Audiobooks discussion

So happy to be back with Royce and Hadrian in Drumindor. It starts out with a fun-sounding Road Trip - but of course nothing will be that simple.

Tim Gerard Reynolds narrates as always. After the first book it was clear to me that this was the only way to experience the series, although the names of people and places can be tricky. I could have sworn the place that is the title was in early books pronounced Drum as in the musical instrument and now it is Droom. No big deal, I just wondered.

I have 2 in progress audios I'm finishing up - Queen of the Darkness (fantasy) and The Shadow King (historical fiction - set pre ww2 - ethiopia)

Started and finished Chester Nez's Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII, which has been on my TBR for a decade. 5 stars! Nicely narrated by David Colacci with a bonus interview tacked onto the end. Works for both Nonfiction November and Native Heritage Month. The explanation for how the code was devised and wartime in the Pacific was incredible.

Strangely, until this book I never knew the US bombed Tokyo. We were always taught in school that it took the pair of atom bombs - in Hiroshima and Nagasaki - for Japan to surrender, but even after both of those they kept fighting. The US bombed Tokyo (not atomic bombs, but still) and they finally surrendered. Yikes all around.

Ashley Marie wrote: "Started and finished Chester Nez's Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII, which has been on my TBR for a decade. 5 stars! Nicely ..."

I highly recommend Fallout: The Hiroshima Cover-up and the Reporter Who Revealed It to the World - it made me realize how much i learned in school was a specific narrative

Dee wrote: "Ashley Marie wrote: "Started and finished Chester Nez's Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII..."

"I highly recommend Fallout: The Hiroshima Cover-up and the Reporter Who Revealed It to the World - it made me realize how much i learned in school was a specific narrative."

You might want to check out
The Fire and the Darkness: The Bombing of Dresden, 1945

It's available from Audible but I don't know anything about the quality of the narration. I usually do history, really most non-fiction, in print.

Thanks both!!

Starting the month with a nonfiction title: Sovietistan: Travels in Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. Reviews seemed critical of the narration, but I think it's fine.

I am listening to a Victorian steampunk Christian romance that is silly but sweet. A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell.

I'm still working my way through Harlot's Ghost. In full transparency, I've been traveling in Italy for the last couple of weeks and still have a couple of weeks to go.

@ Dee - How is The Shadow King?

@ Dee and Ashley Marie - I'm currently staying in a hotel that has transformed a bomb shelter for children from WWII into a spa. It's somewhat crypt like!

Fran wrote: "@ Dee and Ashley Marie - I'm currently staying in a hotel that has transformed a bomb shelter for children from WWII into a spa. It's somewhat crypt like!"

This reminds me - I previously read up on the Pinochet regime in Chile, awhile back, and part of that dealt with Colonia Dignidad which, while established by German ex-pats post-WWII, was more known for torture and murder of dissidents. Fast-forward to the present, and this place that held so much horror and grief has been renamed Villa Baviera and is a resort for tourists. Certainly a worse turnaround than your hotel, Dee!

I just finished The Sisters of Glass Ferry by Kim Michele Richardson. Even though I only gave the book 4 stars, I actually liked it quite a lot. But I had to take away one star because of the ending. No spoilers, but like so many of the novels I have read lately, the ending just kind of came out of nowhere. It felt rushed and didn't really make sense with the rest of the story. Aside from that, I really found the characters relatable and well developed. . .except for the ones that showed up in the last few chapters. KMR is one of my favorite authors and I have enjoyed other books that she has written, and I enjoyed this one too, the ending just kind of fell flat. For a great read, check out some of her other novels: The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, GodPretty in the Tobacco Field and Liar's Bench were all excellent!

Fran wrote: "@ Dee - How is The Shadow King?"

its a bit slow and the narration is probably isn't helping - Robin Miles is the narrator who I tend to have to speed up a bit. But a lot of history setting the stage - which is probably good because my guess is most people reading won't know much about the history of ethiopia in general, I know that I know barely anything

I'm currently listening to I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue. I tend to gravitate towards work fiction books, and this one is firmly in that setting. It's going okay for me so far.

Dee wrote: "Fran wrote: "@ Dee - How is The Shadow King?"

its a bit slow and the narration is probably isn't helping - Robin Miles is the narrator who I tend to have to speed up a bit. But a lot of history se..."

Thank you! I have a little background because of my Eritrean and Ethiopian students. I do like Robin Miles as a narrator though.

Fran wrote: "Dee wrote: "Fran wrote: "@ Dee - How is The Shadow King?"

its a bit slow and the narration is probably isn't helping - Robin Miles is the narrator who I tend to have to speed up a bit. But a lot o..."

Seattle has a large Eritrean/Ethiopian population, so I got to know a few of them.

I am listening to the lite and breezy Eggnog, Extortion, & Evergreens because I am learning a new crochet stitch so I can't get totally wrapped up in a story.

Another one off the massive backlog TBR - 5 stars to Gregg Allman's memoir, My Cross to Bear. Will Patton's narration is perhaps the most natural delivery I've ever heard on a memoir narrated by someone other than the author. His cadence is pitch-perfect and he appears to really get Gregg's sense of humor.

I fell in love with the cover of this book and the content took me by surprise, in the best possible way! Lowcountry Lost by T.I. Lowe, narrated by Zura Johnson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Brenda wrote: "I am listening to the lite and breezy Eggnog, Extortion, & Evergreens because I am learning a new crochet stitch so I can't get totally wrapped up in a story."

this series is just a great palate cleanser when you need something simple

I have started David Copperfield with Simon Vance narrating, and I'm loving it so far. Forty years can make a big difference!

Jan Mc wrote: "I have started David Copperfield with Simon Vance narrating, and I'm loving it so far. Forty years can make a big difference!"

This title is on my to read list. I have a copy of the print book, but considered listening instead. There's an audible edition narrated by Richard Armitage. Has anyone listened to that version? Not sure which would be best...
Thanks!

I recommend Orbital by Samantha Harvey. The narrator’s voice is soothing and though there isn’t a lot of story, its observations are quite (pardon the pun) stellar and peaceful.

Anne wrote: "I recommend Orbital by Samantha Harvey. The narrator’s voice is soothing and though there isn’t a lot of story, its observations are quite (pardon the pun) stellar and peaceful."

I have that on my want to read, thanks for the recommendation.

Pamela wrote: "Jan Mc wrote: "I have started David Copperfield with Simon Vance narrating, and I'm loving it so far. Forty years can make a big difference!"

This title is on my to read list. I have a copy of the..."

I listened to the Richard Armitage version and loved it. Not long after I listened to Demon Copperhead. If you haven't listened to Demon it's a modern day David Copperfield. I happen to love, love, love Dickens. Both were 5*s. Enjoy.

John wrote: "Fran wrote: "Dee wrote: "Fran wrote: "@ Dee - How is The Shadow King?"

its a bit slow and the narration is probably isn't helping - Robin Miles is the narrator who I tend to have to speed up a bit..."

Philadelphia has a sizeable Ethiopian/Eritrean population also. It was always breathtaking to me to have students from both countries sitting in close proximity in the classroom since there always seems to be unrest between the two countries. I did check out one of Seattle's Ethiopian restaurants when I was visiting my daughter who lives in your neck of the woods. It was recommended by an Ethiopian Uber driver! Quite tasty.

Pamela wrote: "There's an audible edition narrated by Richard Armitage..."

Several listeners in this group have expressed their admiration for the Armitage version, Pamela, but I am really enjoying Simon Vance's narration. I don't think you could go wrong with either one!

Thanks Jan and Fran! Does sound like either would be a good choice. I do have Demon Copperhead and plan to read that after David Copperfield. They are both in mind to get to soon, meaning hopefully within the next few months. :-)

An entertaining and easy read. The Bookshop at the Cornish Cove by Kim Nash, narrated by Rebecca Norfolk ⭐⭐⭐.6 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

short listen - Stuck with You - its only 3hrs long and I had a trip to sports med in DC traffic this afternoon - so i finished all but 10min of it in one day and knocked that out when I got home

I finally finished Harlot's Ghost by Norman Mailer. Apparently Mailer worked on this novel for 7 years. It crosses genres from historical fiction to coming of age to romance and mystery. Stefan Rudnicki is a great narrator. I agree with the critics that it could use some editing. It's loooong. I give it 4* for that reason alone.

I had a stressful week for several reasons, not just political, and it's been so great to have my old friends Royce and Hadrian to turn to in Drumindor. I often speed up books a little to 1.2 but for favorites like this, I want every minute to last.

I finished up The Shadow King - ultimately interesting but too long in place - i found my mind not paying attention and having to go back and relisten to sections

now working on The Fishermen

5 stars to Marissa Meyer and Joanne Levy's new holiday middle grade, Let It Glow - like if The Parent Trap happened in December :D

I needed some comfort reads so I re-read The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde narrated by Susan Duerdan and now re-reading the 2nd book in the series Lost in a Good Book this one is narrated by Emily Gray.

MissSusie wrote: "I needed some comfort reads so I re-read The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde narrated by Susan Duerdan ..."

I remember how funny and clever (and British) this series was when I read it years ago. I will have to check out the audiobooks!

I am getting towards the end of "David Copperfield," (it's almost 35 hours!) and it will definitely be one of my 2024 favs.

MissSusie wrote: "I needed some comfort reads so I re-read The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde narrated by Susan Duerdan and now re-reading the 2nd book in the series Lost in a Good Book ..."

have you tried his nursery crimes books - i found them equally quirky

i finished up The Fishermen - honestly, if i hadn't needed it for a reading challenge, I probably would have DNF'd it just didn't work for me

I also finished up a quick palate cleanser with Under One Roof - AH is probably one of the recent romance authors I enjoy and can read consistently

started Birding with Benefits and I also grabbed Daughter of Sparta from the library to listen to - i have a few long drives over the next couple of weeks - including DC to St Louis Missouri then to Chicago and home - lots of good audiobook time

Hi! Just joined 👋🏽

I’ve recently gotten into audiobooks and am in love! It’s been a great way to find a way to fit books back into my life. Favorite genre’s are memoirs, politics, contemporary, poetry, fiction - would love good auto book recs !

Currently listening to All the Colors of the Dark, about half way through. Would recommend

Recently finished a couple political books (happy to rec if discussed in this group) and a young adult book, Twenty Four Seconds From Now

Has anyone listened to Normal People?

Sophie wrote: "Hi! Just joined 👋🏽

I’ve recently gotten into audiobooks and am in love! It’s been a great way to find a way to fit books back into my life. Favorite genre’s are memoirs, politics, contemporary, po..."

Welcome Sophie! Have you read, The Honey Bus: A Memoir of Loss, Courage and a Girl Saved by Bees by Meredith May? Some other books I can recommend: Any of the Sara Prine books by Nancy E. Turner; Educated by Tara Westover and The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd (this one is a novel, but based on real people & events).

Those are all books I really enjoyed. If you haven't read them, check them out!

I just started listening to a recent Oprah book, Familiaris by David Wroblewski. It’s 37 hours and I’m prepared for a book that meanders around. I hope it won’t be a mistake. In a few days I’ll be off the grid for a bit with plenty of reading and listening time. If this audio is a mistake, I’ve loaded a few others on my phone, so I have options.

Generally I follow Oprah’s choices.

Kathleen wrote: "I just started listening to a recent Oprah book, Familiaris by David Wroblewski. It’s 37 hours and I’m prepared for a book that meanders around. I hope it won’t be ..."

This is a prequel to Edgar Sawtelle I believe

I DNF’d that because it was a hamlet retelling and I hated hamlet I. High school

I am enjoying The K Team by David Rosenfelt. It took me a little while to get used to hearing the character, Andy, in a different voice; I am used to the narrator of the Andy Carpenter series.

Sophie wrote: "Hi! Just joined 👋🏽

I’ve recently gotten into audiobooks and am in love! It’s been a great way to find a way to fit books back into my life. Favorite genre’s are memoirs, politics, contemporary, po..."

I liked Normal People very well on audio. Yes, the characters are dysfunctional in some ways, but that's what mad it real for me.

Kathleen wrote: "I just started listening to a recent Oprah book, Familiaris by David Wroblewski. It’s 37 hours and I’m prepared for a book that meanders around. I hope it won’t be ..."

I didn't like Edgar Sawtelle for other reasons, but many people did.

⭐⭐⭐.6 for this sweet and sassy story of family and romance. Coming Home to Paradise by Carolyn Brown narrated by Frances Anderson https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Welcome to the group, Sophie!

I am sad to leave David Copperfield, but so glad I listened to it. I might have to try the "other" version (ahem) sometime to compare the narrators. Simon Vance is my hero, however.

Ugh, "Edgar Sawtelle" was a waste of my time.

Robin P wrote: "I didn't like Edgar Sawtelle for other reasons, but many people did."

it was like one of the first books I ever bought for my kindle back in 2009 and I bought the audiobook and nope, just nope

Jan Mc wrote: "Welcome to the group, Sophie!

I am sad to leave David Copperfield, but so glad I listened to it. I might have to try the "other" version (ahem) sometime to compare the narrators. Simon Vance is my..."

Simon Vance is terrific - he narrates a lot of classics, but also mysteries like the Gaius Russo series set in Roman Britain and some wonderful fantasy books like Tigana and The Lies of Locke Lamora

Dee wrote: "MissSusie wrote: "I needed some comfort reads so I re-read The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde narrated by Susan Duerdan and now re-reading the 2nd book in the series [book:Lost in a Go..."

I haven't but they are on Mount TBR

4.5 stars to A History of the Arab Peoples - not sure Wanda McCaddon was the best choice to narrate this (I love her on the Jane Austen books) but it was a good book regardless.