A few weeks ago, Simon & Schuster announced that they will be releasing a number of Hemingway titles in audio book form. Patrick Hemingway said of the audio book versions: "Reading Hemingway is to listen to him, to 'hear' the dialogue. The spoken word versions will certainly add another dimension to his writing and will entice new audiences to his work." I couldn't agree with him more.

There is definitely a lyrical nature to Hemingway's writing. Many passages read like poetry. One of the best examples of this, in my opinion, is the opening paragraph of his 1929 book, A Farewell to Arms. Read the passage out loud to yourself. What do you hear? I hear enchanting repetition connected rhythmically by the word, "and." The extensive use of "and" is a Hemingway trademark. There is a true need and purpose for the word in his works. Hemingway's literature is actually enriched by the use of "and." You cannot say that about too many authors.

The first set of Hemingway audio books will be released in May 2006. These will include the titles: A Farewell to Arms, For Whom the Bell Tolls, and The Old Man and the Sea. Titles to be released at a later date include The Sun Also Rises, Death in the Afternoon, and A Moveable Feast.