This post is sponsored by Audible.
While I was sick and cloistered in bed last month, I was reminded that good audiobooks make great companions when you need them to — whether you’re under the weather, recovering, stressed, sleepless. This has been a huge unlock for me in my 40s, as I now keep a trusty stable of comfort listens in my Audible app for whenever I’m in the dentist’s chair, the waiting room, or just generally looking for a diversion or deep breath. Sharing a few of my top audiobooks for summer below — as well as a list of my tried-and-true “comfort listens” that I keep on speed dial.
Top Audiobook Recs for Summer.
+Whistler by Ann Patchett, narrated by Ann herself! This will come as no surprise given the glowing review I published earlier this month, but I downloaded this book almost immediately after finishing it in hard copy. I was intrigued that it was narrated by Ann and wanted to hunt for additional dimension and color by listening closely to her intonation. My first read-through felt like the loveliest flop into a summer hammock of warm, inviting, effortless prose, and I was eager to encounter it in a different format. (This is a heart-warming, tender story of a stepdaughter and stepfather who reunite in the man’s twilight years and unpack their lives together.)
+Strangers by Belle Burden. We’ve talked about this book quite a bit, but if you’ve not yet taken the plunge and are looking for a gripping memoir about an heiress who is more or less divorced overnight by her husband, try the audiobook version, which is narrated by the author herself.
+The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower. This series — which has been likened to the writing of L.M. Montgomery and Austen — has been on my list for months now (at the urgent suggestion of countless Magpies), and my mom tucked into the series and texted me: “You are going to love this.” I’ve decided to download the first book on audiobook for my flight to London.
+The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett. Another Magpie reader rec (you always come through) — this one is a historical fiction set in the Depression era about resilience and female friendships. I’ve already started this one and the narrator is perfectly cast. It’s charming afternoon hour company, a story that will make you want to sit on a rocking chair and listen to while enjoying iced tea.
My Go-To Comfort Audiobooks.
+Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, narrated by Laura Dern. (If you love the more recent Little Women movie, you’ll understand why Laura Dern is an important casting.) I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve listened to this one in the dentist chair, when I can’t sleep, etc! Like an audio hot water bottle.
+Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery, narrated by Rachel McAdams. As you can see, I have a soft spot for celebrity-read classics. Rachel nails this book. Nails it! She is deeply charming to listen to. I thought the book might feel a little “young,” a little “junior” for me — after all, I first read it when I was a tween and I’ve now evolved into reading open door romances — but this holds up. It is sweet, warm, spiriting. A great revisit. Like pulling a big blanket around yourself.
+Taste by Stanley Tucci. Like having a charming, witty companion in your back pocket to distract you. His articulation…! Fun to hear him wax poetic about food and travel, and regale us with stories from the craft food offerings on set.
+The Dutch House by Ann Patchett, narrated by Tom Hanks. I will never stop raving about this audiobook — it’s the one that opened my eyes to the richness of audiobooks! I absolutely adore the way Hanks reads this book; it really adds dimension to an already deft narrative.
Audible Subscription Discount.
Right now, Audible is offering Prime members three months free (!!!) and non-Prime members three months for $0.99/month — plus a $20 credit. Details here. This is such an incredible deal; it’s like getting four free audiobooks (or, four audiobooks for $3). This is how my children and I listen to all of our audibooks, and have for years. (My daughter especially likes to listen to audiobooks when she’s falling asleep — Harry Potter, The Land of Stories, anything Roald Dahl, Wayside School, Winnie the Pooh are among her favorites.)
P.S. More book recommendations here, and Magpie readers share their top recs for audiobooks for road trips (niche!) here.
P.P.S. Shop my latest Amazon finds here.
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