Best Audiobook Recommendations | Introducing Libro.fm!
Audiobooks are great. I love listening to them on my commute to work and while doing things around the house- so important to bring SOME entertainment to these otherwise mundane tasks. I was taking a look through the books I’ve read in 2018, and I was shocked to see how many of them were audiobooks- about 25% of the books I’ve read this year! Today I’m sharing 6 of my favorite audiobooks to recommend and Libro.fm, my new favorite way to listen! Keep reading to see how a membership with Libro.fm supports your local independent bookstore.
Bad Blood | Written by John Carreyrou | Narrated by Will Damron | 11 hours 37 mins
File this under- the truth is stranger than fiction. This is the true story about Theranos, a company that was supposedly creating technology that would alter healthcare as we know it- but was actually a house of cards. The story captivated me. It was fascinating to read how Elizabeth Holmes was able to fool everyone and made me fall in love with investigative journalism.
We’re Going to Need More Wine | Written and Narrated by Gabrielle Union | 7 hours, 48 mins
This book has got so much depth. It’s not just a bubblegum celebrity memoir- although Union spills plenty of tea! She opens up about her childhood, career, marriage, friendships, fertility, and the worst time in her life. She’s also hilarious, and a story about yogurt had me texting my best friend, demanding that she read this next.
The Nix | Written by Nathan Hill | Narrated by Ari Filakos | 21 hours, 44 mins
Ari Filakos helped me realize the importance of a strong narrator. The Nix is a story about an aspiring author and his estranged mother that blends politics, family history, and … gaming. Filakos’s reading of a scene with a young college girl arguing about her grade on a paper will forever bring me joy.
Born a Crime | Written and Narrated by Trevor Noah | 8 hours 44 mins
Speaking of scenes that will forever stick out in my mind, enter Noah in the kitchen with his poor blind grandmother. By the end of that chapter, I literally had tears running down my face. I picked this up without knowing what to expect and was blown away. This book is a perfect blend of comedy, social commentary, and heartfelt story telling. Noah, the son of a black mother and white father, was born in South Africa during a time when it was literally illegal to have sex with someone outside of your race, making his very existence evidence of a crime.
The Heart’s Invisible Furies | John Boyne | Narrated by Stephen Hogan | 21 hours, 12 mins
Cyril Avrey is not a real Avery, but you will really enjoy getting to know him. This is one of my all time favorite books so really it could land on any of my favorites list, but the narrator’s Irish accent really set the tone. Despite its 21 hours, I think I listened to this over the course of a long weekend.
Becoming | Written and Narrated by Michelle Obama | 19 hours, 3 mins
This is a new rec, but I knew as soon as I started listening that it would end up on my favorites list. Despite Michelle Obama’s incredibly public profile, I knew surprisingly little about her life. She shares real stories and real fears about her husband being in the role of President. I was so inspired reading this- she also has a fantastic voice for narration.
I really just got into audiobooks last year, and it’s been such a game changer for me. I do request audiobooks through the library, but sometimes the wait isn’t worth it (the current wait time for Becoming via the Chicago Public Library is well over 6 months!) For books that I want immediate access to, I love having an audiobook subscription.
Libro.fm is the first audiobook company to allow you to purchase books directly from your favorite independent bookstore. You can purchase one book at a time (they’re having great Small Business Saturday sales today!) or become a member. A $14.99 monthly fee gets you access to one audiobook a month and 30% off additional audiobooks. You can also gift a subscription!
I’m so happy to be able to introduce you all to this company- Libro.fm is a great alternative to the big audiobook company. Same competitive pricing, huge catalog, access to your own library, and the ability to listen through their app!
I recently downloaded This Will Only Hurt a Little on the recommendation of tons of people on Bookstagram. I loved seeing the reminder that I was supporting my favorite local bookstore, Seminary Co-Op Bookstores , in Hyde Park, Chicago. They’ve partnered with an incredible number of stores- chances are, your favorite is listed.
I’m hosting a giveaway in partnership with Libro.fm over on Instagram! They’re giving away a one month membership- open internationally! The giveaway ends Wednesday 11/28/18 at 12 pm CST.
In addition, they’ve given me a promo code, which gives you a 2-for-1 membership if you sign up for a subscription! (This means 2 free audiobooks!) The code is TBRETC. Valid through 12/30/18 (new members only).
I really hope you check them out! I’m so happy to be able to combine my love for audiobooks and supporting indie bookstores. Tell me- are you an audiobook reader? Do you have any recommendations for me?
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