Listen Legally to Popular Authors Full Audiobooks in Fiction, Contemporary

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Title: Honey Moon

Author: Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Narrator: Anna Fields

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 36 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-06-08

Publisher: Books on Tape

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 389 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Now, though, she's all grown up, a child star no longer, but still dramatic and passionate. Two men, Dash Coogan, a cowboy movie legend, and Eric Dillion, the town's bad boy, know how fiercely she loves and lives. What Honey wants is the family she never had. She'll take the man who latches onto her dreams and who can hang on for the ride!

Members Reviews:

WOW! Loved this book.

This was very different than many of the other SEP books I have read. However, it was different in a good way. I grew attached to the characters and it was not all roses all the time. There was some tragedy and some triumph. I highly recommend this one.

SEP never disappoints

I love almost everything Susan Elizabeth Phillips writes but I really liked Honey Moon. The characters are so likable and the dialogue is witty. At times, very touching.

Not what I had in mind

The narrator did an excellent job (as always). However I was disappointed about the book itself. I though I had downloaded a nice Susan Elizabeth Phillips book. Great to listen to in bed, when I wasnt feeling all right. However it wasnt a story like all the other books of her. I clearly didnt read all the other review before buying it. Otherwise I could have known it was a different kind of story. Definitely not a story for escapism as I have read afterwards on another review.

Disappointed!!

What disappointed you about Honey Moon?

I buy Susan Elizabeth Phillips books for her romantic comedy writing style. I love her books for that reason and Anna Fields know exactly how to perform her books in her readings. I never thought I would find a book of Susan Elizabeth Phillips' that I didn't like. I love all of her books except for this one, so far. It was depressing and one of the reasons I buy her books is to make me laugh.

Would you ever listen to anything by Susan Elizabeth Phillips again?

Of course!!

Have you listened to any of Anna Fieldss other performances before? How does this one compare?

Anna Fields is a great performer and she can make anything work, but I don't think even Anna can help the depresses nature of this book.

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

Anna Fields

Tragedies and tears, with eventual fulfillment.

Normally I prefer Susan Phillips' romances with wit and humor. This was not one of them, but I enjoyed it anyway. I had tears several times, and then there was love and warmth later. I liked the characters, their good sides, bad sides and other sides. I liked the plot development. The three main characters had troubled childhoods, loss of parents, foster care, etc. but eventually found love.

The audiobook narrator Anna Fields was wonderful.

DATA:

Narrative mode: 3rd person. Swearing language: strong but rarely used. Sexual language: mild to moderate. Number of sex scenes: about eight. Setting: 1980 - 1993 mostly South Carolina and California. Copyright: 1993. Genre: contemporary romance.

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Title: The Tenth Gift

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Jane Johnson

Narrator: John Lee, Susan Duerden

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-06-08

Publisher: Books on Tape

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 155 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Captivated by this dramatic discovery, Julia sets off to North Africa to determine the authenticity of the book and to uncover more of Cat's story. There, in the company of a charismatic Moroccan guide, amid the sultry heat, the spice markets, and exotic ruins, Julia discovers buried secrets. And in Morocco - just as Cat did before her - she loses her heart.

Almost 400 years apart, the stories of the two women converge in an extraordinary and haunting manner that will make readers wonder: Is history fated to repeat itself?

Critic Reviews:

"A remarkable view of Barbary pirates and their times, and an engrossing romance of clashing cultures and wonderful characters." (Diana Gabaldon)

Members Reviews:

Great Listen

Very entertaining and educational. I liked the references to the needle work but if you don't stitch you may not like this part. The use of two narrators helped keep things straight as it switched between present day and 1625.

An Engaging Read, But I'd Hoped For More

The premise of this book sounded right up my ally. And there were parts of it I really enjoyed. But it could have been much better. The parts of the book that took place in the past were better written than the current day story. The heroine's "friends" weren't friends. And the heroine's initial love interest wasn't lovable at all. She seemed to surround herself with poor excuses for loved ones, and when she finally formed a lasting relationship, the book was almost over.

The relationship between the historical heroine and her captor was unbelievable, but since it was historical, it was easier to swallow and parts of the book that dealt with these two were truly fun to read.

I can't exactly recommend this book, but I can't not recommend it either.

People aren't perfect--even in fiction

This was a wonderful story---a modern day love affair (no angels there), 17th century pirates, women's changing place in the world, clashes of cultures, and embroidery. The narrators are perfect (thank you again, John Lee), and besides, any story that gets me up out of bed and walking in 90 degree heat has got to be engrossing.

Abusive relationships

One of the reviewers was very hard on the female characters, (ie being in an adulterous relationship with best friends husband) 1-The relationship started before her friend married him. 2-For what ever reason, she was a weak person who was manipulated by Michael, and always took him back. (just like battered wife syndrome) The other is a girl in 17th century England, hoping for a better life, and dreaming for more than her guardians want for her. Is that wrong for a 19 year old girl? There are parallels and as the story progresses, much more is revealed. (maybe even a ghost or two). Yes it did bother me in the beginning that the female lead character was abused, emotionally by this man for over 7 years. However if you give the story a chance, it does have twists and turns that I wouldn't have thought when I first started listening. John Lee and Susan Duerden are wonderful narrators, (one of the main reasons I chose this book) You are taken from 21st Century to 17th Century, to get the connection in the story. I thought it was well done and worth a listen. .

Probably geared more to women, but...

A romance novel but not overly reliant on that angle to carry your interest.

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Title: One True Thing

Author: Anna Quindlen

Narrator: Christina Moore

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-25-08

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 382 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

A young woman sits in jail, accused of the mercy killing of her dying mother. She didn't do it, but she thinks she knows who did. In the last months of her life, Ellen Gulden's mother revealed startling secrets that challenged everything Ellen believed about her family. Now, in jail, Ellen believes those secrets will tell her who had the courage to end her mother's suffering.

Members Reviews:

Danger!

Don't listen to this while your driving unless you have a large pile of tissues nearby! This was my first book by Anna Quindlen; she is a beautifully descriptive writer. A few times I found myself really disliking the main character, and I'm not sure if that was the intended reaction; however, it was a touching and emotional story and I highly recommend this audiobook.

Quindlen's writing skills shine in One True Thing.

Anna Quindlen is a genius with words and using those words to describe family dynamics; she does this masterfully in One True Thing. It's a story about a daughter, Ellen, caring for her dying mother, Kathy Gulden, with a subplot about mercy killing, but it's Quindlen's writing skill that makes it far more than a simplistic page-turner. While caring for her mother, and even long after her mother's death, Ellen sheds her illusions about her family, and learns how to truly know and understand their personalities and not just their preconceived character traits that she has oversimplified. In the process, Ellen becomes a person "with a heart", and Quindlen explores this beautifully. I wish I had read this book ten years ago when my mother was in a similar situation; it has shown me that there were things I could have and should have done.

Two Good Books

Very sad and too realistic.Good twist at the end. If you are trying to decide between this book and Every Last One (also by Anna Quindlen) I would go with Every Last One. In this book I feel like the narrator is a little tedious but very clear and understandable.

Quindlen is a True Story Telling Artist

I've never read a Quindlen book that didn't sneak up on me with a resounding shock wave- I know they are coming, yet I read them anyway. It's like watching a movie that you know isn't going to end well more than one time- and hoping to see the same movie, yet wanting the ending to change..just once.. Like why did Jack have to die in Titanic- why couldn't Rose have moved over to let him on the floating piece of wood?

Anyway, One True Thing is a beautiful novel about human compassion, and important subjects that seem taboo to discuss at dinner parties. When our loved ones get cancer and hospice comes to help in their dying days, more often than not a morphine overdose speeds along their death, decreases their horrible pain, and enables them to peacefully fall asleep.. forever.

Our main character in One True Thing puts her life on hold and takes care of her dying mother. During the horrific process, she learns so much about her mother and father, and family- she is overwhelmed by the close feelings she develops and she is devastated when her mother passes from this world to the next. She is more surprised however, when she is arrested and put in jail for killing her mother- with a morphine overdose.

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Title: Moth Smoke

Author: Mohsin Hamid

Narrator: Satya Babha

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-15-08

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 62 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Through a brilliant array of voices and perspectives, author Mohsin Hamid tells the story of one love-struck Daru Shezad who, when fired from his banking job, instantly removes himself from the ranks of Pakistan's cell-phone-toting elite and plunges into a life of drugs and crime. But when a heist goes awry, Daru finds himself on trial for a murder he may or may not have committed. His uncertain fate mirrors that of Pakistan itself, animated by nuclear weapons and sapped by corruption.

©2000 Mohsin Hamid; (P)2007 BBC Audiobooks America

Critic Reviews:

"A first novel of remarkable wit, poise, profundity, and strangeness....Hamid is a writer of gorgeous, lush prose, and superb dialogue....Moth Smoke is a treat." (Esquire)

Members Reviews:

Young and Rich in Lahore

Moth Smoke presented a lively but disturbing portrait of life among the wealthy and privileged in Pakistan. The novel includes a Great Gatsby-like love triangle between the narrator, his best friend and the best friend's wife. The narrator, who is smart and handsome but whose background is less privileged than that of his friends, finds himself in increasing trouble as he tries to exercise the prerogatives of the young and rich without the means or connections. And despite the narrator's strong moral sense, he has a devastating sense of entitlement that ends up creating havoc in his life.

The images of Lahore, with its disparities in wealth and its casual corruption, were informative. A favorite minor character was the narrator's young servant, who comes the closest to a moral center for the novel.

The narration was well done, and the story easily holds up through the end. One drawback: The beginning, with allusions to Pakistani myths and an imagined courtroom scene, is hard to follow in audio. It's the kind of book you have to get in hard copy just to check out what was going on at the beginning. But then, as the novel flows, it gets easier to follow. Overall, a worthwhile and entertaining read.

Unique Book with an Interesting Title

I decided to read this book after having read the author's The Reluctant Fundamentalist, which I absolutely loved. This is the author's debut book; while I also enjoyed this one, I did not like it as much as The Reluctant Fundamentalist.

I listened to this through Audible, and once again, the narration was outstanding.

I was confused at first as to what was happening, but once I learned who the characters were and figured out what was going on, I enjoyed the mystery; luckily, it didn't take too long to figure things out. We know at the outset that Daru is in prison, but not the reason why; we also do not know anything about him. The story is told through the perspectives of various characters, which I found to be enjoyable. The book details how Daru's decline occurred and what happens when he continues to be drawn to a certain course of action. Daru was not always likeable, which I saw had turned many readers off of the story. I did not find that to be the case, however. Sure, he was not always likeable, but I think that just added to the human element of the story and added legitimacy to his deteriorating circumstances.

As with The Reluctant Fundamentalist, I felt like I was learning about Pakistan and the Pakistani culture, which was very educational and informative.

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Title: Rachel's Holiday

Author: Marian Keyes

Narrator: Gerri Halligan

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 41 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-14-08

Publisher: Whole Story Audiobooks

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 34 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Until, that is, everything goes pear-shaped and she finds herself being frog-marched to the Cloisters - Dublin's answer to the Betty Ford Clinic. She's outraged. Surely she's not thin enough to be an addict?

Rachel isn't expecting plump, middle-aged men in brown jumpers, and more group therapy than you can shake a stick at. Heartsick and Lovesick, she seeks redemption in the shape of Chris - a man who might be more trouble than he's worth.

Members Reviews:

Great story

If you could sum up Rachel's Holiday in three words, what would they be?

A Great Listen

Who was your favorite character and why?

I really liked Luke! He was very honest

Which character as performed by Gerri Halligan was your favorite?

Rachel

Any additional comments?

I found some parts of the book a bit slow, but overall it was a great book! So well written and narrated! It really let you see inside an addicts mind. I will probably listen to this one again at some point!

What Delusions We Entertain When In Denial!

What a terrific journey into the mind of an alcoholic. No . . . she isn't an alcoholic? Right? Everyone is overreacting . . . right? The story was both sad and hilarious. Gerri Halligan did a great narration - as usual. I was engaged right from the start and enjoyed every moment of this "holiday" tale.

Not funny

Would you try another book from Marian Keyes and/or Gerri Halligan?

Not another Marian Keyes book, but the reading was excellent.

Would you recommend Rachel's Holiday to your friends? Why or why not?

No, I would not because I found it a weird mix of chick lit humour and a serious look at addiction.

Which character as performed by Gerri Halligan was your favorite?

Rachel

Did Rachel's Holiday inspire you to do anything?

It inspired me to stop listening - repeatedly! But I did eventually hear the whole thing.

Any additional comments?

Based on this book (supposedly one of her best) I cannot understand Keyes' popularity.

Never disappointed by Marian Keyes

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

It has everything. Laughs, tears, surprises, sex, romance, a bit of mystery. It's all there! I love the way that Marian Keyes stories unfold by giving you little snippets of what has happened in the past rather than unveiling it all in one go. everything is given to you at the right part of the current part of the story. That is, the 'back story' affecting the 'current' part of what is happening is explained at that point, so that you are always clear on why something happens as it does. A very clever way of writing that gets you hooked. Another point is that even though I haven't experienced many of the things the characters in the book have (never taken illegal drugs, never been drunk, never travelled, never had one night stands etc), I always feel I can empathise with the character. Marian Keyes always hits the right note.

What other book might you compare Rachel's Holiday to, and why?

In some ways, this book is, of course, similar to The Mystery of Mercy Close where Rachel's sister Helen spends a little time (some years after this book is set) in a psychiatric unit, but in other ways, it is almost like the tale of bereavement in ..........

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Title: First Lady

Author: Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Narrator: Anna Fields

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-02-07

Publisher: Books on Tape

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 820 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

The beautiful young widow of the president of the United States thought she was free of the White House, but circumstances have forced her back into the role of First Lady. She's made up her mind to escape, if only for a few days, so she can live the life of an ordinary person. An entire nation is searching for her, but the First Lady is in the last place anyone would think to look: in the company of a seductive stranger whose charm and good looks are awakening the forgotten woman within. With two adorable little orphaned girls along for the ride, they're heading out across the heartland, chasing their own American Dream on a wild journey of love, adventure, and glorious rebirth.

©2000 Susan Elizabeth Phillips; (P)2000 Books on Tape

Critic Reviews:

"Another of Phillips' brilliant romantic romps, deftly combining laughter and love with real women's issues and served up with a sophisticated flair. Creative plotting adds sparkle, and entertaining, well-drawn secondary characters round out the novel, but it is the growing, healing relationship between the protagonists and how they finally form a family that touches the heartstrings and makes this contemporary romance an unforgettable read. "(Library Journal)

Members Reviews:

Cute!

Cute, funny story with very likable characters. Just what you'd expect from vintage SEP! And nobody narrates like Anna Fields. She was truly a master at her craft.

another SEP winner

After reading the review of the book on All About Romance, I wasn't expecting to love this one as much as I did - but I think this is my favorite SEP story! Of all her characters, I found Mat and Nealy two of the most down-to-earth and believable, without the true over-the-top quirkiness of some of her other stories.

Anna Fields' performance is, as always, excellent. And yeah, I found myself grinning like a fool at the epilogue - think it's not possible?? Well, I think it is!

If you're already an SEP fan, I recommend it - and if you are not yet acquainted with this author, I HIGHLY recommend it as enjoyable introduction. She has a way of spinning a tale that is funny, sweet and romantic, with laugh out loud moments - the perfect escapist read/listen.

My first SEP novel

This was my first SEP novel and won't be my last. I have since listened to a couple others and have a couple others waiting in my library and with that I have to say that so far, this is not my favorite - though I did like it A LOT. While there are things in her other books that you kind of doubt the believability, I felt that unbelievability more so in this one. I think the story line was too much.

Thoroughly Enjoyed

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I need a bit of an escape and this was perfect without being over the top. I love the narrator.

First Class

You don't even have to check out the reviews by this incredible gifted author! Every thing SEP's writes is great!

The reader: Our own beloved Anna Fields cannot be topped. Every book Anna narrates is superior.

her timing and ability to add the different voices, makes each and everyone a hit. What a talent. I miss her.

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Título: Malinche

Subtitular: Una Novela (Texto Completo) [Malinche: A Novel ]

Autor: Laura Esquivel

Narrador: Lucia Mendez

Formato: Unabridged

Duración: 5 hrs and 56 mins

Idioma: Español

Fecha de publicación: 03-05-07

Editor: FonoLibro Inc. (Audiolibros - Audio Libros)

Calificaciones: 3.5 de 5 de 78 votos

Categorías: Fiction, Contemporary

Resumen del editor:

FonoLibro se enorgullece en presentar la nueva novela de la laureada escritora mexicana Laura Esquivel, Malinche, narrada por la laureada estrella mexicana Lucia Méndez.

Cuando Malinalli conoce a Cortés asume que se trata del propio Dios Quetzalcóatl que regresa a liberar a su pueblo. Los dos se enamoran apasionadamente, pero este amor pronto es destruido por la desmedida sed de conquista, poder y riqueza de Cortés.

A lo largo de la historia de México Malinalli/Malinche ha sido conocida por su traición al pueblo indio. Pero recientes investigaciones históricas han mostrado que Malinalli fue la mediadora entre dos culturas, la hispánica y la americana nativa; y entre dos lenguas, el español y el náhuatl.

Lo que Esquivel ha hecho aquí es desafiar la mitología tradicional mediante un retrato muy temperamental del Adán y la Eva de la cultura mestiza, Cortés y Malinalli, con la caída del imperio azteca como telón de fondo. Contada con el lirismo de la tradición cantarina y pictórica del náhuatl, Laura Esquivel nos brinda un mito fundacional de la cultura híbrida del Nuevo Mundo y una extraordinaria historia de amor.

Opiniones de los miembros:

Did not like it! Good book not a good audible.

I was so looking forward to listen to this book. Lucia Mendez is not good at narrating this story and the music does not help her. She over does it with the dramatic tone of voice. Could not hear more than 30mins. I just couldn't take it. I'll try to buy the printed book and read it even if it takes me weeks.

Nice book

The book is nice, but the background music drove me crazy. Especially since I was listening to this in part to practice my Spanish comprehension, the music made it hard to listen.

¡Espectacular!

Where does Malinche rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

It is one of the best audios I've listened to.

What about Lucia Mendezs performance did you like?

Lucia's vocal variety, pace, and clarity in pronunciation is excellent. I would recommend this listening to learners of Spanish at any level.

Absurda y ridícula novela.

Would you try another book from Laura Esquivel and/or Lucia Mendez?

No.

What could Laura Esquivel have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Esta novela no está basada en hechos o en la realidad sociocultural de los nativos de la época. Es más, hace perpetua los mismos prejuicios que, desafortunadamente, todavía son parte de la cultura actual. Me horrorizó escuchar como -supuestamente- hablaba la abuela de

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

Disappointment.

Any additional comments?

No pude terminar de escucharla... a lo mejor hubiera logrado redimir algo, pero me fué imposible soportar más...

A marvelous delight

Mas, mas, mas. This book is one of the few delights available in Spanish through Audiobooks. It is read with all the beauty that is available from Spanish culture -- and that's a lot.

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Title: Paris Stories

Author: Mavis Gallant

Narrator: Lorna Raver, Yuri Rasovsky

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 45 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-16-06

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 56 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Mysterious, funny, insightful, and heartbreaking, these are tales of expatriates and exiles, wise children and straying saints. They compose a secret history, both intimate and panoramic, of modern times, and offer a kaleidoscopic impression of the world within a world that is Paris.

Critic Reviews:

"Mavis Gallant writes some of the most superbly crafted and perceptive stories of our time." (Globe and Mail)

"Mavis Gallant's finely honed prose captures the small details that illuminate a life." (Publishers Weekly)

"Ms. Gallant...has dared to drift in a disorienting century, always trusting her own imaginative compass. Her fiction, never fooled into trying to keep up with history, will last a long time." (New York Times)

Members Reviews:

beautifully narrated

This are great stories full of insight, humor, and

complexity. The narrator, Lorna Raver, is amazing; she can mimic voices of her characters, male or female, with uncanny realism. Highly recommended on all counts.

exquisite

Gallant's stories are perfectly crafted and delicious. Lorna Raver's narration is pure and satirical, beautiful formed and a delight to listen to. Rasovksy's leave some to be desired but with some attention can be tolerated. a really fine experience.

Never could get into it

I could never get into this audio at all. What I did hear was not captivating. This is one of those I regret!

Sorry, no Chekhov here

Or William Trevor, for that matter. I struggled to get through these stories because they were devoid of action. Even in a short story, something - anything - has to happen to somebody. I was expecting a lot more. The narrator is good, but I tired of her voice because I tired of the story, and not the other way 'round.

Flawless writing, performance ok

Would you listen to Paris Stories again? Why?

I am a big fan of Mavis Gallant, her writing is incomparable - I was pleased to discover Paris Stories had been turned into an audio book. The performance, however, is just a bit over the top for Gallant- this is especially true in the Ice Wagon Going Down the Street. Gallant deserves a much more subtle reader/performer, one that teases out the subtext of her writing. Compare these recordings to writer Margaret Atwood reading Gallant's Voices Lost in the Snow in a New Yorker podcast and you'll see the difference!

What other book might you compare Paris Stories to, and why?

Dear Life

What three words best describe Lorna Raver and Yuri Rasovsky s voice?

Over the top

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Title: The Night Listener

Author: Armistead Maupin

Narrator: Armistead Maupin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 39 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-04-06

Publisher: Armistead Maupin

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Gabriel Noone is a fabulist, a writer whose late-night radio tales have brought him into the homes of millions. In the midst of a painful, unwanted separation from his longtime love, Gabriel reads the extraordinary memoir of Pete Lomax, an ailing 13-year-old boy who suffered horrific abuse at the hands of his parents. Pete is not only a gifted diarist but also a devoted listener of Gabriel's show. And thus begins an extraordinary phone friendship.

Then, out of the blue, troubling new questions arise, exploding Gabriel's comfortable assumptions and causing his ordered existence to spin wildly out of control. As he walks a vertiginous line between truth and illusion, he is finally forced to confront all his relationships - familial, romantic, and erotic.

This unprecedented audio project is as thought-provoking as it is mesmeric. The Night Listener is a meditation on the power of voices and the faith we place in them, and an extraordinary audio experience from an American literary icon.

Armistead Maupin's novel is based on a true story about a remarkable young man named Tony Johnson. But just how true is Tony's story?

In this Audible digital exclusive, you'll receive "The Electrifying True Story Behind The Night Listener", the New Yorker article that tells the story behind the novel.

When journalist Tad Friend set out to investigate the story, he discovered that the line between truth and fiction isn't always easy to define.

Friend's article first appeared in the November 26, 2001, issue of The New Yorker under the title "Virtual Love: People Became Obsessed with a Boy's Tale of Suffering and Redemption. Then They Wanted to Meet Him."

Critic Reviews:

"Filled with twists and turns that rival The Sixth Sense and The Crying Game, Maupin's new novel is a deceptively simple page-turner perfectly suited for the audio format....Not only is it a book that listeners will want to discuss with friends, but once finished and all is revealed, it's likely people will want to listen to it again with a fresh ear to hear the clues that have been planted along the way....Audio is the perfect medium for this born storyteller." (Publishers Weekly)

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Title: The Fourth Bear

Subtitle: A Nursery Crime

Author: Jasper Fforde

Narrator: Simon Vance

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 55 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-27-06

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 737 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

But all is not what it seems. How could the bears' porridge be at such disparate temperatures when they were poured at the same time? Why did Mr. and Mrs. Bear sleep in separate beds? Was there a fourth bear? And if there was, who was he, and why did he try to disguise Goldy's death as a freak accident?

Jack answers all these questions and a few others besides, rescues Mary Mary from almost certain death, and finally meets the Fourth Bear and the Gingerbreadman face-to-face.

Members Reviews:

10001001110000111

This delightful ASCII-to-Audio book is a whimsical, often laugh-out-loud-silly, sequel to "The Big Over Easy: A Nursery Crime" (which in itself should be regarded as a diversionary sub-sequel to "The Well of Lost Plots") and although it takes a chapter to get used to yet another new narrator, he's also very good.

The story line is no less complex, but it does tend to be a touch more farcical than the previous entries by Mr. Fforde. Worry not, this author knows how to tie up loose ends as no other author of speculative fiction in the English language. Well, he does tend to have a lot of ends in his hands compared to most, but it's a fine juggling act. Don't worry, just get it. It'll be over way too soon.

When Mr. Fforde steps out of the story to address the listener/reader directly for the first time in his books that at least I can remember, he does it quickly and well. And he does leave a broad hint that a certain favorite Spec Ops character is heading our way again.

The Toad, 2006

Oh My Heavens! What a hoot!

This story is amazing! I haven't read someone (ok, listened) who can take simple tales and turn them inside out while spinning a tale of suspense and intrigue quite like J.F. The story is hysterical, the characters outlandish, the plot devices aren't predictable, and the use of childhood stories very original.

This is a must for anyone who likes the Xanth novels and other light hearted fantasy / SF type novels.

It inspires me to make sure my kids learn all of the fables this story uses so that they will appreciate the story in their later years.

I think I have listened to this title at least half a dozen times.

And Now for Something Completely Different

Not different from the author's other works, but with a certain Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Black Adder, Monty Pythonesque flair that had me laughing so hard I nearly ran off the road. Other than being careful when driving, the only other warning I would give to American readers is that you need to brush up on your Edward Lear poetry in order to fully appreciate characters such as the Dong with a Luminous Nose.

Simon Vance is fabulous!

The second book in this series is better than the first and leaves you wishing two things, that Simon Vance had narrated The Big Over Easy, and that Fford had written more than two Nursery Crimes.

Great listen

This is so enjoyable. There are only 2 books in the series; they don't have to be done in order but it helps.

The first and also exetremely worthwhile book is 'The Big Overeasy'. I hope that everyone listens to these and delights in them like I have.