Audiobooks. What are you listening to?

[mikeC]

I thought it would be cool to start a non-king audio book forum for those of us who listen to a lot of audiobooks, to see who is a good narrator, what has great production values and throw in some audio drama/plays(If you want to DoctorDodge) as well. Hope that's cool!

I just saw they released Hyperion by Dan Simmons, seems like it has a cast instead of one person, Has anyone listened to this yet? I don't think I could actually read it.

[mikeC]

Almost done Summer of Night and have 18-20 hours to fill before WindKeyhole comes out. Any suggestions?
I was really hoping this Bradbury tribute would be on audio but it's not.
Shadow Show: All-New Stories in Celebration of Ray Bradbury

[DoctorDodge]

I thought it would be cool to start a non-king audio book forum for those of us who listen to a lot of audiobooks, to see who is a good narrator, what has great production values and throw in some audio drama/plays(If you want to DoctorDodge) as well. Hope that's cool!

Well, when I set up that earlier thread, the real reason is because, while I have really begun to enjoy the genre, the only recommendations I really have to make atm is - you guessed it - either Dr. Who or Dr. Who related. Moreso on the latter group: audio company Big Finish have really been able to create compelling drama that may use characters or elements of the Whoniverse while not only being very different in tone but also being the kind of stuff you can jump on board with without being a Who fan. However, having discovered the benefits of the genre, I was also keen on checking out original work (when I've finished listening to everything Who related, of course).

Currently listening to: Doctor Who: The Lost Stories, a series of audio stories based on scripts that never got made for tv, for one reason or another. The current season I'm listening to is easily one of the most fascinating: 'Season 27', the season of stories that were originally planned to be made before the original series was cancelled. Which is ironic, because it was around that time that the show had finally started getting awesome again. Just listening to the first story atm, and there's a wonderfully authentic feel to them, right down to the late 80s sounding soundtrack.

[mikeC]

That's a lot of Doctor Who!

I read somewhere this weekend that there's a cast reading of American Gods but I couldn't find it online, just the one read by George Guidall which is great but I would liek to here the cast one.

[DoctorDodge]

Oh, that does sound interesting. I really enjoyed American Gods, so I'd be keen for a cast reading, if it was as good as the book. If you find such a reading, let us know.

[mikeC]

its the 10th anniversary edition. It might be an audible only edition
http://www.amazon.com/American-Gods-Anniversary-Edition-Production/dp/B005745I4C

[DoctorDodge]

Sounds good to me. Unfortunatly, doesn't look like I can get it on the UK audible website. Shame. If you do listen to it Mike, let us know how it is, anyway.

[Patrick]

its the 10th anniversary edition. It might be an audible only edition
http://www.amazon.com/American-Gods-Anniversary-Edition-Production/dp/B005745I4C

Interesting. I'm an audible member and I'm probably due for a reread of AMERICAN GODS...

[harrison ryan]

I recently finished listening to The Dune by Stephen King (found as an extra on the end of the UTD audiobook). I'm almost finished listening to the commentary on The Shining by King, Mick Garris, Steven Weber, etc. It's not really an audiobook but sorta.

[blavigne]

Just put in the last CD of Wizard and Glass. Will finish it and start Wolves on my travels Monday. LOVE my audio books for car travel which I do a lot.

[DoctorDodge]

Neither an audio book or drama, but a brilliant podcast called "The Ricky Gervais Show". An incredibly misleading title, though: it's basically Karl Pilkington, a mate of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's talking shit, and Gervais and Merchant going "WTF?!?" and laughing their arses off.

And it's absolutely brilliant. :rofl:

[Dan]

I started The Haunting of Hills House this morning. So far pretty good.

[mikeC]

I almost bought that last night, it was between that and Hell House by Matheson, then I ended up looking at all of Matheson's stuff and couldn't commit to anything.

I finished Summer of Night last Night, it was great, the narrator grew on me after awhile.

[mikeC]

Just put in the last CD of Wizard and Glass. Will finish it and start Wolves on my travels Monday. LOVE my audio books for car travel which I do a lot.

Are you going to listen to Keyhole?
Going from Muller to Guidall is kind of jarring at first.
Guidall also reads American Gods, it will be a tough decision between that or the cast version. DD, the 10th anniversary cast reading is also on iTunes in the US.

[DoctorDodge]

Cheers for the tip, but unfortunatly, no such luck in the UK. I can wait, though. Only finished the book a few months ago.

[mikeC]

Listening to Bradbury collection Long After Midnight read by Michael Prichard who is awesome by the way while waiting for DT 4.5
Good collection, I find reading too much RB gets depressing after awhile but this one is pretty good.

[DoctorDodge]

Big Finish are currently having a sale on for their first 50 main range Doctor Who audios, so been spending a fuckload of cash to cover some of the large gaps in my collection atm. It'll be a long time before I get through them though. (Of course, with so little Who on the telly this year, this cat's not complaining in the slightest!)

Of the last one I listened to, The Anachronauts was pretty good. It's a Companion Chronicle, an audio story that's a lot closer to an audiobook than a drama, as usually told by one of the Doctor's companions. In this case, it was two, and double length, but really, it felt like two stories in one. I really enjoyed it, with an excellent impersonation of the 1st Doctor from actor Peter Purves, and some really good production values, with some excellent use of sound to enhance the atmosphere of the story. I've always been impressed with Big Finish's work, and like everything else, I'd say this rates highly. Storywise, it was a nice little scifi mystery that really captured the feel of 60s Who, so that was also a plus. Overall, a good story to listen to.

Now what to listen to next of my subscriptions? A 4-part 5th Doctor story, or 2 2-part 4th Doctor ones? Decisions, decisions.

[Pherf]

I am listening to the Andromeda Strain by Crichton

[OchrisO]

Right now I am listening to The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson.

[mtdman]

I'm thinking about The Forever War by Joe Haldeman next. Got good reviews, anyone ever read/listened to it?

[WeDealInLead]

Listening to The Fellowship of the Ring. The guy nailed all the voices. I have it on tape, still the only unabridged edition to my knowledge. You can actually tell they played this to actors and told them that's how they should sound.

[Dan]

I've now listened to about 15 hours of Don Quixote. Does it get any better? I'm not sure I can stick through this. I'm only about 1/3 of the way through. It is very hard to listen to.

[mikeC]

Wow is that book really that long?
I would have bailed at 10 hours

[mattgreenbean]

Loved the Lord Of The Rings full cast with Ian Holmes as Frodo,

Listening to the Storm of Swords (Song of Ice and Fire bk 3) He's pretty good at coming up with many voices.

Rant by Chuck P. was a full cast, really good.

I saw someone enjoyed American Gods, try Anasi Boys as well, it's worth it.

GraphicAudio has fun audio dramas for comicbooks.

King related, UR was great.

There are some crappy ones out there, maybe we need a thread for those as well.

[DoctorDodge]

Listening to I, Partridge: We Need to talk about Alan right now. This was one I had to listen to rather than read, as it's read by Partridge himself, Steve Coogan. Fucking hysterical so far, and i'm only a few minutes in. Brilliant.

[Bethany]

I have been bequeathed a copy of The Drawing of the Three read by Frank Muller that is on cassette. I either have to dig up a cassette player or find someone that can put it on CD for me.

[mattgreenbean]

The Dexter books are nicely done as well.

[Dan]

I'm listening to Other Kingdoms by Richard Matheson. This book is very good! I highly recommend it.

[Dan]

I've started UR (Stephen King). I new it was an Amazon Kindle related book, but Wow! It's a commercial. So far the story is fairly good, but it is ridiculous the amount of Kindle references.

[mikeC]

Just finished my 3rd go around of the DT series. So good.
I'm about 2 discs into Peter Straub's Ghost Story, kind of boring so far. Hope it gets better!

[mikeC]

I'm listening to Other Kingdoms by Richard Matheson. This book is very good! I highly recommend it.
His collection Nightmare at 30, 000 feet was excellent! I think there is 12 stories read by 3 different people. Great stuff.

[DoctorDodge]

Finally getting round to the Dresden Files. A series about a "wizard detective" didn't have much appeal to me for the longest time - as I've said before, it takes a lot for a fantasy novel to appeal to me, really - but then I found out that James Marsters aka Spike aka Brainiac aka Captain John Hart read the audiobooks, and I downloaded Storm Front immediately. Been listening to it for an hour and a half - a first for proper audio readings of novels for me, as I'm usually a full-cast, original audio drama kind of listener - but this has been fantastic listening. One thing I like is that it's not just fantasy - it's very, very film noir inspired, something that really surprised me - a down on his luck PI who just happens to specialise in supernatural cases, a missing husband, and a horrific murder. Not nearly as light-hearted or as fantasy focused as I had expected. (Bear in mind, the impressions I had gotten from the look of the tv series didn't exactly appeal to me much.) Marsters's voice adds to the atmosphere even more, he's really got the PI voice down really well. Really hoping this series keeps it up.

[OchrisO]

Finally getting round to the Dresden Files. A series about a "wizard detective" didn't have much appeal to me for the longest time - as I've said before, it takes a lot for a fantasy novel to appeal to me, really - but then I found out that James Marsters aka Spike aka Brainiac aka Captain John Hart read the audiobooks, and I downloaded Storm Front immediately. Been listening to it for an hour and a half - a first for proper audio readings of novels for me, as I'm usually a full-cast, original audio drama kind of listener - but this has been fantastic listening. One thing I like is that it's not just fantasy - it's very, very film noir inspired, something that really surprised me - a down on his luck PI who just happens to specialise in supernatural cases, a missing husband, and a horrific murder. Not nearly as light-hearted or as fantasy focused as I had expected. (Bear in mind, the impressions I had gotten from the look of the tv series didn't exactly appeal to me much.) Marsters's voice adds to the atmosphere even more, he's really got the PI voice down really well. Really hoping this series keeps it up.

He does a great job with them. Unfortunateky, he didn't do all of them. :(

I love those books, though. My favorite line from Storm Front is
"Paranoid? Probably. But just because you're paranoid doesn't mean there isn't an invisible demon about to eat your face."

If you get through those and feel the desire for more urban fantasy, I highly recommend The Iron Druid Chronicles:
http://www.kevinhearne.com/books

The audiobooks of them are also pretty well done.

[mikeC]

Just finished listening to Ghost Story. It was great. One of the few books though that I wish I had read instead of listened to. Not that the reader was bad but it might have had more impact on me as far as the scares.

Started Anansi Boys this week. The narrator is great and I love the story so far. Very funny.

[Dan]

I read The Passage back in May 2012, but decided I wanted to do a reread. I have started the audiobook. I will then move onto The Twelve, which I read a couple months ago.

[mattgreenbean]

If you listen to an audiobook, is it allowable for you to say in a conversation that you've read the book. I find myself often saying, "Yeah, I read that, well I listened to the audiobook." Can't I just say, "Yeah, I read that."

[Dan]

Yes, I believe so. I don't hide the fact that I listened and didn't flip through a book, but in casual conversation I would say it's perfectly fine.

[mikeC]

I actually gave up on a book for the first time in years.
Koontz' Strangers. I remember liking this book when I was young and I couldn't stand it recently. I guess while reading you can skim things like....a description of a heart bypass surgery that goes on and on and on...that you can't while listening to.
The reader, although not awful, didn't really help the whole experience.
Oh well, onto American Gods read by George Guidell!

I loved Anansai's Boys, that was a great book AND Lenny Henry was AWESOME.

[DoctorDodge]

Fuck, that sounds worth getting: loved reading Anansi Boys, and I love a lot of Lenny Henry's stuff, so that'll be worth a listen.

[mikeC]

This sounds cool
http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-02-20/benedict-cumberbatch-and-the-cast-of-neverwhere---first-photo-and-air-date-revealed

[EXPLORER]

Was recently listening to audio disc of "The Langoliers" and found it interesting hearing this passage:

" All right" Bob said. "The bottom line, Let's suppose there are such things as time-rips, and we have gone through one. I think
we've gone into the past and discovered the unlovely truth of time-travel: you can't appear in Texas State School Book Depository
on November 22,1963, and put a stop to the Kennedy assasination; you can't watch the building of the pyramids or the
sack of Rome, you can't investigate the Age of Dinosaurs at first hand.

[EXPLORER]

Was recently listening to audio disc of "The Langoliers" and found it interesting hearing this passage:

" All right" Bob said. "The bottom line, Let's suppose there are such things as time-rips, and we have gone through one. I think
we've gone into the past and discovered the unlovely truth of time-travel: you can't appear in Texas State School Book Depository
on November 22,1963, and put a stop to the Kennedy assasination; you can't watch the building of the pyramids or the
sack of Rome, you can't investigate the Age of Dinosaurs at first hand.

Interesting that King had in his mind 11/22/63 back in 1990 or before

[mikeC]

I loved World War Z, I liked the audio book too which had a cast, but it was abridged.
It looks like they will be releasing a full version with more cast members and will be unabridged. An extra 5 hours! woohoo!
http://herocomplex.latimes.com/books/world-war-z-martin-scorsese-others-join-audiobook-cast/

[Shannon]

Just finished The Wind Through The Keyhole. Pretty good story, nothing amazing. The bonus first chapter of Doctor Sleep though ... I loved it!

[sgc1999]

I read The strain, and the fall, now im going to listen to night eternal and see if its any different. Plus I already have faces for the characters in the story.

[Patrick]

Was recently listening to audio disc of "The Langoliers" and found it interesting hearing this passage:

" All right" Bob said. "The bottom line, Let's suppose there are such things as time-rips, and we have gone through one. I think
we've gone into the past and discovered the unlovely truth of time-travel: you can't appear in Texas State School Book Depository
on November 22,1963, and put a stop to the Kennedy assasination; you can't watch the building of the pyramids or the
sack of Rome, you can't investigate the Age of Dinosaurs at first hand.

Interesting that King had in his mind 11/22/63 back in 1990 or before
Yes, that is interesting. Maybe that's when he started thinking about the idea...?

[WeDealInLead]

Kate Mulgrew (Cpt. Janeway!) will be reading Joe Hill's new one. I'll read the book and then listen to her read it.

[Stebbins]

Lisey's Story

[mikeC]

Lisey's Story
Mare Winningham is excellent.

I finished American Gods, it was really good. Trying to pick a book that will be about 30 hours to get me through the rest of the month until Joe Hill's next one.

[WeDealInLead]

Lisey's Story
Mare Winningham is excellent.

I finished American Gods, it was really good. Trying to pick a book that will be about 30 hours to get me through the rest of the month until Joe Hill's next one.

Dan Simmons - Hyperion

[Stebbins]

Lisey's Story
Mare Winningham is excellent.

I finished American Gods, it was really good. Trying to pick a book that will be about 30 hours to get me through the rest of the month until Joe Hill's next one.

I agree; it is a very good performance. Not one of King's better books IMO though.

[mikeC]

It's my wife and I's second favorite book by him. Most people don't like it or many hate it. I find it to be his most original and emotional story.
I definitely think (besides Anne Heche) SK gets amazing female narrators.

[Stebbins]

I don't hate it and I can see where you're coming from Mike. I still have 2 or 3 discs remaining so I'm not being entirely fair. I am just a little off put by all the SIOWISA stuff. I don't think it's one of his stinkers, just not one of the better ones. Actually, the SK book ranking article I read placed it as #10.

[Dan]

I'm listening to Hearts in Atlantis. The narrator is good, but the random music is terrible.

[Stebbins]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RigCSFhdvQk

[mikeC]

Great stuff.

I'm listening to Owen King's book read by Holter Grahm.
It's ok so far (3 hours in) not sure I would normally keep going with it if it didn't pretty much get unanimous great reviews and wasn't read by HG.

I had to buy it through audible/itunes so I have to turn it up to 11 to actually hear it.

[CRinVA]

Of all the Dune books - considering both the Original six Frank Herbert titles and the follow on books (up to 11 I think) by son Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson - Frank's God Emperor of Dune is the hardest to read - the most philosophical in nature; the deepest; there is more thinking and dialogue than any real action taking place.

Well I am listening to the audio version of God Emperor of Dune and enjoying it quite a bit.

And next on the audio list - Book Three in Terry Goodkind's Sword fo Truth Series, Blood of the Fold.

[thegunslinger41]

Michael Connelly . :) Adult Hardy Boys. Good stuff.

I would recommend GONE GIRL on audio. Amazing with the two different narrators.

-Gabriel

[mikeC]

Just finished Double Feature, it was good, the ending was totally rushed and silly in my opinion definitely entertaining though.

On to Nosforatu. Not digging the woman narrator at all. She sounds completely rushed, like a kid that has to read out loud in class.

[fearless-freak]

Herbert West, Re-animator red by Jeffery Combs

[mikeC]

Apparently the new version of World War Z isn't unabridged and they've cut out parts in the one that was released years ago.
Bummer.

[mattgreenbean]

I saw this at the library and thought it was pretty funny that they used Mia (I think that's who this is) instead of Susanaah to sell copies.

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/medium/Song_of_Susannah1.jpg

[fearless-freak]

Neuromancer

[Dan]

I started Timeline by Michael Crichton, read by John Bedford Lloyd. Fantastic, so far! I enjoy books read by Lloyd, but Crichton's writing is what makes it great!

[Dead Man]

Right now I am listening to The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson.


How is it? That was going to be my next audiobook.

[mtdman]

I was listening to King's short story collections last week. Skeleton Crew only has selections on audio. Nightmares and Dreamscapes has 3 separate volumes on audio. I would really like to hear SC completely on audio. There's a lot of great stories in that collection.

[mtdman]

Right now I'm listening to Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire series. I love the show and the books are great. George Guidell reads them all, and I so dig him. I highly recommend them.

[mattgreenbean]

Clan of The Cave Bear: Jean M Auel
Lucky At Cards: Lawrence Block

[mikeC]

I would really like to hear SC completely on audio. There's a lot of great stories in that collection.

Me too! There is a full version that was probably in libraries when the book first came out that circulate on the internet but the narrator is pretty dull and the quality is pretty bad. Tapes of it might exist somewhere.

Not all of Night Shift is available either. I have an awesome One for the Road my friend gave me that I have no idea where it's from.

Just finished Ocean at the End of the Lane it was good.

[OchrisO]

Right now I am listening to The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson.


How is it? That was going to be my next audiobook.

I really enjoyed it. It has been a while sice I listened to it so I don't remember a lot about the production value or anything, but the story was excellent.

[mtdman]

I would really like to hear SC completely on audio. There's a lot of great stories in that collection.

Me too! There is a full version that was probably in libraries when the book first came out that circulate on the internet but the narrator is pretty dull and the quality is pretty bad. Tapes of it might exist somewhere.

Not all of Night Shift is available either. I have an awesome One for the Road my friend gave me that I have no idea where it's from.

Just finished Ocean at the End of the Lane it was good.

I've got Night Shift on cd that I got for christmas one year. I'm pretty sure all the stories are on that. I don't think you can get that from Audible though.

I've got One for the Road and Gray Matter that I swiped from Napster back in the day. That version of One for the Road is really well done.

I'm really addicted to these Walt Longmire stories. They're not real long, only about 9 hours, so I can kill one in a day.

[mikeC]

I'm listening to the second half of 20th Century ghosts, it was the first thing I started with Joe Hill on and I didn't really like it and stopped after the 5th story. But after finishing his new one, Locke and HSB and I think I am more in tune to his writing style now and like it a lot more. Or maybe the second half stories are better.

[ladysai]

One of the stories in Nightmares and Dreamscapes, "My Pretty Pony" is read by Jerry Garcia here:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=U_jyCHdMEec#

I really enjoyed it. :)

[mikeC]

Hammer films released a couple audio dramas, I might check them out, not sure if they sell to the US though:
http://www.hammerchillers.com/index.asp

If that's your kind of thing I highly recommend these if you've never listened. Only Season 1 is available.

http://talesfrombeyondthepale.com/

[mikeC]

itunes is running a $6 books that are movies audiobook sale right now. Dreamcatcher is one of them.

https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewRoom?fcId=554762107&genreIdString=50000024&mediaTypeString=Audiobooks

[mikeC]

There are quite a few .99 cent Twilight Zone Dramas on iTunes, they are pretty great. It's a odd that some stories are $5 and some are $1. If you dig those check them out.

[fearless-freak]

Clive Barker's First Tales

[mikeC]

Itunes is selling $6 mysteries/thrillers this week. Some Koontz stuff.

[thegunslinger41]

I am currently listening to THE STAND, uncut. So far go good!!! Next up is DR. SLEEP! Already uploaded onto my IPOD.

[stroppygoblin]

Currently listening to the whole DT series in the car.
So good to hear Frank Muller read the early books.

[needfulthings]

NOT THESE!:nope::nope::nope:<-- DRAWING OF THREE.
http://imageshack.com/a/img703/1917/wa6x.jpg
Leland Gaunt: "GO AHEAD & PLAY THOSE SUCKERS! YOU PAID FOR THEM:biggrin:"

[stroppygoblin]

No, I have those too, but Frank reads it soooo much better than Sai King

[needfulthings]

I KNOW.
http://imageshack.com/a/img594/7961/luzj.jpg

[CRinVA]

Currently listening to IT - man oh man it's like 36 CD's long! And I am loving it - long overdue for a re-read of one of my faves!

[WeDealInLead]

Here's a tip for the frugally-minded ones among us: your local libraries have e-audio books. Mine has almost everything by King plus William Gibson, LOTR, Simmons, Powers, Clarke, Heinlein, Murakami, Rowling etc.

[mikeC]

I KNOW.
http://imageshack.com/a/img594/7961/luzj.jpg

Breathing Method Muller is the best listening experience out of all Steve's books or any book that I've listened to.

I finished Dr Sleep last week on mp3 cd. The quality was terrible (high and lows all over the place) but the narrator was great.

Just started John dies at the end.

[stroppygoblin]

Just started John dies at the end.

Read that recently I have to say it was better than I expected. "This book is full of spiders is relatively high on my "to read soon" list

[Dan]

Started Shift by Hugh Howey. Finished Wool yesterday.

[mikeC]

Just started John dies at the end.
Read that recently I have to say it was better than I expected. "This book is full of spiders is relatively high on my "to read soon" list

This probably wasn't the best book designed for audio bc it's so fractured but towards the end when everything made sense it turned out to be a pretty great story.
The narrator was great and I'm pissed they didn't use the same guy for the sequel.

Just started Neverwhere, it's such a great pleasure to listen to Gaiman.

[Patrick]

...
Just started Neverwhere, it's such a great pleasure to listen to Gaiman.
Gaiman is a wonderful oral storyteller.

[mikeC]

Neverwhere was pretty great. I think I only have Good Omens left to listen to and I'm all done with Gaiman's novels. It's a bummer.

Started Cell again.
Holter Grahm is definitely one of my favorite SK narrators, but it's read by Campbell Scott. Whoops.

[mikeC]

iTunes is running a $5 sale on some great classic books!
F451, Dandeline Wine, Johnny Got His Gun, Clan of the Cave Bear, The Road to name a few.
itunes>books>audiobooks

[fearless-freak]

Clive Barker's Books of Blood 1-6

[ladysai]

James Lee Burke's Dave Robichaux series.
I like Burke's style, and am enjoying the series immemsely, but I find him too often reusing visual descriptions; ie: a person's face will be "stretched tight" under stress, and shadows are usually purple, and horrific scenes are beyond the imagination of nightmares. But, there are enough brilliant (and unrepeated) turns of phrase that its worth hearing the repeats.
Its my usual disappointment with the pronunciation of locales and regional accents; the pronunciation of Atchafalaya makes me cringe, and many of the coon asses sound like theyre from Kentucky. But I guess I should simply accept that the many dialects of Louisiana are complicated and unknown to most audiobook artists. :(
I wish I was able to listen in chronological order, but I havent been able to find several of them through the library and its online services...

[OchrisO]

I just finished the audio book for Ex-Purgatory by Peter Clines. It was excellent. I love the Ex stories.

[mikeC]

I started Ready Player One and made it one disc in. Not sure if it's Wil Wheaton or if the writing is really bad but I had to stop. Anyone get through this one?

[ladysai]

I started Ready Player One and made it one disc in. Not sure if it's Wil Wheaton or if the writing is really bad but I had to stop. Anyone get through this one?
I really enjoyed Ready Player One, and thought Wil Wheaton read it well.
Too bad it didnt catch your interest as it did mine.

[fearless-freak]

Neuromancer on youtube

[mikeC]

I switched to listening to His Dark Materials again. Great cast reading. I love these books wish someone took a real chance in making them into movies or a good tv show. The first movie was ok but it was kind of made for no one. People that read the books would think it was weak and those that didnt would just think it was weird.

[mattgreenbean]

Stranger in a strange land by robert heinlein.

[mattgreenbean]

Dark Place by Gillian Flynn

[Jacqui]

I work as a cleaner and audiobooks really help the hours go by. As I said in the reading thread (I didn't realise there was an audiobook thread- that'll teach me to look for threads first) I've just finished Wizard and Glass, and I've just started Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

[mattgreenbean]

I work at a desk all day and yes, they certainly help the hours go by.

[Deaf&Dumb]

In my pick-up I am listening to, Under The Banner Of Heaven by Krakauer. I've read the book a few times already, and am still intrigued by the whole story.

[fearless-freak]

Sharpe's Triumph read by Paul McGann the original Richard sharpe

[mattgreenbean]

Dark Place by Gillian Flynn

Just so you guys know, this one is narrated by 3 different readers. It made for a very entertaining listen. Haven't read Gone Girl, but I've heard it's better than Dark Place. Though I thought Dark Place was pretty good.

Next up
The Prophet by Michael Koryta

[mikeC]

I've been listening to X-minus one episodes on here
https://archive.org/details/OTRR_X_Minus_One_Singles

There's a lot of great stuff for free on here, especially if you like old time radio
https://archive.org/details/oldtimeradio

They also have an app.

[mikeC]

Rose Madder audio is $6 on iTunes this week. The cd is out of print now.
(Speaks the Nightbird is $6 too.

[mikeC]

Tons of Classics for $6 on iTunes
F451
Animal Farm
Sound and Fury
Night
Brave New World
Godfather
Clockwork Orange
Lolita
Confederacy of Dunces
Slaughterhouse 5
Bonfire of Vanities
Maltese Falcon
Garp

I guess they're going for school readings.

[Dan]

I don't usually listen to YA books, but I listened to The Maze Runner trilogy. I don't remember the last time I was so disappointed in a book. I thought it was poorly written and the emotional responses from the characters were not even close to authentic. It actually got worse as I moved into the second and third books. The only positive I can give is that the narrarator was pretty good

Now I'm listening to Horns for a reread before watching the movie.

[mikeC]

I don't usually listen to YA books, but I listened to The Maze Runner trilogy. I don't remember the last time I was so disappointed in a book. I thought it was poorly written and the emotional responses from the characters were not even close to authentic. It actually got worse as I moved into the second and third books. The only positive I can give is that the narrarator was pretty good

Now I'm listening to Horns for a reread before watching the movie.

My buddy said the same thing about Maze Runner. Glad I didn't try it. I listened to Hunger Games, that was well narrated and I liked the story quite a bit except for the love story stuff the books never felt YA.
The guy that read Horns was great.

[mikeC]

Listening to Wolf's Hour, its pretty good/ I always liked Mccammon and I'm glad his books are coming out on audio.
The narrator is great, sounds like Liam Neesons.

[mattgreenbean]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51LLFoUAVyL._SL500_AA300_PIaudible,BottomRight,13, 73_AA300_.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/Ready-Player-One/dp/B005HG7BWC

[CRinVA]

11/22/63
I have read this once and listened once before. RE-listening now on my daily commute. I can get through 2 CDs a day M - F. So it will take 3 weeks to finish.
I definitely like this book more with each re-read and definitely like listening this one more than physically picking up the book and reading it!

[Patrick]

11/22/63
I have read this once and listened once before. RE-listening now on my daily commute. I can get through 2 CDs a day M - F. So it will take 3 weeks to finish.
I definitely like this book more with each re-read and definitely like listening this one more than physically picking up the book and reading it!
I agree, the audiobook of this was done well.

[mikeC]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51LLFoUAVyL._SL500_AA300_PIaudible,BottomRight,13, 73_AA300_.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/Ready-Player-One/dp/B005HG7BWC

Couldn't get past disc 2, not sure if it was bc of Wil Wheaton or I just found the book pandering nonsense. What is your opinion?

[thegunslinger41]

Girl on the Train. Pretty good so far. Guess we will see.

[ladysai]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51LLFoUAVyL._SL500_AA300_PIaudible,BottomRight,13, 73_AA300_.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/Ready-Player-One/dp/B005HG7BWC

Couldn't get past disc 2, not sure if it was bc of Wil Wheaton or I just found the book pandering nonsense. What is your opinion?
:o

I completely enjoyed this book!
I havent read the actual text, so I cant say whether one version was better than another. But, I did enjoy Wil Wheaton's reading.
I hope you'll give it another try.

[mikeC]

Just found out Brillance audio does weekly deals, usually $6! Nothing really interesting this week but here's the link. I got 4 Phillip K Dick stories for $6, just going through their catalog.

https://www.audiobookstand.com/weekly-audio-book-deals.asp

[DoctorDodge]

Currently listening to the first series of the modern day continuation of The Omega Factor. So far, so good. Loved the original TV series, and I really like how this continues the story more than 35 years later.

[Tommy]

So I'm sure someone has posted about this before but I just noticed yesterday that a large amount of King's audiobooks are available on Youtube. I'm thinking of going through The Dark Tower series again but through audiobook. Pretty sweet!

[Heather19]

Since I discovered that I can borrow audiobooks from the library straight onto my phone, I've been listening to a ton of them on my long commute to and from work.

Just listened to Ray Bradbury's Bradbury Thirteen. It's like a bunch of mini audio dramas, very reminiscent of the Twilight Zone. I highly recommend it.

[mikeC]

Since I discovered that I can borrow audiobooks from the library straight onto my phone, I've been listening to a ton of them on my long commute to and from work.
Just listened to Ray Bradbury's Bradbury Thirteen. It's like a bunch of mini audio dramas, very reminiscent of the Twilight Zone. I highly recommend it.

I just bought those! They are good. Odd choices though.

In the last couple months I listened to:

Harvest Home by Tyron
Very good book, wish there were more of his stories on audio. Narrator does women winy.

PKDick Cosmic Puppets
Meh, I listen to PKD alot and I still dont like many of his stories, but I keep trying.
The narrator was awful when doing woman's voices. He read one of the David Wong books but don't remember which.

Night Ride and Hunger and more stories by Charles Beaumont
He wrote many Twilight Zones.
Narrators were great but some of these stories went nowhere which is pretty disappointing. The Howling Man was awesome though, much better than the Twilight Zone.

Hunter in the Woods by McCammon
It was great having more Galitin stories to hear. The Narrator is the same as Wolf's Hour and he is one o the best!

The Andromeda Strain by Crichton
Stopped listening 90 minutes in. Nothing was happening just people reading reports. The guy that read Revival read it. He's good but not enough to keep me listening. It did make me put JPark in my cart though.

Who Goes There?: The Novella That Formed the Basis of 'THE THING'
Good stuff. Short though.

The Ruins by Scott Smith
I HATED this book. Was like listening to slow deaths of 5 people. Nothing redeeming about this book but the narrator was great.

[mattgreenbean]

Recent list:
The early stories of Philip k dick I liked most of the stories, especially the first one.
The Truth is a cave in the black mountains: Neil Gaiman didn't like it as much as his other stories.
The Trial: Franz Kafka listening to it at work and it's interesting
The Treatment: Mo Hayder Alright, it's a cop drama so far. This one is from Hoopla that is through the library

The thing about listening to youtube audiobooks, you can't bookmark your spot and it's usually an 8 hr video

I'm gonna have to check out Ray Bradbury's Bradbury Thirteen

[mtdman]

Bradbury 13 is an AWESOME collection. It was done in the 80s, and they released a new drama every month for 13 months. Very good quality on the audio, excellent cast, and well done adaptations. I had those on audio file years ago from a bradbury fan site, and used to listen to them often. Audible finally came out with them a couple years ago.

I was on a star wars kick a few months ago, and used up a bunch of credits on star wars books. Listened to the sith series with Darth Bane. That was actually pretty good. Other than that, I got the Finders Keepers book when it came out, and the Craig Johnson book in May, Dry Bones. I really like the Longmire series. Great books.

I've currently got 7 credits I haven't used from audible. Thinking of dropping down to 1 credit a month for a while.

[mikeC]

I'm listening to Matheson's Hell House now and it's a shame that the narrator
(Ray Porter) is just awful. There is no pacing, he reads like a student in high school that has to read out loud and wants to get it over as soon as possible. A lot of the time I didn't even notice he was talking about different characters and it was a different day.
Audio book reading is a science and it's amazing the varying quality of readers even nowadays.

[Bev Vincent]

World War Z, which is narrated by a host of actors. Very entertaining.

[dnemec]

World War Z, which is narrated by a host of actors. Very entertaining.

I really liked the audio version of WWZ. I think the varied cast really added something!

[Ben Mears]

I always follow my annual 'Salem's Lot reading with the audio version narrated by Ron McLarty. He does an excellent job.

[Wicked]

I'll likely be flogged for this... but I've never listened to an audio book in my life...

As I've been suffering with insomnia, I'm thinking perhaps it's time I try one out? Does King do any of his books himself for audio recording purposes?

[Mattrick]

Rita Heyworth and the Shawshank Redemption.

[Wicked]

Rita Heyworth and the Shawshank Redemption.

Thank you very much! I'm ordering it right now.

[Mattrick]

Oh, King doesn't do that one (at least not the one I have), it's just what I'm listening to right now lol. I know he did stories for Skeleton Crew back in the day. The narrator on my sound similar to Morgan Freeman so it's pleasant to listen to.

[Wicked]

I ordered it anyway as I read it was narrated by Frank Muller, and saw reviews that it was very good. Figured I'd give it a go. :)

[Bev Vincent]

I'm enjoying the audiobook of Locke and Key. I didn't stick with the graphic novels, so most of it is new to me. It's staged like an audio play. Steve's character doesn't last long!

[ladysai]

I ordered it anyway as I read it was narrated by Frank Muller, and saw reviews that it was very good. Figured I'd give it a go. :)

I believe you will enjoy any and all of the King books narrated by Frank Muller. He was an amazing voice actor.

[Wicked]

I ordered it anyway as I read it was narrated by Frank Muller, and saw reviews that it was very good. Figured I'd give it a go. :)

I believe you will enjoy any and all of the King books narrated by Frank Muller. He was an amazing voice actor.

I'm looking forward to it very much. Everything I've read says the same thing, so I figured I couldn't go wrong, but I'm glad to hear it from someone here. I know zero about audio books, and even less about what, or who goes into making them.

Thank you. :)

It will surely be a whole new experience for me.

[terrier91]

Listening to The Shining for the first time. I long avoided this one because I didn't care for the Jack Nicholson movie. I must say that I'm enjoying it so far.

[TCCBodhi]

This year I began an experiment of listening to the audiobook WHILE I'm reading. I'm currently on Black House after just finishing The Talisman. I'm going to make my next Dark Tower iteration using this method. It's been a lot of fun, but I don't know if I'll stay with it long term. Even though I'm already an extremely slow reader, this slows me down even more. Give it a try some time though on one of those books you've read a dozen times already, it's interesting to bring a new voice into your head besides the one that you've created on your own. Sometimes for the good, sometimes not. :)

[mikeC]

Jurassic Park is $6 this week:
https://www.audiobookstand.com/weekly-audio-book-deals.asp

[Patrick]

I'm enjoying the audiobook of Locke and Key. I didn't stick with the graphic novels, so most of it is new to me. It's staged like an audio play. Steve's character doesn't last long!


Bev, I just downloaded this audiobook the other day, but haven't started the audiobook. Did you finish it? Do you still give the production a thumbs up?

[Mattrick]

Listening to The Shining for the first time. I long avoided this one because I didn't care for the Jack Nicholson movie. I must say that I'm enjoying it so far.

That movie is a masterpiece!

[WeDealInLead]

Here's the audio of Hyperion for $1 BIN. This is one of my favourite audio books.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Hyperion-1-by-Dan-Simmons-2009-MP3-CD-Unabridged-/321937570103?hash=item4af4f97937:g:vIgAAOSwt6ZWVgn x

[ladysai]

Here's the audio of Hyperion for $1 BIN. This is one of my favourite audio books.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Hyperion-1-by-Dan-Simmons-2009-MP3-CD-Unabridged-/321937570103?hash=item4af4f97937:g:vIgAAOSwt6ZWVgn x

I just finished listening to Hyperion, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I didnt get such a good deal, though! I used one of my Audible credits to get my edition.

[Heather19]

Since I had a hard time getting into Mr. Mercedes when I tried to read it awhile back, I thought I'd give the audiobook a try. I'm really liking the narrator, but the story is just kinda blah. I'm almost done and plan to listen to Finders Keepers next.

[mattgreenbean]

Aramada by Cline Half way through, not as awesome as RPO, but still enjoyable.
The Regulators by King Just started. Read it years ago.

[mikeC]

I tried to get through Trigger Warning but I find Gaiman's voice is just too damn soothing sometimes! Taking a break from that to listen to
In Memory of Running.

[Priest]

Hey Folks,
not sure if its the right place to ask - but does anybody of you have the Gunslinger, read by king as a digital version ?
I would need the first chapter only, so maybe somebody could help me out ?

[DoctorDodge]

Rounding off Christmas Day with one of my favourite Doctor Who stories set at Christmas: The Chimes of Midnight. Love a McGann audio, and this is one of his very, very best. Dark, funny and gleefully twisted and horrific.

[mikeC]

iTunes is doing a $5 mystery or thriller sale.
The Passage is on there for $5!

[Patrick]

Now that audible.com finally has the Harry Potter series, I downloaded the first four books. HP is on my list for 2016, as I've only ever read the first two books.

[Dan]

Trying to listen to Trigger Warning again. I tried a few months back but after listening to Gaiman for over an hour I still had no clue what was happening. I have listened to him narrate several of his books and haven't had trouble understanding what he was saying. I think maybe he is too dynamic in his voice on this one, I'm not sure.

[Patrick]

Trying to listen to Trigger Warning again. I tried a few months back but after listening to Gaiman for over an hour I still had no clue what was happening. I have listened to him narrate several of his books and haven't had trouble understanding what he was saying. I think maybe he is too dynamic in his voice on this one, I'm not sure.
That's interesting. I didn't have that issue at all.

[Heather19]

I decided to give Game of Thrones another shot. I'm about 3/4 of the way through now, and I'm definitely hooked.

[mikeC]

I'm about halfway through Memory of Running which is read and written by Ron McLarty
who some of you know from his narrations of Salems Lot and Blaze.
Steve wrote about this book for ew in 2007:

http://www.ew.com/article/2007/02/01/hear-unpublished-book-stephen-king-recommends

After the quite depressing beggining this has turned into a really fun book, hope everything ends well for Smithy. hope you guys check it out.

[mikeC]

Trying to listen to Trigger Warning again. I tried a few months back but after listening to Gaiman for over an hour I still had no clue what was happening. I have listened to him narrate several of his books and haven't had trouble understanding what he was saying. I think maybe he is too dynamic in his voice on this one, I'm not sure.

I had this exact problem! I think for me at least his voice is just so soothing I tend to drift off while listening. I had the same problem with fragile things. Maybe it's just a short story thing bc I didn't have this problem with his novels. Oh well I'll try again at some point. It'd be great if they made a cast reading of the Sandman comics.

[Patrick]

I'm about halfway through Memory of Running which is read and written by Ron McLarty
who some of you know from his narrations of Salems Lot and Blaze.
Steve wrote about this book for ew in 2007:

http://www.ew.com/article/2007/02/01/hear-unpublished-book-stephen-king-recommends

After the quite depressing beggining this has turned into a really fun book, hope everything ends well for Smithy. hope you guys check it out.
I listened to that audiobook years ago because of that same EW article by King!

[Dan]

Relistening to The Wind Through the Keyhole which is read by Stephen King.

[ladysai]

I'm currently listening to:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b377/ladysai/Mobile%20Uploads/naming-dead-ian-rankin-book-cover-art_zpsz1h1psby.jpg

Its an awesome story with brilliantly descriptive language,
but Im honestly digging the Scottish accents most of all.
:)

[mikeC]

I'm about halfway through Memory of Running which is read and written by Ron McLarty
who some of you know from his narrations of Salems Lot and Blaze.
Steve wrote about this book for ew in 2007:

http://www.ew.com/article/2007/02/01/hear-unpublished-book-stephen-king-recommends

After the quite depressing beggining this has turned into a really fun book, hope everything ends well for Smithy. hope you guys check it out.
I listened to that audiobook years ago because of that same EW article by King!

I finished this yesterday. I can't recommend this book enough. If you are looking for a unique and entertaining story to break up listeing to scifi fantasy and mystery books you won't be disappointed!

[Patrick]

I'm about halfway through Memory of Running which is read and written by Ron McLarty
who some of you know from his narrations of Salems Lot and Blaze.
Steve wrote about this book for ew in 2007:

http://www.ew.com/article/2007/02/01/hear-unpublished-book-stephen-king-recommends

After the quite depressing beggining this has turned into a really fun book, hope everything ends well for Smithy. hope you guys check it out.
I listened to that audiobook years ago because of that same EW article by King!

I finished this yesterday. I can't recommend this book enough. If you are looking for a unique and entertaining story to break up listeing to scifi fantasy and mystery books you won't be disappointed!
I agree! Glad you liked it!

[Dan]

I have put off the reading/listening of Danse Macabre for years. I don't normally like non-fiction. This one is OK at times. Those times are when I know the references he is talking about. If I was 20 years older I would probably really enjoy it. As it is I don't know about 80% of the movies or tv shows he is talking about.

[dnemec]

I have put off the reading/listening of Danse Macabre for years. I don't normally like non-fiction. This one is OK at times. Those times are when I know the references he is talking about. If I was 20 years older I would probably really enjoy it. As it is I don't know about 80% of the movies or tv shows he is talking about.


I listened to Danse Macabre as well. Not my favorite, but I agree with what you said about some of his references - didn't get them either. But I did keep notes - always nice to have interesting viewing and reading materials.


Good lord, am I a nerd.

[Dan]

I have put off the reading/listening of Danse Macabre for years. I don't normally like non-fiction. This one is OK at times. Those times are when I know the references he is talking about. If I was 20 years older I would probably really enjoy it. As it is I don't know about 80% of the movies or tv shows he is talking about.


I listened to Danse Macabre as well. Not my favorite, but I agree with what you said about some of his references - didn't get them either. But I did keep notes - always nice to have interesting viewing and reading materials.


Good lord, am I a nerd.

You took notes!?! Lol. Yes, you are a nerd. :biggrin1:

[mikeC]

I tried listening to it but never finished it.
I'm really really surprised Steve didn't narrate it!
I would have powered through if he had read it.

[Dan]

Near the end he is talking a lot about Richard Matheson and Ray Bradbury. I found these quite interesting. He is now discussing Ramsey Campbell. When I understand the reference it is quite interesting. I am enjoying it more than I thought.

[mikeC]

Brillance audio just revamped their website and you can browse by price. Their search function actually works too.
A lot of books are cheap!
Matheson, Bradbury, Koontz and Gaiman books for $6-$10.
Enjoy!
https://www.audiobookstand.com/#/new-coming-soon

[dnemec]

Brillance audio just revamped their website and you can browse by price. Their search function actually works too.
A lot of books are cheap!
Matheson, Bradbury, Koontz and Gaiman books for $6-$10.
Enjoy!
https://www.audiobookstand.com/#/new-coming-soon

Thanks for the info! Lots of great books there! Now...how to limit myself...

[Dan]

Just finished The Green Mile ready by Frank Muller. He did a great job narrating, I sure miss his narrations. I started a re-read/listen to Gerald's Game. In my first read of this book I was less than impressed. Let's see if I enjoy it better the second time.

[Heather19]

I really enjoyed Gerald's Game. Haven't listened to the audio version yet though. I say this every time someone brings up the book, but this book contained the scariest scene ever written for me.

[dnemec]

I liked Gerald's Game on audiobook, better than I did when I first read it. Somehow, it worked well in that format.

[mattgreenbean]

Slade House by David Mitchell. If you liked the movies The Skeleton Key and Insidious, then would be intrigued by this less frightening story.

[mikeC]

I really enjoyed Gerald's Game. Haven't listened to the audio version yet though. I say this every time someone brings up the book, but this book contained the scariest scene ever written for me.

When she wakes up and sees the dude in the corner? That was always the one SK moment that completely caught me by surprise in all of his books

[mikeC]

Also, I totally missed this in December but Tales from Beyond the Pale released a season 3. If you haven't listened to these awesome newly produced radio plays I would check out British and Proud from Season 01 and Sarah minds the Dog in Season 2.
They put out a cool book/usb package for the new season as well
Enjoy!
http://talesfrombeyondthepale.com/store/

[mikeC]

I'm listening to Swan Song now, revisiting it 25 years later I'm amazed at how depressing I find it now.
I guess I found bleakness so much more entertaining when I was a teen.
It's still a great book though.
The narrarter is good, although there are parts that he had to insert or redo later that are completely different in tone which is a bummer. You don't hear those very often.

[Heather19]

I really enjoyed Gerald's Game. Haven't listened to the audio version yet though. I say this every time someone brings up the book, but this book contained the scariest scene ever written for me.

When she wakes up and sees the dude in the corner? That was always the one SK moment that completely caught me by surprise in all of his books

Yep, still unnerves me just thinking about it :scared:

[mikeC]

I just started Carrion Comfort at work. I think I read at least 100 pages of this 20 years ago and never finished it. There are 2 narrators which is cool.

I am struggling to finish the new David Wong Fancy Suits book in the car, it just won't end. It's just too long. Lots of people watching tv in it too. Lots of dead ends in the story. He definitely needed a better editor on this one. Narrator is great though.

[Dan]

Realized I haven't read IT in four years. I started the audiobook this morning. I have an 8 hour drive today, so I should get a fair amount into it.

[Brian861]

Listening to Doctor Sleep read by Will Patton. Have read the book and one of my all time favorites but absolutely love the way Patton reads. Strongly encourage a listen to his work.

[Dan]

Listening to IT on my way home. Stopped at a stop sign and a car turned in front of me. The car was being driven by a clown. Freaky!

[ladysai]

Whoa! That would freak me out...

...you werent listening to a scene with Pennywise in it, were you?!

Creepy!

[Dan]

Of course...Mike was describing about the new round of killings while they all ate dinner.

[Heather19]

Listening to IT on my way home. Stopped at a stop sign and a car turned in front of me. The car was being driven by a clown. Freaky!

Yikes, that's crazy!

[mikeC]

I started listening to Other Kingdoms by Richard Matheson and stopped on disc 2 bc Bronson Pinchot was killing me with his NY accent stuff. He did a fantastic job reading Eyes of the Dragon but I didn't like this at all. The story itself was intriguing I will probably read it during the summer.

I'm worried though bc he reads a Winter Haunting which I've been wanting to listen to forever and they just released it.

[WeDealInLead]

He might have been under instructions to go for that accent. Hmm. I've listened to a ton of his audio books and he always has a different accent. He sounds like an actual pirate in On Stranger Tides (Powers).

I'm listening to Frank Muller's audio of The Body.

[Dan]

I started listening to Other Kingdoms by Richard Matheson and stopped on disc 2 bc Bronson Pinchot was killing me with his NY accent stuff. He did a fantastic job reading Eyes of the Dragon but I didn't like this at all. The story itself was intriguing I will probably read it during the summer.

I'm worried though bc he reads a Winter Haunting which I've been wanting to listen to forever and they just released it.

Strange, I loved his narration of this book.

[dnemec]

Posted this in the buy/sell/trade thread, but thought I'd leave it here too.


I accidentally bought a second copy of The Talisman on MP3-CDs when what I really wanted was Black House. The box and the CDs are damn near perfect. Just looking to get what I paid - $10 including shipping PP F&F.

Shoot me a PM if you're interested!

SOLD

[mikeC]

Apple has finally made it so you can download audio books onto separate computers.
Now I don't have to burn discs to listen to them at home!

[Dan]

Just finished IT. I had forgotten so many details of the story it was nice to reread/listed to this.

I just started The Passage to prep myself for The City of Mirrors. It's been too long since I read The Passage and The Twelve that I don't remember the fine details. I hate starting a book of a series and having forgotten what had been happening in the earlier books.

[mikeC]

I listened to IT 2 summers ago, tons of stuff I forgot. It's better than I remembered. (Although going through a book a second time listening to it always leaves me with a better appreciation of the story)
I still think the ending is one of the saddest ever. Not being able to remember people you loved is just so sad to me. Growing up around folks with Alzheimer's might have something to do with it.

I bought The Passage and I was going listen to it in the car but I'm listening to Carrion Comfort at work and thought the stories too similar to be listening to simultaneously.
My wife disagrees. I started the Hitchhikers Guide today instead.

[mikeC]

Carrion Comfort was second DS book, Summer of Night being the other.
It was a really good book but I have to say the Melanie character was probably the most evil character I've ever read. The woman that read her was extremely good, so good.
I thought a lot of the Palestine stuff was pointless, it's nice he did the research but story-wise it was useless. I've heard he does that quite often in his books.

Started the Passage but stopping b/c I won't finish it by The Fireman Day so I'm gonna listen to Buick 8 to fill the 2 week gap.

Finishing up a newer Beaumont anthology they released, there is only maybe 5 stories that weren't in the Nightride and Hunger compilations.

[dnemec]

Just finished Gerald's Game and I definitely enjoyed it better than when I read the book myself. Something about hearing the description of her slicing into her wrists and the "degloving" really hit me when I was listening to it. I nearly threw up in the car.

[Dan]

Just finished Gerald's Game and I definitely enjoyed it better than when I read the book myself. Something about hearing the description of her slicing into her wrists and the "degloving" really hit me when I was listening to it. I nearly threw up in the car.

Funny, I was thinking the same thing. My first read through was just ok. I actually enjoyed listening to it. It might be that my preferences have changed over the years.

[mikeC]

I'm almost done a Buick 8, it's an ok book but as an audiobook it's excellent.

[dnemec]

I'm almost done a Buick 8, it's an ok book but as an audiobook it's excellent.

Interesting how that works sometimes, isn't it?


I'm just about done with Revival, and I really like David Morse's reading of it.

[mikeC]

He is a good narrator. I think he did Dr Sleep too.
There was some "frog in the pot" like stuff in Buick 8 too that I didn't remember. I think he says it better in Revival.

[Brian861]

Will Patton did Doctor Sleep. Great reader IMO. He's doing EOW as well.

[mikeC]

First disc into The Fireman and I already had one of those perfect audio book moments where I forgot what road I was on. Yea! Thanks Joe!

Love Kate Mulgrew, although I think the high end of the audio is blown out a little especially when she does "man" voices. That's pretty unacceptable for $65. Oh well, still excited to listen.

[Dan]

First disc into The Fireman and I already had one of those perfect audio book moments where I forgot what road I was on. Yea! Thanks Joe!

Love Kate Mulgrew, although I think the high end of the audio is blown out a little especially when she does "man" voices. That's pretty unacceptable for $65. Oh well, still excited to listen.

I'm also listening. I thought the same thing about the audio. I'm 12 discs in. It didn't bother me as much as I thought it would.

[mikeC]

First disc into The Fireman and I already had one of those perfect audio book moments where I forgot what road I was on. Yea! Thanks Joe!

Love Kate Mulgrew, although I think the high end of the audio is blown out a little especially when she does "man" voices. That's pretty unacceptable for $65. Oh well, still excited to listen.

I'm also listening. I thought the same thing about the audio. I'm 12 discs in. It didn't bother me as much as I thought it would.

Dude. Thank you so much for letting me know that you heard the same thing.
I'm not crazy! Uh at least about that anyway.

[dnemec]

Gotta copy of Ready Player One on cd that I was encouraged to listen to because so many of you seem to like it. Done now, and looking to sell. Anyone interested? $25 including shipping.

[Stebbins]

BOLD by Peter Diamandis. I would recommend it to all entrepreneurial-minded folks out there.

[mikeC]

Listening to The Border by Mccammon. I'm about 25% in and it's pretty much a downer. Good but depressing so far. I like the narrator though, I think he read Horns.

Listening to Blue World in the car and Bronson Pinchot is great, the other guy is good but he makes me nervous when he reads, like he's gasping the words.

[mikeC]

Just finished Invasion of the Body Snatchers. It was pretty good, a little "explain-y" there in the middle and the movies' endings are way better. Good narrator and a nice interview with the '50's movie producer's son at the end.

Re-Listening to my favorite Palahniuk book Rant in the car. Such a great experience listening to this one. Great cast reading if you never listened to it, George Guidall does one of the voices too!

Started Haunting of Hill House at work, listened to Hell House last year so I figured I would listen to this one to see which is better and how they differ, I always am confused by the similarities.

[mattgreenbean]

Re-Listening to my favorite Palahniuk book Rant in the car. Such a great experience listening to this one. Great cast reading if you never listened to it, George Guidall does one of the voices too!


Didn't realize George was in the cast. Yes, pretty great audiobook that exceeds the experience of reading it yourself.

My wife has us listening to Chomp by Carl Hiaasen read by James Van Der Beek. It's short and entertaining. Kinda slapstick.

And then Dreams Underfoot by Charles De Lint which are a bunch of connected stories, at least that's what I think they are.

[mikeC]

I finished The Haunting of Hill House and it was excellent. Steve probably would have done more research but I disagree that the house isn't actually haunted, I might have to re-read to look at it from that POV. I'm gonna check out The Lottery short story book next month.

Listening to Winter Haunting in the car, Bronson Pinchot again, he's doing a great job. I like the book so far, dog with human teeth is a pretty crazy image.

Listening to Gone South at work...I don't know about this one so far. Odd tone with serious and goofy. I haven't read a McCammon book I didn't like so I'll stick with it but begrudgingly.

[Ben Mears]

Summer Of Night read by Dan John Miller. I like his understated style.

[mikeC]

Yes, that was a good reading. Winter Haunting is pretty awesome too.

Listening to The Lottery and other stories by Shirley Jackson. I'm on the third story and she really likes writing about crazy people! There are 3 narrators must of which have done lots of genre books. I think the Matheson compilations. They are all great.

[mikeC]

We listened to the World War Z unabridged the other day. Great stuff. I know there was some confusion with this edition but I don't think anything was cut out or revised that I noticed but it had been a couple years since I read it.
The interview style did wear on me after awhile, But it was a long car ride.
Highly recommended.

I was scolded into listening to Mr. Mercedes by an SK fan friend. I really dislike detective and cop stories so it was a hard sell for me but it's still Steve and he is genius so I relented. It's good, I look forward to listening till the end but sometimes feel like I should be listening to The Passage or re-listening to Skeleton Crew instead. haha

[Heather19]

I listened to the audiobook of both Mr. Mercedes and Finders Keepers for that same exact reason. They're not my type of story so I knew I'd never physically read them. Wasn't really a fan of either so I doubt I'll listen to the last one.

Recently listened to the audiobook of 11/22/63. I read the book when it first was released, and I needed to re-read it for a book club coming up later this month, so thought I'd give the audiobook a listen instead. The narrator was wonderful, and I enjoyed it as much as the first time I read it. Really great book.

Also listened to the audiobook of The Body recently as well, which turns out was narrated by Frank Muller.

[mikeC]

Will Patton was insanely good reading Mr. Mercedes, even doing the "phone voice" he was awesome. I feel like I should power through these books since I don;t really care either.

Listening to Norm Macdonald's book. It's Norm in book form. So there you go.

[Brian861]

Will Patton was insanely good reading Mr. Mercedes, even doing the "phone voice" he was awesome. I feel like I should power through these books since I don;t really care either.

Listening to Norm Macdonald's book. It's Norm in book form. So there you go.

I've really enjoyed Patton's readings as well.

[mikeC]

I started The Terror by Dan Simmons. This was really hard to find a physical unabridged version, I think they only sell the abridged version. This is a library copy so hoepefully it doesn't skip on the last disc!

It's pretty good so far. Narrator is great though.

[mikeC]

The Terror was pretty good, a little like The Ruins where its just a slow death march for everyone. I'm not into historical fiction and this didn't convert me.

Listening to Paul Tremblay's Head Full of Ghosts, which is ok I guess. The narrarater is kind of annoying, she tries too hard and her "Dad" voice is like that girl in Just One of the Guys baritone "You look so nice today". The there's this blog girl writing about things, and she's a snarky pseudo-intellectual. That's annoying as well.
I heard good things about this book so I'll keep at it but not blowing me away 3 discs in.

[Heather19]

I loved both of those books. Although I did read them vs listening to the audiobook. I'd recommend trying to read A Head Full of Ghosts instead. There's nothing worse that a horrible narrator. I think that can bring the story down a bit. I just started listening to the audiobook of Doctor Sleep. I need to re-read it for a book club and I know I won't have time to read it again, so decided to give it a listen this time but I'm not huge on the narrator for it. I believe it's the same one that did the Mr. Mercedes books, which I thought he was good for those. Maybe because he has the voice of a hard boiled detective. But for Danny Torrance it doesn't work as well. He's not horrible but he definitely wouldn't be my number one pick for this book. At least I'm familiar with the story so it hopefully won't ruin it for me.

[mikeC]

I loved both of those books. Although I did read them vs listening to the audiobook. I'd recommend trying to read A Head Full of Ghosts instead. There's nothing worse that a horrible narrator. I think that can bring the story down a bit. I just started listening to the audiobook of Doctor Sleep. I need to re-read it for a book club and I know I won't have time to read it again, so decided to give it a listen this time but I'm not huge on the narrator for it. I believe it's the same one that did the Mr. Mercedes books, which I thought he was good for those. Maybe because he has the voice of a hard boiled detective. But for Danny Torrance it doesn't work as well. He's not horrible but he definitely wouldn't be my number one pick for this book. At least I'm familiar with the story so it hopefully won't ruin it for me.

I agree with you, he was great for Bill Hodges and less so for Danny.
If there's an audio version of the book I want to read I usually buy it, can't beat a good audio book. I got my buddy to buy the book maybe I'll borrow his.

[Heather19]

Yeah I've been on a huge audiobook kick lately. I usually borrow them from the library, directly to my phone. They're perfect for my long commute to work and then I can listen while at work for the day too.

[WeDealInLead]

Will Patton was insanely good reading Mr. Mercedes, even doing the "phone voice" he was awesome. I feel like I should power through these books since I don;t really care either.

Listening to Norm Macdonald's book. It's Norm in book form. So there you go.

I've really enjoyed Patton's readings as well.

My wife had listened to the first two books and when she tried reading the third, she couldn't focus. Patton is Hodges to her. Pretty cool.

When someone asks for an audio book recommendations, my go-to books are the Dune and Hyperion series. Incredibly well done.

[mikeC]

Will Patton was insanely good reading Mr. Mercedes, even doing the "phone voice" he was awesome. I feel like I should power through these books since I don;t really care either.

Listening to Norm Macdonald's book. It's Norm in book form. So there you go.

I've really enjoyed Patton's readings as well.

My wife had listened to the first two books and when she tried reading the third, she couldn't focus. Patton is Hodges to her. Pretty cool.

When someone asks for an audio book recommendations, my go-to books are the Dune and Hyperion series. Incredibly well done.

Nice I enjoy that story. I feel Guidall IS Father Callahan and Muller IS Roland.

My go to is Memory of Running bc I know a lot of non-scifi and non-horror readers
Or On Writing bc thta ones my favorite.

I'm actually listening to Dune at work and it's a great production. But even though I've seen the movie a couple times and the mini series multiple times I still get confused and my attention wanders. There is a ton of stuff going on in that book.

I really want to listen to the cast reading of American Gods they released a couple years ago (only digitally though, booo). Has anyone listened to that?

[WeDealInLead]

Oh yeah, Dune is not easy listening. I tried listening to it while running and it was too much.

Branson Pinchot is a great narrator too. He's done work for Koontz and Powers.

[Patrick]

Oh yeah, Dune is not easy listening. I tried listening to it while running and it was too much.
...
I used to listen to audiobooks while I ran. They didn't mess with my pace the way music would. Complex reading didn't work so well though.

[ladysai]

When someone asks for an audio book recommendations, my go-to books are the Dune and Hyperion series. Incredibly well done.

I havent listened to Dune, but the Hyperion series is fantastic!


I feel Guidall IS Father Callahan and Muller IS Roland.

I completely agree!


I really want to listen to the cast reading of American Gods they released a couple years ago (only digitally though, booo). Has anyone listened to that?

I havent, but I would love to. :)

[mikeC]

I liked Pinchot doing Eyes of the Dragon a lot but hated him doing the Other Kingdoms.
Weird.

You can get the 4 Hyperion books for $24 on Brillance
https://www.audiobookstand.com/Authors/Dan%20Simmons#/

[mikeC]

Did anyone listen to JJ Abrams' "S"? It's kind of difficult so I was wondering if it's worth the expirience.

[mikeC]

Listened to Pines, great book. I'm waiting for my order of the next 2 to be delivered.
Listening to American Gods cast reading, it's pretty great. I don't remember there being so much foreshadowing (ha!) in it.
It's kind of like a who's who's in audiobook narration too.

[mikeC]

I am suffering through The Watchers at the moment, super smart dog and gorilla monster, gotcha.... Surprised this is considered Koontz' best. I think the onlyone I truly liked was Phantoms, that was a great audio book btw.

[asted2113]

I'm trying to listen to the Audible drama for Locke and Key by Joe Hill. It's a little hard to understand without having read the comics. So much is just assumed you understand what the comic pictures are telling you. Might be better to "follow" along with the comic books.

[mikeC]

I read the comics but still found it hard to follow or remember what was going on. I think a little extra narration would have helped it tremendously.

I actually had to stop listening to Blake Crouch's Dark Matter.
The narrator sounded like a transvestite when doing women and like the detective from South Park while doing everyone else. Add in Crouch's overly dramatic explanations
"He found an ax, the blade was dull, like it had been there for a hundred years with parts that had chipped off making it not the best weapon to have but the only weapon he could find" Yea yea we get it he found a beat up ax...

I had to throw it in the trunk as a back up book. Next!

[ladysai]

I also gave up Dark Matter because of the horrid narration.
Good to know I wasnt the only one who couldnt tolerate that voice...

[Heather19]

I can understand how a horrible narration can ruin a book. It's a shame, especially if it's a good story. You guys should consider reading it. I loved the book.

[mattgreenbean]

Breakfast of Champions by Vonnegut. Not enjoying it as much as when I read it in 2000.

[mikeC]

I also gave up Dark Matter because of the horrid narration.
Good to know I wasnt the only one who couldnt tolerate that voice...

Crazy right? There's so many good narrators now, how did that happen?


Heather19
I can understand how a horrible narration can ruin a book. It's a shame, especially if it's a good story. You guys should consider reading it. I loved the book.

My brohter in law owns it so I will give a shot. Thanks!

[mikeC]

Listening to Finders Keepers in the car, pretty engrossing stuff. Too much rape though, jeez Steve!
I think Steve's everything bad happens bc of booze thing fits more into these detective novels than his scfi/horror stuff.

Listening to The Passage at work and I would never buy or listen to an abridgement but I feel like this one could have been ok with one. After the big change in storyline it just hasn't captured me as much as the beginning and I thought all the relationship drama just drug the story down for me. I also think their 80s styled nicknames were silly Mouse, Radio, Hightop....It's like when Stan Smith goes to the Island and gives all the natives nicknames. "I'll name you Hot Rod"
I hope that it picks up soon.
Great narrartors though!

[mattgreenbean]

Mr Mercedes so the wife will be ready for the show. Listening to it on the commute.

Listening to Hell House at work. Ray Porter is the nar. and I'm gonna look for more by him.

[TravelinJack]

I like Will Patton as a narrator. I was happy he did the whole trilogy.

[Heather19]

Just started listening to On Writing. I had no idea the first third of the book was an autobiography. I would have picked this one up sooner. It was wonderful listening to King talk about his life.

[mikeC]

Just started listening to On Writing. I had no idea the first third of the book was an autobiography. I would have picked this one up sooner. It was wonderful listening to King talk about his life.

Yes! This book is in my top 5 bc of the audiobook, it's so much fun listening to Steve just talk about his childhood.

[Heather19]

Just started listening to On Writing. I had no idea the first third of the book was an autobiography. I would have picked this one up sooner. It was wonderful listening to King talk about his life.

Yes! This book is in my top 5 bc of the audiobook, it's so much fun listening to Steve just talk about his childhood.


I just got into the portion about the writing. Does it get better? I'm not a writer so listening to this part is a little dry. The only good thing is that King is narrating so that's a plus. But yes that first portion of the book was wonderful. I just wish the whole thing was like that.

[mikeC]

I don't mind that part, but I find anything about creating interesting so I might not be the one to make that call. It definitely doesn't get into text book territory though. I thought Danse Macabre was 100x drier.

[Heather19]

Oh really. I've been wanting to read that one forever now, but haven't gotten around to it yet for some reason. I do love anything to do with horror though.

[Heather19]

So I finished On Writing. Loved it. There were a few dry spots when he went into detail about sentences and words or what not, but luckily those were very small portions. I really enjoyed the insight into his own creative process, and the stories behind some of his books. And that epilogue about what he went through with his accident made me want to cry.

[mikeC]

Yes, very honest and entertaining. Made me dig Steve even more. Glad you stuck with it.

[TravelinJack]

One of my favorites to listen to. Very inspiring and fun.

[Heather19]

It made me want to sit down and write. Unfortunately I can not write :lol:

[mikeC]

Listened to Gwendy's Button Box yesterday, it was ok I guess, not sure why it's touted as a Castle Rock story it could have taken place anywhere, unless the suicide stairs were mentioned in another book. It was fine, not sure why RF would want to save the world though...
I usually like woman narrators better than men, I wasn't a big fan of this one though, I found it hard to pay attention to her maybe with a longer story it would have gotten easier.
Music Room was great though.

[mikeC]

So I'm about 3 discs into Zero's backstory in City of Mirrors...wtf? Is this necessary?

[mikeC]

So I'm about 3 discs into Zero's backstory in City of Mirrors...wtf? Is this necessary?

Apparently it was! This was by far the best book in the series.

[mikeC]

I am listening to Regulators in the car and Desperation at work as a little experiment bc I hated both books I thought maybe this would make it more interesting.
Regulators is one of 3 books by Steve that I never finished. Danse and Dreamcatcher were the other 2.

[Brian861]

Looking for some recommendations for my commute each day (3 hours round trip). Doesn't necessarily have to be King or a specific genre, but a great narrator would be most appreciated. Thanks!

I recently finished up Joyland read by Michael Kelly. Awesome, awesome reader and I loved the story. About to the end of Joe Hill's The Fireman and with the exception of a few spots, I've been bored to death with it. I'm a huge Hill fan but this one missed the mark and the narrator didn't help it much.

On deck next is 11/22/63.

[Brian861]

I am listening to Regulators in the car and Desperation at work as a little experiment bc I hated both books I thought maybe this would make it more interesting.
Regulators is one of 3 books by Steve that I never finished. Danse and Dreamcatcher were the other 2.

I didn't care for those two either, Mike. Although I managed to finish both of them. Never read (or listened to) Danse or Dreamcatcher.