Audiobook Reviews, September 1, 2010
Sep 1, 2010FICTION
Adams, Will. The Alexander Cipher. 11 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 13 hrs. Tantor Audio. 2010. ISBN 9781400114694. $69.99; 11 CDs. retail ed.; 2 MP3-CDs. retail ed.; Playaway digital; digital download. F
Adams (The Lost Labyrinth) presents his first entry in a planned series featuring Egyptologist Daniel Knox, who here discovers clues leading to the final resting place of Alexander the Great. Unfortunately, rival archaeologists, Egyptian officials, and Macedonian nationalists with their own agendas are also trying to claim this long-lost prize. Adams's characters are flawed, compromised by their inconsistent moral codes—even the hero is a less-than-admirable human being. But the material is ably read by actor/director/multiple Audie Award nominee David Colacci, who produces a wide variety of voices and accents. For listeners who enjoy thrillers, especially those involving Egyptology.—Joanna Burkhardt, Univ. of Rhode Island Libs., Providence
Barry, Brunonia. The Map of True Places. 12 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 12½ hrs. BBC Audiobooks America. 2010. ISBN 9780702772033. $110.95; 2 MP3-CDs. library ed.; Playaway digital; digital download. F
Barry's (www.brunoniabarry.com) second novel, following the The Lace Reader, whose Recorded Books/HarperAudio edition was an LJ Best Audio of 2008, centers on Zee Finch, a Boston psychotherapist coping with a patient's recent suicide, an upcoming marriage, and her father's worsening Parkinson's disease. Set in Salem, as The Lace Reader was, and drawing on its colorful history and atmosphere, this novel of a daughter's struggle with her personal and familial lives delivers mystery and a surprise ending, although fewer subplots would have helped to hone its focus. Actress/narrator Alyssa Bresnahan, who also read Barry's previous novel, captures Zee's vulnerability with just the right intonation. Recommended especially for those who enjoyed The Lace Reader. [The Morrow hc was described as a "mesmerizing, suspenseful tale," LJ 5/1/10.—Ed.]—Nancy R. Ives, SUNY at Geneseo
Johansen, Iris. Tender Savage. 4 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 5 hrs. BBC Audiobooks America. 2010. ISBN 9780792771463. $49.95; Playaway digital; digital download. F
Lara goes to the war-torn Caribbean island of St. Pierre to free captive revolutionary leader Ricardo. She succeeds, but in the process loses both her heart and her virginity to him. No. 1 New York Times best-selling author Johansen's (www.irisjohansen.com) short contemporary novel, which features steamy weather and steamy romance, was first published in 1990 as a Bantam Loveswept title. This first-ever audio edition, released concurrently with the ebook and Bantam mass market paperback reissue, is appealingly read by actress/narrator Susan Boyce (The Cinderella Deal). Independence and determination characterize Lara, and Boyce emphasizes these traits with clear, precise diction. Her rendering of Ricardo's Latin accent is charming; soft and tender during love scenes, tense and sharp when facing danger. Recommended.—Juleigh Muirhead Clark, Colonial Williamsburg Fdn. Lib., VA
McNees, Kelly O'Connor. The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott. 7 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 8¾ hrs. Books on Tape. 2010. ISBN 9780307737212. $29.95; 7 CDs. retail ed. Penguin Audio; digital download. F
In her debut novel, McNees (www.kellyoconnormcnees.com) blends fact and fiction to imagine an 1855 summer in the life of a then-20-year-old Louisa May Alcott that would change the course of Alcott's career and inform her later writing of Little Women. (Toward the end of her life, Alcott burned many of her letters and asked her correspondents to do the same, so what really happened that summer is lost to history.) The author portrays Alcott as an intelligent young woman whose strong sense of family loyalty interferes with her fierce desire for independence. Actress/singer/narrator Emily Janice Card reads with an earnestness befitting Louisa's character. A good choice for public libraries and YA collections. ["Fans of Little Women may be first in line to read the novel," read the review of the Amy Einhorn: Putnam hc, "but the book will also appeal to others who enjoy historical romance," LJ Xpress Review, 4/23/10.—Ed.]—Nann Blaine Hilyard, Zion-Benton P.L., IL
Pullman, Philip. The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ. 3 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 3½ hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2010. ISBN 9781441857965. $59.97; 3 CDs. retail ed.; 1 MP3-CD. library/retail eds.; Playaway digital; digital download. F
Pullman (www.philip-pullman.com), author of the award-winning "His Dark Materials" trilogy, takes a unique and respectful look at the life and legacy of Jesus as told from the point of view of Christ, Jesus's identical twin brother, whose not-entirely honest telling underscores the questionable reliability of such historical accounts. Pullman himself reads, his deep and soothing British-accented performance carrying the story along admirably. Recommended for all listeners, especially fans of religious fiction. [Also available, exclusively from the iTunes Store, is an iPhone ebook app combining Pullman's full-text, synchronized reading and including a video Q&A with the author.—Ed.]—Scott R. DiMarco, Mansfield Univ. of Pennsylvania Lib.
Rebeck, Theresa. Twelve Rooms with a View. 10 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 12½ hrs. Tantor Audio. 2010. ISBN 9781400146604. $69.99; 10 CDs. retail ed.; 1 MP3-CD. retail ed.; Playaway digital; digital download. F
In acclaimed playwright Rebeck's (www.theresarebeck.com) follow-up to her Alex Award–winning debut novel, Three Girls and Their Brother (2008)—also available from Tantor Audio—Tina Finn is still reeling from the unexpected death of her estranged mother when she learns that she and her sisters stand to inherit an $11 million apartment overlooking New York's Central Park. The sons of her mother's late husband, however, feel they are the rightful owners, and a legal battle ensues. Narrator Marguerite Gavin (The Winter Man) skillfully portrays rebellious, black sheep Tina, who, while living in the apartment, uncovers family history, long-kept secrets, and unexpected friendships as well as discovers something about herself. Recommended where Rebeck's previous book did well. ["Wildly uneven, though not without its bright spots," read the review of the Shaye Areheart: Harmony hc, LJ 5/1/10.—Ed.]—Theresa Stoner, St. Joseph Cty. P.L., South Bend, IN
Sandford, John. Storm Prey. 9 CDs. unabridged. 10¾ hrs. Recorded Bks. 2010. ISBN 9781449804374. $102.75; 1 MP3-CD. library ed.; 9 CDs. retail ed. Penguin Audio; 5 CDs. retail ed. abridged. 6¼ hrs.; Playaway digital; digital download. F
No. 1 New York Times best-selling writer Sandford's (www.johnsandford.org) 20th Lucas Davenport thriller follows Wicked Prey (2009), also available from Recorded Books/Penguin Audio. In it, Lucas's wife, surgeon Weather Karkinnen, finds her life on the line when she witnesses the fleeing perpetrators of a drug robbery gone wrong. Actor/Audie Award winner Richard Ferrone, who narrates earlier titles in this series, does an excellent job of reading this latest entry, making the various characters' multifaceted personalities easily discernable through his nuanced tones, accents, and voices. Thriller fans and anyone liking Sandford's other works are sure to enjoy. ["This fast-paced crime novel...will have readers dead-bolting their doors for weeks," read the review of the New York Times best-selling Putnam hc, LJ 4/15/10.—Ed.]—Ilka Gordon, Siegal Coll. of Judaic Studies Lib., Cleveland
Sussman, Paul. The Hidden Oasis. 17 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 20½ hrs. Clipper Audio, dist. by Recorded Bks. 2010. ISBN 9781449812867. $123.75; Playaway digital; digital download. F
In Sussman's third archaeological thriller—following The Last Secret of the Temple (2008), also available through Recorded Books—rock climber Freya Hannan attends her sister's funeral in Cairo and finds herself enmeshed—together with her sister's old friend, Egyptologist Flin Brodie—in layer upon layer of intrigue surrounding a search for the elusive desert paradise known as the Oasis at the End of the World. While compelling, the story requires listeners to suspend disbelief as it reaches its climax, and its plot similarities to Raiders of the Lost Ark render it predictable. Prolific British narrator Gordon Griffin (www.gordongriffin.com), while providing a wide range of voices/personae, seems challenged by the American accent. Recommended for those liking adventure, intrigue, and violence. [The Grove pb is scheduled to be published in September 2010.—Ed.]—Joanna M. Burkhardt, Univ. of Rhode Island Libs., Providence
Yglesias, Rafael. A Happy Marriage. 9 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 11½ hrs. Blackstone Audio. 2010. ISBN 9781441725394. $54.50; 9 CDs. retail ed.; 1 MP3-CD. library/retail eds.; digital download. F
Novelist/screenwriter Yglesias's first work of fiction in 13 years was inspired by his relationship with his late wife, Margaret, who died in 2004. It tells the story of Enrique Sabas and his wife, also named Margaret, who struggle to learn about each other and then relearn it all through the ebbs and flows of their adult lives. Between the start and the stop of their 30-year marriage is love, heartbreak, cruelty, redemption, forgiveness, and, finally, acceptance. The book is structured in alternating chapters, the first chapter introducing the very first meeting between Enrique and Margaret and the second set in the months leading up to Margaret's death from cancer. Audie Award winner Grover Gardner (grovergardner.blogspot.com) skillfully conveys the small and large tensions and drama that encapsulate this and most every other long-term relationship. For appreciators of literary fiction interested in more deeply exploring the subjects of relationships, cancer, death, and dying.—J. Sara Paulk, Fitzgerald–Ben Hill Cty. Lib., GA
NONFICTION
Ali, Ayaan Hirsi. Nomad: From Islam to America. 10 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 12½ hrs. Recorded Bks. 2010. ISBN 9781440777059. $123.75; 10 CDs. retail ed. S. & S. Audio; Playaway digital; digital download. AUTOBIOG
Ali's New York Times best-selling debut memoir, Infidel (2007)—also available from Recorded Books and narrated by the author—chronicled her journey from devout Muslim Somali to atheist refugee activist. In this second memoir, she offers a closer look at her family and migration to the Netherlands, where she became a member of the Dutch Parliament, and then to the United States. In describing the obstacles she and her family have faced, Ali affirms what she believes to be the challenges of integrating Muslim immigrants into Western societies—among them, militant Islam's treatment of women and the belief in the infallibility of the Quran. While not all will agree with Ali's broad condemnation of Islam, she is an engaging speaker and storyteller, and hers is an important voice in today's world. Expect demand for this thought-provoking title. [The Free Pr: S. & S. hc was described as "a controversial book accessible to the general public, unlikely to change any minds," LJ 5/15/10.—Ed.]—Beth Farrell, Portage Cty. Dist. Lib., Garrettsville, OH
Conover, Ted. The Routes of Man. 11 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 13½ hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2010. ISBN 9781441859280. $92.97; 11 CDs. retail ed.; 1 MP3-CD. library/retail eds.; Playaway digital; digital download. SOC SCI
Journalist Conover's (www.tedconover.com) fifth book follows the National Book Critics Circle Award winner Newjack (2000), also available from Brilliance Audio. In it, he documents his travels along six of the world's major byways and shares his resulting observations about the role of roads in civilization throughout the centuries, addressing both their positive (e.g., economic) and negative (e.g., environmental) impacts and allowing readers/listeners to reach their own conclusions. The rich narration by three-time Audie Award winner Dick Hill (www.dickhill.com) brings the vivid details of Conover's adventures to life. A well-written and perceptive work recommended for all libraries. [For LJ editor Margaret Heilbrun's take on this title's Knopf hc, see LJ 1/10.—Ed.]—Denise A. Garofalo, Mount Saint Mary Coll. Lib., Newburgh, NY
Gotanda, Philip Kan. Ballad of Yachiyo. 2 CDs. retail ed. unabridged. 1½ hrs. L.A. Theatre Works. 2010. ISBN 9781580816236. $25.95; Playaway digital; digital download. DRAMA
Set amid the sugar cane fields of 1919 Hawaii, Guggenheim-winning playwright Gotanda's (www.philipkangotanda.com) 1995 play centers on 16-year-old Yachiyo, whose poor parents hope she will attract a well-to-do husband. Instead, she finds herself in an affair with a married potter who cares more for his art than for her. Gotanda perfectly captures the time and place of his setting and the limited prospects facing young women such as Yachiyo. Composed of short scenes, his play has a cinematic quality, recalling particularly the films of Kenji Mizoguchi. This L.A. Theatre Works production is alternately rousing and grim, with music and sound effects (e.g., birds, waves) supporting the story. June Angela, as the title character, and Lane Nishikawa, as her lover, are the standouts in the seven-person cast. For those interested in ethnic dramas and Hawaiian and Japanese American history.—Michael Adams, CUNY Graduate Ctr. Lib.
Jessop, Carolyn with Laura Palmer. Triumph: Life After the Cult. 8 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 9¾ hrs. Books on Tape. 2010. ISBN 9780307715593. $30; 8 CDs. retail ed. Random Audio; digital download. AUTOBIOG
Jessop chronicled her escape from the extremist sect of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS) in her New York Times best-selling debut memoir, Escape (2007), also available from Books on Tape/Random Audio. The impetus behind this subsequent memoir was the 2008 surprise raid on the FLDS Yearning for Zion Ranch in Texas, spurred by allegations of child abuse and involving the author's ex-husband, cult leader Merril Jessop. Here, Jessop speaks to the necessity of that raid and gives an insider's view of her ex-husband's strategies, principles, and crimes. She further explores the reasoning behind and inspiration enabling her earlier escape, also giving an update on the lives of her eight children by Jessop. Though much of the text is repetitive, actress/narrator Ann Marie Lee (Too Much Money) successfully conveys the author's determination throughout. Recommended with some hesitation.—Joyce Kessel, Villa Maria Coll., Buffalo
Junger, Sebastian. War. 7 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 11 hrs. Hachette Audio from BBC Audiobooks America. 2010. ISBN 9781607885344. $74.99; 7 CDs. retail ed. Hachette Audio; Playaway digital; digital download. INT AFFAIRS
Between 2007 and 2008, No. 1 New York Times best-selling author Junger (The Perfect Storm) followed a single platoon through a 15-month tour of duty in northeast Afghanistan's Korengal Valley. During that time he observed and experienced the war as these soldiers fought it. Junger himself narrates, and his unpolished voice and rather monotonous delivery make this production, at least initially, difficult to endure. But listeners will quickly warm to his narration owing to the well-told and fascinating nature of his tale. A bonus interview with the author provides context to his work and presents him talking in a more informal setting. An arresting account recommended for public libraries and those libraries serving a military clientele. [The video footage documenting Junger's experience became the basis of the film Restrepo, which won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival (see Video NewsBriefs, LJ 3/1/10); the New York Times best-selling Twelve: Hachette hc received a starred review, LJ 4/15/10.—Ed.]—Michael T. Fein, Central Virginia Community Coll. Lib., Lynchburg
Macintyre, Ben. Operation Mincemeat. 9 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 11½ hrs. Books on Tape. 2010. ISBN 9780307735713. $35; 9 CDs. retail ed. Random Audio; digital download. HIST
In 1943, both the Allied and Axis powers knew that an invasion of Europe was imminent. The question was, where? Two British intelligence officers devised an intricate deception dubbed "Operation Mincemeat" to trick the German High Command into believing the invasion would occur in Greece and Sardinia rather than in Sicily. British writer/historian Macintyre describes the origins, planning, implementation, outcome, and aftermath of Operation Mincemeat in this complex narrative voiced clearly and masterfully by multiple Audie Award winner John Lee, who also read the audio edition of Macintyre's 2007 World War II spy history, Agent Zigzag. An exceptional performance of a fascinating account highly recommended for all appreciators of audio nonfiction. [The Harmony hc, published in May, was a New York Times best seller.—Ed.]—Kristen L. Smith, Loras Coll. Lib., Dubuque, IA
Parker-Pope, Tara. For Better: The Science of a Good Marriage. 8 CDs. retail ed. unabridged. 9¾ hrs. HighBridge Audio. 2010. ISBN 9781615730940. $29.95; Playaway digital; digital download. SOC SCI
New York Times blogger Parker-Pope (The Hormone Decision) believes that the best insights about love and relationships today are coming from the scientific community, where researchers apply the logic and rigors of science to the complex subject of marriage. Deftly translating scientific findings into practical advice on such hot-button topics as sex, parenting, fighting, and financial problems, Parker-Pope hopes to help those couples embarking on their first committed relationship, attempting to rescue a troubled relationship, or trying to get it right the second time around. Actress/Audie Award winner Cassandra Campbell's easy, conversational tone makes this thoughtful work feel like the guidance of a trusted friend. Very valuable advice for listeners hoping to strengthen their relationships. [See Prepub Exploded, BookSmack! 12/03/09.—Ed.]—Beth Farrell, Portage Cty. Dist. Lib., Garrettsville, OH
Petrarch, Francesco. The Great Poets: Francesco Petrarch. 1 CD. retail ed. unabridged. 2 hrs. Naxos AudioBooks. 2010. ISBN 9781843793588. $14.98; digital download. POETRY
Italian poet Petrarch's 14th-century Laura sonnets dramatize the many faces of love and yearning in a way that is as relevant today as it was centuries ago. Selections compiled by Peter Whitfield (The History of English Poetry) and drawing from a 1931 English-language translation by American poet Joseph Auslande are here read by classical actor Anton Lesser, who conveys just the right tone of unrequited love and longing relieved by wit. An excellent addition to Naxos's "Great Poets" series, which to date collects the works of 18 classical poets, including Milton, Dickinson, and Keats; recommended for listeners interested in Renaissance poetry and timeless love sonnets.—Nancy R. Ives, SUNY at Geneseo
Wouk, Herman. The Language God Talks. 6 CDs. retail ed. unabridged. 6½ hrs. Hachette Audio. 2010. ISBN 9781607881810. $29.98; digital download. SCI/REL
Nonagenarian Publitzer Prize winner Wouk, author of the sprawling World War II narratives The Winds of War and War and Remembrance and a devout student of the Talmud, here cobbles together episodes from his life's work, recalls his encounters with several scientists (most notably, Richard Feynman), and taps into key historical events (e.g., the 1969 moon landing) to create a rumination on belief in God in a skeptical, hyperrational, scientific age. Given the expansiveness of his previous writings, both fiction and nonfiction, this account is a condensation of a life spent pondering big ideas. Veteran audiobook producer/narrator Bob Walter guides listeners through this heavy material with a grandfatherly charm, strengthening Wouk's story. A manageable introduction to the author recommended for those interested in the confluence of science and religion.—Christopher Rager, Pasadena, CA
CORRECTION In Video NewsBriefs LJ 7/10, it was erroneously stated that Kathryn Stockett's debut novel, The Help, whose film adaptation is currently in production, would be available in January 2011 as a trade paperback. In fact, no paperback release has been scheduled. The Help, whose Amy Einhorn Bks: Putnam hardcover received a starred review (LJ 1/09) and whose Audie Award–winning Penguin/Books on Tape audio edition was an LJ Best Audiobook of 2009, is presently available only in those editions and as an ebook.
