What I've Been Listening To: Audio Non-Fiction that's Totally Worth Your Time

I've been obsessively listening to audiobooks lately. I have multiple books running on my phone through Audible, plus library books running through Hoopla, AND the kids and I are listening to (and loving) The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens audiobook in the car. Not only am I listening to new books, but I'm also relistening to one of my favorite "pump me up" books, You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero, pretty much any few moments I get. I actually just paused an audiobook so that I could write this blog post.

I'm still reading hardcopy, hold-in-my-hand books too, never fear (currently: The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer; just finished: Obsidio (The Iluminae Files book 3...see earlier blog post on that trilogy) and Crazy Rich Asians (which I did not love)). BUT, it's audiobooks that hold my passion and attention right now. I'm not entirely sure why...the ease? the fact that I can listen while I drive or fold laundry or walk the dog? am I just "into" nonfiction right now? IDK. Regardless of the reason, I'm listening voraciously and I've got some recommendations for you. So let's dig in.

Lab Girl by Hope Jahren: I just finished this one yesterday and I really loved it. It's this fascinating mix between memoir and geobiology class--which doesn't necessarily sound awesome, but it is. Hope Jahren is a geochemist and geobiologist, a research scientist and university professor. Her book tells the story of her life and her life as a scientist and how those two things intermingle. It is emotional and beautifully written. She reads the audio herself with a dry monotone that fits her writing personality (but that can be, at times, a little sleep-inducing...so I had to take breaks; I typically listen in 30 minute intervals anyway, though). Though I loved her story, my favorite "character", by far, was her research partner, Bill-- and their sibling-esque relationship. (He has THE BEST lines! I want to meet him in person after reading this book--and Jahren delivers his dry wit perfectly!) I learned stuff about nature and people. And I think I look at both a bit differently now.

Hunger: A Memoir of My Body by Roxane Gay: For me, this was an eye-opening, and surprisingly relatable book; and an important read. This is Roxane's memoir of being an obese person in a society that openly mocks obese people. She tells her story of being a slim young girl and the things that happened in her life that lead to her obesity. She shares all the feelings and thoughts that come with navigating our world when your fat. And it's heart-wrenching, at times. And it's massively eye-opening. And, as someone who's never been more than 10-15 lbs overweight, it was shocking to me how much I related to her. How similar I felt. And then, how shameful I felt for thoughts I've had about obese people in the past. Roxane Gay reads the audio and there is something so powerful about hearing her words from her own mouth. If you've ever looked at someone and judged them without knowing a thing about them, other than the surface you can see, you should read this book.

The Blue Zones of Happiness by Dan Buettner: This book made me think about the way my environment, and how I choose to react to it, impacts my happiness. It made me look at and reevaluate the effort I make (or don't make); the thoughts and perspectives I cling to; and where and how I choose to live; and how that all effects my happiness. And it inspired me to try something different and make some changes. It can be a bit dry in parts, but I learned a lot and got some great perspective. It's an excellent book to have playing in the background while you do other things.

The Art of Possibility by Rosamund and Benjamin Zander: This is another "make you think differently" kind of book. It's pretty short and sweet. And it's chocked full of great new ways to look at the challenges in your life. Pretty inspiring.

Loving What Is by Byron Katie: If you really want to blow your mind and challenge the way you think about EVERYTHING, then this is the book for you. I listened to it after someone else I admire recommended it. At first, I thought I'd made a big mistake in buying this one. But I listened on and ended up fascinated by Katie's perspective. The book could have been shortened as there's some unnecessary repetition, but the lessons in this book are amazing and potentially life-altering, if you choose to implement them. Pretty fascinating.




Up next: Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover (for book club), Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell, and The Confidence Code for Girls by Clair Shipman and Katty Kay.

Have any audiobooks you'd highly recommend? Let me me know in the comments!

Until next time, happy reading (listening)!

Namaste.