Sound Commentary - Your Wise Guide to Audiobooks and Audio Book Reviews

The Garner Files by James Garner

by Jean Palmer

Thu, Feb 02, 2012

James Garner grew up during the Depression in a small town, Norman, Oklahoma, most of which he remembers fondly,

Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die by Jon Katz

by Mary Cummings

Thu, Feb 02, 2012

“Good pacing and a comforting tone are essential for this sort of theme, and [narrator Tom] Stechschulte has both.” 1

Red Mist by Patricia Cornwell

by Pat Dole

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

“Kate Reading's excellent semi-voiced narration differentiates the characters skillfully....”

Almost French by Sarah Turnbull

by Jean Palmer

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

*Retirement Heist by Ellen E. Schultz

by Jean Palmer

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

Retirement Heist explains “what really happened....to the retirement benefits of millions of Americans at thousands of companies” and “how the global retirement industry will continue to capture retirement wealth earned by many to enrich a relative few.”

*A Thousand Cuts by Simon Lelic

by Joseph DiMercurio

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

In most mysteries it is who that is the question but, in A Thousand Cuts who is never in question.

*The Cheshire Cheese Cat by Carmen Agra Deedy

by Jean Palmer

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

The old blue alley cat Skilley is tired of scrounging for food in the market places of 19th century London and looks to Ye Old Cheshire Cheese Inn as a possibility for permanent and comfortable housing as a “mouser,” despite his handicap in that arena.

*Trackers by Deon Meyer

by Sue Rosenzweig

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

“This is the most complicated of Meyer's stories to date and the listener must pay very close attention to Book I in particular, in order to sort out the events and players.”

Florence and Giles by John Harding

by Susan Allison

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

“Listeners drawns to mysteries that lead through many macabre twists and surprising turns, that gradually reveal hidden clues, that confound with supernatural activity, and chill, will love FLORENCE & GILES.”

Mrs. Nixon by Ann Beattie

by Nola Theiss

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

“Mrs. Nixon almost made me sad for Pat Nixon who once again is obscured by a more dominant personality.”

Dragon's Time by Anne McCaffrey and Todd McCaffrey

by Hugh M. Flick

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

The mantra for this tale is: “You cannot break time, but you can cheat time.”

*Fire Season by Philip Connors

by Mary Cummings

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

“Sean Runnette’s narration is flawless. His voice convincingly conveys the author’s lyrical passion for his topic.”

In a Dog's Heart by Jennifer Arnold

by Carol Kellerman

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

“The book is loaded with useful information for anyone considering their first dog or learning more about how to make your pet the best ever. 1

Heat Wave by Nancy Thayer

by Carol Kellerman

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

“Kathe Mazur creates appropriate voices for all the characters in this emotion-packed story of love and relationships. Particularly noteworthy is her voice for Carley’s younger daughter Margaret, a real charmer.”

I Married You for Happiness by Lily Tuck

by Carol Kellerman

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

“Tuck was born in Paris and has lived in South America. Her intimate knowledge of setting gives her stories a fascinating authenticity.”

Mindfulness by Mark Williams and Danny Penman

by Nancy Chaplin

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

“This simple two-CD production says it all about an equally simple practice that an increasing body of scientific evidence says can increase well-being.”

*Heat Rises by Richard Castle

by Carol Reich

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

“For an author who doesn't actually exist, 'Castle' has written quite an enjoyable novel!”

Catacombs by Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Ann Scarborough

by Erika Kosin

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

In this sequel to Catalyst, the magical powers of the Kafraka Beetles, have caused a boy named Jubal and a Barque cat named Chester to develop the ability to communicate with each other telepathically

*To End All Wars by Adam Hochschild

by Jean Palmer

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

Adam Hochschild’s brilliant, moving To End All Wars seeks answers as to how and why the war went on as long as it did.

The Price of Civilization by Jeffrey D. Sachs

by Nancy Chaplin

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

Even the title is enough to make the cynical sigh, “If only it could be so.”

Pity the Billionaire by Thomas Frank

by Nancy Chaplin

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

“Frank manages to parse a distinction between the libertarian view of “true” free market capitalism and the “crony” variety, but refuses to defend the odor of either. But it does help clear some of the muddle from the rhetoric raging today.”

The Last Letter from Your Lover by Jojo Moyes

by Susan Allison

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

“Listeners who relish good romances will be instantly engaged in these parallel stories of love, mystery and suspense in England, one set in a staid 1960s and the other in the present.”

*The House in France by Gully Wells

by Sue Rosenzweig

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

“In this outrageous, touching, and funny memoir Gully Wells uses her family's house in France to tether the strings of her life in London, the United States and, of course, France.”

*The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

by Bette Ammon

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

“Performed by the inimitable Jim Dale, this atmospheric fantasy captures the listener’s fancy and never lets go.”

Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich

by Mary Purucker

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

“Lorelei King does her usual excellent job narrating the really rather normal sounding Stephanie, the raucous and lovable Lula, Grandma and all the rest. Good fun.”

Why Read Moby Dick by Nathaniel Philbrick

by Mary Cummings

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

“Given the author’s enthusiasm for Melville, it is hard to imagine anyone else doing the narration. Philbrick provides a good clear presentation, and his authority over the subject matter, as well as his passion for it, is obvious.”

*The Tudor Secret by C.W. Gortner

by Janet Julian

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

“Managing this huge cast of characters is narrator Steve West, who... gives the novel a full-voiced treatment, from the smooth cool Cecil, the boyish stableboy, the autocratic Dudleys, various courtiers male and female, the nasal twang of a murderer, the insinuating voice of Sir Francis Walsingham (eventually Elizabeth's Secretary of State), and the headstrong Elizabeth herself.”

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

by Carol Kellerman

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

“Victoria Jones is a product of the California foster-care system: angry, needy, sometimes mean, vindictive, and violent.”

African Dawn by Tony Park

by Sue Rosenzweig

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

“Listeners will get a real feel for how difficult and uncertain life was and is like during the transition to independence [in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe], along with a realistic picture of efforts to save the rhinoceros from extinction.”

*Seize the Day by Saul Bellow

by Nola Theiss

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

“This classic Saul Bellow short novel captures the character of Tommy Wilhelm, a 40-something former salesman, former Hollywood extra, former husband who has lost his way.”

The Night Strangers by Chris Bohjalian

by Mary Purucker

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

“Mark Bramhall’s narration is gripping and terrifying and it’s probably best not to be driving while listening....”

*Lord of Misrule by Jaimy Gordon

by Joanna Theiss

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

“Narrator Myra Lucretia Taylor’s throaty, musical voice hits the perfect note in Lord of Misrule. She practically sings out the feelings of these mesmerizing and fascinating characters.

The Dog who Knew Too Much by Spencer Quinn

by Carol Kellerman

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

“The narrator of the tale is the dog Chet read by Jim Grangione who has a very convincing doggie voice that expresses his love, loyalty and admiration for his best friend Bernie.”

*Dove Season by Johnny Shaw

by Nola Theiss

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

Author Johnny Shaw excels at creating a sense of place or ambiance. . . .

A Small Hotel by Robert Olen Butler

by Nola Theiss

Wed, Feb 01, 2012

“Robert Olen Butler is an excellent writer and a very good narrator.”

When She Woke by Hillary Jordan

by Carol Kellerman

Fri, Dec 02, 2011

“Author Hillary Jordan’s updated version of Hawthorne’s Scarlet Letter addresses some difficult and controversial topics set in a world in the not-too-distant future where extreme religious sects control and take over politics, society and technology.”

South with the Sun by Lynne Cox

by Carol Kellerman

Fri, Dec 02, 2011

Award winning open water swimmer Lynne Cox took great interest as a child in the Arctic and Antarctic explorations by the legendary explorer Roald Amundsen, as well as many other explorers and she read everything she could about their preparations for an expedition and their resulting experiences.

In the Sea there are Crocodiles by Fabio Geda

by Joanna Theiss

Fri, Dec 02, 2011

“The novelist’s and storyteller's obvious fondness for one another, and the resilence and charm of Enait, make In the Sea There Are Crocodiles a captivating read, and Enait a modern hero.”

The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain

by Janet Julian

Fri, Dec 02, 2011

“Twain's trip is narrated by award-winning narrator Grover Gardner who puts his audience right there in the middle of the action. Accents and some individualization of characters, but the voice of Twain mesmerizes. Highly recommended.”

*The Empty Land by Louis L'Amour

by Mary Purucker

Fri, Dec 02, 2011

“In just five discs, L’Amour and the narrator, Edward Herrman, create characters, adventure, landscape, and a time the listener cares about. “

The Mozart Conspiracy by Scott Mariani

by Mary Purucker

Fri, Dec 02, 2011

“Narrator Steven Crossley’s cultured British voice is pleasing; he never seems to get too excited about the horrid scenes he is narrating.

*The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

by Pat Dole

Fri, Dec 02, 2011

Ralph Cosham’s dignified semi-voiced narration brings Holmes and Dr. Watson to life in this chronicle of the great detective's career, published in 1894

*War of the Worldviews by Deepak Chopra and Leonard Mlodinow

by Nancy Chaplin

Fri, Dec 02, 2011

“[The authors’] discussions are free-ranging, fascinating, and rich enough to be enjoyed many times. A must-have for modern spiritual seekers.”

Absurdistan by Gary Shteyngart

by Sue Rosenzweig

Fri, Dec 02, 2011

Misha Vainberg (aka Snack Daddy) is the Russian heir to a post-Soviet fortune and all he wants to do is live in New York City with his Latina girlfriend.

*At Home with the Templetons by Monica McInerney

by Jodi Israel

Fri, Dec 02, 2011

“Fans of Maeve Binchy will be thrilled to find Monica McInerney”

*Great Soul by Joseph Lelyveld

by Janet Julian

Thu, Dec 01, 2011

“[Joseph Lelyveld’s] biography is both thoroughly researched and penetrating in its analysis of one of the world's great souls.”

*Showdown at Yellow Butte by Louis L'Amour

by Mary Purucker

Thu, Dec 01, 2011

“Good listening for Western fans and anyone else who likes a robust tale of good morality vs. evil.”

The Nine Lives of Christmas by Sheila Roberts

by Carol Kellerman

Thu, Dec 01, 2011

“[Narrator] Kathleen McInerney creates an amazing variety of voices.... Her voice for Merilee is that of a sweet, caring young woman, loved by two-legged and four-legged creatures alike.”

*Sweet Judy Blue Eyes by Judy Collins

by Nola Theiss

Thu, Dec 01, 2011

“For those who lived through the same time period, this is a wonderful insider’s look at its music and culture.”

A Young Wife by Pam Lewis

by Nola Theiss

Thu, Dec 01, 2011

“Carrington MacDuffie reads with emotion and clarity, bringing Minke’s spirit and innocence and growing independence and toughness to life.”