I recently read a post about things to do when you are feeling anxious. It was a nice listicle by Pigletish and number 15 on the list really stood out to me. I’m a very anxious person and find I have to constantly have background noise to be able to navigate my life.
And then, I saw this blog post by the gorgeous Amber from Typewriter teeth. I was like, I want to share my favourite audiobooks too. So jumped on the idea. Thank you both for the inspiration!
I spend a heck of a lot of time listening to audiobooks and podcasts. I spend a vast majority of my life on Audible: at work, driving and at home I will nearly always be listening to an audiobook or a podcast. Without background noise, I can’t focus and feel anxious.
In the last 3 years, I have spent a total time of 1 month, 21 days, 23 hours and 48 minutes on Audible. Which is absolutely wild, that doesn’t even count the podcasts I listen to on Spotify. I’d love to know what the grand total listening time will be.
I thought to be helpful and put together my favourites. Here is my list of the best books on Audible.
Everything is Fucked: A Book About Hope
Everything is Fucked: A Book About Hope by Mark Manson is the follow up to The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck (a book I have not read yet).
Touching on religion, politics and hope, Manson openly questions and highlights faults in the societal way we constraints we have built. This book covers these controversial topics in a captivating and humorous way.
I found this book rather enlightening, it made me think about people and society in a different light.
Becoming
Becoming by Michelle Obama is a fantastic read written by the greatest first lady in history (in my opinion). In this captivating audiobook, you follow Michelle’s beginnings in the south side of Chicago to her time and experiences living at the White House.
Michelle tells her story in a wise and compelling way that keeps longing to hear more. I honestly, could just listen to Michelle Obama talk all day. She is just such a strong and fascinating lady.
Parsnips, Buttered
Parsnips, Buttered is a fantastically hilarious book written by Joe Lycett. In this book, you become invested in his various schemes of revenge on companies. He transforms himself into German Prime Minister Angela Merkle and various other characters to outsmart parking fines and Nigerian scam emails.
This book leaves me with a smile on my face and dreams of sassing shady people. It is a perfect rainy day read, there is nothing harsh or draining about it. Just laughs from start til finish.
.A Stolen Life: A Memoir
A Stolen Life: A Memoir is a harrowing autobiography about the horrific kidnapping of Jaycee Lee Dugard. This tragic book is one of the toughest reads I have ever listened to. Jaycee talks through her life and finding freedom after being missing for 18 years.
I originally started listening to this book whilst at work but ended up having a little cry, so I had to switch to listening at home. Jaycee has also brought out another book named Freedom: My Book of Firsts which I am excited to read next. I’ve found myself incredibly invested in Jaycee’s life and story.
I would like to say that, it is a very sombre read. There are lots of potential triggers throughout her whole story. Jaycee is a fantastic storyteller and will have you hanging on to every word she says, this is a very emotionally draining story. Please take time to research the themes of this book before buying.
Karamo: My Story of Embracing Purpose, Healing and Hope
Karamo Brown, the amazing culture expert from Queer Eye puts pen to paper whilst he reflects on his lifelong education. His book comprises every adversity he has faced and what he has learnt from them.
The whole book is about how he (and we) can adjust our mindsets to allow ourselves to heal and to go on to live our best lives. I admire Karamo so much, and the way he advocates his readers to have tough conversations with our selves is so empowering.
Karamo is such a strong storyteller that you feel like you are living every word he speaks. You are there with him and learning on every single page.
There you have it, these are in my opinion the best books on Audible.
I love Audible, it’s probably the subscription I have enjoyed the most. I’ve still got plenty to read so I will update this list with the other Gems I find.
I’d love to hear if you’ve listened to any of these books? Or if not, what books have you listened to or read recently?