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Title: This Side of Brightness

Author: Colum McCann

Narrator: Joe Barrett

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 4 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-06-11

Publisher: Audible Studios

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

From the author of Songdogs, a magnificent work of imagination and history set in the tunnels of New York City. In the early years of the century, Nathan Walker leaves his native Georgia for New York City and the most dangerous job in America. A sandhog, he burrows beneath the East River, digging the tunnel that will carry trains from Brooklyn to Manhattan. Above ground, the sandhogs--black, white, Irish, Italian--keep their distance from each other until a spectacular accident welds a bond between Walker and his fellow diggers--a bond that will bless and curse the next three generations. Years later, Treefrog, a homeless man driven below by a shameful secret, endures a punishing winter in his subway nest. In tones ranging from bleak to disturbingly funny, Treefrog recounts his strategies of survival--killing rats, scavenging for discarded soda cans, washing in the snow.

Between Nathan Walker and Treefrog stretch seventy years of ill-fated loves and unintended crimes. In a triumph of plotting, the two stories fuse to form a tale of family, race, and redemption that is as bold and fabulous as New York City itself. In This Side of Brightness, Colum McCann confirms his place in the front ranks of modern writers.

Members Reviews:

Exquisite Narrative

Exquisite narrative, although the ending was predictable. McCann writes brilliant sentences, even in this early work. If you are looking for mystery, action, or suspense, read another author. McCann writes about the inner narratives of people in ways that wrap grace around your heart.

Too sad but too good to put down

There is a fascination/ revulsion compulsion that affected me deeply while reading this book. I was too enraptured to put it down, but too depressed to continue at times. This story is heartbreaking. It wrenched my insides as I felt what poverty and racism can do to lives in succession. I am not surprised to learn of the sandhogs since their story is so much part of New York's history. However, what did surprise me was the nature of McCalum's prose. It is not eloquent but it is elegant. I am a fan of Steinbeck, especially Grapes of Wrath and here McCalum's writing seems to echo Steinbeck's treatment of language. I bought this book because I immensely enjoyed McCalum's other novel Let the Great World Spin. I paid little of nothing for it and I am almost ashamed that this is so. I had to put the book down at several points because the poignancy of the story touched me almost painfully and I sought escape from its wounds. Growing up in Atlanta during the civil rights movement means, for me, the issues touched upon in the novel are part of my memory, however painful it is for me to recall. Although I was a small child, it made no sense to me that people with darker skins were treated with such disrespect. It still doesn't make sense but even then, to my young heart, it seemed uncharitable. I had friends that were black and we played together with such gusto and abandon that I never sensed that anything was wrong. I had some teachers that would try to separate us but this was always temporary and done almost without feeling, only halfheartedly. Children serve as an example to us all. Growing up in the Deep South with it's deep seated prejudices never impacted my own feelings regarding race. Thankfully, I had the wonderful presence of a black woman in my life to dissuade any impact negative talk might have had on my belief system.

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Title: Time & Place

Author: Bryan Woolley

Narrator: Jonathan Hogan

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 40 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-17-11

Publisher: Recorded Books

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

From TCU Press Texas Tradition Series, "designed to publish and preserve significant Texas literature", comes Time and Place by Bryan Woolley, a powerful novel about a small West Texas town during the 1950s. Seventeen-year-old Kevin Adams best friend is the first polio victim of Fort Appleby. In just a few short months, Kevins adolescence is stripped away and he must confront decisions he is not prepared to make.

Members Reviews:

Gifted writer ... book not up to his talent

I love Fort Davis and that entire area of Texas ... read Woolley when he wrote in Dallas papers. Thought I'd love this book .. didn't. Just seems to me that the author really is ashamed of his roots, and portrays an actual arrogance toward his heritage. I stopped reading after about 60 pages, so ... maybe it got better. Woolley is, of course, a gifted writer and can turn a phrase. But ... life is too short to read books that make me cringe.

Great transaction.

Just as described. Great transaction.

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Title: The Gamekeeper's Lady

Author: Ann Lethbridge

Narrator: Charlotte Strevens

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-01-11

Publisher: Whole Story Audiobooks

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

As an illegitimate child, Frederica Bracewell was treated by her uncle like a servant. But when she encounters the new gamekeeper, shy Frederica starts to feel like a true lady... After a debauched existence, Lord Robert Mountford revels in the simplicity of a gamekeeper's lifestyle. Until temptation strikes! Frederica is a far cry from the ladies of the ton, but she may just be his undoing... and unmasking!

Members Reviews:

i wanted to slap some sense into the hero!

The first half of the book was wonderful. Robert & Frederica were good together (even though Roberts reason for pushing her away were weak & i wish they had been lovers without his constant hesitation) and i especially enjoyed Frederica as a heroine but after the masked ball, the character of Robert makes a 180 and is this stubborn and prideful man for dumb reasons. At least when Frederica doubted him, she had the sense to talk to him and try to find out whats going on but Robert didnt give her the same courtesy & assumed the worst of her. I felt Frederica deserved better. The story also turned ridiculous & silly and Robert never redem himself in my eyes but i enjoyed the h/h from the first half and that is why i give it three stars. I kept hoping the Robert i first read about would come back but he returned too late and the second half was too frustrating a read for me to recommend. A shame, because the potential was there.

Will hold your interest

Filled with more suspense than I expected. Stayed up late to read this one. Looking forward to second in series

Frederica and Robert

Loved this book. Glad frederica found what she longed for after 25 years of not knowing all the facts.

Worth the read!

I stumbled upon this book at a hotel where you could take a book and leave one. The story-line didn't start to pick up until half way through but until then there was some romance to carry it along. Overall, it was good enough to get me interested in Ann Lethbridge's other books. I would recommend this book.

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Title: Change of Heart

Author: Carmen Peone

Narrator: Sean Kilgore

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 4 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-03-11

Publisher: Tate Publishing

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

After fighting with her sister, 13-year-old Spupaleena bolted from their Arrow Lakes pit home into the dead of winter. Spupaleena didn't know where she was going but knew she could no longer live at home. Haunted by the deaths of her mother and baby brother, Spupaleena ran until she'd run too far.

Upon discovering Spupaleena's body, Philip Gardner, a trapper, brings her home to his cabin. His wife, Elizabeth, does her best to help heal Spupaleena, although with a broken heart and a mangled body, she is not likely to survive. But when Phillip doesn't return from a trip into town, a pregnant Elizabeth and a weak Spupaleena are forced to find strength not only in each other but in God as well. In this story of hardship, grief, and eventual hope, Spupaleena learns all she needed was a Change of Heart.

Members Reviews:

Good Family Story

A really good middle-grade historical novel about a young Native American girl in the 1800s who is rescued by a devoutly Christian trapper and his wife after she runs away from home. The attitude to Native Americans was strikingly authenticâno surprise from an author deeply familiar with Native American culture. Spupaleenaâs religious journey was the most interesting part of the book. Peone struck a good balance between showing respect for the culture of Spupaleenaâs people while being honest about the girlâs deep need for God. After running from home, she is tortured in dreams by spirits, since she has underlying feelings of guilt, and it is difficult for her Christian friends to reach her. I found these areas page-turning and thought-provoking.

Change of Heart

Carmen Peone's story of a young Native American girl drew me in from the start. What young girl has not argued with her sister and stormed out of the room? Only Spupaleena runs and then keeps on running in the middle of a snowstorm! Her fate then falls into the hands of a wilderness trapper and his wife who take her in and heal her body, heart, and soul. This story could occur in any place or time and it's message is as relevant today as it was 100 years ago. The most important things in life are love of God/Creator and love of family. I am reading more of Spupaleena's story in the next book in the series, "Heart of Courage" to be followed by the third, "Heart of Passion". I highly recommend these books for the YA reader in your family.

A great opportunity to experience Native culture in the emerging American West

When Spupaleena, 13, runs away from her Arrow Lakes pit home near Eastern Washingtonâs Columbia River, she escapes from more than a bossy big sister. But she doesnât consider the difficulty of traveling by foot in the dead of winter.

Encountering a blizzard, she slips down a ravine, seriously injuring herself. A white trapper, Phillip Gardner, finds Spupaleena while tending his lines and carries the unconscious girl home to his rough log cabin. His pregnant wife, Elizabeth, nurses Spupaleenaâs injuries and tries to bring comfort to the troubled girl. Spupaleena knows a few English words and over the next few months they manages to communicate. But the young girl says nothing about herself, her family, or why she has run away.

Phillip must leave for several days to travel into town to replace stolen traps, leaving the two women to manage on their own. A tragedy occurs, forging an even deeper relationship and a test of faith.

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Title: The Storm

Author: Elisabeth McNeill

Narrator: Lesley Mackie

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 4 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-26-11

Publisher: Soundings

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

October 1881 and the fishermen of Eyemouth are preparing to go to sea. The prosperous fishing village is alive with anticipation and excitementbut also debate is the village barometer to be believed?

Despite the glorious start to the day, a violent storm destroys most of the boats leaving few families unscathed. For those who are left, life in this small, close-knit community will never be the same again. But as the months pass, the women of Eyemouth must learn to look to the future, to live and to fall in love again

Members Reviews:

Delighted!

Loved this book. Set in my ancestors village, even the surname was the same. Fantastic price, emasculate condition. Good quality print. Delighted!

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Title: The Trooper's Wife

Author: Sara Fraser

Narrator: Patricia Gallimore

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 32 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-26-11

Publisher: Soundings

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Little Rosie Pearson is left to fend for herself when her beloved grandmother is hounded to death on suspicion of being a witch. Shocked by the uncaring treatment of the authorities, Eugenia Pacemore, a soldier's daughter, takes Rosie in and wishes to adopt her. But her hopes are dashed when Rosie's drunkard father returns to claim her.

From then on, Rosie's life is one of hardship and abuse, until she finds love - of sorts - with a private in the British cavalry. As a soldier's wife she must follow the regiment to the Crimea, where her sunny personality and resilience stand her in good stead when faced with the horror of that dreadful war.

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Title: The Sounds of Rescue, the Signs of Hope

Author: Robert Flynn

Narrator: Scott Shina

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-26-11

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 2 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Recognized by the Texas Institute of Letters, critically acclaimed author Robert Flynn is a treasure of the Lone Star State. The Sounds of Rescue, the Signs of Hope is his masterpiece. World War II pilot Greg Wallace is shot down over the Pacific. Luckily, he bails out and makes his way to land to await rescue. But with each day that passes, it grows less likely that a rescuer will ever come.

Critic Reviews:

Reading it is frequently a moving and intellectually provocative experience. (The New York Times Book Review)

Members Reviews:

Came early in great condition

Good

Great book

Great Book!

"When World War II pilot Greg Wallace is shot down over the Pacific, he makes his way to land to await rescue. Settling in the best he can, he believes his training will pull him through. But as each day passes, it grows less likely that a rescuer will ever come, and more likely that Greg's training has not adequately prepared him for the stark reality of his situation.

Recognized by the Texas Institute of Letters, critically acclaimed author Robert Flynn is a treasure of the Lone Star State. The Sounds of Rescue, the Signs of Hope is his masterpiece. "

Don't waste your time.

Psychotic book. A vile man's attempt to deny God. Book has no conclusion. Except there is no god but himself.

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Title: The Report

Author: Jessica Francis Kane

Narrator: Graeme Malcolm

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 5 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-13-11

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

A stunning first novel that is an evocative reimagining of a World War II civilian disaster. On a March night in 1943, on the steps of a London Tube station, 173 people die in a crowd seeking shelter from what seemed to be another air raid. When the devastated neighbourhood demands an inquiry, the job falls to magistrate Laurence Dunne.

In this beautifully crafted novel, Jessica Francis Kane paints a vivid portrait of London at war. As Dunne investigates, he finds the truth to be precarious, even damaging. When he is forced to reflect on his report several decades later, he must consider whether the course he chose was the right one. The Report is a provocative commentary on the way all tragedies are remembered and endured.

Members Reviews:

a little-known event viewed from an unusual slant

I bought this audio-book having heard the written version reviewed on Radio 4's "A Good Read" and I was not disappointed. Like many people I suspect, I had never heard of the Bethnal Green Disaster, so the first point of interest was simply to learn about what happened. However, the weaving of the facts into a novel, (in which the perspectives of some of the characters involved and two different time-frames was achieved with more skill than is often the case) brought the whole incident to life. Various themes for thought are clearly suggested, but not to the exclusion of the enjoyment of the novel as such.

Graeme Malcolm reads with admirable clarity and precision - my only quibble with the book is that I would have preferred greater variety of intonation.

I recommend this as a very good listen.

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Title: HMS Expedient

Author: Peter Smalley

Narrator: Cornelius Garrett

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 18 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-25-11

Publisher: Random House AudioBooks

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The year is 1786: Captain William Rennie is on the beach and on half pay when hes given a prime commission: HMS Expedient is a 36 gun frigate; she is to be sent to the South Seas on a scientific expedition. For Lieutenant James Hayter, in Dorset shire, whose career had barely begun when the peace came, his own commission in Expedient out of the blue is equally surprising and exciting. But for these two sea officers there is something odd and disturbing about the nature of their task. They sense that they are not being told the whole truth about the forthcoming expedition, and the shady, powerful figure of Sir Robert Greer is always at their backs. Is someone trying to sabotage their mission? Why is their progress dogged by a mysterious man of war? And what are the secret orders locked in Rennies cabin which may only be opened once they round the Cape of Good Horn?

The answers lies on a beautiful uncharted island, in the remotest corner of the Pacific immensity, to which the storm-battered Expedient limps for desperately needed repairs. Soon the dangers of the voyage will pale in comparison with what they discover there, across the limpid waters of the lagoon

Members Reviews:

Not a Patrick O'Brian substitute

Anyone looking for a substitute for Patrick O'Brian will be disappointed with this book, but Peter Smalley does provide a fast moving and interesting maritime adventure tale. Unlike some of the writers in this genre, Smalley has the technicalities of seamanship spot on, and he does create a credible picture of life afloat in the eighteenth century, and the historical references are accurate. The main characters are rather two dimensional, and not very appealing. I suppose it is unfair to compare with the genius of O'Brian, and Jack Aubery is much missed.

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Title: To Kill a Tsar

Author: Andrew Williams

Narrator: Peter Wickham

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 5 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-14-11

Publisher: Soundings

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

St Petersburg, 1879. A shot rings out in Palace Square. Cossack guards tackle the would-be assassin to the ground. In the mêlée no one notices a striking dark haired young woman in a heavy coat slip away from the scene. Russia is alive with revolutionaries. While Tsar Alexander II remains a virtual prisoner in his own palaces, his ruthless secret police will stop at nothing to unmask those who plot his assassination and the overthrow of the Imperial regime. For Dr Frederick Hadfield, whose medical practice is dependent on the Anglo-Russian gentry, these are dangerous times. Drawn into a desperate cat-and-mouse game of undercover assignations, plot and counter-plot, he risks all in a perilous double life.

Members Reviews:

Five Stars

Excellent, gripping!

I was intrigued by the title and I enjoy history. Andrew Williams is a British writer and ...

I found this book in my local library. I was intrigued by the title and I enjoy history. Andrew Williams is a British writer and former television journalist who was born on 8 May, 1962 in Sheffield, England. He was educated at Trinity College, at Oxford University, Oxford and is a former Senior Producer and Director at the BBC, the author of four historical novels and two histories of World War II. He has been nominated for several awards including CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award and CWA Ellis Peters Historical Award.

This is a historical novel based on the assassination of Tsar Alexander II of Russia in 1881. In To Kill A Tsar, Williams, explores the motives and the methods of the terrorists, and the use of violence as a political tool, that was employed both by the terrorists and by the secret police who tried to catch them. The assassination of the Tsar was carried out by members of Narodnaya Volya,The People's Will, one of the world's first terrorist organisations. The story of The People's Will is intertwined with the love story of an English doctor, Frederick Hadfield, who falls in love with one of the terrorists, and because of his association with her comes under suspicion by the secret police.

The story in To Kill a Tsar begins in St Petersburg, Russia, in 1879 when a shot rings out in Palace Square and the cossack guards tackle an aspiring assassin to the ground. In the confusion that follows no one notices a beautiful dark haired young woman in a thick coat leave the scene. It is a time when Russia is alive with revolutionaries. While Tsar Alexander II remains a virtual prisoner in his own palaces, his ruthless secret police will stop at nothing to unmask those who plot his assassination and the overthrow of the Imperial Regime. Though they were sometimes called "Nihilists", the political reforms that The People's Will wanted were rather mild liberal ones including representative government and freedom of speech. Although in reality, the Tsar was about to introduce some of those reforms before he was killed, and the assassination led to increased state repression.

Tsar Alexander II was, in truth, a reformer, but, of course, one of the features of reform is often that it increases the demand for reform. Those who want reform often demand that the pace of reform be speeded up, and so reform tends to encourage revolution. This book raises important questions about the use of violence and terrorism to achieve political reform. It does not give answers, though in this case history itself gave the answer.

I really enjoyed To Kill A Tsar.