This Book Astonished Lucas

 

Fat Charlie Nancy's normal life ended the moment his father dropped dead on a Florida karaoke stage. Charlie didn't know his dad was a god. And he never knew he had a brother. Now brother Spider is on his doorstep—about to make Fat Charlie's life more interesting . . . and a lot more dangerous.

Lucas says:
   "I compulsively and obsessively listened to an audio version of this work and I was astonished— astonished by both the work itself and the stellar performance delivered by the reader, Mr. Lenny Henry. Gaiman effortlessly weaves West African/Caribbean folklore into the fabric of the seemingly boring and simple life of Fat Charlie. All Fat Charlie ever wanted was job security and a wife, two things he is on the verge of obtaining. Then Fat Charlie finds out he is the son of the trickster god Anansi and that he has a brother. This is the point where Fat Charlie's world is turned upside down. After a series of events that includes multiple transatlantic trips, journeys to the mountains and caves at the beginning of the world, lounge singing, animal gods, and money laundering, Fat Charlie is forced to reexamine his life and his wants. 

   I would suggest listening to the audio format of Anansi Boys because the type of stories this book revolves around were meant to be "told." The reader Lenny Henry transitions with ease between Caribbean, British, and American accents. His portrayal of the animal gods' voices makes the magical elements of this story very believable.


All in all, a great read (do your really 'read' an audiobook?)"