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Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, the Complete Radio Series

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Audio CDs
by: Douglas Adams

October 03, 2005
As with previous releases on vinyl etc, this is NOT the original radio show. Episodes 1-4 sound like they have been re-recorded, from the voices and the technical sound I'm guessing this was done at the time of the third series. The script, the sound effects and music all contain differences - I've compared it to my original (very old) cassette recordings off the radio and the CD version is definitely different - cleaner maybe but somehow rather "flat".

Maybe the BBC lost the original recordings as they did with so many other radio and TV shows? Maybe the quality was thought to not be good enough? Maybe they thought they could improve the original sound effects with newer technology? Whatever the reason, claiming this as the original ... Read More:

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The Lord of the Rings: "The Fellowship of the Ring", "The Two Towers", "The Return of the King" (BBC Radio Collection)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Audio CDs
by: J.R.R. Tolkien

October 07, 2002
There's no getting away from the fact this is pricey but it's worth it!
It's VERY atmospheric with really strong performances from an all British cast. It's NOT an audio book ! There is a central narrator, but every character has it's own individual performance/actor, there are some fantastic (& never cheesy!) Sound FX and subtle uses of suitably grand, orchestral pieces. I certainly can't imagine much better on the Radio back in 1981 - the WHOLE tale fom start to finish!
The beauty of this is that you can indulge your imagination. Definiteley one for a hot bath & the lights out! It's inevitable that comparisons will be made with the Movie trilogy & it is impossible to prevent Peter Jackson's wonderful images occasionally seeping ... Read More:

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Nation

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Audio CDs
by: Terry Pratchett

September 11, 2008
More than 20 years ago now, a good friend pressed a copy of "The Colour of Magic" into my hands that launched a love affair with Terry's books that lasts to this day. Like most frustrated authors who lack the talent to deliver themselves, I read a lot, and I think I have read pretty much all that Terry has written since 198whatever, and yes some of it is quite a lot better than some other bits, but his work has never once been a disappointment.

So I was delighted to see Nation appear on the shelf last week and have just used a rainy Sunday morning to finish it.

A quick summation, of the important points; this is not a Disc World novel, it is a book aimed at anyone over about 9 who can read. It deals with the not inconsequential questions of being ... Read More:

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Deep Sleep (Diviniti)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Audio CDs
by: Glenn Harrold

January 07, 2001
Something about this man's voice really grates; a strong London/Southern accent and none of the soothing qualities I'd expect in a hypnotist. At one point he just keeps saying 'go to sleep, go to sleep' like a slightly irritated parent with a toddler. I keep trying it cos I am desperate to sleep, but usually have to get up and switch it off half way through cos I can't bear it!

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Fiddle Time Joggers

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Audio CDs
by: Kathy & David Blackwell

September 20, 2001
Something about this man's voice really grates; a strong London/Southern accent and none of the soothing qualities I'd expect in a hypnotist. At one point he just keeps saying 'go to sleep, go to sleep' like a slightly irritated parent with a toddler. I keep trying it cos I am desperate to sleep, but usually have to get up and switch it off half way through cos I can't bear it!

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The Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy: Primary Phase (Audio CD)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Audio CDs
by: Douglas Adams

May 02, 2005
Fantastic - a true muse of fire, crammed with so many ideas and such comedic brilliance that it is practically bursting at the seams.
All the others seem lame in comparison (which they aren't), like Charlie Chaplins WW1 films - an ariadne's thread for all his other ideas.

If you haven't listened to the Primary Phase, don't just watch the film or read the book - it is essential that you try it on CD, as it was ground breaking in its time, and still flawless in the present.

All in all, this is an essential audio book, which has had profound effects on popular culture and is a Bible for anyone seeking to make headway (while avoiding cliche) in sci-fi, comedy or any pop culture field. Listen and be enriched!

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French Experience 2 (5 CD Pack)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Audio CDs
by: Jeanine Picard, Mike Garnier

July 12, 2004
These CDs should really be purchased alongside the course book. After having ordered the CD set alone, I discovered that to enable a full understanding of what was happening, and to expand my reading and pronunciation and recognition of French, the course book was essential. May I fully recommend spending the extra £10 - if you really would like to benefit as much as is possible from the French Experience 2 Course, then do so. I have been learning French in for 2 years, and found this intermediate course study `just right' for the stage I was at. After following the `Encore Tricolore' scheme, this appeared to act as a perfect `stepping-stone' from Encore Tricolore 2 to 3. May I also recommend the other BBC Language books. [...]

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A Thousand Splendid Suns

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Audio CDs
by: Khaled Hosseini

May 22, 2007
"A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini is a book that the author researched while visiting Kabul. It is a story of friendship between two very dissimilar women who were ages apart in background and in education. They became close in order to survive and to endure the environment that they were forced to live in. The reader grows to understand that there existed between them a closeness like that of a mother and daughter. This intimacy was built upon much mutual respect and much love which these two (2) stunning characters generated for each other. The novel is really the story of the lives of Laila and Mariam.

The title for this novel comes from a 17th Century poem by Saib-e-Tabrizi which was a beautiful poem written in praise of Kabul. The excerpt from which the title originated ... Read More:

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Pants (Book & CD)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Audio CDs
by: Giles Andreae

February 01, 2007
My kids, husband & I adore this book and never tire of it. We all know it off by heart and each of us has a favourite type of pants in the book. We have bought many copies to give as gifts and would thoroughly recommend to all. Caution - it is not the sort of book to read at bedtime when trying to settle your children down quietly as you cant help but shout and laugh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We're now off to buy "More Pants"!!!!!!

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Lose Weight Now

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Audio CDs
by: Glenn Harrold

September 01, 2004
I have tried hypnosis CDs previously (Paul McKenna) without results or significant effects so when i stumbled accross Glenn Harrolds CD i thought id have one last go with a different hypnotherapist.
The results have been better than i could have wished, i lost 6 pounds in around 10 days and have kept the weight off too!
My weight is going down slowly and steadily and i think about food in a totally different way now.
I would recommend listening to any of Harrolds CDs once a week so as to keep your mind focused on your goals, it works better this way.