FICTION

Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres, read by Stephen Lang (Random). Because the author's farce and fury erupt through witty word play and carefully timed tone shifts, listening to this novel of a Greek island at peace and at war is even better than reading it. Lang fearlessly carries listeners through swiftly changing currents of tenderness and horror, kindness and cruelty.

Soon to Be a Major Motion Picture by Warren Dunford, read by Mitchell Anderson (Fluid Words). Actor Anderson adds wit and verve to Dunford's riotous and rollicking novel of a would-be screenwriter's misadventures.

Carter Beats the Devil by Glen David Gold, read by Stanley Tucci (HarperAudio). Set in roaring 1920s San Francisco, this debut novel is an enticing adventure. Tucci skillfully handles the wide array of often eccentric characters.

Dreamcatcher by Stephen King, read by Jeffrey DeMunn (S&S Audio). This is some of King's best storytelling, beautifully read by DeMunn, an actor who knows that less is more—especially when it comes to this book's ample blood, horror and ferocious little aliens.

Chosen Prey by John Sandford, read by Eric Conger (Putnam). Conger has emerged as the ideal voice for Sandford's hero, and he deftly brings the author's villains to life.

NONFICTION

The Proving Ground by Bruce Knecht, read by Stanley Tucci (Time Warner Audio). In his telling of the ill-fated 1998 Sydney to Hobart yacht race, Tucci lets the words and deeds of those involved re-create the danger, horror and final triumph of humans over nature.

Climb: Stories of Survival From Rock, Snow and Ice edited by Clint Willis, read by Terence Aselford, Graeme Malcolm, Nick Sampson, Kimberly Schraf, Gary Telles (Listen & Live). This terrific team of professional readers illuminates the amazing true adventures of people going up against some of the nastiest places on earth.

MYSTERY

Funeral in Blue by Anne Perry, read by David Colacci (Brilliance Audio). This historical detective tale is the perfect example of an audiobook that deftly captures a book's spirit. Perry's writing and Colacci's sly reading are an ideal match.

NARRATION (FEMALE)

Stolen Lives: Twenty Years in a Desert Jail by Malika Oufkir and Michèle Fitoussi, read by Edita Brychta (Hyperion AudioBooks). Brychta's suave and subtle Arabic lilt perfectly capture this first-person narration of a Moroccan family's harsh exile as punishment for the misbehavior of its patriarch.

Fatal Voyage by Kathy Reichs, read by Katherine Borowitz (Simon & Schuster). This audio package is exciting and intelligent entertainment. Borowitz is perfectly cast as Reichs's heroine: a wise and funny forensic anthropologist.

NARRATION (MALE)

I Thought My Father Was God: And Other True Tales from NPR's National Story Project edited by Paul Auster, read by the editor (HarperAudio). This is a moving collection of stories that realizes the audio format's best possibilities. Culled from a collaboration between Auster and NPR, these slices of the American experience are real-life tales from people nationwide.

French Lessons: Adventures with Knife, Fork, and Corkscrew by Peter Mayle, read by Simon Jones (Random). Jones is a highly entertaining performer, and his reading of this travelogue/culinary guide is delightfully satisfying.

AUTHOR READING

Paris to the Moon by Adam Gopnik (HighBridge). Gopnik's telling of the expat life is wry and bittersweet. Listeners will feel as though they've been transported to a Parisian cafe as Gopnik tells of finding an apartment, decorating for Christmas and raising a family in the French capital.

The Map That Changed the World by Simon Winchester (HarperAudio). This is a fascinating tale of an early 19th-century geologist and cartographer. Winchester is a fine stylist, and he engagingly explains geological concepts that would have been pretty dull in science class.

DRAMATIZATION/LIVE READING

The Rainmaker by N. Richard Nash, read by a full cast (L.A. Theatre Works). This production lends itself superbly to audio; listeners can easily envision the dusty, drought-plagued ranch and the disheartened characters whose lives are changed by the arrival of a smooth-talking con man spinning colorful dreams.

Texas Bound IV: More Stories by Texas Writers by various authors, read by various readers (Southern Methodist Univ.). These pieces run the gamut from humorous to sentimental, and all are vivaciously narrated. The appreciative audience response gives added energy.

BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR

Ava's Man by Rick Bragg, read by the author (Random). Bragg's telling of his maternal grandfather's life is eloquent and touching, and his spare prose is alive with fresh metaphors and memorable sentences.

Call Me Crazy: A Memoir by Anne Heche, read by the author (S&S Audio). Heche's reading of this harrowing autobiography transcends its print counterpart. She unflinchingly lays bare her dysfunctional, abuse-ridden childhood, her professional career and her romance with Ellen DeGeneres. Raw with emotion, her voice is by turns sorrowful, enraged and hopeful.

HUMOR

Definitely Above Average by Garrison Keillor, read by the author and other performers (HighBridge). This latest collection from Keillor's radio show is an amusing mix of songs, stories and comedy sketches relating to parents and children.

RELIGION/SPIRITUALITY

Mending Your Heart in a Broken World: Finding Comfort in the Scriptures by Patsy Clairmont, read by the author (Time Warner Audio). Inspirational speaker Clairmont has a sweet-as-sugar voice and an equally cheery demeanor. Her clear, straightforward counsel will be a beacon to those reeling from inner pain.

SELF-HELP

The Surrendered Wife: A Practical Guide for Finding Intimacy, Passion and Peace with Your Man by Laura Doyle, read by the author (S&S Audio). A natural for audio, Doyle is perky, enthusiastic, friendly and confiding as she shares her secrets for a happy marriage.

ARCHIVAL REISSUE

The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain, read by Carl Reiner (New Millennium). With his legendary humor, Reiner gives new life to this classic. The recent Television Hall of Fame inductee beautifully shifts between several accents, dialects and moods.

CHILDREN'S SPOKEN WORD

Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary, read by Neil Patrick Harris (HarperChildren's Audio). Actor Harris is perfect as endearing third-grader Henry Huggins of Klickitat Street.

Witness by Karen Hesse, read by a full cast (Listening Library). Eleven voices vividly dramatize Hesse's gripping, historical novel about the Ku Klux Klan encroaching on a small Vermont town in 1924.

More Irish Folk Tales for Children by Sharon Kennedy (Rounder). The storyteller and musician mines her Irish roots for colorful retellings embellished with Celtic music.

The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman, performed by Pullman and a full cast (Listening Library). A stellar effort from this British cast sweeps listeners into the complex fantasy/ adventure.

The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket, read by Tim Curry (Listening Library). Curry's gloriously gloomy voice fittingly kicks off the Series of Unfortunate Events on audio. A very humorous author interview is a boon for fans.

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli, read by John Ritter (Listening Library). Ritter gives a riveting performance as a high school boy in awe of his friend/classmate known as "Stargirl."

CHILDREN'S MUSIC

Daddy-O Daddy!: Rare Family Songs of Woody Guthrie (Rounder) by Guthrie and various artists. A talented roster of performers brings to life some gems the late Guthrie originally penned for his own children. A recording of Guthrie reading some of his own lyrics is particularly touching.

Down in the Backpack by Bill Harley (Round River Records). Humorist, storyteller and singer-songwriter Harley lets loose with a line-up of funny and emotionally on-target tunes for the school-age set.

Toddler by Sara Hickman (Sleeveless Records). Folk artist Hickman blends fresh vocals, various musical styles and the high energy needed to captivate her intended listenership.

Ants in My Pants by Gunnar Madsen (G-Spot Records). This collection of finely crafted original songs is both charming and hilarious.

Big Wide Grin by Keb Mo' (Sony Wonder). In his inimitable style, Grammy-winning blues guitarist and singer Mo' serves up covers and originals ranging from tender to catchy.

Start Dreaming! by Mr. Ray (Honeyhead Music/ Sugar Beats Entertainment). Infectious pop vocals and guitar playing mark Ray Andersen's debut as a children's artist.