audiobook Archives - Page 3 of 5 - The Quick and the Read

(Audio)Book Review: ‘Eligible’ by Curtis Sittenfeld

Modern retelling of ‘Pride and Prejudice’? Written by Curtis Sittenfeld, author of the brilliant ‘Prep’ (amongst many other fab books)? Sign me up!

I was definitely intrigued about this book and it has been vaguely on my radar for a few years (it was published in 2016). When it popped up as an audiobook suggestion on BorrowBox, I thought I needed to give it a try.

How on earth could ‘Pride and Prejudice’, with its Georgian mores and sensibilities, be dragged into modern-day America? I had to find out.

Book Review: ‘Pandora’s Jar’ by Natalie Haynes

I’ve had a life-long fascination with the Greek myths which probably stemmed from the (at the time terrifying) ‘Clash of the Titans’ film that made up a chunk of my 80s childhood – very much like Haynes herself, it turns out!

Nowadays, my job as an English teacher sees me teaching Carol Ann Duffy’s ‘The World’s Wife’ so I’ve become a lot more au fait with the details of the women in the ancient texts – especially Medusa, Penelope and Eurydice – which is what brought me to Haynes’ excellent book.

October 2021 Wrap-Up and November TBR

It’s been a surprisingly busy reading month – helped by school half term holidays and the desire to clear some of my proofs before I embark on NetGalley November (more of that in a bit!)

This month, I’ve read 14 books which puts me on 115/100 on my Goodreads Challenge.

Book Review: ‘Walking the Invisible’ by Michael Stewart

Thanks to HQ Stories for my proof copy of this book – and grovelling apologies for not having reviewed this earlier. As always, opinions are my own regardless of how I acquired the book.

This book was published in June 2021 in hardback – there’s also an (excellent) audiobook version available which I listened to alongside reading.

When I read the blurb for this book, I was instantly intrigued. While I’m no lover of nature and have no desire to wander the Yorkshire moors in all weathers (as this writer has done), I do love literary heritage. So of course I want to know about the buildings and villages and landscapes that inspired the Brontes.

(Audio)Book Review: ‘Written in Bone: Hidden Stories in What We Leave Behind’ by Sue Black

I’m very fortunate to have a lovely hardback copy of this and also the audiobook version so this is a combined review as I swapped between them at will!

Normally at this point I’d thank whoever granted me a review copy but I can confirm I bought this one with my own pennies after reading Black’s previous (excellent) book ‘All That Remains: A Life in Death’.

For those of you who aren’t aware, Professor Dame Sue Black is a forensic anthropologist who has worked on some absolutely fascinating cases over a long career. She has a mind-bogglingly long list of letters after her name, awards coming out of her ears and bucketloads of plaudits from just about everyone that matters in her scientific field.

Audiobook Review: ‘The Royal Art of Poison: Fatal Cosmetics, Deadly Medicines and Murder Most Foul’ by Eleanor Herman

Mmm, it’s starting to look like I have an obsession with poisoners! (I really don’t!)

I picked this up in Audible’s 2 for 1 sale after I had finished reading about the 20th century ‘teacup poisoner’, Graham Young, in Carol Ann Lee’s ‘A Passion for Poison’ (recommended – my review is here).

August Wrap-Up and September TBR

It’s been a slower reading month after July’s 17 books (a record for me!) Still, I’ve read some brilliant books this month – 11 in total. All were 4 stars with the exception of one FIVE STAR read at the start of the month…

This puts me on 92/100 on my Goodreads challenge – the end is in sight!

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July Wrap-Up and August TBR

It has been a HUGE reading month for me – probably the best ever! I read 17 books in July – including three that I awarded FIVE STARS!

I’d like to thank the heatwave for making it impossible for me to do much else other than read. I am eternally grateful that this coincided (happily) with time off work!

I’m now at 81/100 on my Goodreads Challenge.

(Audio)Book Review: ‘Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty’ by Patrick Radden Keefe

The opioid crisis in the USA? A drug epidemic killing hundreds of thousands of people? Corporate dodgy dealing at the highest levels? I wouldn’t have said that any of this would be the ideal ingredients for a book that I’d love to read, to be honest.

I was utterly wrong.

(Audio)Book Review: ‘This is Your Mind on Plants’ by Michael Pollan

As an avid reader of books about the Victorian era, I’m no stranger to opium – purely in the context of reading, you understand, rather than personal experience! I am, however, a confirmed and accepting caffeine addict so this book – focused on opium, caffeine and mescaline – sounded absolutely fascinating. I duly downloaded the audiobook and got stuck in…