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8 Books You Should Listen to Instead of Read

June 11, 2021 by Lauren 22 Comments

Happy Audiobook Appreciation Month!  What?  You didn’t know?  It’s ok.  You don’t need to get me anything.  But I am gifting you a little something.

 

I usually keep multiple books going at a time.  And I don’t play favorites with formats. 

I like paperbacks and hardcovers, audiobooks and electronic.  I buy, borrow and check out.  It usually makes no difference to me.  A good story is a good story.  But there are a few books I’ve consumed over the years that I’m partial to on audio.

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 So here are:

 

8 Books You Should Listen to Instead of Read

 

  1.  Chasing Vines:  Finding Your Way to an Immensely Fruitful Life by Beth Moore  In addition to it being the winner of the Christian Book Award for Best Audio Book of 2021, I just love her southern drawl.  Sometimes soft and often passionately exuberant, I loved hearing about how her once in a lifetime trip with her daughters inspired her to dig deeper into scripture.
  2. I Ain’t Doin’ It:  Unfiltered Thoughts From a Sarcastic Southern Sweetheart by Heather Land  Listening to this book was like seeing a stand up comedian.  Laughing until crying, tears running happily down my face and my leg.  Give yourself this gift!
  3. The Polygamist’s Daughter:  A Memoir by Anna LeBaron with Leslie Wilson.  This true story is so unbelievable that hearing straight from the source lends credibility and also empathy from the listener.  Both add so much to the overall experience.
  4. Love Does:  Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World by Bob Goff  The author’s childlike enthusiasm and sheer delight in other people both encourages and inspires me to love others better.  You can hear it in his voice and feel it in your heart.
  5. Unbroken:  A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand  It’s been years since I put this audiobook on CD in my car to listen to while running errands.  It is so gripping that my then 11 year old daughter requested I not listen to it without her in the car!  It was almost like watching a movie of this story – which you can do now too.
  6. Food:  A Love Story by Jim Gaffigan  I know Gaffigan’s humor isn’t for everyone, but I think he is hilarious.  And he relishes nothing more than making fun of his chubby eating habits.  It’s a master class in comedy.
  7. As You Wish:  Inconceivable Tales From the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes  If you love this cult classic movie as much as I do, these behind the scenes details are a true delight.  But I consider hearing them from farm boy Wesley himself icing on the cake!
  8. Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen Although I liked Springsteen in the 80’s, like everyone else, I would not now consider him a favorite artist.  It may have something to do with the hour we waited for him to start a concert we attended.  But that’s neither here nor there.  His story, read in that unmistakable voice, reminds me why he’s The Boss.  From humble beginnings to living legend and personal failures in between, I almost felt like I knew him.

 

I realize that these are all non-fiction books – with the exception of Unbroken (which is based on a true story).  I tend to gravitate that way, but I consider it a character flaw.  I’ve made it a personal goal to read more fiction.  So I would love recommendations in the comments.  What novels should I listen to (or read)?  And again, Happy Audiobook Appreciation Month!

 

 

Now for this week’s featured post from the link up!

 

Instaencouragements.com kicked off their summer bible study using the book Seeking Him by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth and Tim Grissom.  The first post in the series, written by Julie, called Revival:  Who Needs It had me talking back to the screen.  “I need it!”  “Our country needs it!”  “We ALL need it!”  Read it.

 

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About Me

I love Jesus, my husband and caffeine. The order of these can change depending on how tired I am. When my two daughters, stepson, and 4 grandchildren get to be too much, I practice yoga. God graciously allows me to share our adventures, victories and flub-ups from my laptop. May He be glorified here.
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