Heard any good books lately? Part 2

Now that the weather’s getting better (okay, maybe not this week), I’m soooo excited to start talking walks in the forest preserves again. And audiobooks make great walking companions! Here are a few that I’m going to try.  I’m including pictures of the narrators too, because it’s fun to know where those amazing voices come from.  All titles are linked to the CMPLD catalog.

Michael Boatman

The Good Lord Bird by James McBride, read by Michael Boatman.

In this witty, imaginative take on history, McBride reimagines abolitionist John Brown through the eyes of Henry, a 12-year-old slave. Boatman, whom you might recognize from the TV show “Spin City,” gives an expert performance as Henry while also giving life to voices of historical characters like Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass.

Mark Deakins

The Painter by Peter Heller, read by Mark Deakins.

Jim Stegner, a painter living in self-imposed exile in rural Colorado, finds himself battling inner demons while creating great art. It’s filled with drama and suspense, and Deakins’ subtle narration beautifully captures the Stegner’s range of emotions in his search for peace. This is an engrossing, memorable tale.

Katherine Kellgren

The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen, read by Katherine Kellgren.

In this fantasy adventure, 19-year-old Kelsea ascends the throne of her kingdom and is faced with insurmountable challenges. Magic, political intrigue, and interesting characters abound in this first volume of a trilogy. Kellgren’s polished performance and strong pacing bring the characters to life

Robert Glenister

The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith, read by Robert Glenister.

Second in J.K. Rowling’s Cormoran Strike series (Galbraith is her pseudonym), this is a well-plotted, fast-paced whodunit. Her characters are fully drawn and relatable, and Glenister’s narration expertly captures their varying personalities, backgrounds, and attitudes. I am hooked on this series and can’t wait for the next installment.

Meryl Streep (like she needs a caption)

The Testament of Mary by Colm Toibin, read by Meryl Streep.

Meryl Streep? Enough said. Never mind that this is a fantastic and highly acclaimed book about a woman haunted by her memories. Add Streep’s narration and you’ve got a winner.

–Andrea Larson, alarson@cooklib.org