Who do you like to listen to? Most of our patrons who check out audiobooks agree that the narrator of the book makes a big difference in how well they enjoy it. Most of today's audiobook performers do an outstanding job, but every once in a while listeners may find one whose voice just rubs them the wrong way. And author-read books, while that sounds like a good idea, are not always the best as authors may be good at writing but not the best at performing. So for this week's question I'd like to ask: Who is your favorite (or least favorite) audiobook narrator?
As for myself, I love the polish that narrator Geoge Guidall brings to any book he reads. I am also astounded by his ability to master foreign pronuciations, like in the book China Run where there were several Chinese names in the story. Of course I don't know how authentic his pronunciations were, but he sure made them sound authentic and read them effortlessly! And I actually got to meet him once, when he came and did a program at the Utah Library Association, so now it's like listening to an old friend whenever I hear his voice.
I also love Barbara Rosenblats voice. I have heard her read at Utah Library Association, also. I love her reading Gilman's Mrs. Pollafax audiobooks. Mrs. Pollifax is a widow, who is so depressed after her husband's death that she is thinking of ending her life. Her young doctor convinces her to do something she has always wanted to do. She agrees to try, she just does not tell her doctor she has always wanted to be a spy. She goes to the C.I.A. to volunteer and she is mistakenly identified as an agent and sent to Mexico on assignment.
A good place to go to look for good narrators is Audiofile Magazine's Golden Voices gallery, where you can even play the "name that narrator" quiz.
As for myself, I love the polish that narrator Geoge Guidall brings to any book he reads. I am also astounded by his ability to master foreign pronuciations, like in the book China Run where there were several Chinese names in the story. Of course I don't know how authentic his pronunciations were, but he sure made them sound authentic and read them effortlessly! And I actually got to meet him once, when he came and did a program at the Utah Library Association, so now it's like listening to an old friend whenever I hear his voice.
I also love Barbara Rosenblats voice. I have heard her read at Utah Library Association, also. I love her reading Gilman's Mrs. Pollafax audiobooks. Mrs. Pollifax is a widow, who is so depressed after her husband's death that she is thinking of ending her life. Her young doctor convinces her to do something she has always wanted to do. She agrees to try, she just does not tell her doctor she has always wanted to be a spy. She goes to the C.I.A. to volunteer and she is mistakenly identified as an agent and sent to Mexico on assignment.
A good place to go to look for good narrators is Audiofile Magazine's Golden Voices gallery, where you can even play the "name that narrator" quiz.
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