1. Positively Fifth Street: Murderers, Cheetahs, And Binion's World Series of Poker by James McManus
Non-Fiction. Great Story + Great Reader = Great Listen. Follow McManus as he simultaneously covers a murder trial and plays his way to the final table of the world series of poker. I've listened to it 3 times.
2. Anything from the Amelia Peabody Series by Elizabeth Peters
Fiction. This series follows an incredible cast of characters over a 30 plus year span as they pursue their archeological endeavors in Egypt while solving the occasional crime and murder. Reader Barbara Rosenblatt is AMAZING!
3. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
Fiction. Yes, it is a super creepy book and Jeremy Iron's read only makes it creepier. Be ready for your skin to crawl.
4. Rose by Martin Cruz Smith
Fiction. Set in the coal mines of 19th century Britain with a confusing but incredibly well drawn cast of characters. I actually read the book AFTER listening to it. Beautifully written.
5. Anything from The 44 Scotland Street Series by Alexander McCall Smith
Fiction. Set in Edinburgh, this series started as a daily in the Edinburgh paper and follows the complicated lives of the residents of 44 Scotland Street. Very entertaining and Smith has a gift for bringing characters to life. You should read or listen to them in order, however.
6. Anything from The Portuguese Irregular Verbs Series by Alexander McCall Smith
Fiction. I can't really explain these but they are hilarious. Just give them a listen.
7. The Stephanie Plum Series by Janet Evanovich
Fiction. Yeah I know. I refer you to the disclaimer in the first paragraph. The stories are ridiculous and improbable, the characters over the top and stereo typical and each book has the same plot, but they are a riot and very entertaining, especially the books read by Lori Petty.
8. Moo by Jane Smiley
Fiction. A portrait of a mid-western college focused on it's staff and students. Jane Smiley is a fantastic story teller and paints vivid pictures of the characters and settings.
9. Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver
Fiction. I am usually wary of books read by the author (actors are actors for a reason) but Kingsolver does a very nice job. And the book itself is a fascinating mix of character, story and science.
10. Game Change: Obama and the Clintons, McCain and Palin, and the Race of a Lifetime by John Heilemann and Mark Halperin
Non-Fiction. A fascinating account of the 2008 presidential primaries and election. It's remarkable as much for the degree of access afforded to Heilemann and Halperin as for the subject matter and story line.
