{FF} Top Five Audio Books

Joining Grace for Hallie's Five Favorites this week....

::drum-roll::

Top Five Audio Books for Moms Doing Dishes

Listening to audio-books is something that Steven got me into. I'd love *actually* to read more books, but that requires at least one free hand, and considering that I need three extra hands to keep my boyos in line...not. gunna. happen. At least for now... Anyways. Steve listens to books at work. We have an Audible account, or Steve gets them through the library for free online. [Get to the list already, lady!].  

I really like the results. A lot of the time, I'd rather not wash fifty thousand dishes or fold-all-the-clothes...again, but listening to a good story while I am, makes the time go by faster. A sort of  "whistle-while-you-work", I suppose.  SO, here's my list of a few good "listens". Oh, and I'm picky about the narrator; you can be reading a book I absolutely adore, but if your  voice is all wrong, you're out. First paragraph, your done. What can I say? I was spoiled by years of Wind in the Willows and Chaucer as narrated by my Dad, the best reader I know. 

1. The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay, narrated by Humphry  Bower. 

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I absolutely loved this book. Humphrey Bower does a superb job with the voices and narration, and the story is epic and inspiring. I've heard that the movie version doesn't do the story justice (as is often the case with long books), so if you've seen that, still give the book a try. My brother had to read this in high school, and loved it, so it's gotta be good (forced reading + good is somewhat rare ;)). 

2. The 'Odd Thomas' series by Dean Koontz, narrated by David Aaron Baker

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This is a series about a guy with super-natural abilities, including the gift to see dead people. I know, I know, sounds kind of...whatever, but Koontz is a fun story teller, and Catholic to boot (why is it that Catholic authors of fiction trend towards mystery?). I love how he weaves in some Classical references and how he doesn't ignore the spiritual/religious side of people. His hero is a clean-living-Heaven-hopeful young guy, who gets himself into a world of trouble with every turn. These stories are a lot quicker than some audio books, and definitely entertaining. 

3. The Millenium Triology by Steig Larsson, narrated by Simon Vance 

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Along with The Girl Who Played with Fire & The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo was a masterful piece of fiction. I listened to all three, and they were whatever the listening equivalent of "page-turner" is. I'll have to admit that the violent content was way abrasive on my pretty little naive ears at times, and I'd watch out for kiddos listening along with you (read: don't), but Larsson set out to write these books in large part to highlight and condemn violence and mistreatment of women. Overall, well-written stuff, worth checking out. 

4. Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett, narrated by Nigel Planer

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Terry Pratchett cracks. me. up. He is snarky and hilarious. His books are perfect to listen to, because they are the kind that you'd want to read aloud to someone anyhow. After listening to 'Good Omens' (wildly fun), Guards! Guards! just continued the romp.  Pratchett's writings are prolific, so you'll have plenty of fodder for stack upon stack of crusty pots. If you're easily offended by humor that pokes fun at your religion, steer clear, but if you can laugh with the best of them (think Monty Python), you'll enjoy this stuff. 

5. The 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling, narrated by Jim Dale

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Y'all don't need me to tell you to read these, I hope...but, just in case, here's Haley @ Carrots for Michelmas on the subject of reading Harry, and on Mrs. Weasley.  Listening to Jim Dale narrate an older favorite is lots of fun. It doesn't look like you can get this one on Audible, so hit up your library or buy it online. 

SO, there ya have it, folks! Get in that kitchen, and listen! ;)  

[Does anyone else channel LeVar Burton when recommending books?]

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**I CAN go AN-Y-where....** (...and now you have a song stuck in your head for the day too; you're welcome, come anytime...)