How To Get Audiobooks in Fiction, Contemporary Top Rated

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Title: Our Father

Author: Marilyn French

Narrator: Marianne Fraulo

Format: Unabridged

Length: 19 hrs and 11 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-01-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Famed presidential advisor Stephen Upton has suffered a stroke, and his four very different daughters gather in his perfectly appointed mansion outside Boston to await his death or recovery.

Elizabeth, cold and calculating, fights hard for every success and pays a high price; beautiful Mary has always needed a man to support her tastes, but time is catching up with her; Alex can't remember her childhood and wants to know why; and Ronnie, illegitimate and proud, refuses to acknowledge her feelings for the man they all love and hate.

In the weeks to come, they will learn one another's terrible secrets, and the astonishing truth about the life they might have shared.

Once again, Marilyn French has written an extraordinary novel of our times - a novel of family love and resentment, of sisterhood and fatherhood, of acceptance and rejection and the search for peace.

Critic Reviews:

"Should strike a chord with every woman who is willing to think honestly about the place of femaleness in the world." (Chicago Tribune)

Members Reviews:

Half sisters became different after father is seriously ill.

It was slow moving but then when you got to know the characters it was very interesting. The story was unusual and very riveting.

BAD FATHER

In keeping with the tradition of her other novels, Marilyn French proves excellent in OUR FATHER. She presents an earnest look into the effects of childhood abuse in later life. This book scans the lives of four very different half-sisters who are each the victim of sexual abuse and it shows how each of the women copes with her past in her own unique way. OUR FATHER gives us a peak into the world of the powerful and the powerless, and sends us a chilling reminder that evil does exist. The most positive part of this book is that the victims get a chance to confront the abuser. The results of that encounter give us hope. Rape, incest and abuse are never pretty subjects; yet Ms. French writes about them with frankness and great understanding.

Did Marilyn French REALLY write this?

Formulaic, tedious and stereotyping. The subject was compelling and intense, but the way the story was written detracted heavily from what could have been a powerful novel. The characters were incredibly one dimensional and stereotypical. Their behavior time and again came as absolutely no surprise. Very disappointing, especially since the Women's Room, and Her Mother's Daughter were both such powerful and compelling books!

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Title: The Assembler of Parts

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Raoul Wientzen

Narrator: Cassandra Morris

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-03-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 18 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

This stunning debut - like The Lovely Bones - is a child's story narrated from the afterlife, and an emotional fable about love, forgiveness, and what most makes us human.

From the start of this extraordinary first novel, eight-year-old Jess finds herself in heaven reviewing her short life. She is guided in this by a being she calls the Assembler of Parts, and her task, as she understands it, is to glean her life's meaning. From birth, it was obvious that she was unlike other children: she was born without thumbs. The Assembler left out other parts too, for she suffers from a syndrome of birth defects that leaves her flawed. But soon it becomes apparent that by her very imperfections she has a unique ability to draw love from - and heal - those around her, from the team of doctors who rally to her care, to the parents who come together over her, to the grandmother whose guilt she assuages, to the family friend whom she helps reconcile with an angry past. With a voice full of wisdom and humor, she tells their stories too. Yet, only when she dies suddenly and her parents are suspected of neglect, unleashing a chain of events beyond her healing, does the meaning of her life come into full focus. And only then does the Assemblers purpose become clear.

With prose that is rich in emotion - from laughter to tears to outrage to joyful relief - and an eloquence that distills poetry from the language of medicine and the words for ordinary things, Raoul Wientzen has delivered a novel of rare beauty that speaks to subjects as profound as faith, what makes us human, and the value of a life.

Editorial Reviews:

A wonderfully warm-hearted novel crafted in exquisite prose, The Assembler of Parts will leave you reaching for the tissue box, in the best possible way. Narrated from heaven by an eight-year-old girl born with a series of deformities, who slowly reveals how her missing pieces are actually tools that help heal the wounded adults around her, The Assembler of Parts is an accomplished debut, and performer Cassandra Morris does an excellent job narrating as an eight-year-old girl, with a sweet, breathy voice that is beautifully evocative of the main character.

Members Reviews:

Terrific Debut Novel

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

The Assembler of Parts, by Dr. Raoul Wientzen, Audible edition narrated by Cassandra Morris.Comparisons to The Lovely Bones are inevitable, however, this tender tale is not an emotional roller coaster. Still, I would not recommend listening while driving and it is a good idea to keep the Kleenex close by. The story is sensitively told without being overly sentimental and the author's characterization skills are excellent.Jessica Mary Jackson is born with Hilgar's Syndrome, a birth defect which leaves her without thumbs and missing bones in her ear canals and forearms. The reader learns immediately that Jessica has died suddenly at age 7 and as the medical mystery is relayed, the Assembler of Parts (God) has Jessica view tapes of her life. As Jess watches her life unfold, we come to know her, as well as her family, friends, and the Drs. who care for Jess from birth. In my opinion, few authors are capable of capturing a young child protagonist so vividly. A first time novelist, Wientzen, is a pediatrician with over 30 years' experience and he has given Jessica Mary Jackson a true and authentic voice.

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Title: Fear, Hope, and Bread Pudding

Subtitle: Part of the Coda Series

Author: Marie Sexton

Narrator: Paul Morey

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 17 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-20-13

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 91 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Families should grow, not shrink. It's been on Jon Kechter's mind since before he tied the knot with his millionaire lover, Cole Fenton. Now hoping to adopt, Jon and Cole search for a mother-to-be willing to let them love her baby, but the interminable wait is wearing on them both.

Jon is close to his father, George, but until Cole, he didn't have anyone else. Now George is pushing Cole to reconcile with his estranged mother. When the three of them spend Christmas with her in Munich, the results are disastrous. Jon and Cole resolve to stay positive, but no hope exists without a twinge of fear. Jon and Cole can't help but wonder if their dream of being parents just wasn't meant to be.

Members Reviews:

Great book, great narrator, one of my favs

Would you consider the audio edition of Fear, Hope, and Bread Pudding to be better than the print version?

Yes, I do love the narrator for this book and the voices were perfect

Who was your favorite character and why?

John and George and of course Cole

Have you listened to any of Paul Moreys other performances before? How does this one compare?

Lots of his performances, and as always, wonderful!

If you could take any character from Fear, Hope, and Bread Pudding out to dinner, who would it be and why?

George

Any additional comments?

I have not read this book in a while, but I still got choked up as I did in the book, can't help but love the characters in this book

ahh so good!

What did you love best about Fear, Hope, and Bread Pudding?

I loved every word. I'm was so happy it is available on audible.com.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Fear, Hope, and Bread Pudding?

It was so heart wrenching, I cried till i got a headache :) When George walked into the kitchen and coles mom was sitting at the table, It was just so beautiful with his flash backs. I also luurved when the baby was born of course :) Also when Jonathon held the baby the first time. Ok I seriously loved the whole book.

Have you listened to any of Paul Moreys other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes I have and I like him just fine, I was a little apprehensive about a new narrator on the last book, being the first 4 books had the same narrator, that I really liked.

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

Yes I've been hoping for it,.

Any additional comments?

If you haven't listen to The Coda series by Marie Sexton, I highly recommend them. They are funny, smexy, a little heart breaking some times. Fear, hope and bread pudding was a perfect ending to a wonderful series :)

My 2nd favorite out of the series!

Any additional comments?

I loved this story so much because you get to see how much Jon and Cole have grown in tier relationship and how much they truly adore one another.

------------- SPOILER ALERT ------------

The only reason I didn't give this story 5 stars was due to the dad and mom hooking up. That was just disgusting to me.

The mom couldn't even make it to his wedding but the dad asks and she FINALLY makes it to something. Then the dad coming to rescue (because their now sleeping together) like she wasn't a selfish B in the first place.

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Title: The Choice

Subtitle: A Prequel to 'The Returned'

Author: Jason Mott

Narrator: David Ledoux

Format: Unabridged

Length: 40 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-19-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 496 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

In this short story by Jason Mott, author of The Returned, a man is forced to choose between the life he has now, and the one he thought was gone forever.

Peter Galvin was just 17 when Tracy Whitland - the love of his life - vanished without a trace. In the years after her death, he had finally moved on, gotten married, started a family. He is content with his life now - happy, even - until Tracy suddenly and inexplicably returns.

For weeks, Peter and his wife, Samantha, have been watching mysterious reports of people's loved ones returning from beyond, the world spinning into uncertainty and chaos. But they never imagined it would happen to them. With Tracy's unusual homecoming, Peter and Samantha must decide where they can possibly go from here, and whether their family can survive.

Listen to more stories of the Returned in The First and The Sparrow. And don't miss Jason Mott's haunting debut novel, The Returned, a story of one family given an extraordinary second chance.

Members Reviews:

My least favorite of the three prequels

STORY - I liked the first two prequels, especially for short freebies, but this one didn't do it for me. Perhaps the novelty of loved ones returning from the dead has worn off, or maybe it's the fact that something about this one just seemed stupid. Tracy (the one returning in this prequel) is 17. I don't want to give too much away, but I thought there was way too much indecision regarding how Peter, 20 years her superior, might react to her return.

I am curious where these returned loved ones are coming from and why, but not curious enough to buy "The Returned."

PERFORMANCE - Good enough, nothing special.

OVERALL - I would recommend listening to "The First" and "The Sparrow." If you like those two, then make up your mind about this one. I think women might enjoy these more than men.

Prequel - not a stand alone short story

Maybe worth the couple of bucks it cost, this 40 minute prequel is fairly blah. I purchased all 3 prequels after I'd heard the story and frankly, it is a waste of money by them. Listen to them first if you plan on listening to The Returned.

The choice

This 3rd prequel was my favorite I believe. For some reason I related to it more. I must say I was worried the husband wad going to make the wrong decision. At the end I smiled.

annoying voice

The reader's voice wa very annoying but the story was actually very cute if you can make it to the end.

Stark contrast makes it cold and chilling.

As I said, I first saw the TV series then found these three books for free on audible and I was delighted. These are short stories, each depicting the return of one person and the impact it has.

The narrator is very cool and calm in his story telling method which adds to the over all chilling effect of the stories.

That said, I found these stories to be very dark and for now, although I think this is a brilliant way to promote the full length novel, I will wait a bit before I buy the novel.

The TV series, although dark enough does not really convey the start reality of what it is like to have a loved one return from the dead, in that aspect these books should get a 5* rating for in these stories that reality is all too clear.

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Title: The Good Thief's Guide to Berlin

Subtitle: The Good Thief's Guides, Book 5

Author: Chris Ewan

Narrator: Simon Vance

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-06-13

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 121 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Charlie Howard, part-time writer, part-time thief, has been engaged in a veritable spree of larceny and misappropriation since moving to Berlin. Hes supposed to be working on his next novel. But high rent and a love for thrill-seeking has been hard on his word count.

But Charlies larcenous binge is interrupted by the call to duty - on behalf of Her Majestys Government. Four embassy employees are suspected of stealing a sensitive item. Charlie is to break into their homes, find the culprit, and recover the stolen property. But theres a catch. The item is so sensitive, Charlie isnt told what hes looking for. Not its size, not its weight, nothing. Hes only told that hell recognize it when he sees it.

Charlie has been a successful thief because he follows his own rules, the first being Dont get caught. Well, after he enters the first suspects home, he has to add a new rule: Dont admire the view. As Charlie stares across the street, he sees something he really wishes he hadnt - a woman being murdered. And thats just for starters. What follows is a wild adventure in the former cauldron of spies.

Members Reviews:

Typical Charlie

This is a good story about the further adventures of Charlie Howard. It was well conceived and written. If you enjoyed the previous books in the series, you will like this one. That said, I hope the author is not going to leave Charlie where he ended up here....another book one of these days?

I adore Ewan's thief--but this had no ending!

I was so excited to find another "Good Thief's Guide", as they are always a delight. As always, the narration was flawless, entertaining, and spot-on. The story was a bit convoluted, but a typical inadvertent misadventure for our honorable thief.

The end made me back up the iPod to see if something was skipped--it wasn't! About all that it accomplishes is letting the reader know that there has to be another book. Just because this sort of non-ending worked for the Sopranos, doesn't make it a satisfying way to end a book.

Nonetheless, I'm a Ewan devotee, and will read anything he writes, as long as Vance narrates. Pure excellence!

too much going on bruh

the narrator was ready good tho. too many issues for one book imo but still ok

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Title: Faith Fox

Author: Jane Gardam

Narrator: Piers Gibbon

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-25-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 17 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Faith Fox has led a life full of heartbreak and abandonment, lacking in simplicity and love - and she's not even one week old. She has suffered the unexpected and inexplicable loss of her mother in childbirth; her father, an overworked doctor grown callous with stress, has neither the ability nor the interest to take on the difficult task of raising his child alone; her grandmother, Thomasina, has decided to abscond to Egypt with a retired general rather than acknowledge and accept the loss of her daughter, whom she loved so distressingly well. And so Faith finds herself improbably at the rearing of her father's brother, Jack, an ascetic priest whose current endeavor is an occult "experimental community" comprised mainly of expatriate Tibetans. What ensues is a brilliant comedy of manners that revives the tradition begun by Jane Austen - an endlessly charming passage through the North and South of England that finally gives a major and lavishly gifted award-winning British writer the American listenership she so richly deserves.

Members Reviews:

Losing faith

When Holly Fox dies just after giving birth to Faith, no one can believe it. She was a force of nature, irrepressibly healthy. Her mother Thomasina Fox is so devastated, she runs off with a 72-year-old general for a holiday in Egypt. She won't have anything to do with the baby.

No one, in fact, is interested in Faith. Her father Andrew Braithwaite hires irresponsible nannies and finally hands her off to his saintly brother Jack, who's running an experimental religious community on the North Yorkshire moors. When Andrew goes to visit the baby, he never sees her. All he succeeds in doing is sleeping with Jack's wife.

Almost everyone in the novel is dotty, deranged, damaged or pathologically selfish, except maybe the old Tibetan woman living on Jack's farm who feeds and cares for Faith.

Faith seems to stand for a faith in God or goodness that everyone is losing. Nobody will commit to Faith or even look her in the eye. All dressed up in swaddling Tibetan baby clothes, Faith has a big knitted eye hanging around her neck.

I enjoyed most of this novel immensely until towards the end, when the incessant dithering and blathering of the characters began to wear thin. Perhaps the story went on too long. Neither humor nor symbolism should be belabored. So despite Gardam's wonderful writing talent, I wouldn't rate FAITH FOX as highly as OLD FILTH and THE MAN IN THE WOODEN HAT. But I'd still recommend it.

Five Stars

Hard am has a lovely writing style. Reminds me of a British Louise Erdrich.

This is a wonderful story and so beautifully written

This is a wonderful story and so beautifully written. It is definitely character driven and what wonderful characters they are. I definitely recommend this book.

Terrific writer

Jane Gardam should be better known in this country. She is a wonderful writer--great characters, witty, believable stories that satirize British behaviors and yet are moving as well. Her books about Filth (Failed in London Try Hong Kong) are small masterpieces.

A CLASSIC JANE GARDAM

JANE GARDAM ALWAYS GIVES THE READER THE CHOICE OF LOVING THE MAIN CHARACTER OR DISLIKING THEM BUT EITHER WAY YOU FEEL SHE ENTERTAINS AND LEAVES PLENTY OF CRUMBS FOR THOUGHT.

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Title: The Promise of Stardust

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Priscille Sibley

Narrator: George Newbern

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-11-13

Publisher: HarperAudio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 80 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Matt Beaulieu was two years old the first time he held Elle McClure in his arms, seventeen when he first kissed her under a sky filled with shooting stars, and thirty-three when they wed. Now in their late thirties, the deeply devoted couple has everything - except the baby they've always wanted.

When a tragic accident leaves Elle brain-dead, Matt is devastated. Though he cannot bear losing her, he knows his wife, a thoughtful and adventurous scientist, feared only one thing - a slow death. Just before Matt agrees to remove Elle from life support, the doctors discover that she is pregnant. Now what was once a clear-cut decision becomes an impossible choice. Matt knows how much this child would have meant to Elle. While there is no certainty her body can sustain the pregnancy, he is sure Elle would want the baby to have a chance. Linney, Matt's mother, believes her son is blind with denial. She loves Elle, too, and insists that Elle would never want to be kept alive by artificial means, no matter what the situation.

Divided by the love they share, driven by principle, Matt and Linney fight for what each believes is right, and the result is a disagreement that escalates into a controversial legal battle, ultimately going beyond one family and one single life.

Told with sensitivity and compassion, The Promise of Stardust is an emotionally resonant and thought-provoking tale that raises profound questions about life and death, faith and medicine - and illuminates, with beauty and grace, the power of love to wound...and to heal.

Members Reviews:

Loved this Story. I may listen to it again!

The girl next door and her lifetime love! After a tragic teen love and pregnancy, this couple separate, grow up, find other loves, then come back together only to be torn apart again. The story was never gloomy, although it was sad and tough, there is a sparkle that kept me interested and involved. I loved the characters, the situations, how everything was described. The timing was perfect, the story kept me involved, and in the end, I left with a smile. That is what I want in a story even if it is uncomfortable.

FIVE STARS!!!!

Would you listen to The Promise of Stardust again? Why?

Absolutely!!! The book was perfect! The narrator was perfect for this book. Beautifully written.

What did you like best about this story?

The story could have been a true story!!! It seemed so real. It makes you think about life and death and what you would do.

Which character as performed by George Newbern was your favorite?

The main character

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

Yes, I cried in several different parts.

Any additional comments?

This book is a very touchy subject. I read a previous comment about being pro choice, and so they couldn't read it. The book is wonderful whether you are pro life or pro choice. It is a MUST listen!!!!

The Promise of Stardust

I'm still in tears.... Such an amazing book, I think because there were so many likenesses to my own maternity life... I too have the same blood disorder and lived through 4 miscarriages and 2 full term infant deaths.....

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Title: The Patron Saint of Lost Dogs

Author: Nick Trout

Narrator: Peter Berkrot

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-03-13

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 75 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Dr. Cyrus Mills returns to his hometown after inheriting his father's failing veterinary practice. Cyrus intends to sell the practice and get out of town as fast as he can, but when his first patient - a down-on-her-luck golden retriever named Frieda Fuzzypaws - wags her way through the door, life suddenly gets complicated.

With the help of a black Labrador gifted in the art of swallowing underwear, a Persian cat determined to expose her owner's lover as a gold digger, and the allure of a feisty, pretty waitress from the local diner, Cyrus gets caught up in a new community and its endearing residents, both human and animal. Sensing he may have misjudged the past, he begins to realize it's not just his patients that need healing.

The Patron Saint of Lost Dogs is a winsome tale of new beginnings, forgiveness, and the joy of finding your way home.

Critic Reviews:

"Trout's charming novel strikes just the right balance between humor and drama. The cast of characters are delightfully entertaining....Highly recommended for anyone who has ever had a beloved pet." (Library Journal Starred Review)

Members Reviews:

Dogs good, people and plot lacking

This plot might have worked in outline, but then it appears the outline got lost. The story wanders in search of its redemptive narrative, which is imposed instead of earned. We never learn essential things, such as, what the vet did or didn't do to get his license revoked, what his dad didn't do right to deserve all this alienation and how the false premises trick ever worked on anybody.

Plus, somebody who takes a child's pet to the vet to be put to sleep on the sly and lets the child and mother search for it afterward deserves a punishment. Some punishment. At least shame. Add blackmail to his crimes. I hung in with the story, hoping the writer would grind this person into the dirt, but no. The person capable of such wrongdoing will do it again.

The dogs are lovely, and well described, but they can't save this bumbling tale. Besides the animals and one great little girl, I didn't believe any of it.

Must have for every dog lover

Would you consider the audio edition of The Patron Saint of Lost Dogs to be better than the print version?

Did not read the print verson

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Patron Saint of Lost Dogs?

The ending

What about Peter Berkrots performance did you like?

His voice emphasis

If you could take any character from The Patron Saint of Lost Dogs out to dinner, who would it be and why?

The old guy on oxygen... He was a lover of Clint Eastwood, and dogs.... He must be an Allright guy... Not to mention his sincerity

The book I wish I'd written

What about Peter Berkrots performance did you like?

Peter Berkrot's performance was outstanding

Any additional comments?

I had never heard of Nick Trout before I purchased this book as a Kindle and an Audible. What a lucky find! This is the best new author I've read since I discovered Jodi Taylor a couple years back. Full of heart (human and pet), emotional intelligence, wit, humor, insight, solid writing, and suspense. An unqualified five stars!

A superbly engaging tale!

I was eased into this wonderful book from the first line.

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Title: A Good Indian Wife

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Anne Cherian

Narrator: Dylan Lynch

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-14-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 66 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Handsome anesthesiologist Neel is sure he can resist his familys pleas that he marry a "good" Indian girl. With a girlfriend and a career back in San Francisco, the last thing Neel needs is an arranged marriage. But thats precisely what he gets. His bride, Leila, a 30-year-old teacher, comes with her own complications. They struggle to reconcile their own desires with others expectations in this story of two people, two countries, and two ways of life that may be more compatible than they seem.

Critic Reviews:

"An absorbing tale of contrasts.... Cherian tells the story with quiet strength." (San Francisco Chronicle)

Members Reviews:

Indian, not really.

The story line was good, but I was disappointed and very annoyed with the mispronounced Indian words. It made the story seem less authentic.

One of my favorite stories in a long long time

Some reviews call this is Chick story maybe it is, but I loved it. This is a story of East meets West and Indian traditions. I could really relate to the story because I am white and married to an Indian doctor. Each character is weaved throughout the story effortlessly.

I just bought the author's other book, the invitation, and look forward to reading that as well.

Pretty good, light reading

Although this book was filled with lots of details that gave a very thought-provoking window into the Indian culture, and I think most people would find that interesting, this still seemed like a "Chick Lit" kind of book to me. Or perhaps a story we'd see on the Hallmark Channel.

Suneel Sarath (known as Neel) is a doctor, educated in America, living and working in California, dating an American woman. However, his family really want him to marry a "good Indian girl," and so, when the chance arises to call him home to India (his grandfather is very ill) his mother and aunt seize the opportunity to connect him with Leila, a lovely young woman who, for various reasons, has been turned down by past potential Indian grooms, and who feels she will never be a bride. They do marry, but when they return to California, he has to decide what to do about his long-time girl friend Caroline (pronounced, she insists, "the French way"). This leads to his having something of a double life for a while, till things force the situation as the book moves toward it's end.

The good parts of this book are, that I enjoyed hearing about the Indian culture, the characters were interesting, and the story did move along. However, I felt that it was kind of predictable, the narration was a bit bland, and in the end, there was little about it that I'd call memorable (for myself, at least). It was a good listen--and worth the time, but not as deep or exciting as I had hoped when I purchased it. I think I was expecting something different. But if you are seeking a light summer read--this is well worth the credit.

Very weak story

What disappointed you about A Good Indian Wife?

The beginning of the book, set in India looked very promising but quickly went downhill. None of it was believable. By the time the couple move to the USA. It loses all credibility. It is tedious with dislikeable characters.

I felt that the author had a good idea but no ability to develop the plot.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Well narrated.

What character would you cut from A Good Indian Wife?

All of them

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Title: Life Is A Balance

Subtitle: It isn't only about you

Author: Philip Nork

Narrator: Gary Roelofs

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 31 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-03-13

Publisher: All Things That Matter Press

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

The journey of self-discovery is a lifetime trip; and just like the fingerprints you possess, yours will be uniquely different than anyone else's. There are things that are common in each-such as good and bad times, emotional highs and lows, and choices that will need to be made. These choices that are presented to you can greatly define how you live your life. They may be influenced by the people you meet, symbols that are strategically placed along your journey, and especially by however you choose to worship your idea of God.

Being that no choice ever comes without consequence, there really is no right or wrong answer; either road taken will eventually get you to where you're supposed to be. Although some roads take longer than others in order to reach your final destination.

Members Reviews:

A powerful life story in sound

What made the experience of listening to Life Is A Balance the most enjoyable?

I like this idea of switching between reading and listening. Audio works for a book like this as it is a first person account.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Disco Phil! I loved how this shy teenager reinvents himself into popularity by becoming Disco Phil. He glides on his glowing roller skates, admired by the girls, and envied by the guys. Yet he wants to grow out of this identity for something more meaningful.

What about Gary Roelofss performance did you like?

Gary speaks clearly and speaks at an easy pace which is easy to follow. The chapter with Bobby is fun because Gary expertly switches from a grown up voice, to a kid's voice, capturing the eagerness and innocence.

Any additional comments?

Phil loves women by empowering them, but this sensitivity also triggers in the women, a desire for self-discovery, and some of them discover that they don't really want him! Throughout his journey Phil is supremely confident with most women, but suffers from feelings of emptiness and insecurity. The story captures this contrast, and the reader gets to see both sides.

Do not waste a credit!

Would you try another book from Philip Nork and/or Gary Roelofs?

Absolutely not!

What could Philip Nork have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Sadly, I have to say in order to make this more enjoyable, he should refund my Audible credit.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narrator sounds to be about 70 years old, and not in a good way. Plus his "female" voice is condescending and terribly inappropriate (apparently every woman has a southern accent and sounds like a harlot).