In Which I Finally Get Hooked on Eaudiobooks

I am basically addicted to audiobooks. With the right narrator, an audiobook can be such a fantastic way to experience a story. And what can beat the convenience of "reading" a book on your commute? Indeed, most of my audiobook listening is done in the car. But there's a little problem with that. My car is stuck in the last decade: it only has a CD player. No iPhone hookup. And audiobooks are increasingly becoming available as electronic downloads these days.

I love the concept of eaudiobooks-- so convenient, having the audiobook on your phone! You can listen at the gym! (I'm not a fan of the gym.) You can listen while you walk the dog! (I don't have a dog.) You can listen while you do housework! (My kids are usually right under foot.) Short of putting a pair of portable iPhone speakers in my car so I can listen on my commute (which I can never seem to remember to do), I haven't found a good solution for working eaudiobooks into my routine. Until now.

Last week, I had a little run-in with a heavy door. Literally. The door won, and I injured a toe pretty badly. Um, yes, I know that sounds pathetic. But even though a toe may not sound like a big deal... it kind of is. A lot of things are off-limits for me right now while I heal up, including my beloved ballet classes.

(Allow me a brief woe-is-me moment here: my poor ballet bag has been exiled to a closet for the next few weeks. SIGH.)

Anyway, so, what to do with an injured toe? I was told to rest and keep my weight off it for the first few days, and I thought the silver lining would be lots of time to sit back and read. But I was on a fairly intense dose of painkillers for the first few days after the injury, so I couldn't concentrate on a book for very long.

What then? I turned to my one and only gaming addiction: Tetris. It was like the early 90s all over again! And what to do while playing game after game of Tetris on my phone? Why, use my phone to listen to an eaudiobook, too! The combination of Tetris and an eaudiobook turned out to be the perfect thing to get me through the first few days of recovery. The Tetris would have gotten boring quickly on its own, and likewise, who wants to just sit and stare into space while listening to an audiobook?

So there you have it: my strategy for working eaudiobooks into your daily routine. Tetris. 

You don't need to wreck your toe to implement this solution, though.

Audiobook Review: Call It Courage, by Armstrong Sperry

Weighing in with my second pick for the Newbery Medal Reading Challenge, and I have to admit: I am not exactly rocking this challenge. It's a struggle to pick up an old Newbery winner when there are shiny new releases and ARCs that beg to be read. I feel like a student again, poring through the list of titles, thinking, "That one sounds boring.... so does that one... no way... nope..."

But that's part of my motivation for participating in this challenge-- making myself read some of the titles I might not otherwise pick up. I am aiming to increase the depth of Newbery titles I can recommend to young readers at my library... and little by little, I will.

My latest selection for this reading challenge is the 1941 Newbery winner: Call It Courage, by Armstrong Sperry.

Sperry, Armstrong. Call It Courage. 1994. Recorded Books. Audiobook $25.75. ISBN 0788746480.

Why did I choose this one? I'm not a huge fan of survival stories, but it has two things going for it:

1. It's available on audiobook.

2. It's set in Polynesia. My husband and I honeymooned in Moorea and Bora Bora ten years ago, so I was eager to revisit that setting.

Newlyweds on Matira Beach in Bora Bora.
(Can we go back there, please?)

In Call It Courage, a young boy Mafatu survives a tragic incident in which he and his mother are caught by a hurricane. She doesn't survive, and he is left with a lifelong fear of the sea-- which is not an acceptable phobia for a Polynesian boy to have, considering so much of their daily life revolves around the water. Spurred by the constant taunts of his peers and determined to prove his bravery, Mafatu sets out in a canoe for places unknown and must survive against the elements with only his trusty dog and a friendly albatross for companionship.

If you like survival stories, you'll probably like this one: it's pretty solid. As a bonus, contemporary readers will relate to the bullying Mafatu endures, and his desire to prove himself.

I was curious, however, about how a 1940s novel would depict Polynesian culture. Would there be a lot of nonsense about primitive natives and whatnot? Mostly, the cultural elements come across well enough. The author describes Mafatu and his people respectfully. However, Sperry constantly refers to another (purportedly cannibalistic) tribe as "the black eaters of men." It's plausible that there were cannibalistic tribes in ancient Polynesia, but the emphasis on their skin color is problematic. Sperry hardly ever mentions this tribe's cannibalism without making sure the reader knows they're black, which is awkward and, frankly, disturbing. 

But on the plus side, there's a dog in this story, and he doesn't die! I thought for sure he was a goner when he fell in the water near a hungry shark, and his eyes were described as "puzzled" and "so faithful and true" or something along those lines. I was like, "OH NO, HERE WE GO."  ...but the dog survived! Hooray!

The audiobook makes for a pleasant way to approach this book. The narrator, George Guidall, gives a solid performance. He doesn't display much of a range of character voices, but most of the book is narration, rather than dialogue, so his performance works here. (There's also a 2009 recording from Listening Library done by Lou Diamond Phillips that I'd be curious to hear.)

All in all, I'm not in love with this particular Newbery winner, but if I get a request for a Newbery from a young reader who likes action and adventure, I might recommend this one-- but then again, with all the "black eaters of men" stuff, maybe not. It would depend on whether or not the child's parent would be willing to discuss how the language used to describe other cultures or ethnic groups in the 1940s is not necessarily acceptable now. As long as it's used as a teachable moment, I think Call It Courage could work for a contemporary reader.

Audiobook Review: The Door in the Wall, by Marguerite de Angeli

This book is my first pick for the Newbery Medal Challenge! Hooray!

As mentioned previously, I'm modifying this reading challenge to make it a little less intense, and will be reading one Newbery Medal winner from each decade (instead of every single winner). And yes, I was going to start with the 1920s, but I have to admit that I keep getting hung up every time I look at the choices for that decade-- they're just not appealing. And it seems I'm not alone, according to this article on the Digital Shift. So it's not just me. Whew! But... any advice, Newbery fans? I've got to read a 1920s Newbery winner at some point, after all...

Anyway, after waffling for a few months, I decided to forget about going in order and just jump in with whatever title catches my eye. So! My choice for the 1950s is The Door in the Wall, by Marguerite de Angeli.

de Angeli, Marguerite. The Door in the Wall. 2008. Listening Library. Audiobook $24.00. ISBN 9780739371879. 

Winner of the 1950 Newbery Medal, this title piqued my interest because of its medieval England setting. Robin, the son of a nobleman, has always anticipated growing up to become a knight, but finds he must learn to cope with a different sort of life when he loses the uses of his legs after an illness. 

This book is what I'd call a cozy read. I enjoyed the details of medieval life and was inspired by Robin's struggle to come to terms with his physical challenges. His transformation from a spoiled brat to a young man with a sense of purpose is heartwarming, as is the large cast of endearing characters who support and encourage him. 

But I have to say: this is not the most suspenseful story ever. An adult with an interest in history (me!) is likely to enjoy it, but the lack of tension in the plot might make it pretty dull for a young reader.

For example: the characters are traveling through a wood, and realize they have to stop for the night. One character mentions he had been this way before, and found a woodcutter's cottage to be a hospitable place to stay. With this kind of setup, you're thinking-- okay, SOMETHING BAD has definitely happened to that woodcutter, and our main characters are about to be attacked by wolves or bandits or zombies. Right? Nope. The band of travelers finds the cottage easily and the woodcutter and his wife are indeed friendly and accommodating. The lack of complications is sort of sweet, really. But will it appeal to today's readers, who expect twists and turns and cliffhangers?

That said, the audio production of this book is truly stellar. Roger Rees, a well-known actor who got his start in the Royal Shakespeare Company, expertly breathes life into the archaic language of the book, making it  accessible for contemporary readers. Too, his steady pacing and wide variety of character voices keep the narrative interesting despite its relatively low-key plot. The audiobook is further enhanced by the addition of medieval music and other sound effects at appropriate times (e.g. when the narrative mentions a song being played on a harp, or church bells ringing), making for a memorable listening experience.

If you're going to read The Door in the Wall, the audiobook is definitely the way to do it.

Audiobook Review: Dead End in Norvelt, by Jack Gantos

The Dead End in Norvelt audiobook along for the ride on my commute.

Gantos, Jack. Dead End in Norvelt. 2011. Macmillian Audio. Audiobook $29.99. ISBN 9781427213563. 

Ah, the 2012 Newbery Medal winner. What can I say? I was rooting for Gary D. Schmidt's Okay For Now, so I couldn't help but experience Dead End in Norvelt through the lens of my disappointment. I can't get over the fact that Okay For Now wasn't honored by any of the ALA Youth Media Awards. (It did just win big over at School Library Journal's Battle of the Kids' Books, which is completely awesome... but still!) 

So, although my perspective on this book may be somewhat biased, I liked Dead End in Norvelt quite a lot. I didn't love it-- but I did enjoy this semi-autobiographical tale of a wacky and life-changing summer in the life of young Jack Gantos as he ends up grounded and spends much of his time transcribing obituaries for an elderly neighbor.

That may not sound like an enticing plot, but surprisingly, my favorite parts of the book were the obituaries. I was so moved by the thought of one very dedicated woman dictating not only tributes to her friends and neighbors, but documenting her beloved town's history. Really, really lovely stuff. Indeed, the overall theme of history- Gantos' affection for studying it, the idea that we should all learn from it- is woven throughout the story to great effect.

Still, this book isn't quite as cohesive as I would expect from a Newbery award winner. There are a lot of plot threads and a lot of characters, and I was expecting them to all intersect and come together in some sort of awe-inspiring way, but... they don't. A mystery is solved, the main character learns an important lesson, and the book just seems to trail off in the end.

That said, I'm very much looking forward to attending this year's Newbery Caldecott Wilder banquet at the ALA Annual Conference in June to see Jack Gantos speak. If his solid performance on this audiobook recording is any indication, his speech should be fantastic. I did find myself missing the variety of character voices I enjoy in audiobooks narrated by professional actors-- but Gantos has a gift for presenting his own writing in an engaging way with a great deal of heart.

At my library, I often help middle school students who are assigned to read a Newbery winner. I would certainly recommend Dead End in Norvelt to any reader looking for a humorous pick.

Audiobook Review: The Scorpio Races, by Maggie Stiefvater

Stiefvater, Maggie. The Scorpio Races. 2011. Scholastic Audio Books. Audiobook $79.99. ISBN 9780545357050. 

Let me admit this up front: I'm not really a horse person. I went to Girl Scout horse camp in 5th grade, and I liked it, but I've never been enamored of horses the way so many girls are.

So maybe I'm not the ideal audience for The Scorpio Races, a story about a boy and a girl who live on an island where wild, dangerous water horses climb out of the ocean every Fall, and the islanders try to tame and ride them in an annual race. It's a brutal tradition in which not everyone survives, and both Sean and Kate (called Puck) have their own reasons for participating.

My feelings are mixed about the book as a whole, but by the end, I have to admit that I kind of did come to love the horses.

For me, this book's strength lies in its atmospheric setting. I could practically feel the bracing winds and smell the sea through Stiefvater's prose. Though it is fictional, the remote little island of Thisby feels completely real, layered with its own history.

In contrast, my difficulty in connecting with this book lies in the character of Puck. She's selfish, prickly, and often startlingly ungrateful: a difficult character to like. I'm usually all for a character with flaws, and her flaws may very well make her more endearing to many readers, but Puck's self-centered outlook grated on me. Despite the fact that she does show growth, compassion, and maturity toward the end of the book, I felt I spent too much time simply trying to endure her. Alas!

I enjoyed other characters, though-- especially Puck's little brother, Finn, for his loyalty and faith in his sister. I'm pretty sure I said "aww!" every time he made an appearance.

Since this Printz Honor winning novel was also named an Odyssey Honor book for audiobook excellence, and was selected as one of YALSA's Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults, I decided to listen to this book on CD. And indeed, the audiobook production is gorgeous. Steve West as Sean and Fiona Hardingham as Puck deliver solid, rich performances and bring so much life to the characters. Both narrators have excellent pacing and British accents that are simply a pleasure to hear.

When audiobooks feature dual narrators, each narrator is responsible for their own main character, but they also read the dialogue of the other narrator's character in scenes where the two interact. I always wonder if the director has both narrators listen to each other's performance, so they can loosely replicate the other actor's pitch and pacing. I don't think all audiobook productions go to that level of detail, but I do believe Steve West and Fiona Hardingham must have listened to each other's performances. Their deliveries of each other's characters in dialogue scenes are spot-on, making for a seamless listening experience.  

Not only are the narrators utterly fantastic, but Stiefvater appears at the end of the audiobook with an informative and interesting author's note explaining the research she did about water horse mythology.

Also, the audiobook is framed by evocative music that suits the story perfectly-- and which, as I was astounded and impressed to learn, was composed by the author herself. Talk about talent! The music is also featured in the mesmerizing book trailer, animated by Stiefvater. I am in awe. Take a look!



In the end, although The Scorpio Races was a somewhat uneven read for me, I can appreciate its merits, and can see why it has garnered so much recognition. It is a beautifully written, fantastically original novel.

Audiobook Review: The Mighty Miss Malone, by Christopher Paul Curtis

 
Curtis, Christopher Paul. The Mighty Miss Malone. 2012. Listening Library. Audiobook $44.00. ISBN 9780307968227.

Is it too much to say that Deza Malone is the most memorable young girl in children’s literature since Anne of Green Gables? Would I be going too far to suggest that we just put a gold sticker on this book right now?

I mean, honestly. This book is SO. GOOD.

In this story of a young girl and her family weathering hard times during the Great Depression, Christopher Paul Curtis returns to a character from his Newbery Medal winning title, Bud, Not Buddy.

So, first things first: does this story stand on its own if you haven’t read Bud, Not Buddy?

Well, I have something to confess. I read Bud, Not Buddy several years ago. Like, we're talking library school, pre-kids-- it was a whole different life. And while I remember loving it,  I confess that I did not remember how and where Deza came into Bud's story. Like, at all. I’m so ashamed. But my faulty memory serves you well, dear reader, because I can say with absolute confidence that, YES, you can jump into this one without having read the previous volume.

Having looked it up, I was amused to note that the interaction between Deza and Bud differs significantly  between the two books-- each character tells their own version of their meeting, and I LOVE that Curtis sets them both up as slightly unreliable narrators. That suits the almost "tall tale" tone of these books just perfectly.

So back to the excellence of The Mighty Miss Malone...

I experienced this book on CD, and let me tell you, I cried in the car on the way to work listening to it. Not once, not twice, but THREE times! Seriously, you would think I would have learned after the first time to stop listening on my commute, but I couldn’t help it.

This is a powerful story with exhilarating highs and devastating lows-- I sometimes found myself laughing and crying at the same time. And other times, just crying. In particular, the aftermath of a certain boxing match and what it meant to Deza, her family, and her whole community absolutely wrecked me.

I came to love the characters in this book to the point that they became almost real to me-- as if this weren't historical fiction, but a biography. Deza herself is a delightfully flawed character who changes and grows as she experiences more than her fair share of challenges. The adult characters in the book, especially Deza's mother, are well-rounded and fully developed in their own right. I found myself wanting to know what would become of Deza and her family beyond the scope of this book. Basically, I want Christopher Paul Curtis to write Deza's entire life, because I need to know what happens to her.

And I would want to have Bahni Turpin narrate the whole thing. As wonderful as Curtis' writing already is, her performance as the audiobook narrator really brings this story to life. She has an incredible range, doing a masterful job with women, men, and children's voices alike. Notably, when one character goes through a physical change after an accident, Turpin maintains the recognizable voice she had created for the character, but manages the distinct difference caused by his new circumstances. And her character voice for Deza's "second brain" made me laugh every time. I am floored by Turpin's talent.

I was struck by the way this story begins with "Once upon a time," and ends with a hopeful yet ambiguous ending. The reader is left with a sense of optimism, but there's no easy "happily ever after" here. This is a story about poverty, and though it's historical fiction, the youth of today will relate as we all struggle with the current economy.

The Mighty Miss Malone is already one of my favorite reads of 2012. I want my children to read it when they're older, and I want Christopher Paul Curtis to win a Newbery for it. If he does, I want to be at the banquet to see him speak. And I'll probably cry through the whole thing.

Audiobook Review: Hattie Big Sky

Larson, Kirby. Hattie Big Sky. 2007. Listening Library. Audiobook $37.00. ISBN 9780739350515.

I never knew I was interested in the adventures of a girl trying to prove up on a homesteading claim in 1918 Montana until Kirby Larson wrote Hattie Big Sky. I love it when a book surprises me like that. 

Sixteen-year-old orphan, Hattie, inherits a piece of land that must be "proved up" on before it's hers, meaning that she must show evidence that she's living there and must meet certain farming requirements before the land is officially hers. She doesn't know a thing about farming, but she's up for the challenge.

The hardships of homesteading life are brought into vivid detail by Larson, who must have done extensive research. In addition to a multidimensional cast of characters that the reader grows to love and an episodic plot that borders on survival story at times, the setting and time period of the story are fascinating to me. Hattie is facing this incredibly intense pioneer lifestyle-- in 1918. I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I didn't know people were still homesteading in 1918!

By that time, most people in urban or suburban areas were living comfortably with indoor plumbing and automobiles, not living in a tiny shack and hammering fence posts into the ground. Hattie's struggles to reach her own barn in a blizzard are juxtaposed with a sobering portrayal of the prejudice against German Americans during World War I, and the combination of these elements makes for a truly unique setting. Much more Little House on the Prairie than Betsy-Tacy.

The story has a satisfying and realistic ending that leaves the door open for more, so I just about squealed aloud when I read that Larson is working on a Hattie sequel. I can't wait to spend more time with this character.

I'm glad I experienced this most excellent book in audio format. Kirsten Potter's engaging narration made my daily commute much more vibrant than usual. Her voice sounds a bit more mature than I would imagine Hattie, but she's got a strong, down-to-earth quality that really works for the character. Potter makes the listener believe that this girl is no cream puff-- she's a driven young woman, and she's going to do everything in her power to succeed.

My children, ages three and one, are often subjected to random bits and pieces of whatever audiobook I'm listening to, and let's just say they don't hesitate to give me their opinions. (Seriously: there was another audiobook that actually made the one-year-old CRY every time we listened to it. Oops!) Well, Hattie got an enthusiastic seal of approval from my three-year-old. There's a particularly exciting chapter involving a cow, and every time we got into the car after that, it was, "Mama? Can listen to cow story, please?" We all loved this audiobook.

Hattie Big Sky was named a Newbery Honor book in 2007, and is very deserving of the award. I would recommend this rich and uplifting book to students assigned to read historical fiction for school, as well as readers who are already avid fans of the genre-- it's certain to please most any reader.

Audiobook Review: Moon Over Manifest, by Clare Vanderpool

Vanderpool, C. Moon Over Manifest. 2010. Random House Audio. Audiobook $25.00. ISBN 9780307941930.

When this year's Newbery winner was announced, I had the same reaction as a lot of readers:  Moon over WHAT? It kind of came from left field to win the medal. But let me tell you, that Newbery committee knew what they were doing when they chose this title. It's good. Really, really good! To be honest, I had my doubts about how I would like it, but ended up completely riveted.

It's a book in which different threads of story come together in an satisfying conclusion. In 1936, Abilene is sent to the town of Manifest, Kansas, while her father works on the railroad, which he says is no place for a young girl. Her father had spent some time in Manifest as a boy, and Abilene is determined to find out more about his connection to the town. In her efforts to discover the history of her father, she discovers the history of the town itself.

Moon Over Manifest is one of those seemingly quiet books that kids may not pick up on their own. But if they do, they’ll undoubtedly be drawn into the mystery of the story as it unfolds layer by layer. Boys and girls will both enjoy this book equally, as there are two main characters: Abilene in 1936, and Jinx, the boy whose letters she discovers from 1918.

Of the dual narratives that make up the story, it’s Jinx’s story that really grabs the reader. His story is filled with lively characters, high stakes, and brilliant schemes, and Abilene's story is more of a frame. The storytelling is masterfully executed, as neither portion of the story would have the impact of the two combined. Abilene’s determination to find out more about her father gives emotional weight to the flashbacks, and the structure of the narrative makes for a fascinating puzzle as the reader wonders how the town went from a place full of hope in 1918 to a near ghost-town in 1936. If we didn’t have the picture of the town in 1936, the events of 1918 wouldn’t mean as much to the reader.

This novel works very well as an audiobook. The three modes of storytelling (the main narrative, a newspaper column, and a young soldier's letters home from war) are differentiated nicely with three actors reading the parts. The two secondary narrators, Kirby Heyborne and Cassandra Campbell, bring their roles to life and are a pure pleasure to hear.

The primary narrator, Justine Eyre, has a very distinctive texture to her voice that makes her unconvincing as a young girl, so I’m not sure she’s the best choice for a first-person youth narration. That said, she has excellent pacing, and does a fabulous job with the adult characters. She’s got quite a range, creating distinct voices for each character and using a variety of accents. Also, I enjoyed that her speech is clipped and precise in a way that sounds old-fashioned, like something out of a 1930s movie, making her performance perfect for historical fiction.

I still find myself thinking about this book months after finishing it.  I'm so glad I gave it a try, and recommend it enthusiastically to anyone looking for a solid, uplifting story.

Audiobook Review: Turtle in Paradise, by Jennfer L. Holm

Holm, Jennifer L. Turtle in Paradise. 2010. Random House Audio. Audiobook $25.00. ISBN 9780307738301.

Slowly but surely, I'm catching up with the last round of Newbery books before the next batch is announced in January! I liked this story about a girl who is sent to live with her aunt and cousins in Key West, Florida, during the hard times of the 1930s. I didn't quite love it, but I liked it.

With its spunky main character and lighthearted tone, I would hand Turtle in Paradise to any elementary schooler with a historical fiction assignment. Despite the fact that there's a girl on the cover, boys and girl readers can enjoy this story equally-- there are plenty of hilarious boy characters.

The episodic feel of this book had me wondering where the plot was, even as far as halfway through the story. And then, after much meandering, I was a bit thrown off by the book's implausible climax, and an ending that felt abrupt to me. But if you like episodic plots, this is the book for you!

To me, it's the setting and characters that shine in this book. The character of Turtle provides some great laugh-out-loud moments with her snappy one-liners, especially involving her distaste for the saccharine child actress, Shirley Temple.

The Depression-era setting is effectively evoked through references to pop culture of the time, such as radio shows and comic strips-- which were called "the funny pages," of course. My grandma used that phrase! When did it go out of fashion, I wonder?

I listened to this book on CD, and highly recommend it in audio format. The narrator, Becca Battoe, is completely delightful. She has a soft Southern accent, which sometimes comes through even in the characters who are supposed to be Northern, but I was so charmed by it, it's easy to overlook any inconsistency. Her pacing is perfect, and (hooray!) she sounds appropriately youthful for a middle grade novel told from a first-person point of view. She suits the sassy character of Turtle perfectly, and her performance really enhanced my experience with this book.

Any young reader who likes historical fiction will find a great deal of charm in Turtle in Paradise.

Audiobook Review: One Day and One Amazing Morning on Orange Street, by Joanne Rocklin

Rocklin, Joanne. One Day and One Amazing Morning on Orange Street. 2011. Listening Library. Audiobook $38.00. ISBN 9780307879745

Once upon a time, Southern California was covered in orange groves. Nowadays, you’re lucky if you spot one here or there. That’s how it is on Orange Street: just one tree left standing from what used to be hundreds. Over the span of a day and a half, the reader gets to know the residents of Orange Street, past and present, and learn what this wonderful tree means to all of them.

Normally, the kind of story where seemingly unrelated threads come together in surprising ways is my favorite. I love that that spine-tingling moment where it all clicks. Unfortunately, I found this middle grade read to be a little lacking in the plot department.

Rather, the emphasis here is on character development. Which isn't a bad thing! Character development is a good thing! BUT- but… there's a lot of time spent developing the various characters and their wants, hopes, and concerns, and I feel that their personalities and issues could have been more seamlessly integrated into the narrative, rather than forcing the plot into slow motion.

Too, I have some quibbles with the storytelling. The object that sets everything in motion a suspicious orange cone placed near the neighborhood’s beloved tree, but the cone seems to be forgotten for the bulk of the book. Moreover, the orange tree’s fate is wrapped up with the appearance of a mysterious stranger, but his motivations were never entirely clear to me even after his backstory was revealed.

That said, there's plenty to like about this book. Rocklin really captures the little rituals and worries and superstitions kids rely on. The gentle writing style and timeless setting are enjoyable, and the subtly diverse cast of characters is a plus.

The highlight of the book for me was Ms. Snoops, the oldest resident on Orange Street, written with great sensitivity as she recalls the most minute details about the past, but can't seem to remember what happened an hour earlier. Oh dear-- I just want to give her a reassuring pat on the hand.

Additionally, there are some genuinely stirring moments at the book's conclusion, and a comforting feeling of just-rightness with a satisfying epilogue. I love a good epilogue!

Orange Street has received several glowing reviews from journals and has been getting some Newbery buzz, so I’ll be curious to see if the committee recognizes it. I think this title may only appeal to the most patient young readers, and in fact, feels like the kind of book that will appeal more to adults than kids-- but since child appeal is not one of the criteria for the Newbery, who knows?

I listened to this book on CD, and I found myself ambivalent about Lisa Baney’s performance. I enjoyed her depiction of some of the adult characters-- Ms. Snoops and a cheerful set of grandparents in particular-- but her younger characters were unconvincing to me. So, the book itself and the audiobook experience were both a bit uneven for me. Still, I would recommend this title to an avid young reader looking for a realistic story, especially if they want something about friendship and community. I’m not sure it will appeal to everyone, but those who do connect with it will wholeheartedly enjoy it.

Audiobook Review: Sisterhood Everlasting, by Ann Brashares

Brashares, Ann. Sisterhood Everlasting. Random House Audio Publishing Group. 2011. Audiobook $40.00. ISBN 9780307912220.

Oh, Sisterhood Everlasting. I was hoping to love you! Alas, our love was not meant to be.

This conclusion to the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series picks up a decade after the last book left off, and the four best friends are all grown up... but lost without each other.

My issues: The characters are really, really immature. Traits that were acceptable in teenagers, I found intolerable in adults. Lena is still painfully passive and afraid to act in any capacity; Bridget is still a screw-up who does whatever she wants without thinking of others. Carmen- always my favorite character- is the only one who seems to have her life together, but she’s clearly got her priorities in the wrong order-- she’s putting her career first (tsk!) and has apparently lost her ability to think deep thoughts because she’s constantly glued to an iPhone.

Hey. I like my iPhone.

Also, the plot is kind of a downer, and while I’m okay with the fact that not everything in life is all sparkles and unicorns, I found the pacing through the sad parts of this book to be, well, somewhat excruciating.

To be fair to Brashares, a good deal of my irritation with this book may stem from the audiobook narrator. Angela Goethals has a truly lovely voice. She sounds youthful enough to believably portray all the characters, and does a commendable job creating distinct voices for each character-- which is a difficult task, as the main characters are all 29 year old females. But! My main problem with her reading is that it's very slowly paced and overly deliberate. Her delivery plays up the angsty melodrama… or maybe her melodramatic tone is caused by the inherent melodrama in the text. Either way, I found myself shouting at the audiobook frequently. Things like: “THIS AGAIN?” and “REALLY? YOU WENT THERE?” and “LENA, I WILL SMACK YOU.”

Which, on the bright side, means that at least the book elicited a strong reaction from me, right?

So, while I can’t say I exactly enjoyed the experience of this novel, I will say that I couldn’t put it aside. I absolutely had to keep listening; I had to find out how everything would end up for these characters I had so loved from the first four volumes of the series. Most fans of the Traveling Pants books will likely feel the same way, whether they end up loving this book or not-- for better or worse, it's a compelling read if you loved the first four.

Audiobook Review: The Penderwicks at Point Mouette, by Jeanne Birdsall

Birdsall, Jeanne. The Penderwicks at Point Mouette. Random House Audio Publishing Group. 2011. Audiobook $34.00. ISBN 9780307915313.

The third installment of the charming Penderwicks series is... oh, it's completely... just...

BRB, BOOKING MY VACATION COTTAGE IN MAINE!

...okay, only in my dreams. Sigh. But yes, this book is truly a treasure. It makes you want to stay in a cozy cottage on the coast of Maine and eat lots of pie, just like the three youngest Penderwicks and their friend Jeffrey do. It's the perfect summer read.

For the most part, the book isn't exactly plot driven, but is thoroughly enjoyable due to the charm of its characters, with their quirky and relatable personalities, their worries and hopes, and their delight in the everyday. Like Elizabeth Enright's Melendy quartet, which is one of the inspirations for this series, this book is filled with small adventures-- the kind that make summer magical, and can be replicated by the reader. The Melendy kids inspired me to count shooting stars during the Perseids meteor shower, eat petits fours, and get the occasional manicure (hee, poor Mona!). Likewise, Penderwicks devotees will undoubtedly be moved to build a fire on the beach and roast marshmallows, go boating, learn to play the piano (or at least appreciate it), and maybe hunt for lost golf balls. Lovely stuff.

This the first Penderwicks book I experienced as an audiobook, and I wasn't sure I'd like it as well as the print version. One of the things I love best about reading this series is soaking up the language, and I didn't think I'd be able to do that with an audiobook. But Susan Denaker's performance is perfect for the Penderwicks. In addition to portraying each character with a distinct and believable voice, her narration has a gentle tone and precise diction, well-suited to the old-fashioned feel of the book. At first, I thought her pace was too slow, but as I relaxed into it, I realized the pace allowed me to soak up the language-- just like I wanted. Listening to this audiobook is like having a dear aunt read you a bedtime story. I wished it would go on forever.

I came to love Skye more and more in this book, as much of the story is centered around her learning to take confidence in her ability to take care of her family in her older sister's absence. I always liked Skye, but she really shines in this book, sarcastic and straightforward. Maybe, too, it was the audiobook reader. She gets Skye's deadpan skepticism just right.

Okay, now this next bit is only of interest to those of you who have read the series, but I have to get put it out there: I AM SO CURIOUS ABOUT WHO WILL END UP WITH JEFFREY. Because let's face it, somebody has to, right? Skye seems like the natural choice, but could Birdsall pull an Alcott and pair him with the youngest sister later on? According to this fascinating interview, the next Penderwicks book will take place six whole years (gasp!!) after this one, and the series finale will again jump forward in time, so it's possible. Batty and Jefferey do share a certain bond. OR... will Birdsall "fix" Alcott and pair the boy next door with the second-oldest, the sister he SHOULD end up with? (Because, seriously people, did anyone really like Amy with Laurie? Didn't think so!) Skye and Jefferey are so completely MFEO, in my opinion. I felt like there were definite hints at setting up a future romance in this book more than the others, but Birdsall is playing with us a little. AND I LOVE IT.

Hmmmm. Am I the only one shipping Penderwicks? Probably! Still. Your thoughts?

If you haven't read this series yet, and you've been wondering why nobody writes good, old-fashioned books for kids anymore... what are you waiting for? You'll love the Penderwicks, and the third book is no exception.

White Cat, by Holly Black

White Cat. Black, Holly. Listening Library. 2010. Audiobook $40.00. ISBN 9780307711816.

Hey, I finally caught up with the rest of the world and read White Cat! I loved Holly Black's previous books about faeries, and this book was even more amazing. How does she do it?!

White Cat is a smart, exhilarating mashup of mafia, magic, and mystery. The story is set in a world much like ours, but with a fundamental difference: there are curse workers, people with magical powers. Those who don't have powers see magic as an unfair advantage, and so curse working has become a criminal activity. The protagonist, a high school boy named Cassel, is the only member of his family without magical abilities. But he can still work a good con.

This book is seriously brilliant. The plot is tightly woven and well paced, full of twists and turns as information assumed to be true at the beginning often turns out to be something else entirely. Through the first-person narration, the reader discovers surprising truths just as Cassel does. A fascinating, multi-layered cast of characters cleverly plays into mafia cliches at times, and other times plays against them. I have a total soft spot for Cassel's brusque but loving granddad, and his geeky, loyal boarding school roommate, Sam.

I can't get over the way Black constructs the insanely clever cons in this book. She provides the reader with just enough information so we think we know what the plan might be, but details are intentionally withheld to heighten the suspense as events play out- and this strategy definitely kept me on the edge of my seat.

I listened to this book on CD, and I enjoyed the audiobook experience. Although I'm not sure Jesse Eisenberg's characterization of Cassel is how I would have heard his voice in my head if I had read the print version, he really captured the character's youthfulness (one of my audiobook pet peeves is when the reader sounds way too old for their role!), and his East Coast accent was perfect for this book.

The sequel, Red Glove, is in bookstores TODAY! I can't wait to pick it up; I know it's going to be a great ride.

Audiobook Review: Little Princes, by Conor Grennan

Grennan, Conor. Little Princes: One Man's Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal. Harper Audio. 2011. Audio $24.99. ISBN 9780062027269.

Where do I begin? This book is SO GOOD, you guys. I can't stop thinking about it.

Little Princes is the memoir of an Irish-American twenty-something who goes to volunteer at an orphanage in Nepal for a few months, and ends up devoting years of his life to helping the children there. His story is riveting from beginning to end.

The author, Conor Grennan, is candid about the fact that he didn't set out to change the world; he just thought helping orphans in Nepal sounded impressive. But then he became completely wrapped up in the plight of the victims of child trafficking, and found a way to affect change. His story and the humble, honest way he tells it are genuinely inspiring.

The writing is filled with vivid detail, and the storytelling structure is strong; Grennan deftly intersperses information about Nepalese culture and politics into the narrative, providing context for his story in a way that is both engaging and informative. The personalities of the children he works with are brought to life with such warmth, the reader really comes to share his affection for them.

The audio recording of this book only enhances its quality. Listening to the author tell his own story makes an already personal tale that much more personal. After all, he knows exactly how it should sound, right down to the nuances of every piece of dialogue. His reading is a true pleasure, and his dry, often self-effacing sense of humor is laugh-out-loud funny. It’s like sitting down with a friend over coffee to hear the most amazing story.

Little Princes was recommended on the yalsa-bk mailing list due to its appeal for teens, and indeed, although it may be marketed to adults, I think it's a fantastic read for young people- inspiring and eye-opening. The timing of this book couldn't be better for librarians to share it with our teens; it's a perfect fit for those travel-oriented booklists to go with this year's nationwide Teen Summer Reading theme, "You Are Here."

I really can’t recommend this book highly enough. A portion of the proceeds from your purchase of Little Princes goes to Grennan’s nonprofit organization, Next Generation Nepal, which works to reconnect trafficked children with their families.