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Audie Award Winners Announced!

Looking for some new audio books to listen to this season? There’s no better time than now to check out new audio books. That’s because, the best of the best audio books were recently announced for the 2011 Audie Awards.

The list below features all the winners within their categories.

Audiobook of the Year
Life
Keith Richards
Read by Keith Richards, Johnny Depp, Joe Hurley

Audio Drama
Saint Joan: A Chronicle Play in Six Scenes and an Epilogue
George Bernard Shaw
Read by Amy Irving, Edward Herrmann, Stefan Rudnicki, and a Full Cast

Audiobook Adapation
No Country for Old Men
Cormac McCarthy
Read by Sean Barrett

Biography/Memoir
Life
Keith Richards, James Fox
Read by Keith Richards, Johnny Depp, Joe Hurley

Business/Educational
The Intelligent Entrepreneur
Bill Murphy, Jr.
Read by LJ Ganser, Fred Berman

Children’s Titles for Ages 8-12
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate
Jacqueline Kelly
Read by Natalie Ross

Children’s Titles for Ages up to 8
The Jazz Man
Karen Ehrhardt
Read by James “D Train” Williams

Classic
The Woman in White
Wilkie Collins
Read by Roger Rees, Rosalyn Landor, John Lee, Judy Geeson

Distinguished Achievement in Production
Here in Harlem: Poems in Many Voices
Walter Dean Myers
Read by Muhammad Cunningham, Michael Early, Patricia R. Floyd, Kevin R. Free, Arthur French, Dion Graham, Nathan Hinton, Ezra Knight, Robin Miles, Lizan Mitchell, Gail Nelson, Monica Patton, Charles Turner

Fiction
Winter’s Bone
Daniel Woodrell
Read by Emma Galvin

History
EMPIRE OF LIBERTY: A History of the Early Republic
Gordon S. Wood
Read by Robert Fass

Humor
OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES: 5,000 Years of Funny Bits and Not-So-Kosher Laughs
Sam Hoffman, Eric Spiegelman
Read by Sam Hoffman, Eric Spiegelman, and a full cast

Inspirational/Faith-Based Fiction
FIREFLIES IN DECEMBER
Jennifer Erin Valent
Read by Kate Forbes

Inspirational/Faith-Based Non-Fiction
IN A HEARTBEAT
Leigh Anne Tuohy, Sean Tuohy w/Sally Jenkins
Read by Leigh Anne Tuohy, Sean Tuohy, et al.

Judges’ Award – Paranormal
BEAUTIFUL CREATURES
Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl
Read by Kevin T. Collins

Literary Fiction
SNAKEWOMAN OF LITTLE EGYPT
Robert Hellenga
Read by Coleen Marlo

Multi-Voiced Performance
JITTERS: A Quirky Little Audio Book
Adele Park
Read by a Full Cast

Mystery & Suspense
THE REVERSAL
Michael Connelly
Read by Peter Giles

Narration by the Author or Authors
NANNY MCPHEE RETURNS
Emma Thompson
Read by Emma Thompson

Non-Fiction
THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS
Rebecca Skloot
Read by Cassandra Campbell, Bahni Turpin

Original Work
THE NEW ADVENTURES OF MICKEY SPILLANE’S MIKE HAMMER, VOL. 2: The Little Death
Mickey Spillane, Max Allan Collins
Read by Stacy Keach and a Full Cast

Package Design
THE VERY BEST OF BOB AND RAY: Legends of Comedy
Bob Elliott, Ray Goulding
Read by Bob Elliott, Ray Goulding

Personal Development
PUT ON YOUR CROWN
Queen Latifah
Read by Queen Latifah

Romance
THE SECRET DIARIES OF CHARLOTTE BRONTE
Syrie James
Read by Bianca Amato

Science Fiction/Fantasy
THE STAINLESS STEEL RAT
Harry Harrison
Read by Phil Gigante

Short Stories/Collections
STORIES
Neil Gaiman [Ed.], Al Sarrantonio [Ed.], Joe Hill, Lawrence Block, Carolyn Parkhurst, Joanne Harris, et al.
Read by Anne Bobby, Jonathan Davis, Peter Francis James, Katherine Kellgren, Euan Morton

Solo Narration – Female
GLORIOUS
Bernice L. McFadden
Read by Alfre Woodard

Solo Narration – Male
ZORGAMAZOO
Robert Paul Weston
Read by Alan Cumming

Teens
THE ROCK AND THE RIVER
Kekla Magoon
Read by Dion Graham

Thriller/Suspense
THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S NEST
Stieg Larsson
Read by Simon Vance

With so many to choose from, why not listen to them all! If you’ve already heard some of the winners, leave us a comment and let the rest of the audio book community know what you thought of the winning title.

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Go behind the scenes in Robert Redford’s Biography

You may recognize him from The Horse Whisperer, The Sundance Kid, Out of Africa, Jeremiah Johnson and the list goes on, but how many of you really know actor Robert Redford? This month his long-anticipated biography has been released and fans of the actor can finally go behind the camera and get to know this Academy Award winning actor, producer and director.

Michael Feeny Callan is keenly aware of Redford’s larger-than-life persona, but goes beyond this persona to reveal the person underneath in Robert Redford’s Biography. With juicy behind-the scenes Tinseltown stories, Callan focuses on the man rather than the characters ambiance. It has taken Callan over a decade to write this book, collecting interviews, not only from Redford himself but also a large number of those who have worked with him. The portrait that emerges throughout the biography is a man who continuously searches for some form of authenticity, either in his home in Utah or in the period details of the films he directs.

However, throughout the biography your encounter a personality that slowly materializes into the admirable man we have all grown to love on the big screen. Don’t miss this audio book!

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One new audio book this month you shouldn’t miss!

As I was searching for a new memoir to listen to the other night, I came across an audio book by actor, Rob Lowe. Right away it brought me to thinking about The West Wing, Wayne’s World, The Outsiders and even Austin Powers. Oh and how about that video scandal he was involved in back in the eighties with a 16-yeard-old girl? Nonetheless his new memoir has been getting quiet the recognition, so much so, I am now well on my way to listening to Stories I Only Tell My Friends.

Thought provoking and even witty at times, Rob Lowe takes you through his career, his trial and tribulations and his experience involving fellow actors throughout the years. Interesting thus far, I recommend you listen to the audio book to really understand what this illuminating character truly has to offer.

For more information on Rob Lowe’s new book check out the video below where he discusses his new novel with Sam Tanenhaus, the editor of the Book Review in The New York Times.

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The Royal Wedding in Print

If you were one of the millions of people who stayed awake to catch the Royal Wedding on television, or watched the recaps for hours the very next day, this might be of interest to you. Just two weeks after the big day, the story of Prince William and Catherine has come out in print, officially out tomorrow! Andrew Morton – author of the groundbreaking 1992 biography Diana: Her True Story, presents his newest novel with numerous stunning photographs of the newlyweds and their history, for all the royal fans hungry for more. It is said to feel like an expensive scrapbook, perfect for those who just can’t get enough.

Throughout the novel, there are various chapters that mostly focus on William, his early years, adolescence and student life and even intimate details about life at the Palace, his parents’ messy separation and his role as Diana’s confidante. So if you’re looking for some adorable photographs of Will from his shy days, to his charming and handsome lad years, this is the book you will go gaga over.

What seems unfortunate is that there is only one chapter devoted solely to Catherine, which seems a little peculiar, as no one really knows too much about her. However, she does go on to share private details about her life, like how she and a boarding-school roommate mooned boys across the hall.

So now that the wedding is over, and the media has died down, this book helps make that media saturated day feel special again. I’m looking forward to looking through it, but I highly doubt I missed anything from that big day. How about you? Are you still interested in the royal couple or was the wedding enough?

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Charlaine Harris joins the “Kindle Million Club”

As sales for eBook readers continue to hike, there are authors who also become a part of this growth. Currently there is a term that is being used to describe the top authors that sell over 1 million ebooks in stores.

Author Charlaine Harris, has recently joined the “Kindle Million Club”, alongside other favorite authors like Stieg Larsson, James Patterson, and Nora Roberts.

Harris was ecstatic to hear that she now has also left her imprint (no werewolf pun intended) in the world of the Kindle as well. As she explains, “It’s been an amazing few years for myself and the Kindle both, but even more so to have my books available to my readers in ways that just a few years ago would have seemed as fantastic as vampires coming out of the coffin.”

Although many of us know Charlaine Harris from her witty but dark Sookie Stackhouse series, she has also written a few other series’ as well. The Harper Connelly series is about a young woman with a supernatural gift-she can locate dead bodies and sense how they died. Her Lily Bard series follows a house cleaner as she solves murders and tries to heal (emotionally) from a violent attack she suffered years earlier. And the Aurora Teagarden series, about a librarian who solves crimes.

But now that Harris has stated that Sookie Stackhouse #13 will conclude the series, it makes me wonder what new series she may come up with! I fully admit to having only read the Sookie Stackhouse series, but I would love to listen or read something new after her Stackhouse fame. What do you think about her writing something new? Are you hoping for another urban fantasy? I know I am!

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Catch Regis Philbin’s memoir this fall!

How many of you used to love waking up to Live! With Regis and Kelly? I remember loving the dual growing up, especially Regis Philbin and Kathie Lee Gifford. Now although I can still catch him on television (not for long), it was great to hear that Regis Philbin would be releasing a memoir this fall.

It is said to chronicle his illustrious showbiz career, which has spanned more than four decades and include stories about cohosts like Kelly Ripa, Kathie Lee Gifford and even celebrities. Jack Nicholson, George Clooney and Jerry Seinfeld are all said to make an appearance in the memoir.

Regis says the book will serve as a “personal thank-you” to his fans. Fitting for someone who has announced their retirement from Live! back in January of this year.

If you want to check out other novels written by Regis himself, check out I’m Only One Man and Who Wants to Be Me?

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Listen To The Audio Book Before Hitting The Big Screen!

If you’re a fan of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, it has just recently been announced that Stanley Tucci has closed a deal to join Lionsgate’s adaptation of The Hunger Games. He will play the role of Caesar Flickerman, whom you might know as the iconic host of the Hunger Games who interviews the 24 tributes, which are televised for the nation to see.

It has been reported that Gary Ross will be directing the film from a script by Billy Ray with a release day of March 23, 2012.

So if you haven’t heard The Hunger Games audio book, you have more than enough time to catch up and find out what all the excitement is about. Let’s just say the story is about a televised event called, “The Hunger Games” and the terrain, rules, and level of audience participation could change but one thing remains constant: Kill or be killed.

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Betty White Narrates Her Own Audio Book!

We’ve all seen this woman in action, as an actress, comedian, former game show host and now an author. Although best known as the devious Sue Ann Nivens on the classic sitcom Mary Tyler Moore, I adored her character as the ditzy and naive Rose Nylund the most on The Golden Girls.

But now, we have the opportunity to really get to know the reputable Betty White in her new memoir If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won’t) which hit shelves this past Tuesday.

We obviously can’t get enough of this woman, appearing in commercials, SNL and having fans swooning over her, like Robert Pattinson, the star from Twilight. His quote “Betty White is one of the sexiest women in America”, even appears on the back cover of her new book.

So what is it about Betty White? Well the 89-year-old shows no signs of slowing down! The seven-time Emmy award-winning actress, shares several stories about her seven-decade career and simply states, “I’m the luckiest old broad on two feet”.

The best part of her new memoir is that the audio book is actually narrated by the It-girl herself, Betty White, delivering a hilarious, slyly profound take on love, life, celebrity and everything in between. Her wit and wisdom takes center stage again, on topics we can all relate too.

So why not indulge a little and check out her audio book. Or better yet, what mom wouldn’t love Betty White’s memoir for mother’s day? It’s the perfect time to buy it for that special mother in your life and share the laughs together!

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Book Review Day – Franz Kafka!

We won’t be focusing specifically on an audio book today, rather a book and its author.

Having read a few Kafka novels in my day, one I will never forget was Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis, about a man who supported his family but mysteriously turned into a roach. However, despite his state he continues to go on doing his day to day activities, but finds it rather difficult. Imagine waking up one morning to find that you simply aren’t yourself, free of “human” responsibilities that once shackled you up. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

What’s so intriguing about this story is that there are no likable characters, not even the main character, Gregor, who continues to act more and more like the “vermin”. But what happens if Gregor turned into something else?

The reason why I wanted to highlight this novel in particular was because a new title by Quirk Books entitled The Meowmorphosis was going to hit bookshelves May 10th. It’s a story about a cuddly kitten on a journey through the disturbed imagination of Franz Kafka. It’s the latest mashup of classic literature fueled with surrealism and even a nightmarish cute protagonist, where Gregor wakes up to find he has become “an adorable kitten.”

“The Meowmorphosis is a more psychological sort of horror-comedy, so we wanted a trailer that would convey that Kafkaesque blend of itchy, claustrophobic, nervous energy and utter absurdism. And, of course, the urgency of a cat who wants to be on the other side of a door,” says Quirk editor Stephen H. Segal.

Check out the book trailer above. And if you haven’t listened to the audio book, I would check that out first!

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Can the movie top the audio book?

So I finally did it. This past weekend I went out and saw the film Water for Elephants. Although I was originally a huge fan of the novel by Sara Gruen, I must say I can understand why the film was also a huge success. This pulse-pounding, heart-wrenching story truly captured the spirit of a man finding true love, fighting for it, and holding on to the memory amongst a circus. The film captured the same thing.

The film had the power to make you forget that you were sitting in a theater, and rather made you believe that you were a part of the greatest show on earth, while also witnessing the beautiful and abused menagerie, clowns, dogs, and of course the elephant, Rosie.

The big difference I felt between the novel and the film was that as a reader I felt as though Jacob Jankowski was truly telling me the story, as though he was sitting right next to me as I turned each page. However, when I was watching the film I felt like I was an audience member at the circus, getting a special access pass to go beyond the stage and witness what really goes on behind the curtains.

Both experiences are great and hope you all have the opportunity to read/listen to the novel and go check out the movie.

However, if I could do one thing differently in the film it would have been picking unfamiliar faces for the leading roles, Jacob and Marlena. Although I believe Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon played their roles well, these two characters were supposed to be people who had no one to go home too, individuals who no one would be looking for or recognize. I wanted to see unknown actors pop up and take the leads, fresh faces that show up out of nowhere, like on a passing train.

If you haven’t listened to this audio book yet, I highly recommend you do. It takes you on an adventure you’ll never forget, about a young man who runs away and joins the circus during the Great Depression. What could be better than that?! If you’ve seen the film, what did you think of the film and novel?