By Melinda Rose
As I was compiling the list of my favorite listens of the past month, I realized these are all pure escapism. Light enough that you can do other things while listening, but meaty enough to hold your attention and distract. Turns out that's something I'm really needing right now, and maybe you are too. If so, I invite you to snuggle up with any of the following selections.
Going Postal by Terry Pratchett, performed by Stephen Briggs.
It's been a while since I've gone to the DiscWorld, and I'd almost forgotten how much it's like listening to a Monty Python sketch. Moist Von Lipwig is a con artist about to hang for his crimes when he's given a second chance at life. All he has to do is get the post office up and running again. Not a simple task. The mail's been piling up for decades and the postal workers are a skittish bunch of misfits. Despite his best efforts to remain cynical and aloof, Moist discovers his skill set is perfectly suited for government work, and that he really _wants_ to bring the postal service back to its glory days.
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9780060824693-going-postal?bookstore=borderlands
Have Space Suit, Will Travel by Robert A. Heinlein, performed by Mark Teretsky.
This classic has long been on my to-read list, and I'm glad I finally got around to it. It's hard science fiction from 1958, yet somehow it holds up. There were times it reminded me of listening to The Martian by Andy Weir, because our hero is constantly science-ing himself out of or into difficult situations. I particularly loved Kip's pragmatic, supportive father. You want to go to the moon? Sure thing kid, guess you better figure out how you're getting there.There are so many great characters and plot twists I simply couldn't put my earbuds down.
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781482964189-have-space-suit-will-travel?bookstore=borderlands
Lucky Supreme by Jeff Johnson, performed by Keith Szarabajka
I loved "Everything Under the Moon", so when I was craving something gritty I decided to explore more of Johnson's catalogue. The voice actor brings the perfect gravelly tones and pacing to this modern noir tale. The story centers around Darby Holland who runs a tattoo parlor in Old Town Portland. He's content with a simple life and an inner circle of employees and the other neighborhood proprietors. His life gets a lot more complicated when there's a sighting of a former employee in California. In order to save face Darby has to go down there, confront him, and attempt to recover the art he stole while skipping town. That endeavor escalates into a confrontation with a seedy Bay Area crime syndicate. Now Darby has to gather up all his resources to save his shop from those nefarious forces as well as a landlord ready to give into the pressures of gentrification.
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781982616137-lucky-supreme?bookstore=borderlands
The Twisted Ones by T. Kingfisher, performed by Hilary Huber
"And I twisted myself about like twisted ones." Fair warning - you're not going to be able to stop repeating the litany of the twisted ones for weeks after listening to this book. Mouse's grandmother was not a pleasant person. And, as Mouse discovers when she agrees to clean out the house after grandma dies, she was one hell of a hoarder. Among all the useless junk Mouse finds her step-grandfather's journal, and discovers there is definitely something eerie going on in the woods. The crazy ramblings of the journal start to manifest in the world around her and things get seriously spooky. There's an excellent unraveling of a mystery here, mixed in with so much laugh-out-loud humor I had to be careful about listening to this story in public.
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781508297475-the-twisted-ones?bookstore=borderlands
[Editor's Note:
Libro.fm is an audiobook purchase platform specifically designed to support independent bookstores. Unlike all of the e-book sites that have offered us partnerships, and in direct contrast to Amazon's audiobook platform, Audible, Libro.fm makes it practical and seamless to support Borderlands (or another indie of your choice) with your online audiobook purchases. It's easy to sign up and easy to use, moreso, we've been blown away by their extraordinary customer service and dedication to helping bookstores. Just go to https://libro.fm/story to learn more about them and create your free account. As part of the account set-up process, you designate an independent bookstore that you want your purchases to support. (You can use this link if you want to choose Borderlands to support right out of the gate: https://libro.fm/?bookstore=borderlands .) After that, browse more than 150,000 audiobooks and either set up a monthly membership, or buy audiobooks a la carte. ]
Showing posts with label Melinda Rose. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Melinda Rose. Show all posts
June 06, 2020
This Week's Audiobook Recommendation
by Melinda Rose
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler, read by Orlagh Cassidy
There was a trend in the 1970's to raise chimpanzees as part of the family. But what happens to those human children when they grow up? What are the long-term effects on their psyche and emotional development? And what happens to the chimps if the experiment doesn't work out?
From infancy until they were five years old, Rosemary and Fern were raised as twins. Rosemary is now an undergrad at UC Davis, and grappling with the long-ago losses of her sister and older brother. She's trying to piece together her early childhood and understand why she's always had such difficulty making friends and fitting in with other people. As events trigger memories of childhood, various timelines intersect and a picture of Rosemary's family comes into focus.
I absolutely devoured this book. I listened to it in two days. If you're looking for something character-driven, compelling and bittersweet; something that explores the human condition and identity in interesting ways, then this listen is for you.
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781101623312-we-are-all-completely-beside-ourselves?bookstore=borderlands
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler, read by Orlagh Cassidy
There was a trend in the 1970's to raise chimpanzees as part of the family. But what happens to those human children when they grow up? What are the long-term effects on their psyche and emotional development? And what happens to the chimps if the experiment doesn't work out?
From infancy until they were five years old, Rosemary and Fern were raised as twins. Rosemary is now an undergrad at UC Davis, and grappling with the long-ago losses of her sister and older brother. She's trying to piece together her early childhood and understand why she's always had such difficulty making friends and fitting in with other people. As events trigger memories of childhood, various timelines intersect and a picture of Rosemary's family comes into focus.
I absolutely devoured this book. I listened to it in two days. If you're looking for something character-driven, compelling and bittersweet; something that explores the human condition and identity in interesting ways, then this listen is for you.
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781101623312-we-are-all-completely-beside-ourselves?bookstore=borderlands
May 22, 2020
This Week's Audiobook Recommendation
by Melinda Rose
The Ocean at the End of the Lane
Written and performed by Neil Gaiman
Gaiman has said that this is his most personal story; although it's not autobiographical, he channeled his seven-year-old self while writing it. And when he reads the story, every intended emotional note comes through in a way that simply reading it off the page may not. I read this with an online bookclub when it was new, and across the board those who listened to it enjoyed it the most.
A young boy's life is changed when a strange family moves into the farm at the end of the lane. They are magical in a way that is all about love and understanding, and the scenes where he's talking to the mother or the grandmother are stirring. He becomes very close with the daughter and they have adventures, sometimes into other realms. Things go wrong, as they often do, and the children have to find a way to fix the imbalance they've created.
So much of this story is about how it feels to be seven years old; feeling powerless over changes in your life, frustrated when the adults won't believe you, and so totally open to all the magic the world has to offer, even when it's scary. There is a vulnerability and sweetness in the telling that warms my heart. It's a quick listen, only about five hours, but the story will stay with you, and it just may be the salve you're looking for right now.
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9780062255686?bookstore=borderlands?bookstore=borderlands
The Ocean at the End of the Lane
Written and performed by Neil Gaiman
Gaiman has said that this is his most personal story; although it's not autobiographical, he channeled his seven-year-old self while writing it. And when he reads the story, every intended emotional note comes through in a way that simply reading it off the page may not. I read this with an online bookclub when it was new, and across the board those who listened to it enjoyed it the most.
A young boy's life is changed when a strange family moves into the farm at the end of the lane. They are magical in a way that is all about love and understanding, and the scenes where he's talking to the mother or the grandmother are stirring. He becomes very close with the daughter and they have adventures, sometimes into other realms. Things go wrong, as they often do, and the children have to find a way to fix the imbalance they've created.
So much of this story is about how it feels to be seven years old; feeling powerless over changes in your life, frustrated when the adults won't believe you, and so totally open to all the magic the world has to offer, even when it's scary. There is a vulnerability and sweetness in the telling that warms my heart. It's a quick listen, only about five hours, but the story will stay with you, and it just may be the salve you're looking for right now.
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9780062255686?bookstore=borderlands?bookstore=borderlands
May 16, 2020
This Week's Audiobook Recommendation
by Melinda Rose
The Down Days by Ilze Hugo
This is either the best time or the worst time to read Ilze Hugo's The Down Days, depending on how you look at things. Unless she's an incredibly fast writer with some super-highway to editing and publishing, Ms. Hugo started this story well before the current situation began. In her write-up on John Scalzi’s blog (https://whatever.scalzi.com/2020/05/08/the-big-idea-ilze-hugo/) she talks about being fascinated with the way viruses and pandemics shape culture. In this story, it's years after a major pandemic hit Cape Town, South Africa. The residents are isolated from the rest of the world, and finding new ways to survive; some jobs have become obsolete and people are making a living in ways they wouldn't have imagined in the "before times". Wearing masks, and regular mandatory med checks have become a way of life.
There are several main characters, and the audiobook splits up the narration in an interesting way, with Gideon Emery reading the male POV's and Bianca Amato reading the female POV's. Both performers are excellent, and it works well with the pacing of the story, which takes place over one week. The narration switches rapidly between the characters whose lives all end up intersecting, as they solve mysteries of missing persons while questioning reality. It culminates in a dramatic and surprising climax.
This is not exactly an uplifting story, as everyone is carrying around a deep sense of loss and fear, but it does have elements of hope and redemption. And it may well be the relatable disaster cozy you've been looking for.
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781797108667-the-down-days?bookstore=borderlands
The Down Days by Ilze Hugo
This is either the best time or the worst time to read Ilze Hugo's The Down Days, depending on how you look at things. Unless she's an incredibly fast writer with some super-highway to editing and publishing, Ms. Hugo started this story well before the current situation began. In her write-up on John Scalzi’s blog (https://whatever.scalzi.com/2020/05/08/the-big-idea-ilze-hugo/) she talks about being fascinated with the way viruses and pandemics shape culture. In this story, it's years after a major pandemic hit Cape Town, South Africa. The residents are isolated from the rest of the world, and finding new ways to survive; some jobs have become obsolete and people are making a living in ways they wouldn't have imagined in the "before times". Wearing masks, and regular mandatory med checks have become a way of life.
There are several main characters, and the audiobook splits up the narration in an interesting way, with Gideon Emery reading the male POV's and Bianca Amato reading the female POV's. Both performers are excellent, and it works well with the pacing of the story, which takes place over one week. The narration switches rapidly between the characters whose lives all end up intersecting, as they solve mysteries of missing persons while questioning reality. It culminates in a dramatic and surprising climax.
This is not exactly an uplifting story, as everyone is carrying around a deep sense of loss and fear, but it does have elements of hope and redemption. And it may well be the relatable disaster cozy you've been looking for.
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781797108667-the-down-days?bookstore=borderlands
May 08, 2020
This Week's Audiobook Recommendation
by Melinda Rose
Becoming Bulletproof written and read by Evy Poumpouras
I received this as an advanced listening copy, and it stood out to me because you don't see many women in this author's line of work, and I thought it would be an interesting perspective. Evy was a secret service agent through several administrations, and interweaves her experiences in the field with how the skills she learned can be applied to everyday life. It's a memoir with lots of practical advice. Some may call it a self-help book, but it's more personal than that.
Evy starts off with her story of September 11, 2001. She was at the federal offices of the World Trade Center when the towers were hit. She talks about the people she helped, the people who helped her, and what it means to be someone who runs back into a burning, collapsing building.
And it goes from there, talking about finding strength in difficult situations, and how to be prepared for whatever life throws your way. I found her story intriguing and the information useful.
There's bonus content for the audiobook only; conversations between her and her husband after each major section. The dynamic is endearing, and it gives her a chance to go a little deeper into some aspects of her story. I really appreciate it when authors take advantage of working in a different medium.
If you've ever wondered what it's like to work in the security business, or are interested in learning how to move through the world with more strength and confidence, this is the listen for you.
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781797100470-becoming-bulletproof?bookstore=borderlands
Becoming Bulletproof written and read by Evy Poumpouras
I received this as an advanced listening copy, and it stood out to me because you don't see many women in this author's line of work, and I thought it would be an interesting perspective. Evy was a secret service agent through several administrations, and interweaves her experiences in the field with how the skills she learned can be applied to everyday life. It's a memoir with lots of practical advice. Some may call it a self-help book, but it's more personal than that.
Evy starts off with her story of September 11, 2001. She was at the federal offices of the World Trade Center when the towers were hit. She talks about the people she helped, the people who helped her, and what it means to be someone who runs back into a burning, collapsing building.
And it goes from there, talking about finding strength in difficult situations, and how to be prepared for whatever life throws your way. I found her story intriguing and the information useful.
There's bonus content for the audiobook only; conversations between her and her husband after each major section. The dynamic is endearing, and it gives her a chance to go a little deeper into some aspects of her story. I really appreciate it when authors take advantage of working in a different medium.
If you've ever wondered what it's like to work in the security business, or are interested in learning how to move through the world with more strength and confidence, this is the listen for you.
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781797100470-becoming-bulletproof?bookstore=borderlands
Battles, Science, and Zombies -- Libro.fm Recommendations
by Melinda Rose
I've been writing weekly audiobook recommendations for the Borderlands Blog, and it's been a lot of fun. I've rounded up and refreshed the past month's reviews for you here. We've got an epic battle for the soul of a city, a character-driven military drama, armchair science, and of course a zombie apocalypse.
The City We Became by NK Jemisin, Narrated by Robin Miles.
Just, Wow! This audiobook was an experience. I've never listened to a book so well-produced, and it's set a new standard in my mind. Miles' performance is stellar. She nails the accents of each individual borough, and every character has a distinctive voice - not an easy feat considering all the different cultures, backgrounds, and ages represented. There are sound effects and music woven throughout the story - at just the right point below the narration so as to enhance but not distract.
There's a lot that resonated with me in this book. Not only does Jemisin tackle issues of racism, gentrification, and toxic masculinity; she does it with a diverse group of characters whose race and sexual orientations are important, but don't define them. I find that refreshing.
In this story, every major city has a soul, and New York City is fighting for its life. In order to fend off the powers that want to prevent it from becoming truly alive, it selects one person from each borough to be a physical manifestation of that part of The City. The story follows each of their journeys as they come to understand who they are, what they stand for, and what's at stake if they don't join forces and fight for the city they love.
Each character is strong on their own. There are wonderful 'oh hell no, not today' moments when they feel backed against a wall and have to fight, but none of them are exactly eager to trust each other. They're used to being self-reliant, and thinking of their own boroughs as distinct, but this can be isolating. Since listening to this book I've been thinking a lot about isolation versus community, and the strength in vulnerability. I like it when a story stays with me and inspires me to ponder things on a deeper level.
Plus, as a San Franciscan, I completely relate to the struggle against the forces that would chip away at the very things that make a city unique, and I loved seeing that fight made as personal as it feels.
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781549119736-the-city-we-became?bookstore=borderlands
The Light Brigade By Kameron Hurley, Narrated by Cara Gee
I was already a fan of Cara Gee, who plays OPA Captain Drummer on The Expanse. No, she doesn't use her Belter accent here, but the performance is equally strong.
The story is told in first person by Dietz, who volunteers for the army after her home is destroyed by aliens. She's idealistic and stubborn, but as she progresses through training and then into fighting, she discovers things aren't exactly what they seem. Through a glitch in the way travel at the speed of light is made possible in her world, she ends up jumping around through time and spends most of the story trying to catch up with herself so she can figure what the hell is going on. The non-linear timeline is confusing, because you're experiencing it in the same way Dietz is, but the way all the strands end up weaving together is quite compelling.
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781508280408-the-light-brigade?bookstore=borderlands
Have some extra time on your hands and looking for something you can really sink your teeth into?
Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson, and narrated by Edward Herrmann is a great way to go. Part biography, part history of science, and part exploration of Einstein's contributions to the fields of mathematics and physics, it all adds up to a wonderful listen.
There was a lot in here I didn't know about Einstein's personal life or his earlier, less famous but still deeply important theories. It's interesting to put his discoveries in the context of the world events at the time. I also enjoyed the crash course in theoretical physics, which was neither too dense nor dumbed down, the perfect balance for an armchair science nerd.
libro.fm/audiobooks/9780743561396-einstein?bookstore=borderlands
World War Z by Max Brooks is a great listen. It's a series of interviews with a myriad of survivors of the Zombie War from all over the world. Each conversation features a different voice actor, with Max Brooks playing the role of the interviewer, so it really feels like you're listening in on the interviews themselves. This book is eerily poignant at this time, what a friend of mine might refer to as a "disaster cozy". The first interviews are about the beginning of the global pandemic, as governments try to cover it up or ignore the severity, until it gets completely out of hand. And then of course, chaos ensues.
There are several versions, all abridged, but the ‘Complete Movie Tie In Edition' has the most content. (Note, the book and the movie are related in name only)
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9780449806968?bookstore=borderlands
Thanks for tuning in, and I hope you find some great listens of your own.
I've been writing weekly audiobook recommendations for the Borderlands Blog, and it's been a lot of fun. I've rounded up and refreshed the past month's reviews for you here. We've got an epic battle for the soul of a city, a character-driven military drama, armchair science, and of course a zombie apocalypse.
The City We Became by NK Jemisin, Narrated by Robin Miles.
Just, Wow! This audiobook was an experience. I've never listened to a book so well-produced, and it's set a new standard in my mind. Miles' performance is stellar. She nails the accents of each individual borough, and every character has a distinctive voice - not an easy feat considering all the different cultures, backgrounds, and ages represented. There are sound effects and music woven throughout the story - at just the right point below the narration so as to enhance but not distract.
There's a lot that resonated with me in this book. Not only does Jemisin tackle issues of racism, gentrification, and toxic masculinity; she does it with a diverse group of characters whose race and sexual orientations are important, but don't define them. I find that refreshing.
In this story, every major city has a soul, and New York City is fighting for its life. In order to fend off the powers that want to prevent it from becoming truly alive, it selects one person from each borough to be a physical manifestation of that part of The City. The story follows each of their journeys as they come to understand who they are, what they stand for, and what's at stake if they don't join forces and fight for the city they love.
Each character is strong on their own. There are wonderful 'oh hell no, not today' moments when they feel backed against a wall and have to fight, but none of them are exactly eager to trust each other. They're used to being self-reliant, and thinking of their own boroughs as distinct, but this can be isolating. Since listening to this book I've been thinking a lot about isolation versus community, and the strength in vulnerability. I like it when a story stays with me and inspires me to ponder things on a deeper level.
Plus, as a San Franciscan, I completely relate to the struggle against the forces that would chip away at the very things that make a city unique, and I loved seeing that fight made as personal as it feels.
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781549119736-the-city-we-became?bookstore=borderlands
The Light Brigade By Kameron Hurley, Narrated by Cara Gee
I was already a fan of Cara Gee, who plays OPA Captain Drummer on The Expanse. No, she doesn't use her Belter accent here, but the performance is equally strong.
The story is told in first person by Dietz, who volunteers for the army after her home is destroyed by aliens. She's idealistic and stubborn, but as she progresses through training and then into fighting, she discovers things aren't exactly what they seem. Through a glitch in the way travel at the speed of light is made possible in her world, she ends up jumping around through time and spends most of the story trying to catch up with herself so she can figure what the hell is going on. The non-linear timeline is confusing, because you're experiencing it in the same way Dietz is, but the way all the strands end up weaving together is quite compelling.
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781508280408-the-light-brigade?bookstore=borderlands
Have some extra time on your hands and looking for something you can really sink your teeth into?
Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson, and narrated by Edward Herrmann is a great way to go. Part biography, part history of science, and part exploration of Einstein's contributions to the fields of mathematics and physics, it all adds up to a wonderful listen.
There was a lot in here I didn't know about Einstein's personal life or his earlier, less famous but still deeply important theories. It's interesting to put his discoveries in the context of the world events at the time. I also enjoyed the crash course in theoretical physics, which was neither too dense nor dumbed down, the perfect balance for an armchair science nerd.
libro.fm/audiobooks/9780743561396-einstein?bookstore=borderlands
World War Z by Max Brooks is a great listen. It's a series of interviews with a myriad of survivors of the Zombie War from all over the world. Each conversation features a different voice actor, with Max Brooks playing the role of the interviewer, so it really feels like you're listening in on the interviews themselves. This book is eerily poignant at this time, what a friend of mine might refer to as a "disaster cozy". The first interviews are about the beginning of the global pandemic, as governments try to cover it up or ignore the severity, until it gets completely out of hand. And then of course, chaos ensues.
There are several versions, all abridged, but the ‘Complete Movie Tie In Edition' has the most content. (Note, the book and the movie are related in name only)
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9780449806968?bookstore=borderlands
Thanks for tuning in, and I hope you find some great listens of your own.
May 01, 2020
This Week's Audiobook Recommendation
by Melinda Rose
The Light Brigade by Kameron Hurley, Narrated by Cara Gee, (who you may know as the OPA’s Captain Drummer on "The Expanse". No, she doesn't use her Belter accent here, but the performance is equally strong.)
Dietz volunteers for the military after her home is destroyed by rebels from Mars, but as she progresses through training and then into fighting, she discovers things aren't what they seem. She ends jumping around through time and trying to figure out what's going on. The non-linear timeline is confusing, but you're experiencing it in the same way Dietz does. This is, at heart, a very human military drama, and one that has stayed with me even weeks after listening.
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781508280408-the-light-brigade?bookstore=borderlands
The Light Brigade by Kameron Hurley, Narrated by Cara Gee, (who you may know as the OPA’s Captain Drummer on "The Expanse". No, she doesn't use her Belter accent here, but the performance is equally strong.)
Dietz volunteers for the military after her home is destroyed by rebels from Mars, but as she progresses through training and then into fighting, she discovers things aren't what they seem. She ends jumping around through time and trying to figure out what's going on. The non-linear timeline is confusing, but you're experiencing it in the same way Dietz does. This is, at heart, a very human military drama, and one that has stayed with me even weeks after listening.
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781508280408-the-light-brigade?bookstore=borderlands
April 24, 2020
This Week's Audiobook Recommedation
by Melinda Rose
Have some extra time on your hands and looking for something you can really sink your teeth into? Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson, and narrated by Edward Herrmann is a great way to go. Part biography, part history of science, and part exploration of Einstein's contributions to the fields of mathematics and physics, it all adds up to a wonderful listen.
There was a lot in here I didn't know about Einstein's personal life or his earlier, less famous but still deeply important theories. It's interesting to put his discoveries in the context of the world events at the time. I also enjoyed the crash course in theoretical physics, which was neither too dense nor dumbed down, the perfect balance for an armchair science nerd.
libro.fm/audiobooks/9780743561396-einstein?bookstore=borderlands
Have some extra time on your hands and looking for something you can really sink your teeth into? Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson, and narrated by Edward Herrmann is a great way to go. Part biography, part history of science, and part exploration of Einstein's contributions to the fields of mathematics and physics, it all adds up to a wonderful listen.
There was a lot in here I didn't know about Einstein's personal life or his earlier, less famous but still deeply important theories. It's interesting to put his discoveries in the context of the world events at the time. I also enjoyed the crash course in theoretical physics, which was neither too dense nor dumbed down, the perfect balance for an armchair science nerd.
libro.fm/audiobooks/9780743561396-einstein?bookstore=borderlands
April 20, 2020
Libro.fm promotion for the Week Long #VirtualBookstoreParty
by Melinda Rose
I know we’re all going a little stir crazy right about now, and craving a trip to the bookstore.
Until Borderlands can reopen, mail orders and purchasing audiobooks at Libro.fm are great ways to continue to support our little epicenter in the geekosphere. And right now, for independent Bookstore Week, Libro.fm is running a promotion for new members. Not only will you get two books for the price of one, 100% of the proceeds will go to Borderlands. This promotion is running from April 19th - 25th, and for extra fun, you can sign up to receive two free audiobooks on Saturday April 25th.
So enjoy perusing the selections at Libro.fm, and let someone tell you a story.
April 17, 2020
This Week's Audiobook Recommendation
by Melinda Rose
THE CITY WE BECAME by N.K. Jemisin, Narrated by Robin Miles.
Just, Wow! This audiobook was an experience. I've never listened to a book so well produced, and it's set a new standard in my mind. Miles' performance is stellar. She nails the accents of each individual borough, and every character has a distinctive voice - not an easy feat considering all the different cultures, backgrounds, and ages represented. There are sound effects and music woven throughout the story - at just the right point below the narration so as to enhance but not distract.
Fortunately, I also loved this story of a city fighting for its identity in a very human way. I cared about all the main characters, even the villains. Jemisin tackles issues of racism, gentrification, and toxic masculinity through the lens of characters that become manifestations of New York City and the individual boroughs they live in and love. As a San Franciscan I completely relate to the struggle of fighting the forces that would chip away at the very things that make a city unique, and I loved seeing this fight made as personal as it feels.
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781549119736-the-city-we-became?bookstore=borderlands
Come back next week as long-time customer (and audiobook junkie) Melinda Rose continues to share her weekly audiobook recommendations.
THE CITY WE BECAME by N.K. Jemisin, Narrated by Robin Miles.
Just, Wow! This audiobook was an experience. I've never listened to a book so well produced, and it's set a new standard in my mind. Miles' performance is stellar. She nails the accents of each individual borough, and every character has a distinctive voice - not an easy feat considering all the different cultures, backgrounds, and ages represented. There are sound effects and music woven throughout the story - at just the right point below the narration so as to enhance but not distract.
Fortunately, I also loved this story of a city fighting for its identity in a very human way. I cared about all the main characters, even the villains. Jemisin tackles issues of racism, gentrification, and toxic masculinity through the lens of characters that become manifestations of New York City and the individual boroughs they live in and love. As a San Franciscan I completely relate to the struggle of fighting the forces that would chip away at the very things that make a city unique, and I loved seeing this fight made as personal as it feels.
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781549119736-the-city-we-became?bookstore=borderlands
Come back next week as long-time customer (and audiobook junkie) Melinda Rose continues to share her weekly audiobook recommendations.
April 10, 2020
This Week's Audiobook Recommendation
by Melinda Rose
WORLD WAR Z by Max Brooks is a great listen. It's a series of interviews with a myriad of survivors of the Zombie War from all over the world. Each conversation features a different voice actor, with Max Brooks playing the role of the interviewer, so it really feels like you're listening in on the interviews themselves. There are several versions, all abridged, but the 'Complete Movie Tie In Edition' has the most content. (Note, the book and the movie are related in title only.)
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9780449806968-world-war-z-the-complete-edition-movie-tie-in-edition-abridged?bookstore=borderlands
Come back next week as long-time customer (and audiobook junkie) Melinda Rose continues to share her weekly audiobook recommendations.
WORLD WAR Z by Max Brooks is a great listen. It's a series of interviews with a myriad of survivors of the Zombie War from all over the world. Each conversation features a different voice actor, with Max Brooks playing the role of the interviewer, so it really feels like you're listening in on the interviews themselves. There are several versions, all abridged, but the 'Complete Movie Tie In Edition' has the most content. (Note, the book and the movie are related in title only.)
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9780449806968-world-war-z-the-complete-edition-movie-tie-in-edition-abridged?bookstore=borderlands
Come back next week as long-time customer (and audiobook junkie) Melinda Rose continues to share her weekly audiobook recommendations.
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