Currently listening (30-Aug-2014)

I have been rediscovering my Kindle this summer and read a lot of books in e-book format. However, I'll never let go of my first love...audiobooks. I'm listening to: the first book in the Sookie Stackhouse series! So far it's enthralling, very dark, and a little funny. Enjoying it a lot.

Powerful Audible.co.uk advert

'A commuter listening to Sebastian Faulks' Birdsong is transported from the train platform into the world of the story.'

Wow. I just really loved this ad. It really does capture how powerful the listening experience can be! I hope Audible produces more ads like these (as opposed to generic ones) in the future.

The audiobook in question is Birdsong, which has some really good reviews. Considering I've watched the ad like 10 times already, I want to listen to this book.

Audiobooks on my Mind (06-June-2014)

I don't normally get excited about new releases, but I am so excited that Stephen King has released a new crime fiction thriller called Mr. Mercedes. Kind of reminds me of when J. K. Rowling branched out into crime with The Cuckoo's Calling, which I just loved (and in turn reminded me of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo). I am expecting King's one to be grittier, and perhaps more bloody. The story itself revolves around a retired homicide detective investigating a case he is particularly drawn to - nothing original about that, but hey, it's Stephen King. I need this audiobook in my life. It stretches to around 14 hours and is narrated by Will Patton. King's audiobooks in general tend to be quite well-done and atmospheric, so I'm sure this will be a performance. Can't wait.

As a sidenote, I'm wondering how significant those umbrellas in the cover are.

Where Angels Fear to Tread by E. M. Forster

Written by: E. M. Forster
Narrated by: Stephen Fry
Length: 2 hrs and 51 mins
Format: Abridged

Publisher's synopsis: E. M. Forster's first novel is a witty comedy of manners that is tinged with tragedy. It tells the story of Lilia Herriton, who proves to be an embarrassment to her late husband's family as, in the small Tuscan town of Monteriano, she begins a relationship with a much younger Italian man - classless, uncouth, and highly unsuitable. A subtle attack on Edwardian values and a humanely sympathetic portrayal of the clash of two cultures, Where Angels Fear to Tread is also a profound exploration of character and virtue.

My thoughts: I enjoyed every minute of this audiobook. I picked it up as soon as I watched WordsofaReader's review of this book, which you can watch here. Note that this is the abridged version, normally I hate abridged audiobooks with the passion - BUT this one was narrated by Stephen Fry! Who could pass that up? I'm not quite sure why they shortened it in the first place, because the actual book is quite short. This audiobook version falls just short of three hours - a perfect 'in-between' book if you're wanting for a little break with the books you're currently reading (which worked actually - my interest for Catching Fire and Opening the Door of Your Heart has returned!), or even a palate cleanser really.

As the book itself, the story is about a widow called Lilia who is sent to Italy, where she falls in love with a poor Italian man (just a dentist's son, the book kept saying). As expected, Stephen Fry's narration was just delicious, he brought out the humour and tragedy equally, he did the Italian accent really well. It was laugh-out-loud in places, and you soon begin to feel quite sorry for the characters and the muddle they got themselves into. Like I said, I savoured every minute of this audiobook, and would love to listen to more of the booktuber WordsofaReader's recommendations. Also, I just love the title. 5/5.

Currently listening (31-May-2014)

So it's been about half a month since my last update, and I'm still listening to the same two books. Oops. Well, actually that's not anything too bad, it's about the same rate I usually go through (which is around 20-25 audiobooks per year, I believe), plus I had exams, which didn't allow me to listen as much as I would've liked. The thing is, though, I'm trying to listen to more audiobooks than I typically would (maybe up it to around 30 books?). We'll see.

I've been concentrating mainly on Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. It's great so far, but a little less action-packed than I would've hoped. The games start only around halfway through the book. That said, I wouldn't say the book really suffers from 'middle book syndrome', because the story's been listenable enough so far. Just around 3 hours more to go with this one. 8 hrs 2 mins completed out of 11 hrs and 41 mins.

Opening the Door of your Heart by Ajahn Brahm has been sitting on the backburner for a while - the book is so peaceful and right now I'm in the mood for some suspense. That said, I hope to finish this really soon, as it's quite a short audiobook. It's still 3 hrs 38 mins completed out of 5 hrs and 41 mins.

Also, since I've been traveling a lot, I've also been using my Kindle. Airplanes don't really make for pleasant listening atmospheres, but the Kindle is just perfect. I've been reading - and will be reading - a cute book called The Forbidden Library by Django Wexler. I find children's books perfect for long trips because they aren't too taxing or tedious. This particular book seems like a wonderful mix of the atmospheres of Harry Potter, His Dark Materials, and Alice in Wonderland. Plus it's got some great illustrations! I believe I'm in around Chapter 9 in this one.

Audiobooks on my mind (18-May-2014)

First up is Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I love this author, and I've only 'read' one book of hers previously (her short story collection The Thing Around Your Neck). Her writing is so elegant and the stories were so beautifully intricate. It seems like this audiobook has everything I would love: race/culture issues, romance and heartbreak, travel, and a really meaningful story. Narrated by: Adjoa Andoh. Length: 17 hrs and 28 mins.

Next is Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. I think I got this like yesterday, which is why it's on my mind lol (Audible sales are just too tempting). This will be a trip down memory lane for me, I read this as a young girl too. I remember feeling so engrossed by the story, and really feeling for Anne who had the same fantasies and wishes and dreams as me. So experiencing the book again, this time through audio, will be quite nostalgic. Narrated by: Helena Bonham Carter. Length: 10 hrs and 8 mins.

The last audiobook is On the Rocks by Erin Duffy. I read the synopsis and I felt it was perfect was me. Just a lovely and light summer read, that's all. I mean, look at the cover! The two main characters are going to "escape sweltering Boston and its reminders of Ben and head to Newport for the summer. In a quaint rented cottage by the sea, the girls will enjoy cool breezes, cocktails, and crowds of gorgeous men". I would love this book. Narrated by: Cyndi Shope. Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins.

Jesse Eisenberg loves audiobooks

I found a little video clip of Jesse Eisenberg talking about how much he loves audiobooks. This was filmed for Audiobook Month two years ago, and was interviewed by Audie-winning audiobook narrator Robert Fass. The audiobook he was listening at that time was The Social Animal by David Brooks, and he talks about how he wishes the narrator speeds up his reading sometimes. I think that's how every listener feels like from time to time, although I don't dare try to speed up my books as they sound so distorted and unnatural and just horrible. I'd rather take things slow and easy.

Here's a selection of the audiobooks Jesse Eisenberg has narrated. I'm eyeing the Curseworkers series, I had no idea he narrated that and I've heard so many good things about the books themselves.

1. Colin Fischer by Ashley E. Miller and Zack Stentz 

2. White Cat by Holly Black
3. Red Glove by Holly Black
4. Black Heart by Holly Black