In Such Good Company by Carol Burnett

◊ IN SUCH GOOD COMPANY: Eleven Years of Laughter, Mayhem and Fun in the Sandbox by Carol Burnett

◊ Narrator: Carol Burnett

◊ Audible Audio Edition

◊ Listening Length: 8 hours and 1 minute

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre: Biographies, Memoirs, Humor, Entertainment

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Random House Audio

◊ Scheduled Audible.com Release Date: September 13, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ASIN: BO1JKBTZBY

SYNOPSIS:

Comedy legend Carol Burnett tells the hilarious behind-the-scenes story of her iconic weekly variety series, The Carol Burnett Show.

Who but Carol Burnett herself has the timing, talent, and wit to pull back the curtain on the Emmy Award-winning show that made television history for 11 glorious seasons? In Such Good Company delves into little-known stories of the guests, sketches, and antics that made the show legendary as well as some favorite tales too good not to relive again. Carol lays it all out for us, from the show's original conception to its evolution into one of the most beloved primetime programs of its generation.

Written with all the charm and humor fans expect from a masterful entertainer like Carol Burnett, In Such Good Company skillfully highlights the elements that made the show so successful in a competitive period when TV variety shows ruled the airwaves. Putting the spotlight on everyone from her talented costars to her amazing guest stars - the most celebrated and popular entertainers of their day - Carol crafts a lively portrait of the talent and creativity that went into every episode.

Here are some of the topics listeners want to know more about:

• How the show almost didn't air due to the misgivings of certain CBS vice presidents
• How she discovered and hired Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, Lyle Waggoner, and Tim Conway
• Anecdotes about guest stars and her close friendships with many of them, including Lucille Ball, Roddy McDowall, Jim Nabors, Bernadette Peters, Betty Grable, Steve Lawrence, Eydie Gormé, Gloria Swanson, Rita Hayworth, and Betty White
• The people behind the scenes, from Bob Mackie, her costume designer and partner in crime, to the wickedly funny cameraman who became a fixture during the show's opening Q&A
• Carol's takes on her favorite sketches and the unpredictable moments that took both the cast and viewers by surprise

This audiobook is Carol's love letter to a golden era in television history through the lens of her brilliant show, which won no less than 25 Emmy Awards! Get the best seat in the house as she reminisces about the outrageous tales that made working on the show as much fun as watching it.

Includes cast interviews, a conversation with Dick Cavett, and much more!

If you ever enjoyed the Carol Burnett Show, then this audio is a must have for your library especially since it’s narrated by the lovely and very talented Ms. Burnett herself.

With Ms. Burnett’s delightful way of entertaining, you will be in tears from laughter in no time. She even includes her famous Tarzan yell and the show’s closing song, I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together.

As Ms. Burnett explained how the show and actors came together, the wonderful scenes I remembered from my youth played through my mind’s eye. She tells how certain legendary skits came about. She also tells the work and the laughter that went into taping the show in front of a live studio audience.

The story is told in such a manner it takes you down memory lane revisiting the antics of the entertaining show along with the talented actors that were guests. Ms. Burnett relates the information in a conversational manner making you feel it’s your own personal one-on-one conversation with the actress.

IN SUCH GOOD COMPANY highlights why the Carol Burnett Show was a golden nugget of entertainment for families for 11 years. Ms. Burnett even explains why a variety show like that would not be possible today. This is a delightful story that will touch your heart and make you smile despite yourself.

In Such Good Company: Eleven Years of Laughter, Mayhem, and Fun in the Sandbox by Carol Burnett, Narrated by Carol Burnett, Random House Audio, @2016, ASIN: BO1JKBTZBY, Unabridged, Audible Audio Edition, Run Time: 8 Hours and 1 Minute

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Did you watch the Carol Burnett Show or catch it on reruns? If you’re a fan, do you have a favorite skit? I enjoyed the skits they did as Mama’s Family and As the Stomach Turns, but I’d say my favorite of all time was the scene with Carol as Scarlet and Harvey as Rhett. Do you remember which one I’m talking about?

Brooklyn On Fire ..… The Deliveryman

BROOKLYN ON FIRE by Lawrence H. Levy

When an author skillfully combines history and fiction, a reader/listener can easily get lost in that plausible reality. Such is the case of BROOKLYN ON FIRE by Lawrence H. Levy.

Each character has their own unique voice and distinction thanks to the wonderful vocals of narrator Cassandra Campbell. She brings the characters to life with her cadence and accents. Her rich interruption enhances this delightful tale.

Working at Lazlo’s Books, Mary Handley is ready for her next job after helping the Brooklyn Police Department close a case earlier. Advertising herself as a Consulting Detective, Mary is hired by Emily Worsham to investigate the death of her uncle, John Worsham. The problem is Worsham died 21 years earlier and close family members said it was natural causes.

As Mary begins to investigate, she finds more questions than answers. The case involves the now wife of a prominent New Yorker, political corruption, several new murders that begin to connect and an unexpected romance that puts Mary in the spotlight of New York’s elite.

As the body count goes up, Mary becomes more determined than ever to get to the bottom of Worsham’s death, figure out who’s framing her cop brother for murder and decide if she’s ready to settle down.

The author takes a suspenseful murder mystery and blends it with historical figures such as the Vanderbilt family and John D. Rockefeller for an intriguing tale. With detailed descriptions, the author takes readers/listeners from setting to setting with New York in 1890 being the vocal point.

The characters are well-developed and likable. The story moves at a steady pace with numerous twists, turns and unexpected surprises. The events will hold your attention from beginning to end. Mary is independent and a bit daring for her time making her a fun and spunky protagonist.

BROOKLYN ON FIRE is the second installment in the Mary Handley Mystery series, but is a standalone book. References to her first case are detailed enough new readers/listeners won’t be left in the dark. This is an entertaining story that will have you wondering where the history leaves off and the fiction begins.

Brooklyn on Fire by Lawrence H. Levy, A Mary Handley Mystery (Book #2), Narrated by Cassandra Campbell, Random House Audio, @2016, ASIN: BO198O1OG2, Unabridged, Audible Audio Edition, Run Time: 10 Hours and 14 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

THE DELIVERY MAN by Jeffery Deaver

If you’re a fan of the Lincoln Rhyme’s series by Jeffery Deaver, be warned that while THE DELIVERYMAN is an enjoyable story, it is a short story and not as lengthy as you may be accustomed to.

Narrator Edoardo Ballerini does a wonderful job giving distinct voices to the various characters. He breathes life into the characters with his cadence and mannerisms.

When a deliveryman is murdered in a trash-filled alley, renowned forensic detective Lincoln Rhyme and his partner, Amelia Sachs, have lots of evidence collected from the scene to go through. Their best hope however, is what the man’s eight-year-old son, who was riding along when the murder happened, knows.

As Lincoln and Amelia sift through the evidence, the deliveryman’s acquaintances are also searching for the cargo he was supposed to have. Turns out, the deliveryman was delivering illegal contraband in between his legitimate stops.

As both sides uncover more clues, the closer they all get to who has the key to unlocking the truth. It’s a dangerous game to see who gets to the truth first.

The author keeps the story short and sweet, but suspenseful and action packed. The twists and unexpected surprises will keep you on your toes in determining who the good guys are from the bad guys.

THE DELIVERYMAN is filled with drama and bits of humor. The story flows smoothly and at a steady pace. The characters are well-balanced and likable.

An enthralling tale that will delight returning fans of the Lincoln Rhyme’s series, but not put new readers/listeners of the series in the dark. Once you begin this tantalizing short story, you won’t be able to stop until you know the outcome.

The Deliveryman by Jeffery Deaver, A Lincoln Rhyme Short Story (Book #11.5), Narrated by Edoardo Ballerini, Hachette Audio, @2016, ASIN: BO1B1SAWHK, Unabridged, Audible Audio Edition, Run Time: 1 Hour and 46 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope I’ve enticed you to check out one or both of this delightful audios. If you’re not into listening to audios, you can find both of these in print or eBook formats. Are you a fan of the Lincoln Rhyme series or have you only seen the movie version of the books?

As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust

When the combined talents of an amazing writer and narrator come together, it can make for a most delightful story.

Such is the case in the audio version of author Alan Bradley’s AS CHIMNEY SWEEPERS COME TO DUST, narrated by Jayne Entwistle.

The numerous mannerisms used by Entwistle add depth and charm to this intriguing story. She captures the assorted characters with her many variations in accents and cadence. Entwistle’s overall perform enhances the story and gives the protagonist added spark.

Miss Bodycote’s Female Academy in Canada is not where 12-year-old Flavia de Luce wants to be even though it’s the same boarding school her mother, Harriet, attended. Flavia had much rather be in England with her father, sister and Aunt Felicity.

Flavia, a budding sleuth and chemist, seems to attract problems. Her first night at the boarding school a charred and mummified body falls out of the chimney in her bedroom. Flavia is determined to learn the true identity of the body, as well as discover who the killer is and when the murder took place. She has to incorporate her detective work in with her lessons at school and try to fit in with the other girls.

The author takes readers/listeners on a fast-pace journey of murder and suspense with touches of laughter thrown in. The super smart 12-year-old protagonist makes for an entertaining adventure. The secondary characters are quirky and add to the intrigue.

While this is the seventh installment in the Flavia de Luce series, AS CHIMNEY SWEEPERS COME TO DUST can be read/listened to on its own. There are bits of background referenced to that aren’t completely explained. However, the lack of more information on these events doesn’t take away from the current adventure and only entices new readers/listeners to explore prior stories.

Flavia is a precocious, perky youngster that quickly captures your attention and draws you into her world of fascinating adventures.

As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust by Alan Bradley, A Flavia de Luce Novel Book #7, Narrated by Jayne Entwistle, Random House Audio, @2015, ISBN: 978-0449807613, Unabridged, 9 Discs, Run Time: 11 Hours 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. You may note that author Michele May was scheduled to visit today. However, due to unforeseen problems she wasn’t able to visit. Hopefully we can reschedule her visit for a later date. 

Are you a fan of the Flavia de Luce series? Do you like series that feature youngsters as the protagonist?

*This post contains affiliate links.

An Event in Autumn and Love Letters

I have two entertaining audio books to share with you today. Here we go …

AN EVENT IN AUTUMN by Henning Mankell

The simple act of house hunting turns into a cold case murder investigation for Inspector Kurt Wallander in author Henning Mankell’s AN EVENT IN AUTUMN.

Narrator Simon Vance does a great job of bringing the characters to life. His mannerisms explores the emotions of the numerous characters enhancing the story. He gives each one their own unique voice.

Wanting a place in the country, Wallander goes to look at a house and thinks he may have found the perfect one. Troubled by something he stumbled over in the garden, Wallander returns to take a closer look. He discovers a skeletal hand protruding out of the ground.

When the authorities are called in, two bodies are found buried in the garden. As the bodies have been there quite some time, Wallander and fellow officers have the task of tracing down former owners and tenants of the land. While Wallander’s superiors don’t want to waste time and resources on the case, Wallander is determined to discover the house’s history in an effort to identify the victims and find the killer.

As Wallander learns ore about the house, he moves closer to find the killer who has been living with the dark secret for decades and further from finding his dream home.

This is a quick story that flows smoothly. The characters are intriguing and likable. In the short span of the story, the author quickly pulls you in and makes you feel the characters’ emotions.

This is a standalone story in the Kurt Wallander Mystery series. The author also provides an afterword at the end of the story which provides background details for first time readers/listeners and updates for returning fans.

AN EVENT IN AUTUMN is an interesting look at a police officer’s determination to discover the truth as he battles his own disillusions. 

An Event in Autumn by Henning Mankell, A Kurt Wallander Mystery, Performed by Simon Vance, Random House Audio, @2014, ISBN: 978-0804192675, Unabridged, 3 Discs, Listening Time: 3 Hours and 17 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure – A digital download of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

LOVE LETTERS: A ROSE HARBOR NOVEL by Debbie Macomber

 
LOVE LETTERS is a feel-good romance story that follows the lives of several guests at the cozy Rose Harbor Inn in Cedar Cove, as well as the Innkeeper Jo Marie Rose.

Narrated by Lorelei King, the characters come to life through her vocals and mannerisms. King’s cadence emphasizes the highs and lows the characters feel as they find their paths to happiness.

The story flows from one sub-plot to the next in an easy-going manner, never losing the reader/listener. Author Debbie Macomber blends the story in and out of the various characters’ lives before bringing it full circle with hints of more stories to come.

Each minor story involves letters that the people involved exchanged at some point in their lives, including the innkeeper. As the people were reminded of their letters and why they were written, things became clearer for each of them.

Ellie Reynolds, going against the wishes of her mother, travels to Cedar Cove to meet Tom, a man she’s only known online. It turns out Tom had more than one ulterior motive for wanting to meet Ellie.

Roy and Maggie Porter need time away from their two boys and a chance to save their marriage, which is slipping away. While both have been at fault in the decline of their marriage, Maggie’s revelation could destroy their family forever.

Meanwhile, Jo Marie continues to grieve for her husband who was killed in the war. But she finds herself obsessed with finding out more about Mark Taylor, the local handyman who has been helping her around the inn. Jo Marie sees it as a challenge to uncover Mark’s past, while Mark has secrets concerning Jo Marie.

This is the third book in the Rose Harbor series, but can be read/listened to on its own. The references to prior events are made in such a way as to entice to new readers/listeners to learn more, not be left in the dark.

This is a tender romance about several families finding their way to happiness and the love letters that started it all.

Love Letters: A Rose Harbor Novel by Debbie Macomber, Rose Harbor Book #3, Performed by Lorelei King, Random House Audio, @2014, ISBN: 978-0553398786, Unabridged, 7 Discs, Listening Time: 8 Hours and 50 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure – A digital download of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks for stopping by today, I do appreciate it. Do you enjoy novels that can be read or listened to in a matter of hours? What about love letters (the kind written by hand on paper)? Do you think they are a lost art, a thing of the past never to return?

*This post contains affiliate links.