This is the first novel by the author of numerous darkly humorous stories and plays of contemporary life--notably "Steambath," which was made into a cable TV series, and the screenplay for SPLASH. The title character of this opus is a classic anxiety-ridden East Coast Jewish male going through the usual crises as son, husband, and ulcer-ridden father. Some say Phillip Roth does it better; some say Roth just does it differently. Judge for yourself with this cassette, nicely, albeit frantically, read by Adam Grupper. Aside from trying a little too hard, Grupper has the milieu, tone, and characters down cold. An interview with the author precedes and ends the tape.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2000
Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Jewish Contemporary Classics
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Reader Michael Prichard delivers a convincing rendition of Archie Goodwin, the burly right hand of the portly Nero Wolfe, world-renowned gourmand and detective. Prichard preserves the 1970s setting and 1950s origins of the story, bringing listeners a well-paced narration of murder and politics--a combination of elements that usually guarantees an exciting listen. This audio entertainment is as well formed and fragrant as one of Wolfe's hothouse orchids (the stout sleuth cultivates them by the hundreds in his town house greenhouse) as Goodwin walks us through an explosive murder investigation and political wheeling and dealing in a tough yet intelligent read.
Pub Date: Jan. 15, 2006
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audio Partners
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This collection of eight short stories contains gentle tales of fantasy and magic--not the magic of wizards and wands, but of wishing mats and enormous cats and gifts brought by the winds. In a lovely English accent, Lizza Aiken quietly narrates these stories in which magic and good fortune often come to those who deserve it. Although her pitch changes little, she registers a range of emotions--from the sadness of a girl whose necklace of raindrops has been stolen to the joy of a child who moves from a hard life and a ramshackle trailer to a happy home amid the clouds. A NECKLACE OF RAINDROPS would make a soothing choice for a family car trip after a long day.
Ages 6+Pub Date: Jan. 5, 2016
Duration: 1 hr, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781101915721
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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