Listen Legally to Popular Authors Full Audiobooks in Fiction, Contemporary

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Title: Run, River

Author: Joan Didion

Narrator: Holly Cate

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 37 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-13-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 16 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Joan Didion's electrifying first novel is a haunting portrait of a marriage whose wrong turns and betrayals are at once absolutely idiosyncratic and a razor-sharp commentary on the history of California. Everett McClellan and his wife, Lily, are the great-grandchildren of pioneers, and what happens to them is a tragic epilogue to the pioneer experience, a story of murder and betrayal that only Didion could tell with such nuance, sympathy, and suspense.

Members Reviews:

Thought-provoking, riveting, memorable

This powerfully insightful first novel is Joan Didion's finest work. A finely-drawn meditation, it focuses on Lily, a shy and melancholy young matron who yearns for love, but struggles with the challenges of everyday life. Thoughtful but unemotional, Lily and Everett are quintessential Central Valley Californians, strong as the rich soil they till, but unable to confront their personal demons. Leading unexamined lives, they are filled with emotions they cannot express, forever reaching, like their gold-seeking forebears, for the real Eldorado that lies still further on, a mirage just beyond their grasp.

The narrator has a pleasant voice while reading descriptive passages of the book, but her character voices are a disaster. Depressed people are not best represented through high, squeaky, baby voices, like every female character in this audiobook had - Sarah, Martha, Edith, even Lily. The midwestern senator inexplicably had a southern accent. Male voices were unrealistic, exaggeratedly low, without nuance. Lily sings off-key, but the narrator merely recites the lyrics in a stiff monotone, failing the author's purpose of adding authentic layers to the setting and character they were so carefully chosen to reflect. However, while the disappointing narration distracts, it cannot diminish the compelling characters and strong storyline of this fine work.

Thought-provoking, riveting, and memorable, Didion's "Run River" is a quiet masterpiece.

All the days of their lives

Would you consider the audio edition of Run, River to be better than the print version?

No

What was one of the most memorable moments of Run, River?

The scene when Lily McClellan reflects on her relationship with Everett - and, in the process, sounds like a character from William Faulkner.

Have you listened to any of Holly Cates other performances? How does this one compare?

No - I greatly enjoyed this performance, though.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Lily's comments (in chapter 23) that ends with the phrase "all the days of their lives".

Any additional comments?

This is not the California of later books by Joan Didion but a novel about Sacramento, and less Sacramento than the area down towards the delta of the Sacramento River, a flat land with a full but sluggish river, between levees, with a feeling of being out on the edge but marooned, rather than excited or exhilarated. And when the city appears it is less as the capital of the State than as a Valley town, provincial and almost gossipy. "Anybody who talks about California hedonism has never spent a Christmas in Sacramento", Didion has said and I did, years ago, though the 100F+ summers are just as stultifying. I even spent a hot afternoon driving down the levee road to the rural Chinatown of Locke, which one drives into almost by accident by veering off to the land-side of the river.

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Title: Closure, Limited and Other Zombie Tales

Author: Max Brooks

Narrator: Christopher Ragland

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 3 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-21-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 148 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

A terrifying new collection of short stories from the master of zombie fiction, Max Brooks, best-selling author of World War Z, The Zombie Survival Guide and Recorded Attacks.

Members Reviews:

Underwhelmed

There I was thinking that this would be a great companion to world war Z. But alas it is not. The major story is not a zombie one but vampire. Another story seemed to end halfway through. Very strange. Please don't waste your money on this if you think you're going to have something of world war z quality.

More More More!

Would you consider the audio edition of Closure, Limited and Other Zombie Tales to be better than the print version?

Never read the print version.

What other book might you compare Closure, Limited and Other Zombie Tales to and why?

This book helps to ease the pain of finishing World War Z. It really gives you that little bit you need to keep going.

Which character as performed by Christopher Ragland was your favorite?

There is this Asian Female (Spoiler) Vampire who he does this great girly voice for. It's funny, but he still keeps you in the story.

If you could take any character from Closure, Limited and Other Zombie Tales out to dinner, who would it be and why?

The poor guy stuck in his bathroom.

Any additional comments?

This book was a great listen and just like World War Z brought to light some details of a zombie apocalypse you may not have ever thought of. I really hope Mr Brooks keeps on writing in the WWZ Universe.

freaking amazing book stories were interesting I.

I cried when Lilia died I think max Brooks should make a movie out of extinction parade.

A little short for the cost

This seems like a few shorts left out from the other books. They are all very random, but a fan of the full works might enjoy.

Took a bit to get into, more World War Z

Took a while to get into. once you do its more of the same stories you loved from WWZ. Is it worth the price point at just 2 hours? probably not. But the book itself is well written and we'll narrated.

It's more World War Z

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Title: Zane's I'll Be Home for Christmas

Author: Zane

Narrator: Heather Alicia Simms

Format: Unabridged

Length: 27 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-20-12

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 120 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Noelle Mitchell never explained why she abruptly ran away from home at the age of fifteen. All anyone knew was that her boyfriend Reno convinced her to abandon her family. But when she shows up at the family house on Christmas thirteen years later whats revealed about her absence will either tear her family further apart or bring them closer together.

©2012 Zane (P)2012 Simon & Schuster, Inc

Members Reviews:

this isn't a book is a chapter a good chapter

I was disappointed that I paid for a chapter of what could have been a good book.

Kristal

27 minutes???!!!

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

NO! Had know idea it was only 27 minutes, I NEVER would have wasted my $2.95. SO disappointed in the length :-(

Would you recommend Zane's I'll Be Home for Christmas to your friends? Why or why not?

No, not worth the time.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Heather Alicia Simms?

Probably, if it were something I really wanted to hear.

Could you see Zane's I'll Be Home for Christmas being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Not in its current state. LMN. If it were a complete story.

Any additional comments?

Write a complete story.

family and forgiveness

loved it great story can't wait to hear the whole book. Ready to get another one

What in the world happened yesterday, suspense

The story was intriguing, heart-felt...so, what happened next? Leaving a person in suspense.

Pleasure read...

Great bedtime story....

This was a great story that warmed my heart. Think Ill listen to it again soon!

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Title: Grimm Tales for Young and Old

Author: Philip Pullman

Narrator: Samuel West

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-27-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 118 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

In this enchanting selection of fairy tales, award-winning author Philip Pullman presents his 50 favourite stories from the Brothers Grimm in a 'clear as water' retelling, making them feel fresh and unfamiliar with his dark, distinctive voice. From the otherworldly romance of classics such as 'Rapunzel', 'Snow White', and 'Cinderella' to the black wit and strangeness of such lesser-known tales as 'The Three Snake Leaves', 'Hans-my-Hedgehog', and 'Godfather Death', Pullman captures the appeal that has held the imagination of children and adults alike for centuries. In his introduction, he discusses why these stories have lasted so long and become part of our collective storytelling imagination. Pullman's Grimm tales of wicked wives, brave children, and villainous kings will have you listening again and again for many years to come.

Members Reviews:

Fresh and Fast

Samuel West reads brilliantly these marvellously-written tales. Action and more action is the order of the day with modern twists that retain the original plot. I was surprised at just how much pleasure I derived from listening and re-listening to this performance. Thinking I was just buying a book of predictable yarns, I was thrilled to find that there was a delicious novelty in each beloved story. Talk about fairy tales for adults! Some of the tales were rather gory but I was transported into a childlike trance and took all the grimness with a grain of salt and just relished the action. Really good book that is not patronizing or coy in any way. Brilliant.

A fun listen between big books

I enjoyed listening to these between breaks listing to other bigger books. I thought the narration was fun and enjoyed the way the stories were read very much. I do not like all of the Grimm Tales and most of them I think I've heard one place or another, but the narration and the new twist on an old classic has made this a recommend.

Excellent

I was very much surprised on how much the Grimm tales are so much of our lives without knowing it.

Experience delight.

Pullman's light hand lets the original tellings carry the tales, but his words come like a breath of fresh air through a summer window. West's readings recall the childhood delight of bedtime stories. These brought me joy, and I will continue visiting this classic.

Not what I thought

The Old Grimm's Tales were scary and bad but these are cleaned up versions for adults. Def not my cup of tea

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Title: Breaking News

Subtitle: Godmothers, Book 5

Author: Fern Michaels

Narrator: Natalie Ross

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 47 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-25-12

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 76 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Teresa Toots Amelia Loudenberry has her quirks, but no one - especially not her trusted friends Sophia, Ida, and Mavis - would ever question her loyalty. So its no surprise when Toots decides to extend her stay in Charleston to help care for her ailing housekeeper.

Though the Charleston air is drenched with azalea and honeysuckle, and theres always a pitcher of sweet tea close to hand, the ladies have little time for relaxing. Idas new line of cosmetics is about to launch, and Toots, Mavis, and Sophia are relishing new careers as models. And Abby, Tootss daughter, is getting hitched. In the middle of so much change, Toots is almost too busy to notice her own unexpected romance. After eight husbands, shes sworn never to get involved again. But fate - and her friends - may have other plans. And every godmother, fairy or otherwise, loves a story that ends with happily-ever-after....

Members Reviews:

Well worth the listen, must start with first book

What other book might you compare Breaking News to and why?

The others in the series must read all in the series leading up to this one

Have you listened to any of Natalie Rosss other performances before? How does this one compare?

About the same as the others

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

No, too much

Fern Michaels never lets me down

What did you love best about Breaking News?

I love the godmothers. This has been one of the best series I have read. I love them better that the "sisters". Although I feel like this one was the last...(Oh, I hope not), I love the excitement. These old birds are funny, charming and just plain feisty.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Breaking News?

I just could imagine the look on the doctor's face when the spirit of Toot's late husband spoke to them. I wish this was a movie...Too funny

What does Natalie Ross bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

Each character has their own style and voice. She's really great at this. I have enjoyed the books even more because of her.

If you could take any character from Breaking News out to dinner, who would it be and why?

The new doctor, of course...ha ha or maybe Toots. Maybe even together.

Any additional comments?

I really enjoy Fern Michaels books. She is very entertaining

Great Read

If you could sum up Breaking News in three words, what would they be?

Entertaining, Suspence,

Humor

Who was your favorite character and why?

Toots, Always in control and full of ways to get things done.

What about Natalie Rosss performance did you like?

I like the smooth listening voice. Picks up all the characters in a special way.

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Title: The Book of Laughter and Forgetting

Author: Milan Kundera

Narrator: Richmond Hoxie

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 21 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-06-12

Publisher: Canongate Faber

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 7 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Rich in its stories, characters, and imaginative range, The Book of Laughter and Forgetting is the novel that brought Milan Kundera his first big international success in the late 1970s. Like all his work, it is valuable for far more than its historical implications. In seven wonderfully integrated parts, different aspects of human existence are magnified and reduced, reordered and emphasized, newly examined, analysed, and experienced.

Critic Reviews:

"The Book of Laughter and Forgetting calls itself a novel, although it is part fairy tale, part literary criticism, part political tract, part musicology, and part autobiography. It can call itself whatever it wants to, because the whole is genius." (New York Times)

"An absolutely dazzling entertainment....Arousing on every levelpolitical, erotic, intellectual, and above all, humorous." (Newsweek)

"Deeply and impressively subversive, in more ways than one....Kundera's condemnation of modern life is broad, but his sympathy for those who create and suffer it is deep." (Time)

Members Reviews:

Disturbing! Contains sexualing children!

Cannot imagine how it is acceptible to sexualise children!

Never reading Kundera again, very disturbing.

The book of humans and their condition

This is not an easy read, but books so full of wise words are far and in between, a mandatory read to gain insight in the human condition and the contract of love.

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Title: Master Quilter

Subtitle: Elm Creek Quilts, Book 6

Author: Jennifer Chiaverini

Narrator: Christina Moore

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 45 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-13-12

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 177 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

New York Times best-selling author Jennifer Chiaverinis Elm Creek Quilts novels are hailed as classics of their kind by The Dallas Morning News.

Master quilter Sylvia Compson, the sage voice guiding the Elm Creek Quilters, is getting married. The occasion should be festive, but things turn sour. The quilters have prospered, but now their unity is threatened. They must either iron out their differences or face a future that may not be spent together.

Members Reviews:

Love the series, but this has too many repeats

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I this story could easily been told with a third fewer words.

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

So many of the sections were developed by repeating nearly verbatim earlier scenes. I don't claim to know the best way to tell various characters perspectives on an event, but reusing text seems just a way to make a book longer. This book included a mystery that needed solving (and was very satisfactorily done) but I think the whole could have been "tighter."

Any additional comments?

I'm not giving up though, I have enjoyed the characters as performed by Christina Moore, and look forward to Book 7!

Another great book in the series

This book wasn't my favorite, but I thoroughly enjoyed listening. I will continue to be an Elm Creek fan and work my way through the series.

I love the consistency from book to book and having the same narrator. Makes me feel close to the characters, like meeting up with friends. Like the twists and turns in this book, definitely expanding on the story lines as we move through each book.

Super fab!

I love this series. As a new quilter it's fun learning the names of quilt blocks and it inspires me to look up the blocks they Elm Creek quilters talk about. This was one of my favorite books in this series.

Love 1-5, hate book 6

This book tells the story (over and over and over again) from several characters perspectives. It would not be so bad if there was a huge difference of perspective, but there isn't so you heard each event over and over again. I have never been so happy to have a book end.

Great Quilting History

Can't say enough good things about this series. have enjoyed everyone so far. Great for quilting history .With a wonderful story line.

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Title: A Hologram for the King

Author: Dave Eggers

Narrator: Dion Graham

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 52 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-19-12

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 365 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

In a rising Saudi Arabian city, far from weary, recession-scarred America, a struggling businessman pursues a last-ditch attempt to stave off foreclosure, pay his daughters college tuition, and finally do something great. In A Hologram for the King, Dave Eggers takes us around the world to show how one man fights to hold himself and his splintering family together in the face of the global economys gale-force winds.

This taut, richly layered, and elegiac novel is a powerful evocation of our contemporary moment - and a moving story of how we got here.

Members Reviews:

Subtle Paean to Emptiness, Failure & Loneliness

Sad and beautiful. Eggers captures the pain, fear and insecurity of a maturing, outsourced economy and an aging, disappointed businessman. Set in the KSA, this novel reminded me of Beckett's 'Waiting for Godot' and Miller's 'Death of a Salesman' if both had been written by a Hemingway or Mailer. 'Hologram for the King' stands as a subtle paean to the emptiness, failure, loneliness, and slow economic decay (and death) we ALL experience eventually. The best parts of this novel, for me, were the interactions Alan (the protagonist) has with his Saudi driver and his female doctor. Alan's experiences with the foreign and the exotic other illuminate just how similar we are, and how absurd our self-made mental prisons appear to those we interact with. But still -- we can't help but wait for the King and hope.

Willie Loman goes to Saudi Arabia

Any additional comments?

Narrator Dion Graham makes this an enjoyable read, combined with the all-too-human failings of the main character Alan. He has loser and winner characteristics that make him likable. Combine that with the sheer unfamiliarity of Saudi Arabia, deftly portrayed through Alan's reactions and thoughts, and I got something out of the ordinary that I hadn't expected. I tend to listen to books on dog walks, and I can tell you the dog got a lot of exercise in the two days it took me to listen to this. So perhaps it can be said that "I couldn't put it down." I plan on reading more Dave Eggers books as a result.

A deeply enjoyable man vs world story

Too many Man vs. World stories rely on characters who lack flaws. Characters who would be perfectly great at everything if the world would stop keeping them down.

Alan, our lead in Hologram, is a deeply flawed man. He is jealous and fearful, watching his life and dreams fade away and out of his grasp.

Alan wants to play by the rules, all the rules, but the rules refuse to stand still. He wants to do the right thing, but the right thing is never clear. He makes good decisions that go bad and bad decisions that work out just fine.

He is a sympathetic man, immanently relatable. This is good, because the story itself, when considered from afar, is quite boring. The journey of an interesting character struggling in an interesting location is enough for Dave Eggers to have a winner.

Willie Loman for the 21st Century

Where does A Hologram for the King rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

This book holds no surprises; you can see exactly where the characters are going. You cringe for the principal character as he mismanages every situation, but had he been brilliant, the mission would still have failed. Its outcome foreordained. It is an advance look at our own self portrait.

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Title: Midnight in Austenland

Author: Shannon Hale

Narrator: Stina Nielsen

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 6 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-23-12

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 313 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

New York Times best-selling author Shannon Hale has penned numerous award-winning novels. In this follow-up to Austenland, Charlotte Kinder is eager to escape the numbness she feels after her divorce. Deciding to get away, she visits the Regency-themed Pembrook Park resort in England, where talented actors set the perfect scene. But with everyone playing a role, its hard to distinguish reality from fantasy. So when Charlottes heart stirs, she wonders if shes simply caught up in the experience - or if her ability to feel is finally returning.

Members Reviews:

Love Austenland

I didnt think this book was as good as the first but I still enjoyed it. It was funny and also a great "who done it" book. I would recommend if you liked Austenland.

Charlotte talks to herself way too much!

I really enjoyed Austenland, so I thought this would be similar. It's very different. I don't remember the main character in the other book constantly having ridiculous conversations with herself, but this one sure did. It got just plain annoying. The story line could have been interesting, but it just played out in soap opera fashion. I also didn't really like her flashbacks to her "real" life. I wasted 8+ hours on this book!

Good start - but gets bogged down

Returning to Austenland in the second book, I got the playful escape I expected but not the same quality of plot and ambiance as the first book. The story begins well, but bogs down in the "mystery story" within the overall story, including the self-doubts and fears of the main character. The juxtaposition of modern and Regency life is not as strong as the first book, which I missed. If you seek lighthearted escape, you will enjoy it but if you are seeking transportation to Austenland, then perhaps not.

Very enjoyable! :)

Any additional comments?

This book was a most enjoyable listen! :D The narration = AWESOME. The story line = highly entertaining! It took a little while to get into, but once it got started... it was amazing!

NOTE: this book is not really "family friendly". It swears once or twice (not very bad though)... but it discusses some harder topics that wouldn't be the best for children, or even early teens.

Not anywhere near as good as "Austenland"

I loved "Austenland" but this is much less well-thought out story. And the narrator is very annoying (actually, Charlotte, the main character, is pretty annoying, too - or maybe it's because she strikes me as being absurdly dumb). Skip it.

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Title: Palindrome

Author: Stuart Woods

Narrator: Gabra Zackman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 22 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-03-12

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 75 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Award-winning author Stuart Woods has crafted a masterful novel no reader will soon forget. For years, Liz Barwick has been battered by her brutal husband, a famous pro football player. The beautiful and talented photographer retreats to an island paradise off Georgias coast to find solitude - and herself.

Members Reviews:

love this book!

I enjoy both the book and the narration. I have listened to it several times now.

Stuart Woods fan

Just when you think stories couldn't get any better, Stuart Woods produces another one. Woods out did himself on this one, absolutely spellbinding would definitely recommend this to mystery lovers.

"WOW"

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

yes as Ms Zackman brings all the colorful characters to life.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Palindrome?

This author really knows how to open a story, bring it to full life, and give you an ending that will stay with you.

I loved all of the characters as each was so rich. The two brothers, the Detective (don't miss his explanation about his wife, LOL) James will take your heart. Older sister, who wouldn't want one like her, and of course our heroine, brave!

I didn't understand what the author meant by the title, but the ending brought it all together. Hold on to your hat!

What does Gabra Zackman bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

I purchased due to Ms Zackman being the reader. Fabulous job on this book! I own over 100 of her reads as I love her interpretation of an author's works. Her male voices are yummy. Readers' AKA Isabelle Gordon. Enjoy

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

I listened in one day, and was overwhelmed as the end came just before bedtime. This had it all, thrills, chills, romance and nostalgia. I will seek more of this author if is it is read by a fave reader of mine

Any additional comments?

Note: use the new 1.25x speed to get the most out of this book. It matches the pace the author intended.

A Praiseworthy Book

What did you like about this audiobook?

I loved this book because it kept me engaged to the end. character actors were convincing in every thought and was clear and concise.

How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter?

The book could have been a nonfiction bio of Liz Barwick married life.

Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does he achieve this?

The author connected characters and places wonderfully.

What did you find wrong about the narrator's performance?

For this book, everything was right.

Do you have any additional comments?

I am from Georgia and the narrator massage my vivid imagination as though I was there in every place.

Early Stuart Woods?

What disappointed you about Palindrome?

Everything. Read like a Lifetime movie. Flat steroetyped characters, predictable storyline, stiff dialogue.

Would you ever listen to anything by Stuart Woods again?

I don't know - I could swear I read something really good by Woods in the past. This was set in the 80's, and it makes me wonder if it was an early effort.

What didnt you like about Gabra Zackmans performance?

The heroine was colorless, the detective a monotone, the black characters cliched. Not my favorite reading.

Any additional comments?

So disappointed. Almost sent it back, wish I hadn't stuck it out.