Brick • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Recorded Books/ Lone Star Audio • Library Ed.

Jeffrey Brick breathes life into the small group of characters featured in this saga of the wilderness. Robert Parker, an Easterner who almost refuses to see danger in man or beast, follows the young "half-breed" Zach King into his family's secluded valley in the Rocky Mountains. Brick's poised narration balances the high action and ensuing suspense when three murderous prospectors kidnap Parker and Blue Water Woman, a member of the King family. In addition to the moments of violence, touching moments of humor and gentleness make for a well-balanced story, which is read with sensitivity and clarity. S.C.A. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

SoundReviews To Category List

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©2009 AudioFile, Portland, Maine.

RealTime Reviews November 5, 2009

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:35:35 -0500

Your RealTime Reviews for November 5, 2009.

Check out the latest audiobook reviews published by AudioFile this week.

NEW: We’ve included this week's SoundReviews!
Hear excerpts from exceptional titles and listen to candid reviews.

The SoundReviews are available as a podcast here.

You can link to any of the print reviews, or sound reviews, directly in blogs, newsletters, or posts.

Browse the categories of interest or scroll to see all titles. Title links take you directly to the reviews on audiofilemagazine.com, where you'll also find complete bibliographic information.

Business & Finance

Children

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Business & Finance To Category List

THE 4 LAWS OF FINANCIAL PROSPERITY Get Control of Your Money Now!

Blaine Harris, Charles Coonradt, Read by Robert Peterson • Abridged • NOVEMBER 2009

FranklinCovey/ The Resource Library • Trade Ed.

Robert Peterson’s measured and precise narration serves the purpose of this volume, which is to reprogram the way listeners consider their financial decisions, a process that requires deliberation. His pace is moderate as he patiently explains the processes of goal setting, calculating interest payments, and conducting debt analysis, among others. The overall effect of his narration is persuasive as the authors’ dismantle any objections to their four laws. Their sentences are lengthy and complex, so Peterson’s controlled reading will aid the listener, who might otherwise have difficulty. He handles the numerous rhetorical questions peppered throughout the text in a realistic and engaging manner. M.R. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

HOW TO SMELL A RAT The Five Signs of Financial Fraud

Ken Fisher, Lara W. Hoffmans, Read by Scott Thomsen • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

HighBridge Audio • Trade Ed.

While too late for the victims of Bernie Madoff, this volume is ideal for anyone wary of encountering fraudulence in the investment community. Scott Thomsen’s casual delivery makes him sound like a friend who can demystify the complexity of selecting a portfolio manager. His tone is slightly sarcastic when giving voice to the swindlers and their various strategies to hook those without business acumen. His emphatic intonation helps the listener unravel the circuitous logic of how to spot red flags that signal a possible financial crook. Direct and to the point, Thomsen’s narration enhances a text written in everyday terms. M.R. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Children To Category List

SHREK!

William Steig, Read by Stanley Tucci • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Macmillan Audio • Book & Recording

BBC Audiobooks America • Library Ed.

Steig's small gem (later transformed into the blockbuster movie) is masterfully narrated by actor Stanley Tucci. Smelly, flame-throwing, and full of his own ugly swagger, Tucci's Shrek shrieks and belches his way through this tale, encountering cackling witches, knights, and punning donkeys, whose distinct voices further enrich the story's originality. In Shrek's upside-down world, good is bad, and ugly is better. The story's triumphant happy-ever-after ending is crowned with a hilarious back-and-forth duet between Shrek and his true match, the world's ugliest princess, who croons to him: "Your nose is so hairy/Oh, let us not tarry/ Your look is so scary/I think we should marry." Stanley Tucci revels in every bit of Steig's humor, ensuring that listeners of all ages will, too. J.C.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THIS BOOK IS NOT GOOD FOR YOU

Pseudonymous Bosch, Read by Joshua Swanson, Cassandra Morris, Bryan Kennedy, Peter Kim, Suzanne Toren, Gabra Zackman, Robert Petkoff • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Hachette Audio • Trade Ed.

BBC Audiobooks America • Library Ed.

Chocolate originated with the ancient Aztec and Mayan cultures and remains one of the most popular foods in the world. Here are chocolate facts and chocolate secrets! In this third volume penned by the mysterious Pseudonymous Bosch, the author is both first-person narrator AND a character in the book. Like an audio ringmaster, Joshua Swanson expertly juggles both parts, introducing other characters, directly asking the listener questions, whispering helpful asides, and encouraging our heroine, Cass (played with verve by Cassandra Morris), to forge on as she battles an evil dessert chef, rescues her kidnapped mother, and dodges some very deadly sweets. This bright mix of warm narration, fine acting, sound effects, and of course, chocolate is the recipe for one of the most innovative and entertaining children's audio productions of the year. B.P. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Classics To Category List

THE DIVINE COMEDY

Dante Alighieri, Read by Pam Ward • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Christian Audio/ Hovel Audio • Trade Ed.

When Dante loses his way on the path of life, he finds himself on a journey through hell, purgatory, and heaven. Just as the poet Virgil and his beloved Beatrice lead Dante through the afterlife, narrator Pam Ward takes the listeners through the awe-inspiring cantos of this work. She gives voice to the array of characters, skillfully portraying both tortured souls and angelic spirits. Ward especially conjures the sorrow in THE INFERNO in her delivery of the dialogue between Dante and those suffering. One can hear the pain in their voices. Virgil speaks in a grave, raspy voice that simultaneously expresses his wise yet burdened awareness. Ward relishes the poetic language, reading clearly and emphatically. This brilliant work could prove daunting to any narrator, but Ward tackles it with grace and alacrity. D.M.W. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Contemporary Culture To Category List

THE LIAR IN YOUR LIFE
The Way to Truthful Relationships

Robert Feldman, Read by Bob Walter • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Hachette Audio • Trade Ed.

A psychology professor with a knack for storytelling shows how pervasive lying is and what to do about it. An authority on deception, he draws on the latest research and expert opinion and applies enough of his intellectual pizzazz to make this massive body of knowledge come across as enjoyable and accessible. Bob Walter adds his own pizzazz in his narration. With an approach that is arresting but not alarming, you can feel the drama as he delivers examples of lies that occur in personal, government, media, and business arenas. His vocal centeredness helps him engage with the book's exposé approach and make listeners pay attention without making them feel manipulated. T.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

WHAT FRENCH WOMEN KNOW About Love, Sex, and other Matters of the Heart and Mind

Debra Ollivier, Read by Debra Ollivier • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Penguin Audio • Trade Ed.

Ollivier compares stereotypes of American women (whom she does not appear to care for or respect) with stereotypes of French women, with emphasis on how each relates to and interacts with men. She liberally relies on quotes from French writers, intellectuals, and philosophers in her description of French women but looks primarily to Hollywood movies and television, as well as other aspects of pop culture, to describe American women. As narrator, she gives an adequate reading but would be well served by varying her pace and using pauses judiciously as she falls into a singsong cadence at times. A snippet of a stereotypical French music is used to separate chapters but seems contrary to the serious intent of Ollivier’s cultural observations. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Fiction To Category List

A FAMILY SIN

Travis Hunter, Read by Kevin R. Free • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Recorded Books/ Griot Audio • Library Ed.

Karim Spencer has become a successful businessman despite his impoverished background. But his discovery of a long-buried family secret jeopardizes his promising future. Travis Hunter weaves a convoluted story about family and obligation, and Kevin Free binds the characters together in a gritty narration. Free's performance is so good that the listener may just want to slap Spencer's stripper sister when she tries to whine her way out of another responsibility. Throughout the giggly conversation of a 3-year-old boy, the raspy curses of a hard-drinking, bootlegging grandmother, and the posings of a teenage gangsta wannabe—Free keeps the listener engaged. P.R © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE FEMALE OF THE SPECIES

Lionel Shriver, Read by Fred Stella • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Brilliance Audio • Trade Ed.

Brilliance Audio • Library Ed.

Interpersonal power plays fuel this academic adventure novel, featuring anthropologist Gray Kaiser. Fred Stella takes an unembellished, scholarly approach to narrating Kaiser’s discovery of a hidden African tribe that is controlled by an enigmatic Westerner named Charles Corgie. The author's clever clinically detached observations of Kaiser's affair with Corgie, and later with a graduate student named Raphael, reflect the tone with which the anthropologist herself catalogs her human subjects. Stella's straightforward narration enhances the author's attempt to cast the lens of observation on the observer. However, Stella doesn't shy away from projecting high emotion when necessary. He ramps up the volume, humor, and bravado to reflect the larger-than-life Corgie while deftly handling Kaiser's emotional journey. J.T. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

FIDDLER ON THE MAKE

Peter Kerr , Read by James Bryce • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

ISIS Audio Books/ Soundings • Library Ed.

James Bryce delivers a comic, crude, and clever tale about a Scottish country town that is undergoing gentrification. As commuters and civil service retirees move in, there to fleece and charm them is Jigger McCloud, a canny, lovable scoundrel with an eccentric family, who more or less runs the community. Bryce brings these quirky Scots to life. Through his vivid portrayals we see the doddering duke, the pig keeper, the gangster, the granny on a moped, and many other rustics. Bryce's strong, compelling voice lets us enjoy all their shenanigans and ploys. While some of the slang and references may be unfamiliar to Americans, listeners will still enjoy this humorous story. D.L.G. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE GRADUATE

Charles Webb, Read by Scott Brick • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Blackstone Audiobooks • Trade Ed.

Blackstone Audiobooks • Library Ed.

Set during the sexual revolution of the 1960s, this classic story of a directionless college graduate is performed in all of its soap-opera glory. Benjamin Braddock is seduced into a summer affair with the frigid wife of a family friend but is soon conflicted over his attraction to his lover's daughter. Scott Brick displays a wide range of vocal styles and gives a melancholic yet playful performance that captures character personalities with precision. It's a superb delivery—from the high-pitched voice of insecure, sexually inexperienced Benjamin and the browbeating tones of his parents to the husky, sultry voice of Mrs. Robinson. Brick's sexy bass voice and measured pace make this a deliciously fun distraction listeners will enjoy. A.L.B. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE KING’S SECRET MATTER

Jean Plaidy, Read by Anne Flosnik • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Blackstone Audiobooks • Library Ed.

In the third part of Plaidy's Katharine of Aragon trilogy, Anne Flosnik's soothing voice takes the listener back to the end of her reign. The king's secret matter, his attempt to obtain a divorce from his longtime wife so he can make Anne Boleyn his queen, comes to light, and court intrigue ensues. The story’s frequent changes of scene and point of view would be difficult to follow on audio were it not for Flosnik's ability to move seamlessly between the characters, underscoring their most diverse qualities. In particular, she adds a slight oiliness to the voice of Cardinal Wolsey, who is determined to do anything to serve his king, and a foreign accent to the voice of Katharine, which shows how out of place she is in her shifting world. E.N. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

RETURN TO SULLIVANS ISLAND

Dorothea Benton Frank, Read by Robin Miles • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Harper Audio • Trade Ed.

Recorded Books • Library Ed.

Robin Miles's spot-on narration transforms this lightweight story into an engaging performance. Beth Hayes, a newly minted journalist, reluctantly returns to Island Gamble in South Carolina to house-sit the ancestral beach house while her mother goes off to teach in Paris. There Beth falls blindly in love with schemer Max Mitchell, and her life becomes a tangled web of lies. Miles authentically presents Beth's heartrending emotions, love for her family, and journey of discovery. Her narration lyrically moves from Beth's young voice to the Southern drawl of her African-American confidante. We almost hear sounds of the ocean waves and breezes that enter the haunted house. Miles's pace and intonation enhance the suspense of a story that might otherwise be somewhat tedious. K.P. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

WHO IS MARK TWAIN?

Mark Twain, Read by John Lithgow • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Harper Audio • Digital Download

This collection of unpublished essays and stories is a real find for Twain lovers; even the pieces left incomplete are amusing. John Lithgow doesn't make the mistake of trying to imitate or channel Twain, à la Hal Holbrook. On the other hand, he doesn't quite have the cadence or lilt or tone that would fit Twain; there's something too dry or stiff or abstract about his reading. Still, it's clear, energetic, and well paced, and his comedic timing is (no surprise) excellent. He brings out, subtly but plainly, Twain's use of irony, exasperated satire, and joshing. He shines when there are characters to play, though one piece, in "black" dialect, is rather painful. Overall, a fine reading of a batch of hidden treasures. W.M. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

History To Category List

AMERICAN PASSAGE The History of Ellis Island

Vincent J. Cannato , Read by Jonathan Hogan • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Recorded Books • Trade Ed.

Recorded Books • Library Ed.

The Ellis Island story provides the perfect vehicle to discuss the history of immigration in the U.S. Now serving as the plinth for the Statue of Liberty, the island housed the bureaucracy that oversaw the entrance of 12 million immigrants into America between 1892 and 1924. Commenting on the necessity of admitting foreigners to U.S. soil, the first immigration commissioner, John Weber, observed, "Americans typically shun hard manual work." Although employing perfect diction, narrator Johathan Hogan reads with little expression. Barely pausing to signal quotes, he seems determined to maintain a mechanical uniformity throughout. The few lines of poetry give him no inspiration to vary his stark delivery. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE ASCENT OF GEORGE WASHINGTON The Hidden Political Genius of an American Icon

John Ferling, Read by Norman Dietz • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Tantor Media • Trade Ed.

Tantor Media • Library Ed.

The author claims not to have written a biography of the first U.S. president, but rather an examination of his politics. Much of the book's language comes from letters, speeches, and newspapers of the eighteenth century, making the vocabulary and style seem stilted and foreign. One can, however, still learn a great deal about Washington's military mind, his demeanor, and how his contemporaries viewed him. Norman Dietz narrates as many nonfiction lovers prefer: no frills or embellishments, just words off the page. His pace never varies from medium-slow, allowing listeners to hear and understand every word. As some audio readers also prefer, his plain-vanilla narration gradually moves to the background, allowing the focus to stay on the vast amount of historical information. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

DANGEROUS GAMES The Uses and Abuses of History

Margaret MacMillan, Read by Barbara Caruso • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Recorded Books • Library Ed.

In this brief book, historian Margaret MacMillan examines the way history is interpreted and used to justify political and social ideas. As she says, "history comforts us, even though, paradoxically, we know less and less about it," yet we see references to historical events used to support or criticize current political arguments. While narrator Barbara Caruso is effective in reading this book, her intimate tone tends to minimize the seriousness of the arguments. Her reading sounds like a friendly discussion over tea, whereas MacMillan's theses are much more vital and compelling than this tone suggests. This book is essential to put into perspective "the uses and abuses of history" that all too often take place in today's political arena. K.M. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Mystery & Suspense To Category List

AMBER BEACH

Elizabeth Lowell, Read by Robin Rowan • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Harper Audio • Digital Download

Robin Rowan's sultry voice tells the story of Honor Donovan's search for her missing brother, Kyle, and the millions of dollars worth of amber he has stolen from Russia. Honor isn’t the only person looking for Kyle and his goods. Jack Mallory, a local amber broker and boat jockey, hires on to teach Honor to run her boat while searching for her brother in the San Juan Islands of the Pacific Northwest. With light tones and a breezy style, Rowan keeps pace with the ups and downs of Honor's emotions. At the same time, the tension is palpable as Jake and Honor carry out their search while avoiding the irate Russian gangsters Kyle is mixed up with. The mystery zigzags a few times before settling into a steady plot and a surprising ending. M.B.K. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE ATLANTIS REVELATION

Thomas Greanias, Read by Scott Brick • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Simon & Schuster Audio • Trade Ed.

Recorded Books • Library Ed.

In the third book in the Atlantis series, archaeologist Conrad Yeats discovers, in the ruins of a submerged Nazi submarine, the key to an ancient conspiracy with contemporary ties. He and Sister Serena Serghetti must work together to prevent Armageddon. Scott Brick’s performance is a mixed bag. He delivers an exciting reading, but it lacks variety in tempo. There are many foreign accents called for, and Brick has problems not only with keeping the accents consistent, but also with some of the accents themselves. And he doesn't succeed with Serena’s voice, which combines a female timbre and an Australian accent. However, those who enjoyed the first two books, as well as fans of Dan Brown's bestsellers, may enjoy this. S.S.R. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

BLACK MONEY

Ross Macdonald, Read by Grover Gardner • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Blackstone Audiobooks • Library Ed.

A wealthy young man hires private eye Lew Archer to uncover a mystery man's secrets and protect a friend from a bad marriage. Archer's investigation puts him on the trail of money acquired through tax evasion—"black money." Grover Gardner's voice is clear and tough, a natural for the hard-boiled first-person narrative. Macdonald’s story—involving gambling debts, murder, sex, and blackmail—is as satisfyingly gritty as one expects, including the twisted family histories of wealthy Californians in the ‘60s. Gardner's narration makes it all lively and fresh, rather than a nostalgic relic. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

THE DEAD CAT BOUNCE

Sarah Graves, Read by Lindsay Ellison • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

BBC Audiobooks America • Trade Ed.

BBC Audiobooks America • Library Ed.

When Ellie White, longtime resident of Eastport, Maine, confesses to murdering a local billionaire with an ice pick, she’s promptly thrown in jail, and Jacobia Tiptree is promptly suspicious. Determined to prove her friend's innocence, Jacobia (Jake) begins making her own inquiries and soon finds herself the object of threats and attacks. In portraying Jake, narrator Lindsay Ellison captures the sardonic tone of a strong, independent woman who is both amused and irritated by human behavior (including her own). Her voicing of Jake's teenage son is realistic, and her portrayal of Ellie's bossy elderly mother is at times hilarious. Pauses between chapters are a little long, but, overall, the leisurely narration suits the pace of life described in the community of Moose Island. A.E.B. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

EXCURSION TO TINDARI An Inspector Montalbano Mystery

Andrea Camilleri, Read by Grover Gardner • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Blackstone Audiobooks • Library Ed.

Italian author Andrea Camilleri manages to leaven a dark mystery involving gruesome crimes with a light touch afforded by humorous situations and an engaging cast, featuring cynical but lovable Inspector Montalbano. This is not narrator Grover Gardner's first Sicilian Inspector Montalbano mystery, and that familiarity with the author's style and the characters' personalities is especially evident in his comfortable and believable presentation of the irascible middle-aged detective. Gardner catches both Montalbano's quiet musings as he examines his life as well as his crude outbursts when he’s under pressure. In successfully meeting the challenges of a translation with a multidimensional cast, multiple plot lines, and a generous sprinkling of earthy language, Grover Gardner demonstrates why he’s an AUDIOFILE Golden Voice. M.O.B. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

GLOBAL SHOT

Trevor Scott, Read by Terry Rose • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Books In Motion • Trade Ed.

Books In Motion • Library Ed.

Finnish hit men are just one of the surprises in GLOBAL SHOT, a story that involves the most accurate long-distance weapons in the world. Narrator Terry Rose not only channels an excellent Finnish accent, which is saying something, he also performs a mean Alaskan Inuit accent. One of the joys of the mystery is its obscure settings: Prince of Wales Island in Alaska, Copenhagen, and Estonia. Scott writes about those places and its people with authority. Chad Hunter is the inventor of a powerful rifle that can cause massive damage from great distances, but his invention is dwarfed by a satellite weapons system that could give one unscrupulous man the power to rule the world. Rose’s suspenseful performance makes this audiobook impossible to turn off. M.S. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

TARGETS OF OPPORTUNITY

Joe Weber, Read by J. Charles • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Brilliance Audio • Trade Ed.

Brilliance Audio • Library Ed.

This strange novel is replete with CIA dirty tricksters and men ready to give their lives for their country. Cynicism prevails throughout this story of American pilots who are flying a Soviet-built MiG-17 on bombing missions to confuse the enemy during the War in Vietnam. Yet that cynicism disappears in the romance scenes, in which hero Brad Austin is a bit of a bumpkin. Narrator J. Charles builds the suspense while maintaining the steely reserve of a combat pilot, a combination that is not easy. It’s also a tough job to make Austin sound like a man smart enough to fly such missions yet naive in many other ways. His performance will have the listener rooting for the good guy and hissing at the cold CIA bosses. M.S. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Personal Growth To Category List

THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE MARRIAGE

Stephen R. Covey, Sandra Covey, Read by Stephen R. Covey, John M.R. Covey, Jane Covey • Audio Program • NOVEMBER 2009

FranklinCovey • Trade Ed.

Sandra Covey, the wife of personal development pioneer Stephen Covey, offers a pleasing contrast to the incisive logic that frames his thinking on so many aspects of human improvement. She's also a smooth storyteller, with a warm and personal voice, and the stories she delivers help make this a memorable production. Recordings of their seminar comments make up the first part of the program, and the second part features Covey's brother and his wife delivering ideas and stories about how Stephen Covey's Seven Habits can make marriage more rewarding. The theme of this installment in Covey’s series is how to make better choices in the four aspects of a satisfying marriage—commitment, communication, character, and companionship. This is a reflective reminder of what is possible to achieve in a lifelong romantic partnership. T.W. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

MANAGE YOUR TIME TO REDUCE YOUR STRESS A Handbook for the Overworked, Overscheduled, and Overwhelmed

Rita Emmett, Read by Rita Emmett • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Macmillan Audio • Trade Ed.

BBC Audiobooks America • Library Ed.

Rita Emmett's conversational writing and practical views make this a compelling book on how to manage destructive, excessive, or unfocused stress. Encouraging us to pay attention to the routines we fall into, she explains how to establish more fulfilling and values-centered life patterns, rather than blindly pursuing maximum achievement. Stress and hard work are unavoidable, but they pay off best when directed toward what's deeply important to us. The author's humanitarian approach is a welcome broadening of the blind productivity many audios in this genre promote. But her husky voice and adolescent-sounding intonation all but demolish the audio's accessibility. A more experienced narrator with a more appealing voice could make this excellent primer the kind of listening experience it deserves to be. T.W. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Poetry & Drama To Category List

THE GREAT POETS: ROBERT BURNS

Robert Burns, Read by Forbes Masson • Unabridged Selections • NOVEMBER 2009

Naxos AudioBooks • Trade Ed.

Actor Forbes Masson is equal to the task of representing his countryman's poetry. This selection of Burns's poetry provides a fine sample of the Scottish Bard's canon, ranging from short songs to long narratives. Masson's pronunciation of the Scots versions of the poems is replete with the sounds only a native speaker can produce. He brings his skill as a performer to the different characters of Burns's poetry, from pensive lovers to social critics. His voice is rich, and his pronunciation of Scots is pitch-perfect. Masson's performances range from the gentle and sweet "Red, Red Rose" to the blistering "Holy Willie's Prayer." All those who celebrate a Burns supper in January will appreciate how Forbes Masson brings Burns to this century. R.F. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Romantic Fiction To Category List

ENCHANTED

Elizabeth Lowell, Read by Anne Flosnik • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Brilliance Audio • Trade Ed.

Brilliance Audio • Library Ed.

In this third installment of her medieval trilogy, Elizabeth Lowell brings us back to her magical eleventh-century world with Ariane's story. Ariane the Betrayed is willing to marry Simon the Loyal in order to bring peace to the Disputed Lands, but that doesn’t mean she’s prepared to fulfill her marital duties, thus setting up the conflict that lasts throughout the story. Ariane believes she is without a heart, and Anne Flosnik portrays her despair with a dull, lifeless delivery. The slow-moving story is not helped by Flosnik's careful narration. However, she is enchanting with her portrayals of the supporting characters, the warrior knights and the wise learned with special powers. E.N. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Young Adult To Category List

WHAT HEARTS

Bruce Brooks, Read by John McDonough • Unabridged • NOVEMBER 2009

Harper Audio • Digital Download

Bruce Brooks's 1995 Newbery Honor book is a complex depiction of a young man trying to come to terms with life after his parents' divorce. John McDonough narrates Asa's story with the objective tone of an interested but emotionally distant bystander. He makes the often- obnoxiously precocious boy sympathetic as he relates Asa's love-hate relationship with his stepfather, Dave, and the challenges of 10 moves and new schools by age 11. This is the story of the dynamics of an uneasy blended family and its toll on an intelligent, insightful boy who puzzles over his own lack of empathy. McDonough makes this work accessible to young listeners, who might lose their way amid the story’s psychological complexity in print. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

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