Great Listens 2010:
More Audiobook Titles Our Staff Have Enjoyed

Fiction

The School of Essential Ingredients
Erica Bauermeister; Read by Cassandra Campbell
AUDIO BOOK FIC BAU (CD; approx 6 hours)

When a respected chef opens her restaurant to teach Monday evening cooking classes, a diverse group of students assemble, each coping with their own secrets and challenges.  Told in a series of vignettes from the perspectives of the various characters, this is an engaging listen and wonderfully read.

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie 
Alan Bradley; Read by Jayne Entwistle
AUDIO BOOK FIC BRA (CD, Downloadable Audio; approx. 10 hours)

It’s 1952 and eleven-year-old Flavia de Luce is an intrepid chemist and explorer.  When a man is found dead in their rural English garden – and her father is arrested for the murder – she decides to solve the mystery.

The Memory Keeper’s Daughter
Kim Edwards; Performed by Ilyana Kadushin
AUDIO BOOK FIC EDW (CD, Downloadable Audio, Cassette; approx. 16 hours)
A fateful decision on a wintry night divides fraternal twins and leaves two families bound by a haunting secret. 

What Is the What: The Autobiography of Valentino Achak Deng
Dave Eggers; Read by Dion Graham
AUDIO BOOK FIC EGG (CD; approx. 20 hours)
This novel, based on the true account of one of 3,800 “Lost Boys” from Sudan who survived years in refugee camps of Kenya and Ethiopia, moves between unimaginable suffering and wonderful experiences of escape, all with touches of humor, poignancy and wisdom. “Not to be missed!” 

Leonardo’s Swans 
Karen Essex; Read by Kathe Mazur
AUDIO BOOK FIC ESS (CD; approx. 13 hours)

An intricate story of the noble d’Este sisters, who compete for supremacy – and the eye of the great Leonardo – amongst the sexual and political maneuverings of 15th Century Italy. Well-researched and powerful historical fiction.

Mistress of the Art of Death
Ariana Franklin; Read by Rosalyn Landor
AUDIO BOOK FIC FRA (CD, Downloadable Audio; approx. 13 hours)

When Adelia goes to Cambridge, England to assist in the investigation of the murder of four children, she must disguise her medical knowledge to avoid being labeled a witch. A deft blend of engaging characters, forensic science, romance and politics set in medieval England – all that and a “fabulous” reader, too!

Native Tongue
Carl Hiaassen; read by George Wilson
AUDIO BOOK FIC HIA (CD, Cassette, Downloadable Audio; nearly 16 hours)
A burned out investigative journalist is drawn into a battle between eccentric environmentalists and a sleazy real estate developer in Southern Florida.  This is vintage Hiassen, wonderfully performed and filled with biting humor, environmental themes, and cast of zany characters

The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
Alexander McCall Smith; Narrated by Lisette Lecat
AUDIO BOOK FIC MCC (CD, Downloadable Audio, Cassette; approx. 8 hours)
This award-winning book takes readers to contemporary Botswana where we meet Mma Ramotswe and her fledgling detective agency.  Mma learns how to solve cases using wisdom and humor while the reader transports listeners with her incredible array of accents.

The Second Horseman
Kyle Mills; Read by Stephen Hoye
AUDIO BOOK FIC MIL (CD; nearly 11 hours)

When a career thief is “liberated” from prison by an intelligence contractor in order to help steal some nuclear warheads, all he can do is play along and make sure he’s not double-crossed. This entertaining blend of caper-novel and international suspense keeps you rooting for the “regular guy” who is pulled into events beyond his control.

His Majesty’s Dragon
Naomi Novik; Read by Simon Vance
AUDIO BOOK FIC NOV(CD; approx. 10 hours)

In this brilliantly realized alternative history, the Napoleonic Wars are fought with the assistance of highly coveted, and very intelligent, dragons.  This is the first in the series – all wonderfully read and full of action and adventure.

Night and Day
Robert B. Parker; Read by James Naughton
AUDIO BOOK FIC PAR (CD, Downloadable Audio; approx. 5 hours)

Classic Parker characters and pithy dialogue make this lightweight mystery featuring Police Chief Jesse Stone a great listen.  Although this is the 8th Jesse Stone book, it can be enjoyed without having read the rest of the series.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Mary Ann Shaffer; Read by Paul Boehmer, Susan Duerden, Rosalyn Landor, John Lee, and Juliet Mills
AUDIO BOOK FIC SHA  (CD, Downloadable Audio; approx. 8 hours)

As England emerges from WWII, Juliet, a London writer is introduced – via letters – to an endearing group of neighbors on the British Channel Islands.  As their correspondence progresses we learn how they banded together to endure the German occupation.  Smitten with their stories, Juliet visits the Island and new friendships are created.  “Enchanting.”

On Agate Hill
Lee Smith; Performed by various narrators.
AUDIO BOOK FIC SMI (CD, Downloadable Audio, Cassette; approx. 14 hours)
The story of the ups and downs of a headstrong orphan surviving the aftermath of the Civil War as captured in journal entries, letters, poems, recipes, songs, catechism and court records.  Filled with memorable characters and a strong sense of place, this book takes a unique look at the South during the Reconstruction era.

The Help
Kathryn Stockett; Read by Octavia Spencer, Bahni Turpin, Jenna Lamia and Cassandra Campbell
AUDIO BOOK FIC STO (CD, Downloadable Audio; approx. 18 hours)

Jackson, Mississippi in 1962 is the setting for this ultimately uplifting story about three women navigating the complicated world of the segregated South.  Sections alternate between the main characters, each captured by the readers’ engaging Southern accents.

Deep Shadow
Randy Wayne White; Narrated by George Guidall
AUDIO BOOK FIC WHI (CD; approx. 11 hours)
In this nail-biting Florida adventure, Doc Ford battles two seriously scary psychopaths and a mysterious “sea monster” all while trying to rescue friends who are trapped underwater.  Whether a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer, you will find yourself holding your breath!

Nonfiction

The Year of Living Biblically: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible
A.J. Jacobs; Read by the author
AUDIO BOOK 220 JAC (CD; approx. 6 hours)
This thought-provoking memoir chronicles the funny and often absurd journey of an agnostic who decides to try and follow the hundreds of commandments found in the Bible.  

A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor: 30th Broadcast Season Celebration
Performed by Garrison Keillor & a variety of participants
791.447 KEI (CD; approx. 5 hours)
This is just one of several recordings featuring Garrison Keillor “and company” sharing humorous stories and songs about Lake Wobegon, Minnesota. 
Hint: Radio programs like this are not considered “audio books” so are filed in the regular adult nonfiction collection by call number.

Lost on Planet China: The Strange and True Story of One Man’s Attempt to Understand the World’s Most Mystifying Nation, or How He Became Comfortable Eating Live Squid
J. Maarten Troost; Read by Simon Vance
AUDIO BOOK 915.1 TRO (CD; approx. 11 hours)
If you grin when you read the title, you’ll most likely enjoy this humorous travel memoir.  Troost is a veteran traveler who remains upbeat and realistic, despite the many stresses of traveling from Hong Kong to Tibet through an often crowded, polluted and bewildering China. 

Ride of Our Lives: Roadside Lessons of an American Family
Mike Leonard; Read by Marc Cashman
AUDIO BOOK 917.3 LEO (CD, Downloadable Audio, Cassette; approx. 8 hours)

When three generations of the author’s family embark on a road trip, the result is a engaging series of humorous and touching anecdotes.

Little Heathens: Hard Times and High Spirits on an Iowa Farm During the Great Depression 
Mildred Armstrong Kalish; Narrated by Ruth Ann Phimister
AUDIO BOOK 977.7032092 KAL (CD, Cassette; 9.5 hours)
In this charming memoir of the 1930s, instead of being overwhelmed by the challenges of survival during the Great Depression, Kalish observes how her family celebrated the abundance found in hard work and simple rewards. 

Young Adult

The Hunger Games
Suzanne Collins; Read by Carolyn McCormick
YA AUDIO BOOK FIC COL (CD, Downloadable audio; approx. 11 hours)
Be transported to a future North America and root for 16-year-old Katniss who must find some way to stay alive in the annually televised competition that pits young people from various districts against one another in a deadly fight for survival.  This is the first book in a trilogy that has been popular with teens and adults, and is wonderfully read.

The Book Thief 
Markus Zuzak; Read by Allan Corduner
YA AUDIO BOOK FIC ZUS (CD; approx. 14 hours)

You might not expect to enjoy a book narrated by Death, but this haunting and touching story of day-to-day life in a German town during WWII has enthralled readers and listeners alike.  

Still Looking? 12 More Titles To Try:

Heart and Soul
Maeve Binchy
AUDIO BOOK FIC BIN

The heartwarming story of family, friends, patients, and staff connected by a heart clinic in Ireland.

Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague 
Geraldine Brooks
AUDIO BOOK FIC BRO

Elegant prose, compelling characters, and a dramatic storyline infuse this masterfully read historical tale. Recommended for teens as well.

Outlander
Diana Gabaldon
AUDIO BOOK FIC GAB
First in the popular series – a sexy, time-travel historical romance saga.

The Virgin’s Lover 
Philippa Gregory
AUDIO BOOK FIC GRE
Another fascinating historical tale by Gregory set in the court of Elizabeth I – this time examining an unsolved murder.

For Whom the Bell Tolls 
Ernest Hemingway
AUDIO BOOK FIC HEM
Audio is a great way to revisit the classics, like this tale of an American fighting in the Spanish Civil War.

Blindspot: By a Gentleman in Exile and a Lady in Disguise
Jane Kamensky & Jill Lepore 
AUDIO BOOK FIC KAM
This witty, irreverent historical fiction set in Boston on the eve of the American Revolution has both romance and mystery elements.

The Beekeeper’s Apprentice 
Laurie R. King
AUDIO BOOK FIC KIN
The first in a series of mysteries featuring a bright young woman and an aging Sherlock Holmes.

Slightly Shady
Amanda Quick
AUDIO BOOK FIC QUI
Fun, light regency romance with a hint of supernatural.

Piranha to Scurfy and Other Stories 
Ruth Rendell 
AUDIO BOOK FIC REN
Nine creepy and suspenseful short stories by a literary master.

The Echelon Vendetta
David Stone
AUDIO BOOK FIC STO
A compelling thriller featuring a CIA “fixer” hunting down a mystically elusive and violent killer.

Saving Fish from Drowning 
Amy Tan
AUDIO BOOK FIC TAN
The mishaps of a group of travelers is chronicled by an other-worldly narrator in this funny novel with serious undercurrents.

Soup
Robert Newton Peck
J AUDIO BOOK PEC
Entertaining autobiographical recollections about the author’s boyhood and good times with his friend, Soup.  Great for family listening.

Some Tips:

Tip #1: Looking for something humorous?
The Library has stand-up comedies by a variety of performers on CD.  They are found on the regular Adult Nonfiction shelves in 792.7028 – or search “stand-up comedy” in the catalog.

Tip #2:
Search “radio programs” in the catalog to find other audio gems ranging from Gunsmoke  and The  Shadow to NPR’s Funniest Driveway Moments.  These also are shelved with the books – generally in the 791s.

Tip #3:
To see all of our new books on CD, use “Quick Lists” in the Library catalog to see what we have in. You can also use this feature to find Playaways, and New Downloadable Audiobooks.

Tip #4:
Ask us! The Readers Services staff are happy to help you find book ideas in person or online. 630-584-0076 ext. 214.

For help finding these or other books, just Ask Us! 

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