More Than Just Words There are so many mediums that feature more than just words and enhance a story in a multitude of ways. Examples may include graphic novels and comics, audiobooks, or even multimedia novels. On this day, we will be talking about those books and formats that move beyond just the words and use other ways to experience a story. Which books stand out to you in these different formats?
The book Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein popped right into my head as soon as I read the question. I tried twice to read this book in print, but just could not move forward. I had heard it was excellent and could not understand why it was not grabbing my attention. I was perusing the audio selections at the library, saw this book, and decided to give it a listen.
WOW!, it was a totally different experience listening. I was engaged, and could not wait for opportunities to listen. I loved Maddie and Verity, and was so afraid for them both. The narrators Morven Christie and Lucy Gaskell did a fantastic job! Tissues were needed for this listen!
Do not let the fact that this is classified as a Young Adult book put you off. It is fantastic.
When “Verity” is arrested by the Gestapo, she’s sure she doesn’t stand a chance. As a secret agent captured in enemy territory, she’s living a spy’s worst nightmare. Her Nazi interrogators give her a simple choice: reveal her mission or face a grisly execution. They'll get the truth out of her. But it won’t be what they expect.
As she intricately weaves her confession, Verity uncovers her past, how she became friends with the pilot Maddie, and why she left Maddie in the wrecked fuselage of their plane. On each new scrap of paper, Verity battles for her life, confronting her views on courage, failure and her desperate hope to make it home. But will trading her secrets be enough to save her from a merciless and ruthless enemy?
A couple of other books that I thought were fantastic on audio are The Fault In Our Stars by John Green and The Ocean At The End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman.
19 comments:
I always find that a well narrated book adds to it and helps me appreciate it more. I have always intended to read The Fault is in Our Stars - I hear its sad but wonderful. I think I will read it though. Don't know if I am brave enough to listen to it!
The audio is new to me. My one experience of it on a site did not endear me to it. Maybe it was the flat tone for the entire book.
I guess it all depends on who reads it.
Audio can definitely bring a book to life!
Audio hasn't worked for me but I completely understand when one format doesn't work and another does, glad you tried again.
I am not into YA but this one has intrigued me so maybe I will go for it.
I've read both The Fault in Our Stars and the Ocean at the End of the Lane, and I enjoyed both, so I'll probably like Code Name Verity, too! I have trouble with audiobooks, but maybe I should give one a try!
Found your post interesting in how audio made all the difference with certain books.
I haven't heard about this one. It sounds good.
I really loved Code Name Verity! Glad you tried the audiobook and loved it too!
I sometimes will pick up an audio if I'm iffy about the book. I think hearing someone read it can really make a difference!
I'd like to try this one
I have also heard that Code Name Verity and its companion book, and The Fault in our Stars are wonderful YA-Adult stories. I don't do audio (but that's just my preference, the same way that we are all different type of learners in school: audio, visual, written). I think that's great that when one format doesn't work another one will. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I am sadly still pining for those titles in print.
I really loved this book, hope you enjoy it as well.
A good narrator(s) can definitely bring a book to life. I haven't read The Fault In Our Stars yet but when I do it will be in audio. I have heard so many good things about it. And I could listen to Neil Gaiman read just about anything!
This is the third time I've seen Code Name Verity mentioned on a blog! I really need to try it out if I ever get into audiobooks.
Experiencing a book on paper and on audio are two different things, aren't they? Sometimes they are brought to life and sometimes they sre ruined.
I really liked this book on my Kindle and I can image it was great in audio. Thanks for sharing.
I am glad that the audio worked for you. I liked the sample I listened to on Audible. I read the print version as an ARC and I am planning to give the audio a try. It is going to be a free download for SYNC.
It is interesting how listening to a book can change a reading experience. I just listened to Saving CeeCee Honeycutt, a book I loved when I read it a few years ago and the audio was so good because of the narrator. I feel the same way about The Help which I am listening to now.
I've got my fingers crossed now that I can get this on audible. I'd be lost without a good audiobook each week and I've been meaning to read this one for ages but I keep putting it off. Thanks Nise
This has been on my wish list for ages, but I hadn't considered listening... love dual narrator productions though! I've heard her next book is wonderful, too.
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