Literature

If listening is your raison d'être, then these are some pretty good #lifegoals.

Less than one percent of the U.S. population has served in this century's conflicts, but a new wave of literature written by returning veterans offers a bridge to understanding their experiences.

As the poet John Cougar Mellencamp said, "I can be myself here in this small town." Some of the most unapologetic, memorable characters in fiction live in small towns, which are themselves laden with secrets and contradictions.

We have always been drawn to the worst-case scenario in fiction, as evidenced by the resurgence of "The Handmaid’s Tale" and others. But why? Research sheds some light.

The "Handmaid's Tale" author has just released, with Audible, an updated edition, complete with new introduction and extended ending. Here she explains the difference between speculative fiction and sci-fi, and recommends some of her favorites.

Hear us geek out with the award-winning author of the stunning 'Lincoln in the Bardo,' whose audiobook boasts the largest, most star-studded cast to date.

What an entrance! These are the works by first-time novelists that have Audible's listeners and editors all aflutter.

Audible created the Christopher Doheny Award, which honors unpublished writers who brave the subject of serious illness.

Author David Hewson and narrator Richard Armitage returned to Audible Studios for an in-depth discussion about their extraordinary new take on Shakespeare's classic love story, created exclusively for audio. They shared perspectives on adapting the Bard's work, why Juliet should take top billing, and why narration is a performance.

Our own copy editor takes a break from defending the Oxford comma to share her favorite books, new and old, from the African diaspora.

Check out the new releases that Audible's Editors know are going to be big hits.

David Hewson, author of "Romeo and Juliet: A Novel," explains how he writes for the audio format, a distinct craft that's gaining value among novelists.