Discover Legally Popular Titles Full Audiobooks in Fiction, Contemporary Top 100

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Title: The Beach House

Author: James Patterson, Peter de Jonge

Narrator: Gil Bellows

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 57 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-14-02

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1205 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

But the police say otherwise. As Jack tries to uncover details of his brother's last night, he confronts a maddening barricade of lawyers, police, and paid protectors who separate the wealthy summer residents from local workers like Peter. Motivated by a hundred forms of grief, Jack rallies his hometown friends to help him find the truth of Peter's death - no matter how rich or corrupt the people who stand in their way.

Jack's relentless crusade puts him into a head-on collision with one of the most powerful and ruthless men in New York, a man who wipes out resistance with a snap of his fingers. As it unfolds that his brother was involved with some of the richest women and men in America - in ways Jack never imagined - his dream of justice fades. Only if he can somehow beat the rich at their own game will he be able to avenge his brother.

Critic Reviews:

"A slick, vastly enjoyable thriller." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Adventure and excitment

I really enjoyed this adventure mystery. It was exciting yet a little predictable with a few surprises sprinkled through out. I like plots laced with a little romance to spice it up just a bit like this one does. I am not so sure however that the title isn't a little misleading. It is a good listen though with vivid descritions that help the "reader" picture the situations nicely. I reccommend it.

holy cow!!!!!

I get tired of Alex Cross, I can't get into the ladies, I hum and haw over Patterson and then he hits a home run with some story that grabs your heart and your attention. This book was soooo good! My wife and started listening in the morning while in bed and just stayed there and did nothing for most of the day cuz it was so absorbing. I don't mind a little cry and happy stuff mixed in with such an excellent plot. Loved the characters. Forget Alex Cross, Mr. Patterson. Bring us more people to cheer on.

Fantastic

I really enjoyed this book. It was very solid the characers were fantastic. I loved the suspense and the twist at the end. IT was a great ride. I sat in my car for hours listening to this book, oh yeah I was parked in the drive way. he he he. Enjoy!

Not Patterson's best

I'm a huge fan of James Patterson, but I really didn't like this one. The writing wasn't up to his usual standards and the story moved VERY slow in my opinion.

All in all, I'd recommend the Alex Cross series or When the Wind Blows and Lake House for something a little different.

The Beach House

James Patterson is such a delightful writer, but this one holds the listener and doesn't let them go. It delivers what I like to think of as "reader justice", where the reader is on the side of the good guys from the first moment and they are not let down by the writer in trying to be fair or justified in it's rendering. My heart still beats for Jack, Pauline, Mack, and of course, for Peter. The characters were true to life and the listener wanted to get up and fight the "Good" fight from the get go. Thanks Mr. Patterson, I loved it.

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Title: Anil's Ghost

Author: Michael Ondaatje

Narrator: Alan Cumming

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 54 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-22-00

Publisher: Random House AudioBooks

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 133 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

With his first novel since the internationally acclaimed The English Patient, Michael Ondaatje gives us a work displaying all the richness of imagery and language and the piercing emotional truth that we have come to know as the hallmarks of his writing.

The place is modern-day Sri Lanka, the island nation formerly known as Ceylon, off the southern tip of India. It is a country steeped in centuries of cultural achievement and tradition, and forced into the late 20th century by the ravages of civil war and the consequences of a country divided against itself. Into this maelstrom steps a young woman, Anil Tissera, born in Sri Lanka, educated in England and America, a forensic anthropologist sent by an international human-rights group to work with local officials to discover the source of the organized campaigns of murder engulfing the island.

Bodies are discovered. Skeletons. And particularly one, nicknamed "Sailor". What follows is a story about love, family, and identity, about the unknown enemy and the quest to unlock the hidden past - all propelled by a riveting mystery.

Critic Reviews:

"The beauty in this novel is the lyricism Ondaatje interjects into even mundane situations." (Book) "Ondaatje's writing is stunningly lyrical, at once dreamy and detailed." (AudioFile)

Members Reviews:

unlikely poetry

The subject matter of this book, forensic anthropology, seems an unlikley one for poetic imagery. Yet Andaatje's gift as a writer seems to be the ability to infuse a book with life's harsh realities side by side with glints of light and vitality. It takes the reader to places far away and hard to imagine. But once introduced to the place and the people all make perfect sense.

nope, not a good book- an excellent book!

"Any reviewer who would refer to this novel as good is lying, and kidding the reader." Well that's just stupid, sorry, my opinion, but there it is. I love this audio, and am pretty confident that I?m not the only person on the planet who feels this way. It?s true his writing has more in common with poetry, instead of this week's blockbuster hit. That doesn't play well with some people, but others like it just fine. If you read The English Patient and liked that one, you will like this one too.

Extraordinarily painful and beautiful

A beautifully written and artfully composed book. The integrity and humanity of the main characters balances the dark political violence the novel describes.

Alan Cummings read is exceptional in every way. Steady, dignified, and riveting. It's hard to imagine anyone could have read it more perfectly.

An Excellent Novel

In itself, the book's narrative sheds little light on the historical or cultural causes of the Sri Lankan conflict. But then that's not what novels do. Ondaatje's typical lyricism is here with all its loose ends and criss-crossing stories. I very much enjoyed this excellent novel that I will probably read again some time.

Hypnotic, chilling

This was my third attempt to listen to Anil's Ghost. Cumming's voice has a lulling quality and so, with earlier attempts, I would often fall asleep or drift away and lose large chunks of the story. Not this time. I hung on every word and when I found myself disoriented by a sudden shift in time or perspective, I was patient and well rewarded.

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Title: Godforsaken Sea

Author: Derek Lundy

Narrator: Michael Tezla

Format: Abridged

Length: 6 hrs and 3 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-28-00

Publisher: HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 72 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

The Vendée Globe, a grueling four-month sail around the world, traveling through the wild waters of the Southern Ocean, is the most demanding and dangerous sailing race on the planet. In November 1996, 14 men and 2 women competitors set out on this ultimate human endeavor. Godforsaken Sea chronicles their solitary battles to stay alive against 6-story waves, bone-chilling cold, ice-laden seas, and their own physical and mental limitations. Listen to electrifying accounts of human courage and endurance that will take you into the sailors' spirits.

Original material ©1998 Derek Lundy; Published by arrangement with Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill.; © and (P)1999 HighBridge Company; Cover Photo by Warren Bolster/Tony Stone Images

Critic Reviews:

"Incomparable...a profound and brilliantly executed book featuring the sea and human nature." (William F. Buckley, Jr.)

Contact me for any questions: [email protected]

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Title: It's Classified

Author: Nicolle Wallace

Narrator: Dina Pearlman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-27-11

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 100 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

The latest "must" for political junkies and fans of political fiction from New York Times best-selling author Nicole Wallace.

The four most powerful women in Washington are at the top of their political game.... What could possibly go wrong?

Charlotte Kramer, America's first female president, is beginning her second term and is determined to make her mark on history - though events do seem to be conspiring against her. Melanie Kingston, her best friend, just signed on as secretary of defense. Will their relationship survive? Dale Smith is the senior communications advisor to the vice president and knows a secret that could not only ruin her own career, but put the credibility of the White House on the line. Tara Meyers is the most popular vice president in recent history, but does her public image match her private life?

When a classified terror threat is made public, all the weaknesses of this presidency are laid bare and with the country's safety at stake, someone in the White House isn't taking any chances.

From the best-selling author of Eighteen Acres comes a novel with a true insider's look at the lives of Washington's political elite. It's Classified reveals the intrigue and drama that go on behind the closed doors of the White House and opens up a world few have access to.

Members Reviews:

Not the best, but completely satisified.

This story is the second in the series, and fair warning - I did not read the first book, so that could perhaps affect my outlook. That being said, I really enjoyed this book.

GOOD THINGS - I liked that the VP was represented sympathetically overall, and that the situation wasn't overblown to the point of being unrealistic; she has problems, but they weren't so crazy that you were distracted thinking "this could never happen". The book doesn't in my opinion lean in any particular political direction, it just shows the inner working of DC - which I found interesting and enjoyable.

SMALL ISSUES - Sometimes it seemed like the writing style was a little amateur, in the sense that sentence structure was more formal than most people typically use in conversation, and there were times that I noticed that and it pulled me away from the story a little bit.

The narration was solid, and while I suspected a certain turn that might occur at the end of the book, it kept me guessing on if I was right or not, so that was enjoyable. Overall, I would recommend this book; if the synopsis looked interesting to you, then most likely your instincts were right. Hope you enjoy it!

Palin By Comparison

If you could sum up It's Classified in three words, what would they be?

It's Sarah Palin (in case you didn't already know).

If youve listened to books by Nicolle Wallace before, how does this one compare?

Didn't listen to 18 Acres, the first novel in this series, but I read it print. It's Complicated is certainly more interesting because of the Palin connection -- in case you didn't already know, Nicole Wallace worked directly with Palin during her 2008 vice presidential campaign, not a pleasant experience for either woman, and the veep candidate in the book is based on Palin.

But 18 Acres has a stronger story and better characterizations overall, and a better treatment of the theme of women at the highest level of politics and journalism.

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Title: Sum: Tales from the Afterlives

Author: David Eagleman

Narrator: Gillian Anderson, Emily Blunt, Nick Cave, Jarvis Cocker, David Eagleman, Noel Fielding, Stephen Fry

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-31-10

Publisher: Canongate Books Ltd

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 45 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

In this astounding book, David Eagleman entertains 40 fictional possibilities of life beyond death. With wit and humanity he asks the key questions about existence, hope, technology and love.

These stories are full of big ideas and bold imagination.This audiobook assembles a stellar cast of readers who bring the scenarios of SUM brilliantly alive: Gillian Anderson, Emily Blunt, Nick Cave, Jarvis Cocker, Jack Davenport, Lisa Dwan, David Eagleman, Noel Fielding, Kerry Fox, Stephen Fry, Clarke Peters, Lemn Sissay and Harriet Walter.

Critic Reviews:

"You will not read a more dazzling book this year." (Stephen Fry)

"SUM has the unaccountable, jaw-dropping quality of genius." (Observer)

"This delightful, thought-provoking little collection...will haunt the reader long after the last page has been turned." (Alexander McCall Smith)

"Elegant, surreal and philosophically questioning, each story from neuroscientist Eagleman offers an inventive, thought-provoking blend of science and romance." (Metro)

"SUM is terrific . . .The inventiveness, the clarity and wit of the prose and the calm air of moral understanding that pervades this book add up to something completely original." (Philip Pullman)

"Read SUM and be amazed." (Time)

"Witty, bright, sharp, and unexpected - as surprising a book as I've read for years. Every story is a new Heaven." (Brian Eno)

Members Reviews:

Astonishing fiction from a brilliant scientist

Everything about this audiobook is great. As a collection of stories Sum is unique and benefits from being written by a fiction virgin in neuroscientist David Eagleman. His work on the brain and personal responsibility, among other topics, has made him one of the most fascinating young non-fiction writers in the world. But such are his annoyingly numerous talents that he is able to produce a series of speculative shorts on the theme of the afterlife that is both artfully written and intellectually playful.The stories follow no particular stylistic or narrative tradition, which makes them free to be open-ended, thought-provoking, metaphysical aperitifs, if I can be so prolix.

Some of the scenarios dreamed up in this work will stay with you and for those who are worried, it's not overtly religious or even theistic at all really. It's kind of an agnostic's meditation on what the afterlife could be like and what we mean when we say "afterlife". I'm not at all religious and although I don't think any of the scenarios are literally possible, they are intellectually possible, inasmuch as they are primers for thinking about mortality, consciousness, time, religion, parallel universes, eternity, etc.

The cast of multiple narrators worked very well and they are all great readers, particularly the always lovely and eloquent Stephen Fry, the lachrymose Nick Cave and the sportive Emily Blunt. Eagleman himself even displays his skills as a reader on this recording ??? even more reason to resent this multitalented upstart.

Highly recommended as a fresh approach to short fiction, which works particularly well in the audiobook medium.

Simply incredible

What a profound rollercoaster to question Who you thought you were, he saved the best for last!

outstanding, thought provoking

A fantastic collection of musings about the afterlife.

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Title: Confessions of a Wild Child

Author: Jackie Collins

Narrator: Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Teddy Cañez

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 50 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-04-14

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 28 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Lucky Santangelo. A 15-year-old wild child ready to discover life, love and independence. Daughter of the notorious Gino, Lucky discovers her mother's murdered body floating in the family swimming pool at the tender age of four. Since then Gino has kept her protected from life closeted in their Bel Air mansion. But in Confessions of a Wild Child Lucky finally breaks free, and running away from boarding school the adventures begin. Boys, sex, drugs and rock n' roll - Lucky explores it all in preparation for the strong, kick-ass woman she eventually becomes. Delve into the world that Lucky rules!

Members Reviews:

from a brat to a superwoman

If you could sum up Confessions of a Wild Child in three words, what would they be?

Lost little girl

What did you like best about this story?

It was great getting to know Lucky as a kid and what would make her the woman she was meant to be

Which scene was your favorite?

they were all good

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no

Love Lucky

What did you love best about Confessions of a Wild Child?

The back story on Lucky

What did you like best about this story?

tells you where Lucky comes from.

What about Sydney Tamiia Poitier and Teddy Cañez s performance did you like?

It was good the different voices;

Who was the most memorable character of Confessions of a Wild Child and why?

Lucky

Any additional comments?

Yes it would be nice if it lead to the next book which one should I read next to continue her story? And why are they abridged..

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Title: The Flight of Gemma Hardy

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Margot Livesey

Narrator: Davina Porter

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 52 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-01-12

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 258 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Fate has not been kind to Gemma Hardy. Orphaned, then neglected, young Gemma seemed destined for a life of hardship and loneliness. Yet her bright spirit burns strong. Fiercely intelligent, singularly determined, Gemma overcomes each challenge and setback, growing stronger and more certain of her path.

Now an independent young woman, she accepts a position as an au pair on the remote and beautiful Orkney Islands. Blackbird Hall belongs to Mr. Hugh Sinclair, a London businessman; his eight-year-old niece is Gemmas charge. Even before their first meeting, Gemma is, like everyone on the island, intrigued by Mr. Sinclair. An unlikely couple, the two are drawn to each other, but Gemmas biggest trial is about to begin a journey of passion and betrayal, secrets and lies, redemption and discovery will lead her to a life shes never dreamed of.

Critic Reviews:

[An] original slant on a classic story. Within the classic framework, Livesey molds a thoroughly modern character who learns to expect the best of herself and to forgive the missteps of others. The author has a gift for creating atmosphere. (Library Journal)

The talented Livesey updates Jane Eyretaking care to home in on the elements of this classic story that so resonate with readers. Despite readers familiarity with the story line, they will be held rapt. A sure bet for both book clubs and Bronte fans. (Booklist)

[A] brilliantly paced contemporary adventure (Elle)

Members Reviews:

Dwindles down into a pile of boredom

This book started off well, but it had a pretty solid idea to build off of. Jane Eyre is a masterpiece for a reason, but Gemma Hardy is just... guh.

The first problem is the timeline. We're told that it takes place after WWII but I kept forgetting this, and really, I feel like the author did too. When something like a car or record player was mentioned, it was startling--"Oh yeah, this is in the 50s... or was it 60s?"

For a book supposedly about that time period, there were some strange elements. For example, the main character is ready to sleep with someone... but doesn't seem to have any conscious thought of consequences (I found myself wondering, Does she know what sex actually is?). We're told she was raised by a pastor; I would assume that pre-marital sex would have been a problem. Oh, of course, she doesn't really believe in God... convenient.

Then there are the characters, and their development. Gemma starts off strong, but becomes a sniveling baby that can't really do anything without help. Her romantic interest is pretty boring, and there's nothing memorable about him. It's rare to run into this kind of non-developed character, but it happens in this book. He has no personality or anything else; his main function is just to help move the plot along.

The girl that Gemma goes to teach, Nell, displays random acts of disturbing violence, but no one seems to really think about the implications of this, and (of course) at the end she somehow turns into a caring, lovely girl with good behavior. I just don't get it.

The St. John character is a complete disgrace and makes no sense.

Now, the crux of the book would be the relationship between Jane and Edward--but these two just don't work. Gemma runs away for a reason I can't fathom at all; after that, the book just fell flat, and I realized I didn't care. Everyone could die in the end, and I wouldn't care.

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Titre: L'amie prodigieuse (L'amie prodigieuse 1)

Auteur: Élena Ferrante

Narrateur: Marina Moncade

Format: Unabridged

Durée: 11 hrs and 24 mins

Langue: Français

Date de publication: 01-28-16

Éditeur: Gallimard

Evaluation: 4.5 sur 5 sur 15 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Résumé de l'éditeur:

Naples, fin des années cinquante. Deux amies, Elena et Lila, vivent dans un quartier défavorisé de la ville, leurs familles sont pauvres et, bien qu'elles soient douées pour les études, ce n'est pas la voie qui leur est promise. Lila, la surdouée, abandonne rapidement l'école pour travailler avec son père et son frère dans leur échoppe de cordonnier. En revanche, Elena est soutenue par son institutrice, qui pousse ses parents à l'envoyer au collège puis, plus tard, au lycée, comme les enfants des Carracci et des Sarratore, des familles plus aisées qui peuvent se le permettre.

Durant cette période, les deux jeunes filles se transforment physiquement et psychologiquement, s'entraident ou s'en prennent l'une à l'autre. Leurs chemins parfois se croisent et d'autres fois s'écartent, avec pour toile de fond une Naples sombre mais en ébullition, violente et dure. Des chemins qui les conduiront, après le passage par l'adolescence, à l'aube de l'âge adulte, non sans ruptures ni souffrances.

Formidable voyage dans Naples et dans l'Italie du boom économique, L'amie prodigieuse trace le portrait de deux héroïnes inoubliables, qu'Elena Ferrante traque avec passion et tendresse jusqu'au plus profond de leur âme.

©2014 Éditions Gallimard (P)2016 Éditions Gallimard

Avis des membres:

S'échapper de suburbia

Jamais je n'ai pu regarder le monde á travers les pensées et les comportements de filles s'échappant de leur quartier tribal, macho et violent. C'est une découverte!

Great imagery. I can relate to Elena

Very engaging, elaborately written. Great imagery. I can relate to Elena.

Five Stars

Addictif !

Five Stars

It fits perfectly and works as advertised.

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Title: War on Sound

Author: Christopher Harris

Narrator: Christopher Harris

Format: Unabridged

Length: 19 hrs and 39 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-04-16

Publisher: Asphalt House

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 40 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Kid Centrifuge is a rock band with dreams no bigger than other rock bands: ho-hum, tour and get signed and be famous and change the universe. Alas, unlike their rock-music forebears, our heroes live in a world that has largely moved on to techno, dance and pop. Yes, the music industry is still littered with double-crossers and backbiters, but now they're looking for DJs, and maybe guitar champions need no longer apply. So the kids tilt against the same old windmills musicians have battled forever, but with a suspicion that the same old animating dream - all you need is a guitar and a great song and you'll make a million bucks - is dead.

That gives their grass-roots aspirations more than a little desperation, and bad decisions ensue.

War On Sound gets inside its four featured musicians - Amanda, the singer; Sebastian, the guitarist; Kate, the drummer; and Scott, the bass player and angsty piloting force - the way Don DeLillo did in Great Jones Street and Roddy Doyle did in The Commitments. These talented kids wage war, blinkers in place, faith challenged...they have big success and big failure, and they keep playing. War on Sound is by turns hilarious and profound, and illuminates the contemporary music scene better than any recent novel.

Members Reviews:

Great fiction, charming voice!

Would you listen to War on Sound again? Why?

Yes, it was a great story. Great voice reading the book helps!

What did you like best about this story?

Intriguing storyline that makes me wonder what happens next.

Which scene was your favorite?

I like the ending!

If you could take any character from War on Sound out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Hoop

Any additional comments?

I never thought a fiction about musicians could grab my attention throughout the entire book. But after reading first couple chapters, I was completely engaged and intrigued by the characters and what will happen next.

The characters are electric as the story folds. The conversations that take could replace some of conversations in real life regardless of your profession or family. If you ever tried to do something different or something that needed to win people's approval, you'll be able to relate all characters at different points of this book.

A book that makes you aware of the feelings that we all ignore while pretending living buys lives. MUST READ.

The characters are so real, it almost hurts.

I resonated intensely with how accurately Harris captures pain, doubt, addiction, and depression. Must listen.

Epic and Microcosm

If you could sum up War on Sound in three words, what would they be?

Trenchant, poignant, true

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laugh

Any additional comments?

Mr. Harris made a detailed look at the demise of a great American art form, while working in another, and it doubles as a timely look back at our recent past, the acceleration of technology and distance between us, how they add to the economic and cultural anxiety we feel, against a backdrop of perma-war and terror. And it is very funny and well-read. Highly recommended for anyone who cares too much about music.

Great novel!

This really captures the emotional roller coaster of a stuggling band trying to make it in a dying industry. A+ character development and story telling. Good work Mr. Harris!

Great listen.

I highly recommend the book as well as all Chris Harris's work.

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Title: The Big U

Author: Neal Stephenson

Narrator: Fred Berman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 1 min

Language: English

Release date: 06-08-10

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 142 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

The New York Times Book Review called Neal Stephenson's most recent novel "electrifying" and "hilarious". But if you want to know what Stephenson was doing 20 years before he wrote the epic Cryptonomicon, it's back-to-school time. Back to The Big U, that is, an hilarious send-up of American college life, starring 30-year-old junior Casimir Radon. Now reissued after years out of print, The Big U is required listening for anyone interested in the early work of this singular writer.

Critic Reviews:

"An entertaining and sometimes murderous satire on campus life." (New York Times Book Review)

"Satire is Stephenson's major." (Los Angeles Times Book Review)

Members Reviews:

Interesting, very strange

I think I am going to have to read it again. The story is one of escalating insanity and fantasy. I love his other books but I am not sure about this book.

he sets up the world to be a place of vivid reallity,that exaggerated uni life. Well written and well preformed, but I'm not sure

It may resonate better with people that went to Uni in the states.

Fred Berman Deserves Death

What made the experience of listening to The Big U the most enjoyable?

The story I guess; the performance is horrible and aggravating.

What did you like best about this story?

There's too much to list; like all Stephenson's work, the writing ranges from the silly to the sublime. Many people think this is a very 'juvenile' work, and certainly I can appreciate that Stephenson's style has matured, but it's also just fun-as-hell to read, which I can't say for some of his other work (system of the world).

What didnt you like about Fred Bermans performance?

I love this book. I've loved it since it came out, and I've looked for an audiobook at least every year since then. Imagine my delight then, when I learned it was available.

And imagine my frustration when one of the main characters, Ephraim, has his (biblical) name slaughtered by the reader every time (he pronounces it e-FRY-eem). Fred Berman also says "flat lux" when faced with "fiat lux" - a reasonable mistake, you might say, but it's shockingly unprofessional to my ears. You're being _paid_ to read aloud; you might want to pay a little attention to context, and ask someone when you're not sure know how to pronounce something.

Who was the most memorable character of The Big U and why?

One of the joys of this book is that it's full of memorable and fun-to-read characters. I guess I'd pick Fred Fine.