Contra Costa County Library Guides - Staff Picks

Staff Picks Audiobooks

Dune - Frank Herbert
If you've only ever seen the film (remember Sting, Patrick Stewart, Kyle MacLachlan, etc. circa 1984?), do yourself a favor and listen to this full-cast audio. This is one of the best science fiction novels ever written and listening to it will speed your commute or housecleaning or whatever you do to keep your hands busy when you're in another world. reviewed by Michele 11/16/09
Born on a Blue Day - Daniel Tammet
This is a fascinating memoir about living with Asperger's Syndrome. Tammet describes his synesthesia, his incredible knack for languages and numbers, and his experiences trying to connect with the world and with people. Reviewed by Michele 3/3/09.
Sabriel - Garth Nix
Read by Tim Curry, really need I say more? But if you must….Sabriel is a dark fantasy set in a world where magic still exist. New to her growing powers, Sabriel must journey into the mysterious Old Kingdom, to rescue her father, the necromancer Abhorsen. The mysterious Mogget, a demon cat with questionable intentions, and the troubled warrior, Touchstone, join her. She must search both the world of the living and dead to find the missing Abhorsen and her ultimate destiny. I can’t imagine anyone else voicing this story as well as Tim Curry. He adds just the right of creepiness and humor to make this horror fantasy fun. I recommend it to any one who is not a horror fan but likes a little darkness in their story adventures. Reviewed by staff 1/20/09
Master and Commander - Patrick O'Brian
This is the 1st novel in the Captain Jack Aubrey / Dr. Stephen Maturin series and a wonderful tale read by a very talented actor, Simon Vance. It’s 1800, the time of the Napoleonic wars, and Jack Aubrey has command of the sloop-of-war HMS Sophie. He persuades his new friend Stephen Maturin to come aboard as ship’s surgeon and so their many adventures begin. Simon Vance makes Patrick O’Brian’s wonderful characters live; this book will give you many hours listening pleasure. Reviewed by Michele 9/8/08.