{"id":170,"date":"2013-06-07T14:00:08","date_gmt":"2013-06-07T14:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.audiobooksnow.com\/blog\/?p=170"},"modified":"2013-06-21T19:51:18","modified_gmt":"2013-06-21T19:51:18","slug":"twenty-audiobooks-for-dad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.audiobooksnow.com\/blog\/twenty-audiobooks-for-dad\/","title":{"rendered":"Twenty Audiobooks For Dad"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"DadWith Father\u2019s day approaching, let\u2019s look at audiobooks that would make great gifts for dad! We\u2019ve chosen twenty books \u2013 mostly fiction, some non-fiction \u2013 from the Audiobooks Now catalog that might fit the bill for the dad you\u2019re buying for. Whether it’s for your own dad or you’re buying on behalf of the kids, we’ve got something suitable.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve been very deliberate in our choices. We\u2019ve avoided the most obvious bestsellers, focusing instead on great books and fantastic writers that maybe aren\u2019t on this week\u2019s top ten list. Popularity and quality don\u2019t always have much to do with one another, and very often the reader will overlook a book or author simply because the name is unfamiliar.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve avoided politics, because dad doesn\u2019t need a coronary on his special day (and you don\u2019t want to hear him griping) and the sort of self-help books that may make him feel unhappy with life on a day where he should be able to revel in just who he is!<\/p>\n

On with the list.<\/p>\n

Fiction<\/h2>\n

Crime & Suspense<\/h2>\n

Crime and suspense usually goes down well, and here are some favorites chosen by a long term fan of the genre:<\/p>\n

Gone, Baby, Gone: A Novel<\/a> by Dennis Lehane<\/p>\n

\"GoneIn a toughSouth Bostonneighborhood a child goes missing. Her mother is an alcoholic. Other family members are concerned, and bring in Private investigators Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro. Bad cops, bad luck and some surprisingly good motives appear in this thoughtful novel about parents and children.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hit List<\/a> byLawrence Block<\/p>\n

\"HitSo, Keller has one name, collects stamps, lives a quiet life inNew York City. He doesn\u2019t work often, but when he does, he\u2019s very good. \u2013 and is paid well for it. When you want somebody killed efficiently, he\u2019s the man. Entertaining, bitingly funny stuff from a master of crime fiction.<\/p>\n

Humor<\/h2>\n

Everyone\u2019s taste varies when it comes to what they think is funny. Here we have two \u2018opposites\u2019 that are top of the heap in their respective piles \u2013 the gently madcap world-gone-by of P.G.\u00a0 Wodehouse and the sharp, urban style of the great Richard Pryor.<\/p>\n

A Damsel in Distress<\/a> by P. G. Wodehouse<\/p>\n

\"AAn American composer of musical comedy, is inEnglandto attend the performance of\u00a0 a new production. When the Lady Patricia Maud Marsh slips into his taxi, he is drawn into the frivolous intrigues ofBelpherCastle. The king of light, fast prose gives us misunderstandings, impersonations and a lot of fun.<\/p>\n

The Legend of Comedy: Richard Pryor, Vol. 1<\/a> by Richard Pryor<\/p>\n

\"Richard<\/p>\n

Widely seen as one of the greatest stand-up comics ever to take the stage, Richard Pryor was known for sharp \u00a0observations on race, politics and life in general .This collection includes\u00a0 three\u00a0 \u2018bits\u2019\u00a0 – Are You Serious?,<\/em>\u00a0 Rev. Du Rite<\/em>, and Insane<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Historical Adventure<\/h2>\n

Very often, the word \u2018historical\u2019 in the context of fiction means period romances. We aren\u2019t going to offer those to dads. Instead, lets look at a couple of crime-in-time stories by masters of the genre.<\/p>\n

The Venus Throw<\/a> by Steven Saylor<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Rome, 56 BC. Set in the last, chaotic decades before theRomanRepubliccollapsed into civil war, this is one in Saylor\u2019s series concerning Gordianus \u2018the Finder\u2019, who is, essentially a private eye working for the rich and famous of the city. Murder and intrigue in a toga? This is a great place to start.<\/p>\n

Target Lancer<\/a> by Max Allan Collins<\/p>\n

\"Target<\/p>\n

The most recent in Max Allan Collin\u2019s\u00a0 superb Nathan Heller books\u00a0 – meticulously researched tales of actual events from the thirties onwards \u2013 takes the now-middle aged PI to his home city ofChicagoto deal with a case involving mobsters, communists and rogue cops in a plot to kill Kennedy a few weeks before the President was gunned down inDallas. It\u2019s terrific.<\/p>\n

Science Fiction & Fantasy<\/h2>\n

A lot of guys like SF and fantasy. Here are some suggestions that aren\u2019t your typical galactic heroes and wizards \u2018n\u2019 dwarves adventures.<\/p>\n

Neverwhere<\/a> by Neil Gaiman<\/p>\n

\"Neverwhere<\/p>\n

Gaiman deals in dark places, and this is the story of an ordinary young man whose act of kindness towards a young girl takes him into a strange, sinister world that exists benath and alongside modernLondon. “A fantastic story that is both the stuff of dreams and nightmares\u201d,<\/p>\n

The Broken Sword<\/a> by Poul Anderson<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Poul Anderson, a legend in SF and fantasy circles, began his career with a novel that delves into Norse mythology, with the broken sword of Thor at the bottom of it all. Darker and more deeply rooted in legend than most mainstream fantasy tales, we follow Skafloc, a boy kidnapped and raised by (sinister, non Christmassy) elves who has to mend the sword and face the changeling put into his own crib.<\/p>\n

Birthright: The Book of Man<\/a> by Mike Resnick<\/p>\n

\"Birthright<\/p>\n

Resnick is a renaissance man of the genre, with forty or so Hugo and Nebula nominations and awards. This is his first novel from 1982, a sweeping epic about expansion through space over thousands of years.<\/p>\n

Westerns<\/h2>\n

The western genre ain\u2019t what it used to be. Fifty years ago the western novel, like theHollywoodhorse-opera, was a staple of mainstream culture. But older guys, especially, love westerns, and we\u2019ve chosen one from the golden age, and one about archaeology and crime in the modern day southwest.<\/p>\n

Three Ten to Yuma<\/a> by Elmore Leonard<\/p>\n

\"Three<\/p>\n

Best known for his crime novels, Elmore Leonard launched his career with Three-Ten toYuma, made into a movie in 1957 and remade fifty years later. A classic lawman-versus-outlaws tale using a town as the setting for gunplay.<\/p>\n

Deadly Canyon<\/a> by Jake Page<\/p>\n

\"Deadly<\/p>\n

A blind sculptor and his half-Hopi girlfriend get mixed up in relic theft and murder at a scientific research facility in the wilds ofArizona\u2019s Mogollon Rim country. Weird and off-beat, this is the second of Page\u2019s series involving Mo Bowdre, whose blindness doesn\u2019t stop him solving crimes.<\/p>\n

Non Fiction<\/h2>\n

Health<\/h2>\n

Dad doesn\u2019t really want a book that tells him to diet and work out more\u00a0 – trust me on this! More appealing is –<\/p>\n

The First 20 Minutes: Surprising Science Reveals How We Can Exercise Better, Train Smarter, Live Longer<\/a> by Gretchen Reynolds<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Did you know that twenty minutes of cardio at a time is enough to obtain maximum health benefits? Gretchen Reynolds writes a Phys Ed column for the New York Times. In this books she debunks myths, and questions widely held beliefs about exercise. Consulting experts in physiology, biology, psychology, neurology, and sports, she tells us how often to exercise, how long workouts should be and \u2013 for us oldsters – how to avoid injury!<\/p>\n

Folks, This Ain’t Normal: A Farmer’s Advice for Happier Hens, Healthier People, and a Better World<\/a> by Joel Salatin<\/p>\n

\"Joel<\/p>\n

Environmentalism without preachiness! From farmer Joel Salatin’s point of view, life in the 21st century just ain’t normal. He discusses how far removed we are from the simple, sustainable joy that comes from living close to the land and the people we love. Salatin tellus what normal is and shares practical ideas for changing our lives in small ways that have big impact, from child-rearing, to creating quality family time. Funny but revealing.<\/p>\n

Current Events<\/h2>\n

We love mobsters. Not actual criminals, of course, but the idea of organized crime and how law enforcement fights it:<\/p>\n

Gangland: How the FBI Broke the Mob<\/a> by Howard Blum<\/p>\n

\"Gangland<\/p>\n

A handpicked squad of FBI agents \u00a0takes on \u00a0John Gotti, the seemingly invincible head of the richest and most powerfulNew Yorkcrime family. This was the FBI’s Organized Crime squad, who finally ended the \u2018Dapper Don\u2019s\u2019 criminal career.<\/p>\n

History<\/h2>\n

For many men, history is about battles. This much-lauded study covers one of the most crucial military actions of the last century:<\/p>\n

Six Armies in Normandy: From D-Day to the Liberation of Paris, June 6th – August 25th, 1944<\/a> by John Keegan<\/p>\n

\"Normandy<\/p>\n

There are many books about D-Day and theNormandycampaign. The late John Keegan here tells of the 1944 invasion, from D-Day to the liberation ofParis. \u00a0He focuses on all the fighting forces involved \u2013 from the American airborne troops in their night drop on the eve of the invasion, the Canadians at Juno Beach, the British advancing inland, the Free French liberating their homeland, \u00a0the Poles at Falaise and \u2013\u00a0 the much outnumbered Germans.<\/p>\n

Who doesn\u2019t like pirates? Arr!<\/p>\n

Under the Black Flag: The Romance and the Reality of Life Among the Pirates<\/a> by David Cordingly<\/p>\n

\"Under<\/p>\n

The former head of exhibitions at theNationalMaritimeMuseuminLondonhas combed the archives to give us a new picture of the golden age of piracy, exploding myths and bringing new light on old legends.<\/p>\n

Science<\/h2>\n

Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void<\/a> by Mary Roach<\/p>\n

\"Packing<\/p>\n

Mary Roach may be \u2013 together with the hilarious Bill Bryson \u2013 the funniest science writer working today. The author of Stiff (a study of death) and Bonk (a history of sex research) tells us about long distance space exploration, and answers the question we’ve all wanted to ask – \u201cWhat happens if you vomit in your helmet during a spacewalk?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sports<\/h2>\n

There are a million books about sports careers. Dad isn\u2019t a pro, and he\u2019s not going to be. Help him lower his stress level after a disastrous round of golf with this —<\/p>\n

It’s How You Play the Game and The Games Do Count<\/a> by Brian Kilmeade<\/p>\n

\"It's<\/p>\n

Sports books tend to be all about winning. Bios of athletes and coaches all focus on being the best in the world. But most of us don\u2019t play sports at anything like that level. We play for fun, for fitness and to show youngsters how to do it. So, as Brian Kilmeade writes, “Winning or losing has little to do with who you will become. Instead, it\u2019s how you prepared for the game that determines whether you\u2019ll be a winner or loser in life.”<\/p>\n

Music<\/h2>\n

Dad may be old and grey \u2013 at least according to the kids \u2013 but inside him there\u2019s a rocker. Here\u2019s a bio of one of the legendary rock bands of the \u201860s, selected partly in honor of the passing of the band\u2019s great keyboardist, Ray Manzarek, in May 2013.<\/p>\n

The Doors : A Lifetime of Listening to Five Mean Years<\/a> by Greil Marcus<\/p>\n

Respected rock critic Greil Marcus takes us through the tumultuous history of the Doors, front by the brilliant, self-destructive Jim Morrison \u2013 one of rock\u2019s many casualties. A fan since the band\u2019s first album in 1967, Marcus takes the reader through Morrison\u2019s tragic death to the decades beyond.<\/p>\n

Travel<\/h2>\n

Whether we are driving across thePainted Desertor picking up milk at the Stop \u2018n\u2019 Shop, the allure of travel is with us. Charles Kuralt is one of the great popular chroniclers ofAmerica\u2019s roads.<\/p>\n

Charles Kuralt’s America<\/a> by Charles Kuralt<\/p>\n

\"Charles
\nAfter retiring from CBS News in 1994, Kuralt set out to spend a perfect year inAmerica, traveling to his twelve favorite American places. He goes\u00a0 fromMontanain September andAlaskain June to winter in Cajun country and theNorth Carolinamountains in spring, bringing gentle humor to the whole trip.<\/p>\n

So, that\u2019s twenty audiobooks chosen not for mass popularity but for quality. Pick one you think the man of the hour would appreciate!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

With Father\u2019s day approaching, let\u2019s look at audiobooks that would make great gifts for dad! We\u2019ve chosen twenty books \u2013 mostly fiction, some non-fiction \u2013 from the Audiobooks Now catalog that might fit the bill for the dad you\u2019re buying for. Whether it’s for your own dad or you’re buying on behalf of the kids, … Continue reading “Twenty Audiobooks For Dad”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-170","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.audiobooksnow.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/170","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.audiobooksnow.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.audiobooksnow.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.audiobooksnow.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.audiobooksnow.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=170"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.audiobooksnow.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/170\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":217,"href":"https:\/\/www.audiobooksnow.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/170\/revisions\/217"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.audiobooksnow.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=170"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.audiobooksnow.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=170"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.audiobooksnow.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=170"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}