Discover the New Releases Audiobooks in Fiction, Contemporary

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Title: The Lace Reader

Author: Brunonia Barry

Narrator: Alyssa Bresnahan

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 43 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-29-08

Publisher: HarperAudio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 621 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Every piece of lace has a secret...

"My name is Towner Whitney. No, that's not exactly true. My real first name is Sophya. Never believe me. I lie all the time...."

Towner Whitney, the self-confessed unreliable narrator of The Lace Reader, hails from a family of Salem women who can read the future in the patterns in lace and who have guarded a history of secrets going back generations. But the disappearance of two women brings Towner home to Salem and the truth about the death of her twin sister to light.

The Lace Reader is a mesmerizing tale that spirals into a world of secrets, confused identities, lies, and half-truths, in which the reader quickly finds it's nearly impossible to separate fact from fiction. But as Towner Whitney points out early on in the novel, "There are no accidents."

Editorial Reviews:

Towner Whitney admits that she's crazy, coming from a long line of eccentrics in her hometown of Salem, Massachusetts. Towner is forced to confront her past and reconstruct her future with the help of a guardian ghost, a modern-day witch, a confused detective, a predator preacher, and fortune-telling lace. Narrator Alyssa Bresnahan uses tone and pacing to make this unusual cast of characters completely believable - even the ghost. In addition, her straightforward voicing of Towner provides this character with the credibility needed to give the surprise ending extra zing. Salem is the perfect setting for this crazy-quilt expedition into the meaning of reality, and Bresnahan is the perfect choice for guiding listeners through this mesmerizing journey of self-discovery.

Critic Reviews:

"Barry excels at capturing the feel of smalltown life, and balances action with close looks at the characters' inner worlds. Her pacing and use of different perspectives show tremendous skill and will keep readers captivated all the way through." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Difficult but good

Towner is an example of an unreliable narrator. From the beginning you suspect that her judgments of the events from the past and the present are distorted. The ending was a surprise that I didnt see coming. It was riveting as much as it was hard to stomach. I would recommend this book to anyone familiar with the North Shore and Salem lifestyle and history, but only if you can stand a virulent plot thread of meanness, murder, and the foulest of abuse. The authors genius is the tapestry of images that is woven as a back drop to the story. The Eastern Yacht Club, Hamilton Hall, Derby Street, the witches, the tourists, the common, even the restoring of the ship off Pickering Wharf, it is all there and described so well that I could smell the sea air mixed with street vender sausage and peppers.

Wonderful New England stuff here

The Lace Reader I found to be a wonderful book.

Sophya Whitney as a character was true to her word.I never tell the truth, and Im crazy.

Well Im not so sure about that..Interweaving the New England coastal towns and

Especially Salem, is clearly an inside look we dont normally see, unless you live there.

If you love stories about New England this is a must read.

Brunonia has captured the weaving of the Lace of life in Salem, then and now.

The narrator Alyssa Bresnahan does a fabulous job with the characters, the pace, and the intensity of the telling of it. The opportunity to be transported into another time, and be in the present at the same time is enchanting.

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Title: The Winding Ways Quilt

Author: Jennifer Chiaverini

Narrator: Christina Moore

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 20 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-26-08

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 200 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

In this 13th novel from the popular Elm Creek Quilts series, the quilters face numerous changes. Judy prepares for a new job in Philadelphia, while Summer heads to graduate school in Chicago. Bonnie wonders whether she should rebuild her quilt shop, while Sarah learns she's going to have twins. And adding some intrigue, Gwen tries to determine the creator of a quilt found in a church basement.

©2008 Jennifer Chiaverini (P)2008 Recorded Books, LLC

Members Reviews:

It's Elm Creek Manor... 'nuff said

There are no surprises here; this is Chiaverini and Elm Creek Manor. If you're a fan, you know these people and this novel expands upon their adventures. If you aren't familiar with the series, this is probably not the ideal place to start as I think you need to know these characters in order to appreciate the "fleshing out" of each of their stories that this book offers. If you enjoy these books at all, you will come to care about these characters. This book helps that along.

I think Christina Moore is really excellent as a narrator for Chiaverini's books. She gives each character an individual voice that actually mirrors well the personality that is revealed in these sweet, simple stories. I especially like the voices she gives Sylvia, Sarah and Diane.

This story picks up the thread begun in "A Circle of Quilters", with Elm Creek Manor preparing for the departure of two of its founding members and brings two new Elm Creek Quilters into the fold. "Circle" was my first Elm Creek novel and I really enjoyed it, which is why I began reading and listening to the others. This one fleshes out some of the original characters' stories. I especially enjoyed learning more about Judy and how she came to the group and I also really enjoy Diane's character, so liked very much the "further adventures of Diane and Mary Ann." I won't give anything away, but it was fun to read.

Final comment ... I don't quilt, although I'm tempted by these books. However, I figure these women must have more quilts than any other human beings on Earth. And I wonder if they ever give any gift that isn't a quilt! You know.. a book or a bracelet or a pan of brownies!

Great character development

I live to sew and sew to live. I love being able to listen to these wonderful stories of women lives, friendships and challenges while I'm sewing. You really don't need to know how to sew or quilt to appreciate thesae stories. I have also listened while driving and not wanted to get out of the car after an entire day of driving.

Book 12 Elm Creek Manor . . . Some Repeats

I'm a big fan of Jennifer Chiaverini and her Elm Creek Quilt books . . . this one was good, but had a lot of "filler" from past books . . . at the same time some childhood memories were new and very touching to me . . . I continue to be touched by Sarah's relationship with her mother . . . and hurt right along with her at her mother's inability to connect emotionally with her daughter . . . understanding her pain in a way that I wish I did not . . . all told, I wish the book had taken us farther into the stories of the birth of Sarah's twins, Judy's move and what Bonnie decides to do with the rest of her life . . . still, a satisfying listen . . .

i love this series.

everything it great EXCEPT the constant repitition of their history.

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Title: The Sportswriter

Subtitle: Frank Bascombe, Book 1

Author: Richard Ford

Narrator: Richard Poe

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 50 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-20-08

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 223 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

In this first volume of his Frank Bascombe trilogy, Bascombe is a sportswriter attempting to cope with his failed marriage and the death of his son. Unable to establish true connections with people, Bascombe drifts into and out of various relationships, but retains an introspective eye that allows him to transcend life's obstacles.

Critic Reviews:

"Powerful....So pliant and persuasive that we are instantly drawn into his story." (The New York Times)

"Among the best realist American writers today." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

wonderful

This is one of the best audiobooks I have purchased. For one, the narration is perfect. My only exposure to Richard Ford was short stories. I liked this book very much and I can say I don't know any other writer who writes like him. He slows down to lay out the history and his philosophy on every character and event. It's like watching someone crack a hardboiled egg and pull off a tiny shell fragment at a time.

Listen to the last 15 minutes

Tedious day by day story. Will try another Richard Ford book to see if there is more to them. Only OK.

Bold writing: Strong on Character, not Story

What made the experience of listening to The Sportswriter the most enjoyable?

The author is a bold, clear writer with an ability to paint a great portrait. The narrator was well suited to the task.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Something with more of a story.

What about Richard Poes performance did you like?

I thought he seemed genuine.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

No.

Any additional comments?

I found it hard to understand both as a woman and as a person who values conflict resolution. While the character is strong, the internal conflict slides away into what? A person who seems to drift through his life, with seemingly little consciousness of the potential for transcendence. Frustrating.

Boring

Sorry, I gave this an hour or two and found nothing of interest. It was like listening to the guy next door go into detail about where he bought his socks. Who cares?

Just incredible

Once finished. Went back to beginning and started again. Love, love, love. Ford rides so high.

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Title: Chances, Part 2

Subtitle: Lucky's Story

Author: Jackie Collins

Narrator: Jackie Collins

Format: Abridged

Length: 2 hrs and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-06-08

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 35 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

From New York penthouses and the villas of Southern France, to the casinos of Las Vegas and the bedrooms of Beverly Hills, here's the unforgettable story of a woman on top of a world of love, sex, and wealth - where power is the ultimate aphrodisiac.

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Title: The New Year's Quilt

Author: Jennifer Chiaverini

Narrator: Christina Moore

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 7 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-21-08

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 190 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Silvia Bergstrom Compson and Andrew Cooper are now married, but Andrew's daughter Amy has withheld her blessing. Hoping to win Amy over, Silvia journeys to Amy's home, bringing along a quilt that expresses the holiday traditions of Elm Creek Manor.

Members Reviews:

Great to listen while sewing

I live to sew and sew to live. I love being able to listen to these wonderful stories of women lives, friendships and challenges while I'm sewing. You really don't need to know how to sew or quilt to appreciate thesae stories. I have also listened while driving and not wanted to get out of the car after an entire day of driving.

Good read.

I would have been happier with less storyline review and more new information about characters. I never tire of quilting while I listen to Sylvia and her circle exploring their lives. Thanks, Jennifer.

Another satisfying offering by Jennifer Chiaverini

Just a pleasant read, as I knit and sip a cup of tea. The book brings us closer to Andrew and Sylvia as they struggle to gain acceptance of their marriage by Andrew's daughter.

Silvia's Reflections

I've enjoyed the series. This is a good Christmas/New Year's story that fills in some gaps about Silvia's past. There are also some lessons on family that would be good for many people to learn from. The narrator does a great job.

Charming Recap

If you want to have an overview of the Elm Creek Quilters stories, and especially main character, Silvia, this can be a good book to listen to as a sample. It was an insightful view into some of the events in Silvia's life readers didn't have full insight to before.

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Title: The Uncommon Reader

Author: Alan Bennett

Narrator: Alan Bennett

Format: Original Recording

Length: 2 hrs and 27 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-06-07

Publisher: BBC Worldwide Limited

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 252 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

However, this uncommon reader creates an uncommon problem. The royal household dislikes the Queen's new interest; it makes them uneasy. Books are devices that ignite the imagination. And devices like that are likely to explode.

Alan Bennett reads his new story about HM the Queen's all-consuming new interest, as heard on BBC Radio 4. This exclusive and extended edition is twice as long as originally broadcast.

Critic Reviews:

"A masterpiece of comic brevity." (Observer)

"An exquisitely produced jewel of a book...[but] beneath the tasteful gilt-and-beige cover seethes a savagely Swiftian indignation against stupidity, Philistinism and arrogance in public places, and a passionate argument for the civilising power of art." (The Times, London)

Members Reviews:

Poignant and full of wit.

This is an excellent audio adaptation of a 2007 novella by English playwright, screenwriter and author Alan Bennett. It is read by Bennett himself and he does a wonderful job, subtly switching his voice to fit the different characters including the principal player: Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. The story is set a year or two behind the present and imagines the Queen suddenly obsessed with reading literature. Although she has met many of the greatest names in modern English Literature (T. S. Eliot, Philip Larkin, Ted Hughes and the like), she has not up to been much of a reader. A chance encounter with a mobile library changes this and as a consequence changes her outlook on life and her role in the world. The blend of fact and fiction is seamless and there is a good sprinkling of jokes about the political landscape of Britain and the literary world in general. The humor is not overstated and Bennett avoids some of the more obvious comic possibilities. There are twists and turns in the story and I remained captivated right up to the closing words. With this download my iPod has trouble remembering where it was paused but the writing is so good that it doesn't hurt to listen to passages more than once.

~I WANT TO READ!~

Queen Elizabeth was sorry she did not read more! So many years of possible wonders and discovery, learning and witnessing life of others are lost! But there still is the chance! There is time that can be used for reading, for example, when driving to the Buckingham Palace! And... and...

Oh, I feel like I wanna read-read-read after I have listened to this superb edition of the book, read by the author himself! And it is indeed way deeper than it sounds from the description: though how could it be any different when the author is Alan Bennett himself? Oh, what an amazing voice, what a gorgeous English accent!!!

The book also left me with a nostalgic aura: I want to be in London again, in a park, reading a good book.... I am happy I had it and can always go back to my memories: London, tea with milk and cookies and hours of uninterrupted reading: little can be more pristine and sweet than this :)

What an adorable book!

This book made my day sunny and sweet, Listening to this on my commute to and from work over two days,

What a delightful short story !!

It was for our book club and started to listen to it via Audible. Author Alan read it in a way, I felt I was there with Q Elizabeth!! I can imagine her character and how sad to find that royal

subtle fun, mostly

Slow starting but entertaining picture of the confines of political celebrity.

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Title: Midwives

Author: Chris Bohjalian

Narrator: Kate Burton

Format: Abridged

Length: 4 hrs and 39 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-18-07

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 296 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

As recounted by Sibyl's precocious 14-year-old daughter, Connie, the ensuing trial bears the earmarks of a witch hunt, except for the fact that all its participants are acting from the highest motives, and the defendant increasingly appears to be guilty. As Sibyl Danforth faces the antagonism of the law, the hostility of traditional doctors, and the accusations of her own conscience, Midwives engages, moves, and transfixes us as only the very best novels ever do.

Critic Reviews:

"Superbly crafted and astonishingly powerful." (People)

Members Reviews:

Why Abridged

I made a horrible mistake buying this book. I was the one at fault, however. I hate abridged books and truly do not understand why they are producd. More significantly, why does Audible sell them?

The Publisher's Review states this book "engages, moves, and transfixes us as only the very best novels ever do." I don't agree after having listened to it. The story is fine. It just doesn't shake anything up. It's pleasant enough, but lacked fire. Not once was I tempted to stay in the car to continue listening to the story.

Now was that because the abridged version cut out details someone thought unneccesary? We'll never know.

Why only abridged?

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I really enjoyed this - it was well-performed and a very compelling story. But my feeling with this one, as with most abridged works, is "What am I missing?" I don't necessarily feel the story wasn't told completely, but I always feel like I'm cheating the author if I only have the abridged version. Sadly, only an abridged audio version was available. I guess I just don't like other people deciding what was "important."

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Relieved that this ordeal was over!! Wow... insane.

Have you listened to any of Kate Burtons other performances before? How does this one compare?

Her voice sounds familiar, but I can't place what else I have listed to that she has narrated.

Unabridged?

I liked this book though I wish that there was an unabridged version. I think there are pieces missing that would really add to the story. I assume those parts are included in the unabridged version. But I'm not willing to get the book and read it to find out!

Good story but what's the point?

This is well narrated. It's a well written story as well but... I just kept thinking while listening to it - what's the point of the story - you know literally - was it worth creating and telling? I'd say know. I don't give it a bad rating because the writing is good but storyline isn't worth listening to. catches you upfront with the midwife being accused of murder but goes along pretty calmly and then ends. just wasn't worth my while!

professional decision is

professional decision is hard when you are alone. Never knew what a midwife in modern times would have to know.. malpractice, medical equipment for breathing, license to practice medicine. What if she was a minority race, a male, etc what would the outcome have been?

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Title: Fieldwork

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Mischa Berlinski

Narrator: William Dufris

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 4 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-08-07

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 251 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

When his girlfriend takes a job as a schoolteacher in northern Thailand, Mischa Berlinski goes along for the ride, working as little as possible for one of Thailand's English-language newspapers. One evening a fellow expatriate tips him off to a story. A charismatic American anthropologist, Martiya van der Leun, has been found dead, a suicide, in the Thai prison where she was serving a 50-year sentence for murder.

Motivated first by simple curiosity, then by deeper and more mysterious feelings, Mischa searches relentlessly to discover the details of Martiya's crime. His search leads him to the origins of modern anthropology and into the family history of Martiya's victim, a brilliant young missionary whose grandparents left Oklahoma to preach the Word in the 1920s and never went back. Finally, Mischa's obsession takes him into the world of the Thai hill tribes, whose way of life becomes a battleground for two competing, and utterly American, ways of looking at the world.

Vivid, passionate, funny, deeply researched, and exhilarating, Fieldwork is a novel about fascination and taboos - scientific, religious, and sexual. It announces an assured and captivating new voice in American fiction.

Critic Reviews:

"A lean, interesting tale." (Publishers Weekly)"A surprisingly compassionate look at Christianity in conflict with anthropology. I kept expecting tirades, and instead got sweetness and thoughtful good humor. A remarkable novel." (Stephen King)

Members Reviews:

WOW WOW WOW

I was an anthro student at the same time at the subject of this novel while in California, though not at Berkeley. This is one of the best descriptions of my experience and what it is to think and be an Anthropologist I have EVER heard. This novel is brilliantly observed and worth every second. WOW. It is also nostalgic and incredible that the students at Berkeley and the students and faculty at my university had identical experiences. What a wonderful wonderul book.

An experience!

I found this work delightful, and the narrator greatly added to the experience. His droll tone and varied styles accentuated the humor, which often popped up unexpectedly. This account of a young journalist's obsession with getting to the bottom of an old murder is peopled with the most extraordinary people. A missionary family figures largely in the tale and I liked the sympathetic handling of them. They could have been made to seem ridiculous or even contemptible, but they are shown as sympathetic, sincere people. It is left to the reader to decide whether they were misguided. I found myself thinking about the characters several days afterward. My understanding is that it's completely fictional--there are no Dialo people--but the descriptions of China and Thailand are interesting and based on fact.

Fascinating but wanders

I thought this book was fascinating in the details and descriptions. You just wanted to hang on their every word. That said, it also felt too long. The story took many diversions and I'm not sure they all added value. By the time the 9+ hours were done I was ready for the conclusion, but it didn't come until the last half hour. This is richly written and wonderful characters. I recommend it.

Enjoyable

The characters and scenes were vibrant and captured my imagination.

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Title: Sellevision

Author: Augusten Burroughs

Narrator: Robin Miles

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-08-06

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 213 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Welcome to the troubled world of Sellevision, America's premier retail broadcasting network. When Max Andrews, the much-loved, handsome (but lonely) and gay host of Slumber Party Sundown accidentally exposes himself in front of 60 million kids and their parents during a "Toys for Tots" segment, Sellevision faces its first big scandal.

As Max fails to find a new job in television, another host, the popular and perky Peggy Jean Smythe, is receiving sinister e-mails from a stalker about her appearance. Popping pills and drinking heavily, she fails to notice that her husband is spending a lot of time with the young babysitter who lives next door. Then there's Leigh, whose affair with Sellevision boss Howard Toast is going nowhere until she exposes him on air, and Bebe, Sellevision's star host, who thinks she can find Mr. Right via the Internet - if she can just stop her shopping addiction from taking over.

Critic Reviews:

"First-time novelist Burroughs writes fluidly and shows a flair for fun, campy material." (Booklist) "A relentless spoof....This kaleidoscope of gleefully salacious intrigue aims to titillate and amuse in a purposefully over-the-top way." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

My first audiobook - No regrets.

This is the first audiobook I've completed (second attempted) and I really enjoyed it. The narration was great - I was happy with the changes between characters and I found the narrators voice to be pleasant. The story itself was funny, engaging and sometimes dark. I felt that even though there was an ensemble cast everyone was given a good amount of time and I wasn't left wondering where anyone's story left off. If you're looking for something that will hold your interest I definitely recommend this.

A Peek behind the Scenes..

This is one funny piece of fiction...a peek behind the scenes of a pert of middle class America. If you have every been flipping channels at 3am you will laught out lound at this story!

WELCOME to Sellevision! From the prissy high and mighty star who loves her pills a little too much to the accidental Host's embarrassing exposure. exposure which down the road translates a a very lucrative career...you just never want it to end.

Great Fiction from the author!! Great narrator also!

I would love to see this go to the screen!Robert Downy Jr. a must in the movie!

Delightful Entertainment

A departure from Burrough's memoirs, but a delightful intertwining of plots, personalities and twists. At times a bit complicated, but a true soap opera novel. Seems to have left open room for a sequel...

Brilliant!

Augusten Burroughs is my favorite author of all time! This was the most entertaining book I've read!

good and funny

Fun listen!! Characters are interesting!! Reader Robin Miles does a great job with the characters (i always love listening to her!)

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Title: Finding Noel

Author: Richard Paul Evans

Narrator: Richard Paul Evans

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 33 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-25-06

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 139 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

The Christmas season is supposed to be full of joy, but not for Mark Smart. Life has dealt him one blow after another, until one snowy November night, when he meets a beautiful young woman who will change his life forever. Macy Wood has little memory of her birth parents, and memories she'd rather forget of her adopted home. A Christmas ornament inscribed with the word "Noel" is the only clue to the little sister she vaguely remembers, a clue that will send her and Mark on a journey to reclaim her past, and her family.

©2006 Richard Paul Evans; (P)2006 Simon and Schuster Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic Reviews:

"[A] yuletide offering." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Occasional reader

Loved it and definitely needed Kleenexes throughout. I loved how the different storylines came together

Loved it.

Great story, full of emotions. would make an awesome movie. as good as Michael vey

sweet story. gets you in the Christmas spirit.

I liked it. I like his books but honestly wish he had a different narrator do his readings. the story is good. A little predictable. But that's ok.

Finding Noel

Love this book very good story at Christmas time. Will make a great gift. thanks

A touching story about healing

I very much enjoyed the story and characters. The narrator was too monotonous though. Hardly ever any expressiveness.