AudiobooksNow Blog

Climbing His Way out of the Ruins to Save His Family…”In His Father’s Footsteps”, by Danielle Steel

There have been many stirring novels about the holocaust, and this novel by Danielle Steel, In His Father’s Footsteps, is a very poignant story about two holocaust survivors, and their struggle to rediscover life. The question is…..will the second generation of these survivors have an easy time in their own lives, or will they also face challenges.

Friends Jakob and Emmanuelle have gratefully survived a horrible ordeal, and now they moved to New York’s Lower East Side. They could only find jobs that were very physically grueling, and the pay was terrible. But, they flourished and had a son, Max, whom they never wanted to have to ever start from the bottom as they did.

Max becomes extremely successful. He is a well-educated Harvard graduate and uses the wise advice that came from his father to build a very successful real estate venture. He also finds who he thinks is the love of his life, which led to an elaborate ceremony and a magnificent wedding. Along the way, Max is burdened to the point of stress, as he finds out his wife is not the person he thought she was.

Max finds himself faced by challenging situations which make him consider re-evaluating his plan for his life and his children. The irony is a struggle like his parents before. He must climb his way out of the ruins to save his family.

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Trusting no one…”Texas Ranger”, by James Patterson

Author, James Patterson, teams up with writer, Anthony Bourelle, to present a novel that is a standard Patterson plot, but with a much different setting and with multi-dimensional characters who are very susceptible to human flaws. Reviewers have given this new book, “Texas Ranger”, kudos as the best of the novels at being fast-paced, having great tempo, and transition from scene to scene.

The reader finds Rory Yates being called by his ex-wife Anne, that
she is being threatened by someone, and needs his help. Rory is known to be an over-dedicated lawman, and that part of his character can get him into trouble. Anne is a high school teacher who still lives in their hometown of Redbud, after their divorce, along with all their family and friends. By the time Rory arrives in the small town, Anne has already been murdered. The local police immediately suspect Rory as her ex-husband. Rory does not trust anyone, so he sets out to find Anne’s killer himself.

Rory hones in on an ex-boyfriend, Calvin Richards, who broke up with Anne and left town…….the day before she was killed. Patterson has other characters, such as Alex Cross, and they all have their degrees of foibles and eccentricities. Rory Yates, the new lawman in town, is no exception. It will be interesting to see Rory develop into a repeat main character, as he visits his small town home and interacts with his family and friends.

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War Hero, Senator, Presidential Candidate…”The Restless Wave: Good Times, Just Causes, Great Fights and Other Appreciations, by John McCain and Mark Salter

The memoir written by Arizona Senator John McCain, has even more significance now since his recent death. He had been in another war, this time, a personal one, with an inoperable brain tumor. During his terminal illness, he wrote his newest book: The Restless Wave: Good Times, Just Causes, Great Fights and Other Appreciations.

McCain writes his final book describing his personal history including the 2008 presidential campaign against Barack Hussein Obama, along with his crusades on behalf of democracy and human rights in third world countries. He includes stories of his most satisfying career moments of public service. Those who read, “Faith of My Father’s…..A Family Memoir”, consider it helpful in understanding McCain in his most current book.

Many readers find McCain to be more aligned with progressives than with the party he represented. They appreciate what they perceive to be his maturity in thinking and approach to issues. They firmly believe his voice resonates for politicians and citizens alike. He was an Arizona Senator, but was born in Panama and traveled the world. The experience as a Vietnam prisoner of war also played an important role in his vision. Rest in peace, Senator John McCain.

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Good Enough For The “Crazy Rich Asians”, by Kevin Kwan

For those, like me, who have never heard about the Asian rich, the novel by Kevin Kwan, Crazy Rich Asians, will be a real eye opener. It is presented with a lot of humor and drama, so according to many readers, it is a true page turner. The whole story is based around one of the most prestigious heirs in a wealthy Chinese family who brings home his American-born Chinese girlfriend to attend the wedding of the season.

Rachel Chu, who is an ABC girl, agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend and his family. She is expecting a normal family atmosphere, of which she is familiar. What she finds upon her arrival in Singapore is not in any way normal. She finds that her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, is a member of one of Singapore’s wealthiest families. He is one of Asia’s most eligible bachelors. His family home looks like a palace, travels in planes more than cars, with more wealth than can be imagined. The problem for Rachel is that nobody, including Nick’s mother, thinks Rachel is good enough for Nick.

There are many characters in Kwan’s book to be remembered. His choice to cover this accurate phenomenon in Asia through humor, contributes to the enjoyable, quick read. This culture in Asia has been described as
” uproarious, addictive, and filled with jaw dropping opulence”. “Crazy Rich Asians is an insider’s look at the Asian Jet-Set…….a perfect depiction of the clash between old money and new money……between Overseas Chinese and Mainland Chinese. A humorous depiction of what it is like to be young, in love, and crazy rich!

Film adaptation, which is directed by Jon M. Chu and stars Constance Wu, Henry Golding and Michelle Yeoh was released on August 15th.

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Put on the kill list….”Paradox”, by Catherine Coulter

For those readers who enjoy the genre of murder/mystery, the latest work by author Catherine Coulter, Paradox, is just the right choice for your next read. She writes her novels in series form, always leaving just enough suspense at the conclusion to warrant another book.
For FBI agents Sherlock and Savage find themselves on the kill list of an escaped mental patient. The FBI pair, who are also husband and wife, have caught many criminals and have solved many cases, but it is a game changer when their own lives are at stake. As they were sleeping in their rural Maryland home one night, Sherlock heard a noise coming from their five year old son’s room. She raced in to catch an intruder hovering over the boy, holding a knife. He escaped when she pursued him. Thus, they knew they were now on the “kill” list. And they had no intention of letting that happen.

In the same area, Chief Ty Christie observed a murder from her deck, overlooking the local lake where she lived. She saw an altercation, then a body being pushed out of the boat into the lake. Chief Christie immediately has the lake dragged to locate the body she observed being murdered. And the divers did find the freshly murdered body, but also found many other bones. They had found the dumping site used by the escaped mental patient. They knew his name, but finding him would be a certain challenge. So, Sherlock and Savich were called in to help, not knowing how connected they would be to the investigation. They were also going to request the help of Agent Porto, an old friend of Savich.. The bones were found in close proximity to an old mansion that was known to be haunted. It had stood empty for years, but they found one bedroom that was fully furnished and had been recently lived in. At one point Savich had a “premonition” and followed it upstairs where he found his old friend Agent Porto, who has been locked in a closet and left to die. The team is shocked…

…I guess Agent Porto will not be assisting in finding the killer.

Paradox is the twenty-second in the series of novels by author Coulter. It is a fast paced mystery with twists and turns that the reader will not see coming. It is definitely a race with a psycho killer who would like nothing more than adding Sherlock and Savich bones to his collection.

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What More is Behind the Royal Command….”Thrawn: Alliances (Star Wars), by Timothy Zahn

As the Star Wars saga continues, Thrawn #2, written by author, Timothy Zahn proves to be yet another hit among the several novels that comprise Star Wars. When you read the words, “I have sensed a disturbance in the Force”, pondered by Emperor Palpatine, you know that trouble is once again brewing for the Empire. The Emperor is so concerned, that he pairs Thrawn and Vader for the crucial mission. What they do not know is what more is behind the royal command. But, as in the past, these two join forces hesitantly, finding out what dangers lie ahead as they go.

There are two working stories being told in Thrawn #2. The first is the one about Anakin and Thrawn’s interaction during The Clone Wars, and then, Vader and Thrawn’s teaming up during the finale of Star Wars…… they were working on two halves of the same mystery decades apart. Anakin and Vader quickly learn that Thrawn is always right.

There is Padme, who has her get it done attitude, Thrawn, is most noted for his intellect and powers of deduction, and Darth Vader was the mixed bag…..a fierce warrior on one hand, then not so impressive on the other. Anakin was very impulsive and brash. But somehow, this eclectic group managed to get their missions accomplished.

Readers might enjoy knowing that Disney’s new Star Wars theme park, which opens in 2019, features Batuu and the Blacksburg Outpost, both featured in this novel…….Thrawn #2.

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6 Things Audiobooks Can Do That Books Can’t

There are so many advantages to an audiobooks download. Not only are they an increasingly popular way to enjoy books, there are a few other reasons why they are amazing. Here are 6 reasons why audiobooks are the best way to consume books!

1. Multi-Tasking
Audiobooks are great for finishing a book while completing other tasks around your home or office. You can enjoy having a book read to you while you work on another mindless task, such as washing dishes, going for a jog, or sitting in traffic. So make laundry fun, with an audiobooks download.

2. Provide Company
In a world that is full of people, we can sometimes still feel alone. This is where audiobooks can be a great companion. Need someone to accompany you on a long road trip? Audiobooks are great to take with you! Need a soothing voice to help you fall asleep? There are audiobooks for that too.

3. Make Reading Accessible for Everyone
The wide range of books that are available in audio format is incredible. Everyone regardless of their reading ability, eyesight, or physical or mental ability deserves the chances to escape into the worlds created by books. Audiobooks allow everyone to enjoy a good book!

4. Help Reluctant Readers Learn to Love Reading
Anyone who struggles to read, may not have had the privilege of experiencing the joys that can be found in books. Sometimes listening to books instead of reading them is the ticket to get them exposed to the joys of reading and the secrets that are contained within books.

5. Fit in Your Pocket
Audiobooks can be downloaded to your smartphone or an MP3 player, meaning that they can easily fit in your pocket and take it everywhere with you. You’ll never have to worry about not having your book with you, as they will be in your pocket!

6. Read in the Dark
Power out? Trying to sleep? No problem, audiobooks allow you to still enjoy your favorite books! Audiobooks can be consumed and enjoyed anywhere, at any time.

AudiobooksNow is a great place to find your favorite audiobooks. Enjoy your favorite pastime without having to carve out time to sit down with a print book. Always take your book with you and never be left in suspense.

A Bit Gentler…A little Kinder….”Medium Raw”, by Anthony Bourdain

Anyone who is familiar with food critic, Anthony Bourdain, is familiar with his most of the time brash and bawdy language when he is describing food and restaurant experiences. In his first book, Kitchen Confidential, there were many who criticized his, what they observed as, overuse of tawdry language. He contends that it was the descriptively best to use in rants about food and cooking failures along the way. After serving as a journeyman cook, he became a world traveler giving elaborate prose on what he has seen and heard from the most prestigious chefs in the world.

In his newer work, Medium Raw, it has been said that he is a bit gentler in his descriptive language, and just a little kinder to those that he had previously ripped apart. Some give kudos to his status change as a father to a three year old daughter. It was humorous to read that he is already educating his daughter as to the evils of American fast food. One quote had him telling her……the fast food industry is the enemy……that Ronald McDonald has cooties and stinks like…..poo! Poor child!

In Medium Raw, Bourdain gives a witty and insightful view of the culinary world. He describes the many changes that have taken place in the subculture of chefs, cooks, the restaurant business, and in his personal life in the ten years since he wrote Kitchen Confidential. One recommendation was to listen to an audio book version of the book. Hearing his own voice tell the stories gives the book another added dimension.

It was with great sadness that the world learned of Bourdain’s suicide by hanging in June of this year, while in France.

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A Possible Traitor In the Cabinet…”The President Is Missing”, by James Patterson & Bill Clinton

On his latest thriller, The President is Missing, James Patterson solicits the assistance of former President Bill Clinton to provide inside information about every day happenings in the life of someone holding the highest office in this country.

As the story begins, there are unprecedented threats against Washington, involving espionage and even the presence of a traitor among those in the President’s cabinet. Even the President becomes a suspect, then all of a sudden, the President disappears. President Jonathan Duncan is a former military hero, who now finds himself the object of a witch hunt. His daughter had a run in with a female assassin in France, so he decides that disappearing is best for the safety of his family and himself. The assassin is portrayed a little differently than most by being not just a female, but a pregnant female. Duncan must go into disguise to try to see who is setting him up.

The President is Missing gets mixed reviews, some reviewers have not been too kind to the book because it is very slow in getting to the point.

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What Makes a Great Narrator?

Have you ever been excited to start a new audiobook, only to find that you didn’t have the stamina to endure listening to the narrator speak for eight hours? We’ve all been there. Narrating is an art. A good voice actor can put you in the book, making you feel like you’re in the orphanage with Jane Eyre or the Chamber of Secrets with the “Boy Who Lived.” When you download audio books with great narrators, you may even find that you enjoy pulling weeds or commuting to work. But what makes a great narrator?

Authentic
A good narrator is true to the characters. This includes gender, accents, and time-period. Does the male narrator reading Anne Shirley’s dialogue sound out of breath? This is a trap that many male narrators fall into when voicing female characters. Anne’s character is anything but weak, but yet a breathy voice can undermine her vibrant personality and make her seem timid.

Everyone loves a good accent. Good accents can make the character more authentic and take you to the place and era where the book is set. But a bad accent can completely ruin a book. A good narrator knows when to, and more importantly, when not to use an accent.

Consistency
As I’m sure everyone reading this knows, audiobooks are not narrated in their entirety in one sitting. Narrators will take bathroom breaks, eat lunch, and run to the grocery store halfway through a book. While necessary, this can sometimes cause distracting variations in volume, pitch, tone, etc. Narrators don’t always remember how close to the microphone they were before lunch. But a good narrator will try to maintain a certain set of guidelines that are consistently followed.

Additionally, if you’re going to do an accent or gendered voices, commit to it. Narrators should maintain consistency in dialects, voices, etc. throughout the duration of the book.

Engaging
Have you ever listened to a narrator and thought maybe they loved their job a little too much? And on the flip side, have you ever thought the narrator hated everything about the book they were reading? When a narrator enjoys when they’re doing, changes in volume, pitch, and tone feel natural. When there’s emotion behind the narrator’s words, the book feels real.

In the end, a bad narrator is distracting. If you download audio books and the narrator is taking away from the book, rather than adding to it, they aren’t doing their job. In contrast, a good narrator can take a yawner and make it engaging, exciting, and leave you sobbing in your car in the office parking lot. At Audiobooks Now we understand the importance of good narrating. Browse our collection today.