Thursday of Audiobook Week 2013

 

Audiobook Week is going fast! Be sure to visit Devourer of Books and see everyone who is celebrating Audiobook Week. Today the discussion is about audiobook tasks.

What do you do while you listen to audiobooks? 

My preference is having an audiobook while I drive. I've started to listen while dining, or cleaning the house, and occasionally while working out. Most of the time, it takes longer to do a task when I'm listening because of all the pauses I make to listen to the story. I wish I could be a multitasking genius, but I'm not! I'll keep driving with most of my audios and continue to experiment with trying to do other things as I listen books.

What's your preferred activity when listening to audiobooks?

Wednesday of Audiobook Week 2013

We're right in the middle of Audiobook Week! It's time for a little snapshot of the here and now in our listening worlds.

Current/most recent audiobook: I finished Book #4 of the series Keepers of the School: In Harm's Way by Andrew Clements. (Review to come!) I just loaded Book #3 of the series Sixty-Eight Rooms - The Pirate's Coin by Marianne Malone in my car.

Impressions: The Keepers of the School series is fast paced and exciting as the Keepers reveal the mystery phrase by phrase from long dead Captain Oaks. The Sixty-Eight Rooms is a calmer adventure, but still mysterious with magical antiques.

 

Current/most recent favorite audiobook: Wow! What to choose? ... Just one? ... A Tangle of Knots by Lisa Graff and The Island of Silence by Lisa McMann had me on the edge of my seat. Knots was modern with a hint of magic. It was fun with cake recipes scattered throughout the story. Silence was dark and mysterious. The story of an island on the brink of civil war and destruction.

Favorite narrator you've discovered recently: I love, love, love E. B. Stevens.  Not too much information on him, but his narration of the Fablehaven series written by Brandon Mull was amazing! Fablehaven is a series I could put on repeat.

One title from your TBL (to be listened) stack, or your audio wishlist: Again, only one? It's so hard to choose... Oh! I would love to hear Book #4 of The Brixton Brothers - Danger Goes Berserk by Mac Barnett. I don't think they produced book four, but they shared books one, two, and three as audios. If you hear of book number four on audio, please let me know!

Tuesday of Audiobook Week 2013

Happy Audiobook Month! 
Happy Audiobook Week!

Today's question for bloggers and audiobook listeners is "How Do You Choose Your Audiobooks?"

I try to read most of my juvenile fiction and YA books as audiobooks versus print books. As an Assistant Children's Librarian, I need to keep tabs on the books that are popular, unpopular, present, and past. I also love to read (books from the adult fiction section) for myself. It's difficult to fit it all in the schedule. I enjoy listening to YA audios, but I love listening to juvenile fiction. They aren't too long, so I can move through the stories quickly and have more titles on deck. For most stories, I try to find the audio before I find a print copy to read (or browse, depending on the time of year).

If you had an option between an audiobook or a printed copy, which would you choose first?

Monday of Audiobook Week 2013

June is Audiobook Month and this week is Audiobook Week!

Jen from Devourer of Books set up Audiobook Week 2013. (Thank you, Jen!) Today, she asked bloggers about their audiobook year - new books, new discoveries, favorite titles, new places, etc. I started documenting my audiobooks a couple years ago, so I won't rehash old blog posts. (If you want to dive into history, here is Year One and Year Two.)

My newest discovery is a feature in my new car - a CD changer! My old car had a CD changer and I was sad to see it go, because it made listening to audiobooks quick and easy. I could listen to a couple of short fiction books or a complete book in one load. During my commute to work or a road trip, the story moved swiftly between discs without worrying about stopping and starting as often without a changer. When I purchased my new car, I knew the sound system was fantastic, but I never realized it had a CD changer until a week or so after owning the car. It was a very good day when I found that feature!

How do you like to listen to audiobooks? Do you prefer a book on CD or MP3 files on a player?

Happy Listening, Friends!

A Tangle of Knots

A Tangle of Knots by Lisa Graff

Everyone has a talent - someone can whistle, someone can spit, another can knit, and one can bake amazing cakes. Each talent is unique and special. Some people know their talent and use it, while others continue to look for their talent. Everyone's stories and talents intermingle as history and modern events collide.

A Tangle of Knots was touted as a story similar to Savvy by Ingrid Law. I loved Savvy, so I requested this title as soon as I was able! Yes, the book reflects similar talents that characters discover and use. Yes, it can stand on its own. It also reminded me of Abby Carnelia's One and Only Magical Power by David Pogue. (I did prefer Savvy or A Tangle of Knots to Abby Carnelia.)

As the story unfolds, more characters (with their talents) are introduced. The stories are woven together as events evolve. One mysterious man (with a talent for knots) always seems to pop-up at fortunate and unfortunate times. The first couple chapters can be confusing, but as the story continues, it's a fun and adventurous tale. In addition to the interwoven tale, the author also includes cake recipes for the characters in the book.

Katie Honaker was a fun and creative narrator for this story. Her characters were distinct and varied. She read the recipes as well as the story. I was impressed with the sharing of the recipes. The recipes were timed well and they had fun sound effects and music underneath each recipe.

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

Other Audiobook Reviews...
http://hauntedorchid.blogspot.com/2013/02/audiobook-review-tangle-of-knots.html
http://www.goodbooksandgoodwine.com/2013/03/a-tangle-of-knots-lisa-graff-audiobook-review.html


Audio Book Details...
A Tangle of Knots by Lisa Graff
Read by Katie Honaker
Produced by Penguin Audio
Number of Discs: MP3 Download
Total Time: 4 hours, 9 minutes
ISBN: 9781101601877

The Mysterious Howling

Have you checkout Audiobook SYNC yet? It's an amazing summer celebration of free audiobooks! SYNC began week two with The Mysterious Howling and Jane Eyre. I've previously enjoyed The Mysterious Howling and adored it! (Below is my original review from GoodReads.) I would highly encourage you to give it a listen. Wood and Kellgren make an outstanding team!

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The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood


The beautiful cover art by Sarah Hoy drew me to The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place. Another bonus, I adore historical fiction. After reading the brief synopsis of the book, I knew that I had to read it, well, listen to it. Briefly, the story is about the common phrase, "You must have been raised by wolves!" Lord Ashton of Ashton Place found three children in his woods and decided to keep them. (Can you play finder's keepers with people?) Ashton and his newly wed wife employ fresh-faced Penelope Lumley to take the children in hand. The story follows Miss Lumley as she strives to train and education three rambunctious children.

Reader Katherine Kellgren gives an outstanding performance that will be enjoyed by the whole family. Each voice is very distinguishable and full of life. The story unfolds so humorously and mysteriously that I cannot wait to read the second installment of Maryrose Wood's series. If you enjoy topics such as England, governesses, English Literature and a good laugh, you will definitely enjoy this book. Happy reading!


Reviewed from a library copy.

Audio Book Details...
The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood
Series: Book One, The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place
Read by Katherine Kellgren
Produced by Listening Library
Number of Discs: 5
Total Time: 5 hours, 28 minutes
ISBN: 9780307711229

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If you enjoyed The Mysterious Howling, continue the adventure with ...
Book Two, The Hidden Gallery
Book Three, The Unseen Guest
Book Four, The Interrupted Tale (Coming September 2013)

The One and Only Ivan

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate


Applegate personifies a great silverback gorilla who lives as an entertainer in a mall. She doesn't go so far as to write a book that embraces anthropomorphism. (Huzzah!) It's a fictionalized story of animal entertainers. They tell their stories in their words and interact with humans with touches, looks, and art. It's very well done. Listeners (and readers) will befriend these circus animals, root for them, cry for them, and rejoice with them. Ivan's tale also lends itself well to many research projects for students (and animal lovers).

Adam Grupper narrates Ivan's story. Grupper is a new name to me ears. With his gruff, deep voice that kept going and going, it took me a bit to remain with the story. I was surprised and taken aback with the introductions of each new character voice. Grupper did a fabulous job! The gruff, deep voice suits the old silverback, Ivan. His female characters sound great and he adds zing to Bob and Mack. It's a great listen.


Reviewed from a library copy.


Audio Book Details...
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Read by Adam Grupper
Produced by Harper Audio
Number of Discs: 3
Total Time: 3 hours
ISBN: 9780062285300

The Mighty Miss Malone

The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis


Christopher Paul Curtis shares the story of the Malone family through the eyes of their twelve-year-old "darling daughter Deza." The listener (or reader) jumps in their story during the Great Depression in Gary, Indiana. The Malone's are making their way, but troubles are just around the corner. Soon the Malones are on the move to Mr. Malone's hometown in Michigan seeking a better life.

I heard the reviews and I know that Curtis is highly acclaimed, but I never listened (or read) his books before this point. This story was brought to my attention because of a book committee. With slightly dragging feet, I found the audio and began to listen. After the first chapter, I was hooked. Curtis weaves an amazing story that wraps around the listener and begs you to keep listening. The Malone's live through tragic and wonderful circumstances during the Great Depression. It's historical fiction at it's best. I wanted to know more after the book ended.

Bahni Turpin narrated Deza's story. She also narrated characters in The Help. She has a great voice and personality for The Mighty Miss Malone characters. It was an excellent narration.

Reviewed from a library copy.


Audio Book Details...
The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis
Read by Bahni Turpin
Produced by Listening Library
Number of Discs: 7
Total Time: 7 hours, 59 minutes
ISBN: 9780307968227

Last Child in the Woods

Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv


Will you or your child be the Last Child in the Woods?

Louv dives into how people (children especially) interact with nature. With today's modern marvels, we distance ourselves from the outdoors. We've created fear that never existed before when dealing with trees... woods... nature. Louv also shares examples and resources to overcome the fear, or the boogieman. He offers research of the benefits of being outdoors.

It's an eye opening listen (or read). It's been recommended to me, but it never made it onto my must read until a local book festival chose it for their city read. I'm so happy that I chose to read it along with everyone. It's a fantastic book. I understand why a friend recommended it to me. Times have changed, but nature has remained the same. I know that I fear the wildness, but also appreciate the peace and beautiful it offers. I would encourage all listeners (and readers) to give this book a try.

Jonathan Hogan narrated Louv's book. His voice was excellent for this non-fiction piece. The story wasn't dynamic, but it was thought provoking and Hogan's tempo was spot on.


Reviewed from a library copy.


Audio Book Details...
Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv
Read by Jonathan Hogan
Produced by Recorded Books
Number of Discs: 10
Total Time: 12 hours
ISBN: 9781428169661

Iron Hearted Violet

Iron Hearted Violet by Kelly Barnhill


Can you describe a princess? It's all relative. It's also changeable.

Violet is the Princess, but she's also extraordinary. She doesn't look like a beautiful princess told in stories all over the Multiverse, but she's courageous, imaginative, and friendly. She befriends Demetrius and they explore her castle with abandon, only to stumble upon a secret room and uncover a dark secret. The secret grows and brings unrest to their world. Destruction follows, but if they work together and uncover the truth, the kingdom can survive!

I listened to Barnhill's book between other stories and books, so it wasn't as smooth as my usually audiobook timing. I enjoy the fantasy genre and this ranks at the top for middle schoolers. If listeners (or readers) enjoy dragon tales, this would be a great pick for them. It also contains mystery, storytelling, and unlikely heroes. It's not a happy-go-luck, but mysterious while dark and sorrowful at times. I wouldn't recommend this to every reader, but if you're interested in fantasy or dragon stories, I would recommend you to give it a go! It's very unique, especially, because Violet doesn't share her story, but the castle's storyteller: Cassian.

Simon Vance narrates Iron Hearted Violet. As stated previously, the storyteller is a male voice, so having Mr. Vance read the story works very well with the text. He's a stellar reader and he offers a nice range of characters from ladies to gents and fantastical creatures.



Reviewed from an Audiobook Jukebox copy. Thank you, AudioGo!

Audio Book Details...
Iron Hearted Violet by Kelly Barnhill
Read by Simon Vance
Produced by AudioGo Ltd
Number of Discs: MP3 Download
Total Time: 7 hours, 21 minutes
ISBN: 9781619696006