Staff Picks

Get in Sync with SYNC

It's my favorite time of the year. SYNC is here. What is SYNC? SYNC is a fantastic program sponsored from AudioFile Magazine and runs from May 15th until August 14th. Each week two audiobooks are available for users to download on their computer and keep for free. One is a classic/required reading title and the other is a current YA book. The program is aimed at listeners 13 and older, but with the rise in popularity of YA books in adults, there are titles listed that adults will love as well.

I know what you're thinking. "Cheryl, this is crazy and too good to be true. What's the catch?"

The only catch is that each pair of titles are only available for 7 days. Once they're gone, they're gone. So make sure to set a reoccurring alarm in your calendar (it's what I do) to remind yourself to download them each week. Once you've downloaded them, the books are yours to keep forever.

When it's time to download titles, you'll only need to give your name and email address. Downloaded titles are in MP3 format and compatible with most listening devices, and downloads operate through OverDrive's Media Console. Maybe you're already familiar with that system because if you download audiobooks from MyMediaMall, it uses the same platform. If you haven't used it before, it's really easy to get used to. Media Console is free to download and you can do so by going to their website.

Audiobooks are perfect for road trips, working out, listening while doing housework--just about any time. You can view all the titles by visiting the SYNC website. Just look at that list! Several titles are perfect for younger listeners too. Here are my recommendations for what not to miss this summer.

Code Name Verity

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

Hands down the best book I read last year, this is ideal for sharing with your BFF. Did you read The Fault in Our Stars or The Book Thief and love them? This story has the same emotional pull those did and a plot that will keep you on the edge of you seat. I adored this book.

Available to download June 12-June 18.

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter

Fun start to a series about girls at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women. The twist? It's really a spy school.

Available to download June 19-June 25.

Peter and the Starcatchers

Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

This audiobook is read by Jim Dale (the same narrator who read the Harry Potter books) and is perfect for a family car trip this summer. Everyone will fall under this story's spell.

Available to download from July 3-July 9.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes II

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes II by Arthur Conan Doyle

Sherlock Holmes never goes out of style. This collection includes the classic The Scandal in Bohemia. If you miss Sherlock on PBS or enjoy Elementary on CBS, why don't you give the original a try?

Available to download July 17-23.