Audio Book Review: The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri, Narrated by Sarita Choudhury

The Namesake explores the experiences of an Indian family that moves to America and tries to maintain some of their native culture while also adopting some of the traditions of their new country. A multi-generational view of the immigrant experience provides an insightful perspective about the impact on families, but the slow-moving plot and plentiful details about everyday life may not appeal to readers who like stories with more action. Continue reading

Audio Book Review: None of This is True by Lisa Jewell, Narrated by Kristin Atherton

None of This is True is another terrific novel from the mistress of psychological suspense, Lisa Jewell. It’s kind of like watching a creepy train wreck that you can’t tear your eyes away from even though it’s giving you the willies. File None of This is True under “crazy lady thrillers.” Continue reading

Audio Book Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, Narrated by Kate Rudd and Laura Grafton

The Fault in Our Stars is best-selling author John Green’s hugely popular young adult novel about two teenage cancer patients who find each other and fall in love. I was so happy that the book lived up to its hype – The Fault in Our Stars is smart and delightful, even while dealing with a tragic subject. Continue reading

Audio Book Review: The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes, Narrated by Julia Whelan

The Giver of Stars is engaging historical fiction written by bestselling author Jojo Moyes. The novel tells the story of Alice – an English bride – and her “traveling library” colleagues as they deliver books to isolated families in depression-era Kentucky. Continue reading

Audiobook Review: The Dirty Life: A Memoir of Farming, Food, and Love by Kristin Kimball, Narrated by Tavia Gilbert

The Dirty Life is Kristin Kimball’s engaging memoir about falling in love with a traditionalist farmer and starting a farm from scratch with him in rural New York. It’s also a story of a personal evolution, as the author transitioned from city dweller to a skilled country farmer. Continue reading