October Light is narrated by the inimitable Grover Gardner, who captures the rural Vermont dialect so well that the language with its Yankee crispness and colloquial color is a delight in itself. Involving conflict primarily between two characters, the story starts with 72-year-old James Page (conservative Republican) locking his older sister Sally (liberal Democrat) in her bedroom after shooting the television for corrupting values. She entertains herself by reading a trashy novel (which allows John Gardner to parody modern writers of black humor and arid alienation). Both James and Sally's ample New England cussedness break down under the pressure of mutual memories rediscovered. And in one of the finest scenes of reconciliation and affirmation (performed quietly and sensitively by Grover Gardner), James Page comes to realize that forgiveness and grace can come to anyone, no matter how old or ornery. Grover Gardner is the ideal interpreter for the expressive language of John Gardner's characters.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1985
Duration: 18 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Escape on a thrilling adventure with Soneela Nankani and Andrew Eiden as they narrate this suspenseful romance. A year has passed since Simi Chopra, her assorted crew, and Jack Danger pulled off a lucrative diamond heist. Now, the Chicago Mafia boss is demanding that the jewels be returned, so Simi gets the team back together. Nankani delivers an expressive performance that emphasizes Simi's conflict between her passion for Jack and the mission. Her distinct character voices keep the listener fully immersed. Eiden's lively tone gives Jack a subtle flair and confidence that make him easy to forgive and to love.
Pub Date: Aug. 20, 2024
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593907467
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This is not a story about guns, but about blue pearls. Gerald Browne takes us to the Pacific Ocean and the world of pearl divers and natural gems and mixes in mystery, intrigue and suspense. Barry Bostwick portrays the characters in one voice, varying his intonation slightly for the Asian personalities. His reading style is very smooth, evidence of preparation and interest in the story. 18mm Blues is abridged well, collecting the important elements of the story. Unobtrusive music indicates the end of each side. Disappear into the mystery of the Far East and one of its most beautiful commodities.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1993
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Audio Renaissance
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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