O Magazine Announces Must-Hear Audio Books for Summer Reading

by on July 10, 2009

Oprah Winfrey, Queen of the Book Clubs, announced her Must-Hear Audiobooks this week on www.oprah.com.

I have to be honest; I don’t generally seek out Oprah’s advice. Many of her book club selections have been a little… depressing.

In fact, I began to wonder if Ms. Winfrey was getting a kickback from pharmaceutical companies that manufacture antidepressants! Fortunately, this list includes some summer fun: a thriller, love letters, language lessons and a memoir.

Oprah WinfreyMy First Book

My First Book The Chopin Manuscript is the book I plan to listen to first. A project initiated by thriller writerJeffrey Deaver, the novel includes chapters written by fifteen acclaimed thriller authors.

Deaver conceived of the plot and characters before turning over the script to his colleagues, each adding a chapter and taking the story in new directions. Lisa Scottoline, John Gilstrap, Joseph Finder, and Lee Child are among the writers who contribute chapters.

I listened to the beginning and was pleasantly surprised by Alfred Molina’s reading. I was afraid I would be unable to shake the image of Doc Ock from Spiderman 2, but his vocal skills are perfectly suited for this unique novel. Love Letters of Great Men is just what the title implies.  

 Love Lives of Historical Figures

A collection of romantic letters from famous historical figures, this compilation was inspired by the book read by characters in the Sex and the City movie – and what woman doesn’t want to tap into the Carrie/Big romance? Missives from Beethoven, Lord Byron, Mark Twain, Mozart, and many more are read by UK stage actor Anton Lesser.

For a glimpse into the minds of great men as they ponder love, jealousies, and passion, give this one a listen.

Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing read by author Mignon Fogarty. No stranger to lending her voice to her own work, Fogarty provides a weekly iTunes audio podcast detailing ways to improve writing skills.

Her witty approach to teaching grammar is definitely a must-listen for anyone who uses written communication. In other words, business, personal, or email writers should listen up!

Summer? O’s Last Suggestion

O’s last suggested title is The Horse Boy written and read by Rupert Isaacson. The memoir takes the listener on a journey from Austin, Texas to the steppes of Mongolia as a family does anything they can to help their autistic son. Shaman ceremonies? Strange landscapes? Spiritual healing? It would be impossible not to be moved by this father’s narration.

Not sure what titles to try this summer? O’s list has some great suggestions from a variety of genres.

Take a chance and listen to something new!

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DorothyD

AudioforBooks.com Author

DorothyD

Reading and writing are my passions. I read a lot of paper books as well as listen to audiobooks utilizing playaways from the local library. I listen to most of my audiobooks on my iPod. I read about one book/week and am rarely seen without one in hand. Come along and discuss this article in our friendly community forum.

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