Listening to the original story that has inspired so many storybooks and cartoons is a delightful treat. And this performance by Samuel West is superb. From the opening passages West’s charismatic voice draws listeners to immediate attention. He delivers deliciously imaginative character voices--Wendy, Hook, Smee, Peter and each of the boys and pirates. West’s brilliant storytelling brings out the more subtle side of Barrie’s enduring classic, not just the characters, but also the strong sense of fair play and personal virtue. The usual superb selections of music and a smooth abridgment make this family listening not to be missed. R.F.W. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine
Stories about pirates fascinated people for hundreds of years. This is why so many books about pirates fill bookstore shelves that it’s hard to decide which one to read next. Many moons ago, I threw a Pirates vs. Ninjas party (shut up; I know.) I don’t know how many pirates showed up, but I can […]
If it weren’t for books, movie theaters would be a whole lot less interesting. And for readers, nothing is more delightful than seeing a beloved story brought to life faithfully and vividly on the silver screen. Make sure you’re part of the conversation by checking out the books below you see their adaptations in theaters.
Ah, children’s literature, realm of innocent fun and magical beings who bring a sense of wonder and adventure to bedtimes everywhere. Assuming, of course, that your idea of innocent fun involves things like death, torture, monster attacks, and that most popular profession among characters in children’s books—kidnapping. The fact that many kids’ books sport seriously dark subtext isn’t […]
Today marks the paperback release of Anthony Breznican’s Brutal Youth, which received a starred review from Library Journal and extraordinary blurbs from such heavy hitters as Stephen King and Gillian Flynn. Youth is an emotionally devastating book that centers on bullying at a Catholic High School in the 1990s, and the heartbreaking friendships forged out of that fire. A Entertainment Weekly who reports behind-the-scenes film news, Mr. Breznican graciously found […]
While I count down the hours till all my questions about the gender-bent Twilight can be answered (How closely does it track to the original? How effectively will Meyer convince us the swap doesn’t change the heart of the story? Did parents really spell it “Edythe” 100 years ago?), I’m daydreaming of other books I’m dying to see […]