Ozeki’s novel illustrates the interconnectedness of all things. Despite being stuffed full of topics—from quantum physics to kamikaze pilots, tsunamis, and a billion other things—the novel is suffused with a warmth and immediacy that keep the listener hanging on every word. The story alternates between Ruth, a blocked writer living on an island off British Columbia, and Nao, a suicidal Japanese schoolgirl. Ruth finds Nao’s diary in a Hello Kitty lunch box on the beach, along with letters, an older diary, and a watch. For Ruth, Ozeki’s tone is slightly worried and obsessive as she reads the diary aloud to her husband. She lends a note of childishness and forced cheerfulness to Nao and her (literally) purple prose. The intoned prayers of gratitude from Nao’s great-grandmother, a feminist Buddhist nun, are genius.
Pub Date: March 12, 2013
Duration: 14 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781101605301
Publisher: Penguin 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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