Collection Development 9 Audiobooks to Hear Before Watching the Movie

Want an exclusive preview of this season’s hottest movies? Let audiobooks be your front row ticket to sensational entertainment! Hear these bestselling stories before they hit the big screen. Check out our featured collection for even more blockbuster audios.

THE END OF THE TOUR
In Theatres 7/31/15
starring Jason Segel, Jesse Eisenberg, and Joan Cusack

ALTHOUGH OF COURSE YOU END UP BECOMING YOURSELF
A Road Trip with David Foster Wallace
By David Lipsky
Read by Danny Campbell and Mike Chamberlain

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Narrators Danny Campbell and Mike Chamberlain bring to life an interview between authors David Lipsky and David Foster Wallace, for an article that would ultimately never be published by Rolling Stone. Their interview was edited and adapted for The End of the Tour, a new film starring Jesse Eisenberg and Jason Segel, in his most acclaimed role to date. Listeners interested in hearing every frank and funny moment of the full conversation should turn to the audiobook.

Praise for ALTHOUGH OF COURSE YOU END UP BECOMING YOURSELF:
“Prescient, funny, earnest, and honest, this lost conversation is…a candid and fascinating glimpse into a uniquely brilliant and very troubled writer.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review


DARK PLACES
In Theatres 8/7/15
starring Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Christina Hendricks, Chloë Grace Moretz

DARK PLACES
By Gillian Flynn
Read by Rebecca Lowman, Cassandra Campbell, Robertson Dean and Mark Deakins

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A New York Times Bestseller
Edgar Award finalist Gillian Flynn skillfully constructs another riveting and twisty thriller sure to grip fans of GONE GIRL and IN COLD BLOOD. A perfect summer blockbuster, the hair-raising narration from four extraordinary narrators in this audiobook will send a chill down listeners’ spines.

Audio Praise for DARK PLACES:
“This riveting novel is cleverly adapted to audio…Listening to the events of that horrible day makes the tragic murders feel raw and immediate. The cast is uniformly excellent, especially Lowman…A memorable audio.”—Booklist


THE PROPHET
In Theatres 8/7/15
featuring the voices of Liam Neeson, Salma Hayek, John Krasinski, Quvenzhané Wallis, Frank Langella, Alfred Molina

THE PROPHET
By Kahlil Gibran
Read by Paul Sparer


 

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First published in 1923, Lebanese philosopher and poet Kahlil Gibran’s classic has been cherished by millions of readers and listeners worldwide. Skilled reader Paul Sparer personifies the wise teacher of Gibran’s story, who delivers 26 inspiring sermons on life, death, love, art and the secrets to a meaningful existence. Producer Salma Hayek, a longtime fan of Gibran’s work, chose eight of these sermons to be adapted to film by eight critically acclaimed animators. Share the full audiobook with patrons looking for even more moving stories.

Audio Praise for THE PROPHET:
“Narrator Paul Sparer takes on the tone and pace of the wise teacher who is the centerpiece of Gibran’s famous work. Sparer’s low, patient voice evokes images of fireside talks that stretch long into the night…With Sparer’s voice as a vehicle, the Prophet’s words ring all the more true. His voice recalls the tenderness of a parent speaking to a child, the humor of a friend’s confidence and camaraderie, and the patience of one who has seen and understands the world and who seeks to impart wisdom to those in search of enlightenment. The words themselves are inspiring, and their power is enhanced by Sparer’s attentive and careful treatment.”—AudioFile


A WALK IN THE WOODS
In Theatres 9/2/15
starring Robert Redford, Nick Nolte, Emma Thompson, Nick Offerman, Kristen Schaal

A WALK IN THE WOODS
By Bill Bryson
Read by Rob McQuay


 
 
 

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After living abroad, Bill Bryson returns to America to hike the Appalachian Trail with his bumbling but lovable friend Stephen Katz (who listeners may recognize from his European adventures with Bryson in NEITHER HERE NOR THERE). Filled with hilarious travel anecdotes, beautiful depictions of nature and Bryson’s trademark wisdom and wit, A WALK IN THE WOODS is sure to please longtime Bryson listeners, fans of WILD, travelers, and nature lovers alike.

Praise for A WALK IN THE WOODS:
“The Appalachian Trail…consists of some five million steps, and Bryson seems to coax a laugh, and often an unexpectedly startling insight, out of each one he traverses…Bryson is a talented portraitist of place. He did his natural-history homework…He laces his narrative with gobbets of trail history and local trivia…Bryson will take your breath away…Sheer comic travel entertainment.”—Kirkus


BLACK MASS
In Theatres 9/18/15
starring Johnny Depp, Benedict Cumberbatch, Corey Stoll, Dakota Johnson, Kevin Bacon, Adam Scott

WHITEY
By Dick Lehr and Gerard O’Neill
Read by John Rubinstein


 

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Based on BLACK MASS and WHITEY, two books from the award-winning journalist team of Dick Lehr and Gerard O’Neill, the highly-anticipated film starring Johnny Depp tells the chilling true story of James “Whitey” Bulgar, “the godfather of the Irish Mob.” True crime fans looking for the definitive biography of one of the most infamous crime bosses in history will be captivated by this audiobook, a revealing portrait of Whitey Bulgar’s notorious life.

Audio Praise for WHITEY:
John Rubenstein never stumbles as he reads the highly detailed text. One of his techniques is to read at a slightly more rapid clip than most narrators do, adding a sense of tension and ‘what-will-happen-next’ to the events and personae. A welcome addition to public and academic libraries alike.”—Library Journal


EVEREST
Based on real events and INTO THIN AIR by Jon Krakauer
In Theatres 9/25/15
starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, Keira Knightley, Robin Wright, John Hawkes, Sam Worthington

INTO THIN AIR
By Jon Krakauer
Read by Philip Franklin


 

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In Everest, an award-winning cast of actors brings to life the 1996 Mt. Everest disaster, when eight people where caught in a blizzard and died during their attempt to summit Mt. Everest. Travel journalist Jon Krakaeur was also climbing Mt. Everest on assignment during that time and he got more story than he bargained for. Jon Krakaeur’s harrowing account in INTO THIN AIR provides fascinating backstory to the heart-pounding action in Everest.

Audio Praise for INTO THIN AIR:
“No added dramatics are needed for the listener to imagine the high-altitude cold, fear, bravado and sense of total isolation felt by all who were trapped beyond help, as well as by those who survived. Franklin’s emulations of the multinational voices of guides, clients and Sherpas bring one still closer to the action…The unabridged audio production is every bit as engrossing as the book.”—AudioFile


BIG STONE GAP
In Theatres 10/9/15
starring Ashley Judd, Patrick Wilson, Whoopi Goldberg, John Benjamin Hickey, Jane Krakowski, Anthony LaPaglia, Jenna Elfman

BIG STONE GAP
By Adriana Trigiani
Read by the Author


 

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Author Adriana Trigiani reads BIG STONE GAP, the first in her “old-fashioned, feel-good” series featuring small-town pharmacist Ave Maria Mulligan, a cast of eccentric townsfolk, and “the sexy Iva Lou Wade, one of the best fictional librarians to come along in years” (Library Journal). With plenty of local Appalachian color and small-town charm, this cozy series is a real treat for fans of Fannie Flagg. Listeners have even more to look forward to in October—Trigiani also wrote and directed the movie. Learn more about the movie here.

Praise for Adriana Trigiani’s narration:
“As a narrator, Trigiani slips into the roles of the characters she created as naturally and comfortably as she would a well-worn pair of slippers. As the creator of protagonist Ave Maria, Trigiani has a deep understanding of the character and is able to express all her emotional nuances…Trigiani’s narration makes all of the colorful characters feel real…Fans of this warm, homey series will find added dimension by listening to their favorite characters brought so perfectly to life.”—Library Journal

Hear more from this bestselling series:

HOME TO BIG STONE GAP
By Adriana Trigiani
Read by Cassandra Campbell

Campbell reaches into her heart and reveals her emotions and thoughts with tender compassion. Campbell’s pace is in sync with these characters and life in these mountains. Be sure to keep a box of tissues nearby.”—AudioFile


VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN
In Theatres 11/25/15
starring Daniel Radcliffe, James McAvoy, Jessica Brown Findlay, Andrew Scott

FRANKENSTEIN
By Mary Shelley
Read by Jim Weiss

 
 

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No stranger to adapting classic literature to film, Daniel Radcliffe stars as Igor in Victor Frankenstein, the story of how he first met Victor von Frankenstein (played by James McAvoy). What better time for patrons to brush up on Mary Shelley’s classic than before the release of this new retelling, opening this November. Pair it with DRACULA for the perfect monster mash-up this Halloween. Check out exclusive behind-the-scenes from the movie set here.

Audio Praise for FRANKENSTEIN:
“Jim Weiss, noted for his spirited, thoughtful storytelling for children, tries something different with this very adult classic. He does it well…The listener is quietly swept up, especially after Dr. Frankenstein creates his monster. From that point on, Weiss reads with a slight European accent that adds to the novel’s gothic tone and makes the story even more moving.”—AudioFile

IN THE HEART OF THE SEA
In Theatres 12/11/15
starring Chris Hemsworth, Benjamin Walker, Cillian Murphy, Tom Holland, Ben Whishaw, Brendan Gleeson

IN THE HEART OF THE SEA
By Nathaniel Philbrick
Read by Scott Brick


 

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A National Book Award Winner
Fan favorite narrator Scott Brick reads Nathaniel Philbrick’s enthralling account of the whaleship Essex, sunk by a sperm whale in 1820, off the coast of the Galapagos Islands. The surviving crew then attempted to sail for South America, enduring storm, sharks, starvation, dehydration and madness along the way. Their tragic voyage served as the inspiration for Herman Melville’s classic MOBY DICK—and a star-studded adaptation arriving this December. Click here for more movie news.

Praise for IN THE HEART OF THE SEA:
“Narrator Scott Brick introduces the listener to the nuances of whaling in 1820…Brick’s casual yet composed manner reports this chronicle of courage and survival, creating an appreciation for the tale it tells.”—AudioFile


PLUS, don’t miss the true story of an internationally beloved author’s rise to fame.

PAULO COELHO’S BEST STORY
In Theatres 7/31/15
starring Júlio Andrade

Before he became a global phenomenon, author Paulo Coelho was living a life that was stranger-than-fiction, as he traveled the world and pursued his dream of becoming a writer. Meet “the man behind a masterpieces” in a film that is sure to inspire listeners as much as any of Coelho’s own stories.

Praise for Paulo Coelho: 

“A great writer and a fascinating man.”—The Guardian
“His books have had a life-enhancing impact on millions of people.”—The Times (London)
“One of the few to deserve the term ‘publishing phenomenon.'”—Independent on Sunday
“An exceptional writer.”—USA Today


 
 


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