Ah, the peak of summer. Some of us at Audible are traveling with kids in cars, some of us are just trying to bear a sweatier commute to work. Some of us are laying by oceans or hotel pools; some of us are thrilled to stay close to home, getting things done. Whatever we’re doing, here’s what we’ve been listening to as we do it.
I occasionally get sucked into celebrity memoirs for the sheer ear-candy effect, and this book is no exception. However, Mary-Louise Parker’s writing in Dear Mr. You is above the usual celeb fare: it is downright stunning. Parker's metaphors, visceral language, and ability to tell an intoxicating story not just with her voice (which is every bit as sexy as you remember from Weeds), but through her writing, is beyond expectation. In fact, this is the only book in recent memory that moved me to linger in a Whole Foods parking lot, car idling with the air conditioning blasting on a hot New York Saturday, and weep through the entire last chapter. Great stories told well, this one’s a winner. –Kari, Sr. Creative Director
Where to start with this book. You will not be able to stop listening and it will be all you think about for a long time after. You might know Alan Cumming from The L Word or The Good Wife, but his is a personal story about a boy and his extremely distant and angry father. Alan takes us through his bleak upbringing in Scotland through his colorful Hollywood life as a working actor. During this epic memoir, Alan’s lyrical brogue takes us through the dark times, the tentatively peaceful times, the hopeful times, and the finality of his relationship with his father. The way this book is laid out is also fascinating because while Alan was writing it, an opportunity to go on the TV show Who Do You Think You Are comes up to teach him about his lineage. What he learns has deep ramifications on his life. So moving.
I started journalist Ariel Leve's gorgeous, riveting memoir on a plane and didn't remove my earbuds once during the five-hour flight and one-hour commute home. I adore the super-talented Martha Plimpton, who narrates this with such intelligence, humor, and conviction. When I am super rich, I will have her read absolutely everything to me. –Erin, Audible Range Managing Editor
Ever come up with the most incredible retort that would make any bully realize the flaws in their thinking, bow down in apology, vow to fight police bigotry, and pee their pants laughing because your delivery was funny as hell? Me neither, but I’m pretty sure Lindy West has, a billion times and then some. A former columnist who focuses on feminism, social justice, humor, and body image, West deconstructs the status quo of social bias in our culture and sprinkles in gems like this: “I have some questions about King Triton. Specifically, why are you elderly but with the body of a teenage Beastmaster? How do you maintain those monster pecs? Do they have endocrinologists under the sea? Because I am scheduling you some bloodwork.” –Deanna, Audible Range
Like many college students, I spent a fair amount of my time hanging out under Fear and Loathing movie posters, spouting classic one-liners from the film and imitating Johnny Depp's impersonation of Hunter at parties; all the while, of course, absorbing the work of America's “outlaw journalist.” It's safe to say that college-me fell into the group that his son, Juan, categorizes as those who revered his father. But, while I may have come to the book for Hunter, I left thoroughly impressed by Juan. Both in his writing and narration, he plainly, but beautifully recollects memories of growing up with the writer — their strained relationship eventually blossoming into one of acceptance and love — that, for me, captured Hunter at his most human. –Doug, Audible Editor
Lily and the Octopus is a story about Ted Flask and his best friend Lily — a dachshund. And though the relationship between a man and his dog is at the center of this novel, you don’t have to be an animal lover to appreciate this adorable (albeit heartbreaking) book. It’s a story of love and loss, families, and relationships. And it’s a story of human resilience in the face of inevitable pain. I realize that my description of this book makes it sound morose, but I found this quirky book to be surprisingly uplifting. Lily and the Octopus is my version of a perfect summer listen — simultaneously light and moving. –Laura, Audible Editor
As someone who has a hate/TBD relationship with social media, I found these stories (at times) terrifying and (more than once) satisfying. Also, Ronson’s lovely and ironically soothing voice made the insanity all the more chilling. –Lou, Copywriter
If you’ve never listened to Pema before, her voice is like a hug for that pit of anxiety sitting in your stomach. Spiritual, sure, but Pema reminds you that she is ‘one of us’ with her excusable swear words and her willingness to share her moments of weakness. This is what I listen to when I’m in fight-or-flight mode. I’m not a hardcore meditation guru, but I carry with me the metaphor of sitting, staying, and facing my discomfort on my commute as a reminder that we are all flawed, we all try, and that running or fighting aren't the only options. –Deanna, Audible Range Sr. Designer
After watching interview footage of Elizabeth Gilbert, I decided to re-visit this. I had read it years ago, when I was a 20-year-old college student. Back then, I didn’t get it. I thought Liz was complaining an awful lot for a woman able to take a year-long, around-the-world vacation! At 31, it’s a totally different story, and hearing it in her own voice makes all the difference. The passage with the Italian soccer curses is worth it alone. –Robyn, Social Media Creative Manager
