THE TRUTH . . . is on audio | ad

I have a confession to make: I don't think I've ever seen a single complete episode of The X-Files. Maybe one. It's always seemed like something I would really like, and I have close friends who were pretty much obsessed with it, and yet. . . When it originally aired, I think there was something else I watched that came on at the same time, I dunno, and then maybe after awhile, it just seemed like it'd be too hard to catch up on. In this age of Netflix and binge-watching, I've thought about starting it, but it's just always seemed like such an undertaking, you know?

I've always intended to watch it, I just haven't.

But this month, The X-Files: Cold Cases is a featured title on Audible, and I've been listening to it a bit to get a feel for it (which is maybe silly of me, since it takes place after the original series run, so... probably spoilers, yeah?), and it's reminding me that I really should go and start a good ol' binge, because I probably really would love the show. And the audiobook.

It's performed (narrated certainly is not the right description in this case) by  Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny, of course, along with additional cast and sound effects -- the works. This makes it unlike other audiobooks I've listened to at this point, because though I have full cast recordings in my audio collection, I've not yet listened to anything that wasn't narrated by a single person doing multiple voices as needed. This is more akin to the old school radio dramas -- the OG audiobooks, if you will -- that captivated audiences in the early decades of the last century.  It feels more immersive, more immediate, than audiobooks generally do (and they already feel a bit more immersive than a text book, since there's a voice and sounds in your ear). It makes for a pretty neat listening experience, and one that I'm sure will be a hit with the legions of X-Files fans.

And hey, if it sounds like something that'd be up your alley, you can download it for free as part of a FREE 30 day Audible trial -- Or maybe you want a different X-Files book (they've got it) or any other of the many, many audiobooks Audible has to offer. Doesn't even have to be about aliens! They've got it all.

You know what they say: the free audiobook is out there. . . 

*gazes off into the night sky*


[Also, did you know that Gillian Anderson wrote a book?!]

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about the book:

The X-Files: Cold Cases
Written by: Joe Harris, Chris Carter, Dirk Maggs - adaptation
Narrated by: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Mitch Pileggi, Willliam B. Davis, Tom Braidwood, Dean Haglund, Bruce Harwood
Length: 4 hrs and 5 mins
Performance

The series that had a generation looking to the sky gets a breathtaking audio reprise in an original full-cast dramatization featuring actors David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson returning to voice FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully.

Based upon the graphic novels by Joe Harris - with creative direction from series creator Chris Carter - and adapted specifically for the audio format by aural auteur Dirk Maggs (The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Alien: Out of the Shadows), Cold Cases marks yet another thrilling addition to the pantheon of X-Files stories. Featuring a mind-blowing and otherworldly soundscape of liquefying aliens, hissing creatures, and humming spacecraft, listeners get to experience the duo's investigations like never before.

Set after the events of The X-Files: I Want to Believe and providing additional backstory to the incidents that pulled Mulder and Scully out of reclusion prior to 2016's miniseries revival, a database breach at FBI headquarters allows an unknown group to access and capitalize on those investigations left unsolved - dubbed cold cases - by the secret department once known as The X-Files. As friends and foes of the agency long thought gone begin to inexplicably reappear, former agents Mulder and Scully come out of anonymity to face a growing conspiracy that involves not only their former department but the US government and forces not of this world.

Here, fans are treated once again to Mulder and Scully's irreplicable chemistry as only the series' leads could deliver, Duchovny's deadpan and cynical aloofness finding its natural counterpoint in Anderson's unwavering intelligence and rigidity. Appearances from series regulars and the actors who made them fan favorites round out this must-listen arc: the gruff, no-BS righteousness of Walter Skinner (Mitch Pileggi); the distinctive click-puff of the Cigarette Smoking Man (William B. Davis); and the stooge-like hijinks of three beloved conspiracy theorists called the Lone Gunmen (Tom Braidwood, Dean Haglund, and Bruce Harwood).

Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, find your "I Want to Believe" poster. Break out that makeshift alien stiletto. Grab a pack of Morley cigarettes.

The truth is out there. You just have to listen.
Join the conversation: #istillwanttobelieve

©2016 The X-Files ™ & © 2016 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.  All Rights Reserved. (P)2017 Audible Originals, LLC. THE X-FILES THEME Written by MARK SNOW, Published by T C F MUSIC PUBLISHING, INC. (ASCAP), Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.

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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Audible.  The opinions and text are all mine.

AUSTEN IN AUGUST 2017 IT'S HAPPENING OH YEAH (sign up here!)

So, uh... You guys have been asking me about Austen in August on Twitter for some time now, and I've been dilly dallying and tweeting things like "I'll have a post up soon, I promise!" but all the while, I've been debating whether or not to even have it this year. Frankly, I've just been feeling really worn down and tired, and the idea of all of the work that goes into it -- I've just had a mental block about it; if I don't think about it, I can keep putting it off and August will never come, right? I mean, all I want to do is cuddle my precious kitten and take a nap...

But no. Apparently the world keeps turning, and the fact of the matter is that I do love Austen in August, and I do love the enthusiasm and discussions you guys bring. And I have been bookmarking pages and jotting notes of things I want to share for AIA, so clearly I made my mind up without informing the rest of my mind? That's how that works, right?

But, um, it's almost August. As Austen would say, procrastination is a bitch. (It's true. She said that. Had it embroidered on a handkerchief and everything.) So Austen in "August" is once again going to start late and spill over into September a bit (but don't worry, Austen's just as good in September, I promise). And disclaimer: you might have to cut me some slack this year. A little. Maybe. (please?)

But that's enough preamble, I think. Most of you know the drill by now, but for those who don't or need a refresher:
What the Eff is AIA?
The Deets:

1. Austen in August is a celebration of all things Jane Austen, featuring reviews, discussions, vlogs, giveaways, interviews and more! [See years one, two, three, four, mother-freaking five, because it's been half a decade, yo!, six, because we didn't stop there, and holy crap seven -- we've been doing this for so long!] You can stop by any time during these 2 weeks and get lost in Austen. It's all very austentatious. . . alright, I'll stop now.
2. It runs AUGUST 20th through SEPTEMBER 2nd, and everyone is welcome to participate. You can just read and comment on the daily posts, if you'd like, but  as always, I will also be welcoming guest posts. Wanna review or giveaway your favorite adaptation? Share your Top 5 MOJ (Moments of Jane)? Discuss why Edmund is actually totally a catch *gag*? I'd love to host your awesome post! Fill out the form below with what you'd like to do and I'll reserve a spot for you!
3. Are you an Austenite author who wants to be involved? EMAIL ME! I'd love to have you involved!
4. Once again I will be hosting an Austen Read Along to coincide with the event, but hey! We've worked our way through all of the Big Six! We could read the juvenalia, or letters, or anything really, but I thought it could also be fun to start in on some adaptations! What say you?  Answer in the poll below, and I'll update with what we're reading in about a week!

That about covers it.
So if you're interested in being a featured guest right here on this blog (or on my vlog!),fill out the form below! It'll remain open for the next few weeks, after which you can email me directly if you're still interested.

You guys are always amazing at contributing your time, creativity and enthusiasm to this event every year, I luuurve you for it and I can't wait to see what you come up with! And I said this last year (and the year before, and will forever and evermore), but I meeeeeeeeeaaaan it:
I don't ever want anyone to feel obligated to contribute in any way, but if you've been on the fence and too shy in the past, I'd love to feature you this year! I LOVE pulling in new Janeites, you have NO IDEA.

#30DayBookBinge: Week 4 | VLOG

Uh, so enjoy this super mellow, animal-filled, chill final vlog of the #30DayBookBinge (that also happens to be a week late. Oops).

Let me know in the comments how you did this month, and what you'd like to see added or done differently next time! And if you didn't participate, let me know if you plan to!

BOOKS READ:

BOOKS SAMPLED OR STARTED:

MUSIC:
"Old Bossa" and "Lightning on a Blue Sky" by Twin Musicom are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org/


Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored video, though some of these books were sent to me for review consideration. All opinions are my own.