I’ve really gotten into audio books lately, especially now that I spend more time than I used to driving. I prefer listening to podcasts and audio books while in the car. (Here’s my latest podcast obsession!)
With audiobooks, I am kind of (okay, very) picky about what I listen to. It has to be something that keeps my attention and that’s easy enough to follow without seeing the words/names… and, the real kicker, I can’t be annoyed by the narrator’s voice. (I’ve listened to books on tape before in the past where I absolutely did not like the book even though I think I might have, had I actually read it instead of listened to it.)
I listened to two audiobooks this month and loved both. They are completely different from each other and I recommend them both highly!
When I drove up to Cape Cod to visit my friend, I downloaded Tina Fey’s Bossypants to listen on the way. I had read Amy Poehler’s Yes Please and liked it so I thought I would give Bossypants a shot. Because Tina Fey narrates the book, you really feel an extra connection to her story; it’s like she’s sitting right next to you chatting away The audio recording itself could be better… it sounds like she did it at home instead of a studio if that makes sense… but if you turn up the volume you should be just fine.
In the book, Tina Fey shares a lot of witty career and life advice that’s interesting to listen to. It’s not cheesy or cookie cutter. She draws on her personal experiences sharing tidbits and little stories along the way. Of course, two weeks after I listen to the book, Tina Fey’s Sarah Palin character is revived due to the current events… and the book seems even more relevant the ever. (That was one of my favorite sections, it’s fascinating to hear the behind the scenes of how she got that particular gig!)
So I listened to this in the car and she kept referring to “the PDF” which I assumed was something that I was supposed to be able to download somewhere. I’m very anti phone-while-driving (seriously, put your phones down!!!) so I just let it slide and waited until I got home to investigate. Turns out there IS a full PDF, even though I had no idea how to get it. Thanks to Reddit, someone uploaded it here to view.
On the completely opposite end of the spectrum, I listened to When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi just a week later. Wow. Just wow. I had heard incredible things about this book and the audiobook didn’t disappoint. This should be required reading for everyone. Just before Paul Kalanithi is about to finish his residency as a neurosurgeon, he’s diagnosed with lung cancer. This book examines life and death… and living while dying… and facing death while still living… and just what exactly that all means. It’s truly moving. With his extensive medical and literary knowledge, the memoir transcends the typical cancer story. Paul Kalanithi covers it all with such a raw and honest voice: love, career, family, life, and (of course) death.
This is a must read.
Does anyone have any great audiobooks that you recommend?
I drive long distance a lot and have just started getting into audiobooks as well. I highly recommend the app Overdrive. It's a free app from itunes that allows you to "rent" audiobooks from a library you belong too. All you need to do is input your library card number and it lets you rent audio books (and even ebooks) for free from that library! The book stays in the app for 2 weeks and then gets "returned" to the library. My phone is hooked up to my bluetooth in my car, so the book plays right through my speakers! The only thing I would recommend is looking for a book early because some titles can be hard to find if there's something in particular you're looking for. But overall, it's awesome for trying out new books that you aren't sure of! (I'm currently listening to American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin….pretty good!)
I love Tina Fey – I will definitely have to check out this book. I haven't gotten too into audio books yet, but that is a great alternative to music when it comes to long car trips.
I loved Bossypants – the first audio book I listened to, actually! My Audible subscription is a game changer for my daily long stretches in my car. Definitely listening to When Breath Becomes Air soon. I've read a lot about it since I follow Joanna Goddard's blog and the author was her brother-in-law.
I have always had a hard time with audiobooks. I absorb information better when read instead of listening. I always watch TV with subtitles on because of that! Also, so many of the narrators sound too goofy. I'd only successfully listened to one audiobook (Gone Girl) previously when I had a 40 minute commute by car.
However, I'm currently reading the Outlander series and book #5 is very long and a bit dull. I got the recommendation to try to listen to it to get through it instead (because the next book gets better) and it's been easier. It helps that the narrator is not bad and that I am already familiar with the "world" so I don't have to pay super close attention to the characters they are talking about.
I have a love/hate relationship with audiobooks. I love them when I'm driving, but I'm very picky and sometimes I hate the narrator (which is most of the time). I got Yes Please because of you and loved it! I'm currently listening to Ready Player One on audiobook and so far so good! 🙂
I have a love/hate relationship with audiobooks. I love them when I'm driving, but I'm very picky and sometimes I hate the narrator (which is most of the time). I got Yes Please because of you and loved it! I'm currently listening to Ready Player One on audiobook and so far so good! 🙂
I just finished listening to Yes, Please by Amy Pohler and Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kailing, which are both phenomenal because of the narration. I also listened to the Song of Ice and Fire series, which is an awesome series on audiobook because the narrator has different accents for all of the characters! Also, the outlander series of audiobooks is great and super action-filled. And full of Scottish accents.
@ohmymahjong hooked me UP! Learning mahjong has been on my mind for a while and this year we finally made it happen! My 97 year old grandma Charlotte plays mahjong every week- and now that I have learned, I know what’s been keeping her so young! Mahjong is FUN and the perfect mix of luck and strategy. The rules can be a lot to learn (I’m still learning for sure) but it’s easy to pick up with a good teacher.
Thank you #ohmymahjong for all the fun goodies… chic tiles, a handy mat, great organizers! Everything we need for our next mahjong girls night! #mahjong
🏈🍴 As a #HoodPartner, I’m bringing my A-game with a chili bar featuring the ultimate all-star—@hphood Sour Cream. Made with real Hood Milk and Cream, every bite’s a win with high quality flavor!
When your toothbrush (@shoptrask!) is so cute you ALMOST don’t want to use it! I considered “saving” it (for what? I don’t know) and decided to ignore my instinct and enjoy it every day! I often have to remind myself about the number of stickers I didn’t use as a kid because I was “saving” them… or stationery collecting dust in a drawer because I was “saving” them… or candles that went unlit because I was “saving” them… or even a cute outfit I was “saving” for a special occasion. Trying to be better about using the things I have and love without guilt!!
I’ve been loving wearing my scarf collection and I’ve been getting questions about how I tie them! This is probably the way I wear it most- it’s super easy and the trick is to not be overly fussy with it. Go for it and zhuzh it up a little but don’t make it too perfect! Goal is effortless!
Fold the silk scarf across the middle to create a long triangle. Holding the two corners, twist the triangle back *towards* you a few times. While holding the corners, wrap behind your neck crossing behind you and pulling the corners back to the front of your neck. Tie once, then again to secure. I like to tuck mine into a button down!
PS I got this Hermes scarf as a souvenir while in Paris!
A wild Saturday night around here… and I wouldn’t want it any other way! A relaxing shower, clean hair, cozy bedtime routine, sourdough, laundry, a clean playroom, mahjong, (a little sweet treat… or two), needlepoint, skincare, and a good book! What could be better???
An evening routine as a mom of two with timestamps!
@mackenziechilds has done it again! Say hello to Mocha Check, the latest pattern in the MacKenzie-Childs family. I am loving how the neutral but warm tones brighten up my office space! Swipe to see how I’ve incorporated the pieces throughout my office. #MCPartner #MCMochaCheck
Getting ready for the day and need help picking out which shoe to wear! My whole outfit is head to toe @amazon! Are we feeling the sneakers or the kitten heel mules?
Comment AMAZON below to receive a DM with the link to shop my whole outfit on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/53x8G
Tonight we achieved the impossible! @wishbonekitchen’s swamp soup received a “no notes” stamp of approval from Mike 🙌🏻 it’s filling, healing, and so fresh! Highly recommend!!! 💚🌿🪀♻️🦖
I drive long distance a lot and have just started getting into audiobooks as well. I highly recommend the app Overdrive. It's a free app from itunes that allows you to "rent" audiobooks from a library you belong too. All you need to do is input your library card number and it lets you rent audio books (and even ebooks) for free from that library! The book stays in the app for 2 weeks and then gets "returned" to the library. My phone is hooked up to my bluetooth in my car, so the book plays right through my speakers! The only thing I would recommend is looking for a book early because some titles can be hard to find if there's something in particular you're looking for. But overall, it's awesome for trying out new books that you aren't sure of! (I'm currently listening to American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin….pretty good!)
Omg, how have I never heard of this?!
I love Tina Fey – I will definitely have to check out this book. I haven't gotten too into audio books yet, but that is a great alternative to music when it comes to long car trips.
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/
I just finished Bossypants and I LOVED it. She has such a great writing voice.
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
I loved Bossypants – the first audio book I listened to, actually! My Audible subscription is a game changer for my daily long stretches in my car. Definitely listening to When Breath Becomes Air soon. I've read a lot about it since I follow Joanna Goddard's blog and the author was her brother-in-law.
I have always had a hard time with audiobooks. I absorb information better when read instead of listening. I always watch TV with subtitles on because of that! Also, so many of the narrators sound too goofy. I'd only successfully listened to one audiobook (Gone Girl) previously when I had a 40 minute commute by car.
However, I'm currently reading the Outlander series and book #5 is very long and a bit dull. I got the recommendation to try to listen to it to get through it instead (because the next book gets better) and it's been easier. It helps that the narrator is not bad and that I am already familiar with the "world" so I don't have to pay super close attention to the characters they are talking about.
"When Breath Becomes Air" is on my must-read list, hopefully sooner rather than later! I've noticed many bloggers talking about how great it is!
I have a love/hate relationship with audiobooks. I love them when I'm driving, but I'm very picky and sometimes I hate the narrator (which is most of the time). I got Yes Please because of you and loved it! I'm currently listening to Ready Player One on audiobook and so far so good! 🙂
I have a love/hate relationship with audiobooks. I love them when I'm driving, but I'm very picky and sometimes I hate the narrator (which is most of the time). I got Yes Please because of you and loved it! I'm currently listening to Ready Player One on audiobook and so far so good! 🙂
I just finished listening to Yes, Please by Amy Pohler and Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kailing, which are both phenomenal because of the narration. I also listened to the Song of Ice and Fire series, which is an awesome series on audiobook because the narrator has different accents for all of the characters! Also, the outlander series of audiobooks is great and super action-filled. And full of Scottish accents.