A 6-page digest of Defoe’s famous work for young readers. (Summary by Dennis Sayers)

• e-text
• LibriVox’s The History of Robinson Crusoe Internet Archive page
• Zip file of the entire book 7.6MB

Written for children, James Baldwin’s history of Washington, Franklin, Webster, and Lincoln brings these men to life in a way that will be interesting for adults as well. The stories touch on the little humanities of the great men, rather than dwelling on the great works and great events of their lifetimes, without ignoring the latter. (Summary written by Sibella Denton)

• Gutenberg e-text
• Wikipedia - James Baldwin
• LibriVox’s Four Great Americans: Washington, Franklin, Webster, Lincoln. A Book for Young Americans Internet Archive page
• Zip file of the entire book - 105.6MB

The Philosopher & The Quarterback by Truman Madsen and Steve Young is a talk on MP3 format.
It was given by Truman Madsen and Steve Young at the BYU Women’s Conference.
It was an uplifting talk that helps you become more familiar with the Holy Land and the life of Jesus.
As they tell the story of the Holy Land and where Jesus walked, you get a feel for the land and how it was in Christ’s time.
Even though in the talk they talk about the slides they are showing at the time this talk was given,
you can picture in your mind the lay of the land and how it could have been as
Christ went about teaching his gospel to the people.
I enjoyed the friendship you can hear that these two men have for each other as they talked.
I gained a better understanding of the Holy Land from listening.

Eyre is a 3 hour and 5 minute book where five women share their own stories to help all mothers find humor and wisdom in our own lives.
As mothers we are expected to be the first aid giver to each child and to our husbands, and quite often we are the ones who
need first aid in our own lives.
The sisters all talk about lessons they have learned in their own lives as mothers and wives.
This is a great book, particularly to help us understand that we don’t always have such a hard lot,
and that there is a lot of humor and joy to be found by being at home.
Barbara Bowen quoted James Thurber who said that true humor is emotional
chaos remembered in peaceful tranquiltiy.This is so true in the case of mothers,
as we look back on situations after they have happened and find that they were very often humourous.
I think one of the other things that I particularly liked was something that Barbara Bowen
did with her son which she called tell me your good, the bad and your funnies.
This was a tradition that was shared by both mother and son.
Earlene Blaser shared the experience of her son Brady, and how she learned to accept situations beyond her control
by learning not to judge others without knowing all of the circumstances.
She also employed and talked about ‘the garbage can theory’.
Margaret Archibald talked about how as a mother she uses the it all comes out in the wash theory, meaning that it
is okay to be flexible.

Eyre is a great talk for any mother, as it helps just remind us that sometimes we forget to be
flexible and relax as we strive to raise righteous children.
The whole purpose of this book, as I see it, is to remind me to try harder to
find the humor in raising children and to be flexible.
If I can find the humor in life, I will be more prepared to deal with whatever little challenges
my children bring to me.I will be better able to handle the stress of mothering and running a home.
It is great to know that almost every mother experiences similar situations when it comes to their children.
Thank goodness for that.

Audio books on tape aren’t really what I use or even recommend. To be honest I don’t even own a single audiobook on tape. However, I found this article on the matter and there are a few interesting points:

The law is a very specific thing. In order to be binding the wording has to be exact. In a fair world there would not be loop holes because everyone would know exactly what was meant and not try to subvert the law. Recently audio books on tape found itself in the middle of the legal battles regarding copyright infringement. Is it fair to the author and publishing house for a person to be able to copy the books without their express permission? Is audio books not covered under the same laws that govern the copyright of music and movies?

Audio books on tape found themselves left out in the cold when it came to the lettering of the law. The courts ruled that the wording regarding copyright infringement laws did not apply to books. Many authors
and publishing houses were shocked to find themselves so openly exposed. They had assumed that they were protected in the same manner movies and music was protected from illegal copying and downloading.

After that ruling there were questions regarding whether audio books on tape and audio books CD fell under
this same legislation since technically the book was intellectual property. Could a recording of a book be
rented or downloaded without the author or publishing company’s permission? The terminology of this issue related to what is termed ‘right of first sale’. The courts later determined that the laws governing movies and music’s copyright legalities did not apply to audio books. But the question remains whether or not this is fair and equitable to the authors.

After the terminology and laws were examined the authors and publishing companies started moving in the
right direction so that audio books on tape would be protected in the same manner as that of music and movies. One valuable lesson was learned: you cannot take anything for granted and everything must be specifically spelled out in order to be covered under the often murky definition of the law.

There is no one better qualified to tell us about the failures of the American financial system and the grotesque abuses that have taken place in recent years than John C. Bogle, founder and former chief executive of the Vanguard mutual fund group.

This legendary mutual fund pioneer has witnessed firsthand the innermost workings of the financial industry for more than fifty years and has set the standards for sound investment strategies and stewardship.

Bogle’s prudent advocacy of the rights of individual investors began with his 1951 Princeton University thesis on the fund industry, and he continues to champion the restoration of integrity in industry practices today.

An astute observer, he knows that a trustworthy business and financial complex is essential to America’s continuing leadership in the world and to economic and social progress at home.

This audiobook tells much more than the story about what went wrong.

More important, it tells why we lost our way and how we can right our course. The specific reforms Bogle advances in this program are practical and essential, his recommendations for assuring that investors receive their fair share of financial market returns.

In 1974, John Bogle founded Vanguard as a unique mutual mutual fund company owned by its shareholders. As the firm’s chief executive for more than two decades.

Bogle developed industry-changing innovations-including the world’s first index mutual funds-that have given investors the ability to participate in the market at exceptionally low cost. Bogle remains the authoritative voice that speaks out against the overreaching of the financial establishment. He has been named one of Time magazine’s ‘100 most powerful and influential people in the world’ and one of Fortune magazine’s four investment giants of the twentieth century. In this, his definitive work, he clearly states what must change to reestablish trust in our financial system, protect the interests of investors, and propel our nation forward.

Stefan Rudnicki has narrated over 100 audiobooks, including The Warren Buffett Way and Orson Scott Card’s classic novels Ender’s Game and Speaker for the Dead, both recipients of AudioFile’s ‘Earphones Award.’ Stefan also received a 2005 Audie Award for his reading of Card’s Lost Boys, and he is a GRAMMY-winning audiobook producer.

Reviews:

‘When John Bogle, a 50-year veteran in financial services, says capitalism is in trouble, there is only one proper reaction. You listen. . . . Remarkably well read and logical, Bogle is meticulous in supporting his thesis that our brand of capitalism is failing because of a shift of power away from owners.’-Russ Juskalian, USA Today

‘Passionate, direct and eminently thoughtful, this is a book that rises to that rare ‘must read’ level.’-Jeffrey Marshall, Financial Executive

By Cat Rambo.
Read by Stephen Eley.
First appeared in Asimov’s Science Fiction, March 2008.

‘Sometimes we don’t realize that what we want isn’t good for us,’ the man said, speaking for the first time. He stared intently at Kallakak.

‘Dominance rituals do not work well on me,’ Kallakak said, roughening his voice to rudeness. ‘I will see you in five days in the court.’ He decided not to burn his bridges too far. ‘I will tally up the cost of my goods by then and will have a definite figure.’ Let them think him acquiescent while he tried to find another way to save his shop. He stepped into the lift, but they did not follow him, simply watched as the doors slid closed and he was carried away.

Making his way back to his quarters, he saw three figures standing before it. He paused, wondering if the Jellidoos had decided to lean on him further. The trio turned in unison to face him, and he recognized them with a sinking heart. The cousins.

Rated G. Contains shady commerce and dim relations.

EP160_KalakkaksCousins.mp3

Jellidoo One: ‘Rah Rhost?!’ Jellidoo Two: ‘Like, Zoiks!!’

(They quake for a moment, then disappear in a puff of dust and a high-pitch cartoon noise and footfalls)

Yay! A fun story!

I like thought provoking emotional stories a lot, but sometimes it is just nice to have some literary popcorn, and that is what this was. I’m not left with tears in my eyes, or heavy thoughts in my head (or heart), just general cheeriness. Thank you!

One note: I was picturing Larry, Moe, and Curly (sans violence) more than Larry, Darryl and, Darryl. Their incompetence made me think of 3 Stooges bits like making a cake with a potholder in it.

Great story to listen to while spending the beginning of the weekend doing mind-numbingly boring yard work. I find myself wanting to more of this poor Kallakak’s physiology even though it apparently involves a shoddy urinary tract.

I wonder if you’ve got a typo in the title. Mrs. Rambo’s website has it as ‘Kallakak’s Cousins’ with two Ls and only one middle K. You’ve got it right in the excerpt though!

What a fun story!

I really appreciated Kalakkak’s Vulcan-like stiff-upper-lip-ness in his attempts throughout the story. It was humorous to follow him trying to catch multiple curveballs being thrown at him by his situation. I appreciated it, because Kalakkak is like me, apart from the pair of mid-hands and sheathed claws, of course.

The cousins reminded me a lot of some of the old Donald Duck comics, with his nephews Huey, Dewey and Lewie frustrating Donald’s attempts at a peaceful existence, not out of malice, but due to their own misadventures.

Thanks for making my week once again, Steve!

Source: Librivox
Length: 18 min
Reader: William Coon

The story: In the heat of a debate over the morality of capital punishment versus life imprisonment, a lawyer and a banker propose a bet: for a stake of 2 million, the lawyer will remain imprisoned in a room of the doctor’s estate for 15 years. During this time, he is not allowed any visitors, letters, or newspapers, but may have books, food, wine, and a musical instrument. Over the next 15 years, the lawyer seems to try out different ways to cope with his isolation. Finally, the eve of the prisoner’s release arrives and the doctor is restless with worry, not so much for the freed lawyer, but for himself.

This story is an excellent example of Chekhov’s ability to blend plot with meaning. The lawyer’s reading habits within his jail reflect almost every response not just to imprisonment, but to the loneliness of the human condition: escapism, literature, sensualism, intellectual accomplishment, religion, and science. This search mirrors the plight of the preacher in the Book of Ecclesiastes, right down to the conclusion, “Everything is meaningless!” Combined with the Biblical allusions and profound insight, Chekhov builds a tale that is also suspenseful. The doctor’s malevolent intentions not only provide a counterpoint to the lawyer’s search for meaning, but bring the story to a thrilling climax.

The reader: William Coon really gets the listener into the story. The deep, resonant voice is perfect for this piece. As the story gathers steam, the pace and tension of the reading increase, moving the action along. This piece is read so well, you might assume that Mr. Coon is not just a dedicated Librivox volunteer, but a professional voice-over artist - and now he is! If you’re looking for more pieces read by Mr. Coon, he has started doing professional work

As wealthy financier, Hugh Mainwaring dictates his last will and testament to his private secretary, it would be impossible for him to imagine the shocking chain of events that he is about to set into motion. This best-selling mystery novel was first published in 1901 and remains an entertaining mix of detective work, courtroom drama and family intrigue. (Summary by J. M. Smallheer)

• Gutenberg e-text
• LibriVox’s That Mainwaring Affair Internet Archive page
• Zip file of the entire book - 271.2MB

A book of short fables with morals. (Summary by DSayers)

• Gutenberg e-text
• LibriVox’s Rock A Bye Library: A Book of Fables Internet Archive page
• Zip file of the entire book 6.1MB

Isabella Bird began travelling while in her early twenties to help alleviate illness that had plagued her since childhood. She was a single woman in her early forties when she made her treck through the Rocky Mountains. A Lady’s Life in the Rocky Mountains details this fascinating account of her travels through a series of letters written to her sister, Henrietta. These letters are filled with beautiful, vivid descriptions of the scenery, the people she encountered, the way of life, and a mountain man named Jim Nugent, that was as rough as they come, but a complete gentleman with Ms. Bird. She has the distinction of being the first woman to become a member of the Royal Geographical Society in 1892. (Summary by Laura Caldwell)

• Gutenberg e-text
• Wikipedia - Isabella Bird
• LibriVox’s A Lady’s Life in the Rocky Mountains Internet Archive page
• Zip file of the entire book

The book tells the alleged story of a righteous Israelite of the Tribe of Naphtali named Tobit living in Nineveh after the deportation of the northern tribes of Israel to Assyria in 721 BC under Sargon II. (Summary by Wikipedia, modified by Sam Stinson)

• Gutenberg e-text
• Wikipedia - Book of Tobit
• LibriVox’s Book of Tobit (Tobias) Internet Archive page
• Zip file of the entire book 20.4MB

The story revolves around Judith, a daring and beautiful widow, who is upset with her Jewish countrymen for being unwilling to engage their foreign conquerors. She goes with her loyal if reluctant maid Abra to the camp of the enemy general, Holofernes, to whom she slowly ingratiates herself, promising him both sexual favors and information on the Israelites. Gaining his trust (though not having delivered on either promise), she is allowed access to his tent one night as he lies in a drunken stupor. She decapitates him, then takes his head back to her fearful countrymen. The Assyrians, having lost their leader, disperse, and Israel is saved. Though she is courted by many, she remains unmarried for the rest of her life. (Summary by Wikipedia)

• Gutenberg e-text
• Wikipedia - Book of Judith
• LibriVox’s Book of Judith Internet Archive page
• Zip file of the entire book 27.0MB

La Société des Amis des Noirs est une association créée le 19 février 1788 qui avait pour but l’abolition immédiate de la traite des Noirs et non de l’esclavage; d’une part dans le souci de maintenir l’économie des colonies françaises, et d’autre part dans l’idée qu’avant d’accéder à la liberté, les Noirs devaient y être préparés, et donc éduqués.

The Society of the Friends of the Blacks (French: Société des amis des Noirs or Amis des noirs) was a group of French men, mostly white, which were abolitionists (opponents of Black slavery and the African slave trade). The association was created on February 19, 1788, and was led by Jacques-Pierre Brissot, with advice from Thomas Clarkson who headed the abolitionist movement in the Kingdom of Great Britain. At the beginning of 1789, it had 141 members.
(from Wikipedia)

• Gallica e-text
• Wikipedia (français) - Société des Amis des Noirs
• Wikipedia (English) - Society of the Friends of the Blacks
• Wikipedia (français) - Jacques Pierre Brissot
• Wikipedia (English) - Jacques Pierre Brissot
• LibriVox’s Adresse à l’Assemblée nationale, pour l’abolition de la traite des Noirs Internet Archive page
• Zip file of the entire book (11.8MB)

I touched in this on Tuesday’s post, but it’s like I can’t stop myself.
First off, I love listening to audiobooks.

• In the car (not with the kids - I do talk to them instead).
• While exercising.
• If a book is good enough, I’ll even listen while cleaning.

Audiobooks are fantastic. The readers have to be some of the most talented people I know, and being able to read a book while doing something else is such a great use of time.
But I’ve come to the conclusion I need to stop listening to series on audiobooks. I actually came to this conclusion many series ago, but I can’t seem to stop myself. Here’s how it generally goes.

First book - I love it. It’s brilliant. The narrator gives such life to the characters.

Second book - Small flaws begin to stick out. Adverbs scream out at me. Characters repeat some dialogue which was used in book one. I notice it, and it starts to tickle my brain somewhere.

Third book - Every time the main character does something stupid, I cuss at her/him. They do the dumbest things in every situation, really, they shouldn’t be because they’ve had two books before this to learn from their mistakes. Have they learned nothing? And every time they talk, I want to scream. By now dialogue repeats enough to drive anyone nuts.

BUT…

I really want to point out this is strictly an audiobook thing. The books are really great. And I guarantee that 90% of the time, if I were reading the same books, I’d never notice any of these annoyances. But having someone read it to me makes everything stand out.
(Sidenote: I see things “planted” by the writer - do you?)

So why do I keep listening to series on audiobooks?
I guess secretly I keep hoping I’ll find a series where this won’t happen. I actually managed to get through about eight Janet Evanovich audiobooks and loved each and every one. Then I finally hit my limit. Her dialogue is exceptional, however, which might account for how I got through so many. I also listened to probably 10 Terry Pratchett books before they changed the narrator. I couldn’t go with the change; I loved the old narrator, and had to give up the new books.

So my question - Do you listen to audiobooks, and what’s the best series you’ve listened to?

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Ted Genoways, editor of Virginia Quarterly Review, writes to say, “We’re gathering tributes and memorials for George Garrett at the VQR website. Many of George’s friends and colleagues have already weighed in, but we would love to hear from anyone who was touched by him as a writer, teacher, or mentor.”

The Awakening of Europe by M. B. Synge is the third book in the series, Story of the World. Included in this history is a myriad of interesting men, women, and events that shaped Europe during the years 1520-1745. (Summary by Laura Caldwell)

• Mainlesson e-text
• LibriVox’s The Awakening of Europe Internet Archive page
• Zip file of the entire book - 173.6MB

Een allegorisch verhaal als commentaar op de toestand van de Nederlandse samenleving anno 1841, in de ogen van E.J. Potgieter. Jan en Jannetje (die staan voor de oorspronkelijke Nederlandse bevolking vanaf ongeveer 1500) vieren Oudejaarsavond 1841 met hun kinderen, waaronder zoons Janmaat (zeevaart), Jan Contant en Jan Crediet (handel), Jan Compagnie (kolonien), en Jan Cordaat (leger). Het blijkt slecht te gaan met het gezin (dus met Nederland) in de 19e eeuw - en dat ligt aan de jongste zoon, Jan Salie (geest van lamlendigheid die volgens Potgieter heerst in de 19e eeuw). Wat moeten ze met Jan Salie beginnen? (Samenvatting door Anna Simon)

Read in Dutch.

• e-text
• Wikipedia - E.J. Potgieter
• LibriVox’s Jan, Jannetje en hun jongste kind Internet Archive page
• Zip file of the entire book (28 MB)

Schiller (1759 - 1805), einer der Weimarer Klassiker, bekannt als Dichter und Dramatiker, studierte zunächst Medizin, wirkte auch als Philosoph und Historiker. Seine in meisterhaftem Deutsch geschriebene Geschichte des dreißigjährigen Kriegs gibt tiefe Einblicke in diesen und seine weitreichenden Folgen. (Summary by redaer)