Nathaniel Bowditch, of Salem, Massachusetts, was a largely self-taught scholar who rose from an apprenticeship in a ship chandlery to being master of his own sailing vessel. He learned Latin and French, found errors in the navigational tables of John Moore, and wrote his own navigation and mathematics books. Respectful of his crews, he empowered all onboard with the ability to take readings of longitude and latitude. Jim Weiss is a master narrator, especially when it comes to conversation. He takes on each persona easily, male or female, old or young. He brings nuance to Nat's voice and those of his sailing companions and family members. He speeds as the action rises, enunciates slowly to make a point, and creates pregnant pauses for contemplation. As Captain Prince says frequently to this extraordinary sailor, "Carry on, Mr. Bowditch"!
Ages 8+Pub Date: Feb. 4, 1955
Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Greathall Productions
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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