Month: October 2015

Classic

The Outsiders Audiobook Review

Post author By Mike
Post date October 27, 2015

The Outsiders

Written by: S.E. Hinton

Narrated by: Jim Fyfe

Length: 5 hours and 12 minutes

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date: July 22, 2004

Publisher: Listening Library

There are many excellent novels that will stick with you for many years. Some of these are a little less modern and their settings are somewhat irrelevant to today’s society. There are few that could interpret today’s society better than S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders. The story could very well take place in today’s urban America. The tale of brotherhood and childhood rivalries is intense, touching and uplifting. If you’ve never read the book, you might want to consider checking out the audiobook, which is narrated by Jim Fyfe.

Tags Jim Fyfe, S.E. Hinton

Classic Fiction History

All Quiet on the Western Front Audiobook Review

Post author By Mike
Post date October 24, 2015

All Quiet on the Western Front

Written by: Erich Maria Remarque

Narrated by: Tom Lawrence

Length: 7 hours and 9 minutes

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date: August 5, 2010

Publisher: Hachette Audio UK

Throughout the years, avid readers have been presented with a handful of excellent and heart wrenching war tales. Some of these have been forgotten in the translation of time, while a few notable classics have managed to withstand this test and still remain popular today. Erich Maria Remarque’s All Quiet on the Western Front is undeniably one of the most enthralling war novels of all time! It is a tale, which is relevant in today’s society and helps to educate the reader to the turmoil and losses of war. As reading has become less popular, many have switched over to the audiobook.

Tags Erich Maria Remarque, Hachette Audio UK, Tom Lawrence

Fiction

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Audiobook Review

Post author By Mike
Post date October 22, 2015

The Alchemist

Written by: Paulo Coelho

Narrated by: Jeremy Irons

Length: 4 hours

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date: October 5, 2005

Publisher: HarperAudio

Do you absolutely adore adventurous novels? There are many of them out there, but none can parallel the amazing tale of Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist. This timeless classic has been passed down through the generations and has always managed to capture the imaginations of the readers. Although the tale is ultimately simplistic, it still holds significant meaning. In fact, the book was previously referred to as a self-help book. Whether you’re looking for a great adventure or want to motivate yourself, The Alchemist is an excellent way to fulfill your desire.

Tags HarperAudio, Jeremy Irons, Paulo Coelho

Classic Dystopian Fiction

Animal Farm Audiobook Review

Post author By Mike
Post date October 19, 2015

Animal Farm

Written by: George Orwell

Narrated by: Simon Callow

Length: 3 hours and 11 minutes

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date: December 7, 2009

Publisher: CSA Word

Over the years, there have been several authors, who have been able to captivate consecutive generations. With his dystopian novels, which borderline on conspiracy theories, George Orwell has managed to remain a popular figure in mainstream media. Although his novel, 1984, is likely his most cited work, Animal Farm is also well worth checking out. His humorous take on the Russian Revolution is enjoyable from page to page and will keep the reader engaged all the way to the conclusion.

Tags George Orwell, Simon Callow

Classic Fiction

Moby Dick by Herman Melville Audiobook Review

Post author By Mike
Post date October 18, 2015

Moby Dick

Written by: Herman Melville

Narrated by: Frank Muller

Length: 21 hours and 20 minutes

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date: October 27, 2008

Publisher: Recorded Books

Throughout the years, some amazing novels have captured the imaginations of children and adults all around the world. Although there many that are imaginative and captivating, few can match the excitement of Herman Melville’s Moby Dick! This truly adventurous novel might be lengthy, but it can hold the reader’s attention, until the final confrontation! The story has a little something for everyone. It is somewhat of a romance, a realistic look at whaling and a true dramatic exemplification of a heroic conflict. The spirited tale is part humor and part odyssey, as Ishmael and his merry men go on a dangerous hunt for the legendary Moby Dick.

Tags Frank Muller, Herman Melville, Moby Dick, Recorded Books

Classic Dystopian

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury Audiobook Review

Post author By Mike
Post date October 16, 2015

Fahrenheit 451

Written by: Ray Bradbury

Narrated by: Stephen Hoye

Length: 5 hours and 37 Minutes

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date: August 11, 2010

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Over the years, there have been some outstanding novels, which have withstood the test of time. While some have perished, others have gone on to be adapted into films and audiobooks. Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 is undoubtedly one of the best-recognized classics. This book, which was previously published in 1953, was written during the great book burning scandal in the United States. Although the writer later changed his tune, the previous statement is more intriguing. Now, the book is available in audiobook format and it is a real treat!

Tags Ray Bradbury, Stephen Hoye, Tantor Audio

Sci-Fi YA

Divergent by Veronica Roth Audiobook Review

Post author By Mike
Post date October 15, 2015

Divergent

Written by: Veronica Roth

Narrated by: Emma Galvin

Length: 11 hours and 11 minutes

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date: May 3, 2011

Publisher: Harper Audio

Overview
A dystopian future version of Chicago is Beatrice Prior’s world where society is divided into five factions. Each one of them is dedicated to cultivating a specific virtue. There is the Candor faction which cultivates honesty, Abnegation which revolves around selflessness, Dauntless for bravery, Amity for peace and Erudite which cultivates intelligence. Every year there is an appointed day where all teens aged sixteen select the faction they want to devote all their lives to. Beatrice is torn between staying with her beloved family or breaking out and being herself and unfortunately she cannot have both. The choice that she makes surprises everyone around her including herself!

Tags Emma Galvin, Veronica Roth

Classic Dystopian Fiction

Lord of the Flies by William Golding Audiobook Review

Post author By Mike
Post date October 13, 2015

Lord of the Flies

Written by: William Golding

Narrated by: William Golding

Length: 6 hours and 35 minutes

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date: October 3, 2003

Publisher: Listening Library

Some books can skyrocket to fame overnight, while others take time to prosper. The Lord of the Flies ultimately lands in the latter category. Since its initial failure, the book overcame the odds, become a best seller and was adapted into two films! From that point forward, Lord of the Flies has found its way onto numerous “must read” lists. In today’s time, there is no need to read! Times have changed, but fabulous books still remain as intriguing as ever. This is especially true, when it comes to William Golding’s Lord of the Flies!

Tags Lord of the Flies, William Golding

Fiction Romance YA

The Fault In Our Stars By John Green Audiobook Review

Post author By Mike
Post date October 13, 2015

The Fault In Our Stars

Written by: John Green

Narrated by: Kate Rudd

Length: 7 hours and 14 minutes

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date: January 10, 2012

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Overview
The Fault in Our Stars is John Green’s sixth novel and was published in January 2012. Hazel Grace Lancaster, a sixteen year old cancer patient narrates the story. It all starts with her parents forcing her into Literal Heart of Jesus, a support group that leads to her meeting Augustus Waters and falling madly in love with him. Augustus is an ex basketball player and an amputee. The title draws inspiration from Shakespeare’s play “Julius Caesar”, Act 1 Scene 2 where Cassius the nobleman tells Brutus “The fault dear Brutus is not in our stars but in ourselves that we are underlings”.

Tags John Green, Kate Rudd, The Fault In Our Stars