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AUDIO BOOK OF THE YEAR | |
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| STILL FOOLIN' 'EM Where I've Been, Where I'm Going, and Where the Hell Are My Keys? By Billy Crystal Read by Billy Crystal Macmillian Audio
At 65, Billy Crystal is a master of comic timing, as he demonstrates during his narration of STILL FOOLIN' 'EM. A fine actor and nine-time Oscar host, Crystal knows exactly how to deliver his artful blend of touching memoir and rueful riffs on the indignities of aging. Several chapters were recorded before a live audience, giving him the opportunity to exchange banter and charm a crowd—as he no doubt will many listeners. The chapters recorded in a studio miss some of the energy Crystal injects when he responds to copious laughter and applause. In both modes, however, he proves himself accomplished, nuanced, and—best of all—very funny. |
Finalist Titles | | The Testament of Mary; by Colm Tóibín; Narrated by Meryl Streep; Simon & Schuster Audio The Things They Carried; by Tim O’Brien; Narrated by Bryan Cranston; Audible, Inc. |
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DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION | |
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| THE STORM KING Stories, Narratives, Poems: Spoken Words Set to a World of Music By Pete Seeger, Presented by Jeff Haynes Read by Pete Seeger Hachette Audio
This marvelous presentation of Pete Seeger’s words and music is a gift to all lovers of folk music, as well as anyone interested in the history of civil protest in America. The program combines Seeger’s captivating stories about his life and times with some of his most famous songs and well-chosen music from other folk traditions. Producer Jeff Haynes has combined the elements with care, incorporating interesting music—from bluegrass to Celtic to African—that enhances without getting in the way of Seeger’s marvelous reminiscences. Those deservedly hold center stage. Be forewarned that listening will make you smile so much that your face will hurt. Listen anyway. You’ll love every moment. |
Finalist Titles | | Ender’s Game Alive; by Orson Scott Card; Narrated by a full cast; Audible, Inc. Matilda; by Roald Dahl; Narrated by Kate Winslet; Penguin Audio |
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SOLO NARRATION — FEMALE | |
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| THE TWELVE CLUES OF CHRISTMAS A Royal Spyness Mystery By Rhys Bowen Read by Katherine Kellgren Audible, Inc.
In Tiddleton-Under-Lovey, Lady Georgiana lands a job as a social hostess. The idyllic Dickensian village—where the sleuthing Georgi is joined by her mother, an actress; famed playwright Noel Coward; and her grandfather, a retired policeman—seems to be the victim of a vile curse. Katherine Kellgren performs an impressive range of accents: Irish brogue, high-pitched Cockney, fussy American, West Country burr, and more. Kellgren triumphs as Georgi, who is 34th in line to the throne, giving her a refined accent contrasted with down-to-earth sensibilities. Due to the author's light touch and Kellgren's humorous delivery, the many Yuletide deaths in this cozy do not become macabre. The listener just marvels at the mounting "accidents" amid the bountiful Christmas cheer. A.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award. |
Finalist Titles | | Heartburn; by Nora Ephron; Narrated by Meryl Streep; Random House Audio/Books on Tape My Beloved World; by Sonia Sotomayor; Narrated by Rita Moreno; Random House Audio/Books on Tape NOS4A2; by Joe Hill; Narrated by Kate Mulgrew; HarperAudio, The Testament of Mary; by Colm Toibin; Narrated by Meryl Streep; Simon & Schuster Audio |
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NARRATION BY THE AUTHOUR OR AUTHORS | |
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| STILL FOOLIN' 'EM Where I've Been, Where I'm Going, and Where the Hell Are My Keys? By Billy Crystal Read by Billy Crystal Macmillian Audio
At 65, Billy Crystal is a master of comic timing, as he demonstrates during his narration of STILL FOOLIN' 'EM. A fine actor and nine-time Oscar host, Crystal knows exactly how to deliver his artful blend of touching memoir and rueful riffs on the indignities of aging. Several chapters were recorded before a live audience, giving him the opportunity to exchange banter and charm a crowd—as he no doubt will many listeners. The chapters recorded in a studio miss some of the energy Crystal injects when he responds to copious laughter and applause. In both modes, however, he proves himself accomplished, nuanced, and—best of all—very funny. |
Finalist Titles | | Grace: A Memoir;by Grace Coddington; Narrated by Grace Coddington; Random House Audio/Books on Tape I, Rhoda by Valerie Harper; Narrated by Valerie Harper; Simon & Schuster Audio Love, Dishonor, Marry, Die, Cherish, Perish; by David Rakoff; Narrated by David Rakoff; Random House Audio/Books on Tape The Ocean at the End of the Lane; by Neil Gaiman; Narrated by Neil Gaiman; HarperAudio Shirley Jones; by Shirley Jones; Narrated by Shirley Jones; Tantor Media |
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NON-FICTION | |
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| DAVID AND GOLIATH Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants By Malcolm Gladwell Read by Malcolm Gladwell Hachette Audio
Gladwell has long proven to be a capable narrator of his own books, and this production reflects his continued success. The work posits that personal obstacles may not always be detrimental—that they can, in fact, help some people outperform others. Gladwell steeps his research in interconnected anecdotes that require a good deal of storytelling, a structure that works well for audio. His vocal delivery commands the attention of listeners through tone, pacing, and well-placed pauses. At times, his delivery feels so natural and conversational that listeners can almost feel his presence in the room. |
Finalist Titles | | Beyond Belief; by Jenna Miscavige Hill; Narrated by Sandy Rustin; HarperAudio The End of Nature; by Bill McKibben; Narrated by Jeff Woodman; Audible, Inc. The Telling Room; by Michael Paterniti; Narrated by L.J. Ganser; Audible, Inc. Thank You for Your Service; by David Finkel; Narrated by Arthur Bishop; Macmillan Audio |
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HISTORY | |
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| DEVIL IN THE GROVE Thurgood Marshall, the Groveland Boys, and the Dawn of a New America By Gilbert King Read by Peter Francis James Harper Audio
This biography of Thurgood Marshall uses as its centerpiece a tragic case in central Florida that put the civil rights lawyer at great personal risk. Peter Francis James offers a solid and, at times, compelling narration. His even tone heightens the almost unfathomable racism that drove whites to preserve their primacy. James also is effective when he uses a more colloquial style of speech for direct quotations although, because his range of voices is limited, some of the white speakers end up sounding a bit like black speakers. But this is only a minor issue and certainly doesn’t detract from the overall performance. In all, this is an informative, even insightful, look at one of our nation’s most influential figures in the Civil Rights Movement. James’s reading makes the work even more visceral in its impact. R.C.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award |
Finalist Titles | | C.C. Pyle’s Amazing Foot Race; by Geoff Williams; Narrated by Robertson Dean; Tantor Media Frozen in Time; by Mitchell Zuckoff; Narrated by Mitchell Zuckoff; HarperAudio The Hour of Peril; by Daniel Stashower; Narrated by Edoardo Ballerini; Macmillan Audio Nero’s Killing Machine: The True Story of Rome’s Remarkable 14th Legion; by Stephen Dando-Collins; Narrated by Robert Fass; Audible, Inc. One Summer; by Bill Bryson; Narrated by Bill Bryson; Random House Audio/Books on Tape |
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INSPIRATIONAL/FAITH-BASED NON-FICTION | |
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| KEEPING HOPE ALIVE One Woman: 90,000 Lives Changed By Dr. Hawa Abdi, Sarah J. Robbins Read by Robin Miles Hachette Audio
Hawa Abdi is an amazing woman who has stuck to her mission despite an almost daily battle with famine, poverty, and war. Although Abdi was raised in a traditional society in Somalia, she went to medical school, opened and ran her own hospital outside of Mogadishu, and ultimately became the protector of thousands and thousands of displaced people. Robin Miles’s tone successfully renders the perseverance (bordering on obstinacy) that was necessary for Abdi’s personal and institutional survival. One especially spellbinding scene is when the hard-line Islamic militia demands that Abdi hand over the hospital because a woman should not run anything substantial. Abdi responds, “You are young, and you are a man, but what have you done for your society?” Abdi is a doctor and not a writer, but Miles’s melodious voice diminishes the impact of the sometimes disjointed writing |
Finalist Titles | | Break Out!; by Joel Osteen; Narrated by Joel Osteen; Hachette Audio Called to the Fire; by Cheston M. Bush; Narrated by David Cochran Heath; eChristian Grace Happens Here; by Max Lucado; Narrated by Wayne Shepherd, Kate Rudd, and Luke Daniels; Brilliance Audio Sparkly Green Earrings; by Melanie Shankle; Narrated by Melanie Shankle; eChristian |
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BUSINESS/EDUCATIONAL | |
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| LEADERSHIP SECRETS OF THE SALVATION ARMY By Robert Watson, Ben Brown Read by Bob Souer eChristian
Although many people view the Salvation Army merely as the charity that stations its "soldiers" outside malls during the Christmas season, this audiobook demonstrates that its growth is the result of many factors, including the organization's leadership style. Narrator Bob Souer skillfully brings the Army's values to audio, avoiding a preachy tone. Listeners will discover that the leadership principles in former Salvation Army Commissioner Robert Watson's book apply not only to this spiritual group but also to any company or group seeking to grow using an embracing style of management. Conveying these ideals can be challenging. By employing a low-key style, Souer effectively conveys Watson's insights, allowing listeners to recognize how a welcoming governance style applies to all businesses and organizations
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Finalist Titles | | The Everything Store; by Brad Stone; Narrated by Peter Larkin; Hachette Audio The Invisible Heart: An Economic Romance; by Russell D. Roberts; Narrated by Kirby Heyborne; Audible, Inc. Leading Apple with Steve Jobs; by Jay Elliot; Narrated by Richard Davidson; Audible, Inc. Naked Statistics; by Charles Wheelan; Narrated by Jonathan Davis; Audible, Inc. Without Their Permission; by Alexis Ohanian; Narrated by Alexis Ohanian; Hachette Audio |
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HUMOR | |
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| STILL FOOLIN' 'EM Where I've Been, Where I'm Going, and Where the Hell Are My Keys? By Billy Crystal Read by Billy Crystal Macmillian Audio
At 65, Billy Crystal is a master of comic timing, as he demonstrates during his narration of STILL FOOLIN' 'EM. A fine actor and nine-time Oscar host, Crystal knows exactly how to deliver his artful blend of touching memoir and rueful riffs on the indignities of aging. Several chapters were recorded before a live audience, giving him the opportunity to exchange banter and charm a crowd—as he no doubt will many listeners. The chapters recorded in a studio miss some of the energy Crystal injects when he responds to copious laughter and applause. In both modes, however, he proves himself accomplished, nuanced, and—best of all—very funny. |
Finalist Titles | | How I Slept My Way to the Middle; by Kevin Pollak with Alan Goldsher; Narrated by Kevin Pollak; Brilliance Audio Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls; by David Sedaris; Narrated by David Sedaris; Hachette Audio Someone Could Get Hurt; by Drew Magary; Narrated by Drew Magary; Penguin Audio The Stench of Honolulu; by Jack Handey; Narrated by Jack Handey; Hachette Audio |
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LITERARY FICTION | |
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| THE GOLDFINCH By Donna Tartt Read by David Pittu Hachette Audio
Bestselling novelist Donna Tartt (THE SECRET HISTORY) draws on Dickensian themes in her new work. Narrator David Pittu accepts the task of turning this immense volume into an excellent listening experience. Pittu portrays 13-year-old orphan Theo Decker with compassion, portraying his growing maturity in this story of grief and suspense. After his mother is killed in an explosion at an art gallery, Theo comes into possession of a painting called “The Goldfinch.” Pittu adds pathos to his depiction of the troubled Theo as he deals with addiction and finds himself in a dance with gangsters and the art world’s darker dealers. Tartt’s enthralling narrative is fully realized by the gifted Pittu. |
Finalist Titles | | Amy Falls Down; by Jincy Willett; Narrated by Amy McFadden; Brilliance Audio The Curiosity; by Stephen Kiernan; Narrated by Kate Udall, Erik Bergmann, and George Guidall; HarperAudio The Son; by Philipp Meyer; Narrated by Will Patton, Kate Mulgrew, Scott Shepherd, and Clifton Collins, Jr.; HarperAudio The Testament of Mary; by Colm Tóibín; Narrated by Meryl Streep; Simon & Schuster Audio |
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SHORT STORIES/COLLECTIONS | |
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| SHERLOCK HOLMES IN AMERICA By Jon L. Lellenberg, Martin H. Greenberg, Daniel Stashower [Eds.] Read by Graeme Malcolm Audible, Inc.
As you might expect, this Sherlock Holmes anthology finds the detective in New York City. Often, though, it takes him farther--out west to Utah, San Diego, and San Antonio. Graeme Malcolm tells the stories from a variety of points of view. Sometimes, he reads in Watson's voice, but he's also believable in the points of view of Harry Houdini, brother Mycroft, and Holmes himself. His accent is British, of course, but that doesn't hamper his Western voices. What listeners get--even more than the puzzles--is a sense of place and historic people as the stories put Holmes in fresh situations. This audio will appeal to historical fiction and Western buffs as much as it does to fans of the two current Holmes TV series. |
Finalist Titles | | The Ballad of the Sad Café; by Carson McCullers; Narrated by David Ledoux, Joe Barrett, Therese Plummer, Kevin Pariseau, Suzanne Toren, Edoardo Ballerini, and Barbara Rosenblat; Audible, Inc. The Cage Keeper and Other Stories; by Andre Dubus III; Narrated by Andre Dubus III; Blackstone Audio Inc. Nine Inches; by Tom Perrotta; Narrated by William Dufris, Andi Arndt, Tom Perrotta, and Rupert Degas; Macmillan Audio Nothing Gold Can Stay; by Ron Rash; Narrated by Alexander Cendese, Robert Petkoff, Prentice Onayemi, Christian Baskous, and Phoebe Strole; HarperAudio We Live in Water; by Jess Walter; Narrated by Edoardo Ballerini and Jess Walter; HarperAudio |
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ROMANCE | |
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| THE LONGEST RIDE By Nicholas Sparks Read by January LaVoy, Ron McLarty Hachette Audio
Nicholas Sparks’s redemptive, emotionally charged novel is an enjoyable change of pace for fans. Thanks to nuanced performances by Ron McLarty and January LaVoy, it’s also an instantly engrossing listening experience. When 91-year-old Ira Levinson drives off the road in a snowstorm, he has no one but his late wife to pass the long hours with while waiting for rescue. Meanwhile, miles away, Sophia Danko meets a cowboy who challenges her dreams of the future. Ron McLarty emphasizes Ira’s inner strength and growing fallibility while making the supporting cast immediately identifiable and intensely sympathetic. January LaVoy provides a steady, bright narration and compassionate characterizations that complement McLarty’s work beautifully, highlighting the differences in these character’s experiences even as they grow inexorably closer together. |
Finalist Titles | | The Darkest Craving; by Gena Showalter; Narrated by Max Bellmore; Audible, Inc. For My Lady’s Heart; by Laura Kinsale; Narrated by Nicholas Boulton; Hedgehog, Inc. Kissing under the Mistletoe: A Sullivan Christmas; by Bella Andre; Narrated by Eva Kaminsky; Oak Press LLC The Wanderer; by Robyn Carr; Narrated by Therese Plummer; Recorded Books |
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SCIENCE FICTION | |
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| CAPTAIN VORPATRIL'S ALLIANCE Vorkosigan Saga (chronological), Book 15 By Lois McMaster Bujold Read by Grover Gardner Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Grover Gardner gives a top-notch performance of another book in Bujold's long-running Miles Vorkosigan saga, this time starring Miles's cousin, Ivan. The complicated plot involves a forced marriage, a girl on the run, politics, romance, intrigue, action, and humor, all of which Ivan gets involved with against his will (except for the romance part). Gardner showcases Bujold's humor and creates charming, scared, or annoyed characters, by turn. He places a slight tension in his voice for action sequences. This is a fun, complicated caper, performed in a seemingly effortless manner by a total pro. G.D. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award. |
Finalist Titles | | Extinction Machine; by Jonathan Maberry; Narrated by Ray Porter; Macmillan Audio MaddAddam; by Margaret Atwood; Narrated by Bernadette Dunn, Bob Walter, and Robbie Daymond; Random House Audio/Books on Tape The Martian; by Andy Weir; Narrated by R.C. Bray; Podium Publishing Protector: Foreigner Sequence 5, Book 2; by C.J. Cherryh; Narrated by Daniel Thomas May; Audible, Inc. Shaman; by Kim Stanley Robinson; Narrated by Graeme Malcolm; Hachette Audio |
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FANTASY | |
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| WISP OF A THING A Novel of the Tufa, Book 2 Alex Bledsoe Read by Stefan Rudnicki Blackstone Audio, Inc
A famous musician recovering from a recent tragedy seeks solace and anonymity in Appalachia. He finds himself embroiled in local trouble of a very strange sort, for there is magic as well as music in this part of the country. The story is atmospheric, with detailed descriptions of the land and wildlife and plants. Narrator Stefan Rudnicki creates gentle Appalachian accents for the characters without anything showy in his performance. His deep voice magically transforms into soft, feminine tones for the female characters. There are many songs in this book, and rather than sing them, Rudnicki speaks them in a soft cadence, almost as though he’s reciting poetry. It is an effective, gentle performance |
Finalist Titles | | Kill City Blues; by Richard Kadrey; Narrated by MacLeod Andrews; HarperAudio The Republic of Thieves; by Scott Lynch; Narrated by Michael Page; Tantor Media The Rithmatist; by Brandon Sanderson; Narrated by Michael Kramer; Macmillan Audio Swords of Waar; by Nathan Long; Narrated by Dina Pearlman; Audible, Inc. |
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MYSTERY | |
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| UNLEASHED Andy Carpenter, Book 11 David Rosenfelt Read by Grover Gardner Listen & Live Audio
Being independently wealthy, attorney Andy Carpenter doesn't take on clients lightly. Narrator Grover Gardner’s wry delivery reveals Andy's reluctant bemusement with his trade. Andy would prefer to direct his attention elsewhere, namely toward his lady and canine loves, but when his accountant needs help after hitting a dog with his car, Andy's all in. Unfortunately, that’s the first domino to fall in a series leading to murder and an assassination plot. Interspersed between Andy's first-person accounts are mysterious and threatening interludes, which Gardner delivers in a style that serves as a counterpoint to Andy's unflappability. Gardner's Andy is both charming and disarming, depending on what's needed. After all, he's a brilliant defense lawyer who enjoys the drama of the courtroom, despite its predication on clients and crimes. |
Finalist Titles | | Death and the Lit Chick; by G.M. Malliet; Narrated by Davina Porter; Dreamscape Media, LLC The Enemy of My Enemy; by Richard Bard; Narrated by R.C. Bray; Richard Bard Heirs and Graces; by Rhys Bowen; Narrated by Katherine Kellgren; Audible, Inc. He’s Gone; by Deb Caletti; Narrated by Cassandra Campell; Tantor Media Rage Against the Dying; by Becky Masterman; Narrated by Judy Kaye; Macmillan Audio |
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