The convergence of an eloquent manuscript and a noteworthy reading is only one of the highlights of PRIVATE PEACEFUL. Evocative language increases the realism of the flashbacks that tell the story of brothers Charlie and Thomas Peaceful. Combining scenes of WWI, life on an English estate, school, loving Molly, and a brother’s bond, the characterizations are exceptional. Jeff Woodman’s narration is fully voiced and beautifully modulated. Particularly noteworthy are the vocal nuances he gives Thomas as the character progresses from boy to war-weary man. Woodman builds the tension as the listener is enveloped by Thomas’s plight (made more perfect if one does not have advance notice of it). Be forewarned, listener, the lines “‘Oranges and lemons,’ say the bells of St. Clemens . . . ” will have meaning for a very long time.
Family ListeningPub Date: Feb. 4, 2005
Duration: 5 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
"Neither a master nor nigger be," Tall John admonishes "47" early and often in this young adult novel, which is part mystery, part historical fiction, and part science fiction. In one of his final performances, the late, great Ossie Davis has left us with a treasured gift. He becomes "47," a fourteen-year-old slave on the Corinthian Plantation in the year 1832. Davis's wonderful gravelly voice lends a touch of realism to this surreal story. The novel, Mosley's first for young adults, has enough complex layers to keep adults involved. Listen as a family--the story may inspire some interesting discussions on freedom and the dynamics of the master/slave relationship.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2005
Duration: 6 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In a graceful blending of fact and fiction, Cooper creates a cast of quirky royals who've fallen on hard times. It's 1936. The Nazis are becoming a world force, and 16-year-old Princess Sophie is stuck in the family's "fortified house," on an island kingdom in the middle of the Bay of Biscay, halfway between France and Spain. Emma Bering offers a sweet narration of Sophie's journal entries about highly “un-aristocratic” drudgery, romantic daydreams, dark suspicions, and the surprise presence of some very real Nazis. Bering's childlike voice adds charm to Sophie's spirited observations of her tomboy sister, Henry; brother, Toby; handsome Simon; and brilliant cousin, Veronica. Once young listeners overcome the story’s lengthy exposition in the early parts, they'll find themselves caught up in a thrilling adventure.
Young AdultPub Date: Jan. 12, 2010
Duration: 8 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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