Cosmic Audiobook, by Frank Cottrell Boyce Play Audiobook Sample

Cosmic Audiobook

Cosmic Audiobook, by Frank Cottrell Boyce Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Kirby Heyborne Publisher: Walden Pond Press Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 5.00 hours at 1.5x Speed 3.75 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: January 2010 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9780061938238

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

38

Longest Chapter Length:

41:29 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

43 seconds

Average Chapter Length:

12:01 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

9

Other Audiobooks Written by Frank Cottrell Boyce: > View All...

Publisher Description

Liam has always felt a bit like he's stuck between two worlds. This isprimarily because he's a twelve-year-old kid who looks like he's about thirty. Sometimes it's not so bad, like when his new principal mistakes him for a teacher on the first day of school or when he convinces a car dealer to let him take a Porsche out on a test drive. But mostly it's just frustrating, being a kid trapped in an adult world. And so he decides to flip things around. Liam cons his way onto the first spaceship to take civilians into space, a special flight for a group of kids and an adult chaperone, and he is going as the adult chaperone. It's not long before Liam, along with his friends, is stuck between two worlds again—only this time he's 239,000 miles from home.

Frank Cottrell Boyce, author of Millions and Framed, brings us a funny and touching story of the many ways in which grown-upness is truly wasted on grown-ups.

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"Frank Cottrell Boyce knows how to spin an exciting tale. Right from the beginning, Liam, the main character, seemed out of place with his peers. Boyce was able to use a few humorous examples to demonstrate how Liam didn't really fit in with any group, and most middle-school-aged kids can relate to that feeling on some level. His (Liam's) enjoyment of adventure and willingness to take risks continued to get him into outrageous situations in the book, but despite their outrageousness the reader could see how each little event led up to positioning Liam in the situations he found himself in. Overall, it was a higly-pleasing, well-crafted story."

— Ryan (5 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “With echoes of Roald Dahl…the novel ends with an elegant punch line, and a touching endorsement of filial love.”

    — New York Times Book Review
  • “Hilariously inventive. Frank Cottrell Boyce makes you laugh and think about parents and growing up, about the goodness of gravity and the infinite stars.”

    — Washington Post
  • “Cottrell Boyce has a gift for suspending disbelief, for laugh-out-loud comedy. ‘Cosmic’ is Liam’s favorite term of approval. It applies to this book.”

    — Times (London)
  • “His third novel, and his best yet. Hugely funny and utterly gripping.”

    — Guardian (London)
  • “This superb humorous and inventive ‘cosmic’ adventure celebrates space travel, friendships, and dads.”

    — VOYA (starred review)
  • “A hilarious and heartfelt examination of ‘dadliness’ in all its forms…A can’t-miss offering from an author whose latest novel may be his best yet.”

    — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
  • “In his latest extravagantly imaginative and marvelously good-natured novel, [Frank Cottrell Boyce has] written one that is bound to win readers’ hearts...This is not only a story about big lads, but also about dads and dadliness!”

    — Booklist (starred review)
  • “Readers will appreciate the sharp, realistic, and very funny dialogue.”

    — School Library Journal (starred review)

Awards

  • A 2010 Booklist Top 10 in Science Fiction/Fantasy Novels for Youth
  • A 2010 Publishers Weekly Best Book in Children's Fiction
  • A 2010 School Library Journal Best Book for Children
  • Shortlisted for the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize
  • Shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Literature

Cosmic Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 3.84848484848485 out of 53.84848484848485 out of 53.84848484848485 out of 53.84848484848485 out of 53.84848484848485 out of 5 (3.85)
5 Stars: 11
4 Stars: 11
3 Stars: 8
2 Stars: 1
1 Stars: 2
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A wonderful joy ride. Too tall middle schooler Liam grows up a bit on an unexpected trip to the moon with four other kids. "

    — Barbara, 2/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of the best books that I've read this year. I really can't say enough about it. Funny, endearing, and a ridiculous story that's all about fathers. "

    — Chelle, 1/25/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Brilliant! And funny. I cannot wait to read all of this author's other books! "

    — Rita, 1/25/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Lots and lots of fun. I love how Boyce puts kids in totally unbelievable situations and makes you believe them! He's a genius that way. "

    — Joelle, 1/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Absolute craziness- I loved it. "

    — Sara, 1/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " For me it was the quirky details and the funny digressions that made this book so good. And the brilliant plot, of course. When I read the blurb I thought I was really going to have to suspend disbelief. I was wrong - it is so well constructed that it's easy to believe that Liam could get lost in space. This book is a real treat for children and grown-ups! "

    — Elen, 1/8/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " It was cheeky, but couldn't hold my attention enough to finish. Did love the quirky kid, though. "

    — Briana, 12/29/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Well written, creative and interesting. Similarities in plot to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Some incredibly clever moments with plot and language will make this a satisfying read for all ages. "

    — Amanda, 12/14/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I totally shipped Liam/Florida, no regrets. "

    — Raabe, 12/7/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I read the first chapter to some fifth graders and they liked the idea of a kid being in a spaceship. "

    — Cheryl, 12/1/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 4.5 stars. A fun story. Just because you look older doesn't mean you should be treated that way. "

    — Miranda, 11/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " What a funny and delightful book for tweens. We laughed at many parts and liked the characters. A fun read. "

    — Suzy, 11/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " Quirky and horrible. I heard a lot about this book, but I hated it. "

    — Caren, 8/6/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Cute upper elementary or lower middle school book, primarily of interest to guys, I'd think. Unique concept "

    — Ms., 7/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I got to page 84 and decided to let it go. I am just not enjoying this book at all, for some reason. Maybe I'll pick it up later? I don't know. I'm employing "The Rule of 50" for this. "

    — Moni, 5/25/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Pretty good kid's book. The author cleverly tied in space facts throughout the book. "

    — Maura, 5/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Absolutely loved this book. Funny, endearing, quirky, did I mention funny?! Will be adding to my top ten and recommending to boys and girls (as well as adults) grades 5 and up. Nothing of concern for fourth grade and under, I'm just not sure they will get it. "

    — Kim, 12/4/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Cosmic book! I loved it! Liam is a wonderful character, witty, poignant, and above all "dadly" ay 12. He even takes "Talk to Your Teen" on his voyage to the moon. "

    — P.M., 5/29/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A funny and fun adventure through space-- and childhood! "

    — InYourFaceNewYorker, 3/2/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Loved the idea of this book - a child posing as an adult and then traveling into space - and it was very well-executed! There was lots of humor that I'm sure kids (and adults, too) will enjoy when reading this book. The book includes very poignant moments about father-child relationships. "

    — Sarah, 1/1/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Cottrell's style of writing just got me so engaged in the book, I was finished it in no time due to my love of the stoyline, characters and setting! "

    — Aaron, 12/21/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Liam Digby is an ordinary, teenage boy but very tall, so tall that he is often mistaken for an adult. At times laugh out loud funny but it can also be touching as it explores relationships between parents and children. I would give it 3 1/2 stars "

    — Ann, 8/30/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Beautiful. Touching. Honest. Just a lovely, lovely, entertaining little book. "

    — Kat, 8/8/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Pretty good kid's book. The author cleverly tied in space facts throughout the book. "

    — Maura, 5/20/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Fun story. A bit unbelievable, but if you can accept the premise, it is very well written, with some profound insights into fathers and sons. I loved the humor as well, funny enough that I laughed outloud more than once. "

    — Pamela, 5/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Great story about a boy trying to fit in, Very funny with lots of adventure. "

    — Debbie, 5/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Awesome, clever, witty kids' book with a wonderful ending!! I loved it! "

    — Elisabeth, 5/5/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " sort of a strange, modern willy wonka...a little tedious in the middle, but picks up for the ending. liked it. "

    — Kelly, 4/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Cute funny book... good for kids into humor and science. A fun easy read- "

    — Delia, 4/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This is going on my list of great boy books for my three sons when they get older. I read this during a road trip and tried reading parts out loud to my husband while he drove and couldn't even get words out I was laughing so hard. "

    — Emily, 4/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Like Millions, this is a quirky, funny British story . Liam is a 12 year old who is mistaken for an adult. He works this to his advantage and ends up in space on a wild adventure. I enjoyed this fun story. "

    — Marcia, 4/10/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Such a cute story! I laughed a lot. I think any young boy would LOVE this! "

    — Misty, 4/5/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " So much fun! This a fantastic book. "

    — Laurie, 3/31/2011

About Frank Cottrell Boyce

Frank Cottrell Boyce is the author of Framed, Cosmic, the new Chitty Chitty Bang Bang novels, and Millions, which was made into a movie by Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle. He is also a successful writer of film scripts and, along with Danny Boyle, devised the opening ceremony for the London 2012 Olympics.

About Kirby Heyborne

January LaVoy, winner of numerous awards for narration, was named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine in 2019. She is an American actress best known for her character Noelle Ortiz on the ABC daytime drama One Life to Live. In addition to working extensively in narration and television, including roles on Law & Order and All My Children, she has worked on and off Broadway as well as in regional theater.