Download the Best Full Audiobooks in Fiction, Contemporary Popular Authors

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Title: The Girls

Author: Lori Lansens

Narrator: Stephanie Zimbalist, Lolita Davidovich

Format: Abridged

Length: 6 hrs and 4 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-01-06

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 201 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

When Rose, the bookish sister, sets out to write her autobiography, it inevitably becomes the story of her short but extraordinary life with Ruby, the beautiful one. From their awkward first steps, Ruby's arm curled around Rose's neck, her foreshortened legs wrapped around Rose's hips, to the friendships they gradually build for themselves in the small town of Leaford, this is the profoundly affecting chronicle of an incomparable life journey.

As Rose and Ruby's story builds to an unforgettable conclusion, Lansens aims at the heart of human experience, the hardship of loss and struggles for independence, and the fundamental joy of simply living a life. This is a breathtaking novel, one that no reader will soon forget, a heartrending story of love between sisters.

Critic Reviews:

"A ballad, a melancholy song....The Girls glides by like a watercolor dream, finding its poetry in dailiness and the universalities of human desire and connection." (The New York Times Book Review)

"Lansens captures a contradictory longing for independence and togetherness." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Terrific material, great presentation:

This charming novel is written in the form of a memoir, mostly kept by the dominant sister of a pair of conjoined twins. The other sister has her say as well, but is a reluctant diarist. The author has given great thought and developed true insight into the lives of two distinct women who have lived every single moment together, and yet come away with very different perceptions. Their lives in small town Canada, their family, loves, losses, joy and despair are brought to this audiobook with rare sensitivity and rich humor.

Readers Lolita Davidovitch and Stephanie Zimbalist did an amazing job portraying The Girls, giving each a solid personality and a completely authentic demeanor. Ms. Davidovitch could have fallen back on her Canadian roots to make their rural Ontario accents a bit more believeable, but that isn't important to most listeners.

The incidental music in this recording is less-annoying than most incidental music, most of the time, and sometimes is actually appropriate. In any case, it's never overbearing or unpleasant.

Ordinarily, I shy away from sentimental stuff and "women's" fiction, but this was an enjoyable experience and I was very happy to have found this book on Audible (I was looking at buying a print copy). It is one of those books which lends itself beautifully to the audio format. Highly recommended.

The Girls

An amazing story. I loved the characters. Tragic, funny and hopeful. Compationate but honest. Beautiful and insightful. Will definately look for more of her books.

Beautiful Novel

I truly loved this novel. The two "voices" of the twins were so unique and individual that you almost forget that they are conjoined. The story at first seems like a dumb premise, but it is beautifully done and I'd compare this reading experience to The Secret Life of Bees, one of my favorite narrative novels of all time. The author writes a very unique and poingnant story that has many universal and heartfelt themes. Have tissues, you'll need them.

A great book

I was a little hesitant to buy this title - the subject matter seemed a little weird. But this was a great book, about the lives of two women. The author is a great writer, and the story really heartwarming.

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Title: The Five People You Meet in Heaven

Author: Mitch Albom

Narrator: Mitch Albom

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 37 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-28-06

Publisher: Hachette Audio UK

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 39 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

The Five People You Meet in Heaven is a wonderfully moving fable that addresses the meaning of life, and life after death, in the poignant way that made Tuesdays with Morrie such an astonishing book. The novel's protagonist is an elderly amusement park maintenance worker named Eddie who, while operating a ride called the "Free Fall", dies while trying to save a young girl who gets in the way of a falling cart that hurtles to earth. Eddie goes to heaven, where he meets five people who were unexpectedly instrumental in some way in his life. While each guide takes him through heaven, Eddie learns a little bit more about what his time on earth meant, what he was supposed to have learned, and what his true purpose on earth was. Throughout there are dramatic flashbacks where we see scenes from his troubled childhood, his years in the army in the Philippines jungle, and with his first and only love, his wife Marguerite. The Five People You Meet in Heaven is the perfect book to follow Tuesdays with Morrie. Its compellingly affecting themes and lyrical writing will fascinate Mitch Albom's huge readership.

©2006 Mitch Albom; (P)2006 Hyperion

Critic Reviews:

"Albom has done it again...a powerful book, powerful enough to make one's inner snob feel a little uncomfortable." (Time)

"A book with genuine power to stir and comfort its readers." (The New York Times)

Members Reviews:

THOUGHT PROVOKING

WHAT BETTER TIME TO HEAR "THE FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN" THAN ON THE WAY TO A FUNERAL, A HAPPY FUNERAL OF A 91 YEAR OLD, JOYCE FROM GRONG GRONG. ONE'S THOUGHTS TURNED TO WHO WERE JOYCE'S 5? AND THEN, WHO WILL BE MY 5? WE WERE JUST ABOUT RACING BACK TO THE CAR TO LISTEN TO THE NEXT INSTALMENT. ITS NOT THAT WE'RE MACABRE AND WANT TO PASS THROUGH LIFE QUICKLY - THIS BOOK ENCAPTURES WHERE WE WOULD LIKE TO GO, WHERE WE HAVE NOT THOUGHT OF GOING AND WHERE WE MAY NOT GO. A TREMENDOUS WAY TO ENCOURAGE THOUGHT PROVOKING. THANKS MITCH. ANOTHER STEP IN THE DIRECTION, AFTER MORRIE!

Touches my Heart just thinking about it

Would you consider the audio edition of The Five People You Meet in Heaven to be better than the print version?

Yes - because Mitch reads it and knows what he is reading!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Eddie - because he is so human and so vulnerable!

What about Mitch Alboms performance did you like?

Everything - He creates the characters therefore understands the characters.

Enjoyable

I must have expected a far better story since I loved his other book 'Tuesdays with Morrie',

But I liked his narration, and the book was quite enjoyable, pleasant, and was not boring.

If you do not have high expectations as I did, I am sure you will love this book more than I did.

(Not that I didn't enjoy the five people)

I wouldn't mind listening to it again at a later time.

The Five People

Enjoyable

Stunning

Absolutley stunning, I am not usually into this sort of thing but somebody recommended it and is fantastic. A wonderful story

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Title: The Understudy

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: David Nicholls

Narrator: Tristan Layton

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-22-05

Publisher: HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 80 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Then Stephen stumbles on a secret that puts Josh in his debt. In exchange for Stephen's silence, Josh might let him go on stage. It's a sticky situation, made even stickier by Stephen's special friendship with Josh's wife. Stephen has his first real chance at success, but getting there will involve a certain amount of lying. He's about to discover how good an actor he really is.

Critic Reviews:

"The follow-up to Nicholls' hilarious debut novel, A Question of Attraction, is a smart, funny, big-hearted romantic comedy." (Booklist, starred review)

Contact me for any questions: [email protected]

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Title: Life Support

Subtitle: The Santee Series, Book 1

Author: Robert Whitlow

Narrator: Rob Lamont

Format: Abridged

Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-06-05

Publisher: Oasis Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 57 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

A tragic accident in the Carolina mountains leaves a young man paralyzed and in a coma. Soon a fierce legal battle erupts between the man's wife, who wants to terminate life support, and the young man's father, who wants to keep his son alive at all costs. Caught up in the turmoil is a young female attorney who takes the case and finds out that her client's husband isn't the only person in need of life saving measures.

©2003 Robert Whitlow; (P)2003 Oasis Audio LLC

Critic Reviews:

"Strong themes of Christian love and faith are softly narrated by Rob Lamont, who uses his varied skills to portray the mystery of life." (Audiofile)

Members Reviews:

Good, many faceted plot line

For listening while on a long drive, this was very good and mostly held our listening attention. The only downer was the excessive number of times Reyna (Sp?) repeated the sentiment that 'I'm sure he'd want to die" or such like. Having listened to both parts, I'd like a Part 3 that deals with the aftermath of the climactic events. Robert is such a good writer and having read the book there is too much left out, which is sadly true of his other audio books. Quite why there's a time limit placed on an audio book I really don't know - it's not like there's a constraint on file sizes these days. Would that Audible would reconsider their abridging policy and just read the entirety of Robert's excellent books so we can enjoy them to the full. Recommend getting the book so you can fill in the obvious gaps.

Life Support

I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed the storyline in this book. My expectations aren't that high for Christian novels, so I found this to be refreshing. There was some intrigue. The big downside was that it just ended...it felt like the story wasn't complete.

Suspense with a great Christian Theme

This one kept me on the edge and wanting to continue to listen. It has a great Christian theme with messages of redemption, hope and healing and real examples of how sin leads to sin. Fantastic book!

I love his books...

I love how he is always bring scripture out in his book. also he brings how God is working in people's lifes..

Refreshing and exciting

Unique approach to the theme and fascinating introduction of really marvelous concepts worthy of further reflection. So glad to have discovered this author and thankful to have a great narrator to go with. Wish these were not abridged!!!

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Title: The Florabama Ladies' Auxiliary & Sewing Circle

Author: Lois Battle

Narrator: Cristine McMurdo-Wallis

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 39 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-04-05

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 39 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Battle pens a novel full of conviction, courage, and a colorful cast of quirky, honest characters. Cristine McMurdo-Wallis' narration perfectly portrays the tenderness and strength of these women's friendships.

Critic Reviews:

"Likable characters and a core of compassion and independence." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Not the uplifting book I'd expected

What disappointed you about The Florabama Ladies' Auxiliary & Sewing Circle?

The book just doesn't take off like I'd expected. After listening to many of the Elm Creek Quilting Books, I was expecting something similar. This is an entirely different type of book and just not what I wanted to listen to.

What was most disappointing about Lois Battles story?

It wasn't really based on the characters' shared love of quilting as I'd expected.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

The reader was fine.

You didnt love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

I enjoyed the character, Ruth, and her challenge to become a teacher.

Any additional comments?

I don't think this is a bad book....just not a really good one.

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Title: A Bit on the Side

Author: William Trevor

Narrator: Josephine Bailey, Simon Vance

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-23-05

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 44 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

The waiter who divulges his shocking life of crime to his ex-wife. A woman repeats the story of her parents' unstable marriage after a horrible tragedy. The schoolgirl who regrets gossiping about the cuckolded man who tutors her. A middle-aged couple meet in a theatre bar for a squalid blind date. The disappointed priest who fears an innocent young girl may run away from home. Two self-certain sisters visit a newly widowed local woman. And, in the volume's title story, a middle-age accountant offers his reasons for ending a love affair.

From these slender moments Trevor creates whole lives, conjuring up characters marked by bitterness and loss. William Trevor's graceful prose is a wonder in itself, and as convincing when inhabiting the mind of a school lunchmaid, an adulterous Irish country librarian, or a murderer on the London streets. And as is always the case with William Trevor, venom and tragedy are never far from the still surface of the stories.

At the heart of this stunning collection is Trevor's characteristic tenderness and unflinching eye for both the humanizing and dehumanizing aspects of modern urban and rural life.

Critic Reviews:

"William Trevor really is the best short story writer alive." (Washington Post Book World)

"In these stories, as always in his fiction, Trevor adds to our understanding of human nature." (Booklist)

"The much-lauded Trevor explores the many sources and shadings of regret with his usual delicate but brilliant psychological nuance, brightened occasionally by nostalgia for the lost love that once impelled his characters forward." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Writing of the highest order

I was not familiar with the author before this, and selected the book just because I've heard Trevor referred to as "another Chekhov." This collection of short stories deals with sometimes uncomfortable truths and disillusioned relationships. Yes, the characters are forlorn, but how many of us reach middle-age without a few regrets? I think Trevor knows us all, and so I found the stories compelling.

However, Trevor is a demanding author, and you do need to listen carefully to catch the sometimes subtle time lapses. But he is never less than amazing -- he seems to paint portraits of totally ordinary people who are yet so very memorable. Another reviewer wrote that "ending a short story does not allow us to leave the characters alone." The stories are, in a word, unforgettable.

The narration was excellent as well. Two narrators alternated with the 12 tales, and both were wonderful. I would listen again, on a train ride, or on vacation.

Trevor at his best

Those who have read the great stories of William Trevor in the New Yorker and elsewhere will not be disappointed with this selection. Here is Trevor at his mature best. And, oh yes, you do have to listen carefully. Trevor does not write for lazy readers, and lazy listeners in the audio format will just have to listen over again. But listening a second time is actually recommended for all. There is nothing like great fiction like this to learn what the Irish heart is and how it feels.

Great stories from a true master

If you don't know the work of William Trevor, this is a great place to start. His attention to character and detail are first rate, and his plotting is always subtle, endings that will stay with you long afterward.

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Title: Portuguese Irregular Verbs

Author: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrator: Paul Hecht

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 48 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-07-05

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 169 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Von Igelfeld is the world's leading scholar on Portuguese irregular verbs, having written a majestic, nearly 1,200 page book on the subject. As one review says, "There is nothing more to be said on this subject. Nothing." But in other matters, von Igelfeld is not nearly so skilled. Whether haplessly playing tennis against an equally dreadful opponent, or committing his friends to swordfighting duels without their knowledge, von Igelfeld is somewhat naive in the ways of the world. Yet that does not stop him from having a go at life, and the results are always humorous.

If you enjoy sharp yet subtle wit, you cannot afford to miss Portuguese Irregular Verbs.

Members Reviews:

A Delightful Read

"Portuguese Irregular Verbs" was refreshing and delightfully funny. The main characters--as some have noted--are not very "loveable" at the outset, but then, they're not supposed to be! They are stuffy German intellectuals, and Smith does a remarkable job of charicaturizing these friends without resorting to flat or ugly stereotypes. Long before I finished the book I'd discovered that they each had a good number of redeemable qualities. Additional nationalities' charicatures are provided, from the dramatically friendly and chaotic Irishman and the tragically serious Indian to the single-minded Italian. I laughed outloud every few paragraphs . . . the stodgy and absent-minded, socially inept academics filled me with a desire for a long visit with some of my European friends. The narration is fantastic--probably half the reason the delightfulness of the book came through so well for me. Though so different from the "Ladies Detective Agency" series, "Irregular Verbs" only serves to highlight the author's incredible insight to the admirable and entertaining in the ordinary human character. A wonderful treat.

Perfect match of narrator and content

Alexander McCall Smith's charming, warm, touching little human comedy is perfectly evoked by this narrator. His use of gentle accents and perfect inflection makes me believe it is better to be read to than to read it on my own. At least with this narrator!

quiet and amusing

I liked this very much. It is quiet, amusing (gently so), and fun. There is NO MYSTERY here...just a sweet story about an often bemused (in the good way), German professor. Sweet and pleasant.

So ridiculous it's funny!

Of Alexander McCall Smith's adult series this one took me the longest to appreciate. This author's ability to spotlight a variety of human behaviors is evident in all of his work, but of all of his wonderful characters Professor Doctor Moritz-Maria von Igelfeld is the most outrageous. I admit it took me a while to really appreciate the humor in this series, and in one case, a topic I don't find the least bit funny, was made so ridiculous it crossed the line of unforgivable to hysterical without my even wanting it to.

Great Entertainment

I've yet to read any of McCall Smith's books without being surprised at the depth and originality of the characters. Not to mention such a great sense of humor that I can't help but laugh as I listen, producing strange looks from those around me at the time.

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Title: At the Villa of Reduced Circumstances

Author: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrator: Paul Hecht

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-07-05

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 63 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Von Igelfeld is quite pleased with his role as a visiting scholar at Cambridge, even if his English colleagues can be difficult to comprehend. They frequently speak in metaphors and make peculiar assumptions, saying such odd things as, "I take it your journey went well," when that is not the case at all. But von Igelfeld settles in the best he can, and is soon deeply embroiled in some shady political scheming at the university. After returning to the comfort of his perfectly rational Germany, von Igelfeld is invited to Columbia for a special fellowship. But while there, he gets caught up in some decidedly unscrupulous behavior.

Members Reviews:

Ridiculously Fun

I enjoyed this book as much as any of McCall Smith's others, though it was a bit over the top, even for Professor Doctor Moritz-Maria von Igelfeld. His stuffy self satisfaction and obliviously ethnocentric views somehow blend with an ultimately moral character and occassional display of feeling that leave him in mind as an infernal teddy bear. All of the previous books in this series have been fairly believable as to plot; this one not so much--perhaps it is McCall Smith's token work of Magical Realism? Regardless, I enjoyed the read/listen very much.

Loved this book

I cried I was laughing so hard. You will throughly enjoy this book. I do recommend reading it in order.

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Título: El Penacho de Moctezuma [The Panacho of Moctezuma] (Texto Completo)

Autor: Mario Moya Palencia

Narrador: Francisco Rivela

Formato: Unabridged

Duración: 11 hrs and 4 mins

Idioma: Español

Fecha de publicación: 11-17-04

Editor: Recorded Books

Calificaciones: 4 de 5 de 41 votos

Categorías: Fiction, Contemporary

Resumen del editor:

Un asesinato es perpetrado en la piedra de los sacrificios del Templo Mayor y reivindicado por un misterioso grupo autodenominado "El Penacho de Moctezuma".

Carlos Mantrique, joven criminologo que usa lo mismo la deduccion. A partir del asesinato, poco a poco va develando lo ocurrido en nuestro pais en los ultimos anos: el "golpe de Estado" con el que los tenocratas asaltaron las instituciones politicas y que culmino con el levantamiento armado de Chiapas y el asesinato de Luis Donaldo Colosio, a manos de un supuesto Caballero Aguila.

Obra de ficcion, pero con sorprendentes anclajes en la realidad del pais, esta apasionante novela que combina los generos narrativos (policiaco, politico, t esoterico) recrea las asperas protestas provocadas por diversos grupos indigenas al anunciarse la celebracion internacional del quinto centenario del "descubrimiento" de America, y todo lo que habia detras.

In this intriguing book, a mysterious group known as "El Penacho de Moctezuma" claims responsibility for a terrible murder.

Opiniones de los miembros:

Excelente libro con una magnífica narración.

Excelente, muy bien hecho muy intrigante y muy buen final.. Se los recomiendo amigos de la buena lectura.

Well documented story of mexican culture

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, they can learn about Mexican culture and political rearity

What was one of the most memorable moments of El Penacho de Moctezuma [The Panacho of Moctezuma] (Texto Completo)?

When he finds out who the head of the movement was and his motives to create it.

What about Francisco Rivelas performance did you like?

The way he brings the different caracters into live

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Title: The Right Address

Author: Jill Kargman, Carrie Karasyov

Narrator: Bernadette Dunne

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-18-04

Publisher: Books on Tape

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 90 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

When Melanie Sartomsky, wily Floridian flight attendant, snares billionaire divorcie Arthur "the coffin king" Korn, she is catapulted into the creme de la creme of Park Avenue society, where hiring the wrong decorator is tantamount to social suicide, and where, if you're anyone, your personal assistant has a personal assistant. But Melanie quickly discovers that in the world of the rich and idle, malicious gossip is as de rigeur as owning 20 pairs of Manolo Blahniks. And despite her frenzied plunge into the charity circuit and the right dinner reservations, her neighbors are Givenchy-clad vultures who see her as nothing more than a reinvented trailer trollop. To make matters worse, when a snide society-rag journalist rakes her over the coals, Melanie's reputation is toast.

Meanwhile, Melanie is not the only billionaire in the neighborhood coming unhinged. Kleptomania, adultery, plagiarism, and a grisly Harlem sex murder are just a few of the secrets swirling under the pedigreed patina of furs and emeralds on Park Avenue.

Authors Jill Kargman and Carrie Karasyov know a thing or two about their subject matter. They met at the Upper East Side's chic Spence School and claim that The Right Address is inspired by "the insane socialites we've eavesdropped on our entire lives." Meow.

So kick off your Jimmy Choos, crack open the Veuve Clicquot, and get ready for a rollicking, unforgettable tour of the richer-and-bitchier-than-thou set.

Members Reviews:

Entertaining

This book got some bad reviews, but the audio version is very good. I'd just finished listening to the most boring historical novel and wanted something that flowed and entertained and "The Right Address" was a good choice. I even laughed in a few parts. The narrator was excellent. All of the characters are well rounded--except, unfortunately, for two:a bitchhy gay guy named Jerome and Maria a Mexican mistress, who were both so one dimensional that it distracted me from the joy of the rest of the book. A good listen though. It reminded me of the "Nanny Diaries."

Fun and Light

I greatly enjoyed the book. It is fluff, but fun fluff and definitely kept me interested. Fun "beach read" type book.

kept my attention

This was a funny and interesting book. It's amazing how shallow people can be. I recommend this book especially for women.

I loved it

First of all, I LOVE the narrator. I am a big fan of her's.

She made it a fun listen.

It isn't brain surgery but it really made me laugh my tushie off at times.

I really enjoyed it.

Escape to the Right Address

It's OK. It's an entertaining, light read, but don't expect it to change your life, ask any deep questions or even cause you to think.

It's good if your looking for a little escape.