Audio Reviews, October 15, 2011

FICTION

Andrews, Mary Kay. Summer Rental. 12 CDs. retail ed. unabridged. 15 hrs. Macmillan Audio. 2011. ISBN 9781427212740. $39.99; digital download. F
When childhood friends Dorie, Ellis, and Julia rent an old house on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, they anticipate a month of beach reading, getting great tans, and reconnecting. Soon, it’s clear that they all are facing life changes: Ellis has been downsized, Dorie has marital problems, and Julia’s career is faltering. Then there’s Maryn, a runaway with a dark secret, whom Dorie invites to share the house. While best-selling novelist Andrews (The Fixer Upper; Deep Dish) builds suspense to keep the plot moving, the story is a tired one that ends predictably. Narrator Isabel Keating makes the most of the material, giving each character a distinctive Southern accent, fitting for these girls from Savannah. Recommended for Andrews’s fans and those wishing some light fare. [Andrews simply excels at creating the kind of characters readers can relate to, and she has a fabulous sense of humor to boot, read the starred review of the New York Times best-selling St. Martin's hc, LJ 5/1/11.‚ Ed.]‚ Nancy R. Ives, SUNY at Geneseo

Baldacci, David. One Summer. 7 CDs.retail ed. unabridged. 8¼ hrs. Hachette Audio from AudioGO. 2011. ISBN 9781611135978. $64.99; 1 MP3-CD. library ed.; 7 CDs. retail ed. Hachette Audio; digital download. F
This tale of love, tragedy, second chances, fear, and uncertainty tells the story of Jack, a war vet, proud dad, and husband to high school sweetheart Lizzie. Jack is terminally ill, and while devotedly caring for him, Lizzie perishes in an auto accident. Summoning a newfound will to live, and an alternative treatment, Jack miraculously recovers in time to keep his family together. Unfortunately, his healing does not prevent his mother-in-law from filing for custody of the children. Well performed by Ron McLarty and Orlagh Cassidy, Baldacci’s latest is a far cry from his popular legal thrillers. Engaging for the most part, the story is often overly sweet, sentimental, somewhat predictable, and sometimes requires the reader’s suspension of disbelief. Longtime Baldacci fans may be disappointed; however, those with a penchant for Nicholas Sparks or similar titles by James Patterson (e.g., Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas) will enjoy it. [See Prepub Alert, 12/1/10; the Grand Central hc, published in June, was a New York Times best seller.‚ Ed.]‚ Nicole A. Cooke, Montclair State Univ. Lib., NJ

Cervantes, Miguel de. Don Quixote. 29 CDs. retail ed. unabridged. 36 hrs. Naxos Audio. 2011. ISBN 9781843794097. $152.98; digital download. CLASSIC
Spending 36 hours in the company of a 400-year-old novel sounds intimidating, but it needn’t be‚ not when the book is as constantly amusing, inventive, and moving as Don Quixote. Cervantes’s classic mock-heroic tale chronicles the adventures of a self-styled knight-errant whose efforts to restore medieval chivalry are a series of comic disasters. Considered the first modern novel, Don Quixote is one of the most entertaining stories ever told. Although John Ormsby’s English translation is now 125 years old, it seems remarkably fresh. The novel’s linear narrative is ideal for listening and combined with Roy McMillan’s pitch-perfect narration makes those 36 hours nonstop pleasure for literature fans and general readers. Highly recommended.
‚ R. Kent Rasmussen, Thousand Oaks, CA

Cotterill, Colin. Killed at the Whim of a Hat. 8 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 10 hrs. HighBridge Audio. 2011. ISBN 9781611744989. $73; 8 CDs. retail ed.; digital download. F
When crime reporter Jimm Juree’s mother uproots the family by selling their urban Thai home for a sight unseen beach resort‚ which turns out to be a worn-down and sad affair‚ Jimm is certain she is bound for an eternity of cleaning mackerel. But then a VW bus containing two bodies is found buried on Old Mel’s palm oil plantation, and the Buddhist monastery’s abbot is stabbed to death. Eccentric family members and new police friends join in the pursuit of information and fresh fish for lunch. Jeany Park provides a great range in portraying Jimm, her eccentric family, the police, and other characters. This will appeal to those who enjoy mysteries set in exotic locations and books featuring clever female protagonists and cozy fans. [This outstanding series debut from the author of the Dr. Siri Paiboun mysteries would appeal to crossover readers who enjoy well-developed ensemble casts and a sense of the absurd, read the starred review of the Minotaur: St. Martin's hc, LJ 5/1/11.‚ Ed.]‚ J. Sara Paulk, Wythe-Grayson Regional Lib., Independence, VA

Cussler, Clive & Grant Blackwood. The Kingdom. 9 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 11 hrs. Recorded Bks. 2011. ISBN 9781456118853. $102.75; 1 MP3-CD. library ed.; 9 CDs. retail ed. Penguin Audio; digital download. F
This is the third adventure featuring the husband-and-wife team Remi and Sam Fargo (Spartan Gold; Lost Empire). Millionaire Charles King hires the duo to find his archaeologist father, who has been missing for several decades. Their quest takes them to exotic Katmandu, Bulgaria, and India, where they are met by King’s twin offspring who keep a close watch on their activities. After narrow escapes and harrowing experiences, Sam and Remi discover the real reason King hired them. Scott Brick’s reading is frustrating for the listener. Although he captures the local accents and characters’ personalities, he drops the last words in some of the sentences, which makes the narration occasionally difficult to understand. Recommended for Cussler fans who can overlook the imperfect production. [Perilous journeys through some of the most beautiful countries in the world and action-packed adventures experienced by a couple who love each other make for an enjoyable thrill ride, read the LJ Xpress Review, 5/13/11; the Putnam hc, published in June, was a New York Times best seller.‚ Ed.]‚ Ilka Gordon, Siegal Coll. of Judaic Studies Lib., Cleveland

Deaver, Jeffery. Carte Blanche 007: The New James Bond Novel. 11 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 13¬Ω hrs. S. & S. Audio. 2011. ISBN 9781456119157. $123.75; 2 MP3-CDs. library ed.; 11 CDs. retail ed. S. & S. Audio; Playaway digital; digital download. F
From the opening strains of Bond’s signature movie theme music to the last shaken-not-stirred martini, the reader is drawn into the nonstop-action world of 007. Thanks to best-selling author Deaver, a longtime enthusiast of Ian Fleming’s creation, the British spy is reintroduced with a wonderful modern flare. Both newcomers to the subgenre and traditionalists will find much to enjoy with the updated electronics, political framework, cliff-hanging situations, and, as always, bad men to fight. Actor Toby Stephens, who appeared as the villain in the Bond movie Die Another Day , provides a wonderful reading. Stephens has the most proper British accent, which is essential. For thriller, suspense, and spy lovers. [The S. & S. hc was an Editor's Spring Pick, LJ 2/15/11, and a New York Times best seller.‚ Ed.]‚ J. Sara Paulk, Wythe-Grayson Regional Lib., Independence, VA

Ferris, Monica. Crewel World: A Needlecraft Mystery. 6 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 7¬Ω hrs. AudioGO. 2011. ISBN 9780792777540. $59.95; digital download. MYS
Family takes you in when there’s nowhere left to go. Thus, Betsy finds herself in Excelsior, MN, in her sister’s needlework shop, Crewel World. She loves her sister‚ isn’t so sure about either needlework or Minnesota‚ so when her sibling is murdered, Betsy is determined to find the killer. First published in 1995, the story only seems dated when Betsy exclaims delight at Windows 95. Susan Boyce’s mature voice is perfect for Betsy and the denizens of this cozy mystery who are past the first blush of youth. She also juggles a variety of area accents. The mystery is tightly plotted, and needlecrafters will delight in the details. Note that the publisher will post a PDF of a free needlepoint pattern on its website. Recommended for cozy and craft fans.‚ Jodi L. Israel, MLS, Birmingham, AL

O’Shaughnessy, Perri. Dreams of the Dead. 9 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 10¬Ω hrs. Recorded Bks. 2011. ISBN 9781456119065. $123.75; 1 MP3-CD. library ed.; 9 CDs. retail ed. S. & S. Audio; Playaway digital; digital download. F
When a long-presumed-dead son files legal papers to stall the sale of his father’s ski resort, lone wolf attorney Nina Reilly is retained to determine whether it’s a scam. Nina dreads this case and not just because the missing son murdered her husband‚ she secretly knows he was killed by her lover and buried deep in the Lake Tahoe forests. Although this 13th installment in the series featuring smart, scrappy, and stilettoed Reilly continues the story line of the series’ fifth outing, Acts of Malice, it recaps enough background to stand alone. From the first chapter it drips with ominous mystery, a mood maintained by reader January LaVoy, who slips seamlessly between male/female and heroine/villain without distracting from the action or dropping spoilers. Fans of legal thrillers and mysteries should find this audiobook gripping.‚ Judith Robinson, Dept. of Lib. & Information Studies, Univ. at Buffalo

Siddons, Anne Rivers. Burnt Mountain. 8 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 9 hrs. Hachette Audio from AudioGO. 2011. ISBN 9781607885535 $89.99; 2 MP3-CDs. library ed.; 8 CDs. retail ed. Hachette Audio; Playaway digital; digital download. F
Thayer Wentworth’s life starts fairy tale‚ like‚ beloved father and grandmother, rich family, idyllic Southern childhood‚ until her father dies in a terrible accident on Burnt Mountain. She discovers her first love at camp and loses him owing to her mother’s betrayal. She later finds solace in her Irish college professor, marrying him in spite of her mother. Thayer eventually abandons her husband on Burnt Mountain, coming full circle. Sadly, what begins as a lush Southern saga filled with family drama ends as a disjointed Celtic fable with nothing linking the two. Thayer’s growing dissatisfaction with her husband feels forced, and his decline into possible lunacy an afterthought. An incongruous time line with extraneous, underdeveloped characters, incoherent foreshadowing, and several abandoned story lines leave the listener utterly confused. Kate Reading’s wonderful narration, unfortunately, doesn’t save the audiobook. [See Prepub Alert, 1/9/11; the Grand Central hc, published in July, was a New York Times best seller.‚ Ed.]‚ Terry Ann Lawler, Phoenix P.L.

Treggiari, Jo. Ashes, Ashes. 8 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 9¾ hrs. Oasis Audio. 2011. ISBN 9781598599398. $27.99; Playaway digital; digital download. F
Global warming finally has melted the polar ice caps, causing society to collapse as floods, droughts, and smallpox epidemics kill nearly everyone. Lucy is an anomaly, surviving the disasters that took her family, friends, and neighbors. At 16, she’s already subsisted on her own for three years. But now a pack of wild dogs is closing in, until Aidan, a mysterious young boy, rescues Lucy and asks her to join his band of survivors. Danger remains as scary survivors known as the Sweepers descend on the camp, also trying to capture Lucy. This is an entertaining, if a bit predictable, young adult story that contrasts the strength of individual courage with the value of working in a group, all against the backdrop of this apocalypse. Cassandra Campbell provides capable narration. Recommended primarily for YA audiences.‚ Gloria Maxwell, Metropolitan Community Coll.‚ Penn Valley Lib., Kansas City, MO

NONFICTION

Beck, Glenn. The Original Argument: The Federalists’ Case for the Constitution, Adapted for the Twenty First Century. 7 CDs. retail ed. abridged. 8 hrs. S. & S. Audio. 2011. ISBN 9781442345386. $29.99; digital download. HIST/POL SCI
While Beck is cited as author, student Joshua Charles initiated the idea for updating the Federalist Papers. He found the original inspirational, while its dated language proved difficult to understand. His adaptation came to the attention of Beck, who secured publication. This is an accessible version of Hamilton’s, Madison’s, and Jay’s appeal for the adoption of the federal Constitution. Useful commentary explaining references to historical events and characters in classical literature appears, and readers Pat Gray and Adam Grupper provide a solid presentation. This audiobook, however, is an abridged version offering less than half the print essays. And the intent to support Beck’s vision of a small federal government limits its appeal mostly to listeners sharing his political and social views. Others should work their way patiently through the original work, which, as Beck and followers rightly point out, is as important today as it was in 1787‚ 88.‚ Stephen L. Hupp, West Virginia Univ. Parkersburg Lib.

Farquhar, Michael. Behind the Palace Doors: Five Centuries of Sex, Adventure, Vice, Treachery, and Folly from Royal Britain. 8 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 9¬Ω hrs. Tantor Audio. 2011. ISBN 9781452632964. $39.99; 1 MP3-CD. library ed.; 8 CDs. retail ed.; digital download. HIST
If People magazine or Entertainment Tonight published history books, this title could stand tall as part of their fall lineup. This unashamed romp dishes history in movie-trailer mode, relaying the juiciest components of each royal biography from Henry VIII through Queen Elizabeth II. Surprisingly, a fuller tapestry emerges despite the spice, allowing the listener to intake a good chunk of British history. Narrator James Langton lends his Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama cachet to transport the listener seamlessly to the British Isles. Farquhar is a master of hit-and-run history, with popular compilations such as A Treasury of Royal Scandals and A Treasury of Great American Scandals. The author’s track record coupled with Anglophilia stoked by Prince William’s wedding and The King’s Speech film should keep this title curtsying off the shelves. Fun for history buffs and those loving all things about the royals, especially the dirt. [A good selection for lighter history reading on the lives of British monarchs and really good scandals, read the review of the Random hc, LJ 1/11.‚ Ed.]‚ Judith Robinson, Dept. of Lib. & Information Studies, Univ. at Buffalo

Hughes, Langston. The Big Sea: An Autobiography. 9 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 10¾ hrs. Books on Tape. 2011. ISBN 9780307939487. $28; digital download. Random Audio. LIT
Hughes (1902‚ 1967) wrote this beautiful, if selective, memoir of the first half of his life in 1940, when he was only 38. A poor, rather solitary child who constantly moved from town to town and frequently was left with strangers, Hughes managed to get a first-class education, often just one step ahead of ever-expanding Jim Crow laws. As a young man, he traveled, wrote poetry, and became one of the best-known participants in the wonderful cultural celebration called the Harlem Renaissance. While not as popular as Hughes’s other works, Sea translates into a wonderful audiobook that should be heard by anyone who loves good writing. Dominic Hoffman does a superb job of reading Hughes’s elegant prose. Recommended for anyone interested in modern literature or the Harlem Renaissance. A top-ten choice.‚ I. Pour-El, Moines Area Community Coll., Boone, IA

Leonard, Sugar Ray with Michael Arkush. The Big Fight: My Life in and out of the Ring. 8 CDs. library ed. unabridged. Books on Tape. 2011. ISBN 9780307933065; digital download. Penguin Audio. SPORTS
In this candid and revealing autobiography, 1976 Olympic boxing legend Leonard opens up about his rise to fame while struggling to defeat personal demons threatening to derail his career and destroy his pristine public image. Leonard also provides a fascinating view into what goes through a boxer’s mind during a fight, highlighted by a thorough account of his championship bout with Marvin Hagler. The well-balanced mix of personal and professional detail keeps the narrative moving forward, and never bogs down too long in one particular anecdote or topic. Leonard ably narrates his life story, reading with emotion and enthusiasm befitting this tale of athletic success, personal struggle, and redemption. The intimate details of and insights into a boxer’s mentality in the ring are enough to make this a unique and worthwhile listen despite its predictable and clichéd thematic arc. Recommended for Leonard’s fans and anyone interested in the strategy and psychology of boxing. [Ordinary in many ways, but a must, and possibly a cautionary tale, for boxing fans, read the LJ Xpress Review, 5/13/11.‚ Ed.]‚ Douglas King, Univ. of South Carolina Lib., Columbia

Lutz, Bob. Car Guys vs. Bean Counters: The Battle for the Soul of American Business. 8 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 9¬Ω hrs. Tantor Audio. 2011. ISBN 9781452632933. $71.99; 1 MP3-CD. library ed.; 8 CDs. retail ed.; digital download. BUS
Lutz shares his philosophy on running a successful business, which he developed during 47 years in auto manufacturing, including leadership positions with each of the Big Three firms. Lutz blames Detroit’s steady decline on overdependence on bean counters and the lack of his type (designers) in auto manufacturing. He asserts that the Big Three should return control to the product guys like him, of course. Lutz provides an interesting inside perspective on GM and his struggles with high labor costs, rising gas prices, and model design flaws. Expectedly, Lutz sees a silver lining in GM’s emergence from the 2008 bankruptcy, while serving up a nostalgic view of a bygone Detroit when GM had annual sales revenue exceeding that of many European countries. AudioFile’s Best Voices of the Century winner Norman Dietz provides a steady-paced, documentary-style approach to this intriguing material. Lutz’s comments will appeal to anyone interested in the fascinating world of auto manufacturing, especially boomers who grew up driving Detroit iron. Also recommended for university libraries supporting business curricula. [The Portfolio hc, published in June, was a New York Times best seller.‚ Ed.]‚ Dale Farris, Groves, TX

Michie, David. Meditations for Manic Motorists: In Car Relaxation Techniques. 1 CD. retail ed. unabridged. 60 min. Bolinda Audio. 2011. ISBN 9781742850894. $34.95. SELF-HELP
Is driving home from work a time for angry gestures and tension headaches? What if instead it could be used for rejuvenation and recharging? Imagine arriving tranquil and peaceful after your commute by using annoying drivers as practice tools for your own serenity. With several deceptively simple mind and body practices, Michie’s (Buddhism for Busy People) meditations invigorate and release tension, endowing drivers with improved focus. Exercises can be listened to individually for a ten-minute pick-me-up or all at once in a lengthy drive. The program is read by Nicholas Bell, whose soothing voice is a perfect fit, enhancing the calming effect. A great listen for anyone with a stressful daily commute. Recommended to fans of Leonard Scheff’s The Cow in the Parking Lot.‚ Terry Ann Lawler, Phoenix P.L.

Pulitzer, Lisa & Cole Thompson. Portrait of a Monster: Joran Van Der Sloot, a Murder in Peru, and the Natalee Holloway Mystery. 10 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 11¾ hrs. Dreamscape Audio. ISBN 9781611201567. $39.99; digital download. TRUE CRIME
Natalee Holloway disappeared in May 2005 after last being seen with Joran Van Der Sloot and two other young Aruban men. Stephany Flores Ramirez disappeared exactly five years later, and her battered body was found in Van Der Sloot’s hotel room in Lima, Peru, a few days later. Pulitzer and Thompson unveil the evidence and circumstances of the brutal death and robbery of Ramirez and Holloway’s still unresolved disappearance and assumed murder. All charges against Van Der Sloot in the Holloway case were dropped, but he is currently being held in Ramirez’s death. Cassandra Campbell, winner of eight AudioFile Earphones Awards, narrates the gruesome details in a humane and respectful manner. The audiobook carefully makes the case for Van Der Sloot’s guilt and leads the listener through a parallel journey. Solid for true crime collections. [This mesmerizing account of a young sociopath will be devoured by anyone who followed the Holloway case, read the review of the St. Martin's hc, LJ 7/11; the pb, also by St. Martin's, publishes in April 2012.‚ Ed.]‚ J. Sara Paulk, Wythe-Grayson Regional Lib., Independence, VA

Roth, Carol. The Entrepreneur Equation: Evaluating the Realities, Risks, and Rewards of Having Your Own Business. 8 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 9¬Ω hrs. Blackstone Audio. 2011. ISBN 9781455116119. $38; 8 CDs. retail ed.; 1 MP3-CD. library/retail eds.; Playaway digital; digital download. BUS
Business pundit Roth (carolroth.com) addresses her first book to would-be entrepreneurs and pulls no punches as she helps listeners evaluate their suitability for the competitive entrepreneur environment. Chapters help listeners assess their goals, business plan, and personal fit with entrepreneurship but focus more on risks than rewards. The humorous tone makes this a fun, if sobering, listen. Veteran narrator Mike Chamberlain offers an appropriately hard-hitting performance. However, the book’s checklists and worksheets are ill-suited to the audio format. Recommended for stouthearted entrepreneurs or those looking for the bright side of their day jobs. [The BenBella hc, published in March, was a New York Times and a USA Today best seller.‚ Ed.]‚ Mark Swails, Johnson Cty. Community Coll. Lib., Overland Park, KS

Urrea, Luis Alberto. The Devil’s Highway: A True Story. 7 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 9 hrs. Hachette Audio from AudioGO. 2011. ISBN 9781611136807. $64.99; 7 CDs. retail ed.; Playaway digital; digital download. TRUE CRIME
In May 2001, 26 Mexican men died in a section of the Arizona desert dubbed the Devil’s Highway. Urrea, employing some journalistic license, paints a grim picture of the deadly struggle of those trying to enter the United States illegally and those working equally hard to secure the borders. This cat-and-mouse game between smugglers (coyotes) and the U.S. Border Patrol (La Migra) requires intelligence, creativity, endurance, experience, and luck. As the borders in urban areas became harder to cross, those sneaking illegals into El Norte have gone farther into the remote desert. The research here is excellent, and Urrea’s narration is impressive. The story unfolds in a way that is fascinating to the listener‚ you can almost feel the heat and smell the desperation. A complex issue is covered with style, making this a recommended title for true crime collections and those interested in immigration. [The Little, Brown hc was a national best seller.‚ Ed.]‚ Scott R. DiMarco, Mansfield Univ. of Pennsylvania Lib.

Van Dyke, Dick.My Lucky Life in and out of Show Business: A Memoir. 6 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 7¾ hrs. Books on Tape. 2011. ISBN 9780307914323. $35; 6 CDs. retail ed. Random Audio; digital download. PERFORMING ARTS
Van Dyke’s memoir recalls more than 50 years of show business in less than eight hours. Hearing him read and laugh at his own memories is a treat for fans and those interested in the history of TV comedy. He relates small memories from childhood through virtually every film, play, script, and series in his canon to darker personal struggles. Less attention is spent on fan favorites Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, but listeners are rewarded with Van Dyke’s critical assessments of his life’s work and private experiences. While his physical timing can’t be employed, his skill with delivering a line and telling a story makes this a worthy addition to entertainment and biography collections. Recommended for fans of both genres. [Celebrity watchers will not be disappointed by this matter-of-fact but heartwarming, long-awaited memoir by a beloved entertainer, read the review of the New York Times best-selling Crown Archetype hc, LJ 3/15/11.‚ Ed.]‚ Joyce Kessel, Villa Maria Coll., Buffalo

White, Betty. If You Ask Me: (And of Course You Won’t). 2 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 3 hrs. Books on Tape. 2011. ISBN 9780307933898. $25.95; 2 CDs. retail ed. Penguin Audio; digital download. TV
White’s most recent effort is a series of essays reflecting upon her past 15 years in show business. Her frankness gives what might at first seem saccharine musings a bit of punch. She sounds like the sweet old lady next door but will surprise you. White’s ability to shock can be experienced in her acceptance speech at an awards ceremony, when thanking everyone for being there and mentions how she has even had some of you. Her love of animals comes through in many recollections of dogs, a gorilla, and even whales she has visited. Solid for those who enjoy memoirs, Hollywood, the author, and a fast listen. [A lightweight, quick read penned by a beloved show business icon, read the LJ XPress Review, 5/6/11; the Putnam hc, published in May, was an LJ and a New York Times best seller.‚ Ed.]‚ David Faucheux, Louisiana Audio Information & Reading Svc., Lafayette