By Melody A. Moxley
Rowan Public Library
Want to hear the best audiobooks published recently?
Rowan Public Library offers many in our collection.
These audiobooks are recipients of the Audie Award, given annually by the Audio Publishers’ Association. This was the 13th year that the APA has so recognized excellence in audiobook publishing.
Having been fortunate enough to serve as a judge for the Audies for several years, I can attest that many wonderful books are nominated in categories such as fiction, non-fiction, solo narration, male and female narration, mysteries and children’s. Although only one title is chosen in each category, the list of finalists as well as the winners are available for viewing at the APA’s Web site: http://www.audiopub.org.
“Tallgrass,” by Sandra Dallas, narrated by Lorelei King, won the Audie for Best Fiction. Dallas’ reading is perfection in this coming-of-age story set in Colorado in World War II. Rennie Stroud and her family find their lives turned upside down when an internment camp for Japanese-Americans opens outside their small town.
Named best Literary Fiction, Denis Johnson’s “Tree of Smoke” is narrated by Will Patton. Publisher’s Weekly remarked that “Johnson’s tale of shadowy soldiers and spooks irrevocably changed by the unending war in Southeast Asia is rendered by Patton in a drill sergeant’s muscular whisper, complete with carefully rendered impressions of characters ó American, Filipino and Vietnamese…”
Patton also narrates the Audie winner for Best Mystery, James Lee Burke’s “Tin Roof Blowdown.” Dave Robicheaux must find two serial rapists in the nightmare that is New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Publisher’s Weekly noted in its review that “it is the actor’s reading of Burke’s descriptive passages … that creates a fully realized world for the listener. Patton’s insightful interpretation of Burke’s darkly expressive imagery makes for a rich literary experience rarely achieved in crime fiction today.”
Joe Hill’s “Heart-Shaped Box,” narrated by Stephen Lang, won the Audie for Best Thriller. Lang’s narration of this chilling story is remarkable. He truly inhabits each character as the listener follows the story of Judas Coyne, a retired rock star who buys a box on the Internet said to contain a ghost ó only to find himself and those around him caught up in bizarre web of revenge.
All of these superlative performances and many more may be found at Rowan Public Library. Be sure to also check out our collection of digital audiobooks ó “Tree of Smoke” may be downloaded from N.C. Digital Library. “Tin Roof Blowdown” may be downloaded from Net Library. The only things needed are your library card and personal identification number ó go to www.rowanpubliclibrary.org or call 704-216-8230 for more information.
Teen programs: Metamophosis Teen Summer Reading Program featuring Bug Rap, Monday, 5:30-7 p.m. Mondays at South branch, Tuesdays at East and Thursdays at headquarters.
Children’s programs: Summer Reading Program, “Catch the Reading Bug!” continues at headquarters and East and South branches. Magical illusionist Captain Jim performs Monday through Wednesday.
Movies in July ó All movies are rated G, PG or PG 13. Some movies appropriate for younger audiences. Children should be accompanied by an adult. Free popcorn and lemonade. Tuesday, “Ten Things I Hate About You”; July 8, “Much Ado About Nothing”; July 15, “Romeo and Juliet”; July 22, “Love’s Labors Lost”; July 29, “Henry V.”
Displays: South ó miniature sewing machines by Terri Taylor.Literacy: Call the Rowan County Literacy Council at 704-216-8266 for more information on teaching or receiving literacy tutoring for English speakers or for those for whom English is a second language.
Web site: For a listing of all library programs at all library locations, www.rowanpubliclibrary.org.