The Audiobook: Now with Improved Cleaning Action!

My mother, because she is part Martha Stewart and part Mary Poppins, loves this time of year because she gets to "clean things out." She is actually one of those people that gets excited to organize, dust, and throw away. Man, I wish that was genetic. For me cleaning is a chore that I would much rather replace with such artful pursuits as watching all 4 seasons of Entourage on DVD, sleeping, and reading until I fall asleep again. But, I have found a way to make cleaning (which, because I am not a 21 year old male in a frat house, must be tackled at some point) slightly less painful. If I turn on an Audiobook I get so engrossed in the story, I'm not only done before I know it, I usually start finding new things to clean just so I can finish a chapter or disc. So I offer ye-of-little-motivation a listing of some of my favorite audio renditions to keep you dusting. (And, of course, all of these can be checked out from Defiance Public Library!)

Hood by Stephen Lawhead read by Adam Verner

I'm not sure why I even picked this one up. Everyone I recommend this to says, "Really?!, You read this?!" It is definitely not one of my regular reads, but that just goes to show what the audio does for the story. Especially with Fantasy and Sci-Fi the story takes on a whole new dimension when read to you. Adam Verner does a wonderful job of voicing this new rendering of the Robin Hood Tale. (Although, in my opinion, his Maid Marion could use a bit more falsetto, at this point she sounds a bit like an adolescent boy with a soar throat, but I digress).

The Alchemist's Daughter by Katharine McMahon read by Justine Eyre with John Lee

Here's a great example of how Audiobooks create an atmosphere for the reader. Eyre's reading of McMahon's Gothic novel haunts you long after you hit stop. Thinking of it now gives me chills and I listened to it last year! This is a great winter read, but be prepared with a cup of tea to warm you up afterwards.



America: the Book: the Audiobook authored and read by Jon Stewart with the Daily Show cast (Introduction authored and read by Thomas Jefferson)

I know you've probably read (and snorted your way through) the book, but I'm telling you, the Audiobook is a whole different experience. These guys are professionals in physical comedy and their work needs to be read out loud. Once you hear Stephen Colbert's essay on Warren G. Harding, you'll never be able to hear the former president's name without repeating his entire monologue in your head ("I HATE Warren G. Harding.") And, I mean, an Introduction read by Thomas Jefferson, where else are you going to get that?

Austenland by Shannon Hale read by Katherine Kellgren

When a friend and I returned from a road trip last summer and I mentioned to Robbie that we couldn't stop laughing at this reading of Austenland, she said she had read it and it hadn't been that funny. Now, I can't say for sure seeing as we haven't conducted a controlled scientific experiment, but I have a feeling that Kellgreen's narration added 80% of the humor to this book. Her voicing was perfect and more than once we feared for our lives as I almost laughed us off the road. (That reminds me: choose Audiobooks for car rides with caution. Especially if when you laugh hard you usually end up crying like I do. "Sorry, officer, there was just this great part in my Audiobook!" won't fly with most coppers.)

Lady and the Panda by Vicki Constantine Croke read by Jennifer Van Dyck

This one was recommended by someone who professes they are definitely not an Audiobook officianado. (Those are usually the best recommendations) She remarked that she and her family listened to this story of Vicki Constantine Croke's struggle to bring the first Chinese Panda to the United States on a roadtrip and were engaged and interested the entire trip. Anyone with a family knows how hard it is to please everyone; I consider that a glowing recommendation.

Amelia Peabody Series by Elizabeth Peters read by Barbara Rosenblat

If you love mystery series that aren't too graphic then Elizabeth Peter's books are great. Her archaeologist Amelia Peabody is smart, feisty, and no-nonsense, a perfect match for each of her cases. The reader, Barbara Rosenblat, does a wonderful job tackling the numerous voices of Peters's characters and bringing the story to life.

North River by Pete Hamill read by Henry Strozier

This one comes with a warning label: *Contains Strong Language!* But if your ears can handle the words, then Hamilll's North River comes highly recommended for several reasons. The story is a great example of a talented author weaving history into narrative, giving you great historic detail that only enhances the story, doesn't cover it up. It also is of great relevance today, as it tells of the struggles of the Great Depression. (ring any bells) Finally, the reader Henry Strozier comes highly recommended. (If you haven't caught on already, readers make or break an Audiobook. Don't be afraid to be picky!)

Gemma Doyle Series by Libba Bray read by Josephine Bailey

We'll end up with a nice Young Adult choice. Bray's Gemma Doyle series is a fun historic romp with a bit of mysticism, romance, and friendship thrown in. Think of it as an historic Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants with a bit more intelligence. Bailey's narration makes you feel a part of the quartet of friends immediately.


So go forth and listen. And clean, if you must.

Don't forget to check in on Friday for an update on the A-Z Nation Challenge. See you then!

monty

L2F: Wanna see how much of a difference The Reader makes...British moms made this the most viewed YouTube video reading ever...and I don't think it was the story that made them watch...