Audio Book News: Featuring iTunes, John Grisham, World of Warcraft

by DorothyD on March 6, 2010

Stealing some of the spotlight from the 1 billionth song download from iTunes, Apple is facing some criticism for its recent decision to remove some adult oriented apps from its store. Bestselling author John Grisham is moving into the children’s book market with a legal story aimed at kids. Read on for more news on books, audiobooks, and applications.

Apple raised some censorship issues last week when they chose to begin removing some adult-themed apps from the iTunes store. The Wobble iBoobs app was the first to really gain attention. It was not explicit, but allowed users to take their photos and target areas to make jiggle when the device was shaken. Apparently customers have been complaining about some apps being degrading to women. This may affect up to 5000 applications in the iTunes store.

I am not taking sides, here. But I do have some questions. First, why did Apple approve the apps in the first place? They are pretty obviously in poor taste. Second, if you are going to go this route, why does the Playboy app get to stay? How about the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit app? It would seem that the bigger companies are getting to keep their apps in place. Third, what’s next? There’s an awful lot of music out there with vulgar and degrading lyrics. Will those be banned?

I don’t know the answers, but Apple had better think long-term about their actions and solutions to the problems. Racy magazines have their own section in stores… maybe Apple should consider an adult section for iTunes.

John Grisham’s bestsellers are among some of my favorite books. I love a good, fast-paced legal thriller. This week, he has signed with Penguin to release “Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer” featuring a 13-year-old son of two attorneys. The book is aimed at children 8-12 years old. No word on whether an audio version will be available.

World of Warcraft, the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MJMORPG), is breaking into the audiobook market with Stormrage by Richard Knaak and narrated by Richard Ferrone. Available through Audible, fans can listen to the story of the Emerald Dream, a primal version of World of Warcraft.

Book and audiobook sales of The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan, narrated by Jesse Bernstein, have been boosted by the release of the movie. USA today’s bestseller list has all 5 books in the series within the top ten! Percy Jackson is a 12-year-old troublemaker who is accused of stealing Zeus’s master lightning bolt. One of my sons loved this… I need to convince the youngest to read it!

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