The Best Audiobooks to Listen to On Your Next Road Trip | Audible.com

The Best Audiobooks to Listen to On Your Next Road Trip | Audible.com

Hit the open highway with the 40+ best road trip listens for your next journey

Whether you’re loading the entire family into the car for a long drive or heading out solo on a shorter journey, these audiobooks and podcasts will keep you company mile after mile.

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June 14, 2023

Hit the open highway with the 40+ best road trip listens for your next journey

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In theory, any audiobook, audio performance, or podcast can be listened to in the car, but it takes more than great storytelling to be the right fit for each type of road trip. What works for a cross-country adventure may not be quite right for a quick day trip. What you listen to with your significant other may not be (read: is definitely not) the same as what you listen to with a carload of kids. And when driving solo, sometimes what you want is a little company—maybe the familiar voice of a favorite celebrity or the shared joy in falling in love with a friend’s favorites. (Personally, I love catching up on what my fellow editors are listening to while on the open road, so I've included some of their top picks here.)

No matter what kind of journey you have coming up, we’ve got you covered with our collection of the top road trip listens. Check out what’s recommended for the type of trip you’re planning.

The Best Audiobooks for Long or Cross-Country Road Trips

The Best Audiobooks for Short Road Trips

The Best Audiobooks for Road Trips with Your Boo or Your Bestie

The Best Kid-Friendly Audiobooks for Road Trips with the Whole Family

The Best Audiobooks for Solo Road Trips

The Road Trip

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Unless you happen to be packed in a car with a bunch of unexpected passengers (including an ex you haven’t seen in two years), you just got into a fender bender, and everybody involved needs to get to Scotland for a wedding, you’re likely riding much more comfortably than this motley crew of five Brits. Was it a stroke of serendipity that put them all in that Mini Cooper heading north? Time will tell. A second-chance romance, The Road Trip is laced with humor, miscommunication, and a whole lot of charm.

The Fellowship of the Ring

J. R. R. Tolkien

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"It’s inarguable that J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy epic The Lord of the Rings is one of the greatest stories ever told. And though you might be familiar with the tale, you’ve never heard it quite like this. Actor and motion-capture performance icon Andy Serkis, who brought Gollum/Sméagol to life in Peter Jackson’s acclaimed adaptations, does an outstanding job of voicing every single character and creature—proving yet again that he is a master of his craft." —Editor Alanna M.

World Travel

Anthony Bourdain, Laurie Woolever

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This entertaining, practical, fun, and frank travel guide gives listeners an introduction to some of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite places on the planet—in his own words and read by some of the people who knew him best and loved him most. Featuring essential advice on how to get there, what to eat, where to stay, and, in some cases, what to avoid, World Travel is the perfect companion for veteran travelers, armchair enthusiasts, and fans of Bourdain.

Holly

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From her first timid introduction in Mr. Mercedes, Holly Gibney has long been one of my favorite Stephen King characters. Now that she's returned—and thanks to actress Justine Lupe's on-point performance—this badass detective's status is further cemented for me. As Holly investigates the mysterious disappearance of Bonnie Rae Dahl, a young woman who's vanished, and grapples with the Covid pandemic—which killed her mother, who refused to get vaccinated—we are confronted with some of the hideous and shocking realities of our current times. –Nicole R.

The Four Winds

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Listening to Julia Whelan perform a Kristin Hannah novel is a salve for the soul and a pure joy! Whelan brilliantly embodies the voice of Elsa—the heroine of this Dust Bowl-era story—as well as the array of Texans, Italian immigrants, and a whole host of unforgettable characters. The Four Winds is the perfect listen to get lost in on a long trip—the mile markers will fly by as the story carries you down the highway.

Driving the Green Book

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Award-winning broadcaster Alvin Hall takes listeners on a journey through America’s racially divided past alongside social justice activist Janée Woods Weber. Together, the pair drive from Detroit to New Orleans, following the path of the historic travel guide The Negro Motorist Green Book, which Black Americans used as a vital resource during segregation to locate safe places where they could stop for a meal or spend the night. Chock-full of powerful testimonies, Driving the Green Book is a living history podcast that preserves a troubled legacy and honors the brave Black Americans who fought for equality.

Sam

Allegra Goodman

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"I’m an avid listener, and by and large, this is the best novel I have listened to so far this year. I was so moved, actually, that when I finally finished (after canceling my plans and spending the entire weekend enraptured), I immediately googled the author’s name to see if she happened to be speaking near me anytime soon. Ah, the joys of living in the Big Apple. As it turned out, she was giving a talk the next day with her literary agent on the Upper West Side. At her reading, I told her just how much her book meant to me. And now I’m telling you. This audiobook is a meditation on girlhood, on the deep scars that we tell ourselves are merely scratches, on class divides, and on the seemingly minuscule moments that end up shaping our lives. It is truly a must-listen, and, since it’s best consumed all in one go, a long car ride is a great place to delve into the unforgettable world of Sam." —Editor Madeline A.

Blacktop Wasteland

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The story of Beauregard Bug Montage, a Black Virginian with a criminal past as a getaway driver, is a high-octane heist novel with blistering action sequences and car chases. Blacktop Wasteland is also the moving tale of a man pushed to his limits by poverty, race, and his own former life of crime. Think Ocean’s Eleven meets Drive, with a Southern noir twist.

Angela Davis

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If you're the kind of person who views road trips as opportunities to listen and learn, checking out all those audiobooks and podcasts you've been meaning to get to forever, there’s no better place to start than with this brilliant classic. Angela Davis is a legend in the movements for Black liberation and prison abolition. In this candid, moving autobiography first published in 1974, she writes about her early years as an activist, offering wisdom that is still deeply relevant today. This newly released audiobook is read by Davis herself, and there’s simply no better way to experience her story.

South to America

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In this brilliant blend of memoir, history, cultural criticism, and travel writing, Imani Perry takes listeners on an unforgettable journey through the South, from cities like New Orleans and Houston to the Georgia coast and the West Virginia hills. She delves into the specificities of each place she visits, exploring their complicated histories, language, art, culture, geography, and ecology, while revealing how the South is at the very heart of America's understanding of itself.

The Worthy Mind

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There’s just something about driving into a new day while listening to ideas about living a better, more fulfilling life that allows you to truly imagine that reality on the horizon. Narrated by author Meadow DeVor, this audiobook has the feel of getting comfortable after a long week, unwinding, and listening to a good friend who has been there dole out tangible advice for knowing, and owning, your worth.

Still Hung Up on You

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I’ll be the first to admit that if my high school ex called, I wouldn’t exactly rush to pick up the phone. Luckily for Hannah Gold, when she needs the help of her ex, Ethan does answer the phone. As he agrees to help Hannah, they can’t help but to go down memory lane, which may lead to more than the original ask. Liz Maverick’s Still Hung Up on You snuck up on me like Hannah’s call snuck up on Ethan, leaving me just as shocked that such a short story, with its excellent sound production and performances by Andrew Eiden and Luci Christian Bell, could leave me so satisfied. – Patty R

The Fire Next Time

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James Baldwin galvanized the nation in the early days of the civil rights movement with this eloquent manifesto, at once a powerful evocation of his early life in Harlem and a deeply unsettling exploration of the toll of racial injustice to both the individual and the nation. Narrated by actor Jesse L. Martin, The Fire Next Time stands as one of the essential works of American literature—as relevant and important today as it was 60 years ago.

Evil Eye

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Here’s a scenario to ponder—the first part of your drive involves a quick call to check in with mom, but you’ve still got some time to kill, so what’s next? Evil Eye is a brilliantly spun 90-minute thriller told through a series of long distance phone calls between a daughter in the States and her mother in India. There are pedestrian conversations that feel familiar, even ordinary. Then it comes with a right hook of a twist and a roundhouse of a turn, and you land in a place you could have never predicted!

Beginner's Mind

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Yo-Yo Ma—an American, immigrant, former child prodigy, world-renowned musician, and beloved cellist—has delivered a message we all need to hear. Throughout Beginner's Mind, told in his own voice with divine musical interludes, Ma inspires with his undying hope in our collective capacity to create, collaborate, connect, and begin again.

Nevada

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Imogen Binnie's classic queer novel Nevada is finally back in print—and now available in audio for the first time. It's a bitingly funny but ultimately moving story about Maria, a trans woman who, after a breakup, decides that stealing her girlfriend's car and taking it on a cross-country road trip is the best way to get her life back on track. Needless to say, the road trip doesn't quite go as planned. Binnie's thoughtful narration of her work captures all of Maria's quirks—her dry humor, cynicism, sharp observations, malaise, and occasional sparks of genuine joy.

Is This Anything?

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"Is This Anything? runs through a collection of 40 years’ worth of jokes, going all the way back to the days before anyone knew what Jerry Seinfeld had in store for comedy fans. This audiobook is a really special performance because you get to experience one of the most illustrious careers in the history of comedy and television by listening to the man himself voice the jokes that started it all." —Editor Aaron S.

Girls on the Verge

Sharon Biggs Waller

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In this heartfelt coming-of-age story, three friends set out on a road trip that will change each of their lives. Camille is having a seemingly perfect summer—until she finds out she's pregnant. Knowing she can't tell her parents, she confides in her best friend, Bea, and then in Annabelle, a girl she hardly knows from her summer theater program. They both agree to join Camille on a journey to access abortion care. Over the course of more than a thousand miles on the road together, the Girls on the Verge all learn what it means to stand by your friends no matter what.

The Light We Carry

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“Do I really need to explain why I’m excited for this Audible Original podcast? For starters, it’s hosted by the Michelle Obama (a.k.a., the former FLOTUS, bestselling author of two memoirs, wellness advocate, and all-around icon), and she’s invited a seriously impressive roster of guests—Gayle King, Hoda Kotb, and David Letterman, just to name a few. Together, they’ll explore important topics like family, identity, and relationships. I can’t wait to hear Mrs. Obama’s insights and inspirational advice, all recorded in front of a live, energetic audience who shares in my enthusiasm for her wisdom.” —Editor Rachael X.

The Final Revival of Opal & Nev

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With its glittering milieu, provocative themes, and remarkable heroine, Dawnie Walton's The Final Revival of Opal & Nev is a knockout, and the novel’s dazzling polyphonic structure—a rock oral history for fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid's Daisy Jones & The Six and Jean Stein’s Edie—was made to be listened to in audio. In this Audie Award-winning rendition, it's performed by a full cast of talented narrators, including Janina Edwards and Bahni Turpin. This may not be a happily-ever-after romance, but there is a whole lot of love.

The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise

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If you can’t help but rewatch classic 90’s movies when you’re feeling a little down and always find joy in the on-the-nose sweetness of meet-cute setups in romantic comedies, this is the road trip audiobook for you. Listening in as 21-year-old Tanner and 84-year-old Louise take to the road like outlaws on the run (which they very well may be) is the perfect summer road trip escape. You might just feel like the third member of this heartwarming odd couple.

Lessons in Chemistry

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Set in California between the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, Lessons in Chemistry finds master chemist turned single mother Elizabeth Zott at the end of a strange proposal—she's just been offered a job hosting a cooking show. While reluctant at first, Elizabeth decides to become the host of Supper at Six, since cooking is chemistry after all. What Elizabeth doesn't anticipate is daring women to change the status quo with her unusual approach to cooking. Miranda Raison was the narration icing on this already wonderful story. And just in case you needed another reason to listen to Lessons in Chemistry before watching the Apple+ TV adaptation, the story features 10 points of view, with one being a dog with quite a lot to say. – PKR

Esther Perel's Where Should We Begin?: The Arc of Love

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Esther Perel invites you and your significant other to listen in on private, intimate conversations exploring the evolution of relationships. Hear six sets of people at different points in their quest for romantic and familial love. You may just gain a better understanding of your own relationships through the struggles of these people and Esther’s remarkable insights. At the very least, you and your partner are bound to be inspired to get your own conversation started.

Coupledom with Idris and Sabrina Elba

Idris Elba, Sabrina Elba

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In Coupledom, Idris and Sabrina Elba sit down with some of the world’s most interesting duos—from Mary and Sharon Bishop-Baldwin, the lead plaintiffs in the Oklahoma marriage equality lawsuit, to iconic ice cream entrepreneurs Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield—for honest, unguarded conversations about all the complexities of living a shared life. Along the way, they unlock wisdom for those of us navigating our own coupledoms, and for those still seeking their perfect match, whether in romance or business.

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The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece

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"If I had to describe what listening to this story was like as a place, this is how I’d put it: Picture a friendly pub with a roaring fire and enough bustle to make it feel lively, but not so much noise that you couldn’t have a conversation. And there are big, comfy chairs because it’s all about sinking in and letting Tom tell his stories without skipping a single detail. By the time the story gets into all the action, you're hooked, mesmerized, and eager to keep listening to every character that joins in on the storytelling—each anchored by the dynamic and affable voice of Tom Hanks. It’s comforting, invigorating, and time will go by way too quickly as you listen." —Editor Tricia F.

Anxious People

Fredrik Backman

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After a botched attempt at holding up a cashless bank, a desperate parent accidentally creates a hostage situation by running headfirst into a crowded apartment viewing. From our bumbling would-be robber to the collection of regular folks locked in together to the father/son cop team leading the investigation, each character in Anxious People has a story to be told. What’s revealed is pure Fredrik Backman truth-telling. His uncanny ability to get to the heart of things with humor, tenderness, and wisdom is brought to life by narrator Marin Ireland’s performance. She simply nails it–giving each and every quirky character a voice that resonates.

The Flatshare

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"When I first heard about The Flatshare, it was billed as a light and happy beach listen about roommates who fall in love through Post-it notes. However, despite its rom-com premise, Beth O'Leary's debut is way more than fluff. Yes, take this one on vacation and revel in its sweetness and the heartwarming love story, but stick around for the depth and intelligence that emerges from the amazing performances." —Editor Emily C.

How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe

Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

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Young adult romance meets cross-country road trip—what could be better? This exuberant story about a Mexican American teenager on a life-changing summer road trip is funny, warm, and full of joy. Moon Fuentez is used to living in her twin sister's shadow. But when she takes a job selling merch on a tour bus full of social media influencers, she unexpectedly finds her own voice—and her first love—along the way.

An Immense World

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Sometimes the best kind of road trip listens are the fun ones—stories so entertaining and fascinating that you keep listening even after you've arrived at your destination. And science writer Ed Yong's latest certainly fits the bill. With his characteristic wit, compassion, and clarity, Yong dives into the world of animal senses, explaining how creatures from beetles to whales experience the world—not just via scent, sight, and taste but through vibrations, electromagnetic waves, and more. A captivating book about the hidden wonders of our planet, An Immense World is the perfect listen to take in with your partner on a peaceful drive.

The Weirdies

Michael Buckley

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If you’re a fan of A Series of Unfortunate Events, Edward Scissorhands, or the darker side of kidlit classics, The Weirdies—triplets Barnacle, Garlic, and Melancholy—will feel like old friends. After being left behind when everybody else from Deadeye Manor has departed for a doomed vacation cruise, the triplets have to learn how to fend for themselves. Brilliantly performed by Kate Winslet, this listen will keep everybody in the car captivated and entertained to the point of fitful laughter.

Anne of Green Gables

Lucy Maud Montgomery, Abi Hynes – adaptation

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Boasting a remarkable cast of award-winning Canadian talent, including Sandra Oh, Catherine O’Hara, and Victor Garber, this fresh and inspired dramatization of the classic we all know and love cannot help but delight. The immersive sound design (enhanced in Dolby Atmos) transported me to Prince Edward Island in a swirl of nostalgia and warmth. Above all, Michaela Luci shines as Anne Shirley—the wide-eyed enthusiasm for everything Anne finds magical in her new life absolutely exudes from her voice and provided the hopeful happy listening experience that I can’t wait to share with my whole family. –Emily C

Jukebox Joyride

Jacob Stein, Jason Rabinowitz, The Pop Ups

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Jukebox Joyride follows 12-year-old twins Jules and George on a wild adventure through time. Their Uncle Bob, a renowned ethnomusicologist (he studies music), has discovered the secret to time travel and is having a ball joyriding through history checking out the best concerts ever ... but something’s gone wrong. This musical escapade brings the twins from the birth of jazz in New Orleans to a performance by an 11-year-old Mozart in Vienna, all while trying to make it back to the present day to pass their history test!

The One and Only Ivan

Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao

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This Newbery Medal-winning story by Katherine Applegate has become a modern classic for a reason—kids and adults have fallen in love with a gorilla named Ivan. Listening to Ivan's unforgettable first-person narration (performed by Adam Grupper) in a tale of friendship, art, and hope is simply the best form of entertainment with kids in the car. And after meeting Ivan, you’ll want hear the story of the spunky little dog who became his best friend. Bob, performed by Danny DeVito, tells his own tale in The One and Only Bob.

Hidden Figures

Margot Lee Shetterly

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"There’s something so essential about the history that Hidden Figures tells. When you add narrator Robin Miles’s trademark warmth, rhythm, and pacing to the mix, this audiobook becomes even more of a force to be reckoned with. Likewise, even aspiring minds who still leave smaller footprints behind can take a giant leap into this unforgettable story, thanks to Bahni Turpin’s brilliant performance of Margot Lee Shetterly’s Young Readers’ Edition." —Editor Rachel S.

Lellobee City Farm: Grandma Mei's Fantastic Folktales (Series 1)

Allan Plenderleith, Sarah Pitard, Chitra Soundar, Becky Overton

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If you're looking to keep your little ones entertained during a long ride, this listen has you covered. This charming Audible Original podcast from the creators of Lellobee City Farm will absolutely enchant your preschooler and leave them dreaming of adventure. Listen in with them as Grandma Mei shares magical stories from around that globe that immerse littles ones in the beauty of the natural world and shine a light on diverse cultures.

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Greenlights

Matthew McConaughey

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If you’re alone in the car, whether on your daily commute or heading out on a long-haul adventure, who would you pick as your imaginary copilot? From the evidence of nearly every bestseller list out there, Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey is many people’s first choice. The star’s unconventional memoir, Greenlights is filled with raucous stories, outlaw wisdom, and lessons learned the hard way about living with greater satisfaction. After a few hours alone with Mr. McConaughey, you just may find your own answers to the meaning of life.

Dolly Parton, Songteller

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How lucky are we to have this memoir—filled with personal stories, life wisdom, and, yes, musical interludes—from the American treasure that is Dolly Parton? She frames her story through her songs, taking listeners on a real musical journey. Dolly Parton is timeless. Her authenticity and talent shine throughout Songteller, and she reminds us of all that is good in this world. As a private audience with a front-row seat in your car, you'll be singing along to your faves, from "Jolene" to "I Will Always Love You," and hanging on her every word.

The Woman in Me

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Britney Spears has been in the limelight in one way or another since her Mouseketeer debut, and by 17 she was one of the most famous human beings on the planet. All this time, her narrative was so seldom her own, dominated instead by exploitative media coverage and a recently dissolved conservatorship. In an echo of her defiant pop anthem “Stronger” (“I’ve had enough, I’m not your property as of today”), a liberated Spears reclaims her story with hard-won candor. And her bombshell of a memoir couldn’t be in the hands of a better performer, with acclaimed actor Michelle Williams's delicate yet emotionally commanding timbre at the helm. – Alanna M

Yearbook

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Sometimes when you’re trying to get to know someone better, it’s nice to hear from their friends and family along with your more deeply personal one-on-one time together. This memoir gives you lots of alone time with Seth Rogen, but it also features a cast of more than 80 voices, including cameos by Nick Kroll, Jay Pharoah, Jason Segel, Dan Aykroyd, Ike Barinholtz, Simon Helberg, Tommy Chong, Billy Idol, and Rogan’s mom and dad. Of course, it’s hysterically funny, but Rogen's Yearbook is equally heartwarming and certainly meant to be heard.

Hijab Butch Blues

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Listening to a memoir on a long drive is a little like hearing a new friend recount her life story as you sit shotgun, looking out the window and absorbing it all as the countryside passes by. Lamya H’s coming-of-age memoir is no exception. The powerful story of a queer hijabi Muslim immigrant coming into her own, this listen is both breathtakingly intimate and utterly hopeful, making it the perfect companion to any solo journey.

I Came All This Way to Meet You

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Jami Attenberg's heartfelt, funny, moving memoir about the ups and downs of her life as a writer is the perfect solo road trip listen. I Came All This Way to Meet You is funny, honest, vulnerable, and full of wisdom. Plus, it's about journeys—between cities and countries, between versions of self, between relationships, and between different ways of understanding the world. While the stories Attenberg shares will be especially poignant for writers and artists, anyone who's ever struggled through life, wanted something badly, or felt the ache of uncertainty and doubt will find a lot to love in this audiobook.

I'm Glad My Mom Died

Jennette McCurdy

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Former child actor Jennette McCurdy has a heart-wrenching, dark, and ultimately powerful story of a woman finally taking control of her life, and she tells it without shame, without guilt, and with unflinching candor. Narrated by the author, I’m Glad My Mom Died is an inspiring story of resilience, independence, and the joy of shampooing your own hair.

Love Is an Ex-Country

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Randa Jarrar's thoughtful self-narrated memoir-in-essays is structured around a cross-country trip from her home in California to her parents' home in Connecticut. As she visits old friends and the places that have shaped her life, she reflects on her identity as a proudly queer and plus-sized Muslim Arab American woman. In Love Is an Ex-Country, Jarrar writes intimately about domestic violence, motherhood, Islamophobia, fatness, sexuality, and what it means to joyfully take up space.

Between Two Kingdoms

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The summer after she graduated from college, Suleika Jaouad was diagnosed with leukemia. She spent the next four years in and out of the hospital, fighting to survive. But when she was finally declared cancer-free, she realized her journey was just beginning. Unsure how to begin living her life again, Jaouad set out on an epic 100-day, 15,000-mile road trip across the country. Narrated by the author, this gorgeous account of that life-changing trip, and the people she met and let go of along the way, will leave you grinning through your tears.

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