Hawaii
By James A. Michener, read by Philip Bosco
Random House Audio
By the end of March, most Chicagoans are dizzy with spring fever. Need an escape? Hawaii has long been fodder for springtime fantasies, and this classic book from the king of sweeping sagas is an excellent vehicle to those Polynesian islands. James Michener covers all the bases: geological history, missionary invasion, human sacrifice and — as any decent spring break book should — smoldering passion. Consistently balmy days may still be weeks away, so here are a few more escapist audiobooks that will at least keep the madness at bay:
My Kind of Place: Travel Stories From a Woman Who’s Been Everywhere
By Susan Orlean, read by the author
Random House Audio
Susan Orlean, author of “The Orchid Thief,” describes her travels all over the world to places and events few think to visit (including a dead-on report of the World Taxidermy Championships in Springfield).
The Beach
By Alex Garland, read by Michael Page
Bookcassette
Think you want to set up camp on a dazzling pristine beach? Utopia isn’t all it’s cracked up to be in this adrenaline-charged adventure novel.
Spring Stories From the Collection “News From Lake Wobegon”
By Garrison Keillor, read by the author
Highbridge Audio
The fictional inhabitants of Lake Wobegon shake off the snow in this charming collection from Garrison Keillor’s famous radio program.
Islands
By Anne Rivers Siddons, read by Dana Ivey
HarperAudio
Anne Rivers Siddons’ lushly rendered description of the isles near Charleston will transport listeners to South Carolina’s fragrant low country.
