Audiobooks discussion

Hi, everyone! This is Rachel, an Audiofile editor. This is the place we'll be sharing all the extras and inside info that we reviewers and editors love to talk about.

Thanks, Rachel!

This is Aurelia for AudioFile. Really excited about our newest project - we're posting clips of the riveting new book 28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World every day. This is our first serialized audiobook on Soundcloud and we're pretty chuffed about it. Actually, we're thrilled. So, see what you think. https://soundcloud.com/audiofilemagaz... (We're already at day 12. My bad for not posting about this earlier.)

Very cool to get infor like this pointing us to things we might otherwise overlook. Welcome audiofile! Thanks for joining us.

Jeanie wrote: "Very cool to get infor like this pointing us to things we might otherwise overlook. Welcome audiofile! Thanks for joining us."

Thanks Jeanie! We're delighted to be part of the great discussions on these boards.

Related to Julie's question, Cassandra Morris narrates A Snicker of Magic and sounds like a twelve-year-old girl, but the only profile I've found for a Cassandra Morris isn't for a little girl! any info on her?

Hi Julie - this is Aurelia posting, after having talked to AudioFile's Robin Whitten, who knew all the answers! Robin says that we have 78 reviewers currently. The numbers go up and down slightly. Over 25 years, we've had many more. People change their schedules (and hence listening time), but we have had a couple reviewers who have worked with us for all 25 years! Susan Baird, Susan Awe and Miriam Kahn among them. We have an information packet for reviewers, and anyone interested can email megan@audiofilemagazine.com and tell us a little about themselves. Reviewers do 2-8 reviews a month, on average. Many reviewers are writers, librarians, media people (no narrators) and we are ALL listeners. Hope that helps!

Jeanie wrote: "Related to Julie's question, Cassandra Morris narrates A Snicker of Magic and sounds like a twelve-year-old girl, but the only profile I've found for a Cassandra Morris isn't for a little girl! any..."

Hey Jeanie - this is Aurelia for AudioFile. We just profiled Cassandra in the newest issue! Here's the link to learn all about her and her work, and hear some clips. http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/narr...

AudioFile wrote: "Jeanie wrote: "Related to Julie's question, Cassandra Morris narrates A Snicker of Magic and sounds like a twelve-year-old girl, but the only profile I've found for a Cassandra Morris isn't for a l..."

Wow, I really had good timing on that question! Thanks for the link to the article... it's hard to believe she's a twenty-something. Loved her work in A Snicker of Magic... perfect pairing of book with narrator... I totally believed her as a twelve-year-old narrating the story.

Julie wrote: "Hi Aurelia
Did you find out the answers about the ages of narrators ? Sorry if you are posting the answer as I type .
( post # 6)

Also , can you tell us more about the Audies as far as how many..."

Hi Julie - still working on the ages of narrators. And will get back to you about the Audies. I will say that it is definitely a gala.

This is Aurelia for AudioFile. I wanted to make sure everyone knows about our free newsletter (http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/emai...). The latest reviews several hot titles, including Jhumpa Lahiri's In Other Words. She's so amazing. Here's the link to our review - plus a free sound clip, http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/revi...

This is Aurelia for AudioFile. The complete list of 2016 Audies Finalists is on our website: http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/audi....

AudioFile wrote: "This is Aurelia for AudioFile. The complete list of 2016 Audies Finalists is on our website: http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/audi...."

Thanks great link, I like that I can see reviews and listen to a sample all in the same place!

Julie wrote: "I've got a question for you guys , I figured you'd know the answer to.
Can you tell me what the youngest and oldest narrator's ages are ?
I've always wondered if there are any kids that narrate k..."

Jeanie wrote: "AudioFile wrote: "Jeanie wrote: "Related to Julie's question, Cassandra Morris narrates A Snicker of Magic and sounds like a twelve-year-old girl, but the only profile I've found for a Cassandra Mo..."

Robin Whitten here from AudioFile, I'll try to answer about the narrators' ages. Audiobook narrators can and do continue to work behind the mic when their active stage or acting careers become less active. They play all ages in audiobooks! Voices do change, and I find that interesting to hear -- when you compare a title recorded early in someone's career to a later one. Their skill to bring characters to life probably only gets better, but the tone or range may change.

As for the question about kids narrating audiobooks -- occasionally we do hear a young person in an audio drama, or multi-cast, but it's pretty rare. Connecting with the author's intent -- even in a simple children's book takes a lot of skill and talent.
One audio publisher, Full Cast Audio started by the fabulous author Bruce Coville produces audiobooks with young people in the cast. To learn more their site is here http://www.fullcastaudio.com/ and all the Full Cast audiobooks are available at Audible.

It would be wonderful if the books were narrated by seasoned narrators not some who are just starting out and are not very good.

MissSusie wrote: "AudioFile wrote: "This is Aurelia for AudioFile. The complete list of 2016 Audies Finalists is on our website: http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/audi......"

So glad.

This is Aurelia for AudioFile. Ever wonder what it looks like in a recording booth? Well, here's a clip of Ta-Nehisi Coates recording his amazing Between the World and Me - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihoi4.... And we're giving away copies of the book, too! But you can read more about that in the Give-Away thread.

This is Aurelia for Audiofile calling all my partner Trekkies. In the newest issue of the free AudioFile Newsletter http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/emai..., I just spotted William Shatner's remembrance of Leonard Nimoy. It's a must-listen for those is us with Enterprise tattoos or the equivalent. Here's the review: http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/revi....

AudioFile wrote: "This is Aurelia for Audiofile calling all my partner Trekkies. In the newest issue of the free AudioFile Newsletter http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/emai..., I just spotted William Shatner..."

How wonderful! I'm old enough to have actually watched the original series when it was first released and have been a fan ever since. Shatner's memories of Nimoy should be worth any fan's time.

Jeanie wrote: "AudioFile wrote: "This is Aurelia for Audiofile calling all my partner Trekkies. In the newest issue of the free AudioFile Newsletter http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/emai..., I just spott..."

I absolutely agree. And nice to have the actor reading something so personal. By the way, I really do know someone who has the Enterprise logo tattooed on her chest just where it was on the uniform. Very cool and also ouch!

The Federation insignia tattooed on the chest... totally cool. I never even thought of that... and, yes, ouch! I think I'm glad it never occurred to me! ;)

Robin here from AudioFile to share a couple of the latest new reviews we’ve published. Each Thursday we publish about 30-40 new audiobook reviews, and as I look of the list I always find a few favorites I want to share, and others that I’m curious to find out more about, or sometimes just delight in a quirky title pr unlikely subject.

I thought I’d just pass a few of these along. This week a couple caught my eye...
THIRSTY DRAGON China's Lust for Bordeaux and the Threat to the World's Best Wines, by Suzanne Mustacich, Read by Hillary Huber published by HighBridge Audio. I had never thought about China and wine, but yes, that would be a thirsty dragon!

Another that caught my eye is I WASN'T STRONG LIKE THIS WHEN I STARTED OUT True Stories of Becoming a Nurse by Lee Gutkind, Read by Tavia Gilbert and published by Tantor Media. As soon as I saw the subtitle it meant so much more, as well as when I learned that these are essays from several nurses. Tavia gets an Earphones Award from AudioFile and the title is also a 2016 Audies Award Finalist in the Nonfiction category.

As I looked through this weeks reviews there are also more titles that are Audies Finalists…so I’m going to post those in the Audies Awards thread

This is Aurelia for AudioFile with an Ah Ha moment triggered by our latest Soundcloud recording of 28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World. It's the Shirley Chisholm, first black women to run for president: https://soundcloud.com/audiofilemagaz.... Well, Shirley Chisholm also represents AudioFile's theme for March! Can you guess what it is? I'm not allowed to say quite yet, but soon, very soon...

AudioFile wrote: "This is Aurelia for AudioFile with an Ah Ha moment triggered by our latest Soundcloud recording of 28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World. It's the Shirley Chishol..."

Isn't March women's history month? That would be my guess for your theme.

AudioFile wrote: "Robin here from AudioFile to share a couple of the latest new reviews we’ve published. Each Thursday we publish about 30-40 new audiobook reviews, and as I look of the list I always find a few favo..."

Yes, "I wasn't strong like this" caught my eye too, I might give that one a go after the Armchair Audies

Faith wrote: "AudioFile wrote: "This is Aurelia for AudioFile with an Ah Ha moment triggered by our latest Soundcloud recording of 28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World. It's t..."

Clever of you, Faith, and I would say it's something along those lines ... with a different spin.

This is Aurelia for AudioFile. Author Charles Smith (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...) and narrator Dion Graham (http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/narr...) are answering all your questions today, tomorrow, and Friday in the Narrators Corner!

This is Aurelia for AudioFile reminding everyone that today's the last day (eek!) for chatting with Charles Smith and Dion Graham in the Narrator's Corner about their new book/audiobook 28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World - and anything else you want to know. Like how does Charles balance writing books and being a mixed martial arts coach? Get your questions in!

This is Aurelia for AudioFile with an Earphones Award-winning jewel found in the AudioFile free newsletter (http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/emai...).
I reviewed the first volume of this mix of songs, stories, memoir narrative, and poems by and about the late great Pete Seeger. Pete Seeger: Storm King - Volume 2 It was beyond wonderful and to judge from the Earphones Award, this second volume is also a must-hear. Here's the review: http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/revi....

This is Aurelia for AudioFile with the announcement of the March AudioFile topic. March is Women's History Month, so --

The topic is Outspoken Women - Audiobooks by and about Outspoken Women. Hooray! (For obvious reasons, I'm really excited about this.) Kudos, by the way, to Faith for her good guess.

We'll be sharing our - meaning all of ours (AudioFile and the GoodReads Audiobook Group) favorite listening by and about women in social activism, arts, show biz, government, inspiring personal work, and fiction.

We have some ideas that we'll be rolling out, but we needs yours. A shout out to all GR outspoken women and men. What are your favorite audiobooks by and about Outspoken Women, fictional and real? Tell us on the new AudioFile discussion called March Topic: Outspoken Women. The first week's focus is social activism.

Oh yes, we also have great giveaways, but more about those tomorrow in the Give Away discussion.

This is Aurelia for AudioFile with news of an Outspoken Women giveaway on our Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/audiofilemag...

More news about this in the Business Promos discussion board.

Calling all Simon Vance lovers! This Aurelia for AudioFile with an Earphones Award-winner found on AudioFile's free e-newsletter (http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/emai...). It's the newest Camilla Lackberg mystery, called The Drowning: http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/revi....

Another Earphones Award winner announcement from Aurelia (found it on the free AudioFile e-newsletter). The Lion's Mouth by Hanne Wilhelmsen. http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/revi.... It's read by the marvelous Rosalyn Landor (http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/narr...), who has twice won an AudioFile Best Voice Award.

It's AudioFile's Outstanding Women Month. Hooray for outstanding Rosalyn Landor!

AudioFile wrote: " Another Earphones Award winner announcement from Aurelia (found it on the free AudioFile e-newsletter). The Lion's Mouth by Hanne Wilhelmsen. h..."

Love Rosalyn's voice!

AudioFile wrote: "This is Aurelia for AudioFile. I wanted to make sure everyone knows about our free newsletter (http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/emai...). The latest reviews several hot titles, including J..."

The NYPL did a Livestream Event with Jhumpa Lahiri last night but you can still watch it here
http://livestream.com/theNYPL/JhumpaL...

Hi Folks, this is Aurelia for AudioFile. You sure are building a great list of audiobooks for Outspoken Women Month.

We've been able to inspire others by tweeting some of the titles you've suggested. We are @audiofilemag and titles and narrators featured for Outspoken Women are all tagged #outspoken #women as well as #diversevoices.

Aurelia for AudioFile again, looking for Inspirational Outspoken Women this week. Give us you fabulous audiobooks about and/or by women who've inspired you to do something - yoga, touch your toes, get more sleep, start a business, laugh 7 times a day. Whatever!

Here's my offer. Helen MacDonald's H Is for Hawk, narrated by the author, got me to start looking for nature whenever and wherever I walk, including city streets. Actually noticing the birds, tree bark and branches, and even the weeds stubbornly growing in pavement cracks has made a big difference for me this winter.

What about you? Inspirational outstanding women?

This is Aurelia for AudioFile with out newest giveaway!

In honor of Outspoken Women and Women's History Month, we're giving away sets of two great Maisie books: the newest, Journey to Munich in which Maisie is sent to Hitler's Germany, and A Dangerous Place, just out in 2015.
For your chance to win, just leave a comment on our Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/audiofilemag.... Winners will be announced on our Facebook page, and contacted by Facebook message.

Aurelia for AudioFile here with a just in time for St. Patrick's Day suggestion! A Few of the Girls: Stories by Maeve Binchy. Read by four of our fav narrators, including Jayne Entwistle and John Lee. Take a look at the review: http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/revi...

This is Aurelia for AudioFile calling Xe Sands' loads of fans! You all got to chat with her last month and now she's just won an Earphones Award for The Lightkeepers by Abby Geni. Here's the rave review: http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/revi... culled from AudioFile's free newsletter: http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/emai.... Hooray Xe!

Congrats Xe!! Well deserved!!

Aurelia again, pulling a few more Earphones Award winners from our newest newsletter-


Starting in Ireland for Saint Patrick's Day. Literary fiction from the masterful Edna O'Brien The Little Red Chairs. The review: http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/revi....


For historical fiction try The True and Splendid History of The Harristown Sisters. The review: http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/revi...


For mystery try The Verdict. The review: http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/revi....


And all of you with children, or if like me, you read great kids' books yourself, try The Key to Extraordinary. The review: http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/revi....

This is Aurelia for AudioFile with great news - in honor of next week's Outspoken Women of Fiction Week, we have Lorelei King coming on as Guest Narrator on March 23 and 24! Get your questions ready.

An outspoken women who reads outspoken fictional women, Lorelei King brings us Janet Evanovich, Debbie Macomber, Partricia Cornwell, and Kathy Reichs, among many others.

A question for you.
What is the process for an Earphone Award nomination?

Audiothing wrote: "A question for you.
What is the process for an Earphone Award nomination?"

An Earphones Award is given for an outstanding audio performance and production of a book that is critically judged to be excellent in its category. The nomination is made by a reviewer and confirmed by the editors before being granted.

AudioFile wrote: "Audiothing wrote: "A question for you.
What is the process for an Earphone Award nomination?"

An Earphones Award is given for an outstanding audio performance and production of a book that is crit..."

Thanks

This is Aurelia for AudioFile with an Earphones Award winner culled from today's AudioFile eNewsletter. It's the newest Hakan Nesser mystery Hour of the Wolfread by the inimitable Simon Vance!

Here's our Vance profile with links to his newest work: http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/narr.... And here's the review: http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/revi....

And here's the link to the free eNewsletters in case you're interested: (http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/emai...)

Aurelia posting for AudioFile with the names of our two lucky winners of the random drawing for Evanovich's Stephanie Plum audiobooks, read by the wonderful Lorelei King.

Msjodi777 and Jeanie are the winners! Congratulations you two!

Please send AudioFile a note through the 'send message' link with you email addresses and we'll go from there.

Aurelia for AudioFile here, wanting to say thank you to Jeanie, who plans to donate the Lorelei King/Stephanie Plum audiobook she won last week to her local library! Turns out that she listens to this series the second the new one appears. :) Thank you Jeanie for donating the book so that library users can share in the pleasure of listening to Lorelei King!

This is Aurelia for AudioFile with a great new listen: The Water Diviner. Our own editor Robin Whitten gave it an Earphones Award (and told me several times in person how fabulous this book is)! Here's her review and an audio clip: http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/revi....