Author C.M. McGuire joined me to discuss her debut YA Fantasy novel Ironspark. We also discussed writing, publishing, and audiobook production from an author's perspective. Ironspark [Libro.fm] /[Audible] Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Other Referenced Works: Abhorsen/The Old Kingdom (Series) [Libro.fm] / [Audible] / [Overdrive/Libby] Name of the Wind [Audible] Discworld (Series) [Libro.fm] / [Audible] C.M. McGuire: Twitter (@SeeEmMcGuire) Instagram Website

Black Sun begins a dynamic new fantasy series by award winning author Rebecca Roanhorse including expert world building that incorporates inspirations from pre-Columbian civilizations. The converging stories of four point of view characters, expertly narrated by Cara Gee, Nicole Lewis, Kaipo Schwab, and Shaun Taylor-Corbett create an engaging story that works particularly well in audio format. Thank you to the Libro.fm ALC Program and Simon & Schuster Audio for providing a review copy of Black Sun for this episode. Black Sun [Libro.fm] Other Referenced Works: The Sixth World (series) [Audible] Resistance Reborn [Overdrive/Libby] / [Audible] Doctor Aphra [Overdrive/Libby] / [Audible] The Light Brigade [Libro.fm]

This time we discuss a pair of recent listens, with Shachi sharing These Ghosts are Family written by Maisy Card and narrated by Karl O’Brian Williams; while Scott shares Vagabonds, written by Hao Jingfang, translated by Ken Liu and narrated by Emily Woo Zeller.  Thank you to the Libro.fm ALC Program and Simon & Schuster Audio for providing review copys of These Ghosts are Family and Vagabonds for today’s episode. These Ghosts are Family [Libro.fm] Vagabonds [Libro.fm] Other Referenced Works: Wandering in Strange Lands: A Daughter of the Great Migration Reclaims Her Roots [Libro.fm] [Ep 78] The Three-Body Problem [Libro.fm] Red Mars [Libro.fm]

Audible recently updated their membership options to include Audible Plus, providing an "All-You-Can-Listen" option with over 9,000 titles to subscribers. Mark Siegal joined me to discuss the new offering, how it has impacted our listening habits, and what the future may hold for the service. We also share some recent  listens and what we are looking forward to. Audible Plans EDIT/OR Episode 37: Huge Unicorn Sledgehammer What are we listening to? Quest for the Diamond Sword (Minecraft) [Audible Plus] Vorkosigan Saga (series) [Audible Plus & Audible] Do Over [Audible Plus] Sherlock Holmes (Narrated by Stephen Fry) [Audible Plus] The Dispatcher (series) [Audible Plus]   Related Episodes on Audiobook Services: 8: Intro to Audiobooks (Audible) 21: Free Audiobooks From Your Local Library (Overdrive, Libby, and Hoopla) 31: Scribd ('Unlimited' audiobook borrowing) 41: Kobo & Walmart Audiobooks 47: Boston Public Library (including RBdigital) 49: Libro.fm 56: Audiobooks.com 60: Chirp Audiobooks

Audiobook narrator Marc Thompson joined me to discuss narrating audiobooks in the Star Wars universe including the recent Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy (Book I: Chaos Rising). Marc also shared how he approaches the many familiar and new voices that bring these audiobooks to life. Marc Thompson earned his BFA from New York University, Tisch School of the Arts, in 1997. His voice can be heard in commercials, on radio, and on many cartoons, including MTV’s Daria, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and G.I. Joe: Sigma 6. He narrates many audiobooks in the Star Wars series. Marc Thompson [Audible] / [Overdrive/Libby]/ [IMDb] Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy (Book I: Chaos Rising) [Penguin Random House Audio] / [Audible] / [OverDrive/Libby] Star Wars: Legacy of the Force (series) [ Audible] / [OverDrive/Libby] Connect with Marc Thompson: Twitter: CaptainEhud Instagram: CaptainEhud Facebook: Marc Thompson Website: Marc Thompson

Shachi joined me to discuss Wandering in Strange Lands: A Daughter of the Great Migration Reclaims Her Roots, written and narrated by Morgan Jerkins.   Thank you to the Libro.fm ALC Program and HarperAudio for providing a review copy of Wandering in Strange Lands for today’s episode. Wandering in Strange Lands: A Daughter of the Great Migration Reclaims Her Roots [Libro.fm] The print and ebook versions of Wandering in Strange Lands does include an extensive Notes and Bibliography section that are not included in the audiobook edition. The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African-american Culinary History in the Old South (Written + Narrated by: Michael W. Twitty) [Libro.fm]

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, written by Suzanne Collins and narrated by  Santino Fontana, is the anticipated prequel to the Hunger Games exploring the beginning of Coriolanus Snow's rise to power during the 10th Hunger Games. While the audio production was surprisingly off at times, the story itself is a worthwhile addition to the series that manages to expand our view of Panem and the Hunger Games, while staying true to the beloved trilogy.  Panelists include: Gilbert Tang and Scott Ullery The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes [Libro.fm] / [Audible] / [OverDrive/Libby]

Embrace Your Weird, written and narrated by Felicia Day, is an entertaining follow-up to You're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost), that challenges the listener to break down the barriers in their own creative endeavors. The enthusiastic narration is one of the best in the self development genre and an included PDF (when included by audiobook provider) allows you to follow along with the exercises. Panelists include: Mark Siegal and Scott Ullery Embrace Your Weird [https://www.audible.com/pd/Embrace-Your-Weird-Audiobook/1508296588">Audible] You're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost) [https://www.audible.com/pd/Youre-Never-Weird-on-the-Internet-Almost-Audiobook/B00XUTQ692">Audible] / [https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781442386822-you-re-never-weird-on-the-internet-almost">Libro.fm] / [https://www.overdrive.com/media/2053142/youre-never-weird-on-the-internet-almost">OverDrive/Libby] The Guild [http://watchtheguild.com/">Website] / [https://www.netflix.com/title/70140447/">Netflix]  The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up [https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Life-Changing-Magic-of-Tidying-Up-Audiobook/B00RC3M6OG">Audible] / [https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781494578947-the-life-changing-magic-of-tidying-up">Libro.fm] / [https://www.overdrive.com/media/2077125/the-life-changing-magic-of-tidying-up">OverDrive/Libby] / [https://narratedpodcast.com/episodes/3">Ep 3] / [https://narratedpodcast.com/episodes/58">Ep 58 (Revisit)]

Star Wars audiobook producer Nick Martorelli returned to discuss the latest Star Wars Audiobook Original audiobook: Doctor Aphra including its exceptional cast of narrators. We also discussed production lessons and adjustments made since Dooku: Jedi Lost, adapting to the audiobook or audio drama format, and upcoming Star Wars audiobook releases. **Referenced Star Wars Works:** Doctor Aphra [Audible] / [Overdrive/Libby] / [Episode 74] Darth Vader (2015-16 Comic) Dooku: Jedi Lost [Audible] / [Overdrive/Libby] / [Episode 38] Doctor Aphra (2020-Present Comic) From a Certain Point of View (Star Wars) [Audible] / [Overdrive/Libby] The Rise of Skywalker [Audible] / [Overdrive/Libby] / [Episode 68] Galaxy's Edge: Black Spire [Audible] / [Overdrive/Libby] Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge: A Crash of Fate [Audible ] / / [Overdrive/Libby] Star Wars: Light of the Jedi (The High Republic) Star Wars The Clone Wars: Stories of Light and Dark Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy (Book I: Chaos Rising) From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back (Star Wars)

Doctor Aphra (Star Wars), written by Sarah Kuhn, and narrated by a full cast is the second Star Wars audiobook original. The story follows rogue archaeologist Doctor Aphra's adventures searching for and exploiting artifacts and working for Darth Vader. Thank you to Penguin Random House Audio Advanced copy received for review purposes. Narrated by a full cast: * Emily Woo Zeller as Doctor Aphra * Jonathan Davis as Boba Fett * Sean Patrick Hopkins as Luke Skywalker * Sean Kenin as Triple-Zero * Nicole Lewis as Sana Starros * Carol Monda as Maz Kanata * Euan Morton as The Emperor * Catherine Taber as Leia Organa * Marc Thompson as Darth Vader Doctor Aphra [Audible] / [Overdrive/Libby] Dooku: Jedi Lost [Audible] / [Overdrive/Libby] / [Episode 38] Darth Vader (2015-16 Comic) From a Certain Point of View (Star Wars) [Audible] / [Overdrive/Libby]

Author and narrator Mary Robinette Kowal joined me to discuss her latest novel The Relentless Moon. We also discuss audiobook production and space flight in our timeline. Hugo Award-winner Mary Robinette Kowal is the author and narrator of: The Glamourist Histories series, Ghost Talkers and the Lady Astronaut series. Her stories appear in Uncanny, Cosmos, and Asimov’s. The Relentless Moon [Audible] Lady Astronaut (series) [Audible] The Relentless Moon audiobook recording sessions (available until 14 Jul 20) [YouTube] Alice in Wonderland (series) [Audible] The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Radio Plays) [Audible] Flower of the Dusk (ebook) [Amazon] Lavender and Old Lace [Amazon (ebook)] / [Audible] Adult Space Academy Mary Robinette Kowal (website)

p>Food and drink often feature prominently in our favorite stories. It can help introduce us to new or fantastical cultures, connect us with our past, and bring together our favorite characters in celebration or loss. Our panel (Shachi Bhatt, Mark Siegal, and Scott Ullery) will be cooking up their favorite literary meals with each course coming from a different audiobook. Round 1: Shachi: Páramo de Guzmán Cheese from The Telling Room (Written by: Michael Paterniti / Narrated by: L.J. Ganser) [Audible] Mark: Green Smoothies from Laurie Berkner's Song and Story Kitchen (Written by: Laurie Berkner, The Laurie Berkner Band / Narrated by: Laurie Berkner, Josiah Gaffney) [Audible Stories (free)] / [Audible]/ [Ep 29: Audible Originals] Scott: Dr. Chef’s Smoky Buns from The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet (Written by: By: Becky Chambers / Narrated by: Rachel Dulude) [Libro.fm] / [Overdrive/Libby] / [Audible] / [Ep 45: Wayfarers] Round 2: Shachi: The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African-american Culinary History in the Old South (Written + Narrated by: Michael W. Twitty [Libro.fm] / [Overdrive/Libby] / [Audible] Mark: Red Kibble from The Expanse (Series) (Written by: James S. A. Corey / Narrated by: Jefferson Mays) [Libro.fm] / [Overdrive/Libby] / [Audible] / [Ep 4] Scott: Lembas (Elven bread) from The Fellowship of the Ring (Written by: J.R.R. Tolkien / Narrated By: Rob Inglis [Libro.fm] / [Overdrive/Libby] / [Audible]   Round 3: Shachi: Lickable Wallpaper from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Written By: Roald Dahl / Narrated by: Douglas Hodge) [Libro.fm] / [Overdrive/Libby] / [Audible] Mark: Circus foods from The Night Circus (Written by: Erin Morgenstern / Narrated by: Jim Dale) [Libro.fm] / [Overdrive/Libby] / [Audible] / [Ep 1] Scott: Dr. Elma York's Chocolate Chess Pie from The Fated Sky (Written & Narrated By: Mary Robinette Kowal) [Audible] / [Ep 27]   **Additional Picks:** Shachi: Chocolate Cake (Matilda), “Eating Your Words” (The Phantom Tollbooth), The Joy Luck Club Mark: (Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life), Harry Potter (series), fresh baked bread (The Golem and the Jinni) Scott: Mark Watney’s potatoes (The Martian); Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster (The Restaurant at the End of the Universe); Wine, Beer, Rum, Coffee, Tea, & Soda (A History of the World in 6 Glasses); Daughter of Fishes Tea (Ancillary Sword); Food: A Cultural History (The Great Courses); Wienerschnitzel from Redd Beirgarten (Menu Excerpts from Our Favorite Newark Restaurants)   **Other References:** Audible Stories James and the Giant Peach (Written By: Roald Dahl / Narrated By: Taika & Friends) [YouTube]

The Narrated audiobook club discusses The Hate U Give, written by Angie Thomas and narrated by Bahni Turpin. Panelists include: Shachi Bhatt and Scott Ullery The Hate U Give [Libro.fm] / [OverDrive/Libby] / [Audible] Children of Blood & Bone (also narrated by Bahni Turpin) [Libro.fm] / [OverDrive/Libby] / [Audible] Talking to Strangers [Libro.fm] / Overdrive/Libby] / [Audible] / [Ep: 59]

Dan Moren returns to Narrated to discuss his latest novel The Aleph Extraction in The Galactic Cold War series. We also discuss audiobook production during a pandemic and play a quick game of Disney themed mashups.The Aleph Extraction is available in print and ebook on May 12th. The audiobook release is currently TBD, and will be narrated by Victor Bevine. The Aleph Extraction [Indiebound] / [Overdrive/Libby]   The Bayern Agenda [Audible] / [Overdrive/Libby] The Caledonian Gambit [Audible] / [Libro.fm] / [Overdrive/Libby] Short Stories (The Galactic Cold War series) [dmoren.com] Six Colors: Self publishing **Other Referenced Works:** Gargoyles (Disney+) Logan Lucky Mission: Impossible Felix Castor (series) The Dresden Files (series)   **Dan Moren:** The Incomparable Total Party Kill Inconceivable!  Not Playing with Lex & Dan Clockwise The Rebound Website Twitter (@dmoren) Instagram

An audio review of Bowen Greenwood's novel, The Prophet Conspiracy, narrated by Anneliese Rennie, and published by Bowen Greenwood Communications The Prophet Conspiracy [Audible] / [Overdrive/Libby] Episode 36: Narrator Anneliese Rennie Thank you to narrator Anneliese Rennie for providing a review copy of The Prophet Conspiracy.

An audio review of Star Wars The Rise of Skywalker: Expanded Edition, written by Rae Carson and narrated by Marc Thompson; and discussion of recent Star Wars novel/audiobook news. Happy Star Wars Day ! The Rise of Skywalker [Overdrive/Libby] / [Audible] / [Libro.fm] **Star Wars Novels/Audiobook News:** The High Republic (series) [Overdrive/Libby] / [Audible] / [Libro.fm] Doctor Aphra: An Audiobook Original Revealed (starwars.com) **Other Referenced Works:** Dooku: Jedi Lost [Overdrive/Libby] / [Audible] / [Libro.fm] / [Ep 38] [Ep 44]: Star Wars Audiobooks with Nick Martorelli From a Certain Point of View [Overdrive/Libby] / [Audible] / [Libro.fm] Resistance Reborn [Overdrive/Libby] / [Audible] / [Libro.fm] Spark of the Resistance [Overdrive/Libby] / [Audible] / [Libro.fm]   Galaxy's Edge: Black Spire [Overdrive/Libby] / [Audible] / [Libro.fm] Thank you to Penguin Random House Audio for providing a review copy of The Rise of Skywalker: Expanded Edition for today’s episode.

Even the most avid audiobook listers often end up with a backlog of audiobooks on their To Be Listened (TBL) list. Mark Siegal joined me to discuss his TBL list and to pick out his next audiobook listen. **Referenced Audiobooks:** The Tales of Beedle the Bard : [Audible] Murder Your Darlings [Audible] The Art of X-Ray Reading [Audible] This is How You Lose the Time War [Audible] [Ep 54: Gifting Audiobooks] The Phantom Tollbooth : [Audible] [Ep 53] Rip-Off! [Audible] [Ep 27: The Calculating Stars [Lady Astronaut series]] The Baron in the Trees [Audible] If on a Winter's Night a Traveler [Audible] The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter [Audible] Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore [Audible] [Ep 33] Norse Mythology [Audible] Infinite Jest [Audible] + Infinite Jest, Part III: The Endnotes [Audible] Kingkiller Chronicle [Audible] The Android's Dream [Audible] Agent to the Stars [Audible] **Other Referenced Works:** Harry Potter at Home [Website] Westworld (TV) Levar Burton Reads [Website ] [Live Stream on Twitter ] The Expanse - Season 4 (TV) EDIT/OR: Episode 18 - Quarantine Conference Day 3: Scott Ullery **Mark's Full TBL List** at: https://narratedpodcast.com/episodes/067">Narrated Ep 67 (TV)

Author John Scalzi joined me to discuss his latest novel: The Last Emperox, narrated by Wil Wheaton. He also shares his thoughts on the growing popularity of audiobooks and how they have influenced his writing. The Last Emperox is the third book of The Interdependency series and follows as Emperox Grayland II and her allies strive to save the planets of the Interdependency from isolation as The Flow, an interstellar connection between star systems, begins to collapse.   The Last Emperox [Audible] The Interdependency series [Audible]   **Other Referenced John Scalzi Titles:** Lock In series [Audible] Old Man's War series [Audible] The Dispatcher [Audible] Redshirts [Audible]   **Other Links:** For signed copies of The Last Emperox, contact: Jay and Mary's Book Center Virtual Event (Tuesday April 14th, 6:00pm): Brookline Booksmith   **Connect with John Scalzi:** Website: Whatever Twitter: Scalzi Facebook:John Scalzi

The Great Courses is an educational series of college-level audio courses that connect listeners with dynamic lecturers in a range of fields. Courses are available direct from The Great Courses or from Audible and Overdrive/Libby in similar manner to other audiobooks. I am joined by Mark Siegal. The Great Courses [Direct] [Audible] [OverDrive/Libby] Soon after recording, Audible released its Feed Your Mind sale which includes a number of The Great Courses offerings (sale ends March 27th, 2020) **Courses Referenced:** The Science of Sci-Fi:  [Audible Original] (free with March 2020 Member Benefit) How Great Science Fiction Works   [Audible] [OverDrive/Libby] Food: A Cultural Culinary History [Audible] [OverDrive/Libby] Living History: Experiencing Great Events of the Ancient and Medieval Worlds [Audible] [OverDrive/Libby] The Inexplicable Universe: Unsolved Mysteries [Audible] [OverDrive/Libby] Great Ideas of Philosophy [Audible] [OverDrive/Libby] Mysteries of Modern Physics: Time [Audible] [OverDrive/Libby] The Vikings [Audible] [OverDrive/Libby]   **Other Referenced Works:** Dr. Erin Explains the Universe (YouTube) The Good Place and Jeremy Bearimy Word by Word [Audible] [OverDrive/Libby] Astrophysics for People in a Hurry [Audible] [OverDrive/Libby]

Narrator Greg Tremblay (Greg Boudreaux) joined me to discuss his experiences as an audiobook narrator including his early interest in  spoken word stories, how he prepares for each new narration, and how he approaches character voices. Greg also shares his experiences with narrating the popular Arc of a Scythe series by Neal Shusterman. Trained in vocal and stage performance, Greg Tremblay is an award winning audiobook narrator with over 260 titles, including recordings as Greg Boudreaux. **Referenced Greg Tremblay and Greg Boudreaux Works:** The Legacy Fleet series (by Nick Webb) [Audible] Ralph Breaks The Internet (by Disney Press, adapted by Suzanne Francis) [Audible] / [Overdrive/Libby] 365 Bedtime Stories (by Disney Press) [Audible] / [Overdrive/Libby] Arc of a Scythe series (by Neal Shusterman) [Audible] / [Ep 12: Scythe] The LaNague Federation series (by F Paul Wilson) [Audible] The Opus X series (by Michael Anderle) [Audible] / [Libro.fm]/ [Overdrive/Libby] Twisted Wishes series (narrated as Greg Boudreaux, written by Anna Zabo) [Audible] / [Libro.fm]/ [Overdrive/Libby] “OMG – you have the best job! How do *I* do that?” Audio Books for Fun and Profit! Greg Tremblay on: [Audible] / [Libro.fm] / [Overdrive/Libby] Greg Boudreaux on: [Audible] / [Libro.fm] / [Overdrive/Libby]   **Other Referenced Works:** Brother Cadfael mysteries [Audible] / [Libro.fm]/ [Overdrive/Libby] The Ten Thousand Doors of January [Audible] / [Libro.fm]/ [Overdrive/Libby] Sailing Alone Around the World (by Joshua Slocum) The Catcher in the Rye (by J.D. Salinger) Unwind series (by Neal Shusterman) [Audible] The Martian (by Andy Wier, narrated by Wil Wheaton) [Audible] - The R.C. Bray narration referenced in the episode is no longer available from Audible    **Contact Greg Tremblay:** Website: https://gregtremblay.com/ Email: [email protected] Twitter: gtremblayvoice Facebook

An audio review of Andrew Krivak's novella, The Bear, narrated by Eric Jason Martin, that tells a powerful story of family, humanity, and our connection with nature. Published by HighBridge. The Bear [Libro.fm] / [Audible] / [Overdrive/Libby] Thank you to the Libro.fm ALC Program and HighBridge Audio for providing a review copy of The Bear for today’s episode.

The Narrated audiobook club discusses Calypso, written and narrated by David Sedaris. Calypso features Sedaris' frequently humorous autobiographical essays on a variety of topics including his family, beach house, and unconventional turtle food. Calypso [Libro.fm] / [Audible] / [Overdrive/Libby] Referenced Episodes Episode 43: Road Trip Audiobook Draft Episode 49: Libro.fm Other Recommended David Sedaris Listening/Reading Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim [Libro.fm] / [Audible] / [Overdrive/Libby] Naked (Abridged) [Libro.fm] / [Audible] / [Overdrive/Libby] Me Talk Pretty One Day [Libro.fm] / [Audible] / [Overdrive/Libby] Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk [Libro.fm] / [Audible] / [Overdrive/Libby] When You Are Engulfed in Flames [Libro.fm] / [Audible] / [Overdrive/Libby] Theft By Finding [Libro.fm] / [Audible] / [Overdrive/Libby] This American Life The New Yorker Episode editing by: Gilbert Tang [EDIT/OR]  

An audio review of Melissa Albert's fantasy novel, The Night Country, narrated by Rebecca Soler and James Fouhey. Published by Macmillan Audio. The Starless Sea [Libro.fm] / [Overdrive/Libby] / [Audible] Thank you to the Libro.fm ALC Program andMacmillan Audio for providing a review copy of The Night Country. **Other referenced works:** The Hazel Wood [Libro.fm] / [Overdrive/Libby] / [Audible] This is How You Lose the Time War [Libro.fm] / [Overdrive/Libby] / [Audible]   Episode edited by: Gilbert Tang [EDIT/OR]

Discussion and review of Chirp audiobooks, a discount audiobook service, which offers rotating selection of audiobook deals with no monthly subscription required. Chirp Audiobooks [Includes referrallink with an additional 20% off your first purchase] Related Episodes on Audiobook Services: 8: Intro to Audiobooks (Audible) 21: Free Audiobooks From Your Local Library (Overdrive, Libby, and Hoopla) 31: Scribd ('Unlimited' audiobook borrowing) 41: Kobo & Walmart Audiobooks 47: Boston Public Library (including RBdigital) 49: Libro.fm 56: Audiobooks.com   What are we listening to? Every Heart a Doorway The Hazel Wood Fantastic Mr. Fox and Other Animal Stories The Starless Sea The Night Country Stiff Calypso   Episode edited by: Gilbert Tang [EDIT/OR]  

The Narrated audiobook club discusses Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don't Know, written and narrated by Malcolm Gladwell.  Narrated audiobook club panel including: Linus Edwards, Shachi Bhatt and Scott Ullery Talking to Strangers [Overdrive] / [Audible] / [Libro.fm] Episode editing by: Gilbert Tang [EDIT/OR]

In The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter, narrated by Juliet Stevenson, author Margareta Magnusson presents a partial memoir and a different look at decluttering for yourself and family members. While the book focuses in part on decluttering in connection with end of life, many of the included techniques will find value for readers of all ages and are interspersed with heartfelt scenes from the author's life. I am joined by Mark Siegal.   The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning  [Libro.fm] / [Overdrive] / [Audible]   Episode 3: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

As 2019 comes to a close, we take a look back at our favorite audiobooks from 2019 and what we are looking forward to in 2020.   Round 1 (2019): Mark: Tiamat's Wrath (Written by: James S. A. Corey / Narrated by: Jefferson Mays) Shachi: When Less Becomes More (Written + Narrated by: Emily Ley) Gilbert: The Toll (Written by: Neal Shusterman / Narrated by: Greg Tremblay) Scott: The Starless Sea (Written by: By: Erin Morgenstern / Narrated by: Dominic Hoffman, full cast)   Round 2 (2019): Mark: Bayern Agenda (Written by: Dan Moren / Narrated by: Victor Bevine) Shachi: My Life as a Goddess (Written + Narrated by: Guy Branum) Gilbert: Alone on the Wall (Written By: Alex Honnold, David Roberts / Narrated by: Andrew Eiden, Will Damron) Scott: This is How You Lose the Time War (Written by Amal El-Mohtar, Max Gladstone / Narrated by: Cynthia Farrell, Emily Woo Zeller)   Round 3 (2019): Mark: Girl, Stop Apologizing (Written and Narrated by: Rachel Hollis) Shachi: The Deep (Written by: Rivers Solomon, Daveed Diggs, William Hutson & Jonathan Snipes / Narrated by: Daveed Diggs) Gilbert: The Secret Commonwealth (Book of Dust, Volume 2) (Written By: Philip Pullman / Narrated by: Michael Sheen) Scott: (Written Seanan McGuire / Narrated by: Cynthia Hopkins)   Round 4 (2020): Mark: The Aleph Extraction (Written by: Darn Moren /Narrated by: TBD): May 12, 2020 Shachi: Phantom Lady: Hollywood Producer Joan Harrison, the Forgotten Woman behind Hitchcock (Written by: Christina Lane / Narrated by: TBD): February 4, 2020 Gilbert: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (Written By: Suzanne Collins / Narrated by: TBD) : May 19, 2020 Scott: The Relentless Moon (Written + Narrated by: Mary Robinette Kowal): July 14, 2020   Additional Picks: Mark: Expanse #9, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Auberon, Embrace Your Weird Shachi: The Splendid and the Vile Gilbert: Talking with Strangers Scott: Storm of Locusts, The Sinister Mystery of the Mesmerizing Girl, Stormlight Archive #4

Discussion and review of Audiobooks.com, a subscription based audiobook service from RBmedia, the largest producer of audiobooks. Audiobooks.com Related Episodes on Audiobook Services: 8: Intro to Audiobooks (Audible) 21: Free Audiobooks From Your Local Library (Overdrive, Libby, and Hoopla) 31: Scribd ('Unlimited' audiobook borrowing) 41: Kobo & Walmart Audiobooks 47: Boston Public Library (including RBdigital) 49: Libro.fm

An audio review of Erin Morgenstern's latest lyrical fantasy novel The Starless Sea, narrated by Dominic Hoffman. Published by Penguin Random House Audio. The Starless Sea [Libro.fm] / [Overdrive] / [Audiobooks.com] / [Audible]   Thank you to the Libro.fm ALC Program and Penguin Random House Audio for providing a review copy of The Starless Sea. Other referenced works: The Night Circus [Episode 1] /[Libro.fm] / [Overdrive] / [Audiobooks.com] / [Audible] Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore [Episode 33] /[Libro.fm] / [Overdrive] / [Audiobooks.com] / [Audible]

Audiobooks make excellent gifts for holidays, birthdays, and other occasions. Digital gift giving can be scheduled in advance or as a last minute option for family and friends. Our guide to gifting Audiobooks provides an overview of some of the most popular ways to give audiobooks as gifts. Full guide available at: Gifting Audiobooks

Our audiobook club listens to and discusses a children's classic: The Phantom Tollbooth, written by Norton Juster, and narrated by Rainn Wilson.  The Phantom Tollbooth [Audible] / [Libro.fm] / [Overdrive] *Alternate Narrations: Norman Dietz  [Overdrive] //David Hyde Pierce (CD): [Amazon] *

An audio review of Entanglement: Quantum + Otherwise, written by John K Danenbarger, and narrated by David De Vries. Published by StormBlock Publishing. Entanglement: Quantum + Otherwise [Audiobooks.com] / [Audible] / [Libro.fm] *Thank you to MindBuck Media for providing a review copy of Entanglement: Quantum + Otherwise.*

Mur Lafferty joined me to discuss her experiences as an editor, author, and narrator of audiobooks and audio fiction. Our discussions include Podcastle and Escape Artists, her self-narration of Six Wakes, and writing for the Star War Wars Universe. *Mur Lafferty is a co-editor of Escape Pod, a finalist for the 2018 Best Semiprozine Hugo Award. As an author, she is a winner of the Astounding Award for Best New Writer; and a finalist for the Hugo, Nebula, and Philip K. Dick Awards for her novel Six Wakes which she self-narrated. She is also a hall of fame podcaster including the Hugo award winning Best Fancast: Ditch Diggers* Merverse  PodCastle - The Science Fiction Podcast Solo: A Star Wars Story [Audible] / [OverDrive] Six Wakes [Audible] / [Libro.fm] / [OverDrive] I Should be Writing [Amazon] / [Indiebound] Minecraft: The Lost Journals [Audible] / [Libro.fm] / [OverDrive]   Other Referenced Works: Harry Potter: A History of Magic [Audible] / [Libro.fm] / [OverDrive] STET The Dispatcher

In celebration of episode 50 of Narrated, Mark Siegal joins me to check in on our audiobook listening habits, catch up on recent audiobook news, provide updates to previous episodes, and to look ahead to a few upcoming audiobook releases that we’re excited for.   Audiobook News: Publisher limitations for library audiobooks Audible Captions lawsuit In-App Purchasing (with credits)   Updates: Audiobook Tech (Apple Watch series 5) Watches [xkcd] Mark's Tidying Up    A few upcoming audiobooks that we're excited to listen to: The Toll [Arc of a Scythe - Book 3] The Starless Sea [Audible] / [Libro.fm] / [OverDrive] Auberon [Expanse Novella] The Sinister Mystery of the Mesmerizing Girl [Audible] / [Libro.fm] / [OverDrive]

Discussion and review of Libro.fm, an audiobook service that allows you to buy digital audiobooks  your local bookstore. I am joined by Shachi Bhatt. Libro.fm [Refferal Link]   Related Episodes on Audiobook Services: 8: Intro to Audiobooks (Audible) 21: Free Audiobooks From Your Local Library (Overdrive, Libby, and Hoopla) 31: Scribd ('Unlimited' audiobook borrowing) 41: Kobo & Walmart Audiobooks 47: Boston Public Library (including RBdigital)   What are we listening to? The Phantom Tollbooth Calypso Storm of Locusts

In ***How To: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-World Problems***, narrated by Wil Wheaton, xkcd creator Randall Munroe explores increasingly absurd approaches to routine tasks. ***How To*** is an enjoyable and educational listen, though the audiobook edition falls short of the high bar set by predecessor ***What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions*** How To [Audible] / [Libro.fm] / [OverDrive] / [Amazon]   **Other Referenced Works:** What If? [Audible] / [Libro.fm] / [OverDrive]  An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth [Audible] / [Libro.fm] / [OverDrive]  How To Throw Things (xkcd)   **Related Episodes:** 43: Road Trip Audiobook Draft   **Contact the Show: ** Twitter: _narrated // Website: Narrated // Subscribe

I am joined by Melissa Andrews, the Collection Development Manager at the Boston Public Library (BPL) to discuss the wide range of audiobook services offered by the library. We also explore  the behind the scenes on how libraries provide audiobooks and other digital services to their patrons including impacts from a shifting publishing landscape.   **Boston Public Library Audiobook Resources:** BPL Audiobooks Shelf Service - Request a personalized reading list BPL Suggest a Purchase  NoveList Plus - Fiction and nonfiction recommendations for adults BPL Stream & Download Options **Boston Public Library Social Media:** Twitter // Facebook //Instagram //YouTube   **Related Episodes:** 21: Free Audiobooks From Your Local Library  

A review of two very different recent Stars Wars audiobooks. Thrawn: Treason, written by Timothy Zahn and narrated by Marc Thompson, is the third in the new canon series featuring the Chiss Grand Admiral. Star Wars Myths and Fables, written by George Mann and narrated by James Monroe Iglehart, is a short story collection of mostly stand alone stories that works well for younger (though not too young) listeners or as brief glimpses at the stories within the Star Wars Universe. *Review copy received for review purposes.* Thrawn: Treason Star Wars Myths & Fables **Other Referenced Works:** Star Wars: Thrawn (Series) // [Ep 19] A to Z Mysteries // [Ep 15] Judy Moody // [Ep 15]     **Contact the Show: ** Twitter: _narrated // Website: Narrated // Subscribe

Wayfarers, a science fiction series written by Becky Chambers and narrated by Rachel Dulude; explores a diverse multi-species universe where Humanity is a minor player. The series stands out for its world building depth and diversity; while Rachel Delude's nuanced narration expertly brings a multi-species cast of characters to life. Guest: Mark Siegal and the majority of our discussion is spoiler free.  The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet (Book 1) A Closed and Common Orbit (Book 2) Record of a Spaceborn Few (Book 3)   **Other referenced works:** Space Opera The Expanse (series) // [Episode 4]   **Contact the Show: ** Twitter: _narrated // Website: Narrated // Subscribe

Audiobook producer Nick Martorelli  joins me to discuss Star Wars audiobook production including the recently released full cast Dooku: Jedi Lost, and the narrators and soundscapes that help bring the Star Wars novels to life. We also discuss upcoming Star Wars releases including Thrawn: Treason and Galaxy's Edge novels. *Nick Martorelli spent a decade as a professional actor before switching to a career in book publishing. He started in ebook production before becoming an audiobook producer with Penguin Random House, where he works on a wide variety of books, including the Star Wars programs. Originally from Philadelphia, Nick considers himself a Trekkie, a Sherlockian, and whatever fans of Superman call themselves.* **Referenced Star Wars Works:** Thrawn Trilogy (Legends) Complete Star Wars Trilogy (NPR audio drama) Dooku: Jedi Lost  Star Wars: The Mighty Chewbacca in the Forest of Fear  Alphabet Squadron Thrawn: Treason Galaxy's Edge: Black Spire Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge: A Crash of Fate   **Other referenced works:** Moonraker The Shadow (1994 Movie) The Shadow (Radio drama) Sherlock Holmes (Radio drama) Dick Tracy (Radio drama) Sergeant Preston of the Yukon (Radio drama)   **Related Episodes:** 38: Dooku: Jedi Lost (Star Wars) 19: Star Wars: Thrawn Series   **Contact the Show: ** Twitter: _narrated // Website: Narrated // Subscribe  

With summer upon us, we are taking a virtual road trip with another Audiobook draft. Panelists Shachi Bhatt, Gilbert Tang, and Mark Siegal join me to discuss what makes a good road trip audiobook and to share our favorite audiobooks for listening with friends, family, or solo on road trips and long car rides. **Round 1:** Shachi: I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend written and narrated by Martin Short [8h 40m] Mark: What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions written by Randall Munroe; narrated by Wil Wheaton [6h 36m] Gilbert: Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman! written by Richard P. Feyman; narrated by Raymond Todd [11h 31m] Scott: As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride written by Cary Elwes and Joe Layden; narrated by Cary Elwes, Christopher Guest, Carol Kane, Norman Lear, Rob Reiner, Chris Sarandon, Andy Scheinman, Wallace Shawn, Robin Wright, and Billy Crystal [7h 1m] **Round 2:** Shachi: In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin written by Erik Larson; narrated by Stephen Hoye [12h 52m] Mark: Bored and Brilliant: How Spacing Out Can Unlock Your Most Productive and Creative Self written and narrated by Manoush Zomorodi [6:58] // [Episode 10] Gilbert: Born a Crime written and narrated by Trevor Noah [8h 44m] // [Episode 16] Scott: Good Omens written by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett; narrated by Martin Jarvis [12h 32m] **Round 3:** Shachi: James and the Giant Peach written by Roald Dahl; narrated by Julian Rhind-Tutt [3h 18m] Mark: The Tale of Despereaux written by Kate DiCamillo; narrated by Graeme Malcolm [3h 30m] Gilbert: The Golden Compass written by Philip Pullman; narrated by Philip Pullman & a full cast // His Dark Materials (series) Scott: One Summer: America, 1927 written and narrated by Bill Bryson [17h 03m]   **Additional Picks:** Shachi: Namesake [10h 10m] Mark: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy [5h 51m]; On the Road [11h 08m] Gilbert: Calypso [6h 39m]; Scythe [10h 32m] // [Episode 12] Scott: Harry Potter (series); The Hobbit [11h 05m]; Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void [10h 27m]   **Other Drafts:** Episode 22: Mount Everest Audiobook Draft Episode 35: Audiobook Draft for New Audiobook Listeners   **Contact the Show: ** Twitter: _narrated // Website: Narrated  

My Life as a Goddess: A Memoir through (Un)Popular Culture, written and narrated by Guy Branum follows the comedian'e early life and career, while also providing listeners with his insightful perspective and insight on history, popular culture, and other topics. Guest: Shachi Bhatt My Life as a Goddess Start your Free Trial with Audible today **Contact the Show: ** Twitter: _narrated // Website: Narrated

Discussion and review of Rakuten Kobo and its partnership with Walmart Audiobooks with guest: Mark Siegal Kobo Walmart Audiobooks ** Related Narrated Episodes on Audiobook Services: ** 8: Intro to Audiobooks * (Audible) * 21: Free Audiobooks From Your Local Library* (Overdrive, Libby, and Hoopla) * 31: Scribd* ('Unlimited' audiobook borrowing) * * **What are we listening to?** * Tiamat's Wrath (Expanse #8) The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning Fortunately, The Milk Trail of Lightning   **Contact the Show: ** Twi tter: _narrated // Website: Narrated // Subscribe

This time we discuss the lives and careers of two iconic comedians based on their audiobooks: Robin, the biography of Robin Williams, written by Dave Itzkoff and narrated by Fred Berman; and Born Standing Up, a memoir written and narrated by Steve Martin about his time as a standup comedian. Guest: Gilbert Tang. Robin Born Standing Up The Great American Laugh Off 1977 (Robin Williams) Steve Martin on The Smothers Brothers (1968) Steve Martin on The Tonight Show (1974)   Start your Free Trial with Audible today **Contact the Show: ** Twitter: _narrated // Website: Narrated // Subscribe

Triggers: Creating Behavior That Lasts - Becoming the Person You Want to Be, written and narrated by Marshall Goldsmith explores approaches to the challanges of adult behavioral change. Guest Mark Siegal joins me to discuss the audiobook (and whispersyncd Ebook) and some of its techniques. Triggers: Audiobook // Ebook (with whispersync) Cortex #66 The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up [Revisit] [Episode 25] Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done [Episode 32] Start your Free Trial with Audible today **Contact the Show: ** Twitter: _narrated // Website: Narrated // Subscribe

Dooku: Jedi Lost (Star Wars), written by Cavan Scott, and narrated by a full cast is an audio only Star Wars novel that explores Count Dooku's past from his beginnings as youngling through his departure from the Jedi order. Published by Penguin Random House Audio. Narrated by a full cast: Orlagh Cassidy as Asajj Ventress Euan Morton as Dooku Pete Bradbury as Gretz Droom Jonathan Davis as Qui-Gon Jinn Neil Hellegers as Ramil Sean Kenin as Sifo-Dyas January LaVoy as Jor Aerith Saskia Maarleveld as Jenza Carol Monda as Lene Kostana Robert Petkoff as Ky Narec Rebecca Soler as Yula Braylon Marc Thompson as Yoda *Advanced copy received for review purposes.* Recording Star Wars Dooku: Jedi Lost audiobook (YouTube) Thrawn: Alliances (Star Wars) [Sponsor]: Start your Free Trial with Audible today **Contact the Show: ** Twitter: _narrated // Website: Narrated // Subscribe

  The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers, written by Maxwell King, is a compelling biography of the beloved host of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and earlier programs. LeVar Burton's Audie nominated narration provides the perfect pairing for this excellent audiobook. The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers Mr. Rogers Neighborhood Reading Rainbow The Children's Corner Fred Rogers on Late Night with David Letterman [YouTube] Mad Feelings (Mister Rogers' Neighborhood #1691-1695) [Amazon] Won't You Be My Neighbor A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood Fred Rogers before 1969 Senate Subcommittee on Communications [YouTube] LeVar Burton on visits Mister Rogers' Neighborhood [YouTube]   **Contact the Show: ** Twitter: _narrated // Website: Narrated

Anneliese Rennie joins me to discuss her experiences as an audiobook narrator and producer including how she got started and how she prepares to narrate a new audiobook. Future's Orphans The Widow’s Maestro Analyze People Indie Audiobook (ACX and Others) Narrators and Producers [Facebook Group] Why you don't like the sound of your own voice   [TED] Audiobook Reads [Discord] Radioactive Evolution The Well Beloved **Anneliese Rennie:** Spectrum Audiobooks Twitter Facebook Reddit AMA **Music:** "Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License, excerpts from original http://creativecommons.or