Sweetland

Crummey, Michael. Sweetland. 8 CDs. unabridged. 9.25 hrs. High Bridge Audio. 2015. ISBN 9781622316256. $39.99. 8CDs. 

Crummey (Galore) creates a compelling and epic story of one man's quest to stay on his beloved island on the Newfoundland coast after a government buyout. Moses Sweetland refuses to leave the island his ancestors founded, it holds too many memories and he feels compelled to stay for reasons he can't quite articulate. As the island's residents slowly start to leave he finds himself  reminiscing on his and the town's history. From the eclectic residents to old traditions, Sweetland finds solace in looking back on the island's past. Soon he finds himself utterly alone and all he has to keep him sane are his thoughts. The story alternates between the present story, Sweetland's youth, and various other memorable moments in his lifetime. Narrated beautifully by the prolific John Lee, who does an impressive job creating distinct voices for all characters, most notably in Moses Sweetland. Verdict Fans of literary novels, and rugged island life will enjoy this astonishing tale of an old man determined not to let go of the past.  - Erin Cataldi, Johnson Co. Public Library, Franklin, IN

The One & Only

Giffin, Emily. The One & Only. 12 CDs. unabridged. 15 hrs. Books on Tape. 2014. ISBN 9780804127585. 

Shea Rigsby has been in a rut her entire life she just doesn't realize it. Born and raised in Walker, Texas Shea's whole life has revolved around football. After graduating from college she stayed behind in her hometown to work for the college athletic department, not even considering any other options. It also didn't help that her best friend's father is the legendary Walker football coach and close personal friend. When tragedy strikes the Walker community Shea finds herself closely examining her future. Is this what she truly wants out of life? At Coach's insistence she starts to branch out of her safety net and see what awaits her. Shea is forced to confront her fears, see the truth in others, and follow her heart. Shea's story starts fast and compelling but slowly peetered out to it's inevitable conclusion. Along the way were several cringe worthy moments and awkward scenarios. Narrator, Sofia Willingham saved this story from being too bogged down in football and awkwardness, and her cool narration kept the story engaging. For fans of chick lit and Emily Giffin.  - Erin Cataldi, Johnson Co. Public Library, Franklin IN

The Lost Sisterhood - Library Journal Audiobook Review

Fortier, Anne. The Lost Sisterhood. 19 CDs. unabridged. 25 hrs. Books on Tape. 2014. ISBN 97800385359955.

Following on the heels of her first novel, Juliet, Anne Fortier once again proves that she is the new Dan Brown for women. Her smart, educated fearless female leads prove that adventures and historical intrigue aren't just for men. In The Lost Sisterhood, Oxford lecturer and Amazon scholar, Diana Morgan, receives an offer she can't refuse. A mysterious "foundation" requests her services as a philologist to try and decipher a new language found on a recently unearthed temple's walls, a language believed to be of Amazonian origin. Desperate to prove to her colleagues that Amazons are more than mere legend, Diana travels halfway around the world only to find herself caught in the cross hairs of people that will do anything to stop her from picking up the Amazon trail and finding the fabled Amazon treasure. The fast paced story also alternates from Diana to Myrina, first Queen of the Amazons. While separated by thousands of years their stories are shockingly similar as they fight to secure the legacy of the Amazons and stay alive. Narrated beautifully by the talented voice actress, Cassandra Campbell, who breathes life into each of the characters by creating unique voices and patterns. Listeners will have a heard time turning the audio off. For fans of historical mysteries, thrillers, and Dan Brown novels. - Erin Cataldi, Johnson County Public Library, Franklin, IN

Love in the Time of Cholera

Marquez, Gabriel Garcia. Love in the Time of Cholera. 13 CDs. unabridged. 15.5 hrs. Blackstone Audio. 2013. ISBN 978148293971. 

Nobel Prize winning author, Gabriel Garcia Marquez (One Hundred Years of Solitude) spins a tale of romance and heartbreak that spans decades. Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza fall hopelessly in love in their youth, but when Fermina forsakes Florentino's love to marry a wealthy doctor, he is anything but dissuaded. He spends a lifetime waiting for her; no woman could ever replace her spot in his heart. Romance is the only thing that he can live for and as long as Fermina lives, even with another man, his heart will keep beating in the hope that he can win her back. This story of unrequited love is unsurpassed in it's eloquence, tragedy, and redemption. Beautifully told by the talented voice actor Armando Duranwhose strong voice carries the story along . Although translated from it's original Spanish, Duran keeps the Spanish roots present with his accent and masterful pronunciation. A wonderful classic for fans of narrative and historical literature. Erin Cataldi, Johnson County Public Library, Franklin, IN

Longbourn

Baker, Jo. Longbourn. 11 CDs. unabridged. 13.5 hrs. Books on Tape, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group. 2013. ISBN 9780804149426. 

This brilliant and inventive novel will have Jane Austen and Downton Abbey fans jumping for joy. Jo Baker
brings the below-stairs to life in Pride and Prejudice and manages to create as much intrigue and romance
as the Bennet girls experienced in the original classic. Baker fleshes out the lives of the servants, footmen, and cooks to create a classic tale of love lost, perseverance, and early nineteenth century life that will please even the most critical of Janeites. The story centers on Bennet's maid, Sarah, a naive yet likable young girl. When new footman, James, joins the Longbourn staff, things are turned upside down and may never be the same again. Emma Fielding brilliantly narrates this novel with her smooth English accent and does a fantastic job bringing the characters to life using accents and inflections in all the right places. A must read for fans of historical fiction, Jane Austen, and Downton Abbey. Erin Cataldi, Franklin College, Franklin, IN

The Stench of Honolulu

Handey, Jack. The Stench of Honolulu. 3 CDs. unabridged. 3 hrs. Hachette Audio. 2013. ISBN 9781619693609. $24.98. 

American humorist, Jack Handey, narrates his zany and ridiculous travel novel filled with tongue and cheek humor and hilarious mis-adventures. "Wrong Way Slurps" and his companion Don head to Hawaii, to find the fabled golden monkey. Their journey is not an easy one though, they encounter turtle men, horrible smells, angry natives, and a pelican god; according to the narrator this is no tourist attraction, this is a hellhole! Told by a reliably unreliable narrator this absurd adventure will have the listener laughing uncontrollably. Narrated by Jack Handey himself, the humor is always present and the story (or lack thereof) flows smoothly from his sarcastic and witty voice. For fans of ridiculous travel novels and absurd laugh out loud literature. - Erin Cataldi, Franklin College, Franklin, IN

Chose the Wrong Guy, Gave Him the Wrong Finger

Harbison, Beth. Chose the Wrong Guy, Gave Him the Wrong Finger. 7 CDs. unabridged. Macmillan Audio. 2013. ISBN 9781427230843. $34.99.

New York Times bestselling romance author, Beth Harbison, brings every girl's worst nightmare to life. On the happiest day of Quinn Barton's life, her wedding day, she discovers that her husband to be has been cheating on her. Quinn flees the scene and spends the next ten years hiding from the memories of her failed romance in, ironically, a wedding dress boutique, spending her life helping other young women live the dream that she never got to. When her ex-fiance returns to town, predictably Quinn's life is turned upside down. There isn't much intrigue or excitement, but it is a very truthful account of heartbreak and the hope for love and redemption. Read by talented voice and television actress, Orlagh Cassidy, who gives the characters heart, depth, and fantastic southern accents. Perfect for fans of mindless romance, a great beach read. - Erin Cataldi, Franklin College, Franklin, IN

The Grimm Legacy

Shulman, Polly. The Grimm Legacy. 8 CDs. unabridged. 9 hrs. 19 mins. Dreamscape Media. 2013. ISBN 9781624068454. $59.99. 

What if fairy tales and legends weren't just stories, what if they were real? Elizabeth finds out first hand at an after school job at an unusual lending library in New York City. The library houses the mysterious Grimm collection containing: Cinderella's slippers, magic carpets, Puss's boots and every other imaginable magical object. The adventure begins when magical objects start to go missing and Elizabeth and her new friends take it upon themselves to try and track down the thief and preserve the magic before others steal items and use them for evil. The bizarre escapades that Elizabeth and her friends get in will have young reader's hearts pounding and begging for more. Romantic intrigue also ensues as the friends find themselves turning to each other for support. Earphones Award winner, Julia Whelan does a masterful job of switching between characters and conveying their youthful tones and excitement. For young fans of fairy tales and fantasy, both boys and girls will get into the action, adventure, humor, and fairy tale intrigue.  - Erin Cataldi, Franklin College, Franklin, IN

Library Journal Audiobook Review - The Woman Upstairs

Messud, Claire. The Woman Upstairs. 9 CDs. unabridged. 11 hrs. Books on Tape, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group. 2013. ISBN 9780307913623.
Claire Messud returns with another intimate and piercing novel that takes the reader into the unfulfilled life of Nora Eldridge, an elementary schoolteacher who once dreamed of being an accomplished artist, but realizes all too late that her dreams and ambitions have been put to the wayside for others. Her life takes an unexpected turn when the cosmopolitan Shahid family moves in from Paris. Nora is fiercely drawn to their son, a student in her class, his mother, an accomplished artist, and his dashing father, someone she can't help fantasizing about. Nora finds herself trying to get as involved in their lives as she can, until she ultimately realizes the cost of living vicariously through others. Voice actress, Cassandra Campbell, does a beautiful job of narrating Nora's inner struggles. The listener easily gets lost in the beauty of her voice and the conviction of her struggles. - Erin Cataldi, Franklin College, Franklin, IN

Audiobook Review for the Library Journal - Mythology

Hamilton, Edith. Mythology. 12 CDs. unabridged 14 1/2 hours. Hachette Audio. 2013. ISBN 9781611135121.

A masterpiece like no other, Edith Hamilton's Mythology, is a timeless collection of Roman, Greek, and Norse myths that continues to inspire and delight millions. Stories of the gods and heroes are still cornerstones in Western culture and this powerful book weaves many of the classic tales together in one cohesive, engrossing, and thoroughly enthralling collection. The narrator, Suzanne Toren, does an amazing job of delivering this classic in an engaging and insightful manner. Proof that human nature hasn't changed all that drastically, be it through the classic fables or in our own modern society. For fans of ancient history and folklore.

Audiobook Review for the Library Journal - Jasmine Nights

Gregson, Julia. Jasmine Nights. 13 CDs. unabridged 14 hours. Clipper Audio. ISBN

9781471200441.

 

Set amid the chaos of the second World War, young Saba Tarcan, an amazingly talented singer performing for the troops in Africa, embarks upon a journey of newfound freedom, first love, and Middle Eastern adventure. She falls for charming RAF pilot, Dom, and together they learn the ups and downs of war, seperation, and anxiety. Saba soon realizes that entertaining the troops and her lover won't be her only mission. Does she follow her British commanders orders or does she follow her heart? Loosely based on stories of female entertainers being turned into unofficial spies, Julia Gregson does a masterful job of weaving intrigue, andventure, and Middle Eastern culture into a powerful tale. Julia Franklin does a wonderful job bringing the story to life using her wonderful British accents to bring the characters to life. Recommended for fans of historical fiction and romance. - Erin Cataldi. Franklin College. Franklin, IN

 

Audiobook Review for the Library Journal

Thackeray, William Makepeace. Barry Lyndon. 11 CDs. unabridged 13 ½ hours. Naxos Audiobooks. 2013. ISBN 9781843797081.

In this 1844 classic, English author William Makepeace Thackeray, delights readers with the tale of Barry Lyndon, a classically "unreliable narrator." Lyndon is an Irish rogue who joins the British army after an ill-fated love affair and then goes on to fame and fortune as a fashionable gambler. As in his masterpiece, Vanity Fair, Thackeray presents his characters accurately and realistically. His portrayal of the dissolute, unscrupulous Barry, a degenerate who thinks he is royalty amongst men, is masterful. Barry Lyndon may be unlikable, but the beauty of the words and the depth of the story make for a fantastic read.  British voice artist, Jonathon Keeble, also helps brings this amusing tale to life with his rich and wonderfully faceted voice. Recommended for all fans of classic English literature. – Erin Cataldi, Franklin College, Franklin, IN