Delayed (audio) gratification

For better or worse, I tend to rely on anticipation as a coping mechanism. Setting dates (what a surprise for a librarian) and looking forward to an event helps to distract me from the occasional drudgery of daily existence. I’m not sure why this is so, but I tend to chalk it up to an early exposure to a certain Heinz ketchup commercial that has forever put a Carly Simon song in my head. And definitely not in a good way.

If you are a fellow devotee of delayed gratification, and enjoy listening to audiobooks, you might want to check out a few of the library’s recent on-order audiobook titles. On-order simply means we have ordered the title, but are waiting for it to be published and sent to us for processing. While the audiobook won’t be on the shelf right now, you can place a hold and look forward to getting the title in the not too distant future.

We have definitely ordered some of the more anticipated audio blockbusters for you to enjoy (by the likes of John Grisham, Tom Clancy, Helen Fielding, Elizabeth George, and Danielle Steel) but I’m going to list a few of the titles that might not be on your radar but that are definitely worth anticipating.

The Abominable by Dan Simmons

If you were a fan of his novel The Terror, this one looks like a return to form for Dan Simmons. Expect blinding snow storms, lots of history and something wicked lurking just outside the meager warmth of the campfire. This time around, the doomed attempt to find the Northwest Passage is replaced by an attempt to climb Mt. Everest in the 1920s. Simmons’ books are heavy on historical detail but that is what makes them so intriguing. He is also great at building tension and a master of the slow reveal. With this audiobook clocking in at 1770 minutes and 24 discs it should keep you entertained for the longest of road trips. Just go somewhere warm.

Ender’s Game Alive by Orson Scott Card

Timed to coincide with the film release of Ender’s Game, this audiobook is a dramatization written by Orson Scott Card and based on his bestselling novel. Being totally new to the Ender’s Game universe I thought this would be a good introduction. The cast is made up of many audiobook narration veterans so it should be a good listen. If you want to delve deeper and listen to various authors, including Orson Scott Card, discuss the Enders universe, you might want to check out Ender’s World: Fresh Perspectives on the SF classic Ender’s Game.

Doctor Who: A History by Alan Kistler

Are you confused when you try to place each Doctor along the space-time continuum? Having trouble figuring out where the Daleks and Cybermen originated? If you are like me and have just dabbled in the expansive world of Dr. Who, this guide should be a boon. Starting with the first episode in 1963 and continuing all the way to the selection of Peter Capaldi as the twelfth Doctor this work explains everything Dr. Who related. As a side benefit, if you listen to this title it should help with the correct pronunciations of adversaries of the Doctor such as the Ogrons, Autons, Ood, Judoon, Sontarans and Mawdryn.

Hollywood Said No! by Bob Odenkirk &David Cross

This title has already arrived, but you will have to wait a bit to get it so anticipation is involved. Plus it sounds freaking awesome. Comprised of rejected scripts, sketches, and ideas that were created by Bob Odenkirk &David Cross (the stars of Mr. Show among many other things) but turned down by Hollywood, this is a gem of an audiobook. You could read the book, but why not listen to both authors read the material along with other guest stars as they fully flesh out the material. David Cross has proven himself to be an excellent audiobook narrator, as evidenced on his recording of I Drink for a Reason, so expect great things.

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

Don’t let the “classic” status of this tale scare you away. The original material, before all the films and other permutations, still has the ability to shock and disturb. The real draw here though, is that this audiobook is narrated by Michael Kitchen. You may know him as the star of Foyle’s War among other things, but he has a voice made for narration. His tonal switch from the rational, and smugly confident, Dr. Jekyll to the sinister and bestial Mr. Hyde is quite convincing. It also doesn’t hurt to have an authentic English accent when delivering Victorian prose.

If you want to take a look at all the audiobooks that are on-order and make you own selections do so by all means. Enjoy the anticipation.

Be sure to visit A Reading Life for more reviews and news of all things happening at the Everett Public Library.