The Pulitzer Prize-winning Russo (EMPIRE FALLS) is known for delving into the hearts and minds of working-class heroes. This title, uncharacteristically, ventures into the world of academia, but maintains Russo's interest in the working man's struggle. His protagonist is an English instructor at a second-rate college. Sadly, the recording is dreadfully miscast. Freed's reading of the narrator's workday frustrations fails to communicate the humor of even the funniest moments. While Russo's work is known for its comedy, in Freed's hands his conflicted character comes off as self-important and self-absorbed. Russo's story captures well the old saw: "Why are academic politics so cut-throat? Because the stakes are so small." But small stakes don't often make for a good story.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2003
Duration: 12 hrs
Publisher: Random House Audio
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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