What I Saw and How I Lied Audiobook, by Judy Blundell Play Audiobook Sample

What I Saw and How I Lied Audiobook

What I Saw and How I Lied Audiobook, by Judy Blundell Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Caitlin Greer Publisher: Scholastic Audio Books Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 4.17 hours at 1.5x Speed 3.13 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: October 2009 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9780545222501

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

38

Longest Chapter Length:

21:49 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

03:25 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

10:00 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

3

Other Audiobooks Written by Judy Blundell: > View All...

Publisher Description

This National Book Award winner set during the aftermath of WWII is now available on audio!Format: 4 CDs, UnabridgedNARRATOR: Caitlin Greer

When Evie's father returned home from World War II, the family fell back into its normal life pretty quickly. But Joe Spooner brought more back with him than just good war stories. When movie-star handsome Peter Coleridge, a young ex-GI who served in Joe's company in postwar Austria, shows up, Evie is suddenly caught in a complicated web of lies that she only slowly recognizes. She finds herself falling for Peter, ignoring the secrets that surround him . . . until a tragedy occurs that shatters her family and breaks her life in two.

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"I don't usually read YA fiction, but my mother-in-law had a copy of this lying around and highly recommended it, and I loved the cover and had nothing better to do on vacation, so I picked it up and essentially read straight through it in a night, which for me is a sign of deep immersion and great enjoyment. (I really don't understand why some people consider "fast read" a put down; I typically only read fast when I'm more invested in the book than in the distractions of my real life). I love the whole notion of a young adult noir, and I thought that Blundell nailed the narrator's shifting voice as she came of age in the process of the novel, which in her case meant discovering the dark side of human nature (including that of her mother and stepfather), and discovering her sexuality and capacity for love. Furthermore, the mystery was great, with enough twists and turns to keep it constantly engaging and surprising but never implausible. This was one of the better books I've read recently, YA or no."

— Malena (4 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “A taut, noirish mystery/coming-of-age story set in 1947…Readers can taste Evie’s alienation and her yearning; it’s a stylish, addictive brew.”

    — Publishers Weekly
  • “Caitlin Greer paces the story perfectly, drawing out each scene, pulling each character into the drama. Each story line is given equal emphasis, so the listener doesn’t see how all the pieces fit together until the end.”

    — AudioFile
  • “Evie learns that adults, even those closest to her, are not always what they seem. Blundell navigates this multidimensional plotline with unique, well-developed characters and insightful dialogue. Yet it is Evie and her rapidly maturing perception of herself and those around her that carry the story. In many ways she becomes the adult in the group, motivated by truth and justice rather than greed or superficial appearances.”

    — School Library Journal
  • “Using pitch-perfect dialogue and short sentences filled with meaning, Blundell has crafted a suspenseful, historical mystery that not only subtly explores issues of post–WWII racism, sexism, and socioeconomic class, but also realistically captures the headiness of first love and the crushing realization that adults are not all-powerful.”

    — Booklist

Awards

  • Winner of the National Book Award

What I Saw and How I Lied Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 3.5 out of 53.5 out of 53.5 out of 53.5 out of 53.5 out of 5 (3.50)
5 Stars: 6
4 Stars: 10
3 Stars: 6
2 Stars: 4
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: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This book kept my attention and was a nice, quick read. I read too many reviews when I bought it though, and spoiled it by knowing the twist before it happened. I think it could have been more interesting if I hadn't, but I'll never know... Good insight into a teenager's mind, one racey part, I didn't like the choices the main characters made, but it read real. "

    — Andrea, 2/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I wouldn't want my adolescent child reading this book, mostly because of a rather explicit almost-sex-scene. Not to mention that I wasn't overall very impressed with the story. I read it in a couple hours and was left feeling underwhelmed by the writing and plot. "

    — Cindy, 1/25/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I thought this book was OK. I didn't like the characters in it so I had a hard time feeling sympathy for them or getting into the story. "

    — Samantha, 1/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Fabulous book! I honestly do not know what words to use to describe this book. "

    — Ginny, 1/11/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Started it at 8:00 one night...finished it during 5th period the next day. I loved it!! "

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

    " This was only OK as teen/YA books go. Quite nice that it's set in an older era for a change, but the foreshadowings and drama are all a bit obvious. "

    — Liza, 12/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I didn't like the boy she thought liked her was really dating her mom was messed up to me but it was otherwise a great book. :) "

    — Mahvish, 11/14/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I really enjoyed this book about first loves and disappointments. The characters are some that you really love or really hate. I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator was terrific! I recommend this book! "

    — Stephanie, 10/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " It's an ugly business, growing up and realizing that the people you love aren't saints. Even so, this was certainly not my favorite read of the summer. It's realistic drama set in the 1940s, and I don't care for either realism or period pieces. "

    — Paula, 11/18/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I really enjoyed this story and the time period and setting. I also liked the writer's style. "

    — Anjelica, 9/10/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It was an interesting book, but it's definatly a girly book. "

    — Kirsty, 9/8/2012
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " No matter how many times i tried to read it I never got into it. The first 2 chapters were fine but after that it lost me. I had to put it down. "

    — Ashley, 8/16/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good look at post WWII culture, with a bit of a mystery thrown in. I appreciated learning some little known facts about both WWII and post-war in the US. Wasn't thrilled with the main character - but others might like her more than I did. "

    — Laura, 2/26/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " terrific YA--set in 1947. Great period details and mystery, drama, romance, and some interesting details about life on the "homefront" during WWII. "

    — Krissy, 12/28/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Very interesting indeed, how many lies has she been told? Was it a natural disaster or plain murder that killed her beloved Peter. Why is it that love is denied by those who are blinded by judgement and hate upon those who actually deserve happiness within their lives. "

    — Burn, 10/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " An entertaining shall we say 'mysterious' book. I liked it, it certainly passed the time while I was reading it. The characters were all believable, and well developed. It didn't end, persay, quite how I wanted it to. That's the only thing. "

    — Jennifer, 5/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Absolutely riveting; couldn't put it down. "

    — Judie, 5/20/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A good read, but nothing special! I'm giving it a bit of leeway as it's a YA, the story was good and the characters were brilliantly drawn, but it lacked a little in bite, I felt, which as a YA is understandable really, but as a proper grown up (I am, honest!) it left me a little wanting! "

    — Natalie, 5/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I don't recommend this one. Coming-of-age blah blah, a little obvious in some places, the only really good plot stuff is at the end. Also? She didn't SEE anything. The title lied to me. :) "

    — Emily, 5/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I had started this book several times, so stick with it in the beginning. Found I couldn't put it down! National Book Award Winner. Very interesting. Good mystery for YA "

    — Barbara, 5/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is a really good YA novel by a talented author. "

    — Krista, 5/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Very good coming of age tale. Set in 1947 with a noirish dark edge. "

    — Amanda, 5/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " About post-World War II time period in the U.S. This book was interesting in the subjects that it brings up and how you have to read carefully to figure out what the real story is. "

    — Jess, 5/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Décevant. Lorsque j'ai lu la quatrième de couverture, je m'attendais à mieux. "

    — Yaa, 5/8/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Judy Blundell writes like a warm blanket on a cold night feels. You just want to cozy up to her prose. This is a captivating story that is part war story, part romance, part adventure and part mystery. The characterization is scintillating and the pacing is flawless. One of my favorite books. "

    — Mark, 5/7/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Brilliantly retro in its subject and prose a fantastic read for anyone looking for a touch of old school glamour. On a serious note it represents a different side of the post war story. Very delicately this book convays the trama men and their families experienced after WW2. "

    — Candice, 5/6/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I like the title in and of itself - intriguing, plus it just rolls off the tongue, doesn't it? - but I think it actually spoils the book. Would have given it four stars if I hadn't had such a strong sense from the beginning of what was to come - totally diffused the tension for me. "

    — Didi, 5/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This book definitely kept me guessing. It is totally worth reading. "

    — Alexis, 4/28/2011

About Judy Blundell

Judy Blundell is the National Book Award–winning author of  What I Saw and How I Lied. As Jude Watson, she is the author of several titles in the New York Times bestselling 39 Clues series, as well as the bestselling Star Wars: Last of the Jedi and Jedi Quest series. She lives in Katonah, New York.

About Caitlin Greer

Caitlin Greer has appeared on television, been a motion capture performer for animation and video games, and voiced many characters for film, television, video games, and radio. She was honored by the American Library Association as part of Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults and is an IGN Award–winner and two-time nominee for Best Voice Acting: Game Ensemble.