Showing results by narrator "MIke Vendetti" in All Categories

This clever and thought-provoking short story by Isaac Asimov, one of the masters of science fiction, suggests that a higher power can step in and steer us from our reckless ways. After all, we may be inhabitants of a universal barnyard overseen by a master farmer.

Sonnet 20 is one of the best-known of 154 sonnets written by William Shakespeare. Part of the "Fair Youth" sequence where the subject of the sonnet is widely interpreted as being male, thereby raising questions about the sexuality of its author.

"The Easter Egg", a short story by H. H. Munro ("Saki"), is not a happy Easter story but a tale of a proud and brave mother who loves her son even though the son is timid and perhaps cowardly. The story takes place prior to World War I, and the son, in his one act of bravery, prevents an international incident that possibly would have started the war sooner.

It is the turn of the last century, and Alaska is a mysterious wilderness. At the suggestion of several hundred thousand ladies desiring to revel and possibly riot in the saturnalia of equal franchise, the unnamed lakes in that vast and little known region in Alaska bounded by the Ylanqui River and the Thunder Mountains were now being inexorably named after women.

Did you ever wonder at the lonely life the bird in a cuckoo clock has to lead--that it might possibly love and hate just as easily as a real animal of flesh and blood? Philip Dick used that idea for this brief fantasy tale. We're sure that after reading it you'll give cuckoo clocks more respect.

The title of this short story by F Scott Fitzgerald is a bit deceptive and doesn't do this story justice. The four fists are actually four very valuable life lessons delivered with a fist.

This short story remains an enigma, as F. Scott Fitzgerald once again takes on the aristocracy. The heroine, Ardita, beautiful, rich, and spoiled rotten lounges on her uncle's yacht until she is carried away by an offshore pirate, Curtis Carlyle. Carlyle tells her of his upbringing as poor white trash in a Tennessee town, and his rise to become a successful musician - but one who has never been able to dance with the aristocracy. Until that is, the beautiful, spoiled-rotten Ardita falls in love with him, as much as she is capable of falling in love with anyone other than herself, on the deserted tropical island.

"The Open Boat" by Stephen Crane is a profound short story that captures the struggle for survival experienced by four shipwrecked men adrift in a small dinghy after their steamer, the Commodore, sinks. The narrative is based on Crane's real-life experience of being stranded at sea, and it explores themes of nature's indifference, the bond between humans in the face of adversity, and existential reflections.

Step back in time with "Midnight Sketches," a captivating audiobook narrated by the talented Mike Vendetti. Published in 1898 by the renowned author Stephen Crane, this collection invites listeners into a world where the simplicity of life coexists with the complexity of human emotions. Through eight beautifully crafted vignettes, Crane masterfully explores themes of love, loss, ambition, and desperation, reminding us that while eras may change, the essence of the human condition remains constant.

"A Detail" by Stephen Crane is indeed a poignant exploration of aging and the vulnerability that comes with it. In this very short story, Crane captures the essence of human fragility through a brief moment that reflects on life's deeper truths.

"The Pace of Youth," is a journey through a vivid historical landscape by acclaimed author Stephen Crane. The audiobook narrated by storyteller Mike Vendetti explores the tender yet tumultuous journey of young love. This captivating short story captures the essence of a young couple as they navigate the complexities of romance amidst the pressures of an older generation.

In "A Great Mistake," Stephen Crane weaves a captivating short story set against the vibrant backdrop of old New York City. Narrated by Mike Vendetti, this audiobook brings to life the hustle and bustle of the streets as an unsuspecting Italian produce vendor tends to his colorful wares. The story delves into the innocent world of a child who becomes mesmerized by the vendor's bountiful display. With a heart full of wonder and mischief, the child hatches a plan to stealthily snatch one of the beautiful fruits from the cart while the vendor appears to doze.

Set against the backdrop of a bustling New York City courtroom in the late 19th century, this audiobook invites listeners to witness a dramatic unfolding of human emotion. As the case progresses, we delve into the lives being irrevocably altered by the legal machinations around them, while the indifferent audience treats the proceedings as mere spectacle. Crane's narrative masterfully contrasts the gravity of personal loss with the callousness of public entertainment, compelling listeners to reflect on the true nature of grief and the human experience.

Immerse yourself in the evocative world of the 19th century with "An Ominous Baby," a compelling short story by the celebrated author Stephen Crane. Narrated by Mike Vendetti, this short audiobook transports listeners to a time and place fraught with stark social contrasts. Join a curious street urchin on an adventure in a higher-class district, where the echoes of privilege clash with the whispers of poverty.

Demons of Cthulhu by Robert Silverberg, set in the infamous Cthulhu Mythos, takes listeners on a chilling journey into the depths of cosmic horror. Mike Vendetti's narration style proves to be an excellent choice for capturing the grim atmosphere and otherworldly ambiance that pervades the novel. His deep, resonant voice and skilled delivery brought the sinister tale to life. Silverberg's writing, though not as well-known for his contributions to the Mythos as H.P. Lovecraft himself, is a commendable addition to the canon.

"The Duel That Was Not Fought," a captivating short story by Stephen Crane, now available as an audiobook narrated by the talented Mike Vendetti! Meet Patsy Tulligan, a man whose courage is as vast as the sky and whose fighting spirit never wavers, even after facing defeat. When a night out with friends leads to an unexpected duel challenge with a skilled swordsman, will Patsy stand his ground or back down?

Experience the haunting beauty of survival and despair in "The Men in the Storm," a poignant short story by Stephen Crane, expertly narrated by Mike Vendetti. Set against the wintry backdrop of late 1800s New York City, this audiobook immerses you in a snowstorm that highlights the stark contrasts of urban life—and the realities faced by those on the margins of society.

This audiobook invites listeners into the bleak yet vibrant world inhabited by a young man--a homeless drifter navigating the harsh realities of urban life. Through vivid imagery and poignant narrative, Crane captures a raw day in the life of this young bum, exploring themes of despair and fleeting hope against the backdrop of a bustling city struggling with its own complexities.

In "The Auction" by Stephen Crane, brought to life by Mike Vendetti, we are transported to a public auction featuring the possessions of a former sailor named Ferguson. Tired of life at sea, Ferguson meets a woman who symbolizes everything he wishes to embrace away from the ocean's call. They marry and begin building their life together on dry land. During his time at sea, Ferguson had a pet parrot that traveled with him, and his wife soon became enamored with the lively bird, making it a beloved member of their home.

"Devouring Shadows" is a gripping tale that blends science fiction with horror elements. The idea of shadows from a fourth dimension introduces a fascinating twist on existential themes, exploring the unknown and the potential danger that lurks beyond our perception.