6.28.2012

Audio Week ~ Favorite Narrators

Thursday on Audio Week asks, What Makes a Good Narrator?

Who are your favorite narrators and why? What do you look for in a narrator? Have a preference between male or female narrators?

Alternate suggestion: Narration preferences – single narrator, multiple narrators, full cast, etc.


Immediately when I read this question I thought about earlier this year when I listened to the book One Day because TRUTHFULLY it was not my cup of tea.  Not. At. All.  In fact, I'm guessing if I was reading the darn thing, I would have chucked it halfway through (if that) (and also, I started to watch the movie because SOMETIMES romantic books are better portrayed in film fashion, not the case here).

BUT I listened to the whole dang thing because the narrator's voice captivated me.  Was it the accents?  Who knows. I just couldn't hit the eject button.

And I know that I keep coming to how awesome this narration is, but The Daughter of Smoke and Bone, man...I don't know if I'd be loving this book as hard if it weren't for the narrator.  First, how much do I love having someone to TELL me how to pronounce words in a fantasy book.  ('Cuz you know, in part the lack of verbalizing the world building is what shies me away from the genre).  But here's this narrator who takes on these amazing voices and accents and I just want to DIE.  (BTW the narrator's name is Khristine Hvam.  I totally want to read more of her stuff but my library just doesn't care it.  *sad face*

I'd be very interested in listening to a full cast.  I think that it would work the best when a story takes on multiple points of view but who knows.  I'd have to see what's out there.

As always, I'm looking for suggestions.  I'm almost done with The Daughter of Smoke and Bone *sob* and will need a new audio....

6 comments:

  1. I have absolutely had a few books that I wouldn't have liked if it hadn't been for the narrator.

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  2. That's a truly amazing narrator who can keep you listening to a book you're not liking.

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  3. I really want to listen to Daughter of Smoke and Bone. I read the book but hear Hvam does an amazing job. I checked on audible and she has read 87 books - wow!!
    Agreed it's great to have some help with the pronunciation by listening to the audiobook. One audio you may want to try is Blood Red Road. The written style is a little tricky to get used to but Heather Lind does a wonderful job with the narration.

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  4. I've been hearing a lot about Daughter of Smoke and Bone this week. Might have to check it out.

    That's great that a narrator kept you from chucking the book.

    Kristin @ Always With a Book

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  5. You didn't listen to Ready Player One, huh? I think if you had listened to it you would have enjoyed it more. If you did listen to it, ignore me. :)

    Narrators make or break it for me but I don't pay much attention to them (at least until recently). Have been hearing so much about Daughter of Smoke and Bone...I'm intrigued!!

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  6. One of the problems is that most of Khristine Hvam titles are produced by Audible's line of audiobooks, which are aren't available in hard copies, except for the occasionally title rereleased by Brilliance, usually months later. Pretty much you have to buy them at Audible, or on I-Tunes.

    she was one of four narrators on Juliaanna Baggot's Pure, which was also from Hachette. Also, I though Casey Holloway was excellent on that production.

    My favorite Khristine Hvam title is A Beautiful Friendship by David Weber.

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