Fiction_L Archives Audiobooks read by a certain reader Dates: 2/26/02,4:32 PM  through  3/4/02,7:40 PM  (40 postings) Search for: Select one or more indexes to search: 2011-current     2009-2010     2004-2008    1995-2003    (Matches from each index will be displayed separately in the results page.) Return to February 2002 thread menu   |   Fiction_L Archives Menu

FROM: "Susan T. Byra" <[removed]@emrl.lib.ms.us>
REC'D: 2/26/02, 4:32 PM

Does anybody out there buy or borrow audiobooks read by a particular
reader only? For my personal collection, I only buy the ones read by
Roger Rees (The original and still the best Nicholas Nickleby!), but I
wonder if anybody else does the same thing. Or am I just crazy and
obsessive? (Please don't answer that.) Anyway, just curious.
And just to flip that over, have you absolutely hated an audiobook
because you couldn't stand the reader?

Susan

--
Susan T. Byra, MLS
Director, East Miss. Regional Library

Now I believe that there are unicorns - William Shakespeare

FROM: Viccy Kemp <[removed]@cityofcarrollton.com>
REC'D: 2/26/02, 4:52 PM

I do not listen to audiobooks since the time I almost wrecked my car because
I was so engrossed in "Martin of Redwall." However, my boss listens to them
whenever she is in her car. She cannot stand George Guidall, but loves Robin
Bailey, Frank Muller, Tony Brittain, Jim Dale, Rob Inglis and the cast of
"His Dark Materials" from Listening Library.
She says she will listen to anything these guys read, but will only listen
to books she needs to listen to if it's other readers.
That's her opinion and she's sticking to it!
Viccy Kemp
The opinions are my own; the library wouldn't want 'em!

-----Original Message-----
From: Susan T. Byra [[removed]@emrl.lib.ms.us]
Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2002 4:21 PM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: Audiobooks read by a certain reader


Does anybody out there buy or borrow audiobooks read by a particular
reader only? For my personal collection, I only buy the ones read by
Roger Rees (The original and still the best Nicholas Nickleby!), but I
wonder if anybody else does the same thing. Or am I just crazy and
obsessive? (Please don't answer that.) Anyway, just curious.
And just to flip that over, have you absolutely hated an audiobook
because you couldn't stand the reader?

Susan

--
Susan T. Byra, MLS
Director, East Miss. Regional Library

Now I believe that there are unicorns - William Shakespeare

FROM: Julie Roberts <[removed]@rolling-meadows.lib.il.us>
REC'D: 2/26/02, 5:13 PM

Hello Susan. Interesting questions! Yes, I borrow audiobooks read by
certain authors--my list is somewhat long.
George Guidall, Frank Muller, Davina Porter, Barbara Rosenblat, Christina
Moore are but a few.
On the flip side, I can't remember the book or the reader, BUT it might be
one of the Outlander series, by Diana Gabaldon NOT by Recorded Books, but
by Bantam Doubleday Audio, read by Geraldine James. I took this out
because the Recorded Books was out, and I could not get past her smarmy,
high-pitched voice to listen to even five minutes. I said eeww, and
returned it to my Library.
That's the only one. Julie A. Roberts [removed]@rolling-meadows.lib.il.us

-----Original Message-----
From: Susan T. Byra [[removed]@emrl.lib.ms.us]
Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2002 4:31 PM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: Audiobooks read by a certain reader

Does anybody out there buy or borrow audiobooks read by a particular
reader only? For my personal collection, I only buy the ones read by
Roger Rees (The original and still the best Nicholas Nickleby!), but I
wonder if anybody else does the same thing. Or am I just crazy and
obsessive? (Please don't answer that.) Anyway, just curious.
And just to flip that over, have you absolutely hated an audiobook
because you couldn't stand the reader?

Susan

--
Susan T. Byra, MLS
Director, East Miss. Regional Library

Now I believe that there are unicorns - William Shakespeare

FROM: "Lisa Colcord" <[removed]@ci.glendale.az.us>
REC'D: 2/26/02, 5:23 PM

Absolutely, a reader can make or break an audiobook. I don't have just ONE reader that I listen to, although I do have my favorites. For example, I will listen to anything by C. J. Critt, and I love Jim Dale and George Guidall.

I loved the Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell and actually read the book four times, but I HATED the audio version, partly because of the reader, partly because it was abridged.

Lisa


Lisa Colcord
Librarian
Glendale Public library
Glendale, AZ

....my views are my own....

-The secret to life is enjoying the passage of time- James Taylor

>>> [removed]@emrl.lib.ms.us 02/26/02 03:20PM >>>
Does anybody out there buy or borrow audiobooks read by a particular
reader only? For my personal collection, I only buy the ones read by
Roger Rees (The original and still the best Nicholas Nickleby!), but I
wonder if anybody else does the same thing. Or am I just crazy and
obsessive? (Please don't answer that.) Anyway, just curious.
And just to flip that over, have you absolutely hated an audiobook
because you couldn't stand the reader?

Susan

--
Susan T. Byra, MLS
Director, East Miss. Regional Library

Now I believe that there are unicorns - William Shakespeare

FROM: "Jeanne Etling" <[removed]@nslsilus.org>
REC'D: 2/26/02, 8:09 PM

Susan, I remember a big to-do on Fiction_L when the last Evanovich mystery
was produced on audiobook by Brilliance. Having listened to the previous
titles narrated by C J Critt (Recorded Books), the new narrator was
unacceptable to many listeners. There were some, however, who enjoyed the
narration.

Jeanne Etling
Dundee (IL) Township Public Library District

----- Original Message -----
From: Susan T. Byra

> And just to flip that over, have you absolutely hated an audiobook
> because you couldn't stand the reader?

FROM: Kim Rutter <[removed]@lvdl.org>
REC'D: 2/27/02, 7:32 AM

Absolutely!! I LOVE the series of audiobooks by Janet Evanovich: One for
the Money, Two for the Dough, etc. when read by C.J. Critt. My obsession is
to the point that I won't read the book for myself, I wait for C.J. to read
it to me. But when the 7th title in the series came out last summer with a
different reader, I absolutely hated the book. I've heard that the
audiobook publisher has realized their mistake and has made arrangements
with Ms Critt for at least the next 2.--Kim

Kim Uden Rutter
Head, Technical Services
Lake Villa District Library
Lake Villa, IL

"If I went west, I think I would go to Kansas."--Abraham Lincoln


-----Original Message-----
From: Susan T. Byra [[removed]@emrl.lib.ms.us]
Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2002 4:21 PM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: Audiobooks read by a certain reader


Does anybody out there buy or borrow audiobooks read by a particular
reader only? For my personal collection, I only buy the ones read by
Roger Rees (The original and still the best Nicholas Nickleby!), but I
wonder if anybody else does the same thing. Or am I just crazy and
obsessive? (Please don't answer that.) Anyway, just curious.
And just to flip that over, have you absolutely hated an audiobook
because you couldn't stand the reader?

Susan

--
Susan T. Byra, MLS
Director, East Miss. Regional Library

Now I believe that there are unicorns - William Shakespeare

FROM: "Karen A.K. Keller" <[removed]@brighton.lib.mi.us>
REC'D: 2/27/02, 8:37 AM

On Tue, 26 Feb 2002, Susan T. Byra wrote:

> Does anybody out there buy or borrow audiobooks read by a particular
> reader only?
>
I think John McDonough is an excellent reader; he has recorded all the
Mitford books (written by Jan Karon). Also, "Devil's Dream" by Lee Smith
is read by 8 different people and that is by far one of the finest books
on audio that I have heard.


Karen Keller
Brighton (MI) District Library

FROM: "Dehoff, Christine" <[removed]@ecc.edu>
REC'D: 2/27/02, 8:37 AM

I've become a fan of Suzanne Toren after listening to her reading of
"High Tide in Tucson" and "Le Mariage." This a first for me-to actually
look for audiobooks read by a particular person. I'm really glad they
can be searched as authors. I've turned off a tape after 5 -10 minutes
because I couldn't stand a reader-never noted who they were though.

Christine Dehoff
Erie Community College
Buffalo, NY 14203

FROM: Kaite Mediatore <[removed]@yahoo.com>
REC'D: 2/27/02, 8:59 AM

Susan,
As a recent audio book convert, I've started keeping a long
file of all the audiobooks I listen to with comments on why
I liked or disliked it and the narrator usually has
something to do with it. I loved Bridget Jones Diary read
by Barbara Rosenblat and while the second Bridget Jones
book was a little weak I didn't much care since Rosenblat
was reading. The only book I quit listening to that
Rosenblat read was The Queen and I. The story was just too
boring and I would have quit sooner except I love to listen
to Rosenblat read. But, sadly, even she couldn't save
Townsend's Queen and I for the entire listen.

I absoluely LOATHED Charming Billy by Alice McDermott and
read by Roses Pritchard. While I strongly disliked the
narrator, I also disliked the tapes' set up. Before the
beginning of every tape a male voice came on to inform the
listener which tape, side and book you were listening to.
After two tapes I think I knew I was listening to "Charming
Billy by Alice McDermott read by Roses Pritchard Tape 3
side 2." That got to be a little much and I quit listening
to that book, but decided I wanted to read it in print.

I have plenty more comments and love hearing everyone
else's. I'm writing an article on the appeal of audio books
and how to do Reader's Advisory with books on tape. Please
send more commments, likes, dislikes and any thing else!

Kaite

--- "Susan T. Byra" <[removed]@emrl.lib.ms.us> wrote:
> Does anybody out there buy or borrow audiobooks read by a
> particular
> reader only? For my personal collection, I only buy the
> ones read by
> Roger Rees (The original and still the best Nicholas
> Nickleby!), but I
> wonder if anybody else does the same thing. Or am I just
> crazy and
> obsessive? (Please don't answer that.) Anyway, just
> curious.
> And just to flip that over, have you absolutely hated an
> audiobook
> because you couldn't stand the reader?
>
> Susan
>
> --
> Susan T. Byra, MLS
> Director, East Miss. Regional Library
>
> Now I believe that there are unicorns - William
> Shakespeare
>
>
>
>
......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L:
http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html


=====
Kaite Mediatore, Reader's Services Librarian
KCKPL Main Branch
625 Minnesota Ave.
Kansas City, KS 66101
913.279.2067 fx 913.279.2032
[removed]@kckpl.lib.ks.us

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Greetings - Send FREE e-cards for every occasion!
http://greetings.yahoo.com

FROM: "Roberts, Julie" <[removed]@rolling-meadows.lib.il.us>
REC'D: 2/27/02, 10:34 AM

A little more of my 2 cents' worth: Jim Dale (Harry Potter reader) is FANTASTIC!!! He really enhanced Harry Potter so much for me.
Recorded Books readers are the cream of narrators! Also, the eeewww book might have been one of the abridged versions of a
"Cat who..." mystery, I don't remember. Julie A. Roberts [removed]@rolling-meadows.lib.il.us "all opinions are my own".
-----Original Message-----
From: Julie Roberts [[removed]@rolling-meadows.lib.il.us]
Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2002 3:35 PM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: RE: Audiobooks read by a certain reader

Hello Susan. Interesting questions! Yes, I borrow audiobooks read by
certain authors--my list is somewhat long.
George Guidall, Frank Muller, Davina Porter, Barbara Rosenblat, Christina
Moore are but a few.
On the flip side, I can't remember the book or the reader, BUT it might be
one of the Outlander series, by Diana Gabaldon NOT by Recorded Books, but
by Bantam Doubleday Audio, read by Geraldine James. I took this out
because the Recorded Books was out, and I could not get past her smarmy,
high-pitched voice to listen to even five minutes. I said eeww, and
returned it to my Library.
That's the only one. Julie A. Roberts [removed]@rolling-meadows.lib.il.us

FROM: "Roberts, Julie" <[removed]@rolling-meadows.lib.il.us>
REC'D: 2/27/02, 10:34 AM

Kaite--I LOVED "the Queen & I"! A patron had told me about it, and
suggested that I listen to it, because SHE had loved it. Barbara has such
a great range of voices/dialects! Try it again, if you can. It is a
little boring at times, but I was laughing in my car for most of it. Also,
how could I forget mentioning C.J. Critt? She is GREAT at narrating Janet
Evanovich, Linda Barnes, Jane Roberts Wood and everyone else's books! Some
narrators really make the books come alive. Julie A. Roberts
[removed]@rolling-meadows.lib.il.us
"all opinions are my own".

-----Original Message-----
From: Kaite Mediatore [[removed]@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2002 3:37 PM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: Re: Audiobooks read by a certain reader

Susan,
As a recent audio book convert, I've started keeping a long
file of all the audiobooks I listen to with comments on why
I liked or disliked it and the narrator usually has
something to do with it. I loved Bridget Jones Diary read
by Barbara Rosenblat and while the second Bridget Jones
book was a little weak I didn't much care since Rosenblat
was reading. The only book I quit listening to that
Rosenblat read was The Queen and I. The story was just too
boring and I would have quit sooner except I love to listen
to Rosenblat read. But, sadly, even she couldn't save
Townsend's Queen and I for the entire listen.


<snip>

FROM: [removed]@carmel.lib.in.us (Mary Boyden)
REC'D: 2/27/02, 11:48 AM

I was an occasional audio book user - only on long car rides alone.

Now I am an addict.

I listen in my car on my very short commute to work - sometimes I take the
long way to get somewhere or sit with my car running in the garage if it's
gotten to a really good part.

My addiction began when our library did not have a hard copy of Stendhal's
"The Red and the Black" - which my French foreign exchange student insisted
I read. I checked out the 15 audiotapes and listened to them while I was
piecing a quilt.

Now I cannot sew without listening to a book. If there is a tape or CD
player in the room where I am cooking or doing housework or taking a bubble
bath, I have to listen. So far, I have managed to keep my addiction
confined to my personal space and have not brought tapes with me into work.

To listen to the Janet Evanovich books, I had to get a personal CD player
with headphones since I have a young daughter and did not want her exposed
to that language coming from her mother's sewing room. I found that I
could listen to books in bed with this equipment without disturbing my
husband - except for the parts where I laughed out loud!

My addiction is such that I am not particular about the reader of the book
- although I confess some disappointment if I happen to check out two books
in a row with the same reader as it takes me a few tapes to adjust to the
reader being a different character. One of my favorite readers is Amy Tan
reading her own work and I do like the Recorded Books versions better than
others because the tapes are predictable - turn over to listen to side two
at the same point, fast forward to the end of the tape.

Is there help for me or am I destined to listen to all of the tapes in our
collection, hoping that the publishers are able to keep ahead of me?

Mary Boyden
Readers' Advisory Librarian
Carmel Clay Public Library

At 06:44 AM 2/27/02 -0800, you wrote:
>Susan,
>As a recent audio book convert, I've started keeping a long
>file of all the audiobooks I listen to with comments on why
>I liked or disliked it and the narrator usually has
>something to do with it. I loved Bridget Jones Diary read
>by Barbara Rosenblat and while the second Bridget Jones
>book was a little weak I didn't much care since Rosenblat
>was reading. The only book I quit listening to that
>Rosenblat read was The Queen and I. The story was just too
>boring and I would have quit sooner except I love to listen
>to Rosenblat read. But, sadly, even she couldn't save
>Townsend's Queen and I for the entire listen.
>
>I absoluely LOATHED Charming Billy by Alice McDermott and
>read by Roses Pritchard. While I strongly disliked the
>narrator, I also disliked the tapes' set up. Before the
>beginning of every tape a male voice came on to inform the
>listener which tape, side and book you were listening to.
>After two tapes I think I knew I was listening to "Charming
>Billy by Alice McDermott read by Roses Pritchard Tape 3
>side 2." That got to be a little much and I quit listening
>to that book, but decided I wanted to read it in print.
>
>I have plenty more comments and love hearing everyone
>else's. I'm writing an article on the appeal of audio books
>and how to do Reader's Advisory with books on tape. Please
>send more commments, likes, dislikes and any thing else!
>
>Kaite
>
>--- "Susan T. Byra" <[removed]@emrl.lib.ms.us> wrote:
>> Does anybody out there buy or borrow audiobooks read by a
>> particular
>> reader only? For my personal collection, I only buy the
>> ones read by
>> Roger Rees (The original and still the best Nicholas
>> Nickleby!), but I
>> wonder if anybody else does the same thing. Or am I just
>> crazy and
>> obsessive? (Please don't answer that.) Anyway, just
>> curious.
>> And just to flip that over, have you absolutely hated an
>> audiobook
>> because you couldn't stand the reader?
>>
>> Susan
>>
>> --
>> Susan T. Byra, MLS
>> Director, East Miss. Regional Library
>>
>> Now I believe that there are unicorns - William
>> Shakespeare
>>
>>
>>
>>
>......................................................................
>> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
>> Everything Fiction_L:
>http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>
>
>=====
>Kaite Mediatore, Reader's Services Librarian
>KCKPL Main Branch
>625 Minnesota Ave.
>Kansas City, KS 66101
>913.279.2067 fx 913.279.2032
[removed]@kckpl.lib.ks.us
>
>__________________________________________________
>Do You Yahoo!?
>Yahoo! Greetings - Send FREE e-cards for every occasion!
>http://greetings.yahoo.com
>
>......................................................................
>Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
>Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>

FROM: "Susan T. Byra" <[removed]@emrl.lib.ms.us>
REC'D: 2/27/02, 11:59 AM

I remember that I tried to listen to one of the "Cat who.." books read
by Dick Van Patten. Now, nothing against Mr. Van Patten, I'm sure he's
a lovely man, but I absolutely *loathed* his reading!! I quit after 10
min. I just couldn't take it anymore.
BTW, I don't know if this has been on here on not, since I've just
joined the list, but one of the greatest readers of all, Frank Muller,
had a very serious accident late last year and is in very serious
condition. Steven King and some others recently had some sort of
read-in/fund-raiser for him to help defray medical costs. Let's hope
Mr. Muller gets better soon, as he is also a fantastic reader.

Susan

--
Susan T. Byra, MLS
Director, East Miss. Regional Library

Now I believe that there are unicorns - William Shakespeare

FROM: "Quillen, Christine" <[removed]@camden.lib.nj.us>
REC'D: 2/27/02, 12:52 PM

I could not stand the reader who read "Midnight in the Garden of Good and
Evil".

C. L. Quillen

-----Original Message-----
From: Susan T. Byra [[removed]@emrl.lib.ms.us]
Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2002 5:21 PM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: Audiobooks read by a certain reader


Does anybody out there buy or borrow audiobooks read by a particular
reader only? For my personal collection, I only buy the ones read by
Roger Rees (The original and still the best Nicholas Nickleby!), but I
wonder if anybody else does the same thing. Or am I just crazy and
obsessive? (Please don't answer that.) Anyway, just curious.
And just to flip that over, have you absolutely hated an audiobook
because you couldn't stand the reader?

Susan

--
Susan T. Byra, MLS
Director, East Miss. Regional Library

Now I believe that there are unicorns - William Shakespeare

FROM: "Martha Garbison" <[removed]@denver.lib.co.us>
REC'D: 2/27/02, 1:13 PM

Anything read by Kate Forbes, Jim Dale, C. J. Critt...

>>> [removed]@emrl.lib.ms.us 02/26/02 03:20PM >>>
Does anybody out there buy or borrow audiobooks read by a particular
reader only? For my personal collection, I only buy the ones read by
Roger Rees (The original and still the best Nicholas Nickleby!), but I
wonder if anybody else does the same thing. Or am I just crazy and
obsessive? (Please don't answer that.) Anyway, just curious.
And just to flip that over, have you absolutely hated an audiobook
because you couldn't stand the reader?

Susan

--
Susan T. Byra, MLS
Director, East Miss. Regional Library

Now I believe that there are unicorns - William Shakespeare

FROM: "Sue Rice" <[removed]@ascpl.lib.oh.us>
REC'D: 2/27/02, 1:56 PM

For those of you who are Frank Muller fans, I heard on NPR several weeks ago
that he was seriously injured in a traffic accident. I do remember that he
was going to need a lot of therapy, both physical and occupational. I also
recall that there was going to be a benefit for him at Town Hall in NY
sponsored by a number of authors whose books Muller read, including Stephen
King.

Olivia Brown

FROM: Sarah Flowers <[removed]@scinet.co.santa-clara.ca.us>
REC'D: 2/27/02, 3:33 PM

Like most of you, I have certain readers I avoid. I really hate David
Case's reading of the Dick Francis books. His voice seems to whiny to
me. And Tony Britton does such a good job on them for Chivers--I wish
he read all of them.


Sarah Flowers, Community Librarian
Morgan Hill Library, a Santa Clara County Library
17575 Peak Avenue/Morgan Hill, CA 95037
[removed]@scinet.co.santa-clara.ca.us

FROM: [removed]@ci.mesa.az.us
REC'D: 2/27/02, 3:54 PM

A real fan of audiobooks, I freak people out by telling them that I read
while driving. My only close call came when listening to a really graphic
scene in "Hannibal", coming home at night. My college-age daughter and I
bought "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" specifically to "read" on a
cross-country trip. I usually don't pay any attention to who is reading as
long as I'm drawn into the story.

My recent favorite is Jackdaws read by Kate Reading. She did a wonderful
job switching back and forth between American, French, German and English
accents, sometimes in the same conversation.

Andrea Greenslade
E. Mesa Library

FROM: [removed]@earthlink.net
REC'D: 2/27/02, 4:58 PM

Susan,
You might want to try the Recorded Books versions read by George
Guidall. He is just wonderful.
Nancy
> From: "Susan T. Byra" <[removed]@emrl.lib.ms.us>
> Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 11:38:20 -0600
>
> I remember that I tried to listen to one of the "Cat who.." books read
> by Dick Van Patten. Now, nothing against Mr. Van Patten, I'm sure he's
> a lovely man, but I absolutely *loathed* his reading!!

FROM: [removed]@earthlink.net
REC'D: 2/27/02, 5:09 PM

Books on Tape offers most or all of the Nero Wolfe/Archie Goodwin
mysteries by Rex Stout, read by Michael Prichard. He is fantastic. The
narrator is Archie, and Prichard has just the right tone and expression
for the character. It feels like he really IS Archie!
Nancy

FROM: "Carol Kubala" <[removed]@columbiapl.libct.org>
REC'D: 2/27/02, 5:30 PM

I'm hooked! I only live 1 mile from work but still listen to a bit of tape
each day on my "commute". Of course at that rate it would take me years to
complete a really long read so I find myself making excuses to drive so I
can listen. The reader/narrator is so important to enjoyment of the book.
Like most listeners I have my favorites like Frank Mueller and Barbara
Rosenblatt. I also walk while listening to a book. This book is different
from the one I listen to while driving. I only allow myself to listen while
I walk. Good for my figure! I'm presently listening to From The Corner of
His Eye by Koontz, read by Stephen Lang. So enjoyable I'll probably be able
to eat cookie and ice cream this week.

In our library we have just started to purchase cd's when along comes
MP3's. How many libraries have collections MP3 Books on Tape? I understand
that Recorded Books will be offering some soon. Are they circulating well?

Happy reading to all....

Carol

FROM: "AWarner" <[removed]@charter.net>
REC'D: 2/27/02, 6:23 PM

My favorite audiobook readers are British. David Case, who also records as
Frederick Davidson, is one of the all time greats. David Suchet does some
Agatha Christie novels. The male who recorded the Patrick OBrien novels is
also wonderful. All these readers do voices so well it's hard to believe
you're only listening to one person.

I cannot listen to some readers--no matter what I think of the story. I've
also found that I enjoy listening to some books that I didn't enjoy when I
tried to read them.

I've also had very good luck listening to Chivers and Cover-to-Cover tapes.
They seem to pick excellent and appropriate readers for each novel. So I
choose not only by reader, but also by brand name.

The audio book is a wonderful invention. I too am an addict. Judy

FROM: Gay Anderson <[removed]@yahoo.com>
REC'D: 2/28/02, 8:09 AM

The only audiobook that I ever stopped listening
to because of the reader was one by Roseblatt! I
think it was a Barbara Michaels title. It looks
like I will have to give her a second chance.

=====
Helena Township Public Library
8751 Helena Road
Alden, MI 49612

Phone: 231-331-4318
Fax: 231-331-4245
www.aldenlib.org

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Greetings - Send FREE e-cards for every occasion!
http://greetings.yahoo.com

FROM: "Kay Mahoney" <[removed]@tolland.org>
REC'D: 2/28/02, 8:09 AM

My favorite audio tapes are the Edna O'Brien-The Country Girls Trilogy read
by the author-wonderful. Kay Mahoney

-----Original Message-----
From: [removed]@maillist.webrary.org
[[removed]@maillist.webrary.org]On Behalf Of AWarner
Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2002 7:15 PM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: Audiobook readers


My favorite audiobook readers are British. David Case, who also records as
Frederick Davidson, is one of the all time greats. David Suchet does some
Agatha Christie novels. The male who recorded the Patrick OBrien novels is
also wonderful. All these readers do voices so well it's hard to believe
you're only listening to one person.

I cannot listen to some readers--no matter what I think of the story. I've
also found that I enjoy listening to some books that I didn't enjoy when I
tried to read them.

I've also had very good luck listening to Chivers and Cover-to-Cover tapes.
They seem to pick excellent and appropriate readers for each novel. So I
choose not only by reader, but also by brand name.

The audio book is a wonderful invention. I too am an addict. Judy

FROM: Spencer Ms Martha <[removed]@usmc-mccs.org>
REC'D: 2/28/02, 8:30 AM

No, you are not crazy. I don't get ones by just one reader, but there are
ones I prefer. 1. Frank Muller 2. George Guidall 3. Barbara Rosenblat 4.
Grover Gardner aka Alexander Adams 5. Donada Peters.

Martha

-----Original Message-----
From: Susan T. Byra [[removed]@emrl.lib.ms.us]
Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2002 2:21 PM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: Audiobooks read by a certain reader


Does anybody out there buy or borrow audiobooks read by a particular
reader only? For my personal collection, I only buy the ones read by
Roger Rees (The original and still the best Nicholas Nickleby!), but I
wonder if anybody else does the same thing. Or am I just crazy and
obsessive? (Please don't answer that.) Anyway, just curious.
And just to flip that over, have you absolutely hated an audiobook
because you couldn't stand the reader?

Susan

--
Susan T. Byra, MLS
Director, East Miss. Regional Library

Now I believe that there are unicorns - William Shakespeare

FROM: Spencer Ms Martha <[removed]@usmc-mccs.org>
REC'D: 2/28/02, 8:41 AM

I will not listen to anything read by Wolfram Kandinsky or Michael Russotto.

Martha

-----Original Message-----
From: Susan T. Byra [[removed]@emrl.lib.ms.us]
Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2002 2:21 PM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: Audiobooks read by a certain reader


Does anybody out there buy or borrow audiobooks read by a particular
reader only? For my personal collection, I only buy the ones read by
Roger Rees (The original and still the best Nicholas Nickleby!), but I
wonder if anybody else does the same thing. Or am I just crazy and
obsessive? (Please don't answer that.) Anyway, just curious.
And just to flip that over, have you absolutely hated an audiobook
because you couldn't stand the reader?

Susan

--
Susan T. Byra, MLS
Director, East Miss. Regional Library

Now I believe that there are unicorns - William Shakespeare

FROM: Spencer Ms Martha <[removed]@usmc-mccs.org>
REC'D: 2/28/02, 8:41 AM

I adored The Queen and I. Different strokes, as they say.

Martha

-----Original Message-----
From: Kaite Mediatore [[removed]@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2002 6:45 AM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: Re: Audiobooks read by a certain reader


Susan,
As a recent audio book convert, I've started keeping a long
file of all the audiobooks I listen to with comments on why
I liked or disliked it and the narrator usually has
something to do with it. I loved Bridget Jones Diary read
by Barbara Rosenblat and while the second Bridget Jones
book was a little weak I didn't much care since Rosenblat
was reading. The only book I quit listening to that
Rosenblat read was The Queen and I. The story was just too
boring and I would have quit sooner except I love to listen
to Rosenblat read. But, sadly, even she couldn't save
Townsend's Queen and I for the entire listen.

I absoluely LOATHED Charming Billy by Alice McDermott and
read by Roses Pritchard. While I strongly disliked the
narrator, I also disliked the tapes' set up. Before the
beginning of every tape a male voice came on to inform the
listener which tape, side and book you were listening to.
After two tapes I think I knew I was listening to "Charming
Billy by Alice McDermott read by Roses Pritchard Tape 3
side 2." That got to be a little much and I quit listening
to that book, but decided I wanted to read it in print.

I have plenty more comments and love hearing everyone
else's. I'm writing an article on the appeal of audio books
and how to do Reader's Advisory with books on tape. Please
send more commments, likes, dislikes and any thing else!

Kaite

--- "Susan T. Byra" <[removed]@emrl.lib.ms.us> wrote:
> Does anybody out there buy or borrow audiobooks read by a
> particular
> reader only? For my personal collection, I only buy the
> ones read by
> Roger Rees (The original and still the best Nicholas
> Nickleby!), but I
> wonder if anybody else does the same thing. Or am I just
> crazy and
> obsessive? (Please don't answer that.) Anyway, just
> curious.
> And just to flip that over, have you absolutely hated an
> audiobook
> because you couldn't stand the reader?
>
> Susan
>
> --
> Susan T. Byra, MLS
> Director, East Miss. Regional Library
>
> Now I believe that there are unicorns - William
> Shakespeare
>
>
>
>
......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L:
http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html


=====
Kaite Mediatore, Reader's Services Librarian
KCKPL Main Branch
625 Minnesota Ave.
Kansas City, KS 66101
913.279.2067 fx 913.279.2032
[removed]@kckpl.lib.ks.us

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Greetings - Send FREE e-cards for every occasion!
http://greetings.yahoo.com

FROM: Spencer Ms Martha <[removed]@usmc-mccs.org>
REC'D: 2/28/02, 8:41 AM

I listen to audiobooks all the time and the end tags are helpful for me to
make sure I have the right tape. What I hate is Books on Tapes reading of
the book flap, dedication and then a 10 minute explanation of how to return
rentals, etc. It takes up about half the first side.

Martha

-----Original Message-----
From: Kaite Mediatore [[removed]@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2002 6:45 AM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: Re: Audiobooks read by a certain reader


Susan,
As a recent audio book convert, I've started keeping a long
file of all the audiobooks I listen to with comments on why
I liked or disliked it and the narrator usually has
something to do with it. I loved Bridget Jones Diary read
by Barbara Rosenblat and while the second Bridget Jones
book was a little weak I didn't much care since Rosenblat
was reading. The only book I quit listening to that
Rosenblat read was The Queen and I. The story was just too
boring and I would have quit sooner except I love to listen
to Rosenblat read. But, sadly, even she couldn't save
Townsend's Queen and I for the entire listen.

I absoluely LOATHED Charming Billy by Alice McDermott and
read by Roses Pritchard. While I strongly disliked the
narrator, I also disliked the tapes' set up. Before the
beginning of every tape a male voice came on to inform the
listener which tape, side and book you were listening to.
After two tapes I think I knew I was listening to "Charming
Billy by Alice McDermott read by Roses Pritchard Tape 3
side 2." That got to be a little much and I quit listening
to that book, but decided I wanted to read it in print.

I have plenty more comments and love hearing everyone
else's. I'm writing an article on the appeal of audio books
and how to do Reader's Advisory with books on tape. Please
send more commments, likes, dislikes and any thing else!

Kaite

--- "Susan T. Byra" <[removed]@emrl.lib.ms.us> wrote:
> Does anybody out there buy or borrow audiobooks read by a
> particular
> reader only? For my personal collection, I only buy the
> ones read by
> Roger Rees (The original and still the best Nicholas
> Nickleby!), but I
> wonder if anybody else does the same thing. Or am I just
> crazy and
> obsessive? (Please don't answer that.) Anyway, just
> curious.
> And just to flip that over, have you absolutely hated an
> audiobook
> because you couldn't stand the reader?
>
> Susan
>
> --
> Susan T. Byra, MLS
> Director, East Miss. Regional Library
>
> Now I believe that there are unicorns - William
> Shakespeare
>
>
>
>
......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L:
http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html


=====
Kaite Mediatore, Reader's Services Librarian
KCKPL Main Branch
625 Minnesota Ave.
Kansas City, KS 66101
913.279.2067 fx 913.279.2032
[removed]@kckpl.lib.ks.us

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Greetings - Send FREE e-cards for every occasion!
http://greetings.yahoo.com

FROM: Spencer Ms Martha <[removed]@usmc-mccs.org>
REC'D: 2/28/02, 9:12 AM

I thought Charles Frazier's reading of Cold Mountain should have been done
by someone else. Dave Barry is another writer whose works are much better
read by someone else.

Martha

-----Original Message-----
From: Lynda Whitton-Henley
[[removed]@ccpl.ci.corpus-christi.tx.us]
Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2002 4:39 PM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: Re: Audiobooks read by a certain reader


Susan,

I'm not sure if it was the story or the author's reading of it, (Frazer's
Cold Mountain) but I thought he was very monotone and I just about gave up
on it. I love Gene Eugene doing Jance's J. P. Beaumont. Rosenblatt (I
hope I've spelled it right...I just closed our lib. cataloge before
catching up on e-mail). It was very noticable when someone else narrated
one of the Sue Grafton series.

There are a lot of good narrator's out there so I'm not too picky. My
husband refuses to listen to most of the British ones, but Donnata Peters
(sp?) is better than most of them I think.

I came across another author a little while and have forgotten who it was,
but again, he shouldn't have done it! I like Stephen King doing his, but
have heard others say they don't like him doing the narration.

I refuse to listen to abridged tapes, but that's just me.

Lynda Whitton-Henley
Br. Mgr. NW Br. Corpus Christi, TX

"Susan T. Byra" wrote:

> Does anybody out there buy or borrow audiobooks read by a particular
> reader only? For my personal collection, I only buy the ones read by
> Roger Rees (The original and still the best Nicholas Nickleby!), but I
> wonder if anybody else does the same thing. Or am I just crazy and
> obsessive? (Please don't answer that.) Anyway, just curious.
> And just to flip that over, have you absolutely hated an audiobook
> because you couldn't stand the reader?
>
> Susan
>
> --
> Susan T. Byra, MLS
> Director, East Miss. Regional Library
>
> Now I believe that there are unicorns - William Shakespeare
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html

FROM: [removed]@cs.com
REC'D: 2/28/02, 9:23 AM

I've just gotten a new(used)car with a cassette player, and since I drive an hour each direction to work, I'm making more use of audio tapes. I've previously listened at home to Roses Pritchard's reading of To Kill a Mockingbird, which I loved. Also, I really enjoyed Quite a Year for Plums, read by the author, Bailey White. Both have a southern accent which can affect listeners in different ways.
I'm currently listening to The Constant Gardener read by author John LeCarre. I'm having difficulty following the plot and thinking that someone else should be reading the different characters.
I also had trouble with Ender's Shadow by Orson Scott Card. This was done by a group of readers, so no confusion, but just not interesting. My then 12 year old son enjoyed it, though. In fact, my kids like to listen to nearly anything on tape. I think it's part of the pleasure of being read to.
I hope this string of responses will be compiled. The original question has raised a lot of interest.

Suzanne Strom
Chicago Public Librar

FROM: Mary K Chelton <[removed]@optonline.net>
REC'D: 2/28/02, 9:23 AM

The readers of audiobooks are (or could be ) an important facet of RA
service in 2 ways. Some readers will read anything a particular person
narrates. That's how I got to read Song for the Asking because it was read
by George Guidall (who will be at the PLA RA preconference, by the way), and
for which I am forever grateful.

Secondly, Recorded Books adds a tag line to their audiobooks that says, "If
you liked this book read by X, then try this book, also read by X.
Unfortunately, the books often have nothing in common in terms of themes or
appeal factors. We could improve on this by doing readalike lists of books
by the same narrator that were also grouped by other factors.

We should also start including availability in audiobook format with
specified readers on suggested lists.

I've reached the point where I prefer audiobooks for fiction over text. I
restrain myself by not bringing the audiobooks from my car to the house, but
I know that I have made many unnecessary auto errands because I wanted to
listen to more of my book. I'm worried that, if I bring them inside, I may
never willingly read text again, and unfortunately, need to read other stuff
not in that format.

Mary K.
****************************************************************************
Mary K. Chelton, Ph. D.
Associate Professor, Graduate School of
Library and Information Studies, 254 Rosenthal Library,
Queens College, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367;
Phones: (718) 997-3667 (direct/voice/voicemail),
3790 (general office), 3797 (fax).

Home: 35 Mercury Ave., East Patchogue, NY 11772.
Phone: (631)286-4255, no home fax.
E-mail: [removed]@optonline.net
****************************************************************************

FROM: Linda Davis <[removed]@Connect.bedlib.org>
REC'D: 2/28/02, 12:13 PM

Some of my favorite readers are Jim Dale (wonderful!), Brian Jacques,
David Sedaris reading his own work, and Bailey White. I can tolerate
Ken Howard, but would rather not. I tried to listen to The World Below
read by Judith Light but just couldn't stand all the emotion she put
into everything. I also didn't care for Jan Karon's reading of her
work.

FROM: Meg Justus <[removed]@pcl.lib.wa.us>
REC'D: 2/28/02, 1:18 PM

I'll second Barbara Rosenblatt. The things she did with Ramses' voice over
the course of the entire Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters were
nothing short of astonishing.

Another company that does wonderful unabridged audiobooks is The Reader's
Chair. I came across them when I was looking for audiobooks of Lois
McMaster Bujold. This company has their books read by a pair of readers
(Michael Hanson and Carol Cowan) who take the appropriate parts, which adds
a certain amount of realism (relatively <g>). They're something of a
cottage business, though, and take a fair amount of time putting the tapes
out (they're still working on Mirror Dance, for instance, which is copyright
1994). They also sell MP3s of some titles.

Speaking of Bujold and Peters, does anyone have any recommendations for
readalikes for someone who loves both series for the same reasons?
(atypically strong characters, unusual setting, etc.).

Meg Justus
Pierce County Library

FROM: "Waznis, Betty" <[removed]@co.san-diego.ca.us>
REC'D: 2/28/02, 1:39 PM

In my experience, authors are usually not the best choice to narrate their
works. For most, it just is not a talent they possess. I wonder if it is an
ego thing on the author's part. I remember listening (or trying to listen)
to William Buckley narrating one of his Blackie Oaks thrillers - deadly!

Betty Waznis
San Diego County Library


Subject: RE: Audiobooks read by a certain reader
From: "Spencer Ms Martha" <[removed]@usmc-mccs.org>
Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2002 09:54:46 -0500

I thought Charles Frazier's reading of Cold Mountain should have been done
by someone else. Dave Barry is another writer whose works are much better
read by someone else.

Martha

-----Original Message-----
From: Lynda Whitton-Henley
[[removed]@ccpl.ci.corpus-christi.tx.us]
Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2002 4:39 PM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: Re: Audiobooks read by a certain reader


Susan,

I'm not sure if it was the story or the author's reading of it, (Frazer's
Cold Mountain) but I thought he was very monotone and I just about gave up
on it. I love Gene Eugene doing Jance's J. P. Beaumont. Rosenblatt (I
hope I've spelled it right...I just closed our lib. cataloge before
catching up on e-mail). It was very noticable when someone else narrated
one of the Sue Grafton series.

There are a lot of good narrator's out there so I'm not too picky. My
husband refuses to listen to most of the British ones, but Donnata Peters
(sp?) is better than most of them I think.

I came across another author a little while and have forgotten who it was,
but again, he shouldn't have done it! I like Stephen King doing his, but
have heard others say they don't like him doing the narration.

I refuse to listen to abridged tapes, but that's just me.

Lynda Whitton-Henley
Br. Mgr. NW Br. Corpus Christi, TX

FROM: "Kathy Wright" <[removed]@geneva.lib.il.us>
REC'D: 2/28/02, 2:34 PM

I got hooked on Audiobooks over 10 years ago when I listened to The
Day of the Triffids read by Robert Powell. A good reader can make
any book sound wonderful and a poor reader can make a good book sound
terrible. I prefer Recorded Books and Chivers and have too many
favorite readers to list. One of the best readers from the
entertainment world I have heard is Frances Sternhagen reading
Dolores Claiborne (King, Stephen) and William Hurt reading Hearts in
Atlantis. One of the biggest hoots I experienced was listening to
the Bridges of Madison County (lightly abridged!?) read by the
author. There just isn't enough time to read, but thank goodness for
audiobooks!

Kathie Wright
Geneva Public Library
Readers' Advisory

FROM: Jean Langlais <[removed]@linc.lib.il.us>
REC'D: 3/1/02, 8:59 AM

One of my favorites is Jenny Sterlin, most notable for her reading of White
Teeth by Zadie Smith, the Mary Russell mysteries by Laurie King and
Doomsday Book by Connie Willis.

FROM: Heuer <[removed]@itol.com>
REC'D: 3/2/02, 11:33 AM

I have been listening to J.D. Robb's books on audio read by Sue Erickson.
I
think she is a fabulous reader. Her voice changes for the different
characters are very good even to the lilt of Roarke's irish. I found her
beleivable even though that is a male character. These are put out by
Brilliance. So I enjoyed them so much I thought I would pick up some Nora
Roberts (same,same, I know but different). I started with the Irish
Trilogy,
Tears of the Moon, etc. These were read by Patricia Daniels and also
produced by Brilliance. They couldn't be more different. The reader was
flat. Slipped on some pronounciation. Hardly ever paused, even between
chapters. And the Irish accent she used made the young women sound like
old
grannies in my ears. Completely ruined the stories for me. I could not
finish the trilogy on tape. Well I sent my comments to Brilliance. They
responded with I'm sorry but....' Ms. Daniels has won many awards and
people
hear things differently.' I listen to a lot of tapes I still feel this
reader did an injustice to these books.


--
Jeanne Heuer
Brown County Library
Green Bay, WI
[removed]@itol.com

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes, Art is knowing which
ones
to keep." -anonymous
From: Linda Davis <[removed]@Connect.bedlib.org>
Reply-To: "Fiction_L" <[removed]@maillist.webrary.org>
Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2002 12:32:28 -0500
To: Fiction_L <[removed]@maillist.webrary.org>
Subject: Audiobooks


Some of my favorite readers are Jim Dale (wonderful!), Brian Jacques,
David Sedaris reading his own work, and Bailey White. I can tolerate
Ken Howard, but would rather not. I tried to listen to The World Below
read by Judith Light but just couldn't stand all the emotion she put
into everything. I also didn't care for Jan Karon's reading of her
work.

FROM: "Jeanne Etling" <[removed]@nslsilus.org>
REC'D: 3/4/02, 1:58 PM

I have listened to Stephen King's LT's Theory of Pets and once I got over
the fact that his voice is not the menacing type one might expect, I enjoyed
the story. I've not listened to Blood and Smoke yet.

Jeanne Etling
Dundee (IL) Township Public Library District
----- Original Message -----


> In my experience, authors are usually not the best choice to narrate their
> works. For most, it just is not a talent they possess. I wonder if it is
an
> ego thing on the author's part. I remember listening (or trying to listen)
> to William Buckley narrating one of his Blackie Oaks thrillers - deadly!

FROM: "Madeline Guzman" <[removed]@hotmail.com>
REC'D: 3/4/02, 5:00 PM

Blood and Smoke is great! Be sure to listen to it.

I wasn't sure what LT's Theory of Pets was when I saw it in the library
today. Is it a short story only released on audio tape? The cover of the
tape in my library didn't say much about the contents at all.

Also, if you haven't listened to King's Hearts in Atlantis, that's a great
tape as well. King reads two of the four parts of this book, if I recall
correctly. His voice does take bit of getting used to, though. You're
right!

Madeline
patron
Twinbrook Libray
Montgomery County, Maryland

--------------------

>
>I have listened to Stephen King's LT's Theory of Pets and once I got over
>the fact that his voice is not the menacing type one might expect, I
>enjoyed
>the story. I've not listened to Blood and Smoke yet.
>

_________________________________________________________________
MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos:
http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx

FROM: "Laurie Petri" <[removed]@hotmail.com>
REC'D: 3/4/02, 7:40 PM

LT Theory of Pets is just available as an audiotape
----- Original Message -----
From: "Madeline Guzman" <[removed]@hotmail.com>
To: "Fiction_L" <[removed]@maillist.webrary.org>
Sent: Monday, March 04, 2002 10:47 PM
Subject: Re: Audiobooks read by a certain reader


> Blood and Smoke is great! Be sure to listen to it.
>
> I wasn't sure what LT's Theory of Pets was when I saw it in the library
> today. Is it a short story only released on audio tape? The cover of the
> tape in my library didn't say much about the contents at all.
>
> Also, if you haven't listened to King's Hearts in Atlantis, that's a great
> tape as well. King reads two of the four parts of this book, if I recall
> correctly. His voice does take bit of getting used to, though. You're
> right!
>
> Madeline
> patron
> Twinbrook Libray
> Montgomery County, Maryland
>
> --------------------
>
> >
> >I have listened to Stephen King's LT's Theory of Pets and once I got over
> >the fact that his voice is not the menacing type one might expect, I
> >enjoyed
> >the story. I've not listened to Blood and Smoke yet.
> >
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos:
> http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx
>
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>

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