Adult Reading Round Table Booklists  •  Audiobooks

Fiction

The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry (2008)
Read by Alyssa Bresnahan

The Whitney women of Salem, Massachusetts, have a unique talent—they can predict the future by looking at the patterns in a piece of lace. After a fifteen year absence, Towner Whitney returns home when her great-aunt Eva disappears. She begins the story of her investigation into her aunt's disappearance by telling the listener, “Never believe me. I lie all the time.” As the psychological mystery unfolds, Towner unearths family secrets and discovers the truth about the death of her twin sister.  Narrator Alyssa Bresnahan again proves she is one of the best in the business. Both iTunes and Library Journal named The Lace Reader one of the best audiobooks of 2008. (NM)

Mystery; 10 CDs; Recorded Books; ISBN: 9780061661556

World War Z by Max Brooks (2006)

Read by Max Brooks, Alan Alda, Carl Reiner, Jurgen Prochnow, Waleed Zuiater, Dean Edwards, Michelle Kholos, Maz Jobrani, Mark Hamill, Henry Rollins, Eamonn Walker, Ajay Naidu, John Turturro, Rob Reiner, Jay O'Sanders, Dennis Boutsikaris, Becky Ann Baker, Steve Park, Frank Kamai, and John McElroy

World War Z chronicles the ever-popular zombie apocalypse—and hits a gruesomely compelling home run with its unique oral history format. Author Max Brooks acts as interviewer, talking with military personnel, government officials, and civilians from all over the world ten years after the official end of the zombie war. Their stories recount the harrowing events of the zombie takeover and subsequent battles, and put together a picture of a vastly depopulated world in which the geopolitical landscape has changed significantly and zombies still have a stronghold. The oral history approach translates naturally into an audiobook, "reading" like a National Public Radio documentary, and the star-studded cast won the book a 2007 Audie Award for Multi-Voiced Narration. Though billed in some places as unabridged, this audiobook is abridged—but the tradeoff in content is worth the experience of listening to this enthralling story. (AS)

Horror; 5 CDs; Books on Tape; ISBN: 9781415933510

Ireland by Frank Delaney (2005)

Read by Frank Delaney

Celebrating the “seanachi” tradition of Ireland, when wandering storytellers would regale villagers with stories from Irish history and myth in exchange for food and lodging, Delaney brings to life The Storyteller who visits Ronan O’Mara’s house at the invitation of Ronan’s parents. Nine-year-old Ronan cherishes the storytelling sessions and idolizes The Storyteller. So, when Ronan’s deeply religious mother perceives one of the stories blasphemous and kicks The Storyteller out of the house, Ronan vows to find him. This vow becomes a lifelong obsession with Ronan. In his journey, Ronan himself becomes fascinated with Irish myths and legends and hones his own talents for storytelling. Delaney’s command of his voice is excellent—he is skilled at changing his cadence from the rhythmic voice of The Storyteller to the more straight-forward voice of the narrator when telling the story of the O’Mara family. For listeners who hesitate to listen to a narrator with an accent for fear they will not be able to understand the words—fear not with Frank Delaney’s Ireland. Frank Delaney is a natural as a narrator—easy to listen to, with a hypnotic voice and a storyteller’s lilt. (BK)

Historical Fiction; 16 CDs; HarperCollinsPublishers; ISBN: 9780060741891

Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich (2008)

Read by Lorelei King

Stephanie Plum, Lula, Connie, Grandma Mazur, and the mysterious Diesel follow the money to Atlantic City, in a funny St. Patrick’s Day caper involving a horse, a Winnebago, a little man in green pants, and a crazy car chase. I rarely listen to audiobooks and I found myself distracted by Lorelei King’s interpretation of some of the characters, especially Lula. I laughed out loud at the printed copy of this book, but found the audio copy harder to follow and less funny. (LLK)

Humor, Mystery; 3 CDs; Macmillan Audio; ISBN: 9781427202666

The Big Over Easy by Jasper Fforde (2005)

Read by Simon Prebble

DCI Jack Spratt, the Head of Reading’s Nursery Crime Division, and his sergeant Mary Mary investigate the death of Humpty Dumpty. His shattered shell could have been caused by a fall off the wall—but while not exactly a bad egg, Dumpty was an ex-con and had some shady dealings in his life, so Jack and Mary may be looking for a murderer. A very funny, punny tale made even more humorous by the droll British narration of Simon Prebble. (LLK)

Fantasy, Humor; 10 CDs; BBC Audiobooks America; ISBN: 0792737016

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (2008)

Read by Neil Gaiman

Nobody Owens (Bod for short) has been living in an ancient London graveyard since he was a toddler. His family was murdered, but Bod managed to escape and was given sanctuary by the residents of the graveyard (ghosts, ghouls, and assorted otherworldly "life"), who would raise and teach him until he reached his teenage years. This book is a collection of vignettes from the course of young Bod's life, the mystery of who killed his family, and Bod's journey from protected life in the graveyard to living out in the world. Winner of the 2009 Newbery Medal, The Graveyard Book truly has appeal for all ages, and is reminiscent of Harry Potter—but just enough to interest fans. Neil Gaiman's reading of the audiobook is pitch-perfect—he uses unique voices and accents for each character, and achieves a vivid sense of atmosphere and pacing in his narration. After reading this dark, funny, and emotionally satisfying tale, you'll never look at a graveyard the same way again. (AS)

Fantasy, Young Adult Fiction; 7 CDs; Recorded Books; ISBN: 9781436158848

Ghost Radio by Leopoldo Gout (2008)

Read by Pedro Pascal

Joaquin, the host of a popular paranormal call-in radio show in Mexico called “Ghost Radio” is taking his program to America; however, Joaquin has a small problem: the ghosts of his past are literally stalking him. The story alternates between the present and Joaquin’s past, describing the horrific car accident from his youth, and his friendship with the only other survivor, Gabriel, that led him on his current path. As Joaquin listens to callers and their stories of their own personal encounters with the paranormal, he slowly begins to lose track of what is real and what is not. Finally, Joaquin has had enough of the haunting, and he strikes out to confront his ghosts, but that decision may just lead to his undoing. Pedro Pascal’s eerie narration adds to the uneasiness that permeates this novel, and since the novel revolves around Joaquin’s “Ghost Radio” program, listening only enhances the reader’s experience. (BS)

Horror; 7 CDs; Harper Audio; ISBN: 9780061661570

Pompeii by Robert Harris (2003)

Read by John Lee

In 79 A.D. a water engineer arrives in Pompeii to inspect the aqueducts and finds problems in need of repair. Savvy listeners know that within days Mount Vesuvius will erupt disastrously, burying the city and many of its inhabitants. In the meantime, life goes on, and while the danger grows, the denizens go on with their lives, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the times and making this more than just a disaster tale. The historical, cultural, and social details should please listeners, as will the quotes relating to vulcanology which head each chapter. Lee’s deep, sonorous voice and precise British accent complement the tale perfectly, and he is surprisingly deft at portraying the women characters as well as men. His edgy, dark tone perfectly captures the mood and reflects the sense of impending disaster from the very first. Tension builds, as he pulls listeners into the story, transporting us back and allowing us to participate in the disaster—from the safety of our armchairs. (JS)

Historical Fiction; 9 CDs; Books on Tape; ISBN: 0736695982

The Shot by Philip Kerr (2001)

Read by George Guidall

Kerr weaves historical facts and events into this thriller set in the early 1960s during President Kennedy’s reign. Plot twists, double-crosses, and conspiracies abound as a trained killer named Thomas Jefferson is hired to assassinate Fidel Castro, but then turns his mark on John F. Kennedy. Set in Miami, Cuba, Las Vegas, and New York, Kerr peoples his story with true-life characters such as mob bosses, politicians, and celebrities. George Guidall again proves his expertise as a narrator in The Shot with his range of accents and his mesmerizing voice. (BK)

Thriller; 12 CDs; Recorded Books; ISBN: 0788798545

Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver (2000)

Read by Barbara Kingsolver

Three sensuously intertwined stories stand ready to captivate the listener as author Barbara Kingsolver shares her vision, words, and voice in a novel about three extraordinary women—one a field biologist, one a newly widowed farm wife, and one an ecology-minded senior citizen. Each woman encounters the rich bounty of an Appalachian summer lush with fertility and growth in her own way and in her own time as nature and relationships are nurtured and, ultimately, harvested. Kingsolver weaves a story about coyotes, moths, goats, American chestnuts, hunters, in-laws, octogenarian curmudgeons, and a host of other creatures and themes into an unforgettable book filled with verdant and poetic language that is a delight to hear, enriched by Kingsolver’s delicately shaded interpretation. Quite often, allowing an author to read her own creation is a grievous mistake, but in this case, Kingsolver’s soft, feminine voice and gentle Appalachian inflection add an extra layer of enjoyment and authority to the reading. (DW)

General Fiction; 13 CDs; Recorded Books; ISBN: 0788771825

Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri (2008)

Read by Sarita Choudhury and Ajay Naidu

This is a collection of beautifully crafted short stories by the Pulitzer Prize winning author of Interpreter of Maladies. These stories are about new immigrants adjusting to life in America and conflicts between parents and children, siblings, lovers, and husbands and wives. Most take place in New England, but the last story is set in Rome. Sarita Chouhury reads the narrative and dialogue for the female characters, and Ajay Naidu reads the parts for the male characters. They both have slight Indian accents, which enhances the experience of learning about the well-developed characters. (GU)

General Fiction; 8 CDs; Books on Tape; ISBN: 9781415943564

The Hot Kid by Elmore Leonard (2005)

Read by Arliss Howard

Welcome to Prohibition-era Oklahoma—a world of dust, ranches, bank robbers, lawmen, gun molls, speakeasies, and heaps of trouble. The kid of the title is Deputy U.S. Marshal Carl Webster, an ultra-cool young officer who’s hot on the tail of Jack Belmont, an equally brash millionaire’s-son-turned-outlaw. Listeners will be hard-pressed to tear themselves away from Howard’s wildly entertaining vocal performance; he manages to covey Leonard’s rat-a-tat-tat dialogue and bone-dry humor while navigating a number of rural accents. Great fun, even for those who don’t consider themselves fans of Westerns. (AM)

Crime, Western; 7 CDs; Recorded Books; ISBN: 1419340565

The No. #1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith (2003)

Read by Lisette Lecat

Precious Ramotswe, a “traditionally-built” Botswanan woman, uses the proceeds from the sale of her father’s cattle to fund a career as a lady detective. Setting up shop in Gaborone near the edge of the Kalahari, she assembles a coterie of memorable characters including her assistant Grace Makutsi, who won a 97% grade at the Botswana Secretarial College and never lets anyone forget; the two oafish mechanics who work for Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni in the Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors next door; and her clients, who include a missing boy and a straying husband. This first in a remarkable series is brilliantly brought to life by Lisette Lecat, a South African native who perfectly captures the cadence of the speech and names, as well as the spirit of the gentle people portrayed. Indeed, the author himself has pronounced Lecat to be an ideal narrator for his series. (RN)

Mystery; 7 CDs; Recorded Books; ISBN: 1402545940

The Sunday Philosophy Club by Alexander McCall Smith (2004)

Read by Davina Porter

Isabel Dalhousie, a single, middle-aged Scotswoman of independent means, is a moral philosopher by trade and a keen observer of Edinburgh life by choice. When she witnesses a young man falling to his death from a theater balcony, Isabel feels morally obligated to investigate the “accident” despite the misgivings of her friends and family. Porter’s fluid burr smoothly pairs with McCall Smith’s warmly witty prose. Whether she’s vividly describing the city or nimbly capturing the personalities of each character, Porter brings Isabel and her intellectual Edinburgh milieu to vibrant life. (AM)

Mystery; 7 CDs; Recorded Books; ISBN: 1402590628

On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan (2007)

Read by Ian McEwan

In this novella, McEwan writes a painfully personal story about a young married couple on their honeymoon night. The plot might focus on their anticipation of sex, but the story is about the nature of love and how easy it is to throw away for all the wrong reasons. McEwan’s narration adds to the intimacy. (JB)

General Fiction; 4 CDs; Books on Tape; ISBN: 9781415938805

The Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer (2006)

Read by Scott Brick

Wes has a dream job: he is the personal assistant to fictional American president Leland Manning. However, when there is an assassination attempt on the president’s life, Wes is seriously injured and a Cabinet member, Ron Boyle, is killed. Flash forward eight years, and Wes still works for Manning, but it is in the post-presidency years. While traveling overseas with Manning, Wes sees the supposedly dead Boyle, and so begins a fast-paced story full of many twists that leads Wes, his friends, and a newspaper reporter on a whirlwind journey to uncover a deadly conspiracy that goes straight to the top reaches of government. Award-winning audiobook reader Scott Brick’s narration is spare; there are no over-the-top accents, just subtle changes between characters. Through small adjustments in his delivery, Brick is able both to convincingly reflect Wes’s growth from naïve staffer to grown man ready to accept his scarred body, and portray the insanity of the villain, while capturing a range of characters in between. (BS)

Thriller; 15 CDs; Hachette Audio; ISBN: 9781594835452

Lush Life by Richard Price (2008)

Read by Bobby Cannavale

Award-winning actor Cannavale’s deep New Jersey voice makes listening to this audiobook an engaging theatrical experience. Price’s New York Times Notable Book follows the police investigation of a mugging-turned-homicide. From the cops to the criminals and the family of the victim to the wrongly accused witness, Price creates spot-on dialogue that most writers can only dream of. Though the book centers on a killing, this title is not a true mystery or thriller. Price’s pacing is deliberately slower and the focus is not on detecting who done it, but on describing the world in which the deed was done. (KK)

Crime; 11 CDs; Macmillan Audio; ISBN: 9781427203205

A Brief Chapter in My Impossible Life by Dana Reinhardt (2006)

Read by Mandy Siegfried

Simone is in her junior year of high school, with her comfortable family of four, when her birth mother asks to meet her. After some initial resistance on Simone’s part, the two develop a close relationship. This is a touching coming-of-age story which addresses issues of belonging and identity. Mandy Siegfried is wonderful in playing the role of a teenage girl trying to find her place in the world. (GU)

Young Adult Fiction; 5 CDs; Listening Library; ISBN: 9780307283955

Harry Potter (series) by J.K. Rowling (1999-2007)

Read by Jim Dale

Narrator Jim Dale does a marvelous job bringing Rowling's fantasy world to life, with a multitude of spot-on character voices (can't imagine a better Hagrid), as well as just an all-around great storytelling sensibility. Sure, you might have already read Harry Potter, but have you had it read to you? Think of your favorite storytime memory as a child, and realize you can enjoy that feeling even as an adult. A perfect audiobook for those who think they don't like audiobooks. (RV)

Children’s Fiction, Fantasy; Listening Library

Dreamers of the Day by Mary Doria Russell (2008)

Read by Ann Marie Lee

This is the story of Agnes Shanklin, who loses her family to the war and the Great Flu of 1919. She embarks on an adventure to Cairo at a time when the Cairo Peace Conference of 1921 is scheduled and the fate of current day Middle East is determined by eminent personalities like Winston Churchill, T.E. Lawrence, and other European dignitaries. Through Agnes we experience the politics of those times, along with the smells and exotic sights of the Middle East, through the expressive voice of Ann Marie Lee. Though fiction, the book feels part travelogue and part history, and you come away learning much of what transpired during that period, with ramifications felt right to the present day. (TS)

Historical Fiction; 9 CDs; Books on Tape; ISBN: 9781415945759

Dirty Blonde by Lisa Scottoline (2006)

Read by Barbara Rosenblat

Scottoline excels at the creation of riveting legal thrillers, and in this one, which is no exception, her protagonist is a young female judge with a secret pastime of picking up men in bars for anonymous sex. Before long she’s being tailed as source material for a new television series and winds up as the prime suspect in a murder investigation. Rosenblat completely captures this conflicted character with her husky vocal delivery, projecting a complicated woman who is feisty and savvy—yet, at the same time, vulnerable and sympathetic. The ending, in which the killer is finally revealed, isn’t entirely believable, but the ride up to that point is fast-paced and thoroughly enjoyable. (TB)

Thriller; 9 CDs; Recorded Books; ISBN: 1419390112

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows (2008)

Read by Paul Boehmer, Susan Duerden, Rosalyn Landor, John Lee, and Juliet Mills

Just as writer Juliet Ashton is deciding on a new writing project, she receives a letter from a man on Guernsey Island who had stumbled upon her name in a book he was reading. Thence begins a correspondence that illuminates the spirit, tragedies, and deeds of the Channel Islanders who found themselves under the yoke of Nazi Occupation during World War II. Reading a book comprised of letters and responses can be confusing, but this epistolary novel is beautifully brought to life by its narrators. It won both an Audie Award and a “Best Audio” award from Library Journal. (RN)

General Fiction; 7 CDs; Books on Tape; ISBN: 9781415954409

Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells (2002)
Read by Judith Ivey

When Siddalee Walker is asked to direct the musical version of The Women on Broadway, she turns to her mother for advice on the ins and outs of female friendships. Vivi is the expert on friendship and shares the “Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood" with her daughter. This scrapbook is filled with mementos telling the story of four women from Thornton, Louisiana, who have been friends since their preschool days. Judith Ivey's wonderful narration perfectly captures each individual personality and brings the world of the Ya-Ya's to life. She will make you laugh at the group's antics at the Shirley Temple look-alike contest and cry over the story of Vivi's 16th birthday party. (NM)

General Fiction; 13 CDs; Books on Tape; ISBN: 0736686584

The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton (1989)

Read by Barbara Caruso    

This was Wharton’s first novel, published in 1906, and it is one of her best. Set in New York at the turn of the 20th century, it depicts a society of wealth and privilege that, while glittering on the surface, is actually crawling with treachery and corruption underneath. Lily Bart is the heroine of the story, a great beauty who aspires to be part of this dangerous world; unfortunately, she has very little money, and at age 29, no marriage prospects. Due to her extravagance and bad choices, her life falls into a downward spiral, and she meets a tragic end. What could have been an exercise in unbearable depression becomes a cautionary tale filled with elegant insights, thanks to Wharton’s superb description and the magnificent reading of Caruso, whose nuanced performance makes it seem as if Wharton herself is in the room with the listener, wittily recounting every heartbreaking detail. (TB)

General Fiction; 12 CDs; Recorded Books; ISBN: 9781419310997

The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig (2005)

Read by Kate Reading

With contemporary and historical story lines—each rich in characters, details, and romance—Willig offers a smart take on Napoleonic-era spy adventures. American Ph.D. student Eloise Kelly, in London researching legendary spies like the famous Scarlet Pimpernel, discovers a previously unknown spy in the Selwick family papers. However, her research and subsequent romance with Colin Selwick take second place to the swashbuckling adventures in England and France as the tales of the Purple Gentian and the Pink Carnation unfold. Reading moves seamlessly between time periods, never leaving the listener in any doubt of the era. Multiple accents and speech patterns, from Kelly’s rather flat American to the sometimes pompous French of the Court and the sly sneers of the nefarious French spies, add to the humor. Her skilled narration invites listeners to participate in this colorful romp. (JS)

Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance; 11 CDs; Books on Tape; ISBN: 1415916926

Doomsday Book by Connie Willis (2000)

Read by Jenny Sterlin

Alternating between two time periods, this gripping tale of time travel to the English Middle Ages follows a group of eccentric Oxford academicians in the U.K. circa 2054, who manage a project to send one of their students to England circa 1348. Illness on both sides of the divide threatens the whole project, and many lives are precariously caught in the balance. Sterlin uses her British accent to wonderful effect as she tells the story of Mr. Dunworthy and his concerns about his student Kivrin, as well as Kivrin’s story of life in the 14th century and its joys and dangers. While the book can easily stand as a page-turner in any format, it shines as a story told out loud because of the constant shifts from humor to irony to poignancy and profound sadness, captured superbly by the skilled reading of Sterlin, who infuses the work with her nuanced voice. Winner of both a Hugo and Nebula Award when it was first published in 1992, this work is highly recommended for any reader who believes science fiction is not accessible, because it is really top-notch historical fiction cleverly disguised as science fiction. (DW)

Science Fiction; 22 CDs; Recorded Books; ISBN: 9781436120302

Jeeves and the Mating Season by P.G. Wodehouse (2003)

Read by Jonathan Cecil

Hapless, well-intentioned Bertie Wooster and his unflappable valet Jeeves return in another comic caper—this one involving dippy young couples in love. While visiting a friend at her family’s country house, Bertie decides to impersonate his friend Gussie Fink-Nottle, who is in jail after an unfortunate drunken episode in a fountain. Gussie’s task was to impress his girlfriend’s family during the visit, and now that duty falls to Bertie, who fails beautifully, particularly when facing a houseful of daunting aunts. Here we also meet Jeeves’ even more imposing uncle Charlie, a butler at the house where Bertie is a guest. Jonathan Cecil’s plummy narration enhances Wodehouse’s trademark humor, and the author’s delicious turns of phrase are perfectly suited for audio. (SC)

General Fiction, Humor; 6 CDs; Audio Partners; ISBN: 1572703199

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (2006)

Read by Allan Corduner

Imagine Death decides to tell you one of his more memorable stories… In this imaginative and beautiful book, Death narrates the story of Liesel, a young orphan girl, in episodes both dark and humorous. Illiterate at the start of the story, she steals her first book, the Gravedigger’s Handbook, as she’s being shipped off to live in a small German town. From this book, she learns to read and eventually becomes a storyteller herself. The narrator brings to life a cast of characters both eccentric and touching that surround her, highlighting the power of literature and simple human kindness, which help Liesel survive even the horror and tragedy of WWII. (JH)

Young Adult Fiction; 11 CDs; Listening Library; ISBN: 0739338005

Nonfiction

A Perfect Union: Dolley Madison and the Creation of the American Nation by Catherine Allgor (2006)

Read by Anne Twomey

Dolley Madison is best remembered by most Americans for bravely saving the portrait of George Washington shortly before the British burned the White House during the War of 1812. However, her contributions to American history—and particularly to the role of First Lady—were numerous. Madison’s skills as a hostess were vital to the success of her taciturn husband’s presidency. She helped create a vibrant Washington, D.C., social scene, in which politicians could make the unofficial connections that allowed them to carry out their official work with greater ease. In many ways Madison set the standard for First Ladies who followed, particularly for those who have disguised their own political savvy by emphasizing their ceremonial role. The easy elegance of Twomey’s narration perfectly matches the tone of the book and the stylishness embodied by Dolley Madison. Those who enjoy watching historical documentaries are likely to find that listening to this audiobook provides a similar experience. (SC)

Biography/Memoir, History; 13 CDs; BBC Audiobooks America; ISBN: 0792740211

Home: A Memoir of My Early Years by Julie Andrews (2008)

Read by Julie Andrews

Imagine Mary Poppins or Maria Von Trapp sitting in your passenger seat telling you stories. That’s the experience you’ll have listening to Julie Andrews read her charming memoir. Andrews delicately describes her parents’ painful separation, her early stage and vaudeville appearances, moving to New York to appear on Broadway, and marrying set and costume designer Tony Walton. Self-deprecating without ever being coy, Andrews’ iconic voice conveys all the warmth and good humor that audiences have come to love. (KK)

Biography/Memoir, Entertainment; 11 CDs; Hyperion Audiobooks; ISBN: 1401388949

Waiter Rant: Thanks for the Tip—Confessions of a Cynical Waiter by Steve Dublanica AKA The Waiter (2008)
Read by Dan John Miller

Once anonymous, The Waiter is Steve Dublanica, a former waiter who created the award-winning blog, www.WaiterRant.net. Both insightful and irreverent, this entertaining book tells the story of waiting tables at an upscale New York restaurant from the server’s point of view. The audiobook reader, Dan John Miller, is well-suited to the material. His delivery combines just the right amount of wit and cynicism as he recounts outrageous stories of the restaurant business. He is self-deprecating during passages of introspection and even acknowledges that he's become a pretty unpleasant fellow. Finally, his gradual transition from naïve rookie to jaded veteran is realistic and credible. A true guilty pleasure, this book was nominated as a 2009 Audiofile Award Finalist. (MCB)

Humor, Social Life and Customs; 8 CDs; Brilliance Audio; ISBN: 9781423370710
 

Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert (2006)

Read by Elizabeth Gilbert

When faced with a nasty divorce, Elizabeth Gilbert decided to spend a year travelling to Italy, India, and Indonesia. Gilbert does an excellent job of narrating her candid memoir of divorce, travel, and finding herself. A perfect audiobook for the car, you'll feel as though your best friend is sitting next to you chatting away. Watch out for tears and laughter, though. (RV)

Biography/Memoir; 11 CDs; Penguin Audio; ISBN: 0143058525

The Present: The Gift That Makes You Happy and Successful at Work and in Life by Spencer Johnson (2003)

Read by Dennis Boutsikaris

The Present is a parable of a young man’s journey to adulthood and his search for “The Present,” a mysterious and elusive gift he first hears about from a great old man. Practicing the messages delivered will give one a sense of meaning and purpose in life. I especially enjoyed the audiobook because the story and the uplifting messages flow seamlessly when listening to the story. Because of the brevity of the audiobook, it’s one that can be listened to periodically to keep fresh the lesson on what to keep in mind so one can be happy and successful in work and personal life. As the young man experienced, this short self-improvement book may be the best gift you can ever give yourself. (TS)

Self-Help; 1 CD; Books on Tape; ISBN: 0736697179

Mommies Who Drink: Sex, Drugs, and Other Distant Memories of an Ordinary Mom by Brett Paesel (2006)

Read by Brett Paesel

Brett Paesel, an L.A. hipster mom, relates the joys and neuroses of motherhood and the importance of friendship to support you through it. Her group of friends doesn’t do Tupperware, and their adventures are not for the faint of heart! As the narrator confides their stories in this memoir, it’s as if you’ve joined them at their local watering hole and are sipping a martini (or black and tan) as you share the dark, dry wit of the narrator and her outrageous stories. Definitely for fans of Sex in the City and Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay. (JH)

Biography/Memoir, Humor, Social Life and Customs; 7 CDs; HighBridge; ISBN: 9781598870602

When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris (2008)

Read by David Sedaris

In this latest collection of personal essays, Sedaris relates his history of cigarette smoking and its connection to skeletons as home décor, hairy backs as proof of the existence of God, Japanese hotel signs that translate “in case of fire” as “when you are engulfed in flames,” and, of course, underpants. His comic delivery is so perfect that you can’t imagine any other narrator who could do justice to this funny and often profound material. (JB)

Biography/Memoir, Humor; 8 CDs; Hachette Audio; ISBN: 9781600241826

Live from New York: An Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live by Tom Shales and James A. Miller (2002)

Read by Christopher Burns, Eric Conger, Agnes Herrman, Jeffrey Joseph, Phil Lee, Don Leslie, Kerin McCue, Beth McDonald, Ron McLarty, Paula Parker, Charles Stransky, and Oliver Wyman

A compelling piece of oral history, Live from New York chronicles Saturday Night Live’s 27-year history through a series of interviews with cast members, writers, and guest hosts as read by professional narrators. In the audio version, the personalities take center stage, which results in a strong sense of immediacy for the listener. Each chapter is introduced by a narrator who reads each person’s name before he or she speaks. Chapters are linked together through short narrative interludes. Though some critics have noted a weakness in the fact that the actual stars are not reading their own material, listeners able to suspend just a little bit of disbelief will quickly find themselves engrossed in the fascinating, candid, and thoroughly enjoyable behind-the-scenes tales. (MCB)

Entertainment, Social Life and Customs; 8 CDs (abridged); HighBridge; ISBN: 1565115244

Annotations contributed by Adult Reading Round Table Steering Committee members:  Mary Constance Back, Ted Balcom, Jo Bonell, Stacey Cisneros, Joanna Hazelden, Karen Kleckner, Linda Knorr, Barb Kruser, Nancy McCully, Annabelle Mortensen, Ricki Nordmeyer, Joyce Saricks, Tuki Sathaye, Anne Slaughter, Becky Spratford, Greta Ulrich, Rebecca Vnuk, and Debbie T. Walsh  (September 2009)
 

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