Listen to Best Full Audiobooks in Fiction, Historical Popular Authors

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Title: Snowbound

Author: Richard S. Wheeler

Narrator: Brian Hutchison

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-17-13

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Audie Award Finalist, Multi-Voiced Performance, 2014

Winner of the Owen Wister Lifetime Achievement Award, Richard S. Wheeler garnered his sixth Spur Award for Snowbound, a powerful biographical novel. When enigmatic 19th-century explorer John Frémont finds himself trapped in the Colorado mountains, he must struggle against man, nature, and himself to overcome the harrowing dangers in his path.

Members Reviews:

Ego + Arrogance = Failure

Author Richard S. Wheeler's book, SNOWBOUND, set in 1848-49. is the story of John C. Fremont's ill-fated Fourth Expedition to the western territories of America. Using the voices of members of his company of travelers, Wheeler presents the journey of some 100 men and 150 mules and half a dozen horses to trace the expedition's footsteps from Washington City to California allegedly to conduct scientific research, to prepare topographical maps, and to choose a route for a railroad to cross the continent, in particular the western mountains.

Wheeler has chosen a cross section of company members to report the progress of the journey. Their various points of view offer a great vehicle to inform the reader of an exploration which for its length and duration could otherwise become tedious reading. In addition, Fremont, often known as "Pathfinder" (for his self-flattering reports of previous explorations), is not a simple character to define.

A man proven to be devious, wholly self-interested and defiant of authority, Fremont had been court martialed and ejected from the military, but continues to use his former title. In the meantime, when "Colonel" Fremont was unable to ingratiate himself into the family of powerful Missouri Senator Benton, he eloped with his daughter, Jessie. The expedition group that leaves from Missouri is composed of Fremont's former exploring company and new men who join the company for the half-hearted "promise" of pay upon return. While such arrangements may seem strange to us today, it was not unusual for footloose men of the first half of the nineteenth century to join such loosely gathered parties under such conditions if only to "see the elephant," an adventurous lark. What we readers get from the eyes of these many observers is their leader's total disregard and lack of concern for the safety of his men and animals.

In order to identify the informants and their contributions, Author Wheeler used their names for chapter headings. Oddly enough, Fremont's former fellow travelers were fairly tight-lipped about their leader and never questioned his decisions. From the others, we learn of the monolithic decision-making of Fremont, his frequently stupid choices and stubborn refusal to change even the most disastrous mistakes. In those instances we observe Fremont's canny pursuit of scapegoats to hold responsible for his errors. Another aspect of the man is his foolhardy mismanagement of finances. John Fremont always lived with the "wolf at his door," spent much of his time calculating financial gain, and when it came, made terrible investments and squandered the proceeds.

Unquestionably, the most exciting (and agonizing) piece of this work, is the expedition's trek (against all advice) over the mountains in the cruelest months, during storms of the bitterest cold and the most snow and ice in anyone's memory.

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Title: The Thief of Auschwitz

Author: Jon Clinch

Narrator: Paul Hecht, Edoardo Ballerini

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-20-13

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 17 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Told in two intertwining narratives, The Thief of Auschwitz takes readers on a dual journey: one into the death camp at Auschwitz with Jacob, Eidel, Max, and Lydia Rosen; the other into the heart of Max himself, now an aged but extremely vital - and outspoken - survivor. Max is a world-renowned painter, and he's about to be honored with a retrospective at the National Gallery in Washington. The truth, though, is that he's been keeping a crucial secret from the art world - indeed from the world at large, and perhaps even from himself - all his life long.

The Thief of Auschwitz reveals that secret, along with others that lie in the heart of a family thats called upon to endure - together and separately - the unendurable.

Members Reviews:

Well written, well narrated

The excellent narration is perfect for this well told story. Jon Clinch is a great crafter of stories and this one is an great example of his skill. It pulls you inside and makes you feel like a participant in the concentration camp.

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Title: The Invitation

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Anne Cherian

Narrator: Sanjiv Jhaveri

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 26 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-13-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 7 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

A moving story that redefines the meaning of family, friendship, and success among a group of first-generation Indian immigrants.

When Vikram invites three of his college friends to his sons graduation from MIT, they accept out of obligation and curiosity, viewing the party as a 25th reunion of sorts.

Village genius Vikram, now the founder of a lucrative computer company, is having the party against his sons wishes. Frances and Jay regret accepting: Frances, a real estate agent, hasn't sold a house in a year; Jays middle-management job isn't bragworthy; and their daughter is failing the eleventh grade. Lali plans to hide the fact that her once-happy marriage is crumbling because her American husband is discovering his Jewish roots. Each had left UCLA expecting to be successful and have even more successful children. At Vikrams Newport Beach mansion, the showmanship they anticipate dissolves as each is forced to deal with his or her own problems. The follow-up to A Good Indian Wife, Anne Cherians novel resonates with the poignancy of real life colliding with expectations unmet.

Members Reviews:

If you can survive the fake and forced accents..

...it's a cliche-ridden tapestry of awfully believable folsk whose sole purpose is to try and resuscitate the listener with their Indian-American burden of success and privilege. More please!

Overall good but children's voices were very annoying

No need for immature children voices. Very distracting. Other voices were ok. Would have liked eldest daughters character developed

Interesting Novel

What did you love best about The Invitation?

Very well written novel about family dynamics and the relationships for immigrants from India and their family members back in India as well as between generations. Cherian wonderfully illustrates how quickly views and attitudes can change with immigration to America and the conflicts that can arise.

Kept my interest throughout and was quite entertaining. Highly recommend!

Any additional comments?

The cadence of the reader, Sanjiv Jhaveri, was less than ideal but the voices were good

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Title: Rush on Boys

Subtitle: Hamilton at War

Author: Robert Child

Narrator: James Gillies

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 53 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-29-13

Publisher: Rob Child and Assoc

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

As the story opens, young Alexander Hamilton marches with the Continentals at Fort Lee, New Jersey. He is frustrated by being relegated to the end of the line and missing out on the action. He desperately wants to make a name for himself. His fortunes soon change at the Raritan River when the vanguard of British infantry catches up to Washington's army.

Hamilton and his cannons are the only defense line available to prevent the army from being destroyed. Successfully protecting the Continental army and allowing their escape with his rear-guard action, Hamilton catches the attention of George Washington.

The future President asks the 20-year-old Hamilton to join his staff. Sent on one daring mission after another Hamilton's stature grows, creating great political mistrust among his rivals. When ambition overtakes Hamilton, he threatens to overthrow Congress, which he sees as corrupt. Challenging a Congressman to a duel, who views Hamilton as a treasonous immigrant, his world nearly self-destructs.

Members Reviews:

Captured reader

Once beginning to read, I did not want to stop. At the end, I found myself hoping there will soon be another to fill my desire to read more of this man and his contributions to our great nation.

Heart in the right place but details lacking

The author clearly loves the subject and did his best, but I found numerous historical details to be incorrect, which took me out of the novel. Mostly small things I know about as a reenactor, but the treatment of the two battles of Trenton and the battle of Princeton was confusing and unclear.

I did like that every character's age is mentioned upon their initial introduction; this is very helpful to readers who are used to thinking of these men as much older, as presidents and such, rather than as young or early middle aged men at war.

The narrative style is a series of vignettes, which keeps things moving and kept the book short, but could sometimes be difficult to follow, die to confusion as to how much time had passed.

Rush On Boys - Rush To Read It

It was a real page turner. I can always tell when a book works for me when I can picture it like a movie as I read. Alexander Hamilton is a neglected founder. This is an important book to remedy that problem.

There were several key moments and topics that I'm glad were covered:

-- The hole in his heart due to no father in his life.

-- Sending Hamilton to General Gates to set him straight was one of Washington's master strokes. The meeting with the pompous Gates being out maneuvered by a sharper mind was well covered.

-- His close friendships, including Lafayette and Laurens.

-- His love interest.

-- His frustration and argument with Washington.

-- His many missions as one of Washington's adjutants.

-- Also, of course, his shining moment at Yorktown.

The book is also refreshingly short, something that is good for a plane trip or if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting. If you like historical novels and want to learn more about Alexander Hamilton, this book is for you.

John Koopman III

George Washington Impersonator

Alexander Hamilton ... Soldier

Alexander Hamilton's predominant passion was often said to be the military. From an early age he recognized the opportunity that "arms" offered to lift his station in life.

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Title: Burning Bright

Author: Tracy Chevalier

Narrator: Cornelius Garrett

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-07-13

Publisher: Whole Story Audiobooks

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

London, 1792: The Kellaways move from familiar rural Dorset to the tumult of a cramped, unforgiving city. Against the backdrop of a city jittery over the increasingly bloody French Revolution, a surprising bond forms between Jem, the youngest Kellaway boy, and streetwise Londoner Maggie Butterfield.

Their friendship takes a dramatic turn when they become entangled in the life of their neighbour, the printer, poet and radical, William Blake. He is a guiding spirit as Jem and Maggie navigate the unpredictable, exhilarating passage from innocence to experience. Their journey influences one of Blake's most entrancing works.

Members Reviews:

Disappointing

What disappointed you about Burning Bright?

It had no substance; no real story; a very weak plot; tedious!

Would you ever listen to anything by Tracy Chevalier again?

Yes because some of her other books are brilliant. I'm so glad this wasn't my first Tracy Chevalier experience because it would also have been my last.

Who might you have cast as narrator instead of Cornelius Garrett?

The narrator was OK but Dan Stevens is excellent.

What character would you cut from Burning Bright?

All of them!!

Any additional comments?

Very disappointed with this. It's hard to believe that it could have been written by Tracy Chevalier.

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Title: Dynasty 19: The Hidden Shore

Author: Cynthia Harrod-Eagles

Narrator: Terry Wale

Format: Unabridged

Length: 19 hrs and 17 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-14-13

Publisher: Hachette Audio UK

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 11 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

1843: the early years of Queen Victoria's reign witness much high-level debate at the Palace of Westminster, but nothing can interfere with Society's enjoyment of the Season. When Charlotte Meldon's father dies, she believes herself to be destitute, but a lawyer's letter reveals that she is not only part of the great Morland family, but wealthy and a countess in her own right. She is expected to make a great marriage, and with her vivacious cousin Fanny by her side, she is launched into her first Season. But it is Fanny, the hardened flint, who loses her heart first, while Charlotte catches the eye of Oliver Fleetwood, the most eligible man in London. Then the Season ends in disillusion, and Charlotte rebels against a life of idle amusement. With calm courage she flouts convention and embarks on a new journey which will change her life in much unexpected ways.

Members Reviews:

Exceptional series of events.

I've loved reading these books. Everyone left me wanting to read the next book. Cynthia, has managed to capture the events throughout history. Too bad all the series isn't on here. I've read the first 19 books and would like to finish off the series. Is audible books going to complete the series?

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Title: Soldiers of '44

Author: William P. McGivern

Narrator: Paul Christy

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 31 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-25-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

This is a very readable and great novel of real warriors vs all their enemies on all sides (theirs and ours) told via the historical stage of The Battle of the Bulge. While classic warrior vs remf, it is also a detailed look at the field soldier of that era, wonderful character studies rather than the usual WWI stereotype soldiers. From all I heard from my uncles and family friends who were "there" this rings all true, and hence it is a great listen. You will continue to listen when you should be sleeping to see what happens next. The writer is talented. His approach is unique. You have to scramble to be sure it is a novel...not someone's real life memory. Obviously, it is a panorama of real memories.

Members Reviews:

You'll forget this is Fiction ......

I've read a moderate amount of Non-Fiction WW2 books, and this one is a surprisingly good and seemingly accurate story. Interesting cast of characters and as in real life, there are none who are 100% perfect in this book - some just have much more of a conscience than others. I hate the all-good or all-evil sorts of characters, and the men (and a few women) in this book all seemed like REAL people. If that recent icky book hadn't been named 50 Shades of Gray, that might have been an appropriate title for this story. The title, Soldiers of '44, made me hesitant to read it, as I though it might have been too clichéd - it thankfully wasn't. This book deals with the need to make quick decisions in difficult circumstances of the battlefield, and the responsibility that follows those decisions after the dust has settled. And, of course, how nothing is ever totally Black or White - but many shades of Gray. I enjoyed the twists at the end, and the follow-up of the many characters was a nice touch after the story was over. I won't put any spoilers here ...

There are a LOT of characters in this novel, and it did take a while to get acquainted with all of them. The two main Jewish characters, Geldman and Gelnick, could have had less similar sounding names, as I briefly confused them - but that's a very small criticism.

How Did This One Get Lost?

This is a very readable and great novel of real warriors vs all their enemies on all sides (theirs and ours) told via the historical stage of The Battle of the Bulge. While classic warrior vs remf, it is also a detailed look at the field soldier of that era, wonderful character studies rather than the usual WWI stereotype soldiers. From all I heard from my uncles and family friends who were "there"this rings all true, and hence it is a great read. You will continue to read when you should be sleeping to see what happens next. The writer is talented. His approach is unique. You have to scramble to be sure it is a novel...not someone's real life memory. Obviously, it is a panorama of real memories.

Ho-hum for more than half of it, then it gets almost great...

Excellent novels do not spend 250 pages leaving me wondering if I should invest my time reading the final 150. This one did. Turns out, the last 150 were definitely worth reading, and the long prelude turns out to have been necessary for enjoying the climax. However, early in the book I kept wondering "Why so many unlikeable characters, so many seemingly trivial moments of non-combat activities?" Those questions get answered in the final third of this 1980 novel.

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Title: The Brummstein

Author: Peter Adolphsen, Charlotte Barslund (translator)

Narrator: John Lee

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 45 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-08-12

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

This astonishing novel begins in 1907, when Josef Siedler, a science-fiction devotee, ventures deep into a series of caves in search of an entrance to the underworld. Disappointed in his quest, he nonetheless returns with a peculiar souvenir: a small rock sample that emits a strange humming sound. Upon Siedlers death, the rock is bequeathed to his nephew, a significant step in what will become an extraordinary journey through the arc of history. For as the stone passes through the hands of a series of owners, we are told their stories: from pre-World War I ambitions and inter-war anarchism to conditions during World War II, the bleakness of life in postwar East Germany, the German art scene of the 1960s, and more.

These snapshots of the 20th century serve to chronicle the continuity of humanity, with all its strengths and weaknesses. In The Brummstein, Danish author Peter Adolphsen has spun a mystical - and movingly memorable - exploration of the meaning of life.

Members Reviews:

The promise of mystery left me wondering...

...where in the world (or even in the universe) was this "writer's" creative skill? I finished reading it to see if and when the promoted enchanting mystery of the humming stone would be revealed as it passed through generations, only to find myself snoring as the book dropped out of my hand. The characters were introduced at random and possessed no depth (so who cared what happened to them?). If I wanted to explore the geographical history of caves, the tectonic plates, etc., I wouldn't be buying a novel to find that information (in highly irrelevant and painful detail). This book bombed, in my opinion. I would not read anything else by the author nor would I recommend it to anyone, except perhaps a literature professor, to illustrate what poor storytelling looks like.

Not Since The Aleph

I would like to meet the Amazon buyer that found this book. Knowing him/her might keep me focused on the good books that Amazon offers on its Kindle daily deals and away from the dreck. Adolphsen has written a gem that is very hard to describe. The closest I can come to categorizing it is fantasy or surrealism. I do know that it is the best short story/novella I have read since the Aleph. Try it. If you don't like it you won't have wasted much time.

Wonderful

This books begins with scientifically rich factoids and scenery and, with the same fullness, delves into human experience and marries the two. I waited far too long to read this (then again, there are over 350 books on my Kindle). I HIGHLY recommend this book. It also has a surprising ending, one worthy of poetry. Not to miss.

Interesting concept idea

This is a story that always keeps you guessing all the way. Like life, it has its unexpected moments. I enjoyed it.

An Original Story Beautifully Told

This little novella took me quite by surprise. Peter Adolphsen has created characters who are archetypal, original and utterly believable. I enjoyed the gorgeously geographic description of how subterranean caves are formed. I loved the cyclical nature of the story, which goes full circle over the course of a century.

In 1907, Josef Siedler descends into the Hölloch Caves in Switzerland, searching for an opening to the subterranean world which he believes is home to a race far more advanced than humans.

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Title: Jewball

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Neal Pollack

Narrator: Peter Berkrot

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 39 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-15-12

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

1937. The gears of world war have begun to grind, but Inky Lautman, star point guard for the South Philadelphia Hebrew Association, Americas greatest basketball team, is dealing with his own problems. His coach has unwittingly incurred a massive gambling debt to the Bund, a group of American Nazis. His main basketball rival is self-righteously leading public protests against homegrown American fascism. Its more than Inky can deliver. He just wants to play ball and occasionally beat people up for money. When the Bund comes calling for what its owed, Inky has to make a stand for his ragtag bunch of teammates and the coach that got them into this mess. With the Bund closing in, Inkys game isnt just basketball anymore. It becomes a battle that pits Jewish pride against Nazi fascism. The tides of history are flowing against a guy like Inky. Can he make his free throws and still make it through the season alive? Get ready. Thisis Jewball.

Members Reviews:

Funny, Interesting, and Educational

Despite the weird title, this is a great story told well and lovingly. The characters are (literally) real, and the story is engrossing and amusing. It reads easily and is full of atmospheric language and settings that reminded me of not only the American History I've read, but also of stories my grandpa told me of his days as a bootlegger and as a labor leader during the Thirties and Forties. Read this book.

A rich semi-historic story

"There was ball, and there was Jewball, and if they were gonna win, they'd better demonstrate the difference, with emphasis."

I was leery when I first saw this book on Amazon's virtual bookshelf. I couldn't tell whether the title was pejorative or respectful. But based on the book's description and the low price at the time, I decided to give it a whirl. I'm glad I did.

A goy like me had no idea of the role that basketball played for urban Jews in the early 20th century. Unlike games like football that require large fields to play, basketball can be played on city playgrounds and inside gymnasiums, which made it the perfect game for big cities.

Jewball is the story of young Inky Lautman who is recruited to play in the SPHA:

"If no one played basketball quite like the Jews, then no Jews played it quite like the South Philadelphia Hebrew Association. People respected them when they traveled around. But in Philly during the SPHA's heyday, which lasted from the mid-twenties until the mid-forties, they were heroes..."

I loved this story. I loved the characters and I loved the setting. It takes place during the pre-war years in and around Philadelphia. I loved the exposure to a culture I'm not completely familiar with. Luckily I read it on my Kindle so I could look up a lot of the Yiddish words and phrases that were foreign to me.

Writer Neal Pollack admits to taking some liberties with the history, but at the end of the book he includes a "Notes on the History" section where he clears up the facts versus his fiction. And aside from a few parts that used a little too much kitsch for me, I thought Pollack's writing was great. He struck a very comforting balance between noir, romance, and sports.

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Title: Beast of the Bells

Author: T. K. Sheils

Narrator: Brad Wills

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-05-12

Publisher: Mundania Press LLC

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

A dark, erotic, historical murder mystery set in 1539. The story is told through the eyes of Rodrigo Aquilino, secretary to the Viceroy, Don Antonio de Mendoza. His mission is twofold: He must find the gold of the fabled Seven Cities of Antilla and discover the real story of the death of Estevanico who was the guide and in fact led the last expedition.

Estevanico...the black man was larger than life. One of his many admirers describes him as "tall, built like an Arabian stallion - sleek, glossy lithely muscled. He had a smile that would charm a lioness, eyes that swallowed your soul." He wore his hair in long braids with dozens of copper bells woven in them. Of voracious sexual appetites, he was apparently irresistible to women and traveled with a harem of at least six young women.

Tremendously charismatic, he made friends and allies wherever he went; however, the clergy hated him, and his habit of wearing copper bells on his person led many of the natives to fear that he was the Last Beast: the horrific destroyer, the Beast of the Bells.

Rodrigo's innocence dissipates as he uncovers lies, torture, murder, even massacre in his quest for the truth. He is taught erotic pleasures by one of Estevanico's lovers and ultimately finds himself capable of loving and of killing.

Members Reviews:

Spanish history

Reviewed by Ellen Hogan for Reader Views (4/07)

The main point of this book is to find the person who murdered Estevanico. He is the one they called the "Beast of the bells." He had worked for Viceroy Mendoza as a slave; then he led a group to find the fabled Seven Cities of Antilla. It was on this trip that he was reportedly killed by the Cacique Aponivi of Hawikuh. Viceroy Mendoza sends his secretary Rodrigo Aquilino with a group of friars led by Fray Marcos and soldiers let by Captain Melchior Diaz. It's written in letters back and forth from Rodrigo to the Viceroy and the Viceroy to Rodrigo.

Rodrigo is aided in his quest for the truth by an Indian slave, Tehya and a blacksmith's assistant named Talavera. Tehya was once in Estevanico's entourage, and wanted to assist Rodrigo in finding out what happened to him. Rodrigo sets about questioning everyone connected with the expedition lead by Estevanico. He learns that the man was obsessed with sex and finding the treasure of Hawikuh before the Spainiards.

Through the whole story Rodrigo learns much about the man Estevanico and also about himself. He loses his innocence and after this expedition will never be the same. The writer if very descriptive in getting the reader to see the places visited, but informative with the beliefs that the Indians possess. He also gives impressions of the people and their customs. "Of treasure, for instance, I have seen one or two tiny emeralds, some fragments of what might be garnet and no gold or silver, in fact no metal at all...except the mysterious torture instruments (which would hardly have been brought by a missionary, would they?...Or would they?) The treasure may exist at Tayasan, of course, but Marcos never even claimed to have been there."

The story is set in 1540, so anyone who likes history, or more particularly, Spanish history would like this book.