Audio
-- Library Journal, 02/01/2010
Baldacci, David. True Blue. 12 CDs. retail ed. unabridged. 14 hrs. Hachette Audio from BBC Audiobooks America. 2009. ISBN 978-1-60024-973-0. $94.99; 2 MP3-CDs. library ed.; 12 CDs. retail ed. Hachette Audio; 7 CDs. retail ed. abridged. 8 hrs.; Playaway digital; digital download. F
Baldacci's (www.david-baldacci.com) 18th novel introduces Washington, DC, Chief of Police Beth Perry and her sister, Mace Perry, a former narcotics detective just out of prison for armed robbery who is determined to get her badge back and prove her worth as a detective. Though occasionally actor/writer Ron McLarty's (www.ronmclarty.com) narration makes it difficult to distinguish certain characters, this does not greatly detract from the excitement of Baldacci's story or inhibit comprehension. For Baldacci fans and the mystery/thriller collections of all libraries. [The New York Times best-selling Grand Central hc was "highly recommended for readers who love fast-paced thrillers and rooting for an underdog," LJ Xpress Reviews, 10/16/09.—Ed.]—Ilka Gordon, Siegal Coll. of Judaic Studies Lib., Cleveland
Diamant, Anita. Day After Night. 7 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 8 hrs. Recorded Bks. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4407-5023-6. $102.75; 7 CDs. retail ed. S. & S. Audio; Playaway digital; digital download. F
Diamant's (www.anitadiamant.com) latest work of historical fiction—following The Last Days of Dogtown (2005), also available from Recorded Bks. and S. & S. Audio—revolves around four European Jews at a postwar British internment camp in Palestine. Actress Dagmara Dominczyk's articulate reading is effective overall, her voice adeptly transitioning among the various European-language dialects. But her rendering of the dialog makes it difficult to differentiate between the two of the four main characters, and her interpretation of a lavish word illustration of food falls flat, not capturing the intensity of the women's memories. Recommended for larger public libraries and where Diamant is in demand. [The Scribner hc was called "stirring," LJ Xpress Reviews, 10/29/09.—Ed.]—Lisa Powell Williams, Moline P.L., IL
Fuerst, James W. Huge. 8 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 11 hrs. Blackstone Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4417-2314-7. $50; 1 MP3-CD. library ed.; Playaway digital; digital download. F
Fuerst's debut novel about a 12-year-old wannabe detective gives listeners a hilarious, nostalgic look back at the Jersey 'burbs of the 1980s. Eugene "Huge" Smalls, accompanied by his sidekick and only friend, a stuffed turtle, is hired by his possibly senile grandmother to investigate a case of vandalism at her retirement home. Eugene learns how to be "huge" in this coming-of-age tale, even if he doesn't entirely learn how to be a detective. Audie Award winner Jeff Woodman (Stolen Child) lends the story a Stand by Me quality, infusing it with life. A rhinestone-in-the-rough novel and an author to keep an eye on; for appreciators of J.D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye and Jack Pendarvis's Shut Up, Ugly. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 3/15/09.—Ed.]—Terry Ann Lawler, Phoenix P.L.
Gingrich, Newt & William R. Forstchen. To Try Men's Souls. 10 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 12 hrs. Macmillan Audio from BBC Audiobooks America. 2009. ISBN 978-0-7927-6681-0. $79.95; 10 CDs. retail ed. Macmillan Audio; digital download. F
Former Speaker of the House Gingrich and Forstchen follow up their New York Times best-selling "Civil War" and "Pacific War" alternate history titles with this new series starter set during the Revolutionary War and told from the fascinating perspectives of George Washington, Thomas Paine, and Jonathan Van Dorn, a private in Washington's army. Narrators William Dufris, Callista Gingrich, and Eric Conger are excellent in their conveying of emotion and accents, making us privy to these characters' thoughts and fears, their courage and determination. Highly recommended. [The Thomas Dunne hc also received a starred review, LJ 10/1/09.—Ed.]—Scott R. DiMarco, Mansfield Univ. of Pennsylvania Lib.
Irving, John. Last Night in Twisted River. 20 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 24½ hrs. Books on Tape. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4159-6576-4. $100; 20 CDs. retail ed. Random Audio; digital download. F
Irving's 12th novel—following Until I Find You (2005), also available from Books on Tape and Random Audio—covers five decades in the lives of three highly memorable characters. Most of Irving's usual themes and icons appear here, from bears to wrestling to unseen fears, as he uses the character of a writer to define his own fiction writing process. Narrator Arthur Morey (The Ministry of Special Cases) shows an impressive grasp of the language in his reading of this father-son love story touched with loss and humor; he especially captures well the cantankerous logger Ketchum, who serves as the book's political compass. Long and demanding but highly worth it; recommended for contemporary fiction audiences. [The New York Times best-selling Random hc was described as being "interesting, funny, and original," LJ 11/1/09; the pb will release in June 2010.—Ed.]—Joyce Kessel, Villa Maria Coll., Buffalo
Munro, Alice. Too Much Happiness. 10 CDs. library ed. 11¾ hrs. Books on Tape. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4159-6685-3. $80; 10 CDs. retail ed. Random Audio; digital download. F
Man Booker International Prize winner Munro follows up The View from Castle Rock (2006)—also available from Books on Tape and Random Audio—with this appealing collection of ten new stories offering an intimate glimpse into the everyday lives of ordinary men and women. Narrators Kimberly Farr and Arthur Morey, who previously collaborated on David Ebershoff's The 19th Wife (2008)—also available from Books on Tape and Random Audio—here breathe life into Munro's characters. An intriguing book that will appeal on many levels; strongly recommended for Munro fans and for those who appreciate fiction with some depth to it. [Readers "will eagerly devour" this "riveting" collection, read the review of the New York Times best-selling Knopf hc, LJ 11/1/09.—Ed.]—Donna Bachowski, Orange Cty. Lib. Syst., Orlando, FL
Niffenegger, Audrey. Her Fearful Symmetry. 12 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 13¾ hrs.Recorded Bks. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4407-5834-8. $123.75; 2 MP3-CDs. library ed.; 12 CDs. retail ed. S. & S. Audio; Playaway digital; digital download. F
In Niffenegger's (audreyniffenegger.com) follow-up to her best-selling debut novel, The Time Traveler's Wife (2003), also available from Recorded Books, she again shows her skill at portraying quirky, flawed, and endearing characters. Twenty-year-old twins Julia and Valentina cross the Atlantic to move into their aunt's London flat upon her death. The flat backs up to Highgate Cemetery, a setting that serves as the perfect backdrop for this gothic ghost story. Actress/Audie Award winner Bianca Amato gives a masterly performance, bringing out the subtleties of each persona. Recommended for all listeners, especially fans of Diane Setterfield's The Thirteenth Tale and Kate Morton's The Forgotten Garden. [The Scribner: S. & S. hc, which published in October 2009, was a New York Times best seller; the pb will release in September 2010.—Ed.]—Lisa Anderson, Metropolitan Community Coll. Lib., Omaha
Saul, John. House of Reckoning. 8 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 9¾ hrs.Brilliance Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4416-0558-4.$97.97; 8 CDs. retail ed.; 1 MP3-CD. library/retail eds.; Playaway digital; digital download. F
Saul's (www.johnsaul.com) 36th novel—following Faces of Fear (2008), also available from Brilliance Audio—further justifies his reputation as one of the great masters of horror fiction. After her mother dies and her father is imprisoned for murder, 14-year-old Sarah Crane is shipped off to a Dickensian foster home. Her foster parents mistreat her, her new school is full of bullies, and her only two friends are a boy who hears voices and an art teacher widely thought to be a witch. Angela Dawe (Side Effects) skillfully narrates, but even her soft, precise voice cannot carry listeners over the slow spots. The novel's real strength is its end, rife with harrowing descriptions of some truly nail-biting scenes. Not one of Saul's best but guaranteed to please his fans. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 6/1/09.—Ed.]—Joseph L. Carlson, Vandenberg Air Force Base Lib., Lompoc, CA
Shreve, Anita. A Change in Altitude. 8 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 9 hrs.Books on Tape. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4159-6417-0; $80; 8 CDs. retail ed. Hachette Audio; digital download. F
Shreve (www.anitashreve.com) follows up her 15th work of fiction, Testimony (2008)—also available from Books on Tape and Hachette Audio—with this novel centering on newlyweds Margaret and Patrick, who join two couples in climbing Mount Kenya. While ascending the mountain, a devastating accident occurs that results in the death of one of their party, but it is a small incident intrinsically tied to the tragedy that threatens to destroy Margaret and Patrick's young marriage. Shreve adeptly explores the intimacy and fragility of love and the nature of blame and forgiveness, while narrator Anna Stone (Profiles of Pacific Women) convincingly voices both the female and male characters. Shreve's fans will not be disappointed, though this is not the work to initiate those new to the author. [Shreve's fans "will demand this one," read the review of the Little, Brown hc, LJ 9/1/09.—Ed.]—Gloria Maxwell, Metropolitan Community Coll.-Penn Valley Lib., Kansas City, MO
Vonnegut, Kurt. Look at the Birdie. 7 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 7¼ hrs. Recorded Bks. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4407-6229-1. $77.75; Playaway digital. F
When a work remains unpublished until after a writer's death, it could arguably be because it's not up to the author's usual standards. That is certainly the case with this collection of 14 stories, which literary icon Vonnegut (Slaughterhouse-Five) wrote early in his career. However, the stories are nonetheless valuable for the insights they offer into Vonnegut's development as a writer, as they employ themes and stylistic techniques that would later become his trademarks. All Vonnegut enthusiasts will want this title, especially appealing in audio format owing to the top-notch performances by narrators including Barbara Rosenblat and Norman Dietz. Some libraries may want more than one copy. ["Important for fans, but first-time readers should start with the better-known titles," read the review of the Delacorte hc, LJ 9/1/09.—Ed.]—R. Kent Rasmussen, Thousand Oaks, CA
Walls, Jeannette. Half Broke Horses. 8 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 8 hrs. Recorded Bks. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4407-5810-2. $92.75; 8 CDs. retail ed. S. & S. Audio; Playaway digital; digital download. F
Walls's grandmother Lily Casey Smith was an original character whose spirit embodied the flavor of early 20th-century West Texas and Arizona. In her first novel, Walls steps back further in time than she did in her American Library Association Alex Award-winning memoir, The Glass Castle (2005)—also available from Recorded Bks. and S. & S. Audio—piecing together family lore, verifiable facts, and stretches of her own imagination to capture the voice and life of this remarkable woman. Adding authenticity to this audio is that Walls herself narrates, from her grandmother's point of view. Highly recommended. [The New York Times best-selling Scribner hc also received a starred review, LJ 7/09.—Ed.]—Joyce Kessel, Villa Maria Coll., Buffalo
Branch, Taylor. The Clinton Tapes. 9 CDs. library ed. unabridged. NA hrs. Recorded Bks. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4407-6251-2. $123.75; 9 CDs. retail ed. S. & S. Audio; digital download. POL SCI
At the start of his presidency, Bill Clinton persuaded Pulitzer Prize-winning author/historian Branch, an old college friend, to meet with him on a semiregular basis throughout his eight years in office and record discussions intended both to preserve the details of the Clinton presidency and to aid Clinton in the writing of his memoirs. After each visit Branch would make his own recordings capturing the highlights of their discussions. It is these secondary recordings that are the basis of this book, which Branch himself narrates, conveying in an evenhanded and nonjudgmental manner Clinton's many moods and emotions as he shares his perspective on the war in Bosnia, Whitewater, and other key historical events. Those hoping for juicy gossip on the Lewinsky scandal may be disappointed, but most others will relish this rare glimpse into the musings and struggles of a sitting President. ["A narrative that will fascinate informed readers and American presidency scholars," read the review of the S. & S. hc, LJ 9/15/09.—Ed.]—Valerie Piechocki, Prince George's Cty. Memorial Lib., Largo, MD
Carlin, Peter Ames. Paul McCartney: A Life. 10 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 13 hrs. Tantor Media. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4001-4385-6. $79.99; 10 CDs. retail ed.; 2 MP3-CDs. retail ed.; Playaway digital; digital download. MUSIC
In this comprehensive and well-balanced biography informed by new, exclusive interviews with friends and insiders, Carlin (Catch a Wave) chronicles pop music legend McCartney's well-known and oft-recounted accomplishments as a Beatle along with his years with Wings and as a solo artist, delving also into his childhood, his marriages, and his mercurial bond with John Lennon. Multiple Audie Award winner John Lee's smooth narration is refreshingly unobtrusive. An intimate and entertaining portrait that should satisfy Macca's many fans; recommended for listeners interested in all aspects of Macca's life and career, not just his Beatles years. [The Touchstone hc was recommended for those wanting "a solid but fast-paced, easy-to-read overview of McCartney's life and career," LJ 9/15/09.—Ed.]—Douglas King, Univ. of South Carolina Lib., Columbia
Chabon, Michael. Manhood for Amateurs. 7 CDs. retail ed. unabridged. 8 hrs. HarperAudio. 2009. ISBN 978-0-06-184237-5. $34.99; digital download. AUTOBIOG
In his second essay collection, following Maps and Legends (2008), justifiably acclaimed Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Chabon (www.michaelchabon.com) ponders such topics as childhood, sex, love, marriage, divorce, fatherhood, feminism, baseball, comic books, and mortality. Generally, Chabon's comments on popular culture are more interesting and revealing than those involving his private life. His slightly nasal voice and unpolished reading take some getting used to, but his enthusiasm is infectious, as with his joyous account of his children's devotion to Doctor Who. Recommended for Chabon's fans, appreciators of popular culture, and those (especially males) who grew up in the 1970s. [The Harper hc received a starred review, LJ 8/09.—Ed.]—Michael Adams, CUNY Graduate Ctr. Lib.
Franklin, John. The Wolf in the Parlor. 9 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 11½ hrs. Tantor Media. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4001-4340-5. $69.99; 9 CDs. retail ed.; 1 MP3-CD. retail ed.; Playaway digital; digital download. SCI
Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning science journalist Franklin, author of the 1987 New York Times Book of the Year The Molecules of the Mind, here combines memoir with scientific inquiry to explore the human/canine relationship and how this relationship and its participants have evolved through thousands of years, telling also of his growing bond with his own dog. George K. Wilson (An Edible History of Humanity), with more than 100 audio titles to his credit, demonstrates his skill and experience as a narrator; his timing and modulation are excellent. A treat for canine lovers and nature buffs alike. [The Henry Holt hc was recommended "to both students of animal behavior and dog lovers," LJ 8/09.—Ed.]—Joanna Burkhardt, Univ. of Rhode Island Libs., Providence
Goodall, Jane with Thane Maynard & Gail Hudson. Hope for Animals and Their World. 11 CDs. retail ed. unabridged. 12¾ hrs. Hachette Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-1-60024-868-9. $39.98; Playaway digital; digital download.NATURE
Primatologist/anthropologist and prolific author Goodall follows up Harvest for Hope (2005) with this inspiring book on the future of the animal kingdom in which she discusses efforts undertaken by environmentalists worldwide that are helping to pull endangered species back from the brink of extinction and emphasizes the need to protect these species' habitats. Goodall—with her gentle, inimitable voice—reads most of the text herself, while coauthor/Cincinnati Zoo director Maynard reads the foreword and field notes. A bonus PDF contains photos and "What You Can Do" resources. With its powerful and important message, this book has the muscle both to inspire and effect real change; highly recommended. [The Grand Central hc was recommended for "readers interested in wildlife, ecology, and armchair travel," LJ 7/09.—Ed.]—Gloria Maxwell, Metropolitan Community Coll.-Penn Valley Lib., Kansas City, MO
Grano, Joseph J., Jr., with Mark Levine. You Can't Predict a Hero. 5 CDs. retail ed. unabridged. 6½ hrs. Oasis Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-1-59859-621-2. $25.99; digital download. BUS
Similar in tone to Tim Russert's Big Russ & Me, this is less a business memoir than a discussion of how a successful man has applied character teachings from childhood to his adult life. In it, Grano tracks his rise from his humble origins and lack of a formal education to his decorated military career, legendary Wall Street tenure, and educational and philanthropic endeavors. Grano's candor will appeal to veterans with combat experience as well as to anyone involved in investment banking, especially alumni of Merrill Lynch or UBS PaineWebber. Well written and narrated; recommended to all listeners. [Includes a bonus interview with the author.—Ed.]—Gail Preslar, Eastman Chemical Co. Business Lib., Kingsport, TN
Hirson, David. La Bête. 2 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 2 hrs. L.A. Theatre Works. 2009. ISBN 978-1-58081-577-2. $25.95; Playaway digital; digital download. DRAMA
Playwright Hirson's homage to Molière is set in 17th-century France and focuses on a rivalry between established writer-manager Elomire (Michael Cumpsty)—an anagram of Molière—and self-important actor Valere (Tom McGowan) for the favor of Prince Contis (John de Lancie). The rhyming and melodic verses offer listeners ample amusement and enjoyment, though some of the monologs drag a bit. The cast of ten is stellar; the three aforementioned leads perform especially well, building off one another's delivery and keeping the performance consistent overall. Recommended for fans of early modern literature, full-cast audio productions, audio dramas, poetry, and plays. [Includes a bonus interview with the author].—Lance Eaton, Peabody, MA
Kristof, Nicholas D. & Sheryl WuDunn. Half the Sky. 8 CDs. retail ed. unabridged. 10 hrs. HighBridge Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-1-59887-928-5. $34.95; Playaway digital; digital download. INT AFFAIRS
Kristof and WuDunn, the first married couple ever both to win Pulitzer Prizes for journalism, here expose the brutal horrors endured by millions of women throughout Asia and Africa, putting names and faces to these individuals and their suffering. They argue that the key to change is social entrepreneurs who can empower at the grassroots level through such means as education and microloans. With her soothing delivery, actress/narrator Cassandra Campbell (The School of Essential Ingredients) avoids sensationalizing this already dramatic material, whose accounts of gang rape, forced prostitution, and childbirth injuries make for painful but essential adult listening. Strongly recommended. [The Knopf hc, which published in September 2009, was a New York Times best seller; the pb will release in May 2010.—Ed.]—Risa Getman, Hendrick Hudson Free Lib., Montrose, NY
Levitt, Steven D. & Stephen J. Dubner. SuperFreakonomics. 6 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 7½ hrs. Books on Tape. 2009. ISBN 978-0-307-71386-5. $50; 6 CDs. retail ed. HarperAudio; digital download. SOC SCI
Levitt (economics, Univ. of Chicago) and Dubner (Turbulent Souls) provide more of their inimitable insights and observations in this follow-up to their critically lauded mega-best seller, Freakonomics (2005), also available from Books on Tape and HarperAudio. Drawing on new research and original studies conducted by Levitt, they here explain, e.g., how eating kangaroo can help to save the planet and the surprising commonality among hurricanes, heart attacks, and highway deaths. Listeners will be entertained by this mix of clever thinking and good storytelling, and Dubner's solid, lively reading will sustain their interest throughout. While the material is indeed easy to digest and dynamically presented, professionals might instead prefer economics research of the type found in peer-reviewed journals and including citations for the statistics. Recommended for public libraries. [The New York Times best-selling Morrow hc was described as "readable, irreverent, insightful, and an exemplary representation of analytical thinking," LJ Xpress Reviews, 10/30/09.—Ed.]—Dale Farris, Groves, TX
Sullenberger, Chesley with Jeffrey Zaslow. Highest Duty. 8 CDs. retail ed. unabridged. 9½ hours. HarperAudio. 2009. ISBN 978-0-06-195325-5. $39.99; Playaway digital; digital download. AUTOBIOG
In January 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 made an emergency landing onto New York's Hudson River that astoundingly resulted in no deaths or major injuries. Although the landing took only minutes, the skills and experience essential to accomplishing it took the plane's pilot, Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, more than 40 years to develop. Together with Zaslow (coauthor, The Last Lecture), Sully here chronicles his life in a straightforward and detailed manner, saving specific details of the crash until the end. Actor/narrator Michael McConnohie (www.michaelmcconnohie.com) successfully portrays the seasoned pilot and reluctant hero, who reads selections of the text himself. Recommended for those inspired by Sully's feat as well as those interested in aviation. [Includes a cockpit voice recorder transcript of the crash.—Ed.]—Theresa Stoner, St. Joseph Cty. P.L., South Bend, IN
Zuckoff, Michael. Robert Altman: The Oral Biography. 15 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 18 hrs. Books on Tape. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4159-6648-8. $100; NA CDs. retail ed. abridged. NA hrs. Random House Audio; digital download. FILM
Journalism professor Zuckoff was working with Altman on his memoirs when the legendary filmmaker died, in 2006. He subsequently created this oral history, cobbling together 20-plus hours of taped interviews with remembrances from people who knew and worked with Altman and bore witness to his artistic trajectory. The resulting composite provides behind-the-scenes glimpses into Altman's life and genius along with insights into his work. An intimate, inspirational, and unsettling snoop from which listeners will be unable to turn away; highly recommended for anyone interested in film, Hollywood, and the creative process.—Judith Robinson, Dept. of Lib. & Information Studies, Univ. at Buffalo
