Audiobooks discussion
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November 2014
Janice wrote: "Yes. I only report the audiobooks I read in this group. I really enjoy Eduoardo Ballerini's narration. He's one of my favourites."Ooooh, he did such a good job reading Beautiful Ruins.
Just finished A Clash of Kings. Long and lots of characters to keep up with but I highly recommend it. Roy Dotrice is an excellent narrator. I'm about half way thru listening to Edge of Eternity narrated by John Lee. It's great. Fall of Giants is still my favorite out of the trilogy though.
CatBookMom wrote: "I can't seem to settle on a book. I've tried Fated by Benedict Jacka, Brilliance by Marcus Sakey, Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor, and even..."All the time! I've found that if I'm not in the mood for a particular genre I had better not start even a highly praised book of that type. Sometimes, no genre works for me and I start and stop numerous books. It's always odd when I finally go back and finish a book I started when not in the mood and discover how much I enjoy it.
I really enjoy the Benedict Jacka series, Alex Verus, so I hope you won't totally abandon Fated. But, no series is for everyone, so it may not be your cup of tea even if you do finish it.
Jeanie wrote: "All the time! I've found that if I'm not in the mood for a particular genre I had better not start even a highly praised book of that type. Sometimes, no genre works for me and I start and stop numerous books. It's always odd when I finally go back and finish a book I started when not in the mood and discover how much I enjoy it...."Thanks. I'm re-trying Brilliance, and I'm nearly 3 hrs in. What really surprised me is that I couldn't stay focused on even my favorite Vorkosigan book Brothers in Arms. Too much else going on in life to settle, I guess.
I own the Benedict Jacka audiobook, so I suppose I'll try it again sometime. There are so many comparisons to the Harry Dresden series, and, as much as I try to like Harry, he's too hard-luck for me to stay with.
Sue wrote: "Curious to hear how Station Eleven is in audio!..."I'm about half way through and really enjoying not only the book but the audio as well.
Thanks. I'm re-trying Brilliance, and I'm nearly 3 hrs in. What really surprised me is that I couldn't stay focused on even my favorite Vorkosigan book Brothers in Arms. Too much else going on in life to settle, I guess..."
I found this a few months ago, my dad had cancer and was dying, I found I just couldn't concentrate on more complicated books, so I did a few light books (like Janet Evanovich) instead.
I do think if there's a lot going on it's hard to concentrate on books no matter what form they are in.
Maybe just try some music for a bit until you feel able to concentrate again.
John wrote: "I feel Diary of a Nobody is a good satire on social climbing."I agree. Not what I expected but I enjoyed it.
just started Personal Effects - narrated by Nick Poedhl - I think it popped up on the if you read this book, you may like this one list and the library had it in audio...trying to kill some time until the beginning of the month when my new reading challenge starts
Janice wrote: "Hunchback wrote: "Janice, are you listening to the Corbett series? The narrator is damn good.HBJ"
Yes. I only report the audiobooks I read in this group. I really enjoy Eduoardo Ballerini's na..."
Just wanted to chime in and highly recommend Boy's Life to the Robert McCammon fans if you haven't read/listened to it. I can't vouch for the narrator since I read the print version for a book club (they only had the incredibly short abridged version on Audible at the time). They appear to have recently added the unabridged version.
I'll have to get on the Corbett series soon :)
Susanne wrote: "I finished listening to The Bone Clocks. It's not bad, but it didn't keep my attention. It was such a slog, and I had to remember to keep going back to it to finish it. I liked the ..."About Lock In, I never even considered anyone but Wil Wheaton. He does such a great job with all the other Scalzi books. And when I got to actually meet Scalzi, I was delighted that he sounds just like Wheaton! (that's why Scalzi chose him to narrate). Plus the narrator of the story is male and it's first person, so that seemed to fit.
Robin wrote: "Susanne wrote: "I finished listening to The Bone Clocks. It's not bad, but it didn't keep my attention. It was such a slog, and I had to remember to keep going back to it to finish ..."I agree with Wil Wheaton but when I bought it they offered the othet one free so I have both but I mever did figure why I would need both
Susanne wrote: "Ooooh, he did such a good job reading Beautiful Ruins."That's on my wishlist and has been for a while. One of these days... :)
Jessica wrote: "Just wanted to chime in and highly recommend Boy's Life to the Robert McCammon fans if you haven't read/listened to it."I won't read abridged books which is why I read Boy's Life in ebook format. I've read a few of his books and really enjoyed them. I plan to read more.
Speaks the Nightbird was my first McCammon, and it's the first in the Corbett series. I'd recommend the series, for sure.
Robin wrote: "About Lock In, I never even considered anyone but Wil Wheaton. He does such a great job with all the other Scalzi books. And when I got to actually meet Scalzi, I was delighted that he sounds just like Wheaton! (that's why Scalzi chose him to narrate). Plus the narrator of the story is male and it's first person, so that seemed to fit. "Travies wrote: "I agree with Wil Wheaton but when I bought it they offered the other one free so I have both but I mever did figure why I would need both
What I've heard about the reason for two narrators is that Chris is never distinguished as being either male or female, so we get to decide the gender.
I just assumed Chris was male, but I'm concered about hearing "Wil Wheaton" instead of the story. But I managed to get through Red Shirts just fine.
Finished Citizens Creek by Lalita Tademy it was a really interesting story although the time jumps are a bit confusing but a part of history I knew nothing about.Now starting Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn narrated by Anne Marie Lee
John wrote: "I liked Sharp Objects best of her three books."That's good to know John, I've read her other 2 so decided it was time to read this one.
The Snow Child was a good story and narration. Nothing that blew me away, but definitely good. Next up: North and South.
I just finished Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel and really enjoyed it fantastic narration by Kirsten Potter.Next up for me is The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters, which is narrated by Juliet Stevenson so I know that I won't have any narrator issues.
I stepped out of my comfort zone & I listening to The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson(fantasy/sci-fi), & I 'm enjoying it! Some of the language he uses for expressions fits the story well, & I find it amusing. I think I may check out the next one in the series.
Susanne wrote: "Robin wrote: "About Lock In, I never even considered anyone but Wil Wheaton. He does such a great job with all the other Scalzi books. And when I got to actually meet Scalzi, I was delighted that h..."Wow, I never picked up on that, that Chris could be female! An important point of the book is that our bodies don't define us. Maybe I'll go back and listen to the other version!
Question - didn't we have a thread last year for good Christmas/Holiday listens? I've been looking through the threads and can't find it. Maybe it was in last December's discussions.Scratch that - found it: Favorite Holiday Listens
I thoroughly enjoyed Paperboy, a memoir of sorts of the author when he was 12. Now I've just passed the half point of The House Girl and find that I want to continue listening after I get off the treadmill. It is a slavery story. I did read Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter after I decided that it was not working for me as an audio book. As several people here mentioned, it is a very good story. I posted a short review on GR.
FYI - this week's New York Times book review podcast has an interview with George Guidall - interesting.
This week I finished Code Name Verity based on various recommendations and was not disappointed. I thought the narration was really well done and loved the fact that the main characters were women during WWII. I'm about half way through The Sins of the Father, number 2 in the Clifton Chronicles and once again I'm in WWII!! Enjoying it very much though. In between I'm still listening to a lecture here and there from Customs of the World: Using Cultural Intelligence to Adapt, Wherever You Are. It's easily understandable at 1.5x and it's very engaging, especially if you want to understand the 'why' behind various behaviors and customs. I highly recommend it and it has gotten very good reviews.
Susanne wrote: "Robin wrote: "About Lock In, I never even considered anyone but Wil Wheaton. He does such a great job with all the other Scalzi books. And when I got to actually meet Scalzi, I was delighted that h..."Who is this Chris you refer to? Last name? She is actually a female? Does she alternate with Wil Wheaton, who is very good? Thanks.
Finished The Sword-Edged Blonde, expertly narrated by Stefan Rudnicki. This is a hardboiled-noir-fantasy. Nice blend. Will probably listen to the next one in the series.
I am a member of Audible.com, but have wondered if there is another audio book online vendor that anyone here has used and liked other than Audible?
There is Tantor audio. I've purchased several audiobooks from them, but they don't carry much that I'm interested in.
Thank you Carol. I too have used Tantor. I find that most on Tantor are also on Audible.
I'm about half way through Daughter of Smoke & Bone. And while I had to take a "break" from listening while I was out of work (and not commuting), I still don't feel like I really understand what is going on???
Nancy wrote: "I'm about half way through Daughter of Smoke & Bone. And while I had to take a "break" from listening while I was out of work (and not commuting), I still don't feel like I really u..."Beware it gets even more confusing in the second half. I liked the first half but got totally lost in the second part - so much so that I fell out of the story and did not love it like a lot of others seem to.
Doris wrote: "Who is this Chris you refer to? Last name? She is actually a female? Does she alternate with Wil Wheaton, who is very good? Thanks. Chris Shane is the main character in Lock In. There are two audio books, one narrated by a female (Amber Benson) and one a male (Will Wheaton). Since Chris' gender is never revealed, we can choose whether Chris is a male or female.
Heidi (Yup. Still here.) wrote: "Nancy wrote: "I'm about half way through Daughter of Smoke & Bone. And while I had to take a "break" from listening while I was out of work (and not commuting), I still don't feel like I really understand what is going on???"Beware it gets even more confusing in the second half. I liked the first half but got totally lost in the second part - so much so that I fell out of the story and did not love it like a lot of others seem to."
I'm one of the ones who completely loved the book. It's a fantasy that's also part mystery, so there are going to be some things you don't understand until the end. I loved the friendship between Karou and Zuzana, and the ending (for me) made it all worth it. But if you're not enjoying the story, the payoff may not be worth for you.
I am listening to Philip K Dick for the first time (Minority Report and Other Stories), and I'm finding myself distracted by how sexist he is and how many plot holes I am finding. I expected more from his stories based on his reputation...
Legion: Skin Deep became available on Audible today. It is still free for whatever reason.Legion: Skin Deep
Nancy wrote: "I'm about half way through Daughter of Smoke & Bone. And while I had to take a "break" from listening while I was out of work (and not commuting), I still don't feel like I really u..."Fantasy is not my genre, but I made it through. I got it free from SYNC which also threw it into a YA category. I don't remember being confused so much wondering what all the hoopla was about when I finished. I guess it was fairly rated if you're a teenager who loves fantasy.
I'll be finishing up Faithful Place on my way home tonight. This was another great book with another fantastic performance (there has been a different narrator for each book thus far). I am loving the Dublin Murder Squad series. My taste in books is pretty versatile, but I've read more thrillers/mysteries this year than anything. I thought that these books would just be some well-reviewed thrillers. Instead, they have turned out to be character driven fiction disguised as murder mysteries. I will be moving on to the fourth book, Broken Harbour tomorrow.
At the beginning of November I finished The Bone Season, which was so bad I needed to take a break from audiobooks for a bit. I'm still listening to The Handmaid's Tale in my spare moments - as I've read it before I'm just taking it slow - and Making Habits, Breaking Habits: Why We Do Things, Why We Don't, and How to Make Any Change Stick. But I dropped them both when I started listening to Chasing Redbird by Sharon Creech, a few days ago. It's a beautiful book, and expertly read by Jenna Lamia, who strikes just the right note between humour and pathos. I've never read any of Creech's books before. I'm glad I picked up two in the kids' sale. I'm only regretting I didn't pick up more!
J. wrote: "Legion: Skin Deep became available on Audible today. It is still free for whatever reason.Legion: Skin Deep"
It's very strange; I pre-ordered this free book, and here it is 5:30-ish pm my time, and the pre-order is gone but the book isn't in my library, either.
Briar Rose wrote: "At the beginning of November I finished The Bone Season, which was so bad I needed to take a break from audiobooks for a bit. I'm still listening to The Handmaid's Tale..."Your post made me giggle how to make change stick when you are jumping audio to audio. I am doing the same thing at the moment!
Just finished Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn wow this woman can write some realistic psychopaths!
Now hopping around trying to figure out what I am in the mood for next.
NOW you see why I liked this one of Flynn's the best!
John wrote: "NOW you see why I liked this one of Flynn's the best!"Yes I liked Dark Places too I think more than I liked Gone Girl but it sure makes you wonder how she gets into the heads of these deeply flawed characters and makes them so completely believable !
MissSusie wrote: "John wrote: "NOW you see why I liked this one of Flynn's the best!"Yes I liked Dark Places too I think more than I liked Gone Girl but it sure makes you wonder how she gets into the heads of thes..."
I didn't find anything in Gone Girl believable! It's not that the characters are unlikeable which is a complaint some have, it's that they aren't real people, but cartoons. I'm sure I won't read anything else by her. I guess I can see why people found it exciting, it's kind of like roller coasters or bungee jumping, neither of which I will ever do! I should have stuck with my usual rule which is not to read books with the words "gripping" or "chilling" in the blurbs.
Robin wrote: "MissSusie wrote: "John wrote: "NOW you see why I liked this one of Flynn's the best!"Yes I liked Dark Places too I think more than I liked Gone Girl but it sure makes you wonder how she gets into..."
You've met nicer people in your life than I have. ;)
CatBookMom wrote: "J. wrote: "Legion: Skin Deep became available on Audible today. It is still free for whatever reason.Legion: Skin Deep"
It's very strange; I pre-ordered this free book, and here..."
I experienced the same thing.
MissSusie wrote: "Briar Rose wrote: "At the beginning of November I finished The Bone Season, which was so bad I needed to take a break from audiobooks for a bit. I'm still listening to [book:The Han..."Well, there's a reason why I wanted to read it! ;)
The Hallowed Hunt - for some reason I didn't enjoy this tale as much as the first two in this series; can't put my finger on it...Read all of the Gillian Flynn's in print, Sharp Objects is my favorite too. All are excellent; maybe I'll have to listen too since my library has audio versions now. Outrageous waits tho, very popular books for good reason.
Briar Rose wrote: "At the beginning of November I finished The Bone Season, which was so bad I needed to take a break from audiobooks for a bit."Ha! I totally agree with your feelings on The Bone Season. A friend of mine who normally has similar book tastes as mine recommended this book. I finished it because she loved it but it was such a struggle. Ugh, I did not enjoy it.
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Audiobooks
Books mentioned in this topic
Grave Surprise (other topics)You're Next (other topics)
They're Watching (other topics)
Siege and Storm (other topics)
Inherent Vice (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Gregg Hurwitz (other topics)Scott Brick (other topics)
Robert McCammon (other topics)
Howard Gordon (other topics)
Daniel Silva (other topics)
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HBJ"
Yes. I only report the audiobooks I read in this group. I really enjoy Eduoardo Ballerini's narration. He's one of my favourites.