Audiobooks discussion

Starting the month off with Death and the Conjuror, first in a series that shows promise.

I finished The Ink Black Heart by Robert Galbraith/J.K. Rowling. It was a decent story and I always enjoy spending time with Robin and strike.

This one was far longer than it needed to be--either to tell the story of the murder mystery or to expand on Robin and strike given how little truly new information came out that wouldn't have been done just as well without merely drawing it out. A number of scenes were more padded than necessary and only caused the story to drag rather than reveal anything important.

The narration was great as usual, but so much of the story was told in Twitter feeds and online conversation that the endless screen names and addresses could be frustrating to have to listen to.

Plus, there were four or five bleeped out words in total and I couldn't help beginning to resent them. As a female I was no less offended by the frequent occurrence of the c-word than I would have been by the N-word if it had not been bleeped. As I said in an earlier post, I don't want to hear the N-word from anyone, but it's not the only word I don't like and no one goes around censoring those to protect my sensibilities... and I wouldn't want them to. They could label the book as containing offensive language if they must, but censoring an unabridged audiobook feels so wrong.

how is it september already??

I’d like to know too, Dee!

Jeanie wrote: "I finished The Ink Black Heart by Robert Galbraith/J.K. Rowling. It was a decent story and I always enjoy spending time with Robin and strike.

This one was far longer than it needed to be--either..."

Wow! All 32 hours, I'm sure I'll be at it a long time, only in first few chapters but I liked how it picked up immediately after the last book.

I’m kicking off the month with Termination Shock and Vendetta in Death

I'm still going with Pointe this morning. It's darker in tone than I'd expected; I love it. Hoping to zip through Jennette McCurdy's I'm Glad My Mom Died tomorrow.

I'm just about finished The Missing American narrated by the fabulous Robin Miles. The mystery/police procedural is set in Ghana and the United States and revolves around the internet scams that originate in both Nigeria and Ghana. There is some gratuitous sex which could have been alluded to without all the detail. Otherwise it's enjoyable.

In the past couple of weeks I also finished another mystery, Lakeview House, which I gave a 3* but has a much higher rating on Goodreads. I had a problem with whodunit.

And Kamusari Tales Told at Night was cleared off the listening pile. This is book #2 after The Easy Life in Kamusari. These are genuinely sweet coming of age stories set in a remote foresting community in Japan. If you're looking for a listen that is short, fun and heartfelt give them a try.

Fran wrote: "And Kamusari Tales Told at Night was cleared off the listening pile. This is book #2 after The Easy Life in Kamusari. These are genuinely sweet coming of age stories set in a remote foresting community in Japan. If you're looking for a listen that is short, fun and heartfelt give them a try."

thanks for the heads up on Kamusari Tales Told at Night being available - just grabbed it

I haven't posted in a couple of weeks. Let's see if I can remember everything I've listened to in the meantime....

I finished my relisten of the Spellslinger series by Sebastien de Castell. Those were:

Soulbinder, Queenslayer, and Crownbreaker. No attack of the suck fairy, and I do enjoy Joe Jameson's narration.

Then, unusually for me, some nonfiction:

The Zen of Fish: The Story of Sushi, from Samurai to Supermarket by Trevor Corson, narrated by Brian Nishii. This had some interesting information -- but it was told docudrama style, with a fictional plotline and characters, which irritated me and resulted in a disorganization of the info that I found distracting.

Then another nonfiction, Food: A Cultural Culinary History by Ken Albala, narrated by the author. This is one of the Great Courses books. As with the previous book it had some interesting info marred by disorganized presentation -- and Albala also came out with some howlingly false statements every once in a while, like claiming that horses don't eat grass! So I was skeptical of anything he said.

After that I took a contemporary romance break and listened to Husband Material by Alexis Hall, narrated by Joe Jameson. As I mentioned, Joe Jameson makes me happy. Unfortunately, this is a book 2, and I didn't like it nearly as much as its predecessor, Boyfriend Material. It wasn't bad, just not enough real relationship development and too much failure to communicate. It was also a fairly obvious (though not at all exact) riff on"Four Weddings and a Funeral". The end did have an interesting twist, though, and one of the MCs is serious book-boyfriend matieral. No explicit sex, for those who are sensitive; lots of farce, for folks looking for light and fluffy.

After that I read the first three books in the Wrexford & Sloane historical mystery series -- Murder on Black Swan Lane, Murder at Half Moon Gate, and Murder at Kensington Palace, all narrated by James Cameron Stewart. These are okay, with interesting enough characters and complicated enough mysteries, made more interesting by the fact that they all revolve around various advancements in science being developed at that time in history. However, they are marred by Stewart's stitled narration, and I was mildly annoyed that THREE major secondary characters are all Scottish rather than having a variety of backgrounds.

And then back to contemporary romance, with Him by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy. This one is narrated by Teddy Hamilton and Jacob Morgan. Both narrators were very much meh, with one of them (I don't know which) especially monotone. The story is based around hockey players who are just graduating from college and going to the NHL, so expect jock culture and training/playing scenes. Frequent explicit sex scenes, for those who are sensitive. All in all not a bad read, but pretty average for its type, and there wasn't enough real drama or relationship peril for my tastes.

And now I'm back to sf, just starting Unconquerable Sun by Kate Elliott and narrated by Natalie Naudus. I haven't decided yet whether to stick with it, but it's interesting enough so far!

Olga Dies Dreaming by Xóchitl González - 2* - My Review

This book is an odd combination of melodramatic romance and social commentary regarding Puerto Rican issues. It is not really young adult from a content perspective, but it reads like a YA romance. Not my taste. File this in the category of “good idea – bad execution.”

Jeanie wrote: "...They could label the book as containing offensive language if they must, but censoring an unabridged audiobook feels so wrong...."

Jeanie, I disagree with censorship in general, and with this particular instance especially. It is not up to Audible (or any publisher) to modify the author's work, no matter how offensive it may be to some people. If they find it offensive, they don't have to publish it. If it offends you, stop reading it. And I say that as an editor!

There are many things that offend me, and censorship is a biggie.

I am a bit bogged down in Planet of Adventure by Jack Vance, an omnibus of four sf stories. The writing is really turning me off. It's definitely pulp, and maybe I'm just unwilling to adjust.

I almost finished Voyage of the Damned: A Shocking True Story of Hope, Betrayal and Nazi Terror by Gordon Thomas and Max Morgan-Witts. I fell asleep while listening to it and missed the last 2 h :) But, overall, it's 5 stars from me.

Jan wrote: "Jeanie wrote: "...They could label the book as containing offensive language if they must, but censoring an unabridged audiobook feels so wrong...."

Jeanie, I disagree with censorship in general, ..."

I’m disturbed to hear about the audiobook being censored. Is this an Audible decision or the audiobook publisher’s decision?

Still working through The High Sierra: A Love Story by Kim Stanley Robinson. I feel mixed about it, while I do enjoy the experiences and people discussed, and history! It also is creating such a longing for me to go there myself, which I can't do in the foreseeable near future. At a little past the half-way point, still have much to go (it's over 16 hours long) and these days my audio listening time is less than it used to be.

I have thoroughly enjoyed every book I have read by Ann Bridge. I have given The Lighthearted Quest four stars and highly recommend it. It is a mystery ad the beginning of a series.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Now I have begun The Fawn by Magda Szabó. She is generally know for her title The Door.

Robin P wrote: "Wow! All 32 hours, I'm sure I'll be at it a long time, only in first few chapters but I liked how it picked up immediately after the last book.."

O great Robin, I almost finished my re-listen of the previous one so it is great to feel it flowing into the next one.

And likewise, I'll be at it a long time, savouring my wine drop by drop.

Joy, you asked about standalones by the author Ann Bridge. Here are four that I can recommend:

*Enchanter's Nightshade 4 stars
*The Dark Moment 4 stars
*A Place To Stand: A Novel 4 stars
*The Tightening String 4 stars

I’m about 5 hours into Young Mungo with 8 left to go. Been keeping me company on my long commute.

Chrissie wrote: "Joy, you asked about standalones by the author Ann Bridge. Here are four that I can recommend:

*Enchanter's Nightshade 4 stars
*The Dark Moment 4 stars
*A Place To Stand: A Novel 4..."
Thank you!!!

Joy, you're welcome. I will read everything I can get by the author. I have just found Peking Picnic read in Swedish and will read it soon. It is a standalone too.

Started Lessons in Chemistry the other day. Really like it so far!

I think the first half of this book is very well done but loses its way toward the end with a "twist" and melodrama. I liked it but those in my book group enjoyed it more than I did:
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin - 3* - My Review

The audio is nicely read by Jennifer Kim and Julian Cihi.

Hi I haven't updated for a while but currently I'm listening to Gold Diggers, and no you can't guess the plot from the title. It's actually quite fun and interesting stories about first and second generations of Indian immigrants and how they adjusted to the American life and tried to secure their achievements. I can actually see it turning into a TV mini series because it's unique plot.

Just finished East of the Mountains by David Guterson, which was excellent.

Jeanie wrote: "I finished The Ink Black Heart by Robert Galbraith/J.K. Rowling. It was a decent story and I always enjoy spending time with Robin and strike.

This one was far longer than it needed to be--either..."

Jeanie, I'm about 2 books behind you in the series, but I also thought that Lethal White was rather bloated. And I do know that people took issue with some of the content and language in that novel as well... I enjoy the series for the most part (listening to it is terrific) but I have to say that Galbraith/Rowling seems to have taken a turn... perhaps trying to be more edgy than she needs to be?

In a nod to the late great David McCullough, I'm listening to The Wright Brothers that is also narrated by McCullough. I'm in the middle of a two day drive returning home from Canada. It's informative and entertaining. Fairly easy listening so far. I think I picked it up in the most recent sale.

I have completed a short novel --The Fawn by the Hungarian Magda Szabó. She died in 2007. She is more well known for the book The Door, which I think is better.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I have begun the first of the Border Trilogy, i.e. All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy.

Chrissie wrote: "I have begun the first of the Border Trilogy, i.e. All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy."

I love McCarthy, but I get conflicted because he's so depressing. I read and enjoyed this trilogy and also The Road, but I couldn't get very far into Blood Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West before I had to put it down. I keep meaning to try his Knoxville-set books, since I lived in Knoxville for more than 20 years. One of these days!

I had an interesting reaction to All the Pretty Horses when I listened to it some years back. I kept feeling, "nothing is happening". Then I realized there were things happening - guys riding horses, getting in fights, etc. What I meant by nothing happening was that there was no internal dialogue or description of emotions. Sometimes you could tell by how the character got on or off the horse what he might be feeling. But I found it dull because of that. I think of that as a stereotypically "masculine" kind of writing. The opposite is the "feminine" writing of Jane Austen, where hardly any action happens, it is all about thoughts, feelings, and relationships. I wasn't inspired to listen to any more by McCarthy, especially The Road, which sounded unrelentingly grim.

Contrarius wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "I have begun the first of the Border Trilogy, i.e. All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy."

I love McCarthy, but I get conflicted because he's so depressing. I read and enjoyed ..."

I couldn't stomach Suttree by Cormac McCarthy, but I am willing to give The Border Trilogy a try. I picked up The Crossing in the last Audible sale, but wanted to first read All the Pretty Horses. I don't think it is good to judge an author by only one book.

Robin, I'll keep what you say in mind.

Now, just at the start, I note that both Rawlins and John don't trust a young thirteen-year-old boy they have encountered. This is an example where you DO get a glimpse into how the two men are thinking, as well as their instincts and emotions. This is what you point out as lacking. Well, I must read further. Also, I do like how the lands they ride through is drawn. I haven't come far. Maybe my view will change.

The strained relations between John's parents is also intriguing.

Traditional mystery with historical setting
Lily Adler regency mysteries
by Katharine Schellman.
The first was August bonus borrow audiobook from Hoopla and when I finished it I checked out the next two audios from Hoopla.

The Body in the Garden

Silence in the Library

Death at the Manor

L J wrote: "Traditional mystery with historical setting
Lily Adler regency mysteries
by Katharine Schellman.
The first was August bonus borrow audiobook from Hoopla and when I finished it I c..."

You should try books by the author Ann Bridge. Here you get the real thing--historical settings and mysteries written by an author who lived 1889 through 1974. She lived in and experienced many different countries and writes of what she intimately knows.

Chrissie wrote: "...You should try books by the author Ann Bridge. Here you get the real thing--historical settings and mysteries written by an author who lived 1889 through 1974. She lived in and experienced many different countries and writes of what she intimately knows."

Thanks. I may have read something of hers years ago as they sound a bit familiar but the memory is vague so I shall see what is available to me in audio.

I'm also going to check on Sherlock Holmes audios. It has been so long since I read them that I might have missed some things in the Lily Adler books.

L J wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "...You should try books by the author Ann Bridge. Here you get the real thing--historical settings and mysteries written by an author who lived 1889 through 1974. She lived in and ..."

Many are available at Audible.

Robin P wrote: "I had an interesting reaction to All the Pretty Horses when I listened to it some years back. I kept feeling, "nothing is happening". Then I realized there were things happening - guys riding horse..."

Robin, I've been thinking hard about your complaint that All the Pretty Horses is lacking in its "description of emotions". I cannot say I agree. After the time spent in a Mexican prison , John Grady and Lacey Rawlins DO talk about how the experience affected them. They also reveal how upset both were by what happens to Blevins. They talk and in addition their behavior speaks volumes. I think it is quite typical that many men are less verbal than women and this should be reflected in the story too. Nope, for me the men's emotions are clearly visible and drawn in an authentic way. I also very much like the prose style. It has a strength and simplicity that appeals to me. The event in the prison are not easy reading but they are well told. What happens should be hard to read.

Chrissie wrote: "Robin P wrote: "I had an interesting reaction to All the Pretty Horses when I listened to it some years back. I kept feeling, "nothing is happening". Then I realized there were things happening - g..."

Thanks for your insight, maybe I just wasn't focused on the book. It was a while ago. I'm glad you are finding it worthwhile!

I very much enjoyed All the Pretty Horses for what it's worth.

Just finished:
Fight Night by Miriam Toews - 3* - My Review

Story of three generations of women living together in Toronto. It is narrated by eight-year-old Swiv as a letter to her absent father. Her mother is pregnant and her eccentric and ebullient grandmother, Elvira, is in poor health. This is a character-driven story. The relationship between Swiv and her grandmother is especially poignant and one of the highlights. I think the young narrator comes across as a little too knowledgeable for her age. It is a story about the “circle of life.” It will appeal to those who like quiet character-driven stories with serious topics lurking beneath the surface.

The audio book is competently read by Miriam Toews and Georgia Toews.

I recommend All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy, even if you have tried and disliked other books by the author.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Now I am reading The Clippie Girls by the contemporary British historical fiction author Margaret Dickinson. This is my second book by the author.

Robin P wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "Robin P wrote: "I had an interesting reaction to All the Pretty Horses when I listened to it some years back. I kept feeling, "nothing is happening". Then I realized there were thi..."

Different points of view give me alternate ways of viewing a book. These I appreciate a lot!

Finally got around to listening to this behemoth, an epic battle of good versus evil:

The Stand by Stephen King - 4* - My Review

This 47-hour(!) audio book is competently read by Grover Gardner.

L J wrote: "Traditional mystery with historical setting
Lily Adler regency mysteries
by Katharine Schellman.
The first was August bonus borrow audiobook from Hoopla and when I finished it I c..."

I didn't care for the third one much at all, which had a different feel requiring suspension-of-disbelief at times.

I finished up The Whistler - and it was very dull/blah for a Grisham book. Not good - not bad. Just..... there.

Am trying Ender's Game and my first 1 1/2 hours in I"m not loving it. Will try to stick it out. I'm working through my "to read" list starting at those that are the oldest and this one was at the bottom. Anyone read it and can keep me engaged with it?

Nancy wrote: "I finished up The Whistler - and it was very dull/blah for a Grisham book. Not good - not bad. Just..... there.

Am trying Ender's Game and my first 1 1/2 hours in I"m..."

Ender's Game is one of my top 10 favorite books. Following Ender and his instinctive genius is fascinating. The early cruelties are disturbing, but a sad part of the reality of the situation he is in. But it definitely becomes more interesting after the initial set up as Ender proves his own abilities. The narrator for his sister Valentine wasn't my favorite--she sounds like she needs a strong antidepressant--but I liked the other narrators. Personally, I think the twist at the end is brilliant and makes it a more than worthwhile experience.

Jeanie wrote: "Nancy wrote: "I finished up The Whistler - and it was very dull/blah for a Grisham book. Not good - not bad. Just..... there.

Am trying Ender's Game and my first 1 1/..."

Thank you!!!! I will stick with it!

I already finished April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Death and How It Changed America by Michael Eric Dyson (3/5) and halfway through A Night to Remember by Walter Lord

I rarely dump books, but I am doing it now. The Clippie Girls by Margaret Dickinson has a high rating--4,3. in fact! So I guess you should read not only my review.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I have not begun another by an author I thoroughly enjoy and highly recommend--Ann Bridge. This time I am reading Illyrian Spring.

I am not suffering anymore.

As I expected, I'm Glad My Mom Died is heavy. I'm debating shifting to reading, but the waitlists are so long that I'll probably grind through the audio. Jennette reads beautifully.

I lost my excitement for Pointe last week and I'm not sure yet if I'll get back to it once Jennette's memoir is done or if I'll drop it.