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Audiobooks for Postal Employees!
Archives: September 2005 - February 2006 [Audiobooks
Home] |
BOOKS TO READ WHILE WORKING
February 2006 - Audiobooks reviewed by Jonathan Lowe |
 Question:
When will Stephen King finally retire, as he promised he
would? Answer: when someone retires him. Or perhaps when he buys a
cell phone. King claims not to own one, although his new thriller,
titled simply
CELL, is about a pulsed message that infects the air
waves, causing everyone who listens to it on their cell phones to go
nuts. And I don't mean merely nuts, like the guy who takes a left turn
in heavy traffic while talking on his cell. I mean truly nuts, as in
foaming at the mouth and trying to murder your neighbors just seconds
after clicking off. The plot is reminiscent of a Twilight Zone
segment, which King fleshes out while adapting our fears of all
becoming zombies by talking on our cell phones instead of more sociable
activities like saying "hi" or smiling, or at least noticing the little
old lady trying to cross the street. CELL is read by actor Campbell
Scott, whose skill at documentary books like "Seabiscuit" adds an eerie
reality to what might otherwise seem melodramatic. And gory. If cell
rhymes with hell, leave it to King to offer a reason why. (Simon &
Schuster Audio/13 hours unabridged)
Speaking of the devil, Richard Hawke has a first novel that's getting
high praise, titled SPEAK OF THE DEVIL. It's a police suspense
thriller about a man who witnesses a shooting during a Thanksgiving Day
parade, chases the gunman, and ends up embroiled in the search for
someone named "Nightmare," a man who has been secretly taunting NY City
leaders for weeks. What sets this novel apart is the quality of the
writing, something one must possess who expects to be published without
already possessing a legion of fans. (Publishers are averse to taking
risks, in this new video/cell phone age). The novel is read by Paul
Michael, a British actor also heard reading the excellent "The Janson
Directive" by Robert Ludlum. (Random House Audio/6 hours abridged)
 Of course, the devil has many disguises. One is Osama Bin Laden, star
of JAWBREAKER, a non-fictional account of the CIA's war against
Al-Qaeda. Read by Ralph Pezzullo, this book by Gary Berntsen relates
Special Operations forces attempts to ferret out Bin Laden from
Afghanistan, and reveals the behind-the-scenes events that transpired,
amid the various diplomatic and political blunders. Berntsen is the
decorated recipient of the Distinguished Intelligence Medal, and the
Intelligence Star, and has served in an array of Field Command
assignments. Pezzullo is a former journalist, and author of "The Leap
Into Haiti." (Random House Audio/6 hours abridged)
Next, Gail Godwin offers up the QUEEN OF THE UNDERWORLD, a fascinating
historical novel set in Miami as Castro's first wave of exiles arrive
at the downtown hotel where Emma Gant lives the life of a reporter.
The story is notable for its dedication to detail, and the well drawn
characters who come to life and inhabit the narrative. It's the summer
of 1959, and that time and place is both captured with skill and
narrated with grace by actress Stephanie Zimbalist. Yes, that's Laura
Holt of Remington Steele fame. What has Stephanie been doing since?
Well, try about 30 television movies. (Random House Audio/6 hours
abridged)
Another spellbinding historical audiobook is IN COLD BLOOD, given a new
reading by actor Scott Brick. As you may know, this classic Truman
Capote book follows the murder, trial, and execution of those
responsible for the deaths of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Texas,
also in 1959. The book transcends its narrow focus by yielding
insights into the nature of American violence, and it doesn't pull any
punches, either. As Brick told me recently, it's not for the faint of
heart. Scary, to realize that even in small town USA, there are
sociopathic killers with nothing better to do than stalking the
innocent. . .at least when they're not lying, cheating, and stealing.
(Random House Audio/14.5 hours unabridged)
Finally, OUR INNER APE is an intriguing book by primatologist Frans De
Wall that compares our behavior with our nearest cousins, the apes.
Would you be surprised to learn that most of our petty rivalry,
jealousy, murderous aggression, and even compassion and empathy are
also present to an extraordinary degree within the communities of both
territorial chimps and the more loving bonobos? A kid threw a rock at
an ape in the zoo, and the ape threw the same rock back, hitting him in
the head. An ape cuddled an injured bird delicately, nursing it until
it could fly again. Male apes offer fresh fruit to females in exchange
for sex. Female apes hold grudges. Apes even recognize themselves in
a mirror, groom themselves accordingly, something other animals never
do. Although they don't use words, apes also have a highly developed
sense of body language and expression, utilized within complex social
hierarchies, not unlike humans. Narrated by Alan Sklar, this startling
comparison of character reveals that our altruistic traits are
reflected in the apes just as much as our baser competitive instincts.
We simply take both to unfortunate extremes. (Tantor Media/10.5 hours
unabridged)
(These audiobooks may be rented from Audio Adventures by calling
1-800-551-6692. You can sample Jonathan's acclaimed adventure FAME
ISLAND, read by Emmy-winning actor Kristoffer Tabori, at
BlackstoneAudio.com.)
|
BOOKS TO READ WHILE WORKING
January 2006 - Audiobooks reviewed by Jonathan Lowe |
For this first month of the New Year, I'm joined by Audiofile magazine
founder and editor Robin Whitten, who contributed the first two reviews
below. You may pick up Audiofile at newstands like Barnes & Noble.
While there, be sure to ask for my new medical thriller GEEZER, just
out in hardcover.
 Away from the hot Southwest desert, here's an audiobook that will have
you turning up the heat.
THE TRUDEAU VECTOR has the unlikely setting
of Trudeau Arctic Research Station. Full Arctic night -- the kind that
lasts for months -- is chillingly described as the thriller opens with the
discovery of four research scientists dead in the frozen wastes. A
biological nightmare unfolds, as details of the deaths and their
research are uncovered. Narrator Robertson Dean allows the chill, both
physical and psychological, to fully permeate his narration. He easily
conveys the drive and irreverent humor of Dr. Jesse Hanley, the
unorthodox epidemiologist sent to Trudeau Station to be either the
savior or the bait for a deadly microbe. Dean uses his deep baritone
well for the accents of the international conclave of scientists.
Subtly following small emotional cues, Dean makes the characters real
and compelling. He delivers Jurjevics's novel with controlled
intensity, making a tour-de-force thriller. Don't miss it for the
suspense and enjoy the science lesson on the Arctic's fragile
ecosystem. (Penguin Audio/14 hours unabridged)
In a dark, moody story, PRINCE OF THIEVES, Chuck Hogan looks at honor
and dishonor among thieves as he follows a quartet of young men from
tough blue-collar Charlestown, Massachusetts. The story has tremendous
momentum as the police turn the heat on the bank robbers and their
"prince," Doug MacRay, finds his commitment to crime and violence
wavering. Casting SAW II star Donnie Wahlberg was a brilliant stroke
and gives listeners the best Boston accent they're likely to hear off
the streets. The dialogue is sharp, classic Boston, and perfectly
delivered. Recent news says Wahlberg is producing a TV project about
life growing up on Boston's mean streets. Beyond the macho violence
and language, the performance has a lot of appeal, and the story will
intrigue anyone who believes a crook can have a heart of gold. (Simon &
Schuster Audio/6 hours abridged)
The science fiction classic FAHRENHEIT 451 by Ray Bradbury has just
been released on audio in a 50th Anniversary Special Edition, and
includes an afterword by the author that is eerily fitting for our
Paris Hilton/50 Cent/Starbucks mocha latte music video age. As you
might know, this National Book Award winner is about a future when
firemen do not put out fires, but start them, burning books in
particular, since books are outlawed. Christopher Hurt reads this
provocative story with the natural and compelling grace that it
deserves, and you will appreciate the ironies that arise, not only from
Guy Montag's realization that a world without books isn't worth living
in, but from Bradbury's own tussle with the imagination-impaired
editors and pop film hacks who populate entertainment today. (His
comments continue on another re-release from Blackstone, KING KONG.)
So if you're tired of forensic police procedurals featuring serial
killers, or escapist chick lit---genres that dismally dominate shelf
space and screen space---you might vow to load better books on your
iPod as a New Year's resolution. I know I have! (Blackstone Audio/5
hours unabridged)
Speaking of our trans-fatty, sports-obsessed, vain and egotistical
out-of-my-way 21st Century world, here comes British author Lynne
Truss, author of "Eats, Shoots & Leaves," with a book about rudeness
titled TALK TO THE HAND. While her comments are most apropos to the
formerly merely snobbish English, much of her discussion about lost
manners aptly fits Americans. Why do we act in public as if we were in
private? Do we really own the road? Whatever happened to dignity and
decency and patience and deference? This is a great gift for all the
rude people on your list, but don't wait until next Christmas to give
it, unless you want more "one-finger salutations" from them in the
interim. Oh, and it's abridged on 2 CDs, and read by the author
herself, so those illiterate bastards you have in mind can listen while
they're tailgating your grandmother. (Penguin Audio/2 hours abridged)
David A. Vise has teamed with Mark Malseed to bring us THE GOOGLE
STORY, subtitled "Inside the Hottest Business, Media and Technology
Success of Our Time." And what a story it is. A better subtitle here
might be "Keep It Simple, Stupid." Because that's just what Sergey
Brin and Larry Page did, adopting the motto "Do No Evil." The search
engine has taken over the internet by preserving a bare-bones look
while employing a unique ranking technology. Their motto is no doubt
aimed at Microsoft, but both companies now appear to be champions of
charity. That's what makes the story palatable, even as read by actor
Adam Grupper, otherwise all the talk of billions and billions (shades
of Carl Sagan) might better make it "The Ogle Story." (Random House
Audio/6 hours abridged)
Douglas Preston is usually referred to as a "co-author," since his
partnership with Lincoln Child has produced some intriguing novels in
the past, but here he is standing alone in TYRANNOSAUR CANYON,
surveying the sands for what lies beneath. And what's down there? As
you've probably guessed by the title, it's a T-Rex, fully preserved in
fossilized sediment, organs and all. The greatest find yet, and so
naturally there are people willing to die in order to get their greedy
paws on it. But that's not all. A missing moon rock figures into this
mystery, with a link to the ancient past, when the southwest was
shattered by a. . .ah, but that would be telling. You'll have to
listen to actor Scott Sowers, as he turns the suspenseful pages for
you. An interview with Preston follows the reading. (Audio
Renaissance/12 hours unabridged or 6 hours abridged)
Finally, western fiction fans are in for a treat, with the full cast
collection LOUIS L'AMOUR--THE COLLECTED BOWDRIE DRAMATIZATIONS, Vol. 1.
The six classic western adventures include "Mcnelly Knows a Ranger"
and "Outlaws of Poplar Creek," as Texas Ranger Chick Bowdrie persues
the most wanted men in the Southwest. L'Amour has sold 300 million
books, as one of the most prolific writers of all time. Directed by
Charles Potter, these radio dramas were first produced in the late 80s
and early 90s, rendered here for the first time on CD. (Random House
Audio/6 hours unabridged)
(These audiobooks may be rented from Audio Adventures by calling
1-800-551-6692. You may rent Jonathan's audio adventure FAME ISLAND,
about a Powerball lotto winner who wants to be famous for more than
just 15 minutes, at BlackstoneAudio.com)
|
BOOKS TO READ WHILE WORKING
December 2005 - Audiobooks reviewed by Jonathan Lowe |
 In his new book
HEALTHY AGING, Dr. Andrew Weil takes on the life
extension industry, a vast number of companies and doctors who want us
to believe aging can be halted or reversed. Supplements, therapies,
plastic surgeries, gene manipulation---all of these make millions of
dollars for their advocates, who dangle immortality in front of a
public conditioned by Hollywood images to believe that only the young
are truly alive. Weil distinguishes himself from those doctors with a
financial interest in the products advertised by insisting that there
is no evidence that any treatment or pill is yet on the horizon that
can extend human life beyond the upper limit of 120 years, even among
those few fortunate souls born with a good constitution and no genetic
predilection for disease. (In my new suspense novel "Geezer," I also
explore the dark side of seeking immortality with pharmaceuticals). So
why not eat healthy, exercise moderately, and accept the wrinkles that
come? There's certainly a greater dignity to this approach. It's also
what makes "Healthy Aging" unique, and is what's most apparent on the audiobook version, which Weil narrates: His tone. He does not talk
down to his audience, nor lecture them, using guilt as a motivator.
Instead, he discusses what works and what doesn't, giving a scientific
basis for not going overboard on exercise or other stress causing
activities. In this way, Weil joins the few Botox and face-lift
dissenters in Hollywood, like Jamie Lee Curtis or Paul Newman---actors
who don't use tricks to end up looking like a Halloween treat. Like
Dr. Perricone, he recommends an anti-inflammatory diet substituting
fish like salmon for red meat, and using spices like turmeric, ginger
and cinnamon for their restorative effects. Not that you'll stop
aging, but maybe those falling "golden" arches might not crush your
golden years. (Random House Audio)
Most boys these days are obsessed with baseball, after watching dad in
front of the TV for hours on end with chips and a Miller "Lite." Miles
O'Malley is quite different in the novel THE HIGHEST TIDE by Jim Lynch.
His obsession is starfish, crabs, clams, and a myriad other sea
creatures, which he discovers on moonlit nights in the tidal flats of
Puget Sound. Miles becomes a local celebrity when he discovers a giant
squid amid the flotsam on the beach, and this steers his rite of
passage from 13 years old into adulthood as he becomes a spokesperson
for the wonders of the ocean, even among the scientists who flock to
the site. Miles is precocious and curious about sex, but he's also
curious, observant and knowledgeable, unlike his classmates. He
doesn't care that they call him "Squid-boy," nor does he particularly
like his popularity. He'd rather quote Rachel Carson, and watch the
rising tide like he watches the other changes his amazing life brings.
Fisher Stevens reads the novel with a sense of exuberance and awe that
fits the story, and makes this one of the best first novels in a long
time. (Audio Renaissance)
In FEVER by Sean Rowe, the security chief of a cruise line is
approached by his stepbrother, who has the intension of hijacking a
cruise ship that happens to be carrying several pallets of drug money
in the hold, disguised as powdered milk. Matt Shannon is trapped into
cooperation by Jack Fontana via unwittingly causing the sinking of a
freighter in Miami's shipping lane. This leads to the planned piracy,
and some dicey misadventures on the high seas. The book's opening is
stronger than its ending, which seems an anti-climatic and
relationship-based departure, but overall the novel's appeal is its
irreverent, realistic and offbeat narrative. Then, too, real life is
never quite so rounded and formulaic, so that gives it a certain
believability. Narrator is William Dufris, known for giving voice to
original offbeat characters, and letting them breathe. At least until
the breathing stops. (Tantor Media)
You've probably seen Richard A. Clarke many times on TV, as consultant
and advisor on national security issues. He has served as Secretary of
Defense, and Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence on several
administrations. Now he's added novelist to his resume, with THE
SCORPION'S GATE, a geopolitical thriller that postulates what might
happen once the Saudi royal family is toppled. And it won't be pretty,
with nuclear winter an ironic possibility. The "scorpions" referred to
here are those who intend to invade Saudi Arabia for its oil reserves,
and to protect the holy cities, including Iran and China. If there's a
theme, it's that the world needs to move away from dependence on oil to
fuel the future, because oil is running out, and there's no future in
it at all. Robertson Dean is a good choice as narrator, with his deep,
commanding voice, and ability to evoke the stark truths and petty
manipulations inherent anytime you get politicians together. (Penguin
Audio)
The classic ROSEMARY'S BABY by Ira Levin is now on audio in a new
production narrated by none other than Mia Farrow. Of course you're
familiar with the story about a happy young housewife who slowly learns
that her sunny apartment hides a dark secret, and that her neighbors
have satanic intentions. Levin is also author of "A Kiss Before Dying"
and "The Stepford Wives," as well as "The Boys From Brazil" and
"Sliver." He has won the Edgar Allen Poe Award twice, and is also
famous for the longest running thriller on Broadway, "Deathtrap."
Farrow's voice is delicate and subdued, so you may have to turn the
volume up if you're trying to listen in heavy traffic, but otherwise
she is an excellent choice as narrator, not only because she's the star
of the movie version, but because her interpretation is animated where
it needs to be---not a dry reading, but dramatized with character
voices, especially the one with whom she's most familiar. (Harper
Caedmon Audio)
Finally, Garrison Keillor has a special two hour production taken from
"The Prairie Home Companion" titled THE CHRISTMAS COMPANION. The
collection includes stories, songs and sketches like "Bebopareebop
Rhubarb Pie" and "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies." Singers Renee
Fleming, Diana Krall, Ricky Skaggs, and actress Sarah Jessica Parker
accompany Garrison's various reminisces about office parties and
stomach flu. Ho ho ho. (Highbridge Audio)
(You may sample Jonathan's audio adventure "Fame Island," read by
Emmy-winning actor Kris Tabori, at BlackstoneAudio.com. His new
suspense novel "Geezer" is due out Dec. 14 in hardcover.) |
BOOKS TO READ WHILE WORKING
November 2005 - Audiobooks reviewed by Jonathan Lowe |
 If I had to choose a favorite author of all time, it would have to be
Ray Bradbury, whose poetic science fiction surpasses the genre with
universal human themes, and a magical life simply not found in the
edgy, brutal writing of today. Bradbury's unique literary vision has
influenced many---including Stephen King, who cited him as a major
inspiration. And even I have several letters from Ray, written in
reply to ones I sent at ages 15 and 20. Although his long and
celebrated career may be almost over now, Bradbury's legacy will endure
for generations to come. If you have yet to sample the master at work,
a good place to start is
SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES, given a new
production on audio, as read by last year's Audie award winner Stefan
Rudnicki. It's the story of an evil carnival that arrives in a small
town where two boys, Jim and William, must figure out a way to save the
townsfolk from losing their souls. Rudnicki deep voice lends a slow,
ominous feel to the reading, while the book in many ways resembles
Harry Potter, complete with magic and boys running around wondering
what to do next. Perhaps J.K. Rowling is also a Bradbury fan? Humm.
I'd not be surprised to hear it. This production includes the bonus
story "A Sound of Thunder," about the consequences of time travel for a
hunter of dinosaurs, and is the basis for a new movie of the same name.
(Blackstone Audio/9.5 hours unabridged)
Mystery author Michael Connelly has invaded the territory of John
Grisham with his new novel THE LINCOLN LAWYER, about a second rate
criminal defense attorney named Mickey Haller, who comes to defend a
playboy arrested for attacking a woman. Haller owns several Lincoln
Town Cars, which he bought with the intention of selling to an airport
limousine service after using them, one by one, to shuttle himself
between various L.A. courthouses on behalf of various sleasy small-time
clients. Now Mickey's got a big case, but there's a twist from which
he must soon find a way to extricate himself---and somehow administer
revenge against his first high-paying client in years. This is a
courtroom drama, unlike Connelly's usual Harry Bosch detective novels,
so be prepared to sit in the jury box for a while as the author tries
on Grisham's usual role. It's also better than most of Grisham's legal
exercises, while narrator Adam Grupper nails the dramatic arc of the
story by moving Haller from opportunistic world-weary hack to
desperate, conscience-driven soldier of justice. (Time Warner
Audiobooks/10 hours unabridged)
Stephen J. Cannell is the prolific creator and writer of such TV series
as The Rockford Files, Silk Stalkings, The A-Team, 21 Jump Street,
Hunter, Renegade, Wiseguy, and The Commish. Now he's a novelist, and
his latest is COLD HIT, about a killer who targets homeless vets, and a
conspiracy within the Department of Homeland Security to pull LAPD
detective Shane Scully off the case by claiming jurisdiction. Scully
must then go under cover to expose the truth. Cited for his superb
performances of Cannell's novels by Audiofile, narrator Scott Brick
excels in bringing these characters to life, particularly Scully
himself, while maintaining the kind of evenly paced and authoritative
performance that is Scott's hallmark. Although this novel is not quite
as good as Cannell's last, "Vertical Coffin," it is interesting to
ponder how federal agents can now override local authority, and the
possible abuses to which this might lead. (Audio Renaissance/10.5
hours unabridged)
Next, cowboy poet and columnist Baxter Black reads his own offbeat
novel HEY, COWGIRL, NEED A RIDE? Normally, it's a bad idea for an
author to read their own work, simply because narrating is a difficult
skill few authors possess. But Black is a frequent NPR commentator,
and so his colorful reading does match this tale, about a lady named
Teddy Arizona, who crashes her plane into a Nevada ranch where a rodeo
rider named Lick attempts to save her from her cheating (and criminal)
husband. The convoluted plot also includes billionaires, tiger tamers,
duct tape, $500 grand, and a raging bull named Kamikaze. Sound like
fun? You bet. It's not Hemingway, but then Ernest only watched bulls
from a safe distance, didn't he? (Random House Audio/5 hours abridged)
Finally, if you want to become healthy or to remain so, pick up THE
PERRICONE WEIGHT-LOSS DIET by Dr. Nicholas Perricone. The audiobook is
read by David Pittu, and digests much of what has appeared in earlier
books, such as "The Perricone Prescription" and "The Perricone
Promise," along with some new findings revealed in studies conducted by
others. Prized super foods and supplements are outlined, such as
salmon, blueberries and hazel nuts, plus alpha-lipoic acid, borage oil
and carnitine. Then there are exercise tips, and a 14 day diet plan
with recipes on an enhanced CD for computer. Not simply a fad diet,
Perricone's plan is big on the how and why it works, with rigorous
analysis of the science involved on the cellular level. Surprisingly,
the everyday spice cinnamon aids blood pressure and cholesterol levels
better than some prescription drugs, and curry powder may prevent the
onset of Alzheimer's. Evidence for this is at least more conclusive
than for some infomercial selling coral calcium or a stomach crunch
device, with only testimonials from the likes of Hazel and George
Berkendorfer of Hamburger, Indiana to go by! (Random House Audio/5
hours abridged)
(These audiobooks may be rented from Audio Adventures by calling
1-800-551-6692. You may sample Jonathan's audio adventure FAME ISLAND,
about a Powerball lotto winner who disappears the moment he picks up
his check, at BlackstoneAudio.com)
|
BOOKS TO READ WHILE WORKING
October 2005 - Audiobooks reviewed by Jonathan Lowe |
 Another hat trick has been pulled off by James Patterson, with the help
of co-author Andrew Gross. LIFEGUARD is the plot-twisting tale of Ned
Kelly, an infamous historical name here taken by a rich man's employee
and itinerant lifeguard in swank Palm Beach, Florida, (which is also
home to none other than Patterson himself.) The author knows the
streets and chic hangouts well, too, because he employs them throughout
a story that features the theft of art treasures, a motorcycle chase
(complete with sound effects), and two romantic liaisons. A bewildered
Ned enters this story as a one-time criminal, is then framed for
murder, and must exonerate himself. Sympathetic throughout, Ned tries
to discover who framed him, and in so doing becomes the hero. It's a
nice trick on several levels, because Ned disdains the idle rich,
except for his employer. Also, because while Patterson's trademark way
of telling the story with short, page-turning sentences, remains, this
is not a serial killer book, so narrator Billy Campbell's evocative
interpretation is a better choice than the clipped and ironical tones
evident on Patterson's Alex Cross novels. A final trick is the cover
art, which shows two sets of footprints going down to the lifeguard
tower, but which turn into one set. Ned's dual personality, rejoined?
You decide. (Time Warner Audio/8 hours unabridged)
The Iraq war is a mess. We went in, trying to kill roaches with a
sledgehammer. That makes for heroic footage in order to bolster highly
visible political careers, but what might have been more effective
involves special forces teams, perhaps with snipers like Gunnery
Sergeant Jack Coughlin, whose new book is titled SHOOTER---THE
AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE TOP RANKED MARINE SNIPER. Written with Capt.
Casey Kuhlman and Donald A. Davis, the audiobook is read by veteran
performer Dick Hill, and details a successful career in the shadowy
world of long-range precision military marksmanship. Included as a
means to unify the story are Coughlin's efforts to establish a mobile
sniper strike team, which would take his deadly craft to the enemy
instead of waiting in ambush. That is exactly what he did with the
Third Marine Battalion's drive into Baghdad. From his training days to
his missions in Africa and Iraq, Coughlin affords us a peek behind the
shade at a job whose description includes killing without being seen.
That's also the job description of the terrorist, of course, but one
big difference is that terrorists don't utilize cross-hairs, and so
they kill innocents. (Blackstone Audio/9 hours unabridged)
What about actual criminal killers, who work close to home? For a
detailed examination of why the ordinary person kills, try listening to
THE MURDERER NEXT DOOR by David M. Buss. Read by Michael Prichard,
this audiobook is unique in that it's not about serial killers, either,
but rather the rest of us. Have you ever had murderous thoughts? 91
percent of men and 84 percent of women have. What causes someone to
act on these thoughts? The most obvious visible cause is the love
triangle, and there are plenty of real-life examples here of those who
have crossed the line into temporary insanity. Truth is, you don't
need to fear stranger killers, because you're far more likely to be
killed by someone you know, or "love." Professor of psychology Buss
has also written "The Evolution of Desire" and "The Dangerous Passion,"
so you get the idea. When you start to look at your mate or lover as a
possession rather than a free, fellow human being, you're stepping
dangerously close to the line. For women, if you get involved with a
man who sees you as furniture, or if you marry an abuser who doesn't
respect you, you just might approach the edge of reason, and end up
wearing an orange jumpsuit much longer than Martha Stewart! (Tantor
Media/11 hours unabridged)
So what is love, exactly? That's a good question for Tenzin Gyatso,
His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, who visited here in Tucson
recently. And the answer is that love is not about possession, but
rather understanding, empathy and compassion. The understanding part
is revealed in his new audiobook, THE UNIVERSE IN A SINGLE ATOM, read
by actor Richard Gere. It's about the convergence of science and
spirituality, and is, in essence, a history lecture and personal memoir
exploring karma and Darwinism, quantum mechanics and philosophical
insights, neurobiology and the study of consciousness. Sound like deep
subjects? That's the surprising part. Who knew the Dalai Lama was so
interested in science, and that he was even willing to reject tenets of
Buddhism if they could be proven false in the laboratory? My respect
for the man has just gone up exponentially, despite how some of his
backers may just be cashing in on his fame. Certainly you will find no
radical Buddhists with bombs or anthrax, threatening to annihilate
non-believers. Richard Gere also offers insights to his own attraction
to Gyatso in an interview at the end, and admits that parts of this
particular book can be difficult to understand by the lay person.
(Random House Audio/6.25 hours unabridged)
Finally, if you intend to become or to remain optimally healthy, pick
up THE PERRICONE WEIGHT-LOSS DIET by Dr. Nicholas Perricone. The
audiobook is read by David Pittu, and digests much of what has appeared
in earlier books, such as "The Perricone Prescription" and "The
Perricone Promise," along with some new findings revealed in studies
conducted by others. Prized super foods and supplements are outlined,
such as salmon, blueberries and hazel nuts, plus alpha-lipoic acid,
borage oil and carnitine. Then there are exercise tips, and a 14 day
diet plan with recipes on an enhanced CD for computer. Not simply a
fad diet, Perricone's plan is big on the how and why it works, with
rigorous analysis of the science involved on the cellular level.
Surprisingly, the everyday spice cinnamon aids blood pressure and
cholesterol levels better than some prescription drugs, and curry
powder may prevent the onset of Alzheimer's. Evidence for this is at
least more conclusive than for some infomercial selling coral calcium
or a stomach crunch device, with only testimonials from the likes of
Hazel and George Berkendorfer of Hamburger, Indiana to go by. (Random
House Audio/5 hours abridged)
Also new this month, THE CORMAC MCCARTHY COLLECTION, a sampling of
western stories, is read by actor Brad Pitt; VANISH, a suspense by Tess
Gerritsen, is read by actress Anne Heche; THE PAINTED DRUM, a Native
American novel by Louise Erdrich, is read by Anna Fields; THE DIVIDE, a
literary mystery by Nicholas Evans, is read by Scott Brick; FAITHLESS,
a suspense by Karin Slaughter, is read by Francie Swift; and REMAINS
SILENT, a forensic mystery by Michael Baden and Linda Kenney, is read
by Michele Santopietro.
(These audiobooks may be rented from Audio Adventures by calling
1-800-551-6692. You may sample Jonathan's acclaimed adventure FAME
ISLAND, read by Emmy-winning actor Kristoffer Tabori, in Mp3 download
at BlackstoneAudio.com.) |
BOOKS TO READ WHILE WORKING
September 2005 -
Audiobooks reviewed by Jonathan Lowe |
 In a new twist on the usual star wars and blaster battles, Orson Scott
Card imagines a battlefield of the mind in which recruits must outwit
conventional wisdom and computer programming in order to win. Nevermind the irony that social advances continue to be stalled as
technology rages on, the premise here is that children can be the best
tools for "success" in warfare, and recruiting the right one can
guarantee victory. This collection of novellas, titled "FIRST MEETINGS
IN THE ENDERVERSE," includes "The Polish Boy," in which John Paul
Wiggin, the future father of Ender Wiggin, is recruited to be a
commander against an alien invasion. "Teacher's Pest" is another John
Paul Wiggin story in which he pares off against another gifted student,
Theresa Brown. Then in "The Investment Counselor," Andrew Wiggin is a
fugitive on the run from genocide when a blackmailing tax inspector
threatens to expose him. The best novella is the last, though, titled
"Ender's Game," the 1977 story which first introduced Ender to the
world, and should probably be listened to first if you're not familiar
with the Ender series. The readers are sensitive to human side of the
stories, and include Gabrielle de Cuir, Amanda Karr, and the methodical
deep voice of Audie winner Stefan Rudnicki. (Audio Renaissance/5.5
hours unabridged)
In "CRUSADER'S CROSS" James Lee Burke serves up another Dave Robicheaux
mystery with his typical moody, atmospheric gift for detail. Here an
old roommate of this Louisiana cop makes a deathbed confession that
implies the murder of a young woman Dave recalls in the book's opening.
Decades have passed, and now Robicheaux becomes active in
investigating the possible homicide. While searching for the truth, he
metaphorically steps through some rotting boards to expose the rats in
the cellar. Meaning the New Orleans underworld. There's not a lot of
humor in a Burke novel, although the main characters kid each other
from time to time. What you mainly have is episode after episode of
backwater hayseeds and macho mobsters threatening and posing for each
other, while an old injustice propels an alcoholic cop to lose his
fragile self control. You identify with Dave, but also feel sorry for
him. The crimes that he solves are mostly for his own peace of mind,
what little there is of it. And of course Will Patton is the perfect
fit to read the story, having long ago nailed the accents and bayou
bravado in this regional series. (Simon & Schuster Audio/12 hours
unabridged)
With housing starts at all-time record highs, it's fitting that THE
ARCHITECT, as imagined by Keith Ablow, would be a rich and successful
killer who can't stop designing his client's dream homes, but also has
designs on their personal lives. After all, West Crosse reasons, you
really can't enjoy the perfect life in your new home if you have an
abusive spouse or an unwanted child, now can you? And Crosse is here
to help, from behind the walls. It's an interesting, if somewhat
implausible, premise, especially as the implications rise to include
designs on political power. But actor Denis O'Hare can't be faulted
for his performance, which is not self indulgent, but crafted and
measured, like a well-made kitchen cabinet. (Audio Renaissance/6 hours
abridged)
Is Billy Graham really done crusading? The press leading up to his
recent New York Crusade led people to believe so. But after listening
to the audio recording of the three short sermons included on the new
CD titled LIVING IN GOD'S LOVE, one would have to conclude there might
be more crusades coming. The one hour recording was done live at
Flushing Meadows Corona Park, and while Billy Graham does reflect on
his fifty year ministry--sometimes with a forgetful memory--there is no
reference on the CD to this being his last stand. The legendary
preacher will not be done, I believe, until God says so. And when that
may happen, as they say, is anyone's guess. (Penguin Audio)
Roald Dahl had a gift for communicating with children on their level
while still being entertaining with adults. Such was the case with
"James and the Giant Peach," and certainly with the new audiobook
recording (and movie) "CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY." If you're
not familiar with the story, Willy Wonka has a magical yet secret
factory of chocolates run by improbably tiny people, and a kid with the
improbable name of Charlie Bucket is one of those who wins a ticket to
tour the place. Monty Python's Eric Idle narrates the tale on audio,
and was nominated for a Grammy for it. Despite his improbable
breathiness and over enthusiasm, he's still a good choice for reading,
since children themselves are often breathy and overly enthusiastic.
At just over three hours in length, it's short for an audiobook, too,
and so a bigger person could probably eat candy bars while listening
without getting as sick as Morgan Spurlock got in the movie (and
audiobook) "Super Size Me." Question is, where are you now, Charlie
Bucket, and how improbably large are you? (Harper Audio)
Finally, imagine it's 1491, before Columbus arrived in the Americas.
How many people lived here, do you think? Who were they? These are
questions asked by Charles C. Mann in his new audiobook titled, simply,
"1491." Are you ready for a shock? Try this: there were probably
more people living in the Americas in 1491 than in Europe. That's
right. Indians, Mayans, Incas, add them up. Their early cities and
settlements predate the Egyptian pyramids. What killed them?
Smallpox. They had no defense against it. This and other diseases
laid waste to millions, destroying whole civilizations, even before
actual settlers began moving in. Was this done on purpose, and spread
with malice? No, although there are activists who attempt to persuade
otherwise, and to hide bones which indicate that the original settlers
in America even predate known tribal ancestors. This is a fascinating,
mysterious, sad, ironic chronicle of the events before and after that
first Thanksgiving, which was not what most imagined either.
(Highbridge Audio/11 hours unabridged)
(These audiobooks may be rented from Audio Adventures by calling
1-800-551-6692. You can sample Jonathan's acclaimed adventure FAME
ISLAND, read by Emmy-winning actor Kristoffer Tabori, in Mp3 from
BlackstoneAudio.com.)
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