Podcasts

Recently I have found myself with a lack of interest in listening to both new or old audiobooks (audiobooks I've already adventured through). I have a lot of friends and co-workers who listen to-- or exclusively listen to weekly and bi-weekly podcasts, and I'm just now beginning to understand why. This post will be an effort to not stray from my original intentions, please check back often, and bookmark "Audiobooks at Work"

I will list the most interesting audiobooks that I have really caught-onto recently. The main goal of my blog/site is to help readers entertain themselves at work or in the downtimes. I don't get much feedback from you all, I would love to hear from you all on your audiobook and podcast recommendations. I have written a few podcast recommendations in the past, but will make this thread my main resource for Podcasts that I find outstanding.

Serial-  I reviewed this blog in an earlier post, please read it. I wrote it long before season 2 was released. I found it extraordinary. Season 2 on the other hand was interesting by no where near the level of intrigue as the original series. Season 1 is about Adnan Sayed, did he or didn't he kill his X-Gf while they were in High School? Season 2 is about Beau Bergdahl is he or isn't he guilty? Should he or shouldn't he be punished more, for leaving his Military post?

Lore- When I tell my friends about how great Lore is, it isn't easy to convey how great it is.. It just sounds like every other "ghost story" There is something about this podcast that goes beyond the status quo. The narrator and author is great, as well as the background music. Lore is a series of different mythical/Lore stories from around the world. For example: Goblin Lore from Ireland, Ghost Stories from Massachusetts , Vampire Stories from Romania, etc. These stories are fascinating. It is a mix of History, Fiction, Truth, and Lore, what the people of various countries believe. Often time Lore from around the world is all somewhat connected. I love this series!

Explained- This series is a pleasant "rip-off" of Lore, even though I don't really care to research and find out which podcast was started first. Explained is basically the British version of Lore, I don't think its quite as good, but very close.

The Magicians

By Lev Grossman

   The Magicians Trilogy is American Harry Potter goes to Narnia and does drugs and women. I wanted very badly to like this series because it was recommended to me by a friend whose taste I respect. I listened to the series in its entirety with an open mind and when I was done, seriously don't know if it was good or not. This review is one of the hardest I've ever had to write. The good: It wasn't the worst series I've listened to and it had some unique aspects that I enjoyed. The Bad: The author isn't a great writer. The story line feels very scattered at times and I just wondered "WHY" with some of this side story choices.

   I would recommend trying out the first book and see if you want to go any farther. I also want to see what other people think of the series. I made the mistake of watching a couple of episodes of the TV show. It kind of tainted my feelings of the books.

   What more than I say about the book without spoiling it.. Its a guy who has magical potential and gets a somewhat mysterious invitation to a school called Brakebills, they help him develop his skills, with many misfortunes and poor choices along the way. He graduates before the end of the first book, if memory serves, then is out on his own making more bad choices. He ends up discovering Narnia (basically) and becomes an important part of said "Narnia". I can't say much more.

   I cannot recommend this book, but can recommend trying out the first book to see if it piques your intestest enough to continue to books two and three. Would I listen to a 4th book if one comes out? Probably, only because I've invested this  much time.

★★☆☆☆ 2/5 Stars

Audiobook Length Apprx: 48 hours

Suitable for Ages 17-35

As You Wish

By: Cary Elwes

The Princess Bride is one of the greatest stories of all time, as well as one of the greatest movies. It has romance, action, fantasy, comedy, and lots of adventure. This book entitled "As You Wish" written by Cary Elwes aka Farm Boy aka Westley aka Dread Pirate Roberts is the story behind the story. It is a lovingly written memoir from the making of the movie and the amazing people involved.

Elwes tells all in a behind the scenes sneak peak on how cast came together, stats performed, misfortunes, successes, friendships and much more. There is a lot that you didn't know about Andre the Giant, Inigo Montoya, Princess Buttercup, Vizzini, and the actors stories behind the characters. 

This book was amazing. If you have a love for the movie you will love this fun look behind the scenes. If you haven't seen the movie there is something wrong with you, if you don't like the movie.. you should see it again, or a doctor.

I very much recommend this book to all lovers of The Princess Bride. Give it a listen.

Princess Bride Book is authored by William Goldman

★★★★☆ 4/5 Stars

Audiobook Length Apprx: 8.5 hours

Suitable for All ages

Book to Movie Rating: A+