For those skeptical about authors reading their own works, this short story collection serves as a partial rebuttal. While the author-readers may lack the dramatic range or vocal flair of professional actors, it would be hard to argue that they lack feeling for or intimacy with the material. Allan Gurganus, for example, may not voice distinctions among characters, but his reading of his story about a son watching the decline of his father, a man only animated by his work life, is quite moving without such flourishes. Similarly, Z.Z. Packer infuses much humor in her story about an African-American Brownie troop encountering the larger world. Some authors are less successful than others, and this collection does have some able professionals standing in for authors, including Raymond Carver and Walter Mosely. The selections, by the way, were made by E.L. Doctorow, whose introduction provides a hearty testament to the continued vitality of the short story form.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2000
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: N/A
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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