Little Children
By Tom Perrotta, read by George Wilson
Recorded Books
Oscar buzz is in the air, but what you may not hear is that many of the excellent literary adaptations from last year can be found on audiobook. The obvious ones include “The Devil Wears Prada,” “The Da Vinci Code” and “Running With Scissors.” But many films still linger in theaters that you may not be aware were originally novels–and that make great audiobooks. “Little Children,” nominated for several Oscars, is a sharp satire of life in the suburbs. Author Tom Perrotta (“Election,” also adapted for film), takes easy-to-mock targets and imbues them with endearing complexity and humanity. Other literary tales that found their way into movie theaters last year include:
A Scanner Darkly
By Philip K. Dick, read by Paul Giamatti
Random House Audio
Actor Paul Giamatti (“Sideways”) does a superb job narrating Philip K. Dick’s science fiction. Listeners will be wryly amused–and horrified–by this tale’s drug-addicted anti-hero, who may or may not be splitting into another personality.
Tristram Shandy
By Laurence Sterne, read by John Moffatt
Naxos Audiobooks
The bawdy wit of this 18th Century classic was meant for the spoken word.
What Was She Thinking?: Notes on a Scandal
By Zoe Heller, read by Nadia May
Blackstone Audiobooks
Yikes–this tale of predatory behavior and inappropriate desires might make you think twice about befriending lonely older women. Or having an affair with your 15-year-old student.
The Last King of Scotland
By Giles Foden, read by Mirron E. Willis
Blackstone Audiobooks
The foreboding story of a fictional doctor who cares for the late Ugandan President Idi Amin. Forest Whitaker is nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Amin, but this novel delves much deeper into the psychology of befriending a not-so-benevolent dictator.
