Evo Terra, of Podiobooks.com, has Five Free Favourites for us – these are the ones he thinks will surprise you. Many of his “favourites” are in the SF realm – but they’re just the same old block-busters that everyone pointing to Podiobooks.com would consider their favourites, and so, he figures it’s time for him to extol the virtues of some non-SF books that are also his favourites. And to that end, here are Evo’s…
The Five Free Favourites I’d include aren’t science fiction titles. However, being an avid science fiction reader, I’m pretty confident that at least some SF listeners occasionally take a break from SF too and are just looking for something good to listen to. Allow me, if I may, to offer up these hidden gems from Podiobooks.com that might activate different neurons in your brain:
1.
Clear Heart
By Joe Cottonwood; Read by Joe Cottonwood and Susan Walker
Podiobook – [UNABRIDGED]
Publisher: Podiobooks.com
Published: October 2007 – January 2008
Listen to the promo |MP3|
I’d call this a good companion piece to Zen and the Art of Motorccyle Maintenance, except it’s about building houses. No, I’m not even remotely interested in the intricacies of the construction trade. But I do love a good story where heroes don’t always fit the mold Hollywood creates for us. And the voice acting of the female roles is superb.
2.
Crusade
By Greg Crites; Read by Gregg Crites
Podiobook – [UNABRIDGED]
Publisher: Podiobooks.com
Published: May 2008 – June 2008
Listen to the promo |MP3|
I really didn’t want to like this book. The author/narrator is crass, abrasive and downright offensive at times. And funny as hell. If you don’t mind the less-than-delicate treatment of religion and the near-constant drug and drinking references, prepare to garner odd stares from co-workers as you listen and burst out with the giggles often.
3.
In Search of #6
By Damon Timm; Read by Damon Timm
Podiobook – [UNABRIDGED]
Publisher: Podiobooks.com
Published: March 2007
I’m not the most active person in the world, and a travelogue of two fools bicycling from Washington State down to San Francisco sounds less-than-compelling. Yet it’s not about that. It’s about the little things that happen along the way as told by the incredibly gifted narration of Damon Timm. It’s almost enough to make me get on a bike. Almost.
4.
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The Best Laid Plans
By Terry Fallis; Read by Terry Fallis
Podiobook – [UNABRIDGED]
Publisher: Podiobooks.com
Published:
Why would a guy like me who cares little for politics inside my own country care anything about a satirical novel of politics from ANOTHER country? Because Terry Fallis weaves a masterful tale. And I could listen to him read the phonebook. His characters are both true-to-life and bigger-than-life at the same time. That takes talent.
5.
Karl’s Last Flight
By Basil Sands; Read by Basil Sands
Podiobook – [UNABRIDGED]
Publisher: Podiobooks.com
Published: July 2007 – October 2007
Listen to the promo |MP3|
OK, so this one may be a little bit in the SF realm, since the main character is an astronaut. Of sorts. For a short time. But then it
quickly becomes a great modern-day thriller of espionage and terrorism. With actions and characters that could be ripped out of today’s headlines, Basil weaves an old soldiers past with his current dangerous behind-enemy-lines reality. Fast paced, with deep and complex characters. You won’t want to put it down.
Posted by Evo Terra