I joined in this meme just last week, it seemed like a good idea at the time. It's still a good idea. I love lists, especially once a week short lists. Most especially once a week short lists about books and/or movies.
5 Best Books On Any Given Topic is hosted by Cassandra at INDIE READER HOUSTON. Don't forget to check out the other lists including Cassie's.
Five Best Audio Books
My list is based on books I've actually listened to. All unabridged, of course. I usually listen while on the computer or painting or slouching on the sofa with Rocky squeezed in beside me. I have an ipod and cute little ear plugs (red ones) but damn if I can figure out how to get a book inside that little thing. Lately though, I admit I haven't been listening as much as I used to. But I still think audio books are a nice addition to your library. They do supply an additional reading experience which, I believe, no one should miss. I do have the odd tendency to listen mostly to books I've already read. Why this should be, I don't know. It just is. Works for me.
1) MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS by Agatha Christie. Narrated by David Suchet. Well, not much I can say about Suchet (who owns the role of Hercule Poirot) except that as usual, he is brilliant. Is there nothing he can't do?
2) O JERUSALEM by Laurie R. King. Narrated by Jenny Sterlin. She has to do important to the story male voices, especially of Sherlock Holmes and other characters but she doesn't resort to make believe mannishness. She just quiets the voice to underscore a kind of appropriate male sound. The book is told in the first person from Mary Russell's point of view, after all.
3) CROCODILE ON THE SANDBANK by Elizabeth Peters. Narrated by Barbara Rosenblatt who is amazing and in my book, the ONLY Amelia Peabody I ever want to listen to. Ever.
4) THE WAR OF THE WORLDS by H. G. Wells. Narrated by Alexander Spencer. This is the original story which takes place in England at the turn of the 19th century. Spencer is just right. His voice picks up an underlying hysteria as the invasion from Mars threatens to destroy the world.
5) THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak. Narrated by Alan Corduner who does a remarkable job. His accents are pitch perfect.
I HAVE to listen to The Book Thief! I didn't know it was on audio, and if you say the accents are good, then it is a must listen for me!
ReplyDeleteGreat list!
Cassandra: It is wonderful. I can practically guarantee you'll like it.
ReplyDeleteNote: I'm having trouble keeping your Best Five Books logo on my blog, Cassie. I'm just going to do my own logo for the meme. It drives me crazy when a logo keeps disappearing. :)
Is that ok?
I have to add McCall Smith's NO. 1 LADIE'S DETECTIVE series. LOVE her voice!
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to listen to those, Jean. They're definitely on my radar. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about Barbara Rosenblatt. She's quite good. I'm getting ready to listen to "He Shall Thunder in the Sky" on an upcoming road trip.
ReplyDeleteCarol: I've listened to the other reader, once, by mistake when I brought home an Amelia book from the library and didn't pay attention to who was doing the narration. WHAT A DIFFERENCE.
ReplyDeleteBarbara Rosenblatt is the only way to go, far as I'm concerned. :)
Wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteI admit I haven't tried this yet, don't have the equipment for it. Am so glued to paper books and my tv and library dvd's.
It's so good to hear of other people's enjoyment of books and audio books.
YOu can listen on your computer, Kathy. Audio books are a wonderful way to listen while doing household chores too. :)
ReplyDelete