Whether it be buying your own copy of a book, checking it out from the library or downloading an e-book to your Kindle, there are so many ways to consume literature. Recently, many people are getting into listening to audiobooks.
Long-time readers may have reservations about audiobooks. Some believe they could focus better when seeing the words in front of them or they get easily distracted doing something else while listening.
If you are of that mindset and don’t know if you will like this format of reading, but still want to give it a try, here are some books to start with.
Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This is a great first audiobook to try. Try reading the physical copy of the book to get yourself acquainted with the characters. The interview-styled writing translates well over to audio.
What makes this audiobook so unique is how there are different actors to read for the various characters and it helps to really set the tone of the story. It also helps the reader get a feel for the characters that a single narrator would not have been able to convey.
As a bonus, since the book focuses on a fictional band, the end of the audiobook has instrumentals of some of the songs. It truly brings an experience that simply reading the book wouldn’t be able to capture.
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
A memoir from child star Jennette McCurdy from a show many college students grew up with “ICarly,” the content entails the less fabulous parts of working in Hollywood at such a young age as well as McCurdy’s overall experience with family and fame.
McCurdy narrates the audiobook herself, and hearing her voice describe the events of her life brings so much more presence to the words. If you are a longtime fan or not, this is an interesting listen that can hold a reader’s attention.
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
Another memoir is on the list, but only because the best way to truly understand an author’s voice is by hearing said author’s actual voice.
Hearing the way the musician of Japanese Breakfast fame tells the story of her relationship with her mother and how she connected with her and her culture is the best way to digest what she’s writing. It feels less like reading a book and more as though a friend is telling you a story.
Persuasion by Jane Austen
Whether you have read the classic before or this is your first time indulging in one of Austen’s best works, hearing this traditional tale is just as good as reading it.
A highlight of this book is the great Cynthia Erivo narrates and portrays a perfect Anne Elliot while doing so. The tension and longing that makes a Jane Austen character what they are is very apparent in the audiobook version of this novel.
All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks
For those who really like the idea of podcasts or listening to TED Talks, this may be the perfect audiobook for you yet. “All About Love: New Visions” is the first part of acclaimed feminist bell hooks’ “Love Song to the Nation” trilogy.
The way each chapter of this book is laid out, resembles a lesson of love, learning from experiences and taking on the world with a new lens from each person around you. Hearing the words almost makes the message feel more informative than reading them in your head.
Narrated by January LaVoy, the relaxing tone used keeps the listener focused on the content and it can leave them wanting to take notes as if they are getting a lecture from the most interesting college professor they have ever encountered.
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