Recommend some good audio books to me

pilotbob · 12-30-2008, 01:20 PM

Hello all,

My wife finds that she has some credits left in her audible account that she will loose on the 31st if we don't use them. So, recommend some well presented audio books to me please.

I am a reader of SF and Fantasy. I also like a good mystery. So favorite authors are Terry Brooks, David Eddings, Goodkind, Diane Carrey, Peter David.

Looking for good stories but also some that are well read/performed.

Thanks,
BOb

Xenophon · 12-30-2008, 02:09 PM

Try Curse of Chalion and Paladin of Souls, both written by Lois McMaster Bujold. The books are awesome, and the readings on Audible.com are well-done. They made the driving part of a trip around national parks in the U.S. West go much faster. (3.5K miles in 13 days, with many many lengthy stops at parks). It got to the point where the teenagers were wanting to stay in the mini-van until the chapter ended.

Xenophon

pilotbob · 12-30-2008, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xenophon

Try Curse of Chalion and Paladin of Souls, both written by Lois McMaster Bujold.

Thanks. I'll get them.

BOb

Sparrow · 12-30-2008, 04:52 PM

I love audio books, and the best I have ever had the privilege to hear have been the Wodehouse books read by Jonathan Cecil.

These aren't just readings, they are genuine comedy masterpieces, in the same rank as Chaplin, Hulot, Tony Hancock (for UK viewers).

Sheer, unadulterated bliss for Wodehouse fans everywhere

.

pilotbob · 12-30-2008, 04:57 PM

Anyone listened to Anathem ??? It is two credits...

BOb

Elsi · 12-30-2008, 05:37 PM

I haven't been to the audible.com site to see what they offer, but I am quite fond of Alexander McCall Smith's 44 Scotland Street series in audio. I have bought all of the books in this series in CD and have really enjoyed each one. My second choice would be the Isabel Dalhousie series, also by McCall Smith.

44 Scotland Street
1. 44 Scotland Street (2005)
2. Espresso Tales (2005)
3. Love Over Scotland (2006)
4. The World According to Bertie (2007)
5. The Unbearable Lightness of Scones (2008)

Isabel Dalhousie
1. The Sunday Philosophy Club (2004)
2. Friends, Lovers, Chocolate (2005)
3. The Right Attitude to Rain (2006)
4. The Careful Use of Compliments (2007)
5. The Comforts of a Muddy Saturday (2008)

wayspooled · 12-30-2008, 07:46 PM

The Game of Kings by Dorothy Dunnett

"That is the Dunnett effect - there are thousands of readers who now eagerly read about such diverse topics as Scottish 15th century coinage, Russian politics and the trading effects of Alum mining and dyeworking on Renaissance Europe, who might never have known some of these things existed. People scour art galleries looking for pictures of Venetian bankers and Brussels traders, or seek out the Icelandic Sagas to broaden their understanding of an ancient king who was later “framed” by Shakespeare. We are all immensely broadened in our outlooks and knowledge of the world - and all while enjoying a series of books from which we’ll still be discovering new surprises long into our old age."
http://www.dorothydunnett.co.uk/dumyinv.htm

NEVERMIND. I'm sorry, I should have checked audible.com before I posted. They don't seem to have it unless I'm searching incorrectly. I just assumed they did because they have everything else I've looked for and I knew it was available.

FizzyWater · 12-30-2008, 08:08 PM

I've enjoyed Kristine Katherine Rusch's "Retrieval Artist" audiobooks from Audible recently. At one time Audible had offered the first one free, and I bought the rest.

I'm not sure I'm a good judge of "well read/performed" though. I've listened to four authors in audiobooks - Janet Evanovich, J. D. Robb, Jean Auel, and Kristine Katherine Rusch. I'm new to the audiobook thing.

Oh, actually, the first book I ever listened to was the first "Nursery Crimes" novel by Jasper Fforde. I thought it was hilarious, but YMMV. Seems like people either really like his humor or really don't.

pilotbob · 12-30-2008, 11:09 PM

Thanks all. Here's what I choose... a bit of a mix.

The Curse of Chalion
Paladin of Souls
Ender's Game
Just After Sunset
Timeline
Along Came a Spider
Red Mars

Thanks,
BOb

SteveK · 12-31-2008, 12:28 AM

Bob - I know you've already downloaded your selections, but I can heartily recommend several audiobooks out of the 30 or so I've listened to this year.

I've listened to several books written by Bryce Courtenay and read by Humphrey Bower, including Brother Fish, The Power of One, and Tandia,which is a sequel to The Power of One. Bryce Courtenay writes long books (usually 20 to 35 hours long), but his books have excellent character and plot development. Humphrey Bower does an outstanding job of narration, and he is one of my favorite narrators. I believe the author and narrator are both Australian, so it takes a bit of getting used to, but it provides a very enjoyable listening experience.

I'm currently listening to 24 Hours by Greg Iles, read by Dick Hill. The narrator does a simply outstanding job of narrating the book. Actually, he doesn't narrate it, he performs it. He adds so much to the tension of the book by his reading that you can only call it a performance. I've not previously listened to any books read by Dick Hill, but I will certainly search others out.

Again, I know you've already downloaded your selections, but hopefully the above short list will give you a head start on books for next year. Please note these are not in the Science Fiction/Fantasy or Mystery genres, but I've recommended them because they are my favorites of the several dozen I've listened to this year.

Happy listening!
SteveK

Sweetpea · 12-31-2008, 04:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveK

I'm currently listening to 24 Hours by Greg Iles, read by Dick Hill. The narrator does a simply outstanding job of narrating the book. Actually, he doesn't narrate it, he performs it. He adds so much to the tension of the book by his reading that you can only call it a performance. I've not previously listened to any books read by Dick Hill, but I will certainly search others out.

I found out a good performer (the best readers are perfomers, in my eyes), can make listening too a book much more enjoyable.

Right now, I'm listening to Gai-jin by James Clavell and the reader is awesome. It is narrated by John Lee.

HarryT · 12-31-2008, 05:41 AM

The "Amelia Peabody" series of mysteries written by Elizabeth Peters, set in late 19th and early 20th century Egypt and narrated by Barbara Rosenblatt is simply superb. She has a distinct "voice" for each different character - very definitely a "performance" rather than just a "reading".

DDHarriman · 12-31-2008, 08:55 AM

Today I would just advise one:
To Say Nothing of the Dog: Or How We Found the Bishop's Bird Stump at Last
By Connie Willis
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_Say_Nothing_of_the_Dog

Good shopping,

BookishDreamer · 12-31-2008, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

The "Amelia Peabody" series of mysteries written by Elizabeth Peters, set in late 19th and early 20th century Egypt and narrated by Barbara Rosenblatt is simply superb. She has a distinct "voice" for each different character - very definitely a "performance" rather than just a "reading".

I love Barbara's narration! My only complaint is that three of the audiobooks in the series are abridged. These books should never be abridged because too much detail is lost.

hmmm...I think I've got a couple of Audible credits to use. Time to go shopping!

Dreamer

SteveK · 12-31-2008, 10:36 AM

Sweet Pea - I agree that John Lee is an excellent narrator. He was also the narrator on World Without End by Ken Follett. This is quite a lengthy book (nearly 45.5 hours), but it's a very enjoyable sequel (of sorts) to Pillars of the Earth. I say a sequel of sorts because it's set in the same town as Pillars, but about 200 years later, so obviously none of the same characters are involved.

I also agree that the best readers are performers. A movie actor can use facial expressions and body language, but a narrator can only use his/her voice to convey emotions, and I'm sure there are highly skilled actors that would nonetheless make horrible narrators.

Bookish Dreamer - I have always avoided abridged books, and I continue to avoid abridged audio books. If I'm going to read (or listen to) a book, I want the whole book, not an abridged or condensed version.

I'll certainly keep an eye on this thread for other recommendations.

Happy Listening!
SteveK

12-30-2008, 01:20 PM	#1
pilotbob Grand Sorcerer Posts: 19,832 Karma: 11844413 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tampa, FL USA Device: Kindle Touch	Recommend some good audio books to me Hello all, My wife finds that she has some credits left in her audible account that she will loose on the 31st if we don't use them. So, recommend some well presented audio books to me please. I am a reader of SF and Fantasy. I also like a good mystery. So favorite authors are Terry Brooks, David Eddings, Goodkind, Diane Carrey, Peter David. Looking for good stories but also some that are well read/performed. Thanks, BOb

12-30-2008, 07:46 PM	#7
wayspooled Crab In The Dark Posts: 486 Karma: 2328180 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Virginia Device: Tablet PC until a 10" comes out that I like	The Game of Kings by Dorothy Dunnett "That is the Dunnett effect - there are thousands of readers who now eagerly read about such diverse topics as Scottish 15th century coinage, Russian politics and the trading effects of Alum mining and dyeworking on Renaissance Europe, who might never have known some of these things existed. People scour art galleries looking for pictures of Venetian bankers and Brussels traders, or seek out the Icelandic Sagas to broaden their understanding of an ancient king who was later “framed” by Shakespeare. We are all immensely broadened in our outlooks and knowledge of the world - and all while enjoying a series of books from which we’ll still be discovering new surprises long into our old age." http://www.dorothydunnett.co.uk/dumyinv.htm NEVERMIND. I'm sorry, I should have checked audible.com before I posted. They don't seem to have it unless I'm searching incorrectly. I just assumed they did because they have everything else I've looked for and I knew it was available. Last edited by wayspooled; 12-30-2008 at 07:59 PM. Reason: linkie added

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12-30-2008, 02:09 PM	#2
Xenophon curmudgeon Posts: 1,481 Karma: 5748190 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Redwood City, CA USA Device: Kobo Aura HD, (ex)nook, (ex)PRS-700, (ex)PRS-500	Try Curse of Chalion and Paladin of Souls, both written by Lois McMaster Bujold. The books are awesome, and the readings on Audible.com are well-done. They made the driving part of a trip around national parks in the U.S. West go much faster. (3.5K miles in 13 days, with many many lengthy stops at parks). It got to the point where the teenagers were wanting to stay in the mini-van until the chapter ended. Xenophon

12-30-2008, 04:52 PM	#4
Sparrow Wizard Posts: 4,395 Karma: 1358132 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: UK Device: Palm TX, CyBook Gen3	I love audio books, and the best I have ever had the privilege to hear have been the Wodehouse books read by Jonathan Cecil. These aren't just readings, they are genuine comedy masterpieces, in the same rank as Chaplin, Hulot, Tony Hancock (for UK viewers). Sheer, unadulterated bliss for Wodehouse fans everywhere .

12-30-2008, 04:57 PM	#5
pilotbob Grand Sorcerer Posts: 19,832 Karma: 11844413 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tampa, FL USA Device: Kindle Touch	Anyone listened to Anathem ??? It is two credits... BOb

12-30-2008, 05:37 PM	#6
Elsi Wizard Posts: 2,366 Karma: 12000 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Texas, USA Device: Kindle; Sony PRS 505; Blackberry 8700C	I haven't been to the audible.com site to see what they offer, but I am quite fond of Alexander McCall Smith's *44 Scotland Street* series in audio. I have bought all of the books in this series in CD and have really enjoyed each one. My second choice would be the Isabel Dalhousie series, also by McCall Smith. 44 Scotland Street 1. *44 Scotland Street* (2005) 2. *Espresso Tales* (2005) 3. *Love Over Scotland* (2006) 4. *The World According to Bertie* (2007) 5. *The Unbearable Lightness of Scones* (2008) Isabel Dalhousie 1. *The Sunday Philosophy Club* (2004) 2. *Friends, Lovers, Chocolate* (2005) 3. *The Right Attitude to Rain* (2006) 4. *The Careful Use of Compliments* (2007) 5. *The Comforts of a Muddy Saturday* (2008)

12-30-2008, 08:08 PM	#8
FizzyWater You kids get off my lawn! Posts: 4,220 Karma: 73492664 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Columbus, Ohio Device: Oasis 2 and Libra H2O and half a dozen older models I can't let go of	I've enjoyed Kristine Katherine Rusch's "Retrieval Artist" audiobooks from Audible recently. At one time Audible had offered the first one free, and I bought the rest. I'm not sure I'm a good judge of "well read/performed" though. I've listened to four authors in audiobooks - Janet Evanovich, J. D. Robb, Jean Auel, and Kristine Katherine Rusch. I'm new to the audiobook thing. Oh, actually, the first book I ever listened to was the first "Nursery Crimes" novel by Jasper Fforde. I thought it was hilarious, but YMMV. Seems like people either really like his humor or really don't.

12-30-2008, 11:09 PM	#9
pilotbob Grand Sorcerer Posts: 19,832 Karma: 11844413 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tampa, FL USA Device: Kindle Touch	Thanks all. Here's what I choose... a bit of a mix. The Curse of Chalion Paladin of Souls Ender's Game Just After Sunset Timeline Along Came a Spider Red Mars Thanks, BOb

12-31-2008, 12:28 AM	#10
SteveK Addict Posts: 272 Karma: 1017902 Join Date: Nov 2008 Device: Kindle PW, PW2, Kindle3, Kobo Glo, tablets, phone	Bob - I know you've already downloaded your selections, but I can heartily recommend several audiobooks out of the 30 or so I've listened to this year. I've listened to several books written by Bryce Courtenay and read by Humphrey Bower, including Brother Fish, The Power of One, and Tandia,which is a sequel to The Power of One. Bryce Courtenay writes long books (usually 20 to 35 hours long), but his books have excellent character and plot development. Humphrey Bower does an outstanding job of narration, and he is one of my favorite narrators. I believe the author and narrator are both Australian, so it takes a bit of getting used to, but it provides a very enjoyable listening experience. I'm currently listening to 24 Hours by Greg Iles, read by Dick Hill. The narrator does a simply outstanding job of narrating the book. Actually, he doesn't narrate it, he performs it. He adds so much to the tension of the book by his reading that you can only call it a performance. I've not previously listened to any books read by Dick Hill, but I will certainly search others out. Again, I know you've already downloaded your selections, but hopefully the above short list will give you a head start on books for next year. Please note these are not in the Science Fiction/Fantasy or Mystery genres, but I've recommended them because they are my favorites of the several dozen I've listened to this year. Happy listening! SteveK

12-31-2008, 05:41 AM	#12
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	The "Amelia Peabody" series of mysteries written by Elizabeth Peters, set in late 19th and early 20th century Egypt and narrated by Barbara Rosenblatt is simply superb. She has a distinct "voice" for each different character - very definitely a "performance" rather than just a "reading".

12-31-2008, 08:55 AM	#13
DDHarriman Guru Posts: 860 Karma: 4380 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Almada, Portugal Device: Cybook Gen3, Sony PRS 505, Kindle DXG and Samsung Galaxy Note	Today I would just advise one: To Say Nothing of the Dog: Or How We Found the Bishop's Bird Stump at Last By Connie Willis http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_Say_Nothing_of_the_Dog Good shopping,

12-31-2008, 10:36 AM	#15
SteveK Addict Posts: 272 Karma: 1017902 Join Date: Nov 2008 Device: Kindle PW, PW2, Kindle3, Kobo Glo, tablets, phone	Sweet Pea - I agree that John Lee is an excellent narrator. He was also the narrator on World Without End by Ken Follett. This is quite a lengthy book (nearly 45.5 hours), but it's a very enjoyable sequel (of sorts) to Pillars of the Earth. I say a sequel of sorts because it's set in the same town as Pillars, but about 200 years later, so obviously none of the same characters are involved. I also agree that the best readers are performers. A movie actor can use facial expressions and body language, but a narrator can only use his/her voice to convey emotions, and I'm sure there are highly skilled actors that would nonetheless make horrible narrators. Bookish Dreamer - I have always avoided abridged books, and I continue to avoid abridged audio books. If I'm going to read (or listen to) a book, I want the whole book, not an abridged or condensed version. I'll certainly keep an eye on this thread for other recommendations. Happy Listening! SteveK

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