Joel

I've seen "The Guide" on public television a number of times. I figured I'd like to listen to the full version, just for fun. I was a little dubious about having the author do the narration. First, let me say that the spoken word version and the TV version were nearly identical. I was shocked! After hearing this book, I think that the author also did the narration of the TV version. I have to say that the spoken version doesn't lose a thing as compared to seeing it. The author's voice presents the characters superbly. His use of individual voices is excellent. I found myself laughing out loud at portions of the book. I have now purchased three of his other titles, I think they're also narrated by the author, and will probably purchase the rest shortly. You simply can't miss when you choose something by Adams. I'm sorry he's gone and I'll miss him.

I have always been a fan of the short story form and Arthur C. Clarke. I was overjoyed to hear these tales. I had read one or two of them before, but hearing them interpreted by the readers made them come alive again. Even the science presented, although dated, was not too far from what is, or will be possible. I especially liked the mix of readers. The inclusion of a female narrator was wonderful.

The length of the stories worked for me as well. I found that I could listen to one, put the book down, and pick it up to hear another at some future time. I didn't lose a thing listening to the book that way. I even heard other books in between times. My wife has now started listening and she's enjoying it as well, even though she doesn't care for short stories or sci-fi. That speaks for itself.