The Sixty-Eight Rooms

By: Marianne Malone

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Almost everybody who has grown up in Chicago knows about the Thorne Rooms. Housed in the Children’s Galleries of the Chicago Art Institute, they are a collection of 68 exquisitely crafted miniature rooms made in the 1930s by Mrs. James Ward Thorne. Each of the 68 rooms is designed in the style of a different historic period, and every detail is perfect, from the knobs on the doors to the candles in the candlesticks. Some might even say, the rooms are magic.

Imagine - what if you discovered a key that allowed you to shrink so that you were small enough to sneak inside and explore the rooms’ secrets? What if you discovered that others had done so before you? And that someone had left something important behind?

Fans of Chasing Vermeer, The Doll People, and From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler will be swept up in the magic of this exciting art adventure!

©2011 Marianne Malone (P)2011 Random House Audio

I want to go to Chicago!

This work of fiction was a fun listen. I didn't know about the exhibit prior to listening. What a visionary Mrs. James Ward Thorne was. I would think it would not be possible to
recreate due to cost of labor. Marianne Marolne did an excellent writing and Cassandra Campbell's voice was appealing. I think Tweens would really enjoy it. So didI!

Captivating

Any additional comments?

What a wonderful and original story. A little on the predictable side but terrifically so. Sent me to the internet daily to see the rooms and finally I had to order the catalogue from the museum.

Great for family

My 8yo son loved this and wanted me to listen with him. Very enjoyable. We now have another reason to visit Chicago so we can explore the Thorne rooms. He has requested the sequel.

Brings out the child in you!!

Where does The Sixty-Eight Rooms rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is in my top 20.

What other book might you compare The Sixty-Eight Rooms to and why?

Starlight just bring out the child in me.

Have you listened to any of Cassandra Campbell’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not .

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

What fun they must of had!

Great Family Listen

Where does The Sixty-Eight Rooms rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This story kept my entire family enthralled on our road trip this summer. Traveling home from vacation can be a chore but my children begged us to not stop so we could continue to listen.

Good but not great

Any additional comments?

This audiobook was good. I felt like it took a long time to set the stage up for the actual story to begin, which made it drag on in places. Once it finally began I found myself enjoying it very much.The narration was great- voice actor was strong. It's a very easy-going tale, not scary, but very intriguing. Not a lot of "action" in this book.
Parents please note that this book DOES have a few swear words, and a few others parts where editing for children is advisable.
Overall, I recommend this book. :)

Charming

My daughter and I binge listened to this book while building a dollhouse of our own and found it delightful. At times we wished the story had more time travel and less about the logistics of being big and small, but it was still tons of fun. Cassandra Campbell gave a stellar performance.

perfect family road trip book

What did you love best about The Sixty-Eight Rooms?

In anticipation for our trip to Chicago, our family listened to this wonderful book. Kept us (parents and 8 year old) interested and entertained. Best of all was going to the Thorne rooms after having visited them through this wonderful book

cute story great imagination.

If you could sum up The Sixty-Eight Rooms in three words, what would they be?

nice story for children and adults alike.

Which character – as performed by Cassandra Campbell – was your favorite?

I liked Sophie.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

this book is not a climatic book but a good story.

Any additional comments?

will be listening to the second book in the series too!

Delightful

As I listened, I thought of Alice and of Arrietty Clock. Every once in a while, us older folks need to freshen our palates, like ginger after sushi or curry rice. Pure adventure and bringing resolution of life's problems for others. My only peeve - why do writers force children to lie to set things in motion?