Audio book: Toys by James Patterson
Mar. 18th, 2011 10:41 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
tj_teejayAfter fangeeking out over it yesterday (in an f-locked manner, mind you), let me write a few more level-headed words about the James Patterson audio book, Toys. After having made it to track 11 on the first CD, I think I've overcome the initial squee of hearing Matt's voice and can now actually pay more attention to the story without being constantly distracted.
I had never read anything by James Patterson, so this was a venture into somewhat unknown territory for me. But from the synopsis about the plot, I was pretty sure I was going to like this. And I do. In my mind, visually and conceptually, it feels a lot like a mixture of The Fifth Element, Blade Runner, I, Robot and Minority Report. What I like about James Patterson's style is that he adds a lot of descriptive elements, which is important for a person who's as visually oriented as myself. I can totally see this happening in my head, which is imperative for me to be drawn into a story. I'm definitely looking forward to listening to how it pans out, and not just for the sheer enjoyment of hearing Matt's voice.
Which brings me to the latter. Not that I ever doubted it, but Matt does a great job with the narrating. He has different tones of voice for the different characters, which I find important in an audio book. Interesting fact: He read the president with somewhat of a southern accent. Is that how he talks when he's back home in Texas? Not that I really know, but it sounded toned down from what I think a real Texan accent sounds like. I'm an accent junkie anyway, so this was an added bonus.
Also, there's nothing that drives me crazy in his reading. Okay, I gotta explain that. I have the audio book for Stephenie Meyer's The Host. And the reader (her name escapes me right now) has the annoying habit of ending every sentence in a higher voice, kinda like making it a question when it's not supposed to be one. It drove me crazy. Matt doesn't do that, or anything equally funky. *pats him* He has a very appealing voice that is a pleasure to listen to. It'll be super fun to lend an ear to this for over six hours. It kinda makes me look forward to the one hour drive to Dortmund on Saturday, which I would normally find a total drag.
Nitpicky me wants to add: Matt pronounced the name J.K. Rowling wrong. I will cut him some slack for that, however. Names are always tricky. (Wonder if he's read Harry Potter...) Talking about which... For me, no audio book has ever quite reached the skillful voice acting of Jim Dale narrating the Harry Potter books. Sorry, Matt.
I had never read anything by James Patterson, so this was a venture into somewhat unknown territory for me. But from the synopsis about the plot, I was pretty sure I was going to like this. And I do. In my mind, visually and conceptually, it feels a lot like a mixture of The Fifth Element, Blade Runner, I, Robot and Minority Report. What I like about James Patterson's style is that he adds a lot of descriptive elements, which is important for a person who's as visually oriented as myself. I can totally see this happening in my head, which is imperative for me to be drawn into a story. I'm definitely looking forward to listening to how it pans out, and not just for the sheer enjoyment of hearing Matt's voice.
Which brings me to the latter. Not that I ever doubted it, but Matt does a great job with the narrating. He has different tones of voice for the different characters, which I find important in an audio book. Interesting fact: He read the president with somewhat of a southern accent. Is that how he talks when he's back home in Texas? Not that I really know, but it sounded toned down from what I think a real Texan accent sounds like. I'm an accent junkie anyway, so this was an added bonus.
Also, there's nothing that drives me crazy in his reading. Okay, I gotta explain that. I have the audio book for Stephenie Meyer's The Host. And the reader (her name escapes me right now) has the annoying habit of ending every sentence in a higher voice, kinda like making it a question when it's not supposed to be one. It drove me crazy. Matt doesn't do that, or anything equally funky. *pats him* He has a very appealing voice that is a pleasure to listen to. It'll be super fun to lend an ear to this for over six hours. It kinda makes me look forward to the one hour drive to Dortmund on Saturday, which I would normally find a total drag.
Nitpicky me wants to add: Matt pronounced the name J.K. Rowling wrong. I will cut him some slack for that, however. Names are always tricky. (Wonder if he's read Harry Potter...) Talking about which... For me, no audio book has ever quite reached the skillful voice acting of Jim Dale narrating the Harry Potter books. Sorry, Matt.
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Date: 2011-03-18 09:06 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-03-19 08:06 am (UTC)Matt is doing great with all the voices. And the emotions. Have you already finished listening? (No spoilers, please. I'm really into the story.)
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Date: 2011-03-19 03:19 pm (UTC)I haven't finished - before the book came out, I demolished the free samples. I'm trying to find where I left off in the actual audio book. :)
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Date: 2011-03-19 04:42 am (UTC)Bonus! \o/
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Date: 2011-03-19 08:02 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-03-20 12:48 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-03-20 10:25 pm (UTC)Das HP Audiobook von Steven Fry kenne ich nicht, aber ich glaube gerne, dass das auch toll ist. Jim Dale liest übrigens nicht mit amerikanischem Akzent, der ist entweder Brite oder kann es super nachmachen.
no subject
Date: 2011-03-20 04:54 pm (UTC)Ahhh love Jim Dale's voice :)))) Love to listen to Harry Potter just because of him :))
no subject
Date: 2011-03-20 10:27 pm (UTC)