Several of our readers have asked us to include audiobooks in our Seabrookers Are Reading… column. We think that’s a great idea and you’ll see the first few below. If you’ve listened to an especially good unabridged narration of a book, send your recommendation(s) along to seabrookislandblog@gmail.com. Since the skill of the narrator can be as important as the words, be sure to include the narrator’s name along with the title and author. Please include your name even though it will NOT be published. Tidelines editors will provide a blurb to tell a little about the book and add the audiobook image.
Becoming
written and narrated by Michelle Obama
This memoir of former First Lady Michelle Obama, published in 2018, is the very personal account of her life thus far. She talks about her childhood in South Side Chicago and how her upbringing molded her; her years at college and law school; her high-powered job in a top law firm in Chicago; her romance with Barack Obama; her role as a mother; and her time in the White House. It is not always a good thing for an author to narrate her book, but in this case, it’s perfect. We recognize her voice and it makes her story all the more compelling.
Creole Belle
written by James Lee Burke
narrated by Will Patton
Burke has written more than three dozen books and the Dave Robicheaux series is perhaps his most famous. Robicheaux is a detective, first as a member of the NOPD, then New Iberia PD and then as a PI. The Delta region of Louisiana is where most of the action takes place. Burke’s novels are gritty, dense, complex stories and place becomes a character. Will Patton’s narration adds tremendously to the story. You’ll feel like you’re sitting in the French Quarter hearing the trolley, the music, and the street people and smelling the sultry, damp environment. Burke’s books will never be described as a cozy mystery but readers and listeners who enjoy a good hard-boiled detective story will not be disappointed with any of Burke’s books. Look for those narrated by Will Patton.
The Dutch House
written by Ann Patchett
narrated by Tom Hanks
We’ve published this title before but we include it here because it’s narrated expertly by Tom Hanks. At the end of the Second World War, Cyril Conroy combines luck and a single canny investment to begin an enormous real estate empire, propelling his family from poverty to enormous wealth. His first order of business is to buy the Dutch House, a lavish estate in the suburbs outside of Philadelphia. Meant as a surprise for his wife, the house sets in motion the undoing of everyone he loves.
Little Women
written by Louisa May Alcott
narrated by Barbara Caruso
This beloved classic has received considerable interest with the opening of the new movie with a star-studded cast. Set in the 19th century, the story follows the lives of four sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March as they live, learn, love, grow and blossom into fine young women. There are several narrations of the book so be sure to look for the one by Barbara Caruso.
Share the joy of reading and listening with other Seabrookers and learn about some noteworthy titles. We welcome your submissions.
–Tidelines Editors