In this month’s LibraryReads, we have six great audios to choose from! From a fantasy tale like GILDED CAGE to a fun, lighthearted listen like MY NOT SO PERFECT LIFE, to the #1 LibraryReads Pick for February, I SEE YOU, your patrons will have plenty of amazing listens to check out all winter long—and these will make for perfect summer listens, too! With so many titles sure to be in demand at your library, try placing audios next to the hardcovers, reminding patrons that LibraryReads also make great listens! And who doesn’t love being told a riveting story?
Find out why these LibraryReads make great listens with the audiobooks below and view the full list of February LibraryReads picks here. Check out our LibraryReads Make Great Listens collection to see all of our BOT LibraryReads picks (since the program began).
By Clare Mackintosh
Read by Rachel Atkins
LISTEN TO A CLIP: I SEE YOU
LibraryReads review: “Zoe Walker sees her picture in a personal ad for a dating website. At first she thinks there must be a mistake. She soon learns that other women whose pictures have appeared in these ads have been subjected to violent crimes. Zoe contacts the police. PC Kelly Smith, a disgraced former detective, works to find the mastermind behind the website and redeem herself. As each day passes Zoe becomes more and more paranoid and suspicious of everyone she meets. Told from three different viewpoints, the tension builds and kept me on the edge of my seat.” —Karen Zeibak, Wilton Library Association, Wilton, CT
Why try the audio? For fans of edge-of-your-seat, psychological thrillers, the sophomore listen from the author of the international bestseller I Let You Go will not disappoint. Mackintosh’s debut was one of the most successful fiction debuts of 2016, chosen as a LibraryReads May 2016 pick, and the audio was described by AudioFile as “deftly performed and pretty terrific,” and received a starred audio review from Booklist: “Tone is vital in this genre, and both narrators underline its chilling presence from the first scenes, adding a frisson of horror at the end.” Listeners will love to hear more from Mackintosh in I SEE YOU, and experienced British actress of stage, screen and radio, Rachel Atkins, knows just how to unravel this twisty thriller. Listen with the lights on!
Praise for I SEE YOU:
“A well-crafted blend of calculated malevolence, cunning plot twists, and redemption that will appeal to fans of Sophie Hannah, Ruth Rendell, and Ruth Ware.”— Booklist (starred review)
“A chilling addition to the mystery and police procedural genres. The twists and red herrings will attract fans of Tana French and Lisa Gardner.”— Library Journal
By Sophie Kinsella
Read by Fiona Hardingham
LISTEN TO A CLIP:MY NOT SO PERFECT LIFE
LibraryReads review: “Katie Brenner has moved from her family’s farm to the big city. She goes to great lengths to present the face that she thinks the world wants to see. When she’s fired from her job and forced to return home she helps her family get their new venture up and running. Learning the truth about herself and those around her leads to the realization that nobody’s life is as perfect as it seems from the outside. Kinsella never loses her sense of humor, even when her characters are facing serious situations. She makes you believe in them and leaves you wanting to know what happens next.” — Kristen Gramer, Lewes Public Library, Lewes, DE
Why try the audio? Bestselling author Kinsella (Shopaholic series)’s latest listen delivers the wit and charm fans have come to expect with a bonus of exploring workplace politics. Narrator Hardingham’s captivating portrayals of country girl Katie and her elegant boss Demeter allow listeners to relate to both women’s realizations of their true selves.
Praise for MY NOT SO PERFECT LIFE:
“Humor and humility are expertly conveyed in narrator Fiona Hardingham’s portrayal of 26-year-old Katie Brenner…Hardingham’s quick pace and occasional faltering emphasize Katie’s entertaining attempts to present herself as refined and successful in the eyes of her family and peers. Hardingham’s compelling portrayals of both Katie and Demeter illuminates Demeter’s authentic self and Katie’s realization that her own life is just perfect.”— AudioFile
“Sophie Kinsella keeps her finger on the cultural pulse, while leaving me giddy with laughter. I loved it.”—Jojo Moyes, #1 New York Times bestselling author of After You
“Katie is a winning heroine…. Kinsella creates characters that are well-rounded, quirky, and a complete joy to read.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Driven by Katie’s witty observations and numerous missteps as she attempts to reconcile various aspects of her identity, this novel is smartly satirical and entertaining.”—Publishers Weekly
“Another outstanding novel . . . a perfect combination of fun, laughable moments rounded out with some deep-seated family and relationship issues.”—Booklist
ALL OUR WRONG TODAYS
By Elan Mastai
Read by the Author
LISTEN TO A CLIP:ALL OUR WRONG TODAYS
LibraryReads review: “Mastai’s debut is a clever and funny time travel romp which turns into an, action-packed science fiction thriller. Tom Barren stumbles through life and accidentally ruins the glittering jetpack and flying car future of 2016, replacing it with the one you and I know. The world may be worse off, but Tom’s life is better than ever. That is, until his mind starts splitting between the two realities and he must track down the genius who invented the other future. Tom’s journey through the past, across realities, and inside his mind make for a thrilling conclusion.” — Dan Brooks, Wake County Public Libraries, Cary, NC
Why try the audio? There’s nothing quite like having the author narrating their story to you. Elan Mastai has quite the captivating voice, perfect for drawing listeners in for this engaging tale. Even better, Mastai was interviewed for our THIS IS THE AUTHOR podcast (see below!), and chatted about why he enjoyed narrating his audio.
The author himself also tweeted to his 2,000 + followers about his excitement about the audiobook release!
One of my favorite parts of the book release was narrating the #AllOurWrongTodays audio book: https://t.co/TKvS80IKVo @BOTLibrary @PRHAudio
— Elan Mastai (@elanmastai) February 8, 2017
Praise for ALL OUR WRONG TODAYS:
“A novel about time travel has no right to be this engaging. A novel this engaging has no right to be this smart. And a novel this smart has no right to be this funny. Or insightful. Or immersive. Basically, this novel has no right to exist.” — Jonathan Tropper, New York Times bestselling author of This Is Where I Leave You and One Last Thing Before I Go
“A thrilling tale of time travel and alternate timelines with a refreshingly optimistic view of humanity’s future.”—Andy Weir, New York Times bestselling author of The Martian
“Elan Mastai has conjured up a witty and freewheeling time-traveling romance that packs an emotional wallop. ALL OUR WRONG TODAYS is a page-turning delight.”—Maria Semple, author of Today Will Be Different and Where’d You Go, Bernadette
“A potent mixture of sincere introspection and a riveting examination of time travel and alternate realities, this highly recommended novel is reminiscent of Jo Walton’s My Real Children with the breeziness of Robin Sloan’s Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore.” — Library Journal, (starred review)
“Mastai’s novel is both charming and wondrously plotted—Tom’s self-deprecation in the beginning seems to limit his potential as a character and yet, in the end, he’s an impressive feat of memory and consciousness.” — Kirkus, (starred review)
GILDED CAGE
By Vic James
Read by Avita Jay
LISTEN TO A CLIP: GILDED CAGE
LibraryReads review: “Welcome to a world where magic grants you access to all the benefits of wealth and power. This is the story of two families, one from magic and one not. When Abi comes up with a plan to help her family by having them serve one of the most powerful magical families, she thinks it will save them. But when her brother is sent to one of the harshest work camps, the plan seems less likely to keep them alive. Her brother must face the dangers of slavery while Abi and the others will see grandeur and wealth but also see the rotten core that is gilded in gold.” — Suzanne Christensen, Spanish Fork Public Library, Spanish Fork, UT
Why try the audio? Not only does Avita Jay (who the author had wanted to narrate!) have a wonderful voice to listen to, but the author, Vic James, posted on her website about how much the audio meant to her! She got the opportunity to hear her audiobook being recorded, and she called it a “magical experience, that sometimes sent the hairs along the back of [her] neck prickling up!”
Read the full extent of James’ experience watching the audiobook being recorded on her blog here, and don’t miss her interviewing the narrator and the producer, Leo Whetter, here!
Praise for GILDED CAGE:
“Debut novelist James does an excellent job of creating a dark contemporary world in which magic is used to prop up a corrupt aristocracy at the expense of ordinary people.” — Library Journal (starred review)
“Brisk plotting, sympathetic characters, and plenty of intrigue will keep readers on the edges of their seats, eager for the next book in a very promising series.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“An alternate modern-day England where enticing drama and social unrest mix with aristocratic scandal and glamorous magic . . . conjuring up the specters of Les Misérables and Downton Abbey . . . an absorbing first installment that presages an intriguing new fantasy series.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Gilded Cage is a heart-pounding combination of dark magic, political revolution, and forbidden romance that had me addicted from the first page!”—Danielle L. Jensen, USA Today bestselling author of The Malediction Trilogy
“Devious and deliciously dark with lashings of magic, mystery, and mayhem, this juggernaut of a book will keep you hanging on by your fingernails until the very last page.”—Taran Matharu, New York Times bestselling author of The Summoner Trilogy
“A dark and intriguing vision of an alternate, magic-drenched Britain, Gilded Cage kept me up long into the night.”—Aliette de Bodard, author of The House of Shattered Wings
THE CHILBURY LADIES’ CHOIR
By Jennifer Ryan
Read by a Full Cast
LISTEN TO A CLIP: THE CHILBURY LADIES’ CHOIR
LibraryReads review: “THE CHILBURY LADIES’ CHOIR is a powerful story of both hope and despair. Told through diary entries, this is a wonderful glimpse into life in a small British town during WWII. Ryan is a skilled writer who gives each diary entry a clear voice: Mrs. Paltry is dishonest and scheming, Venetia, the self-centered young woman in love with a mysterious man, Kitty, the love struck teenager with big dreams, and Mrs. Tilling, the midwife and moral compass of the town. Through their entries, you really see them grow. The power of music brings them strength that they didn’t know that they had.” — Shari Suarez, Genesee District Library, Goodrich MI
Why try the audio? A cast of six narrators propels listeners into the middle of this funny, charming, and heart-wrenching story, told through letters and journals. The audio also includes popular version of classic music performed by women’s choirs, including the songs Abide with Me and All Creatures, Ave Maria, and The Lord’s My Shepherd. Carnival TV, the production company behind Downton Abbey, has optioned television rights.
Praise for THE CHILBURY LADIES’ CHOIR:
“There’s so much happening in Chilbury: intrigue, romance and a charming cast of characters who aren’t always as they appear. The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir is a charming slice of English wartime life that warms the soul like a hot toddy.” — Martha Hall Kelly, New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls
“Readers may have come across this kind of story before, but the letter/diary format works well and the plot elements satisfyingly come together.” — Publishers Weekly
WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES
By Georgia Hunter
Read by Kathleen Gati & Robert Fass
LISTEN TO A CLIP: WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES
LibraryReads review: “When Georgia Hunter learns that she is a descendant of large family of Holocaust survivors, she knows that she is destined to be the recorder of their story. This is the result of years of research to gather as much detail about her relatives as she possibly can. How this group of people manages to survive years of persecution and imprisonment is astounding. It is an inspiring read, and one that honors the memory and struggle of not just the author’s family, but all of the people who suffered during the war.” — Mary Coe, Fairfield Woods Branch Library, CT
Why try the audio? Based on the true story of a far-flung family of Polish Jews who survived the Holocaust, Hunter’s extensively researched debut novel from her own family history and archives around the world is not only a tribute to the triumph of the human spirit in the twentieth century’s darkest moment. Having two narrators reading the audio gives a rounded perspective of the struggles the Kurc family had to go through. Robert Fass and Kathleen Gati are excellent at portraying the raw emotions that are so apparent throughout this story.
Praise for WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES:
“Reading Georgia Hunter’s We Were the Lucky Ones is like being swung heart first into history. Her engrossing and deeply affecting account of how the Kurc family survives the Holocaust, against every possible odd, will leave you breathless. But the true wonder of the book is how convincingly Hunter inhabits these characters, each modeled after her own family members. This is their story Hunter is telling so beautifully and profoundly, and ours as well. A brave and mesmerizing debut, and a truly tremendous accomplishment.” — Paula McLain, author of The Paris Wife and Circling the Sun
“This nonetheless engrossing read is best recommended for those who enjoy fiction set during World War II and sprawling family sagas.” — Library Journal
“A remarkable history . . . extraordinarily moving.” —Publishers Weekly
See all ten February’s LibraryReads 2017 picks on the LibraryReads site.
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