Falkirk Libraries have the pleasure of leading an audiobook group at Forth Valley Sensory Centre. The individuals who attend the group each experience some degree of sight loss, so audiobooks are a hugely important source of information and entertainment.
While we don’t always share the same opinion of a story, we all agree on one very crucial thing: The narrator plays a big role in your enjoyment of an audiobook.
So, for HiVIS fortnight, we’ve pulled together a small selection of audiobooks with great narration. All of the books listed can be found in Falkirk Libraries’ RB Digital audiobook service.
Audiobooks with a single (sometimes famous) reader
You may recognise a few of these names…
Silver by Andrew Motion, read by David Tennant
A rip-roaring return to Treasure Island, due in large part to the masterclass in narration from Mr Tennant.
The Woman Who Went to Bed for a Year by Sue Townsend, read by Caroline Quentin
Sue ‘Diary of Adrian Mole’ Townsend’s books are always emotional and funny. How do you make them even better? Add Caroline Quentin!
Rebus series by Ian Rankin, read by James MacPherson
Two Scottish crime stalwarts meet. James ‘Taggart’ McPherson narrates several of Rankin’s Rebus books.
Book of Dust parts One and Two, by Phillip Pullman, read by Michael Sheen
Acting powerhouse Michael Sheen has a whale of time reading both books in Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials prequels.
Tiny Sunbirds Far Away by Christie Watson, read by Adjoa Andoh
Adjoa Andoh animates the funny, tragic and moving tale of Blessing, and her brother Ezikiel, who are forced to leave behind their comfortable, air-conditioned life in Lagos to live with their grandparents in the Niger Delta.
The Detainee by Peter Liney, read by Jeff Harding
Reading group member, John, is a big fan of Jeff Harding, who reads most of the Lee Child and John Connolly novels. Here, he brings to life an elderly mafia enforcer who tries to save his fellow pensioners from a dystopian prison island.
Elizabeth is Missing read by Anna Bentick
Anna Bentick does a lovely job bringing Maud’s struggle with dementia – and the whereabouts of her friend Elizabeth – to life.
Normal People by Sally Rooney, read by Aoife McMahon
Aofie McMahon narrates Sally Rooney’s sparkling, intelligent love story about how one person can change another’s life.
Harry Potter series, by JK Rowling, read by Stephen Fry
Do we need to say anything about this?
From the horse’s mouth
Why READ a celeb biography when you can hear about their life in their own words?
Gillian Anderson reads We, which isn’t an autobiography, but a ‘Manifesto for Women Everywhere’. Cowritten with Jennifer Nadel.
Beastie Boys’ Beastie Boys Book doesn’t just feature AD-Rock and Mike D, but a full cast that includes Steve Buscemi, Elvis Costello, Chuck D, Snoop Dogg, Will Ferrell, Bette Midler, Amy Poehler, Ben Stiller and many more.
Blondie’s Debbie Harry invites us to Face It. She’s had an incredible life and you’ll find it hard to tear yourself away.
Comedian and entertainer Lenny Henry asks Who Am I , Again? in this honest and inspirational memoir
Comedian Adam Hills puts his Best Foot Forward
Businesswoman Gina Miller successfully challenged the UK Government for triggering of Article 50 without parliamentary approval. She tells her story in Rise.
First Lady Michelle Obama‘s memoir Becoming has been enormously successful – and with good reason!
Multiple narrators
Audiobooks that use multiple narrators often really bring a story to life. Here’s some of our favourites
Billy Elliot by Melvin Burgess
The Woman Who Gave Birth to Rabbits by Emma Donaghue
Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer
Bone Clocks by David Mitchell
One Plus One by JoJo Moyes
For Kids (and big kids)
Love from Paddington by Michael Bond, read by Jim Broadbent
Is there a lovelier audiobook than a Paddington story that features Jim Broadbent’s grandfatherly tones?
The Big Mog Collection by Judith Kerr
Charming stories of our favourite storybook cat, read by different people, including Andrew Sachs.
Julian Clary’s Bolds series/David Walliams’ books
Julian Clary and David Walliams both read their own stories, to obvious great comic effect.
How do I access these great audiobooks?
All of the above titles are available from our RB Digital audiobook service. The easiest way to access is by downloading the app from your app store. You’ll find ebooks, audiobooks and popular magazines all in the one place.
Our catalogue has instructions on how to get started – even if you’re not currently a Falkirk Libraries member.
About HiVis fortnight
HiVIS Fortnight champions accessible library services, alternative formats, and service providers that deliver reading to those for whom standard print is not an option. The campaign is promoted by Share the Vision. You can find out more on their Reading Sight website.