Audiobook Reviews, October 1, 2010
Oct 1, 2010FICTION
Bender, Aimee. The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake. 7 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 8¾ hrs. Books on Tape. 2010. ISBN 9780307737151. $35; 7 CDs. retail ed. Random Audio; digital download. F
Bender's (www.aimeebender.com) second novel, following The Girl in the Flammable Skirt (1998), centers on nine-year-old Rose Edelstein and her view of the world following the unwelcome discovery of a gift: Rose can taste the cook's emotions in everything she eats. Bender herself reads, her voice perfectly reflecting Rose's thoughtful sadness as she describes the secret and public lives of the Edelstein family as detected through her food. Despite the lack of thought repetition between discs, this production is a pleasure to listen to, with its consistent volume levels and clean, clear sound. Will appeal to those liking coming-of-age, family-centered tales. [The Doubleday hc received a starred review, LJ 3/15/10.—Ed.]—Laurie Selwyn, formerly with Grayson Cty. Law Lib., Sherman, TX
Coulter, Catherine. Whiplash. 10 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 11½ hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2010. ISBN 97801423365310. $97.97; 10 CDs. retail ed.; 5 CDs. retail ed. abridged. 6 hrs.; 1 MP3-CD. library/retail eds.; Playaway digital; digital download. F
Coulter's (www.catherinecoulter.com) 14th thriller to feature married FBI agents Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock follows the No. 1 New York Times best seller KnockOut (2009), also available from Brilliance Audio and read by Paul Costanzo (www.paulcostanzo.com) and Renée Raudman (reneeraudman.com). Here, Savich and Sherlock investigate the murder of a German drug manufacturer employee. Contanzo and Raudman persuasively capture both the loving repartee between Savich and Sherlock and the budding romance between FBI agent Bowie Richards and PI Erin Pulaski. Highly recommended for all Coulter and romance thriller fans. [The Putnam hc, published in June, was a New York Times best seller.—Ed.]—Ilka Gordon, Siegal Coll. of Judaic Studies Lib., Cleveland
Cronin, Justin. The Passage. 29 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 39¾ hrs. Books on Tape. 2010. ISBN 9781415961759. $75; NA CDs. retail ed. abridged. Random Audio; digital download. F
Wow! Nearly 40 hours in length, the unabridged audio recording of PEN/Hemingway Award–winning writer Cronin's detail-rich third novel is nothing short of epic excellence. The first entry in a new trilogy, the book is set in a bleak, postapocalyptic America at a time when the world is overrun by vampire-like humans infected by a virus. Divided into two huge parts—pre- and postoutbreak—the tale is equally gripping and frightening and the characters are very well developed. To boot, Audie Award winner Scott Brick's (see Behind the Mike, LJ 10/15/09) narration is nothing short of masterly. Impossible to stop listening to; highly recommended. [The New York Times best-selling Ballantine hc was an Editors' Spring Pick, LJ 2/15/10; a film adaptation is currently in production.—Ed.]—Scott R. DiMarco, Mansfield Univ. of Pennsylvania Lib.
Eagleman, David. Sum. 3 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 2¾ hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2010. ISBN 9781441851550. $39.97; 3 CDs.
retail ed.; 1 MP3-CD. library/retail eds.; digital download. F
Neuroscientist Eagleman's (www.eagleman.com) highly acclaimed 2009 story collection features 40 brief imaginings about mortality and immortality, the meaning of life and death, beginnings and endings, and the nature of God and the cosmos. Some are witty, others are whimsical; all are glimpses into the maelstrom of human hopes and fears. A dozen top-notch narrators including Brian Eno, Miranda Richardson, Dominic West, Stephen Fry, and the author provide a variety of reading styles. Small bites of food for thought light enough for very short commutes and ideal for lovers of literary fiction, philosophy, or metaphysics.—Janet Martin, Southern Pines P.L., NC
Egan, Jennifer. A Visit from the Goon Squad. 8 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 10 hrs. AudioGO (formerly BBCAA). 2010. ISBN 9780792771746. $79.95; Playaway digital; digital download. F
National Book Award nominee Egan's (jenniferegan.com) fourth novel, following The Keep (2006), also available from AudioGO, received wide critical acclaim for its deft treatment of time, technology, and humanity. Here, the brilliantly structured postmodernist work receives the audio treatment. The novel skips around in time, covering several decades in the lives of a record executive/ex-rocker; his assistant, a compulsive thief; and others. The very human characters grow on one despite—or, perhaps, owing to—Egan's frequent skewering of them. Actress Roxana Ortega's narration is soothing; her steady voice gives listeners something to hold on to when chapters occasionally confuse. Ortega appears to be new to the audiobook narrating business—with more inflection she has the potential to become a popular reader. Recommended. ["Readers will enjoy seeing the disparate elements of this novel come full circle," read the review of the Knopf hc, LJ 4/15/10.—Ed.]—B. Allison Gray, Santa Barbara P.L., Goleta Branch, CA
Hall, Tarquin. The Case of the Man Who Died Laughing. 7 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 8½ hrs. AudioGO (formerly BBCAA). 2010. ISBN 9780792764533. $79.95; Playaway digital; digital download. F
Hall follows up The Case of the Missing Servant (2009), also available from AudioGO and read by Bombay-born actor Sam Dastor, with this second novel to feature PI Vish "Chubby" Puri. Here, Puri's friend dies in a fit of giggles during a yoga class, apparently killed by an apparition of the Hindu goddess Kali. The mystery itself is engaging, but it is the fascinating characters and setting and Hall's rich presentation of the many complexities of modern Indian life and culture that are this series's biggest strength. Dastor has thoroughly mastered the Indian voice and vernacular, and his wonderful narration is critical to the success of this title on audio. Essential for anyone liking mysteries in international settings. ["Hall provides appealing characters, a strong sense of place, a complex plot, and mouth-watering Indian cuisine," read the review of the S. & S. hc, LJ Xpress Reviews, 6/3/10.—Ed.]—Kristen L. Smith, Loras Coll. Lib., Dubuque, IA
Lawson, Mike. House Justice. 10 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 11¾ hrs. Blackstone Audio. 2010. ISBN 9781441747969. $54.50; 10 CDs. retail ed.; 1 MP3-CD. library/retail eds.; Playaway digital; digital download. F
When a CIA agent working in Iran is murdered as the result of a congressional leak, the Speaker of the House sends Joe DeMarco to locate the source—only, DeMarco finds he's not alone in his quest. Lawson's fifth entry in this series, following the LJ Best Book of 2009 House Secrets, also available from Blackstone Audio and read by Audie Award nominee Joe Barrett, has all the elements that audiences have come to expect from the author: a compelling cast of characters, a gripping story line, exciting plot twists, insightful details about governmental organizations, and a likable hero. A strong addition to the series; recommended. [The Atlantic Monthly hc received a starred review, LJ 5/1/10.—Ed.]—Theresa Stoner, St. Joseph Cty. P.L., South Bend, IN
McCall Smith, Alexander. The Double Comfort Safari Club. 8 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 8½ hrs. Recorded Bks. 2010. ISBN 9781428104198. $92.75; 1 MP3-CD. library ed.; Playaway digital; digital download. F
McCall Smith's 11th "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" novel—following Tea Time for the Traditionally Built (2009), also available from Recorded Books—continues the series's high standards, delightfully interweaving loosely connected narrative threads in the lives of Det. Precious Ramotswe and her assistant, Grace Makutsi. For the first time, the women's work takes them far from Botswana's capital city, into the wild Okavango Delta. Series narrator Lisette Lecat's usual pitch-perfect performance contributes much warmth to what may be the coziest "cozy" series in contemporary detective fiction. With HBO's recent series adaptation of the early novels, this newest installment from the author (www.alexandermccallsmith.--co.uk) should attract many. Highly recommended. [An alternate edition, narrated by Adjoa Andoh, is available from Hachette Audio; for a different take on the Pantheon hc, see LJ Xpress Reviews, 2/26/10.—Ed.]—R. Kent Rasmussen, Thousand Oaks, CA
McEwan, Ian. Solar. 10 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 12 hrs. Recorded Bks. 2010. ISBN 9781449806774. $123.75; 1 MP3-CD. library ed.; Playaway digital; digital download. F
Man Booker Prize winner McEwan's 11th novel follows On Chesil Beach (2007), also available from Recorded Books. One-time Nobel Prize–winning physicist Michael Beard—now middle-aged, overweight, an alcoholic, and a serial monogamist—is well past his glory days. When a renewable energy foundation sends him on a junket to the Arctic to document the effects of global warming, he sees his chance at redemption. British actor Roger Allam nicely presents McEwan's tale, whose writing is beautiful and precise but whose plot is encumbered by the details of Beard's self-absorbed, narcissistic life. Recommended only for inclusive collections, to satisfy demand for British fiction, and where McEwan does well. [Includes a bonus interview with the author; the Nan A. Talese: Doubleday hc was recommended for "fans of McEwan's other works," LJ 4/15/10.—Ed.]—Sandy Glover, Camas P.L., WA
Mitchell, David. The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet. 17 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 19 hrs. Recorded Bks. 2010. ISBN 9781440787256. $123.75; 2 MP3-CDs. library ed.; Playaway digital (Nov. 15); digital download. F
Two-time Man Booker Prize nominee Mitchell's fifth novel is an outstanding historical epic that brings to life early 19th-century xenophobic Japan. Divided into five parts, it opens with the title character's stint on the quarantined Dutch outpost of Dejima, where he falls in love with a local midwife who is later sold into service to pay off her late father's debts. British actors Jonathan Aris and Paula Wilcox maintain order amid this swirling narrative populated by myriad colorful characters. Though some of the passages are a bit awkward, this book will nonetheless interest Mitchell devotees and fans of history-based adventures. [The New York Times best-selling Random hc received a starred review, LJ 4/15/10.—Ed.]—Denise A. Garofalo, Mount Saint Mary Coll. Lib., Newburgh, NY
Walbert, Kate. A Short History of Women. 7 CDs. retail ed. unabridged. 8 hrs. HighBridge Audio. 2010. ISBN 9781615730964. $29.95; digital download. F
In her third novel, following the National Book Award nominee Our Kind (2004), Walbert (www.katewalbert.com) explores the long-range impact of the women's movement through five generations of the Townsend family. The story opens in 1915 as British suffragette Dorothy Townsend starves herself for the cause and continues into the 21st century as two sisters who have it all—career, education, and children—feel constantly that they are shortchanging at least one of those aspects of their lives. Though this audio lacks the helpful lineage the print edition provides, the multivoice narration more than compensates as Nicola Barber, Ruth Moore, Kathleen McInerney, Eliza Foss, and Paula Parker help listeners to distinguish among the many characters, through all their interwoven stories. An excellent choice for book discussion groups. [The Scribner hc, a New York Times Best Book of 2009, was described as being "gripping, intense, and powerful," LJ 1/09.—Ed.]—Nann Blaine Hilyard, Zion-Benton P.L., IL
Wallace, David Foster. The Broom of the System. 14 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 16½ hrs. Hachette Audio from AudioGO (formerly BBCAA). 2010. ISBN 9781607885399. $114.99; 14 CDs. retail ed. Hachette Audio; Playaway digital; digital download. F
Lenore Beadsman is surrounded by bizarre characters: a brother who talks to his fake leg as though it were a person, a psychiatrist who wears a gas mask, a pet bird that quotes the Bible. When her Wittgenstein-obsessed great-grandmother disappears, Lenore questions whether she is able to determine her own destiny. Wallace's debut novel, originally published in 1987 and available for the first time on audio, showcases his skills for telling hilariously excessive stories. Whether he is imitating a cockatiel or singing the part of a televangelist's choir, actor/Audie Award nominee Robert Petkoff (robertpetkoff.com) shows his immense talent for narration—he definitely deserves another Audie nod for this performance. Those liking a quirky yet weighty story—think Thomas Pynchon or even David Sedaris—will especially enjoy.—Johannah Genett, Hennepin Cty. Libs., Minneapolis
NONFICTION
Chödrön, Pema. The Fearless Heart. 5 CDs. retail ed. unabridged. 5 hrs. Shambhala Audio. 2010. ISBN 9781590307397. $39.95. SELF-HELP/REL
American Buddhist nun Chödrön, several of whose previous works are also available from Shambhala Audio, wrote and reads this audio-exclusive title encouraging listeners to forsake destructive emotions and strive instead for a life of courage, fearlessness, and compassion. She presents five relatively simple aphorisms for achieving this positive change, leading guided meditations on these aphorisms as well as participating in an entertaining Q&A session. Her down-to-earth style shines a brilliant light on the quest for self-acceptance, and though the title's audio quality suffers from the live recording format, this is a truly inspirational work benefiting greatly from the author's charming, witty, and sincere narration. Essential for appreciators of self-help and Buddhism; perfect for a weekend retreat.—B. Allison Gray, Santa Barbara P.L. Syst., Goleta Branch, CA
Clark, Francesco. Walking Papers. 6 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 7½ hrs. Tantor Audio. 2010. ISBN 9781400147274. $71.99; 6 CDs. retail ed.; 1 MP3-CD. retail ed.; digital download. AUTOBIOG/BUS
At 24, Clark became paralyzed from the neck down when he accidentally dove into the shallow end of a swimming pool. He soon found himself suffering from other ailments as a result of his injuries, including the inability to sweat, which wreaked havoc on his skin. Despite the discouraging medical prognosis and his frequent bouts of depression, Clark forged ahead in life, working with his physician father to develop a line of all-natural skincare products that helped to alleviate his condition and eventually became a part of the skin-care company he today runs. Actor/musician Kirby Heyborne does an admirable job with the narration, managing wholly to channel Clark's determination, humor, optimism, and spirit. Though emotionally difficult to listen to at times, this inspiring account will appeal to anyone liking memoirs about overcoming adversity.—Nicole A. Cooke, Montclair State Univ. Lib., NJ
Mould, Philip. The Art Detective. 6 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 7 hrs. Tantor Audio. 2010. ISBN 9781400146987. $59.99; 6 CDs. retail ed.; 1 MP3-CD. retail ed.; digital download. HIST/ART
Art expert/gallery owner Mould (www.philipmould.com), a regular on PBS's Antiques Roadshow, here explores the mysteries surrounding six major paintings, among them a fake Rockwell, a hidden Rembrandt, and a lost Gainsborough. His anecdotes about gambling his reputation and large sums of money on potential treasures guided only by his expertise, historical records, and often just a hunch are engrossing. Mould's tone is as amiable as actor/musician James Langton's narration is agreeable. With steady interest in art mysteries, expect demand; highly recommended. [The forthcoming BBC series Art Sleuth will draw from several of these stories.—Ed.]—Risa Getman, Hendrick Hudson Free Lib., Montrose, NY
Rivera, José. Each Day Dies with Sleep. 2 CDs. retail ed. unabridged. 1½ hrs. L.A. Theatre Works. 2010. ISBN 9781580816328. $25.95; Playaway digital (Jan. 1); digital download. DRAMA
Academy Award–nominated screenwriter Rivera's (The Motorcycle Diaries) 1990 play is about a young Latino woman, Nina, who struggles to define herself apart from the two men in her life: a father with a wandering eye, and a husband who can't seem to focus on her. The play comes to life with well-timed performances by Laura Ceron, Noe Cuellar, and Frankie Davila, who tap the full range of human emotion as the story quickly shifts from tragic to amusing and back to tragic in a mere few lines. Highly recommended for appreciators of audio dramas and anyone liking feminist works and family dramas.—Lance Eaton, Peabody, MA
Shirky, Clay. Cognitive Surplus. 6 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 7 hrs. Tantor Audio. 2010. ISBN 9781400116811. $59.99; 6 CDs. retail ed.; 1 MP3-CD. retail ed.; digital download. BUS/TECH
Shirky (interactive telecommunications, NYU; Here Comes Everybody) opens his latest nonfiction work in bleak, dangerous, overcrowded 1720s London, then moves to the present digital age, showing how advancements in technology and connectivity have spurred a torrent of collaborative creativity—from carpools and campuswide study groups to Wikipedia and Linux—whose potential we've yet fully to exploit. Veteran voice artist Kevin Foley reads with authority, adding credence to Shirky's text. Not just for IT professionals, this title should appeal also to business and community leaders, who will glean much insight into the profound impact and potential of developments in the technological age. [The Penguin Pr. hc was described as a "thought-provoking, sunny, optimistic read," LJ 6/15/10.—Ed.]—M. Gail Preslar, Eastman Chemical Co. Business Lib., Kingsport, TN
Zagrans, Maura Poston. Miracles Every Day. 6 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 6½ hrs. Books on Tape. 2010. ISBN 9780307735454. $30; digital download. Random Audio. BIOG/REL
In her first book, Zagrans (www.mauraz.com) explores the ministry of Issam Nemeh, a Cleveland-based physician, acupuncturist, and devout Catholic who uses prayer in both his medical practice and his healing services to alleviate the pain of those suffering physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Zagrans details the evolution of Nemeh's prayer and healing ministry as well as provides valuable insight into his personal life, including his courtship of and marriage to his devoted wife, Kathy. The many stories of healing will touch believers and skeptics alike. Actress Kathe Mazur reads with great enthusiasm and is enjoyable to hear. An engaging and inspiring audio recommended for all audiences.—Emma Duncan, Brampton Lib., Ont.
