Download the New Releases Audiobooks in Fiction, Contemporary

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Title: Power Play: A Novel

Author: Danielle Steel

Narrator: Dan John Miller

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 49 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-11-14

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 360 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

In Northern California two successful CEOs are both indispensable to their growing companies' futures. Both are brilliant at the power game. But the difference between them is huge. One is a man, the other a woman. In this riveting novel, Danielle Steel explores what that means as she takes listeners into the rarefied world of those at the pinnacle of international business and reveals the irrevocable choices they make, what drives them, and how others perceive them.

Even though Harvard-educated Fiona Carson has proven herself under fire as CEO of National Technology Advancement, a multibillion-dollar high-tech company based in Palo Alto, California, she still has to meet the challenges of her world every day. Devoted single mother, world-class strategist, and tough negotiator, Fiona weighs every move she makes, and reserves any personal time for her children. Isolation and constant pressure are givens for her as a woman in a man's world.

Miles away in Marin County, Marshall Weston basks in the fruits of his achievements. At his side is his wife, Liz, the perfect corporate spouse, who has gladly sacrificed her own law career to raise their three children and support Marshall at every step. Smooth, shrewd, and irreproachable, Marshall is a model chief executive, and the power he wields only enhances his charisma and is his drug of choice. And to maintain his position, he harbors secrets that could destroy his life at any moment.

Like many women in her position, Fiona has sacrificed her personal life for her career, while Marshall dances dangerously close to the edge and flirts with scandal every day.

Danielle Steel's gripping, emotionally layered novel explores the seductive and damaging nature of power. Success and greed, trust and deception, love and loss - all come to a head in this compelling drama of family, careers, infidelity, and the sacrifices some people make to hold on to poweror to let it go.

Members Reviews:

The females'voices are ridiculous

Would you consider the audio edition of Power Play to be better than the print version?

no, not at all

Would you be willing to try another one of Dan John Millers performances?

no, never

Any additional comments?

It's such a pity that the narrator is changing his voice that ridiculously high for women.

Predictably enjoyable...

There are those - including myself - who have issues with Ms. Steel's writing. It can be redundant and predictable. Why then, have I read nearly everything she's written? Characters and story. In POWER PLAY, Danielle Steel does what she does best: She's created characters that we care about and/or are curious about from page one. Then, she takes us on an adventure - this time in the corporate world. As I listened, I realized how accurate her hypotheses were about powerful men versus powerful women. And when I drove down the road listening, agog, at the male protagonist's actions, I had to admit they reflected the equally astonishing actions of real-life persons in power. And, yes, there's romance here as well - and it's lovely. POWER PLAY is well written and well-read. If you're a Danielle Steel fan, you will absolutely enjoy it.

Story ok, narration awful!

Male narrator did lousy female voices.

Story was bland. Not worth the money.

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Title: Boy, Snow, Bird

Author: Helen Oyeyemi

Narrator: Susan Bennett, Carra Patterson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 19 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-06-14

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 466 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

In the winter of 1953, Boy Novak arrives by chance in a small town in Massachusetts, looking, she believes, for beauty - the opposite of the life she' s left behind in New York. She marries a local widower and becomes stepmother to his winsome daughter, Snow Whitman. A wicked stepmother is a creature Boy never imagined she' d become, but elements of the familiar tale of aesthetic obsession begin to play themselves out when the birth of Boy' s daughter, Bird, who is dark-skinned, exposes the Whitmans as light-skinned African Americans passing for white. Among them, Boy, Snow, and Bird confront the tyranny of the mirror to ask how much power surfaces really hold.

Dazzlingly inventive and powerfully moving, Boy, Snow, Bird is an astonishing and enchanting novel. With breathtaking feats of imagination, Helen Oyeyemi confirms her place as one of the most original and dynamic literary voices of our time.

Members Reviews:

For Literary Lovers

Would you consider the audio edition of Boy, Snow, Bird to be better than the print version?

I can only guess that the audio version is more entertaining than the print due to the quality of voice performance versus silently reading.

What did you like best about this story?

The parallels to Snow White and the subtlety of language.

What about Susan Bennett and Carra Patterson s performance did you like?

I loved the New York accents!

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

There were some parts that I laughed out loud at, yes.

Any additional comments?

I loved that Boy's father was named The Ratcatcher. It was a fun book to read, but there are so many things to appreciate about the literature and craft of writing that it was not just pleasure reading.

Read the book, skip the audio version

My recommendation would be to read this book by the page as opposed to an audiobook. I had a hard time following the story once it branched off in the middle section in interactions between Bird and Snow. Overall, I believe the theme is that family secrets are dangerous and can destroy healthy relationships but I wish the author had gotten to the point sooner because I felt the story just dragged on and on.

Wow!

Very imaginative of the author to envision the back story of a "wicked" stepmother. It is hard to review this book without giving away the plot, so suffice it to say this was a very interesting story. The characters were well developed and the plot fairly well paced. And there were several plot twists that induced a little jaw dropping.

I enjoyed the book so much I read reviews and interviews with the author which all made me want to read more by her. I highly recommend this book.

Loses steam in the Middle.

Would you listen to Boy, Snow, Bird again? Why?

I would certainly listen again to see if I missed any clues.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Boy, Snow, Bird?

The end of part I. I didn't see that coming.

What aspect of Susan Bennett and Carra Patterson s performance would you have changed?

Whomever assumed the voice of Bird - I couldn't tell if she was attempting to portray a small child, a teenager, or an adult. Maybe that's partly due to the rather weak (relatively speaking) writing during this section, but the performance was rather weak.

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

No extreme reactions.

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Title: Perfect

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Rachel Joyce

Narrator: Paul Rhys

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 18 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-14-14

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 306 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

A spellbinding novel that will resonate with readers of Mark Haddon, Louise Erdrich, and John Irving, Perfect tells the story of a young boy who is thrown into the murky, difficult realities of the adult world with far-reaching consequences.

Byron Hemmings wakes to a morning that looks like any other: his school uniform draped over his wooden desk chair, his sister arguing over the breakfast cereal, the click of his mother's heels as she crosses the kitchen. But when the three of them leave home, driving into a dense summer fog, the morning takes an unmistakable turn. In one terrible moment, something happens, something completely unexpected and at odds with life as Byron understands it.

While his mother seems not to have noticed, eleven-year-old Byron understands that from now on nothing can be the same. What happened and who is to blame? Over the days and weeks that follow, Byron's perfect world is shattered. Unable to trust his parents, he confides in his best friend, James, and together they concoct a plan...

As she did in her debut, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Rachel Joyce has imagined bewitching characters who find their ordinary lives unexpectedly thrown into chaos, who learn that there are times when children must become parents to their parents, and who discover that in confronting the hard truths about their pasts, they will forge unexpected relationships that have profound and surprising impacts. Brimming with love, forgiveness, and redemption, Perfect will cement Rachel Joyce's reputation as one of fiction's brightest talents.

Members Reviews:

Touching and Fragile - Once Untangled.

Having loved Rachel Joyce's original novel "The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry", I dove into "Perfect" as soon as it was released. After a decent amount of time listening to the story, I had to admit to myself that I wasn't following the narrative at all - so I started over, right back at the beginning. After several more false starts, I decided to go online and find some reviews; was it just me that was confused? Luckily, there was a review on Amazon from a reader with an early release copy of the book, who mentioned that the chapters of the book alternate between the story of the two boys in 1972 (beginning with both the book's preface "The Addition of Time" and the first chapter "Something Terrible") and the story that takes place in our current year - a story of a man nearing 60,(beginning with Chapter Two, entitled "Jim"). From that point on, the chapters switch regularly, with each narrative getting every other chapter.

With that piece of crucial information, I began the book once again; and from that point on, I was entranced. Much like the author's first book, the story is both beautiful and sad; focusing on the cause and effect that relationships, actions, and experiences in our past have on our future lives.

I found this story very touching and honest. Sharing any more about the plot would be a disservice, so I'll leave it at that.

If you enjoyed "The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry", I believe you'll enjoy this new tale; a very different story, but treated with the same respect and compassion by it's author.

Oh Wow!

A heads up: it took me a long time to get in to this book. If youre in need of a quick fiction fix, this might not be the place to start.

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Title: Forever Black

Author: Sandi Lynn

Narrator: David Benjamin Bliss, Felicity Munroe

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 24 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-10-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 999 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

When Ellery moved to New York with her boyfriend, she thought theyd live happily ever after in their small New York apartment. She never thought hed pack his bags and leave because he needed space.

With her newfound single status and fear of being alone, Ellery buries herself in her artwork and paintings until one night she helps a mysterious intoxicated stranger get home safely. Little did she know the mysterious stranger is none other than CEO and millionaire Connor Black. After finding Ellery in his kitchen the next morning and assuming she broke his #1 rule about sleepovers, he becomes intrigued, not only by her stubbornness and defiance, but by her kindness.

Connor Black, emotionally dead and damaged, stemming from a personal tragedy, made a vow to never love or fall in love with a woman, until Ellery Lane walked into his life by accident. After she opens up and shows him her world, Connor starts to feel emotions and feelings he never knew existed. Despite the rumors and warnings regarding Connor Black and his use and misuse of women, Ellery finds herself being drawn into his world.

Ellery knows they can never be together because she is harboring a deep secret that could destroy Connor emotionally forever. Join Connor and Ellery as they embark on a journey of courage, love and strength. Will it be enough to save them?

Members Reviews:

Not a favorite

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The story was weird. The main character "El" plays games and somehow Connor manages to fall in love despite their instant arguing and fighting. A stronger more believable storyline where the female character has some sense and the make character responds like a real man would respond not something this unbelievable.

What was most disappointing about Sandi Lynns story?

The female character was weak and needy.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Felicity Munroe and David Benjamin Bliss ?

Sure

Was Forever Black worth the listening time?

Not unless you have nothing else to do

So, so, so bad

What would have made Forever Black better?

This story had potential. The first 1/3 of the book would have been okay if the grammar and sentence structure issues weren't so distracting. Once the couple finally decided they loved each other, it just got ridiculous. They loved each other! They had a fight and broke up over something stupid! Wait, now they're back together! Whoops, another breakup! Someone was always storming out and swearing they were over. And don't even get me started on all the throwing of cell phones, vases, glasses -- the heroine was always shattering something and having to pick up the pieces, at which point the hero would swoop in out of nowhere (even if he had previously stormed out and slammed the door) and tell her not to pick that up because she was going to cut herself. After the breakups, they suddenly got back together without even discussing what caused the breakup to begin with.SPOILER ALERT:The cancer thing could have been a really interesting/challenging conflict in the book, but instead it's completely unrealistic.

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Title: The Rebels

Subtitle: The Kent Family Chronicles, Book 2

Author: John Jakes

Narrator: Marc Vietor

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 46 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-05-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 486 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

A patriot soldier in the ragtag Continental army, Philip Kent defies the rule of the British crown, fighting for the future of his adopted American homeland and the future of his wife and newborn son. And when Philip's heroism draws the attention of General George Washington, he is sent on an overwhelmingly risky mission vital to the success of the Revolution. But no sacrifice is too great for freedom.

Members Reviews:

A little disappointing

What did you like best about The Rebels? What did you like least?

A riveting piece of historical literature.

A story about a useless, good for nothing drunk, which drove me nuts.

Anne's story shocked me and made me sad.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Talk more about the historical significance of the war and how it affected society as a whole instead of just a few people.

Have you listened to any of Marc Vietors other performances before? How does this one compare?

The same high performance as the last time I listened to him.

Do you think The Rebels needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No I think author struggled with the material as it is.

Any additional comments?

About 65% of the book focussed on the daily nightmare that was life of a common drunk and how he tortured himself and the people around him, I got really fed up with the whole thing- I hope the next book is better.

Regret and hopelessness

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

The series is largely dark, with disappointment, failure and character weaknesses. The series is not uplifting and the many that enter the timeline breed hopelessness. The worst tragedies possible happen on a frequent scale that leaves one frustrated. When the listener just starts so admire a character, the story line trashes them into bleak shamefulness.

Has The Rebels turned you off from other books in this genre?

The historical context is good.

What about Marc Vietors performance did you like?

Very good.

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

Not much.

Compelled to express strong contrary opinion!

What disappointed you about The Rebels?

I've never submitted a review before - I admit that I'm a bit selfish in that I like to read them, but don't take the time to share with others. But I just had to take the time after listening to The Rebels. I loved John Jakes' North and South trilogy. And I had been so disappointed when I couldn't find more John Jakes on Audible, that I sent a request for Audible to sell the other John Jakes books (many of which were a part of long series -wonderful when you find an author whose books captivate you the way North and South captivated me). Then it was time to move on.

I found some other terrific historical fiction authors and books. Then, as I was exploring the genre for my next listen and John Jakes' Kent Chronicles popped up as a recommendation for me, I couldn't wait to start Book 1! Unfortunately, I found I wasn't as intrigued as I'd hoped to be. Even so, I convinced myself to try again with Book 2... Maybe my anticipations had set my expectations too high? But with only 45 minutes to go, it's become painfully obvious that my opinion is not going to change.

So now I'm back on Audible looking for my next book. And again, the Kent Chronicles pop up as a recommendation for me.

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Title: The Furies

Subtitle: The Kent Family Chronicles, 4

Author: John Jakes

Narrator: Marc Vietor

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-05-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 293 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

The Kents' saga expands as its first heroine takes center stage in the relentless struggle to build the family dynasty opening twenty-two years after the events of The Seekers, John Jakes's fourth Kent Family novel spans the blood-soaked era of America's relentless expansion into the West. Amanda Kent, daughter of Gilbert Kent and Harriet Lebow, is one of the few women to escape the massacre at the Battle of the Alamo. Uncommonly brazen and focused, Amanda seeks to make a new life for herself by restoring the Kent family name. Her efforts to build a dynasty take her to northern California, just in time for the Gold Rush. Her passion and determination during these frenzied years make The Furies an exhilarating listen.

Members Reviews:

Good for history buffs!

I like the series in general, and this primary character in particular. This is a great author for history buffs.

Amanda Kent

What did you love best about The Furies?

BOOK: (Amazon Summary) The Kents saga expands as its first heroine takes center stage in the relentless struggle to build the family dynasty

Opening twenty-two years after the events of The Seekers, John Jakess fourth Kent Family novel spans the blood-soaked era of Americas relentless expansion into the West. Amanda Kent, daughter of Gilbert Kent and Harriet Lebow, is one of the few women to escape the massacre at the Battle of the Alamo. Uncommonly brazen and focused, Amanda seeks to make a new life for herself by restoring the Kent family name. Her efforts to build a dynasty take her to northern California, just in time for the Gold Rush.

NARRATION: Marc Vietor narrates the entire series which is a plus. I like the consistency of hearing the same voice throughout the story line. The voices are well done, female and male are easily distinguishable.

The Furies

Any additional comments?

These comments address The Kent Family Chronicles, the entire series of eight books, in audiobook format. All books are narrated by Marc Vietor. The entire series is approximately 125 hours of listening. Shortest book is 15.5 hours, longest over 26 hours. Vietor does a good job with narration, although the uniqueness of male voices is problematic. Most significant, youll have little difficulty determining who-says-what-to-who. Tempo and pacing fine, albeit the narration is a bit slow for my taste, bumped it to 1.25.

The entire series is a broad spectrum history of the United States from just pre-Revolutionary War through the 1890s and a chronicle of the Kent family through this time. Beginning with Phillip through the generations to the children of Gideon, a great-great-grandson. Members of the clan fight in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, are at the Alamo, the California Gold Rush, the Great Chicago Fire, the Johnstown Flood, and much more. The author skillfully intersperses vignettes of imagined and factual history. For example, two of the fictional characters of the series are sheltered for a few days at the home of the Lincolns in rural Kentucky - a baby is part of the family, young Abraham. One of the fictional characters is counseled by Benjamin Franklin. Fiction, Phillips childhood friend is Marquis deLafayette, non-fiction: deLafayettes role in United States and French military. The series is rife with this type of paradigm, but it is not difficult to determine what is true and what is fiction.

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Title: Beauty from Surrender

Author: Georgia Cates

Narrator: Robert Black, Bunny Warren

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-05-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 607 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

How do you move on when hes every song you sing?

After Laurelyn Prescott walks away from the love of her life, she returns to Nashville to pursue the only dream she has left. Determined to find a distraction from the pain of losing Jack Henry, she immerses herself in her music. But with her old life comes old acquaintances and new expectations. When Laurelyn refuses her record producer's outrageous demands, she finds herself without a career - until an unforeseen opportunity presents itself. From there it's a rocket ride straight to the top where Laurelyn finds the success she's always dreamed of. Will it be enough to bring her the happiness she so deserves, or will the absence of Jack Henry leave her wanting more?

Jack Henry McLachlan never expected to fall in love with Laurelyn Prescott - but he did. After he foolishly let her slip through his fingers, he spends three months searching for her, but their reunion doesn't come easy. The woman he finds isn't the same one who drifted away without a goodbye. No longer an insecure girl on an Australian adventure, this Laurelyn is a successful musician with a promising career. Her dreams are becoming a reality, and Jack is terrified his American girl wont have a place for him in her new life. With only a month to convince her otherwise, will it be enough time to make her visualize a life beyond the glitz and glamor, a life that includes him?

Members Reviews:

Such a Seductive, emotional and romantic story.

Any additional comments?

"How do you move on when hes every song you sing"

First of all you must read the first book in the series - Beauty from Pain - this is not a stand alone book. I'm not sure if it is rare that a sequel is better than the first, but I thought this one was. I loved every part of this story. It was a nice mixture of both of their perspectives, humor, drama, and steamy Hot Romance. I very much enjoyed the double narration by Robert Black and Bunny Warren. This book, unlike the first, did not have a cliffhanger ending so fingers crossed there is the possibility of more to come and that would make me a very happy reader.

good the second time around

The second installment in the beauty from pain series was just as good as the first. This book could have been much better if not for the poor narration by the male reader. His accent was bad and he just sounded like he was trying too hard. That was the only down side to a very good series. I hope they find a new narrator for the next installment in the series.

Excellent Sequel/Ending to a Great Romantic Story!

The "Love Story" aspect of the book was great; however, Robert Black's portrayal of Laurelyn's voice was awful. Again, it sounds nasally. The emotional rollercoaster that the two lead characters go through is truly touching.

I truly recommend this book. I do suggest reading "Beauty from Pain" first to get the entire experience.

Great Love Story

If you could sum up Beauty from Surrender in three words, what would they be?

Fantastic, sweet and loving

What did you like best about this story?

The pain and love of decision

How could the performance have been better?

Robert Black's accent as an Aussie is great. However, his voice of Laurenlyn was horrible. They should have had Bunny do Laurenlyn as herself.

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Title: The Goldfinch

Author: Donna Tartt

Narrator: David Pittu

Format: Unabridged

Length: 32 hrs and 30 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-22-13

Publisher: Hachette Audio UK

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 393 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize For Fiction 2014

Longlisted Baileys Womens Prize 2014

Audie Award Finalist, Literary Fiction, 2013

Aged 13, Theo Decker, son of a devoted mother and a reckless, largely absent father, survives an accident that otherwise tears his life apart. Alone and rudderless in New York, he is taken in by the family of a wealthy friend. He is tormented by an unbearable longing for his mother, and down the years clings to one thing that reminds him of her: a small, strangely captivating painting that ultimately draws him into the criminal underworld.

As he grows up, Theo learns to glide between the drawing rooms of the rich and the dusty antiques store where he works. He is alienated and in love - and his talisman, the painting, places him at the centre of a narrowing, ever more dangerous circle.

The Goldfinch is a haunted odyssey through present-day America and a drama of enthralling power. Combining unforgettably vivid characters and thrilling suspense, it is a beautiful, addictive triumph - a sweeping story of loss and obsession, of survival and self-invention, of the deepest mysteries of love, identity and fate.

Members Reviews:

Such an exquisite story, I didn't want it to end

David Pittu is brilliant in evoking all the different characters, and just like the painting the book has been named after, this book will remain a masterpiece to be savoured into the future.

The Goldfinch

I found this book annoying on several levels. We are told of a disaster looming in Theo's life early in the book but the time taken to get to the deails of the event nearly drove me crazy. I found the narrators monotone voice nearly put me to sleep, especially bad as I was on a long drive. Finally I find books about people on a path of self destruction very irrating and the insights I got into drug induced minds wasn't for me.

This book is not for me.

Would you try another book from Donna Tartt and/or David Pittu?

No for Donna Tartt and yes for David Pittu. He is a great narrator.

Would you ever listen to anything by Donna Tartt again?

No

Which character as performed by David Pittu was your favorite?

The Russian

Do you think The Goldfinch needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No, The Story could have been told with half the words. There was way too much description (poetry does it better) and the characters aren't that interesting.

Any additional comments?

Donna Tartt has an audience and some people clearly love the book but it didn't engage me. I lost interest in the story and the characters. That doesn't mean it is poorly written. There is gold in the ore but you have to work to find it.

Maaan, it's good!

The Goldfinch. Wow! What can I say. In the words of our Australian music guru, Molly Meldrum, I will say, guys, we have a hit on our hands. Yep, I believe this book has got to be a best seller, long term a breaker of records. Man, it's good! Plus, the narration is brilliant.

Beautifully written

This is a delightfully crafted tale about choices and their consequences. The simple decision to talk to a friend while he smoked a cigarette on school grounds results in a life altering event for Theo Decker. All subsequent decisions set the stage for less than savoury entanglements.

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Title: We Are Water

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Wally Lamb

Narrator: Wally Lamb, George Guidall, Maggi-Meg Reed, Tavia Gilbert, Richard Ferrone, Edoardo Ballerini, Cynthia Darlow, Therese Plummer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 23 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-22-13

Publisher: HarperAudio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1961 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

We Are Water is a disquieting and ultimately uplifting audiobook about a marriage, a family, and human resilience in the face of tragedy, from Wally Lamb, the New York Times best-selling author of The Hour I First Believed and I Know This Much is True.

After 27 years of marriage and three children, Anna Oh - wife, mother, outsider artist - has fallen in love with Viveca, the wealthy Manhattan art dealer who orchestrated her success. They plan to wed in the Oh family's hometown of Three Rivers in Connecticut. But the wedding provokes some very mixed reactions and opens a Pandora's Box of toxic secrets - dark and painful truths that have festered below the surface of the Ohs' lives.

We Are Water is a layered portrait of marriage, family, and the inexorable need for understanding and connection, told in the alternating voices of the Ohs: nonconformist, Anna; her ex-husband, Orion, a psychologist; Ariane, the do-gooder daughter, and her twin, Andrew, the rebellious only son; and free-spirited Marissa, the youngest. It is also a portrait of modern America, exploring issues of class, changing social mores, the legacy of racial violence, and the nature of creativity and art.

With humor and compassion, Wally Lamb brilliantly captures the essence of human experience and the ways in which we search for love and meaning in our lives.

The complete list of narrators includes Robin Miles and Sandy Rustin.

Members Reviews:

Wally Lamb at his Finest.. Again

I've always loved Wally Lamb. Ever since 'She's Come Undone' and the story of Delores and her struggle with her family and weight, and then the amazing store 'I Know This Much is True,' I've been hooked on his writing/story telling style. While I sort of thought 'The Hour I First Believed' was a little discombobulated, I pre-ordered 'We Are Water' and looked very much forward to the day of it's release. I listened to the novel, told by several points of view, in a day and a half. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next, and I absolutely loved it and especially loved the narration by Lamb himself.

Voraciously, I ate up 'We Are Water,' and now I am disappointed that it's over and I have to wait years for Lamb to write another book! The story tells the tale of the Oh family. Patriarch Orien Oh and his wife Anna have raised three children, a set of twins and a younger daughter. After over twenty-five years of marriage Anna decides to leave Orien and marry Viveca, her female lover, and very rich art dealer who has made Anna a success. The book centres around the reactions of the Oh family to Anna making such a shocking decision.

As with any family, there are a lot of 'Oh' skeletons in their closet. Orien's father really never had anything to do with him. The twins are in a state of constant disarray, one wanting to be artificially inseminated at a young age, and the other turning to God and Jesus to reinforce his feelings about his mother's sexuality. The youngest is struggling to become an actress and Anna herself has had a tortured past. Anna tells her deepest secrets to the listener, like we are her best friend.

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Title: Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy

Author: Helen Fielding

Narrator: Samantha Bond

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 23 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-15-13

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 700 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Bridget Jones, the iconic character who sold 15 million books worldwide, inspired a major motion picture franchise, and became beloved as a Chardonnay-swilling everywoman, is back in this hotly anticipated third installment.

Set in contemporary London, the new novel brings us Bridget in a new phase of life.

Members Reviews:

Another disappointing sequel.

Any additional comments?

Llke so many other wildly popular series, Bridget Jones should have quit while she was ahead and let us remember her as a relatable singleton. Bridget Jones as a widow is almost too painful to contemplate and beyond awkward. Hard not to imagine the actors in the movies, as if often the case with best sellers turned Major Motion Picture. But I really wish they would have left this one alone ... sort of sad to end it on such a weak note.

Love this book for exactly what it is

Set your expectations and settle in for a great, light, funny, endearing story. This is the third book in the Bridget Jones series, and, well, that's exactly what it is.

Bridget Jones is back, now in her early 50's, single, with two children. She's still struggling with her weight, her career, and how she perceives that the rest of the world clicks along smoothly while she struggles with staying organized, being a good mom, and navigating the modern dating scene.

This story is really funny, I laughed out loud dozens of times. The Jones character is endearing, I would want to be friends with her, she's very, very likable. I found myself really rooting for Jones and wanting to audibly "boooooo" characters that she met that weren't nice to her or didn't appreciate her quirkiness.

Are there flaws? Absolutely. A lot of the same tricks, themes, phrases, and cheap laughs from the first two books are back, so there isn't much originality. The climax of the book towards the end is badly written and entirely unbelievable. Also, the beginning of the book starts out in the middle of the story, then goes back in time a few months to catch you up and move forward--that transition was very clunky and I was confused for a few minutes before I figured it out. But this isn't the sequel to The Great Gatsby, it's Bridget Jones. If you loved the other Bridget Jones, and your expectations are that it's just as silly and flawed as those, then you'll love this one too.

The narrator was good, I really liked her voice for men, and her gasps and groans through Jones' follies added a lot to the story.

Tolerable ... at best

What disappointed you about Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy?

Ugh! How old is Bridget? Twenty? More like sixteen? I'm sorry, but her character as a 50 yo widow is simply ridiculous. Ugh! I adored Bridget as a scattered singleton, but as a widow w/even less sense than she had in her twenties, it's difficult spending time with her.

What could Helen Fielding have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

I wish Fielding hadn't kept Bridget as a scattered singleton. Her character was implausible as a 50 yo widow. She's childish and ridiculous. Sorry, Helen.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Considering what she had to work with, I think she did a splendid job.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

I was elated when I heard that there was another addition to the Bridget series.