OverDrive & For Young Women Only

Are you familiar with OverDrive? They are a digital resource that shares eBooks and Audiobooks. It typically can be found through your local library. With your library card, you have access to an amazing amount a free materials.

Previously, I only used OverDrive for my eReader. It's free, fast, and works with a wide range of devices! Recently, I downloaded the app for my super phone and figured out how to download an audiobook.

Wow! What a smooth way to enjoy an audiobook! I downloaded an available book and listened to the whole thing in two days. (I started with a short title, so it could be enjoyed quickly.) With the fast turnaround, I feel that the world is at my fingertips! I cannot wait to dive in and enjoy more audios via my super phone.

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For Young Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn and Lisa Author Rice

For Young Women Only was created to give young women a glimpse into how males process information, build relationships, and relate to women. The information shared in this brief book was garnered from a nation-wide survey and focus groups. (The survey results can be viewed on the book's website.) Shaunti shares the results and adds tidbits of information from her other book, For Women Only as well as a few Bible passages throughout the text. I appreciated the time they took to research and share their findings. Lots of food for thought! I think this title can be read (or heard) multiple times over and enjoyed each time.

Ms. Feldhahm was the narrator for the book For Young Women Only. I originally heard Shaunti Feldhahn in an interview on the radio several years ago. It was good to hear her voice again as she shared her book. I would enjoy listening to her again.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Audio Book Details...
For Young Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn and Lisa Author Rice
Read by Shaunti Feldhahn
Produced by Oasis Audio 
Number of Discs: MP3 download (3 parts)
Total Time: 3 hours, 18 minutes
ISBN: 9781608142194

Mandela: An Audio History

Mandela: An Audio History by Desmond Tutu


Mandela: An Audio History is a brief overview of Mandela's freedom fight. For those who are not familiar with Mandela's story this audio is a very brief overview (1 hour, 15 minutes). It highlights moments and events that can whet the appetite and give a glimpse into the history of South Africa. I would recommend this piece to teens, young adults, and adults. It would be a great accompanying piece for a unit study on South Africa, Mandela, or apartheid.

What I enjoyed most about this commemorative edition was the depth of audio achieved in an hour and fifteen minutes. The layers are astounding! In just over an hour, listeners can hear interviews, speeches, radio and television reports, and singing. I can only imagine the length of time editing this CD.

Another interesting side feature was investigating "Radio Diaries" on the back of the CD case. Are there more diaries available? Who do they include? Did HighBridge publish them all? What an amazing find! I would encourage you to check out www.radiodiaries.org. Radio Diaries are "Extraordinary Stories of Ordinary Life" and the creators have collected all sorts of stories that can be heard (for free) online! I cannot wait to explore more Radio Diaries!

Reviewed from an Audiobook Jukebox copy. Thank you, HighBridge Audio!


Audio Book Details...
Mandela: An Audio History by Radio Diaires
Hosted by Desmond Tutu
Produced by HighBridge Audio
Number of Discs: 1
Total Time: 1 hours, 15 minutes
ISBN: 9781622314331 

Wonder

Wonder by R.J. Palacio


Palacio shares a slice of life in the fifth-grader year of August "Auggie" Pullman. He was home schooled until this point and now it was time to attend a "normal" school. It's never easy adjusted to a new school, but Auggie also struggles to fit in because of his facial deformity.

The story begins from August's point of view, but then travels to his sibling and new school friends. The past and present are shared with each chapter and each individual who shares their thoughts and reactions. The story reflects on overcoming obstacles and building relationships. It's a story that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages - elementary, middle, high school, and adult. The various character's make the story come full circle and adds satisfying depths.

Several narrators shared the reading of Wonder including Nick Podehl, Kate Rudd, and Diana Steele. With so many characters sharing their narratives, it was an excellent choice to have a variety of readers. I wish it were possible for more narrators. In an ideal world, a different narrator for each character would have been fabulous! I enjoyed the three readers and overall they had distinctive voices for each character.

Reviewed from a library copy.


Audio Book Details...
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
Read by Nick Podehl, Kate Rudd, and Diana Steele
Produced by Brilliance Audio
Number of Discs: 7
Total Time: 8 hours, 12 minutes
ISBN: 9781455844197