Audio Friday - Charlie and the chocolate factory - Review

Audio (every other) Friday is for Audio reviews.

This weeks review is by Wanda.

Charlie and the chocolate factory by Roald Dahl

Narrated by James Bow.

Via Wikipedia

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a 1964 children's book by British author Roald Dahl. The story features the adventures of young Charlie Bucket inside the chocolate factory of eccentric chocolatier Willy Wonka.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was first published in the United States by Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. in 1964 and in the United Kingdom by George Allen & Unwin in 1967. The book was adapted into two major motion pictures: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory in 1971, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in 2005. The book's sequel, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator, was written by Roald Dahl in 1972. Dahl had also planned to write a third book in the series but never finished it.
The story was originally inspired by Roald Dahl's experience of chocolate companies during his schooldays. Cadbury would often send test packages to the schoolchildren in exchange for their opinions on the new products. At that time (around the 1920s), Cadbury and Rowntree's were England's two largest chocolate makers and they each often tried to steal trade secrets by sending spies, posing as employees, into the other's factory. Because of this, both companies became highly protective of their chocolate making processes. It was a combination of this secrecy and the elaborate, often gigantic, machines in the factory that inspired Dahl to write the story.

Overview of the story
Charlie is a sweet well behaved boy, whom by a stroke of luck lands in a Chocolate factory with some truly naughty children and their parents.
One by one these childrens behavior lands them in trouble and they are forced to leave the grand tour. This puts Charlie in a position where fortune smiles on him.

If like me, you’ve never read the story or seen either of the two film adaptations then this is where I will leave you now regarding the story line.
My review
I absolutely adored the story and the narration by James Bow was superb. I loved the fact that he would sing the songs in the book as naturally as if he had composed them himself. The book is read at a nice fast pace and an audio listener can finish the book in a morning which makes it an altogether more fun read than it already is.
Charlie is portrayed as a well mannered well adjusted little boy filled with the wonder of a little boy in a chocolate factory. This is apparent in the questions he posed to his grandfather.
The characters portrayal is done with such clarity that I am sure many a grown up would listen to the book and say – Hey we had a girl like that in school! The children’s offences in the book is of such a nature that I winched and thought to myself that wow – I wonder what my parents would have done had I tried to do x, y or z. I am sure I would have been in for a well deserved hiding. I loved the lessons in good manners these books give to children and have to admit that afterwards I am even more set on my own manners. I am unsure as to why I have missed these books up to now. But I am glad to report that I have two more on audio and can’t wait to start on them.
While doing a bit of research for this review I found a lot of information on the book and the motivation and I would suggest all to take a few minutes and go and read up on this book in open source directories. The amount of information is astounding as well as very entertaining.
I will give this book a 5/5 star rating since I simply adored listening to it. I would recommend that parents listen to this with their children. We all can do with a brush up on manners every now and again. This said, I would not describe this book as a children’s book although it is obviously suitable and advisable for children to listen or read this book. I find many of the more humorous parts to be above the level of a child to grasp totally and appreciate fully. Hope to listen to the next book soon.

Audio Friday - A need so beautiful - Review

Audio (every other) Friday is for audio book reviews :)

This weeks review is by yours truely.

A need so beautiful by Suzanne Young

Narrated by Hannah Smith.

What's it about?

We all want to be remembered. Charlotte's destiny is to be forgotten.

Charlotte's best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she's cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what's really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.
But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend's arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become—her mark on this earth, her very existence—is in jeopardy of disappearing completely.
Charlotte will be forced to choose: Should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny—no matter how dark the consequences?

My review
5/5
 
On the narrator: I found the narration of this book easy listening, Hannah Smith reads at a good pace and differed well between characters so I knew who was talking. The story was easy to follow and imagine, I'd definitely listen to more from this narrator.
 
On the story: This was a book I'd heard little about and thought was more of a romance so I'd never really paid any attention to it, but when I came across it looking for something new to listen to I decided to give it a try and boy am I glad I did!
It isn't a romance at all, it's about Charlotte and her struggle against the 'need' and not wanting to disappear, to be forgotten by her friends and family. It's a seriously gut wrenching tale as we follow Charlottes fight to stay, she has a life, she has a family, a best friend and a boyfriend all of whom she loves, who would want to leave that?! As Charlotte gets more desperate and her time runs out I felt my own pace quickening, I felt her despair and didn't want her to disappear anymore than she did. This is a beautifully written sad tale, that kept me up late finding things to clean so I could listen to it until the end because I could not stop thinking about it until I did and the book was still on my mind days later. I wish I had discovered it sooner but better late than never right? And it means I have less time to wait until the next book, A want so wicked in June.
 
On the cover:
I love this gold cover, even more so now I've listened to the story. It's a simple cover but the colour is gorgeous and the girl is really pretty lol
 

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Audio Friday #7 - Shut out - Review

Audio Friday is a bi-weekly feature for audio reviews posted by myself and regular guest Wanda, normally we take turns but I'm going again this week.

Shut out by Kody Keplinger

Read by Kate Reinders.

Available now.

What's it about?

Most high school sports teams have rivalries with other schools. At Hamilton High, it's a civil war: the football team versus the soccer team. And for her part, Lissa is sick of it. Her quarterback boyfriend, Randy, is always ditching her to go pick a fight with the soccer team or to prank their locker room. And on three separate occasions Randy's car gas been egged while he and Lissa were inside, making out. She is done competing with a bunch of sweaty boys for her own boyfriend's attention.

Lissa decides to end the rivalry once and for all: she and the other players' girlfriends go on a hookup strike. The boys won't get any action from them until the football and soccer teams make peace. What they don't count on is a new sort of rivalry: an impossible girls-against-boys showdown that hinges on who will cave to their libidos first. And Lissa never sees her own sexual tension with the leader of the boys, Cash Sterling, coming.
Inspired by Aristophanes' play Lysistrata, critically acclaimed author of The Duff (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) Kody Keplinger adds her own trademark humor in this fresh take on modern teenage romance, rivalry and sexuality.

My review
5/5
On the narrator: I really enjoyed the narration of Shut out, I found Kate Reinders easy to listen to and the story easy to follow when listening to her. She did a great job with the dialogue and made the funny bits really funny so I was laughing out loud, she really made the book enjoyable and as fun as it should be.

On the book: Shut out is a really fun book but at the same time it addresses a lot of questions I think teenage girls have about sex and the weird social politics of sex, such as why are guys heroes for 'putting it about' and girls are sluts. Keplinger does a great job of working these things into conversations throughout the book and manages to keep it light and fun at the same time. I really enjoyed the story and the characters, Lissa was really interesting, I love her little neuroses and quirks and Cash is completely swoon worthy! This is a great book for girls (and women!) and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a quick, fun read.

On the cover: I really like this cover, the war paint is funny when put in context with the story and gives the idea of a fight or war so it matches perfect.

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Audio Friday #6 - Variant - Review

Audio (every other) Friday is where i post an audio review every fortnight switching between myself and Wanda, one of your fellow followers so that we post one review each a month.

This week it's my turn

Variant by Robison Wells

Read by Michael Goldstrom

Available now.

What's it about?

Benson Fisher thought a scholarship to Maxfield Academy would be the ticket out of his dead-end life.
He was wrong.
Now he’s trapped in a school that’s surrounded by a razor-wire fence. A school where video cameras monitor his every move. Where there are no adults. Where the kids have split into groups in order to survive.
Where breaking the rules equals death.
But when Benson stumbles upon the school’s real secret, he realizes that playing by the rules could spell a fate worse than death, and that escape—his only real hope for survival—may be impossible.

My review
4/5
On the narrator: At first I found the narrator did read a bit quick for me but once I got into I got used to his quick style and was able to follow the story.

On the book: I really liked this book and when I found out the reasons for the school, well lets say I did not see it coming! The ending was great also and all of the middle lol the book kept me listening throughout without feeling bored and wishing I had more washing up to do so I could listen for longer! There were parts I didn't anticipate that were shocking and I was really anxious to find out more as the book went on.

I liked the main guy Benson, when he decides he wants to do something, he really goes for it. Although he can do it without the thought of others which is also a bad point, but it's always good when characters aren't perfect. The way the school was run was really interesting and so was the different students reactions, the group that chooses to participate to avoid detention and the group that wants to rebel, though they don't really make a serious effort. It was something I haven't seen before and that made it unique for me. The ending was great and I can't wait to read/listen to more!

On the cover: I do like this cover, it certainly gives the feel of the book and the tagline is intriguing. I really like the blue tinge over everything and that it's all slightly blurred.

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Audio Friday #5 - The taking - Review

Audio (every other) Friday is where i post an audio review every fortnight switching between myself and Wanda, one of your fellow followers so that we post one review each a month.

This week it's Wandas turn

Note: I should point out that actually this was supposed to go up last week but it completely slipped my mind but the next ost will still go up next week as usual and go back to two weeks from there.

The taking by Dean Koontz

Read by Ari Meyers

Available now.

What's it about?

On the morning that will mark the end of the world they have known, Molly and Niel Sloan awaken to the drumbeat of rain on their roof. It has haunted their sleep, invaded their dreams, and now they rise to find a luminous silvery downpour drenching their small California mountain town. A strange scent hangs faintly in the air, and the young couple cannot shake the sense of something wrong.

As hours pass and the rain continues to fall, Molly and Niel listen to disturbing news of extreme weather phenomena across the globe. Before evening, their little town loses television and radio reception. Then telephone and the Internet are gone. With the ceaseless rain now comes an obscuring fog that transforms the once-friendly village into a ghostly labyrinth. By nightfall the Sloans have gathered with some of their neighbors to deal with community damage...but also because they feel the need to band together against some unknown threat, some enemy they cannot identify or even imagine.
In the night, strange noises arise, and at a distance, in the rain and the mist, mysterious lights are seen drifting among the trees. The rain diminishes with the dawn, but a moody gray-purple twilight prevails. Soon Molly, Niel, and their small band of friends will be forced to draw on reserves of strength, courage, and humanity they never knew they had. For within the misty gloom they will encounter something that reveals in a terrifying instant what is happening to their world—something that is hunting them with ruthless efficiency.

Review:
3/5

Firstly I need to tell you that I am a great fan of Dean Koontz earlier work. So it was with a mixture of anticipation that I began listening to his suspense novel The Taking.

I also need to tell you that although I love audio books I have thus far never listened to a suspense horror book. This is definitely going to change. I love the narrator style of this specific book. I felt like a teenager sitting next to a camp fire with THAT uncle, you know, old uncle what's his name, he is not much of anything but boy can he spin a yarn. I loved the foreboding presence Ari Myer so expertly narrated.
I will be hunting down other authors in this genre's audio books as a matter of course in future. I simply love the "let me tell you a ghost story? effect in this book.

The Taking starts with amazing promise. Molly and Neil Sloan wake up to a strange new world. An alien world. Through typically masterful weaving of suspense and primal fear the reader is taken along on a ride for survival. Molly, Sloan and friends and neighbours are in a battle akin to The War of the Worlds or so they believe. Alien forces, malignant and cruel are toying with earthlings and wreaking havoc through the manipulation of the weather. The mood is dark, sullen and hopeless.
The further the book progresses the more frightening and disturbing the book becomes.
Molly is attributed with almost superhuman heroism which gets to be a bit much as the story progresses. The pace and the questions raised in the story act as to neutralise this little annoyance. Koontz love of dogs again become apparent in this book and is in part why I love his books so much.
But here without giving any spoilers is where the fun part of this book ends. Characteristically of Koontz newer books the story's end is almost more of an existential crises than an ending to the story that started of with so much promise. Koontz metaphysical fascination leaves the book ending a bit trite and left me as reader totally unfulfilled.
I'm torn as to a rating for this book. The narration was brilliant and had me hooked. For the most part the book was brilliant and then the end came. The discrepancy between the brilliant beginning and the un-focused end was a real disappointment. Which leaves me with a 3 out of five rating. I would recommend this book for the brilliant narration and the promise of a great beginning alone. But if you hate to read a brilliant book with a far less than stellar ending then I would say stay clear.
As for me and my reasons to love audio books. It is a totally different experience to have a master narrator read a story to you. The imagery the voice of a stranger illicits is dramatic and enjoyable. I'm off to go hunting for some other audio books in this genre. Who does not love a good ghost story

Check out Dean Koontzs:

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Audio Friday #4 - The Fox inheritance - Review

Audio (every other) Friday is where i post an audio review every fortnight switching between myself and Wanda, one of your fellow followers so that we post one review each a month.

This week it's my turn.

The Fox inheritance by Mary E. Pearson

Read by Matthew Brown

Available now

What's it about?

Once there were three. Three friends who loved each other: Jenna, Locke, and Kara. And after a terrible accident destroyed their bodies, their three minds were kept alive, spinning in a digital netherworld. Even in that disembodied nightmare, they were still together - at least at first. When Jenna disappeared, Locke and Kara had to go on without her. Decades passed, and then centuries. After 260 years, they have been released at last. Given new, perfect bodies, Locke and Kara awaken to a world they know nothing about, where everyone they once knew and loved is long dead. Everyone except Jenna Fox.

My review

4/5

On the narrator: I found Matthew Browns voice easy enough to listen to and could relax into the 'book' easily. I could mostly distinguish between the characters, only once or twice I got a bit confused but I think that may have been a lack of concentration on my part when I was distracted by my kids lol I'd definitely listen to something narrated by him again.

On the book: I did enjoy this book a lot, however it didn't have the same effect on me as the first one because it didn't have the same shock and thought provoking appeal. Though Locke and Kara are even more advanced than Jenna when they are bought back, I've still already seen it in the first book, I've already pondered where medical extremes can take us in the future. That being said, it was interesting to see how they'd come back, what effect being stuck in nothing for 260 years had on their psyche. I also really enjoyed the glimpse of a believable future and all the advancements we might have. However, if I'm totally honest, I could easily predict where the story was going and what happened at the end but I still enjoyed going through the journey with Locke as he struggles to come to terms with what he is now and trying to figure out where he fits in and also dealing with the grief that everyone he ever knew is gone... well almost.

Though the 'book' didn't have me on my toes or get my brain gears working as much as the first one it was an interesting, well written, tale about a boy.

I felt the author ended it really well so that I was satisfied yet at the same time I'll always wonder what happens in Locke's next chapter but not in a way that I'm frustrated, I'm happy to make it up for myself.

On the cover: I love this cover, it's so relevant to the story, though I loved it before I knew the story lol The jigsaw pieces really resemble how Locke starts off in this, trying to fit himself together, wondering where he fits in society. The blue colour is striking and the model does look how I'd imagine Locke.

Mary E. Pearsons website

Mary E. Pearsons blog

Audio Friday #3 - The Sookie Stackhouse series

Audio (every other) Friday is a fortnightly feature where me and my guest audio reviewer Wanda take turns reviewing audio books.

This week it's Wandas turn.

The Sookie Stackhouse (True blood) series by Charlaine Harris

The first six books.

Dead until dark

Living dead in Dallas

Club dead

Dead to the world

Dead as a doornail

Definitely dead

About the author and narrator.

Charlaine Harris born in 1951, 25 November in Tunica Mississippi it the author of the critically acclaimed urban fantasy - The Southern Vampire series. She wrote 11 books in the Sookie Stackhouse series to date and this review will deal with the first six audio books in the series as narrated by Johanna Parker. Johanna Parker has been nominated for two audi audibook narrator awards. She was the winner of the audiofile 2006 Earphones award for the narrating of the Sookie Stackhouse series. This is a well deserved accolade.

About audiobooks.

A few years ago I discovered the wonderful world of audio books as an alternative to reading printed or e-books. I regarded my first experience with some trepidation but soon came to love it.

The uses of audio books are myriad. I use it to calm down after a long day at work. I think for a parent this is a wonderful tool in the teaching of proper pronunciation of words. It is definitely something I would use to calm the little ones as well as to ensure that they get exposed to the proper pronunciation of words from a very young age.

The most integral parts of the Audio book is that the story must be engaging and then secondly and here is the clincher - that the narrator should be engaging and interesting.

About the books.

The Sookie Stackhouse series deals primarily with Sookie, a telepath living on the fringe of her world because she can't cope with what people is thinking. Over the years, she has learned to hide the fact that she can read minds but sometimes she slip and answer an unasked question. This ability of hers has normal people treat her with more than only a bit of trepidation.

Her life chances the moment she meets Bill the Vampire. She can't read the minds of Vampires and finds with him a calm and sensuality she always craved. Soon in the series Eric, in effect the Sheriff of the area and Bills Vampire boss is introduced. The story takes a turn for the worse at this stage for poor Sookie; she is drawn in to the other world in order to protect Bill. She learns that not only are Vampires real but so as well is fairies, werewolves and amongst others changelings.

Each book sees a new set of characters introduced.

Review.

What I love most about the Sookie series is that apart from her telepathy, Sookie is the girl next door. She has financial problems, she fears being alone and lonely. She sunbathes and she reads, like most avid readers she goes to the library to check out books.

This girl next door persona is the perfect offset for the weird and wonderful world in which Sookie lives. Any reader can identify with Sookie which gives the series a charm and an accessibility that few series can claim.

No two ways about it. I was very skeptical about the series at first. But fell in love with it and can't wait to have time to listen to the rest in the series.

In the beginning of this review I told you about the accolades of Johanna Parker. But all the accolades in the world cannot translate to the audio book listener the woman's mastery at reading this series. You form a mental picture of the characters which stays with you and makes you feel as if you know each and every character. This is a rare talent indeed.

I simply love the Sookie Stackhouse audio series and will give it a 5 star rating.

Audio Friday #2 - The adoration of Jenna Fox review

Well it's actually 'Audio every-other Friday' but that didn't have quite the same catch.

Every fortnight - on a Friday - is Audio Friday where I post a review for an audiobook interchanging between myself and a lovely follower Wanda, so we'll be doing one each a month.

Today it's my turn :)

The adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson.

Read by Jenna Lamia.

Available now.

What's it about?

Who is Jenna Fox? Seventeen-year-old Jenna has been told that is her name. She has just awoken from a coma, they tell her, and she is still recovering from a terrible accident in which she was involved a year ago. But what happened before that? Jenna doesn’t remember her life. Or does she? And are the memories really hers?

Side note: I'd been considering audiobooks for a while and am glad I finally tried one, I had no trouble getting into the book and listened to it far quicker than I expected. It was great for when I couldn't be holding onto an actual book, like when I was washing-up or doing other housework, and it certainly made those chores more entertaining!

My review:

On the narrator: The voice of Jenna Lamia was an easy one to listen to, I liked that she did slightly different voices for different characters but didn't go over the top so it wasn't theatrical, she portrayed emotional moments really well and I still felt a connection to the lead character, though not in the same way I would reading the book to myself, more like she was my friend telling me a story.

On the book: And speaking of the story, I loved it, such an interesting and different idea and a glimpse into a possible future. I was intrigued following Jenna try to regain her memories along with independence and answers as to what happened and why she feels different.
It was a great journey and I really didn't know where it would go until it happened, I liked Jenna, she had to make some hard choices and I think she was very strong. She wasn't afraid to keep pushing until she found out the truth.

There were a lot of other very likeable characters like Jennas nan - Lily - Allys and of course Ethan. I liked that there was a love interest but it was only a small portion of the book, this story is all about Jenn Fox and who she is and it really leaves you questioning how far can science go and how far would you go for your child.

I had a great time uncover the secrets along with Jenna and enjoyed it just as much as I think I would had I read the book myself. I can't wait to 'listen' to the next one.

On the cover: I like this, the blues on the butterfly are really pretty and it placed on the hand made me interested to find out what it meant. That being said I do love the new paperback cover with the jigsaw pieces, I think it's much more fitting (And would look very pretty on my shelf!)

Mary E. Pearsons website

Mary E. Pearsons blog

Audio Friday #1 - Critical Judgement

So some of you know a couple weeks ago I listened to my first audio book and I liked it.

I asked if I should review it and some people said yes so I came up with the imaginative name of 'Audio Friday' and decided to make it a feature.

It's actually going to be every fortnight but that would've made the name to long and the reviews won't just be from me, the reviews will switch between myself and Wanda Hart, one of my cult followers, so we'll be posting one a month each.

Wanda will be going first and here it is...

____________________________________________________

Since this is a new frontier I wish to explain in every review why I personally find and audio book to be a viable alternative to that of printed books - No it wont take long.

I Love audio books because I can clean house, do the washing and prepare a meal all while listening to a book. Now that is time well spent. See, that did not take long.

Critical Judegment by Michael Palmer.
Available Now
Read by Michael Cramer.

In the tiny town of Patience, California, newcomer Dr. Abby Dolan has noticed a frightening syndrome among her emergency room patients. It begins with a baffling, seemingly minor set of symptoms, but builds relentlessly until it plunges its victims into insane, murderous rages. As she searches for clues to this deadly mystery, Abby's superiors make it clear her probing is unwelcome. Soon Abby will learn just how high the cost of the truth may be—and how far someone will go to keep a lethal secret. But she may not find the answer until it's too late to save her patients, her career...her life.

Review:
The tale of Abby is interesting but not riveting.  I am a staunch follower of Michael Palmers’ work but this book is definitely not one of my favorite reads by him.  I felt as if I, the reader was left out of the loop with any character development.  The book was action packed and thus little time was spent on the development of the characters apart from Abby and Old Man Ives.  I think that is why I loved the character Old Man Ives so much.  I had time to get to know the old grump. 
One thing I really liked about this book is the typical signature of all of Michael Palmers books.  You as a laymen reader is treated as an equal with procedures and medical conditions explained in simple but not patronizing terms.  I love to walk away from a book saying in this book I at least learned about this or that.  A book need not be entertainment only.  This facet was well addressed in this book as with all of his books.
I personally prefer that when a woman is the lead character in a book, then the said book should be narrated by a women.  In this instance it was Michael Cramer  whom narrated the book.  Although he is a good narrator, hearing a women’s impression and view from a male narrator is something I need to get used to.  This however is a totally subjective point of a view.  A good friend and fellow audio nut does not listen to any female narrated books.  She feels that the women  in this field does not have the same versatility as that of the men.  So believe me, if you are a first time ever listener, you will soon have your own preferences in this regard.  In audio books the make and break of  a novel can be, and usually are the narrator.  And in this instance I can definitely recommend Critical Judgment in audio as an easy read. I will give the book 2 out of 4 stars.

Michael Palmers website

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