An Abundance of Katherines
by John Green, read by Jeff Woodman. Brilliance Audio, 2006, 7 hours, 6 discs, $82.25
Colin has been dumped by his nineteenth Katherine and is no longer a "child prodigy" and definitely not an adult genius. His wise-cracking buddy Hassan decides that the cure for Colin's blues is to take a summer road trip. The smart, quirky characters come to life with Jeff Woodman's gentle, thoughtful interpretation.
Before I Die
by Jenny Downham, read by Charlotte Parry. Listening Library, 2007, 7 hours, 10 minutes. 6 discs, $34.00
Tessa is dying of cancer and has only a short time to live. Through humor and pain, Tessa takes listeners through her list of things she must do before she dies - sex, drugs, breaking the law - but the list starts to change as Tessa finds that there are more important things she wants to experience. Parry captures every range of emotion that Tessa experiences.
The Black Tattoo
by Sam Enthoven, read by John Lee, Listening Library, 2006, 13 hours, 57 minutes, 11 discs, $50.00
This intricate fantasy is partly set in modern London and partly set in Hell. Jack follows his friend, Charlie, into Hell in an attempt to save him. Jack, Charlie and their friend, Esme, are pitted against the evil Scourge. If they fail, it will be the end of the universe and all life in it. Lee creates a cast of unique characters.
Bloody Jack, Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary "Jacky" Faber, Ship's Boy
by L.A. Meyer, read by Katherine Kellgren, Listen and Live Audio, Inc., 2007. 8 hours, 6 discs, $29.95
Jacky is quickly becoming a respected ship's boy aboard the HMS Dolphin. Jacky has a secret that she is struggling to keep from everyone on the ship - she's a girl. Kellgren's Cockney accent brings this rousing tale to life.
Cupid
by Julius Lester, read by Stephen McKinley Henderson, Listening Library, 2007, 5 hours, 37 minutes, 5 discs, $45.00
Julius Lester retells this story of Cupid and Psyche in his own inimitable fashion. Henderson was completely into his role of storyteller - funny, dramatic, ironic and delighted to tell you this story.
Evolution, Me and Other Freaks of Nature
by Robin Brande, read by Kaili Vernoff, Listening Library, 2007, 6 hours, 25 minutes, 5 discs, $45.00
Ostracized by her friends for doing what she thought was right, Mena – in studying evolution – finds that she can fight for what she believes in. Vernoff’s voice is appropriately young, sweet, and shows growth as Mena finds her way.
Forever in Blue
by Ann Brashares, read by Angela Goethals, Listening Library, 2007, 9 hours, 3 minutes, 7 discs, $55.00
Members of the Sisterhood spend the summer apart from each other, but somehow the Pants bring them back together again. A flawless reading infused with true humor and emotion.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
by J. K. Rowling, read by Jim Dale, Listening Library, 2007, 21 hours, 40 minutes, 17 discs, $79.95
In his seventh and final year at Hogwarts, Harry and his friends have decided not to return, bound by Professor Dumbledore's dying wish to find and destroy the Horcruxes where He Who Cannot Be Named has stored the pieces of his soul. Once again, Jim Dale does not disappoint – a tour de force.
I Am the Messenger
by Markus Zusak, read by Marc Aden Gray, Listening Library, 2006, 8 hours, 40 minutes, 7 discs, $55.00
The mystery begins when Ed Kennedy receives cards in the mail that help him change people's lives. Gray’s Australian accent and personality make this a wonderful audiobook.
