1. Autobiographies
There’s just something special about hearing someone tell their own life story, particularly when it’s someone who is familiar/famous, whose inflexions might seem odd if they were pronounced by anyone else.
Current favourite
Brian Blessed’s ‘Absolute Pandemonium’ – it honestly hurt listening to this book, I laughed so much! Blessed’s booming anecdotes are the perfect antidote, if you’re feeling a bit low.
Honourable mention
Jennifer Saunders’ ‘Bonkers’ – Saunders portrays the beautiful art of procrastination in the face of an impatient world (& Goldie Hawn) who demand that she be funny.
2. Brilliant Narration
There are some amazing actors with beautiful voices who bring the Audible collection of books to life. I’ve found that some ‘worthy’ books, which I struggled to read for myself, are rendered engaging by the skills of a decent mimic. As a result, I’ve listened to several classics on Audible, which had left me a bit cold as a reader, but which became compelling as a listener.
(This won’t be for everyone but, at first, I had a separate category in this blog, purely to highlight Stephen Fry reading the Harry Potter books. It’s actually one of the reasons I started listening to Audible – I’d just heard so much about his brilliant delivery that, having read the books and seen the films, I wanted this new experience for myself. Suffice to say, whether you’re an avid fan, or new to the books, it is a wonderful journey and I highly recommend it).
Current favourite
Ernest Cline’s ‘Ready Player One’, read by Will Wheaton – a compelling science fiction romp, expertly narrated by a former member of the USS Enterprise. The film, directed by Spielberg, is out soon but try the book first.
Honourable mention
J K Rowling’s ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’, read by Stephen Fry – brilliant narration from Fry, as always, but you can also hear how much JK Rowling has matured as an author, as the series turns truly dark with meditations upon the nature of life, death and the fulfilling of one’s destiny.
3. Learn Something New
I love learning new things but in this age of electronic distractions, to my considerable shame, I hardly ever seem to pick up a book to read, unless I am on holiday, or sometimes when I’m taking a bath! The idea that I could spend my travelling time ‘usefully’ and learn something new was a real draw and Audible did not disappoint, with its array of subjects and presentation styles.
Current favourite
Professor Bob Brier’s ‘The History of Ancient Egypt’, read by the Author – 48 lectures on 3,000 years of Egyptian history delivered in a captivating, compelling style by a master of his subject.
Honourable mention
Selwyn Raab’s ‘Five Families: The Rise, Decline & Resurgence of America’s Most Powerful Mafia Families’, read by Paul Constanzo – truth that life is stranger than fiction in this detailed account of organised crime.
4. Fiction Delivered In A Creative Fashion
There are some books that work extraordinarily well when delivered audibly. It maybe that the central narrator is speaking directly to the audience, or perhaps that the sound of a character’s voice is key (cf. ‘A Prayer for Owen Meany’ by John Irving, read by Joe Barrett).
Current favourite
Jay Asher’s ‘Thirteen Reasons Why’, read by Debra Wiseman & Joel Johnstone – a dead girl speaks directly to you about the causes of her suicide from the thirteen tapes, which she left behind for the people she blames. There’s something about being an auditory witness of the tapes, which makes the book particularly suitable for the Audible treatment. The Netflix TV drama series adaptation is currently available but try the book first.
Honourable mention
Imran Mahmood’s ‘You Don’t Know Me’, read by Adam Deacon – an unusual book, as the entire thing is a closing speech by a young man on trial for murder who, at the last possible minute, chooses to sack his lawyer and tell us – the jury – the ‘real’ story. The impassioned rendition by Deacon, somehow lifts this recording into new performance territory, which transcends its close cousin, the dramatic monologue.
5. Original Dramas
There are some wonderful full cast recordings of some magical productions from the television, stage and film archives. There are also some cracking ‘Audible original productions’, reminiscent of radio plays, to keep you entertained.
Current favourite
‘Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Donmar Cast)’ by Choderlos de Laclos – not everyone was lucky enough to see this iconic production at the tiny Donmar theatre. This isn’t a live recording but the Donmar actors, as their characters, read some of the letters of which the book is composed. This means that you get a taste of the stage production, as well as the chance to become familiar with the book upon which the play (and the popular film) was based.
Honourable mention
‘Alien: Out of the Shadows (Cast recording)’ by Tim Lebbon, directed by Dirk Maggs – I love the Alien films, so this was a fun addition to the genre. It’s surprisingly scary to hear the dreaded xenomorph slithering up behind you. There’s some creepy voice work from Rutger Hauer, as the resurrected Ash too.