Book Nook Cafe discussion
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Audio Books, Podcasts and YouTube ~ 2022
----- When Ghosts Come Home
by Wiley Cash; narrated by JD Jackson
Oak Island, NC, 1984: A plane crashes at the small beach town's empty airport late one night. Although the pilot and the plane's cargo are nowhere to be found, a murdered local Black man is discovered nearby.
Narration: Narrator JD Jackson captures multiple character viewpoints in his intense AudioFile Earphones Award-winning recording.
------ A Lot Like Adiós
by Alexis Daria; narrated by Seraphine Valentine
The backstory: Growing up next door to each other in the Bronx, Michelle Amato and Gabriel Aguilar were best friends -- and almost more -- before Gabriel left for Los Angeles without a backward glance.
Narration: Seraphine Valentine returns to narrate this charming 2nd Primas of Power romance, offering relatable portrayals of both characters as they try to reconnect.
------ The Chaos Kind
by Barry Eisler; narrated by Barry Eisler
What it is: the fast-paced latest entry in Barry Eisler's series of spy thrillers featuring an all-star team of covert operatives and assassins who work outside the system to accomplish their assignments.
Narration: Eisler pulls double duty for this brisk reading of his 11th action-packed John Rain novel.
------ The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times
by Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams; narrated by Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams
What it is: a thought-provoking and reflective argument that even in the darkest times, there are still plenty of reasons to keep hope alive.
Narration: Naturalist Jane Goodall shares observations about human nature and stories from her extraordinary life in this intimate conversation with co-author Douglas Abrams.
------ The Matzah Ball
by Jean Meltzer; narrated by Dara Rosenberg
The premise: Jewish woman Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt hides her career as an author of Christmas romances. When her editor demands a Hanukkah romance, Rachel seeks inspiration at the Matzah Ball, an event produced by her former crush-turned-nemesis, Jacob Greenberg.
Narration: Dara Rosenberg captures a variety of character accents with nuance in this immersive AudioFile Earphones Award-winning romance.
------ I Take My Coffee Black: Reflections on Tupac, Musical Theater, Faith, and Being Black in...
by Tyler Merritt; foreword by Jimmy Kimmel; narrated by Tyler Merritt, Jimmy Kimmel, James Inglehart, Jerrie Elaine Merritt, and Milton Merritt
What it's about: the life, faith, and work of actor, comedian, and musician Tyler Merritt and the way his identity as a Black man has affected all three.
Narration: Anchored by an emotional performance from Merritt, a full cast including Merritt's parents, friends, and comedian Jimmy Kimmel participates in this AudioFile Earphones Award winner.
------ Forever Young
by Hayley Mills; narrated by Hayley Mills
What it's about: child star and Disney darling Hayley Mills' roller-coaster life in the spotlight.
Narration: Mills offers a candid assessment of the perks and pitfalls of the Disney star system in her reflective debut.
------- Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World
by Benjamin Alire Sáenz; narrated by Lin-Manuel Miranda
What it is: a thought-provoking exploration of what "happily ever after" looks like for two Mexican American boys in a relationship during the final year of high school.
Narration: Returning for this 2nd Aristotle and Dante novel, Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda earned an AudioFile Earphones Award for his lyrical and empathetic narration.
------ The Last Mona Lisa
by Jonathan Santlofer; narrated by Edoardo Ballerini
What it is: a compelling and descriptive portrayal of the real-life 1911 art heist where the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre.
Narration: Actor Edoardo Ballerini's fast-paced reading ratchets up the tension of this intricately plotted thriller.
----- Wolf Point
by Ian K. Smith; narrated by Amir Abdullah
Was it murder? Two years ago, Walter Griffin, a prominent Black Chicagoan, was found in a watery grave and his death ruled a suicide. But his children believe he was murdered and bring in PI Ashe Cayne to investigate in a case complicated by corruption and racial tensions.
Narration: Series narrator Amir Abdullah returns for another immersive portrayal of the beleaguered Cayne.
The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times by Jane GoodallI love Jane, so this may be interesting.
Forever Young by Hayley Mills
This appeals as she narrates it.
Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World
Since Lin-Manuel Miranda narrates, I'll put this on my TBR list.
January 2022 Earphones Award Winners---- AARON SLATER, ILLUSTRATOR
by Andrea Beaty | Read by Sullivan Jones
Dreamscape
Children
Upbeat, soulful jazz greets listeners as narrator Sullivan Jones's warm, reassuring voice blends the lyrical rhymes and vibrant imagery in Beaty's encouraging story. Courageous, imaginative second grader Aaron Slater is an amazing artist who loves telling stories but struggles when he tries to read them. In this fifth installment of The Questioneers series, Jones makes the most
of the brief production, creating a hopeful, engaging experience with strong characterizations, a bold delivery, and deliberate pacing. The recording includes author and illustrator notes that discuss real-life artist Aaron D. Slater, a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, as well as dyslexia, and the power of illustration to enhance a story. K.S.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2022]
---- FAMILY BUSINESS
Earphones Award Winner
by S.J. Rozan | Read by Emily Woo Zeller
Blackstone Audio
Mystery & Suspense
Emily Woo Zeller delivers a terrific narration of S.J. Rozan's newest mystery, featuring New York City private eye Lydia Chin and her partner, Bill Smith. The complex, fast-paced, and witty story involves an old building, Chinatown's Tong gang, a developer, and the historic preservation society. When the niece of the Tong boss inherits the building, she hires Lydia to help her.
Soon they stumble onto a murder. The ensuing tale involves family secrets, double-dealing, gunshots, crackling dialogue, and colorful detail on everything from Chinese desserts to funerals. Zeller convincingly transforms herself into a wide range of female and male characters, both Chinese and American-born, and performs remarkable multi-person conversations. Her audible smile adds to the humor. And her pacing propels the action. A.C.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2021]
---- GARBO
Earphones Award Winner
by Robert Gottlieb | Read by Maria Tucci
Random House Audio
Biography & Memoir
The author and the narrator are husband and wife--he is 90; she 80. He is an esteemed writer and editor; she is an accomplished actor. This is only Gottlieb's second audiobook, but Maria Tucci's distinctive voice can be heard in several ensembles and in her walking tours of Italian cities. On Greta Garbo their views don't entirely coincide. Tucci's tone is more irreverent, and she is more keen on the comedy of the legendary beauty who spent her life hiding from her public. As a star biography, this is simply one of the best, most entertaining, most insightful. Tucci wins the listener over early, and her in-character renderings of the firsthand reminiscences of Garbo that end the audiobook--in particular, one by actor Tallulah Bankhead--are pure delight. D.A.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2021]
---- THE GENIUS UNDER THE TABLE
Earphones Award Winner
by Eugene Yelchin | Read by Eugene Yelchin
Dreamscape
Children
Author and narrator Eugene Yelchin dazzles with his memoir of growing up in the USSR during the Cold War. Listeners meet Eugene (Yevgeny), his parents, brother, and grandmother, who live in a tiny apartment and share a kitchen and bathroom with many others. Yelchin delivers his mother's bellowing voice, his grandma's Jewish witticisms, and young Yevgeny's own apparent lack of talents likely to ensure a comfortable future, along with his innocence and humor. Atmospheric conversations reveal small personal pleasures, including his mother's love of ballet and Mikhail Baryshnikov; his Communist dad's sentimental poetry; and Yevgeny's own pictures, which he draws under the dining table. Yevgeny grows up fast when the family faces anti-Jewish sentiment. However, his artistic talent suggests a hopeful future in this bittersweet listen. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2022]
----- THE GOD OF LOST WORDS
Earphones Award Winner
by A.J. Hackwith | Read by Bahni Turpin
Penguin Audio
Fantasy
The final work in the Hell's Library trilogy is a fanciful tale with a quirky cast of characters. Narrator Bahni Turpin continues her development of many characters from THE ARCHIVE OF THE FORGOTTEN. She seems to enjoy the main characters--the former librarian, a former muse, a character from a book that was destroyed, and an angel. Turpin captures the members of this dysfunctional "found" family, which is joining together to save the Unwritten Wing of the library, a repository of unfinished and unwritten stories. She creates memorable villains as well. As Turpin presents spirited dialogue, the repartee is particularly entertaining. The background of the earlier audiobooks would be helpful but is not necessary to enjoy this unique fantasy. J.E.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2022]
----- HANGSAMAN
Earphones Award Winner
by Shirley Jackson | Read by Julia Whelan
Penguin Audio
Classics
Julia Whelan narrates a tale of psychological terror and suspense from one of the genre's greatest writers. Natalie sees college as a means of escaping an overbearing father and a withdrawn mother, but she discovers the grass isn't always greener on the other side. As Whelan's performance complements Jackson's writing and the surreal horror of the book builds, the listener will feel like a fish not sensing the hook until it's too late. Natalie and the unreliable narrator that dictates her thoughts feed off each other and blend together until the listener feels as lost as Natalie does. Whelan's eager narration works to throw the listener off-balance with a bizarre story that is better heard than read. J.M.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2022]
----- HELLO, TRANSCRIBER
Earphones Award Winner
by Hannah Morrissey | Read by Angela Dawe
Macmillan Audio
Mystery & Suspense
Narrator Angela Dawe assumes a millennial's exasperated tone, endearing listeners to Hazel Greenlee, a wannabe novelist. Working the graveyard shift in a small Wisconsin town, the depressed, troubled Hazel is shackled to a computer in a grim police station, where she transcribes recorded police reports. Hazel's curiosity about a case involving a dead child thrusts her into a a seamy murder. This riveting debut features colorful characters, including despicable crooks and lovable heroes. Dawe moves the narrative seamlessly between Hazel's amateur detective life and her troubled home life. Dawe's intelligent-sounding delivery of Hazel's ambitious vocabulary and sometimes flowery observations continually reminds listeners of the character's literary ambitions. R.O. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2022]
---- INNATE MAGIC
Earphones Award Winner
by Shannon Fay | Read by Peter Kenny
Brilliance Audio
Fantasy
Peter Kenny narrates an alternate-reality fantasy set in post-WWII London. Paul Gallagher, a sewer of magic clothes, is eager, ambitious, and willing to do almost anything to reach his goals, but when he's offered a chance at his biggest dream, Paul must examine his priorities. Kenny imbues his portrayal of Paul with both cheerful optimism and a staggering naïveté. Paul always assumes the best of every person and situation, regardless of what facts and logic may dictate. Kenny's accent is impeccable. Paul is a Scouser; having grown up working class in Liverpool, he retains his accent despite his time in London. Other characters from a wide variety of social backgrounds and nationalities are performed with equal verve and believability, making Kenny's performance truly outstanding. K.M.P. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2022]
----- LEARWIFE
Earphones Award Winner
by J.R. Thorp | Read by Juliet Stevenson
Dreamscape
Historical Fiction
The king is dead--but what of the queen? Narrator Juliette Stevenson performs this dramatization of an imagined Shakespeare character with the aplomb of the stage actor she is. As this debut novel plumbs the aftermath of King Lear's death, Stevenson's voice affects grief, outrage, and fear of Lear's imagined middle-aged widow. But how does she express these emotions and still live past the tragic events of the play? Best portrayed by Stevenson are the rage and sorrow of her husband's foolish act to divide the kingdom between her daughters. It's rare that a narrator and a narrative are so perfectly matched. Fans of the play will delight in this exploration of issues that still resonate some 400-plus years later. R.O. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2022]
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You can listen to a sample at this link
https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/rev...
--- Continued from last postJanuary 2022 Earphones Award Winners
----- MY MONTICELLO
A group of talented narrators deliver these short stories set in Virginia, which focus on the lives of African Americans. The standouts are "My Monticello" and "Control Negro." In the latter, narrator LeVar Burton rants furiously as a father who experiments on his own son to prove that a Black man will always be found inferior to whites--despite his talents. Narrator Aja Naomi King dazzles in "My Monticello," which takes place in the near future and introduces Da'Naisha, who is descended from Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings. Da'Naisha commandeers a bus that is transporting neighbors to the safety of Jefferson's Plantation, a tourist attraction, after white militias destroy their neighborhood. King is captivating as the neighbors are sustained by the luxuries found at the mansion. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2022]
----- PUNCHING BAG
Earphones Award Winner
by Rex Ogle | Read by Ramon de Ocampo
Young Adult Ages 12+ • 6.25 hrs. • Unabridged • © 2021
Ramon de Ocampo, who vividly rendered Ogle's first memoir, narrates the second with the same keenness. The author warns of his story's intensity and the hope it can offer, and de Ocampo's portrayals increase its rawness and promise. Rex is now entering high school; his poverty has abated as both of his parents are working. The domestic violence in his family, however, has reached new heights. The audio begins with a haunting flashback as Rex, at age 7, learns of his infant sister's death. This memory weaves in and out of the narrative. De Ocampo's characterizations are rounded. Rex's furious, stuttering stepfather
shows occasional tenderness and self-hatred. Rex's Latina mother's passion is as constant as her moods are erratic. Most poignant are Rex's dedication to his brother and his own growth. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2022]
------ THE SPECTACULAR
Earphones Award Winner
by Zoe Whittall | Read by Hillary Huber, Helen Lloyd, Alex McKenna
Fiction • 12 hrs. • Unabridged • © 2021
Hillary Huber and Alex McKenna give outstanding performances as an estranged mother-daughter duo in this quiet family drama. Helen Lloyd vividly portrays the mother's mother. McKenna voices Missy, who, after growing up on a Vermont commune, becomes a successful rock musician. Much of the audiobook takes place while Missy is touring in her 20s, and McKenna sounds exactly like a sometimes-wild young woman--loud and brash. Her narration heightens Missy's emotions. Huber voices Missy's mother, Carola, who left Missy as a child, and is now living at a rural retreat center. Her low, even voice is calm, assured, tinged with wisdom and sorrow. As Missy ages, pondering motherhood herself, McKenna's voice changes--sounding more like Huber's. It's a poignant and powerful meditation on aging, womanhood, family-making, and forgiveness. L.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2021]
-----SUMMER OF BLOOD
England's First Revolution
Earphones Award Winner
by Dan Jones | Read by Matthew Lloyd Davies
History • 8 hrs. • Unabridged • © 2016
Narrator Matthew Lloyd Davies narrates the causes, events, and aftermath of the dramatic and bloody popular English rebellion called The Peasants' Revolt, also known as Wat Tyler's Revolt, of 1381. It was sparked by the onerous poll tax in 1380, when England was still reeling from the Black Death, shifting class hierarchies, and war on multiple fronts. Davies smoothly recounts the actions of a government in the hands of regents, especially his uncle, John Gaunt, who ruled for the boy king Richard II. Letters, diary entries, and ordinances are delivered in Davies's measured, sometimes gruff tones in contrast to the author's fluid, emotionless, and vivid descriptions of uprisings, bloodthirsty beheadings, and violent punishments during and after the revolt. M.B.K. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2021]
----- TALES FROM THE CAFE
Earphones Award Winner
by Toshikazu Kawaguchi | Read by Kevin Shen
Fiction • 5.5 hrs. • Unabridged • © 2021
In this follow-up to BEFORE THE COFFEE GETS COLD, narrator Kevin Shen re-creates the magic of the beloved predecessor. With his smooth, pleasant voice, Shen channels the heartwarming and thought-provoking ambiance of the special Cafe Funiculi Funicula in Tokyo, which allows visitors to travel back in time under very specific rules. As is the case with the first book, there are four heart-tugging connected stories that explore life's challenges and delve deeply into the characters. Shen provides unique voices and renders a wide range of emotions with depth, connecting listeners with people who seem like old friends. There are some references to the first book, so audiences may prefer to listen to this series in order. These are touching stories for new and returning fans alike. V.T.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2021]
https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/rev...
Alias Reader wrote: "The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times by Jane GoodallI love Jane, so this may be interesting. ..."
Must be going on 40 years ago now, a good friend of mine who also loves Jane Goodall learned that she'd be in the states for a week or so, and on a whim decided to meet her. He was successful: they had lunch, or dinner, I don't remember which. At the time I couldn't imagine having that kind of courage - to fly across the country and introduce yourself to a total stranger!
Wow ! What a great story. Jennifer. I guess this goes under the heading of you never know unless you try. Also the answer is always no unless you ask.
Alias Reader wrote: "Forever Young by Hayley MillsThis appeals as she narrates it. ..."
This one sounds good to me, too. As a kid i didn't miss her movies. I've also liked the few films i've seen with her once she passed age 35 or so. I particularly recall Elspeth Huxley's The Flame Trees of Thika: Memories of an African Childhood, which i saw on PBS. Good story, imo.
Alias Reader wrote: "--- Continued from last postJanuary 2022 Earphones Award Winners
----- MY MONTICELLO
A group of talented narrators deliver these short stories set in Virginia, which focus on the lives of Africa..."
First of all, what a great name for an award about audiobooks. My Monticello, written by Jocelyn Nicole Johnson and with some narration from LeVar Burton sounds good to me!
There are others which appeal but this is the one i'm adding to my TBR, audio or not. Thanks for the compilation of award winners, Alias.
madrano wrote: " I particularly recall Elspeth Huxley's The Flame Trees of Thika: Memories of an African Childhood, which i saw on PBS. Good story, imo...."
I own but have not read that book yet. I hope it survived the purge when I had to put books in storage.
"Alias Reader wrote: "--- January 2022 Earphones Award Winners
madrano wrote:irst of all, what a great name for an award about audiobooks.
"
It was the first I heard of it, too
It's nice that this award was created for audio books. I looked up the Grammy awards for books and found the following article. It seems they've offered an award for books for a couple of decades, at least. I posted this article for the 5 titles listed. I wasn't even aware of Maya Angelou's A Song Flung Up To Heaven, which i've added to my TBR-soon list. (Just created that list, btw.)https://bookriot.com/grammy-award-win...
madrano wrote: "It's nice that this award was created for audio books. I looked up the Grammy awards for books and found the following article. It seems they've offered an award for books for a couple of decades, ..."That list thing is a slippery slope. I started with a TBR. Then I started a "to read - owned" shelf to distinguish books I could actually read from those I'd have to procure. Then I started a "next up" shelf to separate out the ones I was especially eager to read... then I made a "very next up" shelf, and several offshoots of that have since emerged.....
Jennifer wrote:That list thing is a slippery slope. I started with a TBR. Then I started a "to read - owned" shelf to distinguish books I could actually read from those I'd have to procure. Then I started a "next up" shelf to separate out the ones I was especially eager to read... then I made a "very next up" shelf, and several offshoots of that have since emerged......"lol I hear you, Jennifer. I've graduated to TBR notebooks.
madrano wrote: "It's nice that this award was created for audio books. I looked up the Grammy awards for books and found the following article. It seems they've offered an award for books for a couple of decades, ..."Thanks for the article, Deb. That's a nice list of books to consider, audio or not.
I read Becoming and enjoyed reading it a lot. I would imagine the audio is very good, too.
I've read a lot of Jimmy Carter's books and have enjoyed them all. I will put Faith: A Journey For All on my TBR list.
I think I will also put Lucky Man on my Audio book TBR list. I actually don't have an audio vs. book list, but I think I will start one for 2022.
I did listen to Calypso thanks I think it was to Julie and I enjoyed it a lot. I'm thinking of listening to the newest David Sedaris A Carnival of Snackery: Diaries 2003-2020 Though he doesn't read all the essays, which is a disappointment. Tracy Ullman reads some of the stories. Sedaris, on a few podcasts I listen to, said he decided to that because she is so good with accents and that is what made some of the stories funny. Since he can't do accents he thought the humor would be lost.
Thanks again for the list, deb.
---------------------------------------------
BECOMING BY MICHELLE OBAMA
At the 62nd Grammy Awards in 2019, Michelle Obama’s book took home the Grammy. A memoir that explores Obama’s life from childhood to her time in the White House, and its many ups and downs. It won over the Beastie Boys Book by various authors; I.V. Catatonia: 20 Years As A Two-Time Cancer Survivor; Mr. Know-It-All by John Waters; and Sekou Andrews & The String Theory by Sekou Andres (& The String Theory). Becoming (the book) has a version for young readers, and a guided journal. The book was also adapted into an original documentary.
FAITH: A JOURNEY FOR ALL BY JIMMY CARTER
President Jimmy Carter is one of the longest living U.S. Presidents, and one of the few Grammy audiobook winners. He won in 2018 for his book Faith: A Journey for All, in which he discusses faith in his life and in the lives of others. Among other things, Carter is known for his dedication to his local church in his home state of Georgia. The other nominees were Creative Quest by Questlove; The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish; Accessory to War (Neil deGrasse Tyson & Avis Lang) by Courtney B. Vance; and Calypso by David Sedaris. President Carter was also a co-winner in 2015 for his audiobook A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety, and in 2006 for Our Endangered Values: America’s Moral Crisis. Carter is the author of many books, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
A SONG FLUNG UP TO HEAVEN BY MAYA ANGELOU
Poet and activist Maya Angelou wrote six autobiographies, per the Poetry Foundation; A Song Flung Up to Heaven is the sixth and last installment.
“It took Angelou fifteen years to write the final volume of her autobiography, A Song Flung up to Heaven (2002). The book covers four years, from the time Angelou returned from Ghana in 1964 through the moment when she sat down at her mother’s table and began to write I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings in 1968,” according to the Foundation.
They also said that, “Angelou hesitated so long to start the book and took so long to finish it, she told Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service interviewer Sherryl Connelly, because so many painful things happened to her, and to the entire African-American community, in those four years.”
When she won in 2002, fellow nominees were Nothing is Impossible by Christopher Reeve; The Great Gatsby by Tim Robbins; The Kids Stay In the Picture by Robert Evans; and Lucky Man by Michael J. Fox.
DIARY OF A MAD DIVA BY JOAN RIVERS
This audiobook is Joan Rivers’s diary (she’s the mad diva), and in it she discussed her life, entertainment, and world events. In 2014, she won a Grammy for it. As a comedian, Rivers was known for making bold jokes and observations that others might not. She was a trailblazing woman in comedy, and her audiobook beat Carsick: John Waters Hitchhikes Across America by John Waters; A Fighting Chance by Elizabeth Warren; We Will Survive: True Stories of Encouragement, Inspiration, And the Power of Song by Gloria Gaynor; Actors Anonymous by James Franco, and A Call to Action by Jimmy Carter. In addition, she recorded a Grammy-nominated comedy album, PBS reports.
IF YOU ASK ME (AND OF COURSE YOU WON’T) BY BETTY WHITE
If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won’t) is one of several books by Betty White, and the 2011 Grammy winner. White shares observations and other musings that can apply to people and animals – she’s a known animal lover. Her audiobook competed with Bossypants by Tina Fey; Fab Fan Memories – The Beatles Bond by various artists; Hamlet (Oregon Shakespeare Festival) by Dan Donohue and various artists; and The Mark of Zorro by Val Kilmer and a full cast.
Jennifer, i'm laughing in recognition of the lists we readers create. It's fun but there are moments i wonder if i'm not crossing the line into obsession. LOL!
I suppose it's inevitable but the Sedaris title reminded me of my favorite collection of stories, The Thurber Carnival. It's an oldie but what a goodie!There were some great titles in the Grammy Award link.
I used to have The Thurber Carnival. I wonder if I still do. If you want to read a wonderful old short story (available free online) hunt down Max Shulman’s “Love is a Fallacy.” He’s the writer of the Dobie Gillis short stories on which the TV show was based. The story is clever, funny, witty, and educational.
I'm currently listening to the MERCY THOMPSON / ALPHA-OMEGA series by Patricia Briggs in chronological order. I've read the books but with a new book in the MT series coming out this year, I wanted to give the audio format a try. I'm really enjoying them.
Jennifer, i enjoyed "Dobie Gillis" and will watch a rerun even now, even though i seldom run across one. I read with joy Many Loves of Dobie Gillis from Max Shulman. The stories are a delight. Thanks for the reminder, Jennifer.
Julia, i hope the listening of the books works for you. I'm not familiar with the series or Patricia Briggs but see that she is quite popular. Enjoy!
Today at the gym I finished listening to the memoir 
Baggage: Tales from a Fully Packed Life by Alan CummingFor those that don't know, Cumming is a Scottish actor who has appeared on Broadway, movies and TV shows. He shot to fame in Cabaret and went on to have a very successful career.
I read his last memoir Not My Father's Son and enjoyed it and gave it 4/5 stars. It felt much more personal then this new memoir.
I did enjoy the author narrating the book. However, this is more in line with a typical celebrity memoir. Which is not really my thing. I've not seen any of the movies or TV shows he has been in. I'm more familiar with his Broadway performances with the Roundabout theater. I've seen Cabaret twice 1998 and 2014. (amazing), Three Penny Opera, and Design for living.
The memoir has a ton of celebrity name dropping and discussion of his film and movie career. He's earned it, but it didn't make for very interesting listening for me. He also talks a bit about his first marriage to Hillary Lyon and there is numerous talk of sexual exploits in clubs/bars around the world. He is bisexual and a LGBTQ+ activist. He is currently married to Grant Shaffer.
I listened to the book, so I didn't see the photos in the book, but this short montage from his website is really good.
http://www.alancumming.com/look-at-me
If you are a big fan of his stage/film/TV career you will enjoy the book.
I gave it a 3 rating.
This book checked off 5 tasks from my 100 Challenge list and 1 off my 2022 Determination List
My 2022 DL list
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
My 2022---100-challenge
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...-
75- celebrity memoir
16- music, art, dance, theater, acting
17 - Audio book
73 LBGTQ+
96- Title begins with B-N or C
Wow, that must be a record for number of hits on the Challenge list.I'm not usually a fan of that sort of memoir either, so am glad you shared this aspect of it. How neat that you've seen him in so many shows in person, Alias.
Five at once is, indeed, quite something! I believe he was also the host of Mystery! on PBS at one point? I've seen him in a grim TV interpretation of Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus.
John wrote: "Five at once is, indeed, quite something! I believe he was also the host of Mystery! on PBS at one point? I've seen him in a grim TV interpretation of Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus."Yes, he is the host of Masterpiece Theater.
He also mentions his various Shakespeare parts in the book. I haven't seen them.
I was surprised and happy to see how many boxes the book ticked off for the challenge. :) I can also see some tasks will have multiple books that fit a category for me. Such as audio books. Since you run an audio book group, John, I am sure that will be the same for you. I also tend to read a lot of memoirs so that's another easy category for me that will have lots of hits.
In some way i'm still having personal disconnection with the 100 challenge, which is why it's been useful to see how others are tackling it. As you may have noted, i'm mainly reading books i intended to read, then hoping i'll find a link for them.
madrano wrote: "In some way i'm still having personal disconnection with the 100 challenge, which is why it's been useful to see how others are tackling it. As you may have noted, i'm mainly reading books i intend..."Agreed, although I have purchased a few books specifically for it. As mentioned, there are some categories I'm as certain as I can be that aren't going to happen; so, I know I'll manage several, but not all. Moreover, as the atmosphere is laid back about exactly what "qualifies" this one is easier than most challenges.
Finally, it runs for another 11 months, so there's time to come across qualifying reads later.
Deb wrote: As you may have noted, i'm mainly reading books i intended to read, then hoping i'll find a link for them.John wrote: Moreover, as the atmosphere is laid back about exsctjy what "qualifies" this one is easier than most challenges...."
Exactly. I thought it would be a fun thing to do and also expand my own reading into genres that I normally wouldn't read. And heaven knows, how I love to make lists ! :)
John wrote: "Moreover, as the atmosphere is laid back about exactly what "qualifies" this one is easier than most challenges...."One of the many things i like about this group. It's almost another challenge to see how to "stretch" a book to fit the category. :-)
Alias wrote: "And heaven knows, how I love to make lists ! :)..."
Same here! Another reason i'm at home here!
AI Influence on Audiobooks Grows—As Does ControversyThe advent of AI-enabled audiobook narration has been a hot topic of discussion in audiobook circles of late, and according to a number of audiobook narrators and other industry professionals, an October PW article raised the temperature of debate further. In that piece, consultant and PW columnist Thad McIlroy discussed the state of AI-enabled audiobook narration and its potential appeal to audiobook creators and consumers. He also profiled several players in this nascent nook of the still-booming digital audiobook segment. As the audiobook industry begins to more extensively weigh the pros and cons of another new technology on its doorstep, a growing number of players are joining the conversation.
“It’s practically all we talk about,” said audiobook narrator Hillary Huber. “I am a member of the SAG-AFTRA [Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists] Audiobook Steering Committee, and I am a board member of our newly formed Professional Audiobook Narrators Association, or PANA, and believe me we are circling the wagons.” She noted that McIlroy’s piece created an uproar in narrator circles—“much of it fear driven rather than informed,” she admitted—and that it had “galvanized our community to get educated and get involved.”
Proponents of AI audiobook narration tout its much lower production costs (compared to a traditional recording of a human narrator) as a way to improve profitability of audiobooks as well as allowing publishers to publish more audiobooks that have limited audiences. But according to actor and narrator Emily Lawrence, cofounder of PANA and president of its board of directors, “It’s very easy to reduce this issue to dollars and cents, but it’s very complicated and nuanced.” If AI narration proliferates, “it’s not just narrators who will lose their jobs,” Lawrence said. “There’s an entire ecosystem of people who rely on audiobooks for their livelihood. People who direct audiobooks, people who edit audiobooks, people who check audiobook narration for word-for-word perfection against the manuscript.”
Lawrence believes there are many ethical issues surrounding AI technology. “For example,” she notes, “if I were to license my voice, and lose all control over how my voice is then used, my voice could potentially be used to voice content that I find morally repulsive.” She also points out that “as of now, a lot of AI licensing consists of non-union contracts,” and that narrators are vulnerable to entering agreements that exploit their voices and don’t offer fair compensation.
Similarly, in Huber’s view, the negatives of AI outweigh any positives. She places “loss of livelihoods, loss of integrity in storytelling, and loss of personal connection” high on her list of concerns. “The only pros I see are financial,” she said. “And it’s the other team that benefits, not the narrators nor the listeners. Do you really think [AI company] Speechki is going to pass their savings on to the listener? No. Listeners make choices about what to spend money on, and they have a right to demand clear labeling of robot voices, as do authors. And then there is the potential theft of our voices—our speech patterns, our acting choices—to create the AI. That’s a whole other can of worms.”
--- Full article
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/b...
Good grief. I had no idea this was even a thing!
Nor did i, Jennifer. The points about the "ecosystem", as Lawrence called it, are on-target. There are very many people behind the voice you hear. When my daughter recorded her book, we both learned much about that industry. It never occurred to me audio books were directed but they were. And there was a linguistic person helping her say words she'd used all her life "correctly". This is without getting into the technical staff.
This is many jobs to eliminate. As i've noted, i'm not a fan of audio books yet but i know they've been a boon to many, many people. To turn AI is another adaptation the industry must address. Yikes!
----- Once Upon a Wardrobe
by Patti Callahan; narrated by Fiona Hardingham
1950 England: When her ailing younger brother asks her to find out where Narnia came from, Oxford physics student Megs Devonshire can't refuse. So she gathers her courage and visits professor C.S. Lewis, who answers her in a series of stories.
Narration: Fiona Hardingham won an AudioFile Earphones Award for her enthusiastic, multi-accented reading.
------ The Hidden Child
by Louise Fein; narrated by Marisa Calin
What it is: a thoughtful story about the intersection of a woman's love for her disabled child and her husband's contradictory career ambitions.
Narration: Marisa Calin's clipped British-accented narration underscores protagonist Eleanor Hamilton's dilemma.
------ Apparently There Were Complaints
by Sharon Gless; narrated by Sharon Gless
What it is: two-time Emmy Award-winning actress Sharon Gless' dishy and moving memoir reflecting on her five decades in showbiz.
Narration: Gless' husky and candid recording -- for which she won an AudioFile Earphones Award -- makes for an engrossing listening experience.
------ The Undertakers
by Nicole Glover; narrated by Bahni Turpin
Starring: Henrietta "Hetty" Rhodes and her husband, Benjy, who use magic to investigate crimes against Black people in 1870s Philadelphia.
Narration: Murder & Magic series narrator Bahni Turpin returns for this fast-paced fantasy mystery.
------ Bright Burning Things
by Lisa Harding; narrated by Lisa Harding
Starring: Sonya, a former stage actress whose unplanned pregnancy brings her career to a screeching halt -- leading to escalating bouts of blackout drinking that put her young son's life at risk.
Narration: Author Lisa Harding portrays Sonya's addiction battles with a harried, emotionally intense narration.
----- A Little Hope
by Ethan Joella; narrated by Shaun Taylor-Corbett
What's inside: Residents of small-town Wharton, Connecticut draw readers into stories of their everyday lives. Their interconnected choices (and relatable experiences of love, grief, triumph, and loss) weave a compelling narrative.
Narration: Actor Shaun Taylor-Corbett juggles multiple character voices with aplomb in his heartwarming recording.
----- I Am Not Who You Think I Am
by Eric Rickstad; narrated by Steven Weber
What it is: a fast-paced, compelling thriller about childhood trauma, family secrets, and the violence hiding in plain sight in a small town in Vermont.
Narration: Actor Steven Weber's evocative and empathetic narration complements the novel's heavy themes.
------ You Can Go Your Own Way
by Eric Smith; narrated by Sunil Malhotra and Natalie Naudus
Snowed in: When a snowstorm traps frenemies Adam and Whitney alone in a pinball arcade, they finally have the time to work out their differences.
Narration: Sunil Malhotra and Natalie Naudus trade narrative duties in this angst-filled teen romance.
I liked the comment about Sharon Gless's voice, which is unique, reading her own Apparently There Were Complaints: A Memoir. What a treat for fans.
I found this vegan YouTuber that I like. Her recipes are simple. I believe she is from New Zealand. Chelsea Mae
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Ww...
She seems fun and full of neat vegan ideas. Thanks for the link. You reminded me that i wanted to follow up on Maangchi, the YouTuber whose recipes Michelle Zauner used & mentioned in her book, Crying in H Mart.
https://www.youtube.com/user/Maangchi...
Btw, today i saw we have a Korean Fried Chicken restaurant in my town. I never noticed. Zauner's book opened my palate!
madrano wrote: Btw, today i saw we have a Korean Fried Chicken restaurant in my town. I never noticed. Zauner's book opened my palate!...":)
madrano wrote: "She seems fun and full of neat vegan ideas. Thanks for the link. ."Yes. Her recipes and tips seem very accessible. I'm trying to move towards eating more vegetarian/vegan meals.
Another one I just shared with my niece is, The Buddhist Chef. I thought this tempeh "ribs" sounded good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH8PH...
I will cross post these to the health diet thread.
We had good cheap Korean food in Seattle. Ironically, the one Korean restaurant here is across the street from my place, but pricier. Staff are awesome.
We just haven't eaten much Korean food, which was another reason the Zauner book was neat. Kimchi sounds tempting and i know it's good for one's "gut".Staff makes such a difference in any restaurant but in ethnic establishments they can help steer customers to culinary pleasures. This is particularly true for those like me who are iffy about levels of spicy-hot that i want to eat.
If it's any help to you, bibimbap is essentially fried rice on a bowl. Bulgogi is (roughly) stir-fried meat; I'm a huge fan of the little side dishes served with the main course. There are also seafood or (plain) scallion "pancakes" which aren't pancakes as westerners use the term, but one large fried item.
John wrote: "scallion "pancakes"."I Love scallion pancakes. Even the frozen Trader Joe's one were terrific. I would have them with applesauce and a salad for a easy quick dinner.
John, i appreciate your information. From the book, i caught on about bibimbap, at the least. I was surprised those side dishes you & Zauner mentioned/listed. It seems as though it's quite a bit of work for a home cook (as opposed to a restaurant).Scallion "pancakes" sound tasty. Our Chinese restaurant offers them, which i've tried. I could tell they could be good but by their interpretation it was a stretch.
I actually make a good "pancake" with spaghetti squash, which is full of scallions, so i was hoping for something like that. Thanks, John.
And thanks to Alias for the TJ tip.
In the Book Salon thread I posted the international Booker Prize nominations. Here is a YouTuber discussing each book. It's a great way to see which book might appeal to you. Enjoy !
International Booker Prize Longlist 2022 - Reaction
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paQEL...
Any Weir's Project Hail Mary, read by Ray Porter, wins Audiobook of the Year
Mar 04 2022
Project Hail MaryThe Audio Publishers Association (APA) have announced the winners of the 2022 Audie Awards®, the premier awards program recognizing distinction in audiobooks and spoken-word entertainment.
Project Hail Mary, written by Andy Weir, narrated by Ray Porter, and published by Audible Studios received the night’s top honor, Audiobook of the Year. Be Dazzled, written by Ryan La Sala, narrated by Pete Cross, and published by Dreamscape Media won the Young Adult Audie Award.
~~ AUDIOBOOK OF THE YEAR
Project Hail Mary
Written by Andy Weir
Narrated by Ray Porter
Published by Audible Studios
~~ AUDIO DRAMA
Sherlock Holmes - The Seamstress of Peckham Rye
Written by Jonathan Barnes
Performed by Nicholas Briggs, Richard Earl, Lucy Briggs-Owen, India Fisher, James Joyce,
Anjella MacKintosh, Glen McCready, and Mark Elstob
Published by Big Finish Productions
~ AUTOBIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR
Somebody's Daughter
Written and narrated by Ashley C. Ford
Published by Macmillan Audio
~ BEST FEMALE NARRATOR
Deepti Gupta
The Parted Earth
Written by Anjali Enjeti
Published by Novel Audio
~~ BEST MALE NARRATOR
Lin-Manuel Miranda
Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World
Written by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Published by Simon & Schuster Audio
~~ BUSINESS/PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Machiavelli for Women
Written and narrated by Stacey Vanek Smith
Published by Simon & Schuster Audio
~~ FAITH-BASED FICTION OR NON-FICTION
The Gift of Black Folk
Written by W.E.B. Du Bois
Narrated by Arnell Powell
Published by Brilliance Publishing
~ FANTASY
Rhythm of War
Written by Brandon Sanderson
Narrated by Michael Kramer and Kate Reading
Published by Macmillan Audio
~ FICTION
The Final Revival of Opal & Nev
Written by Dawnie Walton
Narrated by Janina Edwards, Bahni Turpin, James Langton, André De Shields, Dennis
Boutsikaris, Steve West, Gabra Zackman, Robin Miles, and a full cast
Published by Simon & Schuster Audio
~~ HISTORY/BIOGRAPHY
Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare, and a Scottish Adventure Like No Other
Written and narrated by Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish (with a foreword written and
narrated by Diana Gabaldon)
Published by Hodder & Stoughton
~~ HUMOR
How Y'all Doing?
Written and narrated by Leslie Jordan
Published by HarperAudio
LITERARY FICTION & CLASSICS
All Creatures Great and Small
Written by James Herriot
Narrated by Nicholas Ralph
Published by Macmillan Audio
~~ MULTI-VOICED PERFORMANCE
Heresy
Written by Melissa Lenhardt
Narrated by Barrie Kreinik, Bailey Carr, Ella Turenne, Nikki Massoud, Natalie Naudus, Imani
Jade Powers, and James Fouhey
Published by Hachette Audio
~~ MYSTERY
Later
Written by Stephen King
Narrated by Seth Numrich
Published by Simon & Schuster Audio
~~ NARRATION BY THE AUTHOR
A Promised Land
Written and narrated by Barack Obama
Published by Penguin Random House Audio
~~ NON-FICTION
The Joy of Sweat
Written by Sarah Everts
Narrated by Sophie Amoss
Published by Penguin Random House Audio
~~ ORIGINAL WORK
Heroine
Written and narrated by Mary Jane Wells
Published by Author's Republic
~~ ROMANCE
Reel: Hollywood Renaissance, Book 1
Written by Kennedy Ryan
Narrated by Eboni Flowers, Jakobi Diem, Nicole Small, and April Christina
Published by Scribechick Media LLC, Produced by Lyric Audiobooks
~~ SCIENCE FICTION
Project Hail Mary
Written by Andy Weir
Narrated by Ray Porter
Published by Audible Studios
~~ SHORT STORIES/COLLECTIONS
Blackout
Written by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk,
and Nicola Yoon
Narrated by Joniece Abbott-Pratt, Dion Graham, Imani Parks, Jordan Cobb, Shayna Small, A.J.
Beckles, and Bahni Turpin
Published by HarperAudio
~~ THRILLER/SUSPENSE
Local Woman Missing
Written by Mary Kubica
Narrated by Brittany Pressley, Jennifer Jill Araya, Gary Tiedemann, and Jesse Vilinsky
Published by HarperAudio
~~ YOUNG ADULT
Be Dazzled
Written by Ryan La Sala
Narrated by Pete Cross
Published by Dreamscape Media
~~ YOUNG LISTENERS
I and I Bob Marley
Written by Tony Medina
Narrated by Jaime Lincoln Smith and Tony Medina
Published by Live Oak Media
ABOUT THE AUDIE AWARDS®
The Audie Awards® is the premier awards program in the United States recognizing distinction
in audiobooks and spoken-word entertainment. Publishers and rights holders enter titles in
various categories for recognition of achievement. Finalists are selected, and from that group of
finalists one winner is awarded. The Audie Awards® is a registered trademark of the Audio
Publishers Association. To learn more about the 2022 finalists visit
https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/audies.
ABOUT THE AUDIO PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION
The Audio Publishers Association (APA) is a not-for-profit trade organization whose primary
goals are to promote awareness of the audiobook industry, gather and disseminate industry
statistics, encourage high production standards and represent the interests of audiobook
publishers. Since 1986, the APA has worked to bring audio publishers together to increase
interest in audiobooks. For more information about the APA, please visit
https://www.audiopub.org/.
https://www.audiopub.org/uploads/pdf/...
Congratulations to the award winners and nominees. This is a new award to me but i'm sure it's welcomed in the industry.
One of my friends is a big fan of the TV show, All Creatures Great and Small. So I let her know it won an Audie award for:LITERARY FICTION & CLASSICS
All Creatures Great and Small
Written by James Herriot
Narrated by Nicholas Ralph
Published by Macmillan Audio
I read the book and thought it was quite good. I'm glad to see it won and award for the audio.~ AUTOBIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR
Somebody's Daughter
Written and narrated by Ashley C. Ford
Published by Macmillan Audio
Somebody's Daughter
Book Nook Cafe
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Here is the thread to discuss audio books, Podcasts, and YouTube.
Share your thoughts and tips right here. :)
Have you listened to a terrific audiobook? Did you find a terrific audiobook narrator ?
Did you find a great podcast or YouTube about books and reading ?
We want to hear all about it.