Meryl Streep Wants to Tell You a Bedtime Story

If there is a perfect example of an audiobook that matches text, voice, and performer, it is (in my opinion) Ruby Dee reading Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God.” Every audiobook could learn from what Dee pulled off in that reading. Even if this is not a book you would choose to read/hear, you should listen if you’re into audiobooks as a form. Really, treat yourself.

I believe Ms. Streep narrated "The Velveteen Rabbit" many years ago, so this makes sense. Her voice is as deeply expressive as her face.

The best is still Eric Idle reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Neither my daughter nor I will ever, ever get sick of listening to Meryl Streep's Velveteen Rabbit. It's perfect. I don't think anyone but Debbie Reynolds will ever by Charlotte to me, but it's worth a try.

There is no reason to blackball Dr. Seuss for cartoons that were very much of their time. He making regretted them and— crucially — apologized for them. Move on.

Meryl Streep’s narration of The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams, a Rabbit Ears recording produced a number of decades ago, is a treasure I still love.

Charlotte’s Web is one of my favorite books, ever. I just listened to the Audible samples for both the Streep and company recording and White’s version. I far prefer the author’s reading. As the reviewer mentions, the full-cast version sounds cluttered, and I find all those voice changes jarring. But the biggest miss for me is the casting choice for Wilber. That voice is just not a pig’s voice! Charlotte, on the other leg, does sound like spider. Not an especially wise arachnid, but a spider nonetheless.

I'm not sure I even want to hear this new version. My kids have listened many times to White’s 1970 version, and they LOVE it, as do I. Yes, White's reading is understated, but it isn't "lacking in drama" at all. White's reading is inflected in such subtle ways, helping listeners to more fully appreciate the author's original intent in certain key scenes, as when noble versus ignoble motives vie for supremacy in the interpersonal relationships among the farm animals, or when Fern's mother consults the doctor and receives calming reassurance about her daughter's "strange" behavior. I also appreciate White's reading of his beautifully poetic descriptions of the countryside landscape, changes of seasons, flora and fauna, etc. When it comes to literature, less is more. Great books are written to be read as words on a page, not polished up to a high gloss that turns them into just another bit of frivolous entertainment.

E.B. White has recorded an audio version of Charlotte's Web, and it is magnificent. I listened as an adult and was captivated.

The main reason I subscribe to the NYT is its best reviews. Edwin Denby, the great dance critic and author of Dancers, Buildings, And People InnThe Street first got me appreciating fine reviews. This review has got me out to purchase BOTH audible book recordings of my kids favorite tail from long ago.