Audio

Adiga's (www.aravindadiga.com) second book—following the Man Booker Prize winner The White Tiger (2008), also available from Tantor Media—collects 12 interwoven stories set in Kittur, India, in the years between the 1984 and 1991 assassinations, respectively, of prime ministers Indira Gandhi and her son, Rajiv Gandhi. Adiga paints a striking contrast between the public and private realities of life in Kittur, while actor Harsh Nayyar conveys the appropriate balance of enthusiasm and pathos, his accent lending credibility to the narrative. Those liking fiction exploring social issues and/or stories about India will enjoy. [The Free Pr: S. & S. hc also received a starred review, LJ 6/1/09.—Ed.]—Joanna M. Burkhardt, Univ. of Rhode Island Libs., Providence

Cleave (www.chriscleave.com), whose debut novel, Incendiary (2006), won the Somerset Maugham Award, here tells the story of Little Bee, a young Nigerian refugee, and Sarah, the British widow who fatefully takes her in. In a poignant performance, Audie Award nominee Anne Flosnik (At Last Comes Love) portrays the carefully enunciated Queen's English Little Bee learns from watching TV and from listening to Sarah's upper-crust diction and her two-year-old son's kidspeak. A grueling tale burnished with humor and love and comparable to Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner, this title will give book club members plenty to mull over. [The S. & S. hc also received a starred review, LJ 1/09.—Ed.]—Judith Robinson, Dept. of Lib. & Information Studies, Univ. at Buffalo

An interdimensional force is destroying all life in its wake, and Superman and the other superheroes and supervillains of DC Comics must form an alliance in order to stop it. Voice-over artist Christopher Graybill (chrisgraybill.com) and Audie Award winner Richard Rohan (3000 Degrees) deliver solid, compelling performances, while a full cast of some 30 additional readers embody characters including Wonder Woman and Plastic Man. The sound effects and musical score blend effectively into the narrative, heightening listeners' exhilaration. Another powerhouse performance of sound and excitement from Graphic Audio, for sf fans and fans of comics, old-time radio, and audio dramas.—Lance Eaton, Peabody, MA

Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala must rid the world of a deadly virus in No. 1 New York Times best-selling authors Cussler and Kemprecos's eighth "NUMA Files" adventure, following Corsair (2009), also available from Books on Tape and Penguin Audio. Audie Award winner/series reader Scott Brick (see Behind the Mike, p. 48) skillfully handles the often mind-boggling action, making the occasionally florid prose and larger-than-life characters translate believably. Recommended. [Richard Ferrone reads the abridged Penguin Audio edition; the Putnam hc was described as "great...escape reading," LJ 6/1/09.—Ed.]—Joseph L. Carlson, Vandenberg Air Force Base Lib., Lompoc, CA

New York Times best-selling author Green's (www.janegreen.com) 11th novel, following The Beach House (2008), also available from Recorded Books and Penguin Audio, tells of a Connecticut divorcee's evolution from a married socialite to a free woman unbound by social constrictions. A lengthy exploration of her divorce and feelings finally yields an engaging story of strong women who prevail on their own terms. Actress Cassandra Campbell (The Beach House) reveals the characters' inner thoughts and relays their conversations in a soft-spoken voice and mellow manner appropriate to this free-flowing narrative. Good as light vacation listening or for those anticipating a long car ride. [The Viking hc was described as a "quick, easy beach read," LJ 6/15/09.—Ed.]—Beth Traylor, Univ. of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libs.

In Hamilton's (www.laurellkhamilton.org) 17th entry in her New York Times best-selling Anita Blake series, following Blood Noir (2008), the vampire hunter heads to Las Vegas to track down Vittorio, the serial-killer vampire from Incubus Dreams (2004). Narrator Kimberly Alexis, who has read several previous titles in this series, conveys Anita's strength and vulnerability by lacing her dialog with a slight edge of anger. Though her performance is generally clean and crisp, her rendering of Jean-Claude's just-off-the-boat, European-accented English translates as anything but erotic, and, except for Edward, her characterization of the other males is also unmemorable. Still, devotees will appreciate. ["Buy multiple copies for all those eager fans," read the review of the Berkley hc, LJ 6/1/09.—Ed.]—Jodi L. Israel, MLS, Salt Lake City

Available for the first time on audio, this 1988 Loveswept romance, prolific New York Times best-selling author Hoag's debut novel, shows definite signs of its age—e.g., no cell phones, no Internet. But this only adds charm to Hoag's humorous tale of schoolteacher Genna and her attempts to keep pace with modern life in the 1980s. Actress/narrator Deanna Hurst impressively portrays a wide range of female characters, from a housekeeper to a five-year-old. Though she doesn't manage to project the bass tones one might expect from a macho-yet-sensitive male like Genna's new neighbor, professional football player J.J., she does bring the right pacing and energy to his characterization. Romance fans will be entertained. [See Top Audio, LJ 9/15/09.—Ed.]—Juleigh Muirhead Clark, Colonial Williamsburg Fdn. Lib., VA

First-time author Howe contrasts the experiences of herbalist Deliverance Dane in 17th-century Salem, MA, with that of Harvard graduate student Connie Goodwin in 20th-century Boston. The plot is predictable, and the characters are poorly developed. (Also: a library that allows students to check out rare 300-year-old texts? In your dreams, Howe!) But actress Katherine Kellgren's youthful, appealing voice is a good match for the material; she's especially proficient in her reading of the historical characters. Brief musical interludes clue listeners in to the time shifts. Recommended for the book's popularity and the excellent narration. [The Hyperion hc was recommended as "a solid selection" likely to appeal to readers who enjoyed Brunonia Barry's The Lace Reader and Kathleen Kent's The Heretic's Daughter, LJ 5/15/09.—Ed.]—Juleigh Muirhead Clark, Colonial Williamsburg Fdn. Lib., VA

Kalogridis's (www.jeannekalogridis.com) latest historical novel, following I, Mona Lisa (2006), traces the rise of Catherine de Medici, great-granddaughter of Lorenzo the Magnificent, from imprisoned orphan to one of France's most maligned monarchs. While both the unabridged and the abridged recordings feature a brilliant, perfectly nuanced performance by pseudonymous narrator Kate Reading (Jennifer Mendenhall, who also reads under the name Johanna Ward), in the abridgment, Kalogridis's sympathetic, richly detailed portrayal of Catherine seems sketchy and the plot, incomplete. The unabridged edition is recommended only for fans of paranormal and historical fiction.—Beth Farrell, Portage Cty. Dist. Lib., Garrettsville, OH

After her brother dies in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Cat sets out to find her lost nephew while her father tries to help her grieve and prepare for his own impending passing. The relationships in Lasser's (scottlasserbooks.com) third novel, following All I Could Get (2003), while complicated, are filled with resonant love and emotion. Narrator Tanya Eby Sirois (Eve) holds her own against Audie Award winner Mel Foster (Finding God in Unexpected Places). While Foster shows range by taking on multiple characters, Sirois captures the emotional depth of a woman facing big changes. Fans of Marilynne Robinson will enjoy this work for its exploration of familial interaction. [The Knopf hc was described as one of those "few books" a reader feels "compelled to finish in one sitting," LJ 4/15/09.—Ed.]—Johannah Genett, Hennepin Cty. Libs., Minneapolis

Edgar Award winner Schwegel (theresaschwegel.com) follows up her third novel, Person of Interest, a Publishers Weekly Top Ten Mystery of 2007, with this second title to feature Det. Sloane Pearson, last seen in Probable Cause (2006). Newly transferred to Chicago's Sex Crimes Division, Pearson must deal with gender-related tensions in the workplace as she races to track down a rapist. While not as strong as Person of Interest, this novel is certainly good enough to be recommended to fans of the genre. Deftly narrated by Tavia Gilbert (www.taviagilbert.com). [The Minotaur: St. Martin's hc was recommended to "readers who enjoy Lynda LaPlante's 'Prime Suspect' and Anna Travis series and Michael Connolly's Harry Bosch books," LJ 7/09.—Ed.]—Joyce Kessel, Villa Maria Coll., Buffalo

This follow-up to Thriller: Stories To Keep You Up All Night (2006), also available from Brilliance Audio, features 23 original short stories penned by authors both well known (e.g., Jeffery Deaver, Ridley Pearson) and lesser known (e.g., Javier Sierra, whose "The Fifth World" is a highlight of the collection). The stories' subject matter ranges from revenge and war to espionage and serial killers. Each is prefaced by an introduction about the author and is read by one of 11 different narrators, including Jim Bond, Phil Gigante, and Natalie Ross. Certain to be a hit among thriller/suspense aficionados.—Phillip Oliver, Univ. of North Alabama Lib., Florence

This latest work from Tóibín (www.colmtoibin.com), which follows The Master Mothers and Sons (2006), also available from Blackstone Audio, takes place in the early 1950s and centers on Eilis Lacey, who leaves her hometown of Enniscorthy, Ireland, for Brooklyn, NY, in search of work and a new life. Narrator Kirsten Potter's (www.kirstenpotter.com) smooth voice and affinity for accents pull listeners along through the often plodding narrative. A lightweight work of literary fiction from IMPAC Dublin Literary Award winner Tóibín that will appeal to fans of the McCourt brothers and those interested in Irish American history or 1950s Brooklyn. [The Scribner hc was called "more accessible and more sublime than [Tóibín's] previous works" and was "highly recommended," LJ 3/15/09.—Ed.]—Donna Bachowski, Orange Cty. Lib. Syst., Orlando, FL

The plot is barely evident in this brief but dragged-out exploration of eroticism, revenge, grief, and boastfulness by octogenarian Vanderbilt, who has previously written four memoirs and two novels. Architect Talbot Bingham has left behind steamy letters from his mistress, Queen Bee, for his widow to discover, but what some might call erotic imagery could be considered repetitive soft porn by others. The author's reputation as a member of the prominent Vanderbilt family and the mother of CNN correspondent Anderson Cooper may draw readers to the print edition, but this audio version suffers from Vanderbilt's nonprofessional reading. Not recommended.—Joyce Kessel, Villa Maria Coll., Buffalo

This recording contains six hard-boiled detective stories—from Dashiell Hammett's "The Creeping Siamese" to Louise Erdrich's "Gleason"—originally performed on the Selected Shorts public radio series of New York's Symphony Space. The stories, published between 1923 and 2006, meld to form a collection that is part spooky and part grisly and includes a twist of creepy and a splash of funny. Each story is read by a different actor—John Shea, Fionnula Flanagan, Isaiah Sheffer, René Auberjonois, Hattie Winston, and Robert Sean Leonard—individualizing the respective characters. A fun listen for anyone liking a good murder mystery.—Terry Ann Lawler, Palo Verde Lib., Phoenix

Wolfe's (www.tomwolfe.com) 1987 debut novel skewering the excesses and illuminating the racial tensions of 1980s New York has seen its share of highs (it was a No. 1 New York Times best seller both in hardcover and paperback) and lows (the 1990 film adaptation). On audio, it erupts instantly back to life, dumping listeners splat onto the gilded streets of golden-era Wall Street. Actor Joe Barrett, whose narration is generally very measured (e.g., Roberts Ridge), lets charmingly loose here. A superb complement to Random House Audio's downloadable edition of Wolfe's second novel, A Man in Full (1998), read with similar mirth and gusto by David Ogden Stiers. [The Picador pb also received a starred review, LJ 5/1/08.—Ed.]—Raya Kuzyk, Library Journal

Balzer was part of the infamous three-man crew that in 1990 piloted a Northwest Airlines commercial flight from Fargo, ND, to Minneapolis while intoxicated. All three lost their jobs and flying licenses and served time in federal prison. Driven by his faith in God and the support of his family and friends, Balzer struggled to overcome his addiction. Today, sober for nearly two decades, he flies for American Airlines. Listeners will be captivated by his tale of redemption, which he engagingly reads. Recommended for those dealing with their own or a loved one's addiction issues.—Stephen L. Hupp, West Virginia Univ. Lib., Parkersburg

Gillies, perhaps best known for her recurring role on Law & Order: SVU, tells the deeply personal story of how her brilliant, picture-perfect professor husband left her for another woman. Preventing the memoir from reaching depressing and uncomfortable depths are Gillies's wonderful sense of humor and complementary narration. The story she tells is as common as the title implies, but Gillies makes it entirely compelling. An excellent audio production well suited for fans of memoirs, diary fiction, and the novels of Adriana Trigiani and Jodi Picoult. [The Scribner hc, a New York Times best seller, received a starred review, LJ 2/1/09.—Ed.]—Nicole A. Cooke, Montclair State Univ. Lib., NJ

This abridged audio production of the late English poet and novelist Graves's classic 1929 memoir will elicit for listeners the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of World War I combat as well as illustrate the soldiers' humor and bravery. In it, Graves elucidates his experiences as an army officer in the French trenches during the war, also recounting his development as a writer. Veteran British actor Martin Jarvis expertly narrates this gripping, marvelous tale. For anyone with an interest in "the war to end all wars."—Stephen L. Hupp, West Virginia Univ. Lib., Parkersburg

Paleontologist Horner and New York Times science editor Gorman, who have coauthored two previous books on dinosaurs, here explore the possibility of re-creating a dinosaur from a genetic code residing in the modern-day chicken. The authors cover highly technical scientific fields in a manner accessible to lay audiences, who will be captivated by Audie Award nominee Patrick Lawlor's (The Last True Story I'll Ever Tell) Mr. Wizard-like zeal. This nicely updates Rob Desalle's and David Lindley's The Science of Jurassic Park and the Lost World and will appeal to fans of Stephen Jay Gould's works on natural history and David Attenborough's popular titles. [The Dutton hc was deemed "a readable account of innovative science…sure to appeal to dinosaur fans," LJ 2/15/09.—Ed.]—Dale Farris, Groves, TX

New York Times best-selling author Jenkins (It's Not About the Bike) and Stauffer (history, Harvard Univ.) here tell the story of Newton Knight, a Jones County, MS, farmer who spearheaded a quasimilitary insurrection against the Confederacy at the height of the Civil War. Actor/narrator Don Leslie (American Prince) skillfully and convincingly reads this unique work of historical nonfiction; his delivery is lively but not overly dramatic. Largely unknown or forgotten outside the state of Mississippi, this event as recounted here will fascinate all those interested in American history and the Civil War era. Highly recommended.—Kristen L. Smith, Loras Coll. Lib., Dubuque, IA

Kahn's (The Boys of Summer) detailed biography of heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey, a New York Times Notable Book of 1999, wonderfully captures the boxer and his era, arguing that his impact on the future of sports was greater than that of any other athlete of the 1920s. This audio edition takes some getting used to owing to narrator Kevin Yon's (kevinyon.com) halting reading, but this, combined with his rough-edged delivery, truly suits the colorful Runyonesque figures inhabiting Kahn's tale. For all listeners interested in sports, media history, and American history in general.—Michael Adams, CUNY Graduate Ctr. Lib.

Luce adapts his acclaimed Broadway play especially for audio in this dramatization set in the twilight of actor John Barrymore's life and career and starring Jerry Robbins, Judson Pierce, Matthew Scott Robertson, and others. Robbins executes the emotionally volatile Barrymore with great gusto and energy, his exertions exacting the right amounts of amusement and pity from listeners. The sound effects also help develop Barrymore's growing sense of abandonment and hopelessness. Pierce ably performs the role of Frank, Barrymore's long-supportive friend. Yet while this impressive production has its amusing moments, it may leave listeners walking away a bit depressed. For fans of theater, theater history, and audio dramas.—Lance Eaton, Peabody, MA

Author McCleery here discusses characteristics of the music of the Romantic era, providing biographical notes about key composers and describing the cultural milieu in which each one worked. Twenty musical tracks totaling two hours and drawn from Naxos's extensive archive of classical recordings accompany the spoken text. Liner notes include performance details for each of the tracks and a summary of the spoken content. Jeremy Siepmann, who has written and narrated the entire "Life and Works" series for Naxos, reads, his clear and precise delivery enhancing the narrative. Excellent as an introduction to Romantic music or as a refresher. [Also in this series: Discover Music of the Baroque Era.—Ed.]—Nann Blaine Hilyard, Zion-Benton P.L., IL

Leadership guru/best-selling author Maxwell (www.johnmaxwell.com) is a master at inspiring people to change the way they think. Here, he segments successful thinking types into several categories (e.g., focused, creative, strategic, reflective), illustrating each type and providing techniques for practice. Audiences will want to listen repeatedly to this short title, read capably by Chris Sorensen (Found). Fans of Maxwell's Thinking for a Change, from which this book derives, will especially enjoy; those new to his works will also be interested.—Gail Preslar, Eastman Chemical Co. Business Lib., Kingsport, TN

Neuroscientist and New York Times best-selling author Restak (Mozart's Brain and the Fighter Pilot) presents an accessible analysis of how the human brain works and shares suggestions for improving its function—namely, through the restorative powers of sleep. Drawing on his own clinical research as well as on findings from numerous other sources (which he does not directly cite), Restak translates the highly complex scientific data forming the basis of this material into relevant language that will intrigue both erudite and lay listeners. Arthur Morey's (The Evolution of God) clear, steadily paced narration adds value to this substantial work, which nicely updates Daniel G. Amen's Making a Good Brain Great. [The Riverhead: Penguin hc was "highly recommended for public libraries," LJ 4/15/09.—Ed.]—Dale Farris, Groves, TX