Random Audiobook Podcasts

Before he wrote the Oz books, L. Frank Baum wrote this book which was the best selling book of 1897. Taking 22 beloved nursery rhymes, he explains their meaning and fascinating history. What is the true story of Little Boy Blue? Why was Mary contrary?As he says in the introduction, “Many of these nursery rhymes are complete tales in themselves, telling their story tersely but completely; there are others which are but bare suggestions, leaving the imagination to weave in the details of the story. Perhaps therein may lie part of their charm, but however that may be I have thought the children might like the stories told at greater length, that they may dwell the longer upon their favorite heroes and heroines. For that reason I have written this book.” L. Frank Baum

Categories: Arts

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, free audio books, L. Frank Baum, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Mother Goose in Prose

The novel details the lives of Tom and Maggie Tulliver, a brother and sister growing up on the river Floss near the village of St. Oggs, evidently in the 1820’s, after the Napoleonic Wars but prior to the first Reform Bill (1832). The novel spans a period of 10-15 years, from Tom and Maggie’s childhood up until their deaths in a flood on the Floss. The book is fictional autobiography in part, reflecting the disgrace that George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans) herself had while in a lengthy relationship with a married man, George Henry Lewes.Maggie Tulliver holds the central role in the book, as both her relationship with her older brother Tom, and her romantic relationships with Philip Wakem, a hunchbacked, but sensitive and intellectual, friend, and with Stephen Guest, a vivacious young socialite in St. Oggs and fiance of Maggie’s cousin Lucy Deane, constitute the most significant narrative threads: (Wikipedia)

Categories: Arts, Society & Culture

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, George Eliot, Historical Fiction, History, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, The Mill on the Floss

Einstein wrote this book for people who are interested in understanding the Theory of Relativity but aren’t experts in scientific and mathematical principles. I’m sure many people have heard about Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, but most of them don’t really know what it is all about. This book gives them a chance to know more about this very famous theory without the need to take a Physics course first. This book is divided into three parts. The first part explains what special relativity is all about. The second part discusses general relativity thoroughly and the last part deals with the considerations of the universe as a whole. The first part explains the principles of the special theory of relativity. Here the relationship between space and time are thoroughly discussed. The derivation of Einstein’s most famous formula which is E = mc2 is also explained in this part in a very simple way. The second part which is about the general theory of relativity is about the generalization of the special theory, Einstein’s thoughts about Newton’s Universal Law of Gravitation and how they affect the space time continuum. The last part explains how the universe actually works on a cosmic scale. These things may sound too complicated at first glance but Einstein was able to explain them to his readers in the book without sounding too technical. Reading Einstein’s “Relativity: The Special and General Theory” may not sound very attractive at first. We’ve all heard of Einstein’s equation but how many people can actually explain what it means. This book will elucidate all the iconic thoughts of Einstein without requiring a physics degree from the reader. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts

Tags: Albert Einstein, audio books, audiobook, ebooks, free audio books, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Non-fiction, Relativity: The Special and General Theory, science

In southern California, just outside Hollywood, there is a most unusual hotel. A hotel dedicated to the golden age of cinema and the departures of its most influential and notorious players. It is a destination that spotlights the manners in which these men and women of Hollywood perished. The rooms are decorated with an array of evidence and clues, unique to each death, and fitted with a cast of department store manikins which stand in for the major roles involved – Forensic precision made kitschy and accessible to all. Each episode we will present to you one of these rooms, and rouse your im

Categories: Fiction

Tags: Adventure, Adventures, audio, audio drama, audio play, audiobook, audiobooks, California, death, drama, exploitation, fiction, film, film making, Filmmaking, grindhouse, hollywood, justin devine, l.a., Literature, Los Angeles, movie, Movies, murder, murders, MYSTERY, Nick Stargu, nightvale, Noir, old hollywood, play, Podcast, podcasting, pulp, radio, radio drama, radio play, ron chapman, star, stars, story, storytelling, suicide, superego, swan, swan hotel, thaddeus ellenburg, theater, theatre, thrillers, Will Scovill

Ponniyin Selvan (பொன்னியின் செல்வன், English: The Son of Ponni) is a historical novel by Kalki Krishnamurthy, written in Tamil. In five volumes or about 2210 pages, it tells the story of early days of Arulmozhivarman (அருள்மொழிவர்மன்), who later became the great Chola emperor Rajaraja Chola I. The book took more than three years to write; Kalki visited Sri Lanka three times to gather information for it. Ponniyin Selvan is widely considered by many to be the greatest novel ever written in Tamil literature. It was first published as a series in the Kalki, a Tamil language magazine, during the 1950s and was later integrated into a novel. The craze for the series which was published weekly was such that it elevated the magazine circulation to reach a staggering figure of 71,366 copies – no mean achievement in a newly independent India. Even today, the novel has a cult following and fan base among people of all generations. The book continues to be admired and garners critical acclaim for its tightly woven plot, vivid narration, the wit of the dialogue, and the way in which the power struggle and intrigues of the Chola empire were depicted. This audiobook originally comprises 5 Parts and this is Part I of the entire volume with 57 Chapters. As this book is a huge epic, we have facilitated the audience with the audiobook version to listen on the go. We wish all the book lovers a mesmerizing tour into the oldest Tamil dynasty with our most alluring voice cast Ms Saradha Mohan Kumar. Links to all the parts: Part 1: https://awesound.com/a/ponniyin-selvan-audio-part-1 Part 2: https://awesound.com/a/ponniyin-selvan-audio-part-2 Part 3: https://awesound.com/a/ponniyin-selvan-audio-part-3 Part 4: https://awesound.com/a/ponniyin-selvan-audio-part-4 Part 5: https://awesound.com/a/ponniyin-selvan-part-5 Other works of Jevita Naresh: https://www.amazon.in/dp/1637540043?ref=myi_title_dp https://www.amazon.in/dp/B08GM1XLSF Saradha Mohan Kumar’s Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6OixTVi7Tf6DH4mz5FWMjw For feedback please write to jevitanaresh@gmail.com

Bonus content
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Listen any time, via mobile app or web browser
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Categories: Arts, Religion & Spirituality

Tags: audio, audiobook, book, camera, devotion, games, ganesh, hindu, History, photo, songs, tamil, thirukural

Ozma of Oz: A Record of Her Adventures with Dorothy Gale of Kansas, the Yellow Hen, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, Tiktok, the Cowardly Lion and the Hungry Tiger; Besides Other Good People too Numerous to Mention Faithfully Recorded Herein published on July 30, 1907, was the third book of L. Frank Baum’s Oz series. It was the first in which Baum was clearly intending a series of Oz books.

Categories: Arts

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, free audio books, L. Frank Baum, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Ozma of Oz

Leo Tolstoy’s psychological novel Anna Karenina follows the life of the enchanting and rebellious Anna who seeks to break free from the shackles of society. Set in late 19th century Russia, Anna is portrayed as an ideal, cultivated aristocratic wife, mother and model for women alike. Although at first glance she seems to have it all in life, Anna yearns for love and affection- something her cold diplomatic husband cannot provide. She grows discontent of their loveless relationship, and is tired of the façade she has been putting up in order to sustain a positive social image. A chance encounter with the charming and irresistibly handsome Vronsky sparks Anna’s desire for love and consequently results in her entering the waters of infidelity. However, the honey moon stage of their relationship comes to an end, and things take an unsuspected turn of events, as the inescapable consequences of their affair come to surface. Scorn, exile, jealousy, isolation and suspicion are just some of the issues Anna must face in day to day life. Similarly her acquaintance, Levin, who is an independent and somewhat social misfit, is also struggling to find his place in society as he neither identifies himself as an intellectual, bureaucrat, rebel, nor socialite. He too is on the hunt for the promised fruits of life and individual happiness. His up and down union with Kitty and their inconsistent feelings towards each other acts as a contrast to the evolving relationship between Vronsky and Anna. Tolstoy’s classic depicts a clash between individual fulfillment and a respectable place in society. Despite remaining consistent in their search for happiness and self gratification, none of the characters are immune to the inevitable obstacles life can cruelly serve up. The clarification of mankind’s inexhaustible question on the true meaning of life, and the individual perception of happiness between the characters are what make Anna Karenina such a captivating novel. Its story of passion, adultery, betrayal, and self-discovery leaves readers mesmerized long after its conclusion. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts, Society & Culture

Tags: Anna Karenina, audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, Historical Fiction, Leo Tolstoy, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, romance, tragedy

To get away from city life periodically, New Yorker Roger Locke purchases an abandoned farm house in rural Connecticut, and with the assistance of his cousin Phillida and her beau Ethan Vere, he sets about fixing up the place. Immediately however, an unseen mysterious woman begins giving him warnings during nocturnal visits to leave the house at once. Soon he begins hearing strange ominous sounds emanating from the tiny lake at the back of the house coupled with a permeation of sickly odors. An evil presence then begins to visit him during the witching hours of the late night, challenging him to a battle of wits from which there can be only one victor. Is his mysterious female visitor there to help and encourage him to flee from the house, or is she working in tandem with The Thing From the Lake? A gripping, occasionally frightening tale, Ms. Ingram wastes no time in grabbing the reader into the story and manages to weave a tale that will leave the reader guessing at every turn of events.

Categories: Arts

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, Eleanor M. Ingram, fiction, free audio books, Horror/Ghost stories, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, MYSTERY, The Thing from the Lake

An eleven year old who remains eleven for more than half a century! As a literary creation, Richmal Crompton’s scalawag schoolboy has few peers. Along with his notorious gang of Outlaws, William Brown wreaks havoc not just on his family but also across the entire village. His long suffering family, the local shopkeepers and a host of unforgettable characters make the William series of 21 books a delightful and most amusing read. More William is the second in the long series written by Richmal Crompton Lamburn. She was a dedicated school teacher who began writing full time after she was crippled by polio at the age of 33. A life long sufferer of illnesses of various kinds, including cancer, Crompton’s William stories never reveal the darker side of life or despair. Instead, they celebrate youth, high spirits, mischief and the joy of childhood pranks. The William series met with instant success and to her own surprise, great financial rewards as well. She had written a short story entitled The Outlaws in 1917 but it came out only after another story entitled Rice Mould Pudding was published in the Home Magazine in 1919. It was in these stories that William first made his debut. In 1922, she published a collection entitled Just William featuring a cast of characters that went on to captivate generations of children and adults. She is less known for her considerable body of work in writing for adults, though she published more than 40 novels dealing with Edwardian themes. In fact, William himself was not aimed specifically at children. His misadventures and shenanigans hold much more appeal for grownups rather than younger readers through their humorous writing style. In More William, the young hero features in fourteen independent short stories. Some of them are truly hilarious like The Ghost in which William creates a “psychic” encounter for his cousin Mildred. Other tales like Knight at Arms have him and bosom pal Ginger rescuing a damsel in “distress” a la the Knight of La Mancha! Unable to bear the perceived atrocities of his family, William runs away from home in The Revenge. The collection also features Rice Mould Pudding which was the first published William story. Other stories feature William’s martyred family and their ineffectual efforts in coping with the head of the Outlaws. William’s eternal conflict with authority, his exuberance, his maverick take on life and his heroic ideals all form the backdrop to this truly engaging and enjoyable book.

Categories: Arts

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, free audio books, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, More William, Richmal Crompton

“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men.” Proverbs 22:29 I am a Christian, and I do my best to think only on what is “true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy” (Phil 4:8). It’s hard to find media out there these days that adheres to these standards… and when it does, more often than not, it isn’t very good! I think this is why many of us have given up and just accepted what’s available in mainstream popular culture, attempting to overlook the increasing amount of objectionable material. We think it’s that, or nothing. But we have power: we can vote with our dollars. Supply follows demand! My (admittedly lofty) goal is to do my small part in encouraging our culture to accept nothing less than excellent, clean art—particularly for kids, young adults, and new adults. My blog and podcast are designed to be a resource to help young adults, and families of young adults, find entertaining and clean reads that do not compromise their standards. I also want to help great authors get the recognition they deserve! Disclaimer: my books do occasionally use the words ‘damn’ and ‘hell.’ I don’t have a problem with this, but if you do, then they’re not for you. 😉

Categories: Arts, Religion & Spirituality

Tags: audiobook, bookreviews, christian, clean, familyfriendly, ya, YoungAdult

Dorothy and Toto set out to help the Shaggy Man (who really is very shaggy) and end up lost, following a strange new road. Along the way they meet Button Bright, a little boy who is not really very bright at all, The Rainbow’s Daughter, the Fox King and many other curious creatures including the deadly Scoodlers who want to make soup of them and the Musicker who can’t stop making music. But the adventurers make their way to the Deadly Desert and cross it in a novel way to reach the Land of Oz. Santa Clause is a surprise guest at Ozma’s Birthday Party along with many Queens, Kings and and a wonderful time is had by all. Including Toto! [written by Phil Chenevert]

Categories: Arts

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, free audio books, L. Frank Baum, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, The Road to Oz

A river memoir documenting Twain’s early days as an apprentice steamboat pilot on the Mississippi River before the American Civil War. Reminiscing about his happy experiences as a young man under the instruction of an experienced mentor, the autobiographical tale depicts one of the most vivid illustrations of river life. Furthermore, the book captures the author’s nostalgic emotions through his resonant depiction of one of the most notable periods of his life. Twain begins his memoir with a rich historical account of the Mississippi River including its exploration by early explorers, its evolution, and its vastness. He then proceeds to tell of his youthful experiences along the river, and its significant role in his life from early childhood right up to adulthood. Subsequently, the classic focuses on Twain’s time as a cub-pilot on a steamboat and the incidents that occur during his apprenticeship. Never depicting a dull moment, the author mentions various characters and encounters which further enrich the tale as he navigates along the river. Written from a personal point of view, the story offers insight as the audience is exposed to a different angle of river life through an enchanting travel log. He vibrantly describes the beauties of the Mississippi River with its twists, shallows, rapids, turns and landmarks, consequently bringing life to the river. In the second part of the book, however, Twain describes a different experience on the Mississippi River, conveying the harsh reality of progress as he travels along the river years later. In addition the book presents opposing images of a bucolic setting not yet altered by the inescapable grasp of industrialization, and the image of the consequences instigated by industrialization and automation. A stunning blend of autobiography, history and tall tales, the book has much to offer to its audience, and also includes humorous appendixes and commentaries. A well comprised piece of writing, Life on the Mississippi is full of imagery and descriptive language that portrays the beauty of nature, culture and heritage. Exploring themes such as inevitable change and progress in society, gratification gained from the simplicity of nature, and the deceptiveness of outward appearance, the book is a timeless classic portraying an important part of American history. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts, Society & Culture

Tags: audio books, audiobook, Biography, ebooks, free audio books, Life on the Mississippi, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Mark Twain, Memoirs, nature, Non-fiction, travel

Francis, a young Italian boy, is a merchant’s son who is enthralled by the troubadour songs and tales of knights that his father brings back from his travels. He decides to become a knight, but after seeing the poor and suffering in the tragedies of war, he decides to give away all of his worldly possessions and become a troubadour for God.

Categories: Arts, Kids & Family, Religion & Spirituality

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, free audio books, God's Troubadour, Kids, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Non-fiction, religion, The Story of St. Francis of Assisi, Unknown

Thomas Bulfinch (July 15, 1796 – May 27, 1867) explains the his work is “an attempt tell the stories of mythology in such a manner as to make them a source of amusement. We have endeavored to tell them correctly, according to the ancient authorities, so that when the reader finds them referred to he may not be at a loss to recognize the reference. Thus we hope to teach mythology not as a study, but as a relaxation from study; to give our work the charm of a story-book, yet by means of it to impart a knowledge of an important branch of education.” The Bulfinch version of myth, presents the myths in their literary versions, without unnecessary violence, sex, psychology or ethnographic information. The Bulfinch myths are an indispensable guide to the cultural values of the American 19th century.

Categories: Arts

Tags: audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fiction, free audio books, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Myths/Legends, or Legends of King Arthur, The Age of Chivalry, Thomas Bulfinch

One of the earliest examples of literature written in the science fiction genre, From the Earth to the Moon is a part of the Voyages Extraordinaires series by French novelist Jules Verne. Written more than a century before the Apollo mission, Verne’s classic is somewhat a prophetic novel of man’s travel to the moon with its thorough and descriptive detail. A remarkable blend of action, humor, science, and audacious schemes, the timeless classic is sure to fascinate with its unique vision of lunar exploration. The story unfolds at the Baltimore Gun Club, a society of American Civil War veterans and weapon enthusiasts, who are in the midst of adjusting to a post-war environment and left feeling superfluous. During deliberations on how to deal with the declining need for artillery, club president Impey Barbicane puts forward his idea to build a giant cannon and launch a projectile to the moon. After the initial chaos the proposal causes, the members of the club unite in support of the idea. As the project receives public recognition, the Baltimore Gun Club gains even more courage to proceed with its endeavor, with significant donations pouring in from all over the world. However, Captain Nicholl of Philadelphia, an armor plate designer and old rival of Barbicane, contradicts the venture and makes a series of wagers with him about the success rate of such a feat. Accordingly, the members of the Baltimore Gun Club are busy at work with the formation and scientific calculations for their lunar expedition. Furthermore, a cheerful French adventurer appears and volunteers to be a passenger on board the projectile, and even convinces Barbicane and Nicholl to join him. An unforeseen array of characters and their cooperation brings together elements of comedy and suspense, leaving readers engrossed in the novel’s development. Verne uses his characters to present humorous stereotypes and a caricature representation of American nationalism. Nevertheless From the Earth to the Moon offers adventure, humor, and a range of comical and eccentric personalities. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts, Kids & Family

Tags: Adventure, audio books, audiobook, ebooks, fantasy, fiction, free audio books, From the Earth to the Moon, Jules Verne, Literature, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, science, science-fiction, Teen/Young adult

“A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts,” is one of the quotes from James Allen’s classic self help books, As a Man Thinketh. Published in 1902, it provides many more such insightful concepts on the power of thought and its effect on a human being’s personality and behavior. This volume is more of a literary essay than a complete book and its title is based on a Biblical proverb, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Taking this piece of ancient wisdom further, James Allen explores the far-reaching effects of the inner workings of a person’s mind and motivation. He proposes that projecting one’s own desires, goals and needs in the outer world can provide clues to a person’s character. Thinking and the subconscious mind are assumed to be hidden from the outside world, and hence powerless to change the course of events or circumstances of one’s life. However, in this book, Allen presents ideas that can harness this subterranean force and bend our lives to our will if we so choose. James Allen was a British writer who wrote mostly about everyday philosophy for the lay person and was in a sense, a pioneer of the self help movement. His books and poems were inspirational pieces, meant to help people realize their own powers and take charge of their lives rather than being mere tools in the hands of destiny. Born in a working class family in Leicester, England, Allen and his younger brother grew up in straitened circumstances. His father, a factory worker, traveled to America in search of a better job, but was tragically attacked and killed by criminals in New York. James, the older son, was compelled to leave school and seek work back in England. He found employment as a secretary to a stationer and later worked as a journalist. He later discovered a deep and enduring interest in spiritual matters when he began working as a writer with a magazine devoted to spiritual themes. His first book From Poverty to Power was published in 1901. Subsequently, he also launched his own spiritual magazine. As a Man Thinketh was his third and most famous book. It became an instant bestseller and the sales of this tiny volume were so great that they allowed Allen and his family to retire to the country, buy a house and live in relative comfort for the rest of their life. The book’s language is very simple and the message presented here will certainly provide a basis for further thought and meditation. More great books at LoyalBooks.com

Categories: Arts, Society & Culture

Tags: As a Man Thinketh, audio books, audiobook, ebooks, Essay/Short nonfiction, fiction, free audio books, James Allen, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, Non-fiction, Philosophy, Psychology

The legend of Don Juan is one that’s been told and retold over the centuries by poets and novelists. His life has been the subject of operas, musicals and film. The earliest reference was in a fourteenth century Spanish play and compiled in book form in the seventeenth century. His life continued to fascinate writers like Moliere, Byron, Bernard Shaw, Pushkin, Shakespeare, Jose Saramago and musicians like Mozart, whose Don Giovanni is a brilliant work that still charms audiences and music lovers all over the world. The legend of Don Juan in Spain portrays him as a wealthy and amoral character, who prides himself on his marvelous power to attract women of all ages. He also spends the rest of his time gambling and drinking. Occasionally, he indulges in crimes like murder when thwarted in fulfilling his desires. Don Juan’s name has become synonymous in English and many other languages with being a flirt and a womanizer. However, in Don Juan by George Gordon Byron, the serial heartbreaker is portrayed as a much wronged innocent who is instead easily taken in by women. This epic, satirical poem which runs into more than 16,000 lines remains unfinished as Byron continued to add verses till his death. It is interesting to note that the English pronunciation of Juan is used throughout the poem, to rhyme with words like “ruin” and “true one.” In Don Juan: Canto I, Byron describes the rake’s early years in Seville. The young Juan begins his infamous career at the age of sixteen by launching into a relationship with an older woman. Her outraged husband sets a posse of citizens to investigate the matter and they hope to catch the couple misbehaving. But Juan proves too savvy for them and when they burst into the lady’s bedroom, he conceals himself under the bed! The entire episode is told in a farcical tone and ends with Juan being sent away by his mother to further his education, while his partner in crime is banished to a nunnery! Byron hoped to write something that was similar in form and tone to his earlier work, Beppo, which was much admired. He sourced his material for Don Juan from various Spanish texts and uses a sardonic tone to describe events and people who are really neither admirable nor heroic. After his self imposed exile to Italy and Spain following a scandalous separation from his wife, Byron immersed himself in the works of Italian and Spanish writers. Don Juan is one of the works that arose from this period. It is considered an original, brilliant and path breaking work in English literature and is an entertaining read for Byron enthusiasts.

Categories: Arts

Tags: audio books, audiobook, Don Juan: Canto I, ebooks, free audio books, George Gordon Byron, lord, Loyal Books, loyalbooks.com, poetry

In the mood for a story? The Public Domain Podcast will tell you a tale hand picked for you from the public domain and read by experienced reader E or one of her screened guest readers. Over 30 episodes have been recorded. Visit http://publicdomainpodcast.com for more posts and links to public domain works.

Categories: Arts

Tags: audiobook, audiobooks, Books, classics, edgarallenpoe, ghost, julesverne, Literature, marktwain, MYSTERY, Reading, shortstories, Stories