Web-exclusive audio reviews, LJ 4/1/09

-- Library Journal, 03/31/2009

Asimov, Isaac. The Stars, Like Dust. 6 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 7½ hrs. Sound Library: BBC Audiobooks America. 2009. ISBN 978-0-7927-5786-3. $64.95; 1 MP3-CD. library ed.; Playaway digital; digital download. SF
Not all of Hugo and Nebula award winner Asimov’s fiction is great, as shown by this dull 1951 juvenile story—now available for the first time on audio. The first of four entries in his loosely connected “Galactic Empire” series, it chronicles a young man's quest to avenge his father's execution by rulers of an interplanetary empire. Neither the characters nor the plot is particularly engaging, and the stilted dialog and 1950s views of gender roles make it seem laughably out of date. Despite his talent, British actor/narrator Stephen R. Thorne can only do so much—Asimov himself regarded this as his worst novel. Only for libraries with large sf collections. [Audio clip available through www.bbcaudiobooksamerica.com.—Ed.]—R. Kent Rasmussen, Thousand Oaks, CA

Kane, Larry. Lennon Revealed. 8 CDs. retail ed. unabridged. NA hrs. ISBN 978-1-60433-045-8. $34.95. with DVD.
Kane, Larry. Ticket To Ride: Inside the Beatles’ 1964 Tour That Changed the World. 8 CDs. retail ed. unabridged. NA hrs. ISBN 978-1-60433-044-1. $29.95.
ea. vol: Cider Mill Pr. 2009. BIOG/MUSIC
Ticket, by Emmy Award–winning broadcast journalist Kane (www.larrykane.com), is an amusing but shallow fly-on-the-wall account of The Beatles’ 1964 American tour (at the height of Beatlemania, Kane was the only U.S. journalist allowed to tour with the band). It includes audio excerpts of his interviews with each Beatle.
   Kane’s friendship with “the smart Beatle” begot Revealed, an affectionate, nonchronological biography that digs deeply into John’s psyche and interpersonal relationships while skimming the well-known facts of his career. Included is a DVD featuring Kane’s historic 1968 television interview with Lennon and McCartney.
   Kane narrates both works himself; his rich, warm voice exudes obvious admiration for his subjects. Both titles are well told but add little substance to the familiar story of Lennon and his fellow Beatles. [Audio clip available through www.cidermillpress.com; the New York Times best-selling Running Pr. hc of Revealed was “highly recommended,” LJ 9/15/05; see the review of Philp Norman's John Lennon: The Life, below.—Ed.]—Douglas King, Univ. of South Carolina Lib., Columbia

*Norman, Philip. John Lennon: The Life. 10 CDs. library ed. abridged. 12 hrs. Recorded Bks. 2008. ISBN 978-0-0616-7256-9. $46.75; 10 CDs. Retail ed. HarperAudio; digital download. BIOG/MUSIC
Thorough, insightful, and revealing, Norman’s (Shout!) Lennon biography may one day be considered the definitive account of the iconic musician. Though it covers Lennon’s entire life, it is especially valuable for its emphasis on John’s familial relationships and their profound effect on him. This abridged audio recording omits no key details, and narrator Graeme Malcolm’s (The Virgin’s Lover) well-modulated voice and pacing help to create a wholly satisfying listening experience. Recommended for any public library seeking a boost to its music or biography collection. [Audio clip available through www.harperaudio.com; the Ecco hc was “highly recommended,” LJ 8/08; see the reviews of Larry Kane's John Lennon Revealed and Ticket To Ride, above.—Ed.]—Douglas King, Univ. of South Carolina Lib., Columbia

Gosling, Sam. Snoop: What Your Stuff Says About You. 7 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 8 hrs. Sound Library: BBC Audiobooks America. 2009. ISBN 978-0-7927-5645-3. $74.95; digital download. SELF-HELP
According to Gosling’s (psychology, Univ. of Texas) research, much can be learned about people from the spaces they inhabit, by their nonverbal communication patterns, by their song lists, and much more. In this fascinating and engaging narrative, Gosling teaches us how to interpret these patterns and artifacts to assess the personalities of those around us. Narrator David Drummond’s (Positive Leadership) pace and tone aid in the delivery of the research-based content. Data presented as tables in the print book are included in a PDF file on the final disc. Recommended for popular nonfiction collections. [Audio clip available through www.bbcaudiobooksamerica.com; includes a bonus interview with the author; the Basic hc received a starred review, LJ 5/15/08.—Ed.]—Kristen L. Smith, Loras Coll. Lib., Dubuque, IA