Dragonsinger

by Anne McCaffrey

Libby audiobook 9+ hours

Read by: Sally Darling

Published: 1977 (this version 1992)

Genre: YA fantasy

 

I'm surprised I don't already have an entry for this book. I've read the paperback numerous times. I had requested this audiobook earlier in the summer to listen to while working at Mackin, but started it on the way home from the lake with my sisters. I had to finish the story, of course! 

 

Menolly is in the Harper Hall now, but still doesn't really know her role. The snooty girls in Dunca's cabin are nasty. Piemur is a blessing! I love how Menolly befriends Camo and Piemur and holds her own with the teachers. This is a favorite of mine from my middle school years. 

I listened to this in September 2022 and again in September 2023! :-)

Dragonsong

by Anne McCaffrey

Libby audiobook 7 hours

Published:  1976  (this version 1992)

Narrated by: Sally Darling

Genre: YA fantasy

I have read this book multiple times over the last forty years. I got the audiobook because I wanted something I could listen to while working and not have to pay close attention. I think this book appealed to me when I was a teen because of how unkind / unfair everyone in Half Circle Sea Hold is toward Menolly. The fire lizards and her music are delightful, but mostly the surprise and pleasure of the Harpers at finding her . . . this is just fun.

I re-listened to this in 2023 . . . just a year after I last listened! It truly was a favorite for me in my middle-school years.

 

Dragondrums

by Anne McCaffrey
Hennepin County Library audiobook 8 CDs
read by Sally Darling

Published: 1979 (this version 1992)
genre: YA fantasy

I had read all three Pern books with Menolly as a primary character several times in the 1970s and 80s, but grabbed this when I was looking for some audiobooks for drive time recently. It was fun to revisit Piemur's story. (His voice changes, the MasterHarper has a special job for him, he's in the drum heights learning the measures . . . )

The vocal work was interesting. Darling has an odd accent that I couldn't quite place . . . something from out East? Anyhow, it worked for the story but kind of made me giggle. I ended up finishing the book in the print format just to be done.

McCaffrey is a delightful storyteller. I've not read all her Pern books, but most of them. Dragonsong is probably my favorite.

 

(Above written 5.27.19. Below added 10.11.22.)

 

Since I had re-read (listened) to books one and two, I decided to finish off this series.  

Same reader. She *does* have an interesting accent, but it does not detract from the story. I love that Piemur is able to use what he's learned in the drum heights to make a new life in the South.