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

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Written by: Patrick Ness
Narrated by: Jason Isaacs
Length: 3 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's synopsis: The monster showed up after midnight. As they do. But it isn't the monster Conor's been expecting. He's been expecting the one from his nightmare, the one he's had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments, the one with the darkness and the wind and the screaming.... This monster is something different, though. Something ancient, something wild. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor. It wants the truth.

My thoughts: I got this from a two-for-one sale at Audible. I thought it would be a nice book because it's one of my favourite genres (dark fantasy with children as the main characters). The musical piece played at the beginning really set the scene! It's a short and sweet audiobook, but it's also quite dark. The main character, a young boy called Conor, is going through a lot: bullying in school, an absent father, a cruel grandmother, but most of all, his mother's illness is getting worse. The mystery of the monster and ultimately Conor's secret is unveiled through four tales - a nice way to add some suspense. The 'story within the story' tactic also works well with the audiobook medium, because we've got the main character himself listening to the stories of the monster as we listen along as well! The actual book has wonderful illustrations, and I wish they came with the audiobook, but the story was still strong by itself. The fantastical elements in this story were very enjoyable, and the climax scene was tear-jerking. This was my first Patrick Ness book, and I highly recommend it. 4/5.

Just After Sunset by Stephen King

Written by: Stephen King
Narrated by: Stephen King, Holter Graham, Mare Winningham, Denis O'Hare, Ron McLarty, Jill Eikenberry, Ben Shenkman
Length: 14 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's synopsis: King's brand new fiction title: a captivating collection of tales with dark - and light - twists from the master of this wonderful form. What would you do if your everyday world were turned upside down in an instant? Here are 12 riveting stories about relationships with unexpected twists. Be very careful what you wish for.

My thoughts: This makes it onto one of my top listens ever. The multiple narrators (including King!) make each story so engaging and the quality is top-notch. Because King's horror is situational in nature, listening to his short stories on audio is kind of like slipping into virtual reality. You're there. With the characters, facing their deepest fears.

The short story collection had been compiled from King’s previous publications in various magazines, with the exception of N. Not all of them are pure horror though, some are more action-y, and a few are quite though-provoking. I enjoyed each one of them, so I decided to give my thoughts on some of them.

Willa - David is at the train station when he discovers that his fiancée, Willa, has disappeared. This is a story that is full of atmosphere and very character-driven, predictable yet chilling. I felt so much for the characters in the end.

The Gingerbread Girl – After losing her only child, Em picks up the habit of running, which leads her to be imprisoned in the house of a psychopath. This is one of my favorites. The action and suspense never stops!

Rest Stop – John is about to bring out his inner hero when he witnesses a man abusing a woman at a rest stop. A compelling story about bravery.

Stationary Bike – Richard embarks on a frightening journey when he starts playing a pretend game to help him lose weight. This one was one hell of a ride, and I enjoyed every second of it! How many of us are living in our own delusional little world without even realizing it?!

N – A psychiatrist is disturbed by the troubles of his patient, whom he refers to as N. What a fascinating story about obsessive compulsive disorder! Stephen King delves into the thought processes of insanity, and just how easy it is to slip into psychosis.

A Very Tight Place – A delightful little tale of survival about a man who has to escape from, as the title aptly says, ‘a very tight place’. Although the premise is terrifying (and this is not a story to be read if easily grossed out), I found it to be incredibly humorous! Grunwald is such a comical character and there are some very funny phrases in the story. Definitely another one of my faves.

Overall, thoroughly entertaining and highly recommended. 5/5.

Currently listening (12-May-2014)

I am listening to two wonderful audiobooks on my iPad at the moment.

The first is Ajahn Brahm's Opening the Door of Your Heart, which is a collection of short stories covering a wide range of topics, things like coping with guilt, letting go of pain, love and wisdom, perfectionism, and so on. I'm loving Ajahn's humour, each story is short and sweet, and the audiobook is narrated with enthusiasm by Francis Greenslade. 3 hrs 38 mins completed out of 5 hrs and 41 mins.

The second is Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins, read by Carolyn McCormick. I am so late in reading this series, but then again, I always find myself way behind with any of my listens. The pace is a bit slow so far, but the story is riveting enough. Loving Carolyn's narration, she really puts in the right kind of energy for Katniss and makes you feel for her. 2 hrs 42 mins completed out of 11 hrs and 41 mins.  

   

827 Centuries of Audiobooks!

Don Katz from Audible Inc.

Don Katz,  founder and CEO of Audible, used to listen to audiobooks on his Walkman while jogging! I think it's amazing how we've come a long way in the way we listen to audiobooks, from gramophones to cassette tapes to CDs, to having a gigantic audio library in our itty bitty phones. We should really be grateful for the wide variety of choices available, as well as simply the ease of listening. I definitely take this for granted sometimes. Imagine having to load and unload cassette tapes, carrying around bulky contraptions, or having to flip CDs in and out mid-story. How annoying would that have to be!

On the other hand however, I think audiobooks have lost their physical identity. There's nothing to touch or hold in your hands, or showcase on your bookshelves, or collect. Sometimes I think of just printing out audiobook covers and putting them on empty CD cases, just so I can build my own 'fake' collection of audiobooks to look at! This might sound so silly, but it's true. But here's what scares me. The audiobook concept has become so tied up with technology, that as technology changes, so will inevitably the 'audiobook'. Videl Bar-Kar, audio publisher at Penguin Random House, said this in the article: "I’m not sure ‘audiobook’ is even the right word for it anymore. What is a book in the digital realm? I prefer ‘stories’." Audiobook listeners definitely need to brace themselves for changes coming in the future.  

And here's a little fun factoid they reveal in the article: in 2013, Audible subscribers all over the world collectively listened to 725 million hours of books. In other words, they say, imagine a device running audio for 827 centuries straight. Just think about that! More and more people are becoming audiobook converts, and that's wonderful news.

Read the article 'Sound and the story: The rise of the audiobook' from The Independent here.

The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks

Written by: Nicholas Sparks
Narrated by: Pepper Binkley
Length: 12 hrs and 33 mins
Format: Unabridged

About the book: Seventeen year old Veronica "Ronnie" Miller's life was turned upside-down when her parents divorced and her father moved from New York City to Wilmington, North Carolina. Three years later, she remains angry and alientated from her parents, especially her father...until her mother decides it would be in everyone's best interest if she spent the summer in Wilmington with him.

My thoughts: This was one of my very first audiobooks, back then I used to love Nicholas Sparks! I believe I listened to this back in 2009. Anyway, I'd written down a short review after listening...

I thought this was a skilful work of fiction. Nicholas Sparks has not only written a teenage romance novel, but has weaved in an intricate story of a beautiful father-daughter relationship and the maturing of a young girl into an adult. At first, I hated the character of Ronnie Miller. She seemed like your typical ignorant teenage girl. By the end of the audiobook she was transformed, not only likeable but admirable. Will Blakelee, the popular volleyball player who falls in love with Ronnie, as sweet as he is, I would've liked a more distinctive personality. The character of Marcus, however, is something new, because he is depicted as a teenage sociopath, cunning and manipulative. His destructive relationship with Blaze is appalling but not uncommon in real life. Steve's journey of self-discovery, his search for the presence of God and his intense desire to show his children he is worthy of their time is so beautifully portrayed that in the end you are heartbroken. For the most part, the book was predictable, but that won't stop you from being affected. The book was developed after the screenplay was written, and this becomes obvious because there's many typical 'movie moments' (boy 'crashes' into girl, dramatic confrontations, bad boy gets busted, and complete resolution of all events in the story). I hope the movie is just as good. Altogether, this was a simple story told in a complex narrative and there's lots of emotional turmoil. If you're in the mood for a heartrending tragedy, this audiobook is for you.  

I hadn't written anything about the narration, but I do remember 'growing' into Pepper Binkley's voice. Not very picky about narrators at all - in fact, I tend to love all of them by the end of it!

What Dreams May Come by Richard Matheson

What Dreams May Come by Richard Matheson

Written by: Richard Matheson
Narrated by: Robertson Dean
Length: 8 hrs and 32 mins

About the book: What happens to us after we die? Chris Nielsen had no idea, until an unexpected accident cut his life short, separating him from his beloved wife, Annie. Now Chris must discover the true nature of life after death. But even Heaven is not complete without Annie, and the divided soul mates will do anything to reach each other across the boundaries between life and death. When tragedy threatens to divide them forever, Chris risks his very soul to save Annie from an eternity of despair.

My thoughts: I primarily picked up this audiobook because it was about death and because it was fictional. Death and mortality has to be one of the most ignored facts because we simply don’t like to remind ourselves that inevitably one day, we will depart from our materialistic existence on earth and move onto another stage all by ourselves. It had to be fictional because I wanted it to be readable, easy to understand and with a storyline to make it memorable. In the book’s introduction Richard Matheson confides in us the amount of research he did to compile the facts of afterlife which became the backbone of the story, even providing the reader with an extensive bibliography at the end. So I thought that this was as realistic as a fictional book about death got! Our protagonist, Chris Neilson, is about to find out first-hand what happens to us after death. The plot is straightforward and simple, and not as important as the descriptions that portray afterlife. I found the explanations of the etheric double, the silver cord, and the spheres of existence to be fascinating. Richard Matheson is able to give piles of information without getting too technical. The other aspect that intrigued me was his take on how much we are limited by our beliefs and ignorance, and how we on earth are trapped by only what feels like reality. One sentence in the book still sticks with me: "The mind is all." Above all the book contains a tragic love story that was so emotionally distressing that by the end it had me in tears. Chris’ devotion to his wife Ann is one that surpasses all boundaries of life on earth. I have to say that no other book has been more touching, more eye-opening than this one. Thanks to the narrator for a wonderful listen. Listen to this book and it will scare you away from suicide and the word ‘soul mate’ will take on a whole new meaning. But most importantly, it will provide you insight on the mystery of afterlife and help you lose your fear of death. I know it did for me. 5/5.

Audiobook Report (Nov 2010 - May 2014)

For a bigger view: right click, then choose open image in new tab.

       

These are the books I've had the pleasure to listen to over the last three years (84 books). Although there were some books that I read the physical copy of (including the very first book there - Misery by Stephen King, added Nov. 14, 2010), most of these have been audiobooks. They are displayed in chronological order, starting with the most recent books. Overall, I've had a wonderful time getting lost in them.