Audiobooks narrated by Grover Gardner

Choose Wisely: Rationality, Ethics, and the Art of Decision-Making

"A leading psychologist and philosopher challenge the shortcomings of rational choice theory—and propose a new framework for understanding decision-making. For many decision scientists, their starting point—drawn from economics—is a quantitative formula called rational choice theory, allowing people to calculate and choose the best options. The problem is that this framework assumes an overly simplistic picture of the world where different types of values can be quantified and compared, leading to the one “most rational” choice. Behavioral economics acknowledges that irrationality is common but still accepts the underlying belief from economics of what a rational decision should look like. In this audiobook, the authors offer a different way to think about the choices we make every day. Drawing from economics, psychology, and philosophy—and both inspired by and challenging Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow—they show how the focus on rationality, narrowly understood, fails to fully describe how we think about our decisions, much less help us make better ones. Notably, it overlooks the positive contribution that framing—how we determine what aspects are most important to us—contributes to good decisions. Schwartz and Schuldenfrei argue that our choices should be informed by our individual “constellation of virtues,” allowing for a far richer understanding of the decisions we make and helping us to live more integrated and purposeful lives."

Barry Schwartz, Richard Schuldenfrei (Author), Grover Gardner (Narrator)

Audiobook

And to All a Good Bite: An Andy Carpenter Mystery

"Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter investigates a murder that left a dog stranded in And to All a Good Bite, the latest Christmas mystery in David Rosenfelt's bestselling series. Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter can't wait for Christmas. He doesn't care much about the season, unless it's football season. Andy's excited to finally relax and watch the games. But when there's a murder related to an old case in Paterson, New Jersey, Andy puts the games on pause. Two years ago, a gas leak in an office building led to a tragic explosion that killed seven people. Jeff Wheeler was there to pick up his girlfriend and ran into the building to help. All he heard was the barking of a dog, Rufus, and was able to save him. The pup was the sole survivor and Jeff was named a hero. Initially, Rufus went to the Tara Foundation since his owner had died in the accident. But Andy met Jeff and liked him, respecting his courage and allowed him to adopt Rufus. Since then, Jeff and Rufus have formed an unbreakable bond. The accident never sat right with Jeff. He believed that one of the building owners was responsible for the tragedy. Now that owner has been murdered and Jeff is arrested for the crime, Rufus is left with Jeff's sister, who begs Andy to take the case. Andy remembered Jeff's tremendous bravery and with the lingering Christmas spirit, decides to help reunite the two. With David Rosenfelt's signature humor and hijinks, it's time to close this case for good and bid it a good night. 'Listening to Grover Gardner narrating a David Rosenfelt novel is like sliding into favorite slippers at the end of a long day: One feels the joyful gratification of a perfect fit.' —AudioFile on Bark of Night A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books"

David Rosenfelt (Author), Grover Gardner (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Adventure of the Demonic Ox: A Penric and Desdemona Novella

"When sorcerer Learned Penric hears of the suspected demonic possession of an ox at his brother-in-law’s bridgebuilding worksite, he thinks it an excellent opportunity to tutor his adopted daughter and student sorceress Otta in one of their Temple duties: identifying and restraining such wild chaos elementals before harm comes to their hosts or surroundings. What begins as an instructive family outing turns anything but routine when a mountain search becomes a much more frightening adventure for Penric and his charges. What is undergone there by both mentor and students will yield lessons both unexpected and far-reaching."

Lois Bujold (Author), Grover Gardner (Narrator)

Audiobook

Thunder Road

"In this gamble, more than a few poker chips are at stake. When an Army Air Force Major vanishes from his Top Secret job at the Fort Worth airbase in the summer of 1947, down-on-his-luck former Ranger Jefferson Sharp is hired to find him, because the Major owes a sizable gambling debt to a local mobster. The search takes Sharp from the hideaway poker rooms of Fort Worth's Thunder Road, to the barren ranch lands of New Mexico, to secret facilities under construction in the Nevada desert. Lethal operatives and an opaque military bureaucracy stand in his way, but when he finds an otherworldly clue and learns President Truman is creating a new Central Intelligence Agency and splitting the Air Force from the Army, Sharp begins to connect dots. And those dots draw a straight line to a conspiracy aiming to cover up a secret that is out of this world—literally so."

Colin Holmes (Author), Grover Gardner (Narrator)

Audiobook

Dogged Pursuit: An Andy Carpenter Mystery

"In Dogged Pursuit, David Rosenfelt takes listeners back to the start of this beloved series as Andy Carpenter begins his career as a defense attorney in Paterson, New Jersey. Andy Carpenter has spent the three years since graduating law school working as a prosecutor in Paterson. But having seen how the system never looks out for the little guy, he leaves to start his own practice as a defense attorney. His office might be a little bit of a dump, but he's excited to make a change. Andy goes to the shelter to adopt a dog, where he meets his beloved golden retriever, Tara, for the first time and feels an immediate connection. The shelter is crowded and Tara's been sharing space with a dog named Sunny; Andy hates to break them up and so asks to take Sunny, too, but since there's a pending criminal case involving the owner, he'll need to get written permission for temporary possession. Andy discovers that Sunny's owner, Frank Tierney, has been arrested for the murder of his ex-boss. But he takes an immediate liking to Frank and his clear dedication to his dog, and ends up with his first case along with the two dogs. This prequel to the long-running and perennially popular Andy Carpenter mysteries is a gift for fans and a terrific entry-point for newcomers. “In his vivid portrayal of the wisecracking Andy, Gardner creates a sense of a cheerful reunion with the lawyer for longtime listeners and a warm greeting for newcomers.” —AudioFile on Muzzled A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books."

David Rosenfelt (Author), Grover Gardner (Narrator)

Audiobook

Rockets’ Red Glare: A Sage Mendiluze Novel

"Perfect for fans of Jack Reacher and Joe Pickett, Rockets’ Red Glare is a fast-paced thriller that introduces Sage Mendiluze, a police deputy determined to find and stop a series of relentless and brutal murders. After two wilderness guides are gunned down at a remote campsite in a nearby national forest, it’s determined that the fatal shots came from Wyoming’s Wind River Indian Reservation. Tribal Police Deputy Sage Mendiluze is called in to hike the rugged backcountry and investigate. Sussing out the sniper’s perch, he and his Australian shepherd, Peak, just escape becoming two more casualties when an IED is tripped. The site tells Sage there are two perps. The explosion confirms they are devious and extremely dangerous. Soon, more visitors to national parks across America have been murdered. After his display of stellar investigative and tracking skills, Sage—with Peak at his side—is recruited by Special Agent Maggie Comstock to join the task force tracking the perpetrators. Every level of government—even the president himself—insists this reign of terror must end by the Fourth of July, just days away. Clock ticking toward mayhem, Sage and Maggie are determined to stand in its way. But the mysterious murderers are just as resolute—and they intend to celebrate the holiday with a bang."

Dick Lochte, William Webster (Author), Grover Gardner (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777-1780

"In the second volume of the landmark American Revolution trilogy by the Pulitzer Prize-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author of The British Are Coming, George Washington's army fights on the knife edge between victory and defeat. The first twenty-one months of the American Revolution-which began at Lexington and ended at Princeton-was the story of a ragged group of militiamen and soldiers fighting to forge a new nation. By the winter of 1777, the exhausted Continental Army could claim only that it had barely escaped annihilation by the world's most formidable fighting force. Two years into the war, George III is as determined as ever to bring his rebellious colonies to heel. But the king's task is now far more complicated: fighting a determined enemy on the other side of the Atlantic has become ruinously expensive, and spies tell him that the French and Spanish are threatening to join forces with the Americans. Prize-winning historian Rick Atkinson provides a riveting narrative covering the middle years of the Revolution. Stationed in Paris, Benjamin Franklin woos the French; in Pennsylvania, George Washington pleads with Congress to deliver the money, men, and materiel he needs to continue the fight. In New York, General William Howe, the commander of the greatest army the British have ever sent overseas, plans a new campaign against the Americans-even as he is no longer certain that he can win this searing, bloody war. The months and years that follow bring epic battles at Brandywine, Saratoga, Monmouth, and Charleston, a winter of misery at Valley Forge, and yet more appeals for sacrifice by every American committed to the struggle for freedom. Timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the beginning of the Revolution, Atkinson's brilliant account of the lethal conflict between the Americans and the British offers not only deeply researched and spectacularly dramatic history, but also a new perspective on the demands that a democracy makes on its citizens. * This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF of maps and illustrations from the book."

Rick Atkinson (Author), Grover Gardner, Rick Atkinson (Narrator)

Audiobook

What if America Were a Christian Nation Again?

"America is in the throes of a cultural war-one that threatens us from within and without. So-called 'progressive' individuals and organizations are falsely using the words of our founding fathers to achieve the antithesis of their design for our nation. The first Americans sought freedom of religion; today we face freedom from religion. The framers of the constitution sought liberty; modern interpretations promote licentiousness. The early settlers believed in absolute morality; today's liberals advocate relative morality. What if America Were a Christian Nation Again? offers encouragement about God's providential hand on our nation-and hope that it's not too late to save. The authors provide a specific blueprint to preserve and restore our country to its original intent. In three sections (Where We Came From, Where We Are, Where Are We Going), they offer concrete examples from history, in-depth analysis of current conditions, and strategies for developing 'a new birth of freedom.'"

D. James Kennedy, Jerry Newcombe (Author), Grover Gardner (Narrator)

Audiobook

History of the American Frontier

"A Masterwork and Winner of The Pulitzer Prize for History Frederic L Paxson’s History of the American Frontier offers a sweeping account of the American West and the country’s westward expansion from 1763-1893. This gripping journey through the heart of America’s past is a must-read for every student of American history. Paxson masterfully paints a picture of how the land of the United States was settled over approximately 150 years, starting with the English settlers in New England and tracing the expansion across the continent, ending at the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Paxton’s literary genius shines through in this meticulously researched chronicle as he takes a historical, geographic, and pragmatic view of Westward expansion. He masterfully illuminates the untamed expanses, courageous pioneers, and the pivotal events in American history, from the War for Independence to the Louisiana Purchase, regional conflicts with Native Americans as well as the Civil War. In addition to these events that shaped American history, Paxton offers keen insight into the intricacies behind the scenes of frontier finance, executive orders from Presidents Washington to Roosevelt, and an inside look at the corporations who constructed and managed the canals and railroads. The vivid portrait Paxton paints of this captivating era in American history was worthy of The Pulitzer Prize he received in History for his portrayal of the intense struggles, the hard won triumphs and the pioneer spirt. This beautifully designed edition includes 10 easy to read maps so the reader can follow along on the journey west."

Frederic L. Paxson (Author), Grover Gardner (Narrator)

Audiobook

The More the Terrier: An Andy Carpenter Mystery

"'Listening to Grover Gardner narrating a David Rosenfelt novel is like sliding into favorite slippers at the end of a long day: One feels the joyful gratification of a perfect fit.'—AudioFile on Bark of Night The next installment in David Rosenfelt’s bestselling Andy Carpenter series brings a lone pup to his doorstep, but when it comes to dogs, The More the Terrier. Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter is relieved to be headed back to Paterson, New Jersey, after a week-long family vacation in the Adirondacks. He's ready to put the holly jolly season way behind him and settle in at home with his three dogs. But when they finally arrive, there is an extra dog eagerly awaiting them, as well as one anxious dog sitter. When the dog showed up on the doorstep a few days ago, the sitter knew Andy would know what to do. Indeed, Andy recognizes Murphy, who the Carpenters fostered before the dog went home with BJ Bremer and his mother. BJ wanted to learn all he could about caring for Murphy, which made Andy like him immediately. When Andy goes to take Murphy back to the Bremers, though, instead of the happy reunion he expects, he finds BJ's mother in tears. It turns out Murphy ran off…after BJ was arrested for murder. Andy had hoped for a quiet Christmas vacation, but he likes Murphy’s family and his golden retriever, Tara, likes Murphy, so he can't resist getting involved. The case isn’t as simple as Andy thought it would be, though, with BJ suspected of murdering one of his professors. With nothing to go on but Andy's own conviction in BJ's dog-loving character, proving his innocence would be a Christmas miracle. With equal doses of doggy humor and courtroom drama, as well as Andy Carpenter's traditional humbug Christmas spirit, David Rosenfelt delivers another winner. A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books."

David Rosenfelt (Author), Grover Gardner (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Great Mental Models: Physics, Chemistry and Biology

"Brought to you by Penguin. A cult bestseller in the US, available around the world for the first time, The Great Mental Models introduces the simple tools we all need to see the world clearly. Time and time again, great thinkers like Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger have credited their success to mental models: simple representations of how the world works that can be applied in a wide array of contexts. Mastering a small number of these concepts enables you to rapidly grasp new information, identify patterns others don’t, and better anticipate outcomes. The Great Mental Models introduces the most powerful models that anyone can use right away to improve decision making and productivity. In this volume, Shane Parrish introduces mental tools borrowed from the hard sciences in language anyone can understand, including: - Leverage: When the application of a small force to one end results in a larger force at the other end. - Inertia: An object (or organization) at rest will stay at rest unless acted upon by an external force. - Activation Energy: The minimum amount of energy required to incite a chemical reaction. Building a latticework of mental models is one of the most powerful things you can do to become a better thinker, leader, or creator. The Great Mental Models is the accessible guide you need to unlock this ability. © Shane Parrish 2024 (P) Penguin Audio 2024"

Rhiannon Beaubien, Shane Parrish (Author), Grover Gardner (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Great Mental Models: Systems and Mathematics

"Brought to you by Penguin. Time and time again, great thinkers like Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger have credited their success to mental models: simple representations of how the world works that can be applied in a wide array of contexts. Mastering a small number of these concepts enables you to rapidly grasp new information, identify patterns others don’t, and better anticipate outcomes. The Great Mental Models introduces the most powerful models that anyone can use right away to improve decision making and productivity. In this volume, Shane Parrish introduces simple frameworks borrowed from mathematical and systems thinking, including: - Regression to the mean: Over- or under-performance over time tends to average out to the average. - Margin of safety: To create a robust system, design for the most extreme possible scenario to avoid catastrophe if it does arise. - The law of diminishing returns: The return on any investment, whether money, time or attention, tends to reduce with each additional unit. Building a latticework of mental models is one of the most powerful things you can do to become a better thinker, leader, or creator. The Great Mental Models is the accessible guide you need to unlock this ability. © Shane Parrish 2024 (P) Penguin Audio 2024"

Rhiannon Beaubien, Rosie Leizrowice, Shane Parrish (Author), Grover Gardner (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Grover Gardner