3 Audiobooks I Listened to and Loved
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I’ll admit I’ve been a bit slow to jump onto the audiobook bandwagon, but now that I have, I’m completely on board. 100% hooked! I’ve loved how it’s opened new avenues to me, expanding my exploration of non-fiction and memoir in particular. I check out downloadable audiobooks from the library (using the Overdrive app on the my phone), so it costs me nothing while greatly enriching my literary experience.
Here are three titles I’ve particularly enjoyed within the past few months.
The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown
Read by Edward Herrmann. Cannot say enough good things. Highly recommended. The fascinating story of the University of Washington’s 1936 eight-oar crew and their quest for Olympic gold medal. Impeccably and impressively researched, it focuses on Joe Rantz, a teenager abandoned by his family who has much more to gain in life than a gold medal. Ultimately a story of determined optimism, it beautifully captures the triumph of committed teamwork. And the narrator is among the best of the best. (Sadly, he passed away a few years ago. Fortunately, he narrated many audiobooks before he passed, including Laura Hillenbrand’s Unbroken. I would listen to anything with his name on it.)
My Southern Journey: True Stories from the Heart of the South by Rick Bragg
Read by the author. I. Had.No. Idea. Loved this book! A collection of essays capturing life in the South by Pulitzer-prize winner Rick Bragg. While neither romanticizing nor glorifying, he manages to somehow capture the best while acknowledging the worst. Entertaining, enlightening, and absolutely engaging. (Like many things Southern, it’s a tad slow to start. Give it time to grow on you. Worth it, I promise.)
Forty Autumns: A Family’s Story of Courage and Survival on Both Sides of the Berlin Wall by Nina Willner 
Read by Cassandra Campbell. One German family’s story of the Cold War spanning both sides of the Wall. Impeccably researched, it’s told from the unique perspective of a woman who grew up to become an American spy, capturing the extraordinary tale of an ordinary family divided by communism. Beautifully narrated by Cassandra Campbell. Worth listening to for her voice alone.
After words:
What audiobooks have you listened to and loved?
I read books on the Overdrive app on my iPad. I read 40 Autums and loved it. I was a senior in high school when WWII ended and heard bits and pieces about what happened but to read the real life story of this amazing family was awesome. There are some great pictures in the print version, including some of the big family reunion.
That’s so fun to hear you’re already familiar with Overdrive and have read 40 Autumns! In high school I lived near Washington, D.C., where some of the story took place, so that was interesting to me. I was in college when the wall came down and remember that time very well as my future husband’s mom was living in Germany at the time. Then we visited that country in ’93, saw the remnants of the wall, and I’ve been fascinated by that country and its stories ever since. Thanks for sharing, Virginia!
thor DeFede, Jim, author.
Title The day the world came to town : 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland / Jim DeFede.
I loved the story and the way the people in Gander rose so quickly to the challenge.
Jacqueline, I’ve not heard of this one but am happy to add it to my TBL–To Be Listened to :). Thanks for this recommendation as well!
Kibler, Julie.
Title Calling me home [sound recording] : [a novel] / by Julie Kibler.
Publication Info Ashland, OR : Blackstone Audio, Inc., p2013.
I work in a library and part of my job is ordering books for the library. I’m listening to this now and can’t wait to have time to finish it.
Oh, good to know! I loved Calling Me Home when it released several years ago. It remains one of my favorites, and with the right narrator, I’ll bet it makes a fabulous audiobook. Thanks so much for the rec!
Katherine, when you recommend a book, I pay attention. I trust your judgment and am never disappointed. I appreciate Rick Bragg’s columns in Southern Living, and look forward to reading (or listening to) My Southern Journey. I have been mulling over how to begin writing a series of essays on being a Northern girl who has chosen to transplant my roots into the South, but the challenge as you noted is neither to romanticize or glorify. And I’ll add a third category – I want to avoid stereotypes. I always appreciate your recs and your writing!
Thank you so much for that, Maggie! And I’m actually delighted My Southern Journey caught your attention because I’ve been thinking you especially might enjoy that one! For all the reasons you mention. You’ll have to let me know what you think as well as how your own essays are coming along. Cheering for you!