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The Perfect Pairing of Voice and Story -- Audiobooks

An Evening Comment Diversion / Dustin Rowles

Comment Diversions | June 15, 2009 | Comments (86)

Tonight’s comment diversion comes from Natalie, and it concerns audiobooks, something I’m not terrible familiar with. She asks: 1) What’s your favorite audiobook, and 2) what audiobook have you listened to that was ruined by the reader? She offers The Shining as an excellent example of an audiobook, but The Cold Mountain was ruined by the readers’ terrible southern accent (as was the movie, by Renee Zellwegger’s terrible Southern accent).

And just to add some more flavor to this diversion, particularly for those who don’t read many audiobooks, what would be your dream pairing of book and reader? Personally, I’d like to hear someone like Vince Vaughn read a really great noir, like The Big Sleep. I think that Vaughn would actually make a great fast-talking gumshoe detective.

Get on that, Hollywood.


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Comments

I'm hoping you mean books on tape, because if you don't imma feel like an idiot.

But Jim Dale's Harry Potter readings are amazing, I'd recommend them to anyone regardless of the looks I get for being a grown man who still gets teary near the end of the last book. DONT JUDGE ME

Posted by: Braski at June 15, 2009 8:56 PM

While Jim Dale's Harry Potter readings are fine and dandy, I have somewhat of a preference to Stephen Fry's readings of the series from the UK.
I'm not an audiobook person, I probably will find that James Frey book in audiobook, the writing orientation seems confusing to me, so I'd like to hear it read by Ben Foster. Though I love to listen to David Sedaris reading his own stuff, it's the work of true genius.

Posted by: Kamikaze Feminist at June 15, 2009 9:05 PM

Any of the Discworld audio books as read by Nigel Planer are fantastic. As for bad audio books, I got nuthin right now.

Posted by: Goldie at June 15, 2009 9:06 PM

I think that I would like to hear Larry the Cable Guy read the complete works of Shakesepeare, simply because the amount of unintentional comedy would be staggering.

In a serious note, I'd like to hear any book read by Morgan Freeman, Sam Jackson, or James Earl Jones, even a shitty book would be improved by them.

Posted by: George at June 15, 2009 9:08 PM

I'm really not an audiobook kinda person (I find I tune out too often because they read too slowly for my liking, then get lost and have to rewind), but the first thing I thought when I saw this thread was Stephen Fry reading the Harry Potter books, so I'm going to back Kamikaze Feminist on that one.

Posted by: Shay at June 15, 2009 9:11 PM

I have to say that my favorite is "How to Make Love the Bruce Campbell Way" read by the greatest B-movie actor Bruce Campbell. The fact taht he turns it into a radio play and has friends act out various scenes of the fictional biography is great. It is fun, hilarious and keeps you with it the entire time.

But as for consistant and having done multiple readings, Jim Dale is amazing and he makes the Harry Potter books and really keeps you so involved.

As for a dream pairing, there is already Jeremy Irons reading Lolita which is perfect but I would love to have Kevin Smith reading "Soon I will be Invincible" because I believe he could inject the true fun and mythos into the book. And I like Sam Rockwell for any smart ass detective book.

Posted by: AdamX74 at June 15, 2009 9:26 PM

I don't really listen to many audiobooks, but I have to second Kamikaze Feminist's suggestion of David Sedaris reading his own work, as well as Sarah Vowell doing the same. Yes, I'm a sucker for NPR - so what?

Also, the other day I was in Half-Price Books and saw in their audiobook section an unabridged Tom Clancy audiobook. Am I the only one who thinks that would be painful? That must take months to listen through the whole thing...

Posted by: Bistro at June 15, 2009 9:29 PM

I've never tried an audiobook. I'm not opposed, but since I enjoy reading, I haven't had a reason to listen.

I'm sure I could do with Ian McKellan reading The Lord of the Rings books, or for that matter just about anything.

And if I were to listen to an author reading his own books, I'd choose Ian McEwan.

Posted by: Cindy at June 15, 2009 9:30 PM

I like really heavy hardcovers. The kind of heavy that wakes you up when it hits you on the forehead. Lets me know that it's time to turn off the light.

Posted by: Chairman of the Bored at June 15, 2009 9:31 PM

I also love hearing David Sedaris reading his own work. But what I want to know is whether anyone here has ever found an audiobook to enhance the book. I love them in certain situations--long car trips, crowded subway commutes--but given the choice, I'd still prefer to read (I have the same problem as Shay). Anyone feel differently?

Also, I've been told I'd make a great audiobook reader. (?) So I'll vote for myself. Although, on second thought, I can't stand hearing a recording of my own voice. Dilemma...

Posted by: Pistachio at June 15, 2009 9:33 PM

Wait... I liked Renee in Cold Mountain.

Posted by: Janey at June 15, 2009 9:34 PM

Morgan Freeman, telephone book.

Posted by: Optimus Rhyme at June 15, 2009 9:35 PM

1) Favorite: A tie between Terry Pratchett's "Nation" and "The Wee Free Men" as read by Stephen Briggs (actually, any of the Pratchett/Briggs audiobooks are wonderful).

2) Ruined: Molly Ivins' "Bill of Wrongs" as read by Liz Smith. No offense to Ms. Smith, but she sounds like she's chewing glass.

3) Dream: Douglas Adams' "Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy" series read by the cast of "Futurama".

Posted by: Yay! It's Captain McSausageFingers! at June 15, 2009 9:39 PM

those who don’t read many audiobooks

Audio books aren't reading. Call your spoken-word performance art whatever you like, but don't delude yourselves into thinking that you've read anything.

Harrumph.

Posted by: Che Grovera at June 15, 2009 9:46 PM

i'm going to second (third? fourth?) the jim dale/harry potter love. he does amazing things with those books. i totally started bawling listening to them at work simply because he can infuse so much feeling into it. also, the woman who reads the sookie stackhouse books does a great job. sure they're trashy, but they're fun, and she's rather delightful.

i was saddened upon listening to some of bill bryson's self-narrated books, however. i simply adore his writing, but when he read it aloud, i found myself enjoying my own interpretation instead of his. it's like he didn't find half of his writing funny when it clearly was. boo.

Posted by: betsy at June 15, 2009 9:48 PM

Yay! It's Captain McSausageFingers!

BEST DREAM PAIRING! Mine suck so in comparison. Would love to hear the Futurama cast doing "Hitchhikers.."

Posted by: AdamX74 at June 15, 2009 10:04 PM

Phillip Pullman reading His Dark Materials. Granted, the character's voice work is done by a cast, but his narration kick-started puberty for me.

Posted by: captaino at June 15, 2009 10:08 PM

Oddly enough, I'm going to nominate Dave Barry, whose voice has just the right amount of goofy in it to give his writing the correct spin. Since he usually writes his essays in the first person, it works out perfectly. After sampling a few other performers, I haven't heard anyone else read his stuff and make it work, comedically.

I'll also nominate Tim Curry: I have a recording of him reading Martha Grimes' "The Dirty Duck" and it's not only terrific, it's kind of eerie. He manages to create a unique voice for each character (accents and all) without going overboard. I found the mystery itself kind of enh; his voice really stole the show for me.

Posted by: Snorklewacker at June 15, 2009 10:13 PM

Whoever the dude that read the Confederacy of Dunces audiobook was highly annoying. Forced me to read the book.

If I had a wish, it would be to hear Hugh Laurie read Dune. Sweet!

Posted by: logar at June 15, 2009 10:13 PM

OH! And I can't get away here without nominating Wil Wheaton, whose recordings of his writing are genuinely fun to listen to. Haven't heard him read anyone else's stuff, though, so I can't really say how he'd do with Tom Clancy or anything (although it could be entertaining to hear him try!).

Posted by: Snorklewacker at June 15, 2009 10:14 PM

Best audiobook: "America: The Audiobook" performed by Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Ed Helms, Rob Corrdry, and Samantha Bee.


Audiobook Wish: I was inspired by someone's film casting choice on the "Good Omens" post a week or so ago; I'd love for Stephen Fry to narrate.

Posted by: Robert Sims at June 15, 2009 10:26 PM

"America: The Audiobook"???!?!

*falls off wheely chair*

*climbs back up, googles with shaking fingers*

*falls off wheely chair again, sending it spinning across office*

Posted by: Pistachio at June 15, 2009 10:35 PM

Audiobook to avoid: The Sound and the Fury read by Wolfram Kandinsky. The Mr. and I were taking a Faulkner and Morrison class (because we HATE ourselves) at a college about an hour's drive from home, so we got some audiobooks for the drive. I'm sure he's a lovely man, but oh, sweet jesus, I wanted to break the CD player in the car. His voice is pompous, and the southern accents are terrible.

Posted by: idgiepug at June 15, 2009 10:37 PM

I would love to get some audiobooks for the car, but they're ridic expensive. Ri-goddamn-diculous. So, I haven't ever really listened to one.

I'd love to have Alan Rickman reading something, though. Anything, really. Phonebook, instruction manual for my DVD player, whatev. As long as he's speaking. Although that could lead to car accidents, what with hands off the wheel...

Posted by: Anna von Beaverplatz at June 15, 2009 10:59 PM

Oh, and this:

3) Dream: Douglas Adams' "Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy" series read by the cast of "Futurama".

Genius. I *heart* you, Captain Sausagefingers.

Posted by: Anna von Beaverplatz at June 15, 2009 11:01 PM

My favorites:
Jeremy Irons reading The Alchemist. Perfect voice.
Stephen Fry reading anything. The Potter books are marvelous, but I also love his own books.
Simon Schama reading his own A History of Britain collection.

And not really audiobooks, but I can highly recommend Saturday Night Fry a six part radio series Stephen fry did for the BBC in 1988. Also with Emma Thompson and Hugh Laurie.

Posted by: AlwaysConfused at June 15, 2009 11:05 PM

Jim Dale's readings of the Harry Potter series come in at #1, followed by Simon Jones reading The Bartimaeus Trilogy. If you haven't heard of/read the Bartimaeus Trilogy, it's required reading for fans of nontraditional fantasy.

Posted by: Wonkey the Monkey at June 15, 2009 11:08 PM

Damn.
Forgot Colbert reading I Am America (And So Can You!)

Posted by: AlwaysConfusedonfused at June 15, 2009 11:08 PM

On a recent road trip, I got two of the Narnia books on audio (my girlfriend never read them as a kid, loves the movies, but doesn't have time to sit and read). Voyage of the Dawn Treader was read by Derek Jacobi, but he got really screechy and high-pitched a lot. This might be from having to voice Reepicheep the mouse, but even his voicing for Lucy was just . . . shrill.
The next book, The Silver Chair, was read my Jeremy Northam and WOW. He does a great job.
I'm also a big fan of the Harry Potter audio books.
If I had my way, I would be a session director for audio books. I could finally use my background in dialects, maybe.

Posted by: Sharon at June 15, 2009 11:13 PM

years ago, i listened to ed asner read crichton's sphere and got way too into it.
sadly, the movie is still one i own, because i can *almost* hear him reading it as i watch.

Posted by: gp at June 15, 2009 11:23 PM

My personal favorite is Matt Dillon reading "On the Road".

Posted by: Az at June 15, 2009 11:26 PM

Stephen Fry is one of my favorites, way more fun than the guy who does the US versions of the Harry Potter books, but seriously, why has no one mentioned David Tennant yet? Listen to Tennant reading How to Train Your Dragon or any of the other books from the series, and you'll totally fall in love. Unless you can't understand Scottish accents even the littlest bit. It's just about the funniest three hours of my life. THE VOICES, THE VOICES.

Posted by: j.ann at June 16, 2009 12:03 AM

Aw, crap, I forgot to mention Lenny Henry doing Anansi Boys. He's right up there with Tennant.

Posted by: j.ann at June 16, 2009 12:06 AM

Sean Connory, and Im surprised his name hasnt appeared, the guy could make the instructions to a home rectal exam sound sexy...

Posted by: Joshua Ingram at June 16, 2009 12:30 AM

j.ann I was so about to say Lenny Henry/Anansi Boys - consider yourself seconded.

And now I am kind of pining for an Alan Rickman/Stephen Fry version of Good Omens. How well would that work? Sigh.

Posted by: Anne (in Reno) at June 16, 2009 1:06 AM

Ah, nothing makes a road trip go faster than a good audio book.
Gotta go along with the others who recommend David Sedaris's readings of his own work. I love to read, but I actually prefer his books in audio format. His North Carolina accent and unusual voice add so much depth to his vignettes.

I also love Ron McLarty's readings of Richard Russo's books, especially Empire Falls. He is a perfect choice for these books. He is a natural fit for Russo's books.

Hm, David Suchet's readings of Agatha Christie's Poirot novels are excellent as well. (My taste in audio books is a bit less "literary" that my regular reading. I don't like to cry in my car, plus I don't want to get so into the story I lose focus on the task at hand: driving)

I love Harry Potter and have listened to the books on tape, but I'm not a big fan of Jim Dale's take on Hermione. She sounds like an elderly woman who has smoked for 40 years. Its unnerving.

Posted by: ami at June 16, 2009 1:58 AM

Enjoy reading and listening.
Would you like to make friends with people from other country or place?
Here's a community __ B l a c k W h i t e C o n n e c t--c om ___
Then you can get help and suggestions from all over the world.
While you may find your true love or friendship there.

Posted by: cookie at June 16, 2009 2:04 AM

Welllllllll...
I listened to the radio series for Hitchhiker's when I was a kid...which was the inspiration for the book...and those are the voices I imagine when reading it...
I'd be one of the few who really couldn't get into the Futurama cast doing it. Though I can see where the attraction would be.

Posted by: Jim Doggie at June 16, 2009 2:35 AM

Jeremy Irons reading Lolita may have been one of the best things ever. Alan Rickman should be required to read all things...has anybody else heard his recitation of Sonnet 130? Oh god, it's perfect.

Posted by: danae. at June 16, 2009 3:39 AM

How about Larry King reading The Bible?

Posted by: Kurdt at June 16, 2009 3:45 AM

I just finished listening to Denis Leary reading his own audiobook for Why We Suck. The book itself isn't great, but Leary's voice and accent are perfectly suited to his own writing - that is, he writes exactly how he talks. I laughed pretty frequently, especially during the "conversations" with his mother and the whole chapter on Oprah.

I also have a copy of Stephen Fry reading The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and I quite like it. He and Alec Baldwin should narrate everything.

Posted by: Another Jen at June 16, 2009 4:15 AM

Thirds on the Lenny Henry/Anansi Boys love. Speaking of Neil Gaiman books, I highly recommend checking out any of his other audiobooks. He's a perfect narrator for his own work -- definitely one of the the best writers who read their own writing. His timing and ability to convey characters and mood is wonderful (plus, he just won an Audie Award for his audio version of The Graveyard Book).

Posted by: Sweeney Todd at June 16, 2009 4:24 AM

It's been years since I've commented on this site, but here it goes.

First, I might be a nerd to the nth degree for stating this; however, I never got over the Dark Empire series on cassette. My dad and my brother adored this series, and I was forced to listen to it on long rides over the Midwest terrain. It is a fixture of my childhood whether I want it to be or not. It also didn't hurt that this series was infinitely better than the prequel movies, as if that is saying a lot.

Secondly, I know I will get significantly more slack for this one, but Charlton Heston did a bang up job of presenting The Bible. I might be an agnostic, but I can still respect a man's voice. Heston will always be the voice of god for me.

Finally, I think David Sedaris wins hands down in this category. If you have never heard him speak his own words that is a fucking travesty. Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim is not complete without the author's own fantastic vocals.

Go ahead and laugh derisively now, my fellow commenters!

Posted by: Gigi Worthington at June 16, 2009 5:18 AM

Here's an old one: John Heard reading "Presumed Innocent." Pitch perfect.

Judy Kaye does a great job with the Sue Grafton series.

Posted by: Louise at June 16, 2009 8:15 AM

AvB, audiobooks are super-expensive but there's a pretty easy way around it: local libraries generally have a lot of them in stock (for the older population, who may not be able to see so well anymore). Borrow, rip or burn, and return. voilà - free audiobooks.

also, logar, I would have never put those two together in my mind, but now that you have suggested it . . . it makes my heart ache for such a pairing.

Posted by: Rachel at June 16, 2009 8:15 AM

I second Alan Rickman, reading anything. Anything. He could read from that horrible calculus book I had in college and I would listen in a happy daze, drooling slightly.

Posted by: DeadBessie at June 16, 2009 8:27 AM

Bob Dylan Chronicles read by Sean Penn

Posted by: Annatron at June 16, 2009 8:29 AM

Even though I'm not actually finished it, I'm still reading it, Snow by Orhan Pamuk, as read by Jeremy Irons would work very well. I some how picture him reading it whenever I turn the page.
I've heard that Maggie Gyllenhaal does a recording of The Bell Jar. I'll definitely have to check it out!

Posted by: Kamikaze Feminist at June 16, 2009 8:30 AM

I've never listened to an audiobook myself (I think I prefer actually reading the pages and interpreting the voices myself) but I did have one creepy audiobook experience. A co-worker of mine offered to take me to the shop after work to pick up my car which was being worked on, and he asked me if I minded that he listened to his audiobook while on the way. I said no problem.
So on the way to get my car, I get to hear about cavepeople on a journey and how sexually frustrated the caveman is, and how he proceeds to "take care of business" himself, and bury the evidence in the ground.
I stared out the window while my co-worker stammers "um...they're not, uh, all like this". The worst part was he didn't bother to turn it off. I got to listen to 15 minutes of caveman self-love.
You never saw someone jump out of a truck so fast at an NTB. I must have looked like a kidnapping victim that just escaped.
Slightly off topic, but it is my only audiobook experience. :)

Posted by: Whorish Mouth at June 16, 2009 8:33 AM

Marcus Zusak's "I am the Messenger" is quite perfect when rendered by Australian actor Marc Aden Gray. I love audiobooks (which I borrow from the library, incidentally, thus saving myself a pile of money, because they are indeed costly - especially the unabridged ones, which my local library buys, bless them!) and I always have one on the go in my car. Perhaps it's because I so loved being read to as a child that this way of absorbing a story appeals to me so much. I second the vote for Bartimaeus, by the way. Wonderful trilogy!

Posted by: Mnemo at June 16, 2009 8:43 AM

I won't lie to you- I'm kind of shocked that the Whedon-obsessed, Buffy loving, anything-with-James-Marsters fellating superfans on Pajiba haven't mentioned Marsters' readings of the Dresden Files. I'm not a huge fan of audio books; I've always enjoyed fleshing out the characters (voices included) in my mind. But Marsters really gives a nice, reassuring read that gives solidarity to the pillar of awesome that is Harry Dresden.
If he wasn't so damn pretty looking I'd say he'd be perfect to actually PLAY Harry in a non-SciFi (or is it SyFy now? Fucking ad execs...) movie adaptation or something of the books. As it is though his voice is more than good enough to help enrich the whole tapestry of complex characters that is the Dresden Files.

Posted by: RyanH at June 16, 2009 8:46 AM

Oh, wow, what a great diversion! I was just at the library searching for new audio books. I have 20 gigs of them on iTunes (this is necessary in the accounting world).

Absolutely favorite are the Harry Potter books. Jim Dale is awesome. I also really enjoy the first three books of A Song of Ice and Fire read by Roy Dotrice. A Feast for Crows is read by someone else and I don't care for it. Currently I'm on another young adult book series The Bartimaeus Trilogy read by Simon Jones which isn't too bad. I've listened to The Historian and that was OK.

I do not recommend Small Favor read by James Marsters.

Posted by: Agent Scully at June 16, 2009 8:57 AM

People I Have Heard/Would Like to Hear Reading an Audio Book:

- Robert Sean Leonard (who did a good job with Bridge to Terabithia)
- Stanley Tucci (who did a good job with Breakfast of Champions)
- Dylan Baker
- Helen Mirren
- Liam Neeson
- Ron Perlman (who's done the audiobook version of The Strain for bff Guillermo Del Toro)

Perfect Pairings:

- The Kama Sutra, as read by Leslie Nielsen.
- Goodnight Moon, as read by Hugh Laurie in the voice of Dr. Gregory House
- (If) I Did It, as read by the author O.J. Simpson

And on a final note: Chris Noth and Vince Vaughan BOTH should be required to record the entire catalog of Mickey Spillane and Raymond Chandler.

Posted by: Doctor Controversy at June 16, 2009 9:21 AM

Oh! Rachel, I had not even thought of that. Thanks!

Posted by: Anna von Beaverplatz at June 16, 2009 9:23 AM

Oh, and I'm late to the game, but I also vote David Sedaris as an excellent reader of material. The material is hysterical, and he only helps it along with his vocal pacing and tonality.

Posted by: Doctor Controversy at June 16, 2009 9:25 AM

I'm practically kvelling over all of the Harry Potter love on this diversion! I have never listened to a full audio book, but I have heard samplings of Jim Dale's HP, and it is remarkable. And I agree with the masses that I could hear just about anything read by:
*Alan Rickman
*Hugh Laurie
*Stephen Fry

As for the worst, I would have to say Robert Pattinson reading his autobiography, My Life As a Tween-Harrassed Twatwaffle. I nearly ran over an entire family of ducks trying to find a brick wall to drive into.

Posted by: Patty O'Green at June 16, 2009 9:31 AM

Avery Brooks, reading Roots

I also really enjoy the first three books of A Song of Ice and Fire read by Roy Dotrice. A Feast for Crows is read by someone else and I don't care for it.

I must agree with this. I'm listening to another series where the first few books were read by one person, while the most recent one is read by someone else who not only voices the characters in a way I don't like as much, but pronounces some of the words/names differently. The new woman isn't a bad reader, but the change is jarring.

Posted by: appwitch at June 16, 2009 9:38 AM

appwitch: In the case of A Song of Ice and Fire the narrator difference is the authors fault. If Martin didn't take so fucking long to complete his goddamn series, or if he simply stuck to the motherfucking schedule, Mr. Dotrice might be available for the reading.

Ahem...the end.

Posted by: Agent Scully at June 16, 2009 9:57 AM

Is it too late for one last entry? Watchmen, as read by the cast of the motion picture; complete with the pop music soundtrack and musical accompanyment by Michael Giacchino.

Posted by: Doctor Controversy at June 16, 2009 9:58 AM

Nifty! My local library system has something called "Playaways", which says it's a "self-contained MP3 player". And they appear to have over a thousand titles available just in that format. Nice. Oooh! They have Gaiman reading The Graveyard Book. Guess what I'll be listening to instead of the radio the next few days...?!

Posted by: Anna von Beaverplatz at June 16, 2009 9:59 AM

Anna von Beaverplatz:
Along with audiobooks in CD form, many libraries have electronic copies of audiobooks, using platforms such as NetLibrary and Overdrive Media, that allow you to put them on your mp3 player. While the selection isn't always awesome, you can sometimes find a few gems.

Posted by: nutmeag at June 16, 2009 9:59 AM

AvB:
Looks like you beat me to it. Have fun!

Posted by: nutmeag at June 16, 2009 10:02 AM

I'm not a big user of audiobooks - I always want something to look at, too, and since there's nothing related to what I'm hearing, my mind wanders. I suppose I'm wired for video. Or paper.

But audiobooks I've enjoyed on flights (the only time I will listen to them) have been:
the Harry Dresden series, read by James Marsters; John Barrowman's autobiography, read by himself; and Cormac McCarthy's 'All The Pretty Horses', read by (seriously) Brad Pitt. Something about his laid-back delivery works with it.

Books I'd like to hear might be:
James Ellroy reading his own books (I once attended an event where he read a chapter, and he was awesome. I ought to take a look, actually - maybe he's already done it).
And Wentworth Miller, reading almost anything classy. Prison Break viewers may have been distracted by the pretty, but he has a very pleasant voice, too.

Posted by: Tarn at June 16, 2009 10:19 AM

Ha, nutmeag, that's too funny. It's good I saw the self-contained ones, though, 'cause of how I sadly do not have an MP3 player of my very own. *sigh* someday...

Posted by: Anna von Beaverplatz at June 16, 2009 10:22 AM

Gillian did Exit to Eden. It was good.

Posted by: John W at June 16, 2009 10:42 AM

Gillian Anderson that is...

Posted by: John W at June 16, 2009 10:43 AM

appwitch: In the case of A Song of Ice and Fire the narrator difference is the authors fault. If Martin didn't take so fucking long to complete his goddamn series, or if he simply stuck to the motherfucking schedule, Mr. Dotrice might be available for the reading.

Agent Scully: Hrmmm, that's a whole new comment diversion right there, isn't it? Authors who take their sweet time getting to the next book in a series... after they released only half a book the last time... and are working on other stuff I don't care to read...

Posted by: appwitch at June 16, 2009 10:59 AM

I am a massive audiobook fan, and at the moment, I listen more than I read, because I can walk/gym/cook/wash up whilst listening. I love them, and have done since I was a child. As a kid, my absolute favourite was Ballet Shoes by Noel Streathfield, read by (I think) Judy Bennett (a great British actress).

Jim Dale's readings of all the Harry Potter books are wonderful.[Interesting sidenote, he actually pronounced it 'Voldemore', (silent 't', as though it were French) for the first four books in the series, and then changed to VoldemorT! I thought it was funny]. He is a really gifted narrator, and has won a bunch of awards for the HP series.

I always enjoy hearing authors reading their own work, and have recently been impressed with Neil Gaimain reading Coraline, AJ Jacobs reading Year of living biblically and Elizabeth Gilbert reading Eat, Pray Love (despite the many complaints I have about the book itself, Gilbert is actually very engaging as a narrator). I think it's interesting hearing the author read the book how they wanted it to be read - their intonations, their emphasis etc.

I would love to listen to Cate Blanchett narrate something fantasy-ish. She does incredible voicework, and I always kind of thought that in LoTR, when they used Galadrield to narrate the start-of-the-movie intro montage thing that it narrative-ly speaking didn't make a whole lot of sense for Galadriel to be narrating but that she was used because Cate Blanchett is so freaking awesome. ("But they were all of them deceived.... and some things that should not have been forgotten, were lost..." etc. Love it!)

For those who were discussing the high price of audiobooks, public libraries usually have MP3 books on CD which you can load/burn/rip etc. I alos use 'Audible', a website where you buy audio books for approx $15 each, and they come in a really awesome/easy to use format for your Ipod/player. Also, there's the less-than-legal option of using Limewire/bit torrents etc which also have audio books.

And to Che, who said that audiobooks aren't the same as actually reading the book: whilst I love normal reading, I often find that I tear through books really quickly and sometimes don't absorb all that I could from them. Audiobooks are a different experience, and you soak them up at a slower pace. Also, as a child, it was the best thing to be read to: imagination wandering and creating the pictures as your parent/teacher/whoever read to you. I experience that same feeling now when I listen to a good audiobook. It will never replace my normal reading, because it can't - it's a different sort of story consumption, and I get something different out of it.

I am such an audiobook advocate, I try to convert everyone. So far I've been very successful in my family/friends, and my proudest converting-the-heathen moment was when my Mum (who's not a big fiction reader and had never read fantasy before) became hooked on Jim Dale's reading of Harry Potter and listened to all seven books in about 6 months!

Posted by: JJ McClay at June 16, 2009 11:10 AM

OK, I'm a dork. I love audiobooks. Since having kids it's harder to sit down and enjoy a good book (though I manage once in a while) so I put audiobooks on my iPod and play them while going around cleaning house or sorting laundry or whatever. It's nice to have my brain otherwise engaged when I'm doing dull mindless tasks. I am another one who loves Jim Dale's readings of the Harry Potter books, but would love to hear Stephen Fry read them as well (will have to see if I can get that here in the U.S.)

I can't think of specific examples but I loathe audiobooks when the narrator has bad flow, if that makes sense, or when he breathes too heavy. I also dislike a lot of music in the background (a little between chapters is fine). I also hate it when it's put on like some kind of dramatic play. A simple reading works better.

Posted by: Lainiefig at June 16, 2009 11:15 AM

Currently I'm on another young adult book series The Bartimaeus Trilogy read by Simon Jones which isn't too bad.

Agent Scully, is that Simon Jones a.k.a. the voice of the book for the entire Hitchiker's Guide radio series? Because I might have to search it out just for him, if it is!

Also AS and appwitch, Neil Gaiman addressed your complaints here:

http://journal.neilgaiman.com/search/label/George%20R%20R%20Martin

most succinctly, with the words, "George R. R. Martin is not your bitch". I highly recommend reading the rest of his post on the subject.

Posted by: Anne (in Reno) at June 16, 2009 11:33 AM

Fear Itself: A Fearless Jones Novel
by Walter Mosley
Narrated by Don Cheadle

Oh, yeah its great.

Posted by: Bill_W at June 16, 2009 12:00 PM

Jim Dale has a lot of mentions for Harry Potter but he also did the prequel (?) to Peter Pan called Peter and the Starcatchers which was quite good also. I would probably pick up anything he did.

Posted by: Jilly at June 16, 2009 12:32 PM

I listed to ALL of the Series of Unfortunate Events books on CD on road trips. They were read by Mr. Tim Curry, which made them infinitely more bearable. However, they had intro and outro music by Satan's own band, The Gothic Archies. It was AWFUL. If you pretend the last book didn't happen, it was a great time-waster on the 6 hour trip to my momma's house.

Posted by: Mandacat at June 16, 2009 12:38 PM

anything by frank mccourt is fecking awesome on audiobook.

Posted by: bridget at June 16, 2009 12:43 PM

Neil Gaiman reading any of his own stuff
A.MAZING!

Posted by: psammead at June 16, 2009 12:54 PM

I loved the World War Z audiobook, and thought virtually all the voice actors hit it out of the park.

In fact, it'll be tough watching the movie and see other actors play those roles, though I'll somehow muddle through.

Posted by: boscobarbell at June 16, 2009 1:33 PM

appwitch: Amen, my friend!

Anne (in Reno): Yes, the very same Simon Jones! He's doing a very good job with Bartimaeus; I am enjoying it immensely. Additionally, thanks for the link regarding Martin. I completely agree with Gaiman's point (that's why I don't leave rude comments on Martins blog, rushing him along and spewing other nonsense), however, I'm a selfish bitch and I want the next book NOW! I try to keep this under control with only minor outburst as exemplified earlier.

Posted by: Agent Scully at June 16, 2009 1:36 PM

Well I think we're all in agreement that Sedaris wins. His voice adds a whole other dimension to his writing. I particularly love the way he depicts sibling love/rivalry. Very few contemporary writers do it quite as well as he does.

Also, I've listened to Maggie Gyllenhaal read The Bell Jar. I'm POSITIVE she was born was Sylvia Plath's voice.

This is a bit older, but Dick Hall read This Side of Paradise and it's quite remarkable... it's so involved for every single character... maybe to the point of distracting... I haven't decided yet.

Posted by: soto at June 16, 2009 1:55 PM

Nth'ing Jim Dale's reading of the Harry Potter books and seconding the audiobooks of "His Dark Materials", which feature author Phillip Pullman narrating with a cast performing the dialogue. It's like a blend of the best parts of audiobooks and radio drama.

"The Dark Tower" series is one of my favorites as well in audio form, and both of the readers--George Guidall for books 1, 5, 6, and 7 and the late Frank Muller for books 2, 3, and 4--do a fine job, though Frank's voice took me longer to get accustomed to.

Also, if you can find Douglas Adams' readings of the Hitchhiker's books, I highly recommend those as well (they are the only audiobooks to never leave whatever current mp3 player I am using; I have to have them with me always). Haven't seen them for sale anywhere, but I found online them back when Audiogalaxy was still around.

Posted by: Jay at June 16, 2009 2:12 PM

My favourite is definitely Garrison Keillor reading Lake Wobegon Days. I could listen to that man talk forever, I even look forward to Honda adverts.

I also have a great fondness for Stephen Fry reading Harry Potter.

Posted by: Gumble at June 16, 2009 2:34 PM

I "read" the entirety of the Ender saga by Orson Scott Card while doing 5 weeks of manual labor and the weeks flew by. Great voice casting, great reading, great material.

Posted by: jessica at June 16, 2009 4:20 PM

All you LoTR-lovers, there's a version out there where it's not just read, the person *performs* the poetry. No, I can't remember who did it. Consult your local reference librarian.

Another good run of performances - a male/female team did many of Lois McMaster Bujold's books that had Miles Vorkosigan as leading character. They actually added to the content, as they came up with the various accents needed. (Don't like it? Let's hear you come up with a Betan accent....)

No, I don't listen to them in the car. It's a dinky old Saturn, noisy as heck. However, I do a lot of needlework, so I can totally multitask.

Posted by: bjs1109 at June 16, 2009 6:54 PM

"To Kill a Mockingbird" read by Sally Darling (the Recorded Books version) is amazing and made me fall in love with the book all over again. Darling's voice is rich, plummy, and just dripping with deep-southern charisma.

Does anyone else think David Sedaris sounds like Piglet?

Posted by: Leah at June 16, 2009 7:30 PM

The Bro Code - Neil Patrick Harris
*It's legen ... wait for it ...

The Wheel of Time series - Michael Kramer and Kate Reading
*Amazing voices, with each character sounding unique. Plus the WoT accents are truly amazing. I am astounded two people can play so many character distinctly! As an added bonus, you don't actually have to READ the later books and can fast forward through all the Elaine parts.

Posted by: PavlovianHippie at June 16, 2009 9:56 PM

Hillary Duff reading the Twilight series... or how to make an annoying serial so much worse...

Posted by: Nxx at June 16, 2009 11:01 PM

I love Katherine Heigl reading Virginia Woolf's "To the Lighthouse". Mesmerizing.


Okay, I'm totally kidding. Girlfriend's never even heard of V. Dubs!

Posted by: samantha t at June 17, 2009 10:55 AM