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Title: In This Mountain

Author: Jan Karon

Narrator: John McDonough

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 33 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-06-05

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 620 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

In the little town that's home-away-from-home to millions of readers, life hums along as usual. Dooley looks toward his career as a vet; Joe Ivey and Fancy Skinner fight a haircut price war that takes no prisoners; and Percy steps out on a limb with a risky new menu item at the Main Street Grill.

Though Father Tim dislikes change, he dislikes retirement even more. As he and Cynthia gear up for a year-long ministry across the state line, a series of events sends shock waves through his faith, and the whole town of Mitford.

In her seventh novel in the best-selling Mitford Years series, Jan Karon delivers surprises of every kind, including the return of the man in the attic and an ending that no one in Mitford will ever forget.

Critic Reviews:

"Homespun dialogue, fresh and lively descriptions, laugh-out-loud moments and poignant scenes mark the heartfelt book." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Another beauty from Jan Karon

Any additional comments?

What a charming pleasure to listen to. I feel sorry to have such a positive and quirky series drawing to a close. Well written, engaging and beautifully read.

Top Of The List

I love the Mitford series by Jan Karon, it's a sweet Christian series that makes you feel good(Although the many characters are Christians, they are not portrayed as perfect--they have all of our common foibles which are funny and very recognizable). The narrator, John McDonough does an absolutely perfect job. I have enjoyed all of the books in the series. I have read about half of them and listened to half. This is one of those books that is preferred as an audible book. This is my first review and I couldn't reccommend a series more highly. I can't wait until Audible has them all! it's the kind of book (series) you can listen to and enjoy over and over.

Technical difficulties

Always fun visiting Father Tim and Mitford. This audiobook seemed to have some bad edits in the production or I had a bad download. There seemed to be abrupt endings to chapters or sections with immediate jumps into the next section. Confusing sometimes and I felt like I missed a tiny bit of the story. All that aside or shall I say "with everything, give thanks," it is still a great story and John McDonald, narrator, is perfect for the Mitford series.

issues with skipping sentences and skipping ahead

it seemed to skip and jump sometimes missing parts of sentences. jumping to the next chapter mid sentence at the end of chapters

Lovely as ever.

Thoroughly enjoyed this Mitford saga. As other listeners gave mentioned, the quality of the recording wavers at times and some transitions are clipped. Despite these defects John McDonough's inimitable tones shine through.

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Title: A Fine Balance

Author: Rohinton Mistry

Narrator: John Lee

Format: Unabridged

Length: 24 hrs and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-05-04

Publisher: Books on Tape

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1046 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

In the India of the mid-1970s, Indira Gandhi's government has just come to power. It institutionalizes corruption and arbitrary force, most oppressive to the poorest and weakest people under its sway. Against this backdrop, in an unnamed city by the sea, four people struggle to survive. Dina, Maneck, and two tailors, the Untouchables Om and Ishvar, who are sewing in Dina's service, undergo a series of reversals, punctuated only by small mocking advances, that start them on a trajectory towards unhappiness and despair. Yet, in choosing what they will do, they exhibit a basic dignity and humanity that belies their mistreatment as part of the underclass. By merely surviving until their load becomes unbearable, and then living on past that point, they have accomplished something.

©1995 Rohinton Mistry; (P)2001 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic Reviews:

"Mistry...needs no infusion of magic realism to vivify the real. The real world, through his eyes, is magical." (The New York Times)

Members Reviews:

Praise for the Narrator as much as the Writer

So many reviewers have said that the book is slow to grab the listener's ear, and I agree, as far as content is concerned. But, John Lee's rendering of the voices and the narrative is superb, and that kept me going. Also, I was extremely drawn to the subject of caste and class in 20th Century India, so I stuck it out through the first third of the book.

Indeed, the stories are extremely saddening (and sometimes quite revolting, so beware if your stomach is as sensitive as mine), which makes the book difficult to digest a lot of the time. Yet, I never had the sense that anything in it was less than believable.

Poverty is often inconceivably harsh, which is why a book like this is so important for readers born and reared in the USA to read/hear. One thing I found myself doing throughout my "listen" was reminding myself of what life was like here, in the same time periods that Mistry's characters were living through, which added to the experience for me.

I can't say I "enjoyed" the book, but I have to say I could NOT stop listening until I got to the end--even though I literally cried for the last 3 hours of it. That is how compelling the writing and the reader of this book were.

Great reader makes a good book better on Audible

John Lee's reading of this novel is magnificent! The book is heavy in dialogue and he gives a unique voice to each speaker. There is a musical lilt to the English spoken by the characters and Mr. Lee seems to be spot on with his reading.

The novel itself is a Dickensian struggle against societal injustice. Along the way one learns much aboutIndia in the second half of the 20th Century. The caste system, religious conflict and the tyrannical regime of Indira Gandhi are just some of the subjects woven into the story. One word of warning--don't expect a warm fuzzy ending. Mr Mistry is relentlessly realistic.

Nearly a perfect book

This book is absolutely wonderful. Rohinton Mistry is a writer who's talent is so masterful that you barely notice his presence. He simply relates the story, clearly, honestly, with delicacy and brutality. In my opinion, perfect.

Others compare him to Dickens, and yes I do see why. But there is a difference as well. Mr. Mistry does indeed have his own style of grace.

Do not expect everyone in this story to live happily ever after.

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Title: Like Water for Chocolate

Author: Laura Esquivel

Narrator: Kate Reading

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 56 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-23-04

Publisher: Books on Tape

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 402 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Tita is the youngest daughter of Mama Elena, the tyrannical owner of the De la Garza ranch. As the youngest, she is expected to remain single and stay at home to care for her mother. So when Tita falls in love, Mama Elena arranges for Tita's older sister to marry Tita's young man.

As punishment, Tita is forced to bake the wedding cake. The bitter tears Tita weeps while stirring the batter provoke a remarkable reaction among the guests who eat the cake. It's apparent then that Tita's culinary talents are unique.

Critic Reviews:

"A tall-tale, fairy-tale, soap-opera romance, Mexican cookbook, and home-remedy handbook all rolled into one, Like Water For Chocolate is one tasty entree from first-time novelist Laura Esquivel." (San Francisco Chronicle)

Members Reviews:

Incredible book. Disappointing narration

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I was very disappointed with the narration. It was bland, monotone and the narrator's accent when pronouncing certain words were like nails on a chalkboard. It would have been much better to get someone who is equally fluent in English and Spanish. But even more disappointing was the monotone reading. The story is so passionate, so full of life.... The narration was bland and tasteless (pun intended).

What was one of the most memorable moments of Like Water for Chocolate?

The ending. Such a fantastic end. And the descriptions of the food - so rich and real. The author has an incredible way with words

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Kate Reading?

I'm not sure... Someone, however, who is fully fluent in both English and Spanish. While the narrator may have a good command of Spanish, her very bad pronunciation of certain words was jarring and distracting. Would have also liked to see an actress. Not sure what the current narrator's background is, but there is little to no emotion in her voice, which leads me to think that she is not an actress.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

It is already and yes, I would. It's a fantastic movie, actually.

Any additional comments?

Awesome story. Beautifully written. Would have liked to find an Audible version available in Spanish, however.

A delicious story

This story will evoke hunger, anger, giggles, frustration, sadness and joy. The food in the story is so well described that you can almost smell and taste it.

The character development is excellent.

I was a little disapponted in the conclusion -- but the story was so enjoyable that I purchased the video.

Like Water For Chocolate is worth the time, the audio credit and or the cash.

Imaginative & Soothing

Having to read this for a class for school, I found the audio form as an imaginative and soothing alternative. The narrator's voice electrifies the story and adds a cultural spice to the listening experience. Overall, a great listen! The recipes made my mouth water!

Lost in translation.

Overall, this is one of my favorite books of all time. I listen to it, in Spanish, every year. While, in general, I enjoy Kate Reading's performances, I feel that much of the emotion is lost in the translation of the book, and therefore the performance lacks the passion it should have. Still very worth the read before you watch the sub-titled movie.

Incredible story, worst narrator

This is one of my all time favourite books, I've read it three times and have enjoyed it thoroughly each time.

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Title: The Taking

Author: Dean Koontz

Narrator: Ari Meyers

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-24-04

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 852 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

As hours pass and the rain continues to fall, Molly and Neil listen to disturbing news of extreme weather phenomena across the globe. Before evening, their little town loses television and radio reception. Then telephone and the Internet are gone. With the ceaseless rain now comes an obscuring fog that transforms the once-friendly village into a ghostly labyrinth. By nightfall the Sloans have gathered with some of their neighbors to deal with community damage...but also because they feel the need to band together against some unknown threat, some enemy they cannot identify or even imagine.

In the night, strange noises arise, and at a distance, in the rain and the mist, mysterious lights are seen drifting among the trees. The rain diminishes with the dawn, but a moody gray-purple twilight prevails. Soon Molly, Neil, and their small band of friends will be forced to draw on reserves of strength, courage, and humanity they never knew they had. For within the misty gloom they will encounter something that reveals in a terrifying instant what is happening to their world, something that is hunting them with ruthless efficiency.

Epic in scope, searingly intimate, and immediate in perspective, The Taking is an adventure story like no other, a relentless roller-coaster that brings apocalypse to Main Street and showcases the talents of one of our most original and mesmerizing novelists at the pinnacle of his powers.

Members Reviews:

The book may be good, but how can we tell?

I am only 3 hours into this book. I just cannot understand HOW whoever is in charge of selecting narrators thought the reader of this one was suitable for a best-selling author like Koontz. Like almost everyone else who gave a review, I feel this reader has no place narrating. Her voice is flat, no inflections, no pauses. Kind of like if Rosie the Robot were reading. When she tries to read male quotes, she sounds like she is gargling. It is very hard to get into the book when you are wincing at the narrator's bad reading.

Wait, I know! Maybe they are trying to force people to buy the hard cover book! That's the only reason I can think of to have a bad reader narrating a best selling novel.

Dean Koontz 4 stars, narrator zero stars.

And the point was...?

I have loved Dean Koontz for many years. Even in recent years, when others have complained that his stories are too rambling and less exciting, I have still enjoyed his work. This is the first book he has written that I was completely disappointed with.

I get the distinct feeling that this book was seriously rushed. There is very little character motivation, and the only character that isn't completely two-dimensional is the main character, Molly. Her husband Neil might as well have been a potted plant with a shotgun. And maybe it's just me, and the fact that I've read all his books, but the "twists" were not only highly predictable, but also depressingly lame.

As far as theme, he could not have shoved it down the reader's throat any more forcefully. It became highly annoying, and the book would have greatly benefited from a far more subtle approach.

Nothing in the book makes any sort of sense at all because the main character keeps taking up these false explanations (which are far too simplistic), and so you must wait until the final chapter to figure out what at least some of it meant.

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Title: Tears of the Giraffe

Subtitle: More from the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

Author: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrator: Lisette Lecat

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 54 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-21-03

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1553 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Now engaged to Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, Mma Ramotswe must contend with the hostility of her fianci's unscrupulous maid, who quickly begins plotting the disintegration of the arrangement. Then an American woman asks for help to learn the truth behind her son's disappearance in Africa, and Mma Ramotswe has all the troubles she can handle.

Part detective story, part comedy of manners and part African travelogue, Tears of the Giraffe is an indisputable joy.

Critic Reviews:

"I haven't read anything with such unalloyed pleasure for a long time." (The Sunday Telegraph)

Members Reviews:

A tender tale, sweetly told

Rare is the book which is more satifying heard than read. The richness of the reader's voice, the rhythm of the language and the purity of her accent all combine to make a delicate and fulfilling dish in this early one of Smith's Precious Ramotswe stories. This tale involves an American, peripherally, whose connection to Botswana is kindly and believeably crafted. I started listening the these books out of order, and I'm going back and listening from the beginning now, which is helpful to me, but each stands alone, and the characters are consistent and wonderful. Every one of Smith's books is a love song to the people of Botswana, and to the possibilities of the heights of dignity and kindness in all of us.

This particular story contains some of the most heartbreaking circumstances one can imagine and these are handled with insight and compassion which supercedes most of the behavior on this planet. I don't know if this is an accurate portrayal of life along the Kalahari or not, but it is a wonderful one, and I thank Mr. Smith for every one of his books, and Lisette Lecat for her pure and perfect narration.

Delightful characters, setting and story

STORY (contemporary fiction) - This story is the epitome of an easy listen. The main characters are good people who always try to do the right thing. The setting is present day in a small village in Botswana, Africa, with descriptions of the wild and beautiful countryside that will make you fell like you're there. And the story is just delightful. Normally I would consider such a book slow, possibly even boring, but this is just easy and made me feel good. Not a lot happens in terms of heavy detective work - a woman seeks closure for the death of her son ten years prior, a man wants to find out if his wife is cheating, a maid tries to get the main character, Mma Ramotswe, into trouble. But Mma Ramotswe, being the good person she is, follows her heart and does whatever she thinks is right for everyone ... sometimes with a creative twist.

In this book Mma Ramotswe continues her engagement with Mr. JLB Matekone, who is a good man and a real pushover. (You will see just how much of a softie he is in this book.) I'm still puzzled as to why they have such a formal relationship for an engaged couple and why they refer to each other by their full, long names. The title doesn't make sense until the very last few sentences of the book and even then was kind of a stretch, but the ending was very good nonetheless.

PERFORMANCE - Lisette Lecat is a wonderful narrator. Almost gave her five stars. She brings old friends to life with her lovely voice and great character differentiation.

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Title: Gone for Good

Author: Harlan Coben

Narrator: Jonathan Marosz

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 24 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-14-03

Publisher: Books on Tape

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1043 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Growing up, Will Klein had a hero: his brother Ken. But when Will's former girlfriend was found raped and murdered in her family's basement, Ken is considered the prime suspect, and disappears. Ken's disappearance has lasted for ten years, defying an international manhunt. He has been presumed dead. Now, Will's mother, on her deathbed, tells Will that Ken is still alive. At the same time, Will's current girlfriend disappears, and Will finds that she is not all that she seemed. With this dual mystery to solve, Will is drawn closer and closer to darkness, and to a chilling secret that causes him to reconsider what he knows to be true about Ken, his girlfriend, and himself.

© 2002 Harlan Coben; (P) 2002 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic Reviews:

"The clockwork plot keeps picking up speed...breathtaking." (Booklist)

"Coben has written another winner, guaranteed to keep readers awake all night." (Library Journal)

"A tale of manifold deceptions guaranteed to show its readers up as suckers, and to make them love every moment of the experience." (Amazon.com)

"A compelling and original suspense thriller...intriguing, clever and unique." (Los Angeles Times)

Members Reviews:

Excellent twists and turns

Don't really understand the few negative customer reviews this book received. This is the third Coben book I've listened to and they keep getting better. I had one of the major twists figured out about three quarters of the way through the listen (the final twist) but the other twist surprised me. Coben created some really evil characters in this book. Or did he? That's all I can say about it without providing a spoiler. Also, I found the narration right on. The reviewer who complained of an indistinguishable monotone throughout must have listened to another book. Marosz didn't have extreme variations in tone, but you certainly knew when certain characters (John, e.g.) were speaking. I can't wait until if and when Audible gets the audio problems with another of Coben's books (Just One Look) ironed out so I can download and listen to that one. Spend a credit on Gone for Good. It's definitely worth the listen.

Very interesting book

The book keeps your interest and is a first rate mystery. Maybe too many twists, but put your analytical magnifying glass aside and its a great story.

(unfortunately no Myron Bolitar!)

Coben Can REEEEELY Tell A Story

More twists than spiral staircase, yet the all lead to a well plotted end. The characters are interesting and even tug at heart strings at times. If you're looking for a nice gym/pool/driving listen that will entertain you throughout.... This will do it. This was my first Harlen Coben. I'll listen to another, especially if it's read by Jonathan Marosz.

What an Audiobook should be!

This is about as exciting and mysterious as possible, and it is read by a master.

Can't wait for the next unabridged Coben.

oldebailey

A rollercoaster ride

I really enjoyed this book. Althought the story line seems to be all over the place at times and you find yourself wondering how it could ever all come together for an interesting ending, it does. And no matter how you think it will end, it doesn't end that way at all. Many, many twists & turns and then, and then....well, I guess you'll just have to read it to find out. Enjoy.

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Title: Nobody's Fool

Author: Richard Russo

Narrator: Ron McLarty

Format: Unabridged

Length: 24 hrs and 16 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-05-03

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1397 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

In this slyly funny and moving novel, Richard Russo follows the unexpected operation of grace in a deadbeat, upstate New York town, and in the lives of the unluckiest of its citizens. Divorced from his own wife and carrying on halfheartedly with another man's, saddled with a bum knee and friends who make enemies redundant, sixty-year-old Sully now has one new problem to cope with: a long-estranged son who is in imminent danger of following in his father's footsteps. With its sly and uproarious humor and a heart that embraces humanity's follies as well as its triumphs, Nobody's Fool is storytelling at its most generous. Don't miss this great novel of impressive literary finesse shot through with wit and compassion.

© 1993 Richard Russo; (P) 2003 Random House, Inc.

Critic Reviews:

"Russo is a master craftsman....The blue-collar heartache at the center of [his] fiction has the sheen of Dickens but the epic levity of John Irving....Nobody's Fool is a big, rambunctious novel with endless riffs and unstoppable human hopefulness." (The Boston Globe)

"...confident, assured novel sweeps the reader up in the daily life of its characters." (San Francisco Chronicle)

"A delight." (Library Journal)

Members Reviews:

Wonderful Book Fabulous Narrator

What is it like to be a 60-year Old man who has always avoided responsibility? Sully is that person in the book Nobody's Fool by Richard Russo. A person who everybody loves and hates, to varying degrees, and who deserves both, Sully finds that all of those responsibilities come to haunt him, along with thoughts of his abusive father, who Sully is slowly becoming as he spirals from the fear of responsibility, from the pain of his wrecked body, and from a reliance on alcohol and pain killers.

For a man who has always avoided responsibility, it is a difficult time. He is needed by his son Peter, who he has never shown any interest in, his ex-wife Vera, who hates him, and a grandson who he can't help loving. There are also the needs of his best friend Rub, his elderly landlady, his long-time girlfriend and her family,and various other characters who walk through his life and who he helps, even while doling out servings of his acid-tongued wit indiscriminately, unsparingly, and to great and horrible effect.

The narrator of this book displays amazing skill. There are many characters, all well written, in this book, and he brings life to all of them, adding to the author's fine description.

A lot happens in this book, but it is not written on a grand scale. It is a story of one man, and one town and by the end you love and hate them both, and wish that the story would go on forever.

Russo is a master at blending humor and pathos

This is a book about quirky characters and the intertwining of their lives in a small town. You just know these are real people. Don't expect lots of action here but if you love a writer who is a real craftsman with words, one who clearly loves his characters and makes you love them too then this book is for you. Funny, sad, warm and enchanting. I'll listen to it over and over.

A truly great book!

This is one of the finest books I've read in many years. After reading Empire Falls, I picked up all of Russo's books, and Nobody's Fool is by far the most accomplished.

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Title: The Hours

Author: Michael Cunningham

Narrator: Michael Cunningham

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 19 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-05-03

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 300 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Pulitzer Prize, Fiction, 1999

Critic Reviews:

"An exquisitely written, kaleidoscopic work that anchors a floating postmodern world on pre-modern caissons of love, grief and transcendent longing. (Los Angeles Times Book Review) "A delicate, triumphant glance...A place of late-century danger but also of treasurable hours." (The New York Times Book Review )

Members Reviews:

Very literary, intentionally slight plot

Compared to many best-sellers, this book actually displays literary prowess by its author. Although he veers into over-writing at times (not unusual for a newer, over-enthusiastic novelist), author Michael Cunningham clearly has a way with the English language. Even better, he is very skilled at created fully realized characters (a *very* refreshing change from most best-selling fiction). All this said, The Hours is still somewhat difficult to recommend. Most audiobook listeners prefer a strong plot or at least some sort of clear linear thread to pull them through long hours of commuting. If you are such a listener, then this book is definitely not for you. The plot is the least important element of this book and as such, is very slight. Instead, what you get is mostly the inner thoughts of three very fascinating women in very different circumstances. Expect to hear extended interior contemplations of things as mundane as buying flowers and baking a cake. This doesn't exactly make for the most "exciting" listening. But if you enjoy skillfully constructed prose and don't mind a book where very little happens (at least in plot terms), then you'll be in for a treat. Incidentally, if you've seen the film adaptation of this novel, don't expect the huge emotional outbursts that the filmmakers felt so compelled to insert. Most of this book is about internal thought processes, not external displays of raw emotion. Additionally, familiarity with Virginia Woolf's "Mrs. Dalloway" is helpful (though not required) for enjoying some of the nuances of this novel. Finally, please note that the author serves as the reader of this audiobook. He's not the typical professional voice-over artist that we usually expect to hear from audiobooks. As such, his voice is a little unusual, but not necessarily unpleasant. I recommend clicking on the "Hear Sample" link to be sure you won't mind spending over six hours with his voice.

Unlistenable

I still plan to read this book in written format because I've heard so many wonderful things about it. And I have listened to some author-read books that I enjoyed very much (most recently The Kite Runner, which was exquisitely read). Unfortunately, Cunningham insists on reading this book as if it is a poem with pauses and emphases in strange places. I soldiered on for an hour and a half and then couldn't take it any more. It seems like empty affectation and distracts from the content. What a terrible disappointment and waste.

Horrible reading

I couldn't tell you whether the novel The Hours was good or bad because I couldn't get past the absolutely horrendous reading in this recording. I was looking forward to the book, but I had to turn it off about an hour into the audiobook because the reader was just too irritating. All the prose is read in poetry-reading style - lots of unnecessary pauses and strange vocal intonations.

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Title: Skipping Christmas

Author: John Grisham

Narrator: Dennis Boutsikaris

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-06-01

Publisher: Random House AudioBooks

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1132 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

A classic tale for modern times, Skipping Christmas offers a hilarious look at the charm and frenzy that have become part of our holiday tradition.

Critic Reviews:

"Clever...fun to read." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Simple Pleasures!

I LOVE this story! If you are looking for something around the holidays to make you laugh in the midst of all the insane bustle, this book will point you in the right direction! Within his comical story line, you will find profound truth about what the holidays have become in America. As simple as it might sound, I think this is my favorite Grisham novel. Throughout the whole thing, I kept saying, "He is a genius!" Listening to it as I frantically cleaned my house, baked, and signed Christmas cards made me smile at my own pace and caused me to slow down and reflect as to what I feel is really important around the holidays. Even if you've read it, or simply seen the movie, download this and listen to it - it will definitely make your holidays bright!

Laugh Out Loud

Not many times can a book make me laugh out loud but this was one of the funniest books I have ever listened to!! I kept giggling without realizing it. When you want to get into the holiday mood, listen to this audio book. A great story that I will listen to every Christmas.

Brings out the Scrooge in me

A lighthearted, superficial and mostly amusing look at what is considered a "typical" American Christmas, up to being set in a Midwestern suburb. Caricatures (not characters) in situations either pushing the crassest stereotypes of Christmas ("must do this"), or trying to dodge ALL of the holiday, including its original spirit. In the end, a fairy tale ending forces the would-be dodgers to fully embrace all of the crap. Don't know if this is what the author intended, but it left me feeling the best solution would be to give skipping Christmas a try --- only continuing the "giving" parts, not necessarily for "the day". Bah, humbug! It really shouldn't have to be "all or nothing".

Have a very FUNNY Christmas!

I guess I've come late to the party, as I have only this past Christmas finally "read" this sweet little book. John Grisham tells this story so wonderfully that many times I literally laughed out loud (which can be a bit awkward in the crush of public transportation on my daily commute), and the ending was so emotionally satisfying I had to wipe away a few (happy) tears.

Kudos also to the Reader, as he brings as much to the enjoyment of the story as the Author.

I'm adding "Skipping Christmas" to my Holiday rituals next year, along with "A Christmas Carol" and "It's a Wonderful Life".

A lighthearted romp

I found this title a thoroughly enjoyable listen. A whimsical look at Christmas and our human foibles. You won't find anything particularly astounding, eye-opening or dramatic in "Skipping Christmas" but you will find a gently amusing look at families, expectations and change. Highly recommended.

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Title: A Bend in the Road

Author: Nicholas Sparks

Narrator: L.J. Ganser

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-21-01

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1037 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Then Miles meets Sarah Andrews. The second grade teacher of his son Jonah, Sarah had left Baltimore after a difficult divorce to start over in the gentler surroundings of New Bern. Perhaps it is her own emotional wounds that make her sensitive to the hurt she first sees in Jonah's eyes, and then his father's. Tentatively, Sarah and Miles reach out to each other. Soon, they are both laughing for the first time in years...and falling in love.

Neither will be able to guess how closely linked they are to a shocking secret - one that will force them to question everything they ever believed in...and make a heartbreaking choice that will change their lives forever.

Members Reviews:

I Wanted It To Be Over

As another reviewer stated, the main character's behavior was disturbing in a grown man. I couldn't wait to reach the end of the book because I didn't like this person, and as I suspected, everything turned out fine and dandy for him...no consequences. I thought Sarah should have taken a good look at this man and run in the opposite direction.

Hard not to feel superior to the characters

This is a book about a man having to come to terms with his beloved wife's death when courting a new sweetheart. The beginning of the book is as charming as Mr. Sparks' other novels, with realistic, interesting characters and settings. The exposition of the romance is slow and very predictable, but it is done with a tenderness and vulnerability that, as much as you've seen it over and over, is hard not to like.

The second part of the novel deals with some conflict and crisis that, without divulging the details, I found very tedious. The conflict was entirely self-created by the main character who acted so closed minded, petty and frankly stupid that it was difficult to find any empathy or even common ground with him. If you have a great deal of trouble with forgiveness of even small silly actions, and if you like to jump to ridiculous conclusions based on minimal facts, then you may find this plot sympatico. I found myself just wanting to shake some minimal sense into him. It was like watching teenagers whose lives need to be full of drama. With middle aged characters, I just felt sorry for them that they hadn't learned any more of life growing up. A Walk to Remember was a vastly better book by this author.

Bend in the Road

This was the first audio book I listened to and I haven't found one that compairs to it. I work out of my car and have now ventured to the realm of audio books. I enjoyed the book and found myself sitting in the garage to listen to it a few minutes more. I highly recomend listening to it if you get a chance.

A Bend in the Road

My intent was to listen only while commuting to and from work, a time of about 30 minutes each way. After the first thirty minutes, I was unable to stop listening. This story was so very compelling, filled with love, hate, fear and excitment. Well narrated, although I would have preferred Michael Beck as the narrator.

Another great book by Nicholas Sparks

I am never let down by the stories from Mr. Sparks. They are always fresh, just sit back and enjoy stories. Thank you.