Clinton & Chalfant Pair Up for S&S
Hillary Rodham Clinton will read her much-anticipated new book, Hard Choices, alongside actress Kathleen Chalfant, for Simon & Schuster Audio. In the book, Clinton offers, per S&S, an “inside account of the crises, choices, and challenges she faced during her four years as America’s 67th Secretary of State.” Clinton will read a little under two hours of both the abridged and unabridged editions, and Chalfant, who was nominated for the Tony and Drama Desk Awards for her work in Angels in America, will handle the rest. The audiobook and hardcover go on sale June 10.
Curtin Makes Like Betty for Penguin
Actress and comedian Jane Curtin will be in the studio for Penguin Audio to read Betty Halbreich’s memoir I’ll Drink to That. Curtin, best known for her time on Saturday Night Live and 3rd Rock from the Sun, adds her signature deadpan delivery to the life stories of the legendary Bergdorf Goodman personal shopper, who has spent nearly 40 years working socialites, stars, and ordinary women. Halbreich was featured in the 2013 documentary Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s and is, per the publisher, “meticulous, impeccable, hardworking, elegant, and—most of all—delightfully funny.” The hardcover and audiobook both go on sale September 4.
Weitz Switches Gears at Hachette
Chris Weitz, director of the films About a Boy, The Golden Compass, and Twilight: New Moon, will bring his skills to a new medium as he moves into the audiobook studio, directing the audio edition of his postapocalyptic debut novel, The Young World, which goes on sale July 29. Weitz cast the audiobook himself, choosing Jose Julian, with whom he worked on his 2011 film, A Better Life, and actor Spencer Locke, who has recorded for Hachette Audio in the past.
Wayne Gets Framed for Tantor
Framed, by Marc J. Seifer with Stephen Rosati, will be read by actor Roger Wayne. The true crime title tells Rosati’s story, in which he was charged for a murder he knew nothing about and eventually faced the death sentence. “Like something out of Kafka,” says Tantor. Rosati found himself imprisoned for a non-bailable offense and was whisked away from Florida to a Rhode Island jail. He hired attorney Jack Cicilline, and “thus began the longest extradition hearing in U.S. history.” The book will be out in paperback and audio from Tantor on June 24.
Macmillan Calls in Lowman, Oprah
Stage and screen actress Rebecca Lowman was in the studio this month recording Landline, the upcoming adult novel by Rainbow Rowell (author of Fangirl and Eleanor & Park) for Macmillan Audio. Lowman has had guest roles on Law & Order, NCIS, Burn Notice, Big Love, Private Practice and has recorded audiobooks for Nicholas Sparks, Lisa Gardner, Debbie Macomber, Gillian Flynn, and Nora Roberts. Lowman also narrated Rowell’s previous audiobooks. The audiobook and hardcover of Landline both go on sale July 8.
Macmillan also announced that Oprah Winfrey was in the studio last week narrating her upcoming book, What I Know For Sure. The audiobook, a collection of the columns of the same name Winfrey penned for O, the Oprah Magazine, will be published simultaneously with the hardcover on September 2 (it is the first title from Macmillan’s new imprint, Flatiron Books). “We are thrilled that Oprah Winfrey will be reading her audiobook,” says Mary Beth Roche, president and publisher at Macmillan Audio. “Throughout her career, Oprah has created incomparable connections with millions of people. Listeners to the audiobook will appreciate hearing Oprah’s own voice sharing the thoughtful insights in this book. It is sure to be one of the most powerful and sought-after audiobooks of the year.”
Stace in the Booth at Dreamscape
Singer-songwriter Wesley Stace (whose stage name is John Wesley Harding) will narrate the audio edition of his latest novel, Wonderkid. Billed as “Almost Famous through the looking glass,” the book chronicles the touring life of unlikely rock stars. Overlook published the hardcover in February, and Dreamscape’s audiobook edition will be released on July 1.
