STAFF PICK: The Piranhas by Roberto Saviano

Posted on September 4, 2018 by Michelle

Title: The Piranhas: The Boy Bosses of Naples
Author: Roberto Saviano
Narrator: Edoardo Ballerini

Seduced by easy money and pushed by a complex reality, Nicolas Fiorillo is the 15-year-old protagonist of The Piranhas: The Boy Bosses of Naples, which exposes the real-life phenomenon of youth gangs, or paranza. Paranza refers not only to gangs, but to the “boats that go out to catch fish through trickery of light… It takes possession of it, and the fish come looking for it.”

The author, an Italian journalist who grew up in Naples, saw his first murder victim at 13. His own father, a doctor, suffered a beating for trying to help an 18-year-old left to die in the street, who was a victim of the Camorra, an Italian Mafia-type crime syndicate.

Saviano begins his stunning novel with a profound statement:

“What you are about to read actually occurred. Facts have been modified and connected to others in order to make a violent and complex world more comprehensible…”

Violent and brutal and glamorous, The Piranhas is weaved with details found in his international crime classic, Gomorrah, which traced the decline of Naples under the Camorra rule. Since its publication, he has been placed under police protection.

Nicolas, an ambitious and promising teenager from the slums of Naples, has a dark desire to acquire power and wealth. Backed by a group of loyal friends, he sets out to create his own paranza, roaming the streets while learning how to become gangsters. What begins with small-time cheating and stealing soon becomes shooting semiautomatic pistols and AK-47s. Saviano succeeds at reminding listeners of the stark reality of child gangsters, such as having Nicolas and his friends play PlayStation in between committing crimes.

Narrator Edoardo Ballerini‘s ability to portray a variety of characters made listening a smooth and entrancing experience. Filled with inevitable consequences that all criminals face while climbing to the top, The Piranhas will leave you in awe of Naples while also grieving for it.

STAFF PICK: Vox by Christina Dalcher

Posted on August 20, 2018 by admin

Post by Miranda Winter-Sayle

Title: Vox
Author: Christina Dalcher
Narrator: Julia Whelan

Imagine you could only speak 100 words a day. How do you determine the importance of every word? This is the decision that Dr. Jean McClellan and all female citizens of the United States must make every day, in the world of this debut novel.

Vox, by Christina Dalcher, is a precautionary tale of a possible future for the United States. Women are not allowed to speak more than 100 words a day – a law that is upheld by bracelets that emit an electric shock that grows worse with every word spoken above the limit. Women are not permitted to have jobs, read, or travel outside the United States.

(I reached the end of my own 100 words in the middle of the previous sentence. Of course, in the society in Vox, I would not be permitted to write this review at all.)

Dr. Jean McClellan is a cognitive linguist who was researching the reversal of brain damage that caused a person’s inability to speak. Her research abruptly ended when religious extremists took over the United States and the subsequent introduction of patriarchal laws forbid women’s participation in society. But when the president’s brother is injured, she is given a choice: regain her voice and continue her research to save one of the men responsible this new world, or refuse and face implicit consequences – in silence.

As a fan of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, I was incredibly excited to listen to Vox — and it did not disappoint. The premise is well-executed and the world that Dalcher creates is terrifyingly believable. Like The Handmaid’s Tale, Vox’s dystopia is in its early days, which allows the audience to witness the before and the after of the new world. The description of the evolution of modern day society into this universe was easily my favorite part of the novel.

Julia Whelan is a narrator I’ve heard before and she never fails to disappoint. Her tone perfectly reflects the anger that Dr. McClellan feels through the duration of the novel. She captures the somber tone of the novel expertly.

Vox was included on many most-anticipated summer releases lists, and now I understand why: its timely subject matter and original storytelling make it a compelling listen, and one I would definitely recommend.

6 Audiobooks and Activities for Relaxation Day

Posted on August 15, 2018 by Michelle

Do you do enough of the things you love? Most of us don’t. In between congested traffic, overcrowded (and perpetually late) transit systems, mile long to-do lists, and committing to plans we wish we didn’t make in the first place, it can be hard to just be. We’ve coupled relaxing activities with audiobooks to make the most of Relaxation Day (which can also be enjoyed beyond August 15!).

Walking

1. A Walk in the Wood by Dr. Joseph Parent and Nancy Parent, narrated by Dr. Joseph Parent

The benefits of mindfulness are well recognized: peace of mind, less stress, and the opportunity to work through thoughts, memories, and worries. Who better to guide this transformative practice than a long-beloved bear who has perfected the art of simply being? And, not coincidentally, he lives in the woods.
Read more and sample the audio.

Painting

2. Old in Art School: A Memoir of Starting Over by Nell Painter, narrated by Nell Painter

Following her retirement from Princeton, Dr. Nell Irvin Painter surprised everyone by returning to school to earn a BFA and MFA in painting. She travels to the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design, finds meaning in the artists she loves, and struggles with the balance of the pursuit of art and the demands of a life fully lived.
Read more and sample the audio.

Doing a puzzle

Painting.

3. Slow by Brooke Mcalary, narrated by Larissa Gallagher

Are you constantly striving to keep up with life’s busy expectations? It’s easy to feel consumed with the desire to “succeed” and “acquire,” and miss the simple opportunities waiting for you to slow down: a walk in the forest, sharing laughter with family, a personal moment of gratitude. Slow is an inspirational guide on creating a life filled with what really matters.
Read more and sample the audio.

Taking a bath

4. The Tenth Island: Finding Joy, Beauty, and Unexpected Love in the Azores by Diana Marcum, narrated by Rebecca Mozo

As California suffers a terrible drought with seemingly never-ending wildfires, reporter Diana Marcum finds herself still dreaming of the Azores islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Diana returns to the islands of her dreams only to discover that there are still things she longs for, including an unexpected love.
Read more and sample the audio.

Baking

5. The Cosy Teashop in the Castle by Caroline Roberts, narrated by Eloise Secker

When Ellie Hall lands her dream job running the little teashop in the beautiful but crumbling Claverham Castle, it’s the perfect escape from her job in the city. When Lord Henry, the stick-in-the-mud owner, threatens to burst her baking bubble with his old-fashioned ways, Ellie wonders if she might have bitten off more than she can chew.
Read more and sample the audio.

Laying in a hammock

Hammock

6. The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand, narrated by Erin Bennett

It’s Nantucket wedding season, and the Otis-Winbury wedding promises to be an event to remember: the groom’s wealthy parents have spared no expense to host a lavish ceremony. But it’s going to be memorable for all the wrong reasons after tragedy strikes: a body is discovered in Nantucket Harbor just hours before the ceremony-and everyone in the wedding party is suddenly a suspect.
Read more and sample the audio.

The Best Audiobooks For Books Lovers Day

Posted on August 9, 2018 by Michelle

Sans the pressure of chocolates and roses, Book Lovers Day is the Valentine’s Day for bookish people around the world. Celebrate with these great audiobooks (and tell us in the comments what listens you’ve been loving lately!).

1. Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware, narrated by Imogen Church

On a day that begins like any other, Hal receives a mysterious letter bequeathing her a substantial inheritance. She realizes quickly that the letter was sent to the wrong person, but also that she may be able to claim the money. Soon, Hal finds herself at the funeral of the deceased… where it dawns on her that there is something very wrong about this strange situation and the inheritance at the center of it.
Read more and sample the audio.

2. Crushing It!: How Great Entrepreneurs Build Their Business and Influence-and How You Can, Too by Gary Vaynerchuk, narrated by Gary Vaynerchuk, Rich Roll, Amy Schmittauer

In this lively, practical, and inspiring audiobook, Gary dissects every current major social media platform so that anyone will know exactly how to amplify their personal brand. He offers both theoretical and tactical advice on old standbys and emerging platforms. For those with more experience, Crushing It! provides innovative tips and tweaks proven to enhance more common tried-and-true strategies.
Read more and sample the audio.

3. The President Is Missing by Bill Clinton and James Patterson, narrated by Dennis Quaid

Uncertainty and fear grip the nation. There are whispers of cyberterror and espionage and a traitor in the Cabinet. Even the President himself becomes a suspect, and then he disappears from public view… The President Is Missing sheds a stunning light upon the inner workings and vulnerabilities of our nation. Filled with information that only a former Commander-in-Chief could know, this is the most authentic, terrifying novel to come along in years.
Read more and sample the audio.

4. Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis, narrated by Rachel Hollis

With wry wit and hard-earned wisdom, popular online personality and founder of TheChicSite.com founder Rachel Hollis helps readers break free from the lies keeping them from the joy-filled and exuberant life they are meant to have.
Read more and sample the audio.

5. Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman, narrated by Catherine Steadman

If you could make one simple choice that would change your life forever, would you? Erin is a documentary filmmaker on the brink of a professional breakthrough, Mark a handsome investment banked with big plans. Passionately in love, they embark on a dream honeymoon in Bora Bora, where they enjoy the sun, the sand, and each other. Then, while scuba diving, they find something in the water.
Read more and sample the audio.

6. Factfulness by Hans Rosling, Ola Rosling, and Anna Rosling, narrated by Richard Harries

When asked simple questions about global trends, we get the answers wrong. So wrong that a chimpanzee choosing answers at random will consistently outguess us. Factfulness reveals the instincts that distort our perspective. It turns out that the world, for all its imperfections, is in a much better state than we might think.
Read more and sample the audio.

7. I’ll Be Gone In The Dark: One Woman’s Obsessive Search For The Golden State Killer by Michelle McNamara, narrated by Gabra Zackman

For more than 10 years, a mysterious and violent predator committed 50 sexual assaults in California before perpetrating 10 sadistic murders. Then he disappeared. Three decades later, true crime journalist Michelle McNamara was determined to find the violent psychopath she called “the Golden State Killer” by poring over police reports and interviewing victims.
Read more and sample the audio.

8. Iron Gold by Pierce Brown, narrated by John Curless, Tim Gerard Reynolds, Julian Elfer, and Aedin Moloney

Honor and betrayal fuel a caste-shattering revolution. Ten years after the events of Morning Star, Darrow and the Rising are battling the remaining Gold loyalist forces and are closer than ever to abolishing the color-coded caste system of Society for good. But new foes will emerge from the shadows to threaten the imperfect victory Darrow and his friends have earned.
Read more and sample the audio.

July’s Top 10 Audiobooks.com Member Downloads

Posted on August 1, 2018 by Lena Yang

Listen to last month’s roundup of the top fiction and non-fiction titles downloaded by Audiobooks.com members.

Fiction

1. The Outsider by Stephen King, narrated by Will Patton

An eleven-year-old boy’s violated corpse is found in a town park. Eyewitnesses and fingerprints point unmistakably to one of Flint City’s most popular citizens, Terry Maitland. Detective Ralph Anderson orders a quick and very public arrest. Maitland has an alibi, but the case seems ironclad. However, as the investigation expands, horrifying answers begin to emerge. Read more and sample the audio.

2. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn, narrated by Ann Marie Lee

Reporter Camille Preaker must return to her tiny hometown to cover the murders of two preteen girls. For years, Camille has hardly spoken to her mother or to the half-sister she barely knows. Dogged by her own demons, she must unravel the psychological puzzle of her own past if she wants to get the story—and survive this homecoming. Read more and sample the audio.

3. The President is Missing by Bill Clinton, James Patterson, narrated by Dennis Quaid

There are whispers of cyberterror and espionage and a traitor in the Cabinet. Even the President himself becomes a suspect, and then he disappears from public view… Set over the course of three days, The President Is Missing sheds a stunning light upon the inner workings and vulnerabilities of our nation. Filled with information that only a former Commander-in-Chief could know, this is the most authentic, terrifying novel to come along in many years. Read more and sample the audio.

4. The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand, narrated by Erin Bennett

It’s Nantucket wedding season. The Otis-Winbury wedding promises to be an event to remember: the groom’s wealthy parents have spared no expense to host a lavish ceremony at their oceanfront estate. But it’s going to be memorable for all the wrong reasons after tragedy strikes: a body is discovered in Nantucket Harbor just hours before the ceremony—and everyone in the wedding party is suddenly a suspect. Read more and sample the audio.

5. All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin, narrated by Catherine Taber, Dorothy Dillingham Blue, Milton Bagby

Nina Browning is living the good life. Her husband made a fortune selling his tech business, and their son has been accepted to Princeton. Tom Volpe is a single dad working multiple jobs who finally starts to relax after his daughter, Lyla, earns a scholarship to Windsor Academy, Nashville’s most prestigious private school. Then, one photograph, snapped in a drunken moment at a party, changes everything. Read more and sample the audio.

Non-fiction

1. Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be by Rachel Hollis, narrated by Rachel Hollis

2. Calypso by David Sedaris, narrated by David Sedaris

When he buys a beach house on the Carolina coast, David Sedaris envisions long, relaxing vacations spent playing board games and lounging in the sun with those he loves most. And life at the Sea Section, as he names the vacation home, is exactly as idyllic as he imagined, except for one tiny, vexing realization: it’s impossible to take a vacation from yourself. Read more and sample the audio.

3. Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover, narrated by Julia Whelan

Tara Westover was seventeen the first time she set foot in a classroom. Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, she decided to try a new kind of life when her brother attended college and came back with news of the world. Tara’s quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents to Harvard and Cambridge University. Only then would she wonder if she’d traveled too far, if there was still a way home. Read more and sample the audio.

4. Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly by Anthony Bourdain, narrated by Anthony Bourdain

Most diners believe that their sublime sliver of seared foie gras, topped with an ethereal buckwheat blini and a drizzle of piquant huckleberry sauce, was created by a culinary artist of the highest order, a sensitive, highly refined executive chef. The truth is more brutal. Read more and sample the audio.

5. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari, narrated by Derek Perkins

One hundred thousand years ago, at least six different species of humans inhabited Earth. Yet today there is only one homo sapiens. What happened? From examining the role evolving humans have played in the global ecosystem to charting the rise of empires, Sapiens explores the ways in which biology and history have defined us and enhanced our understanding of what it means to be human. Read more and sample the audio.

STAFF PICK: Charlotte Walsh Likes To Win by Jo Piazza

Posted on July 23, 2018 by Jemma Wolfe

Title: Charlotte Walsh Likes To Win
Author: Jo Piazza
Narrator: Tavia Gilbert

In Charlotte Walsh Likes To Win, the hotly anticipated new novel from bestselling author Jo Piazza, Charlotte Walsh is dedicated, ambitious, and, you guessed it – likes to succeed in her endeavours.

She’s been applying her skills as a high-powered executive in Silicon Valley (Charlotte is positioned as a Sheryl Sandberg type), and happily raising her three young daughters alongside her equally hardworking husband. But when the opportunity to run for political office comes her way, her contentedness gives way to new ambition.

Charlotte runs for Senate, but not in California: the opportunity is in Pennsylvania, and requires relocating the family to her tired hometown, which until recently, she was all-too-happy to leave behind. That’s where her troubled brother (and her ray-of-sunshine sister-in-law) live, and serve as a microcosm for the kind of class politics and economic issues that Pennsylvania faces – and that Charlotte has vowed to fix.

Charlotte’s opponent, aging Republican incumbent Ted Slaughter, is as archetypal a villain as his surname suggests: he’s old-school sexist, shamelessly bigoted, and more than ready to run a vicious counter-campaign. Joining in the cast of characters are her wunderkind campaign manager, her endearing long-time assistant, her savvy social media manager, and her supportive family… Sort of.

Charlotte’s marriage makes for much of the emotional drama. With their relocation, her husband Max has moved into the stay at home dad role, but hasn’t taken to it. Gender politics, in which the personal is very much political, play out here in interesting ways. I found myself liking and disliking these complicated characters in equal measure as the story built to its fraught climax.

Narrator Tavia Gilbert does an expert job with the novel’s many personalities. She effectively conveys the pressure Charlotte is under, the exhaustion she feels, and the ominous sense of how high-stakes the election is – for the country, for the state, and for the personal lives of the people most involved.

Part homecoming narrative, part behind-the-scenes thrill-ride, part domestic drama and part political farce, Charlotte Walsh Likes To Win is a uniquely compelling story that could not be more timely. I highly recommend.

Tag Archives: Fiction

July’s Top 10 Audiobooks.com Member Downloads

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