Cindy from the library. As some of you know I’m a big fan of John Sandford’s novels, especially the “Prey” series. I really like the audiobook versions of these novels because of the narrator Richard Ferrone. Did you know in Libby/Overdrive you can search for a book by the narrators name? I did just that and found a number of other authors that Mr. Ferrone read for! I listened to “The Good Guy” by Dean Koontz…and it was fantastic. There are also some Stuart Woods, Faye Kellerman, and others in the list. I’m definitely going to give them a try!
You can find audiobooks narrated by Richard Ferrone on Libby/Overdrive, and on Hoopla.
I really liked that this book is somewhat small and specific in terms of its scope and setting – it’s the story of a 31 year old struggling author and waitress in Boston/Cambridge in 1997. You really feel what Casey’s day to day life is like – working at an upscale Harvard Square restaurant, struggling to complete her novel, dealing with grief, depression and anxiety after her mother dies unexpectedly, and trying to survive under the burden crushing student loan debt. And it is a window into what it must be like to commit to being a writer – the sacrifices and choices necessary to support that dream, and the precarious nature of that life. While there is a love triangle in the book, it is kept somewhat at arm’s length and never feels like the most important thing going on in her life. This book feels like spending time with a person you might actually know, one who is going through a lot, big things and small things, and who you worry about and root for. While I enjoyed Lily King’s last book, Euphoria, which was loosely based on the life of Margaret Mead, this book felt emotionally grounded and relatable in a way that I really responded to.
You can find Writers and Lovers, as well as Lily King’s other novels, on Hoopla.
Lisa Genova is an author and a neuroscientist (she has a Degree in Biopsychology from Bates College and a PhD. in Neuroscience from Harvard University) and each of her 5 books revolve around a neurological condition, with a blend of patient progression and the challenges and effects of the condition on family and friends. This author writes about life-changing illnesses and the impact on all involved, but she does it in a lovely way, if that makes sense. Left Neglected deals with Traumatic Brain Disorder, Love Anthony addresses autism, Still Alice revolves around early-onset Alzheimer’s, Inside the O’Briens tackles Huntingtons, and Every Note Played is about ALS. Having finished Every Note Played I have now read all 5 of her books. They’re not new books but I’m glad I read them – they are impartial and beautifully written. You can access several of Lisa Genova’s audiobooks on Libby/Overdrive , and the Library carries all five of her titles.
I love listening to audiobooks! Whether I’m driving, taking a walk, or cleaning the house, audiobooks are there with me. And nothing makes or breaks an audiobook more than the narrator. Here are a few of my favorite audiobooks that combine just the right narrator with just the right book:
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fineby Gail Honeywell, narrated by Catherine McCarron (on Libby/Overdrive) The narrator has a lovely Scottish accent and has just the right tone for this sometimes funny, sometimes dark, very satisfying book.
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett, narrated by Tom Hanks!, (on Libby/Overdrive). Not surprisingly, Tom Hanks does a wonderful job narrating this moving story of a brother and sister and their complicated family. In particular Hanks’ narration helped me understand and empathize with the character of Danny more than I might have on the page.
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman, narrated by Neil Gaiman (on Hoopla). If I could have Neil Gaiman narrate my whole life, I would. His voice is rich and magical and the perfect combination with this fantasy tale of a man who finds himself in London Below, a dark shadow world beneath London.
These are some of my “old favorites” female mystery authors:
Marcia Muller (Hoopla), Sara Paretsky (Hoopla), Carol O’Connell (Hoopla), Linda Barnes (Hoopla), Katherine Hall Page (Hoopla), Patricia Cornwell (Hoopla), Kathy Reichs (Hoopla), Linda Fairstein (Hoopla), Janet Evanovich (Hoopla), Linda Castillo (Hoopla), Sue Henry (Hoopla), Dana Stabenow (Hoopla), Iris Johansen (Libby/Overdrive), J.A. Jance (Hoopla), Mary Higgins Clark (Hoopla), Susan Wittig Albert (Hoopla), Earlene Fowler (mystery series with quilts), Sue Grafton (Libby/Overdrive)- to name a few.
Favorite British TV series?
I subscribe to Acorn and Britbox TV (but many of these are also available on Hoopla with your library card: British TV on Hoopla)
Agatha Raisin series (Hoopla), Janet King (Hoopla), Foyle’s War (Hoopla), Heart Guy (Hoopla), Vera (Hoopla), 800 Words (Hoopla), Miss Fisher’s Murder Series (Hoopla), Death in Paradise (Hoopla), Grantchester, Rosemary and Thyme, Midsommer Murders, Shetland, Murder in Suburbia, Father Brown (Hoopla), and of course Downton Abbey.
One of my favorite things about reading historical fiction is learning about things I would otherwise never have come across. This book was my introduction to the Blue People of Kentucky. What a fascinating story. I also like books about books and libraries, not surprisingly, so I was drawn to fact that the main character Cussy Mary was part of the Kentucky Pack Horse Library project of the 1930s. This book has a wonderfully vivid sense of place and time – you get a visceral feel of how hard it must have been to live in Depression-era rural Kentucky, especially if you were seen as an outcast. It also shows the lifeline that books can be for people, as they were for Cussy Mary. If you were a fan of Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens you might want to give this one a try.
This book is available as both an eBook and Audiobook on Hoopla. Hoopla is one of the online library services available to you with your Library Card. With Hoopla you never have to wait in line. Just log in with your Library Card and start reading!
I know what you’re thinking. A biography of a historical figure? You’re going to recommend that for pleasure reading. You’re going to suggest I do “homework” during my precious little respites from an increasingly exhausting and chaotic world. No thanks, please return to your reviews of strange cookbooks, comics, and the fluffiest fiction you can find.
I hear you, but let me counter. This book is 137 pages. Yes, that’s right, it’s less than two hundred pages. Author and historian Erica Armstrong Dunbar has done something truly extraordinary. She has written a powerful, accessible, and enjoyable biography of an important historical figure that so many of us know of, but do not truly know. In addition to details on her escape from slavery and her numerous journeys as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, this book also delves into Harriet Tubman’s work within the union army during the Civil War, her advocacy for women’s suffrage, and her contributions to the creation of a home and hospital for the elderly.
It’s a pager turner filled with beautiful illustrations. And the audiobook (which is less than 4 hours long) plays just like a good podcast. So check out She Came to Slay
This collection of sci-fi short stories was just breathtaking. From the beginning of the universe to today’s rise of Artificial Intelligence, the short and not-so-short stories explore daily but complex concepts we are all confronted to.
What is free will? Does it really exist? Will AI eventually overtake and manipulate us the way we have each others for so long? Through a cast of thoughtful and empathetic characters, you will find these existential and philosophical questions dealt with with positivity, compassion and beauty.
The audible version kept me totally captivated through the different voices in the book.
Social upheaval, political unrest, colonialism, revenge and subterfuge, and ultimately, redemption, all set in the fantastical world of Inkasisa (loosely based on Bolivia and its history). Our hero, Ximena, is the Condesa’s decoy, and her one job is to protect the true Condesa of the Illustrians at any cost. When Atoc, the king of the Llacsans, comes with a “peace” offering in the form of a marriage proposal to the Condesa, it must be Ximena who crosses enemy lines to fulfill this duty. It doesn’t hurt that she’ll be able to search for the enchanted stone that can help them finally win the war, retake their city, and reach peace at last.
But, the longer Ximena stays with the Llacsans, the more she is challenged to question stereotypes. The violence and abuse of the king is easy to hate, but the kindness she receives from her guards and helpers confuses her. Not wanting to be disloyal to the true Condesa, but wanting to remain true to her budding beliefs, Ximena finds herself confronted with impossible choices.
I loved how the magic felt so organic to the story–Ximena’s talent is weaving, but it is made more beautiful (and powerful, and useful!) by her magic. And her weaving is so central to the story, that the way it changes and grows feels earned and satisfying. The relationships felt strong and the frequent conflicts were familiar, though heightened. The descriptions of the foods were absolutely mouthwatering!
Highly, highly recommend this awesome YA for fans of fantasy, strong female heroes, and action/adventure.
