If you're anything like the R29 crew, chances are you spend a lot of time engaged with a screen during the day. So maybe the last thing you want to do after a day of work is fasten your eyeballs to even more text. For book-lovers, that can be a major bummer. Fortunately, you don't need to bury your nose in a novel to get your literary fix. Books on tape may have mostly gone the way of the cassette, but audiobooks stepped in and took their place.
It's fair to say we're audiobook obsessed. There's nothing better than getting up to speed on new titles while we're at the gym, riding the subway, cleaning at home, or just taking a stroll around town — it's the ultimate multitask move. (Another major audiobook benefit, especially this season? Lying in the sand with a story in your earbuds. Can't beat it.)
So what books should make your audio "reading" list? We've got some good ones to get you started...
The Girl On The Train
Written by Paula Hawkins
Narrated by Clare Corbett, Louise Brealey, India Fisher
In A Nutshell: Girl rides train. Girl witnesses murder. Girl can't remember what happened because she might have been drinking. Girl discovers the mystery goes deeper and darker than she ever thought imaginable.
Listening Length: 10 hours, 59 minutes
The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo
Written and narrated by Amy Schumer
In A Nutshell: Think you know Amy Schumer? Think again. In her new autobiography, the comedian delves into her past — including her sexual assault and family dynamics — in the sharp and insightful voice we've come to love.
Listening Length: 8 hours, 6 minutes
The Light Between Oceans
Written by M.L. Stedman
Narrated by Noah Taylor
In A Nutshell: World weary after four years as a soldier in World War I on the Western Front, Tom Shelbourne returns to Australia and be comes the lighthouse keeper on an isolated island. Not long thereafter, he is joined by his new bride. But the young couple hits rocky waters when they try to start a family, and ultimately make a choice — and a promise to one another — that they cannot keep.
Listening Length: 10 hours, 21 minutes
Siracusa
Written by Delia Ephron
Narrated by John Slattery
In A Nutshell: New Yorkers Michael and Lizzie have been married forever, but neither seem happy anymore. When they take a trip to Italy with their old friends Finn and Taylor, plus Finn and Taylor's daughter Snow, it becomes clear that there's something decidedly non-platonic going on. As the drama begins to build, Snow winds up in the centre of it all.
Listening Length: 7 hours, 27 minutes
Listen to a sample of this book.
Image: Penguin Audio.
Sweetbitter
Written by Stephanie Danler
Narrated by Alex McKenna
In A Nutshell: A young woman breaks into the NYC restaurant world, falls in love, falls apart, and figures out who she wants to be along the way. Read more about the book, and our interview with the author, here.
Listening Length: 12 hours, 24 minutes
Listen to a sample of this book.
Image: Courtesy of Random House.
Rich and Pretty
Written by Rumaan Alam
Narrated by Julie McKay
In A Nutshell: Sarah and Lauren have been best friends forever. But now that they're in their 30s, their relationship has become inexplicably tense. How will they bridge the gap and stay friends in the midst of so much change? Read more on Alam's debut about female friendship here.
Listening Length: 10 hours, 45 minutes
Listen to a sample of this book.
Image: Courtesy of Harper Audio.
Eligible
Written by Curtis Sittenfeld
Narrated by Cassandra Campbell
In A Nutshell: You think you know Pride and Prejudice, but you won't know what hit you when when you dive into this delightfully playful, modern retelling of our favourite Jane Austen tale.
Listening Length: 13 hours, 21 minutes
Listen to a sample of this book.
Image: Random House Audio.
Me Before You
Written by Jojo Moyes
Narrated by Susan Lyons, Anna Bentink, Steven Crossley, Alex Tregear, Andrew Wincott, Owen Lindsay
In A Nutshell: You're going to cry, a lot.
Listening Length: 14 hours, 40 minutes.
Listen to a sample of this book.
Image: Penguin Audio.
The Girls
Written by Emma Cline
Narrated by Cady McClain
In A Nutshell: Remember the Manson murders? This is not that story. But it is pretty darned close and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Read our review of The Girls here.
Listening Length: 9 hours, 44 minutes
Listen to a sample of this book.
Image: Random House Audio.
LaRose
Written and narrated by Louise Erdrich
In A Nutshell: Tragedy strikes and a child is dead — and the only fair thing the shooter can think to do for the grieving parents is give them his own son. A breathtaking book about justice and regret, LaRose should absolutely be on your summer listening list.
Listening Length: 14 hours, 37 minutes
Listen to a sample of this book.
Image: Harper Audio.
The Assistants
Written by Camille Perri
Narrated by Jorjeana Marie
In A Nutshell: A poorly paid assistant to a high-powered media exec finally finds a way to even the score, and winds up in a full-fledged embezzlement scheme that takes from the rich and gives to the poor-ish. Read our interview with the author here.
Listening Length: 7 hours, 49 minutes
Listen to a sample of this book.
Image: Penguin Audio.
The Nest
Written by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney
Narrated by Mia Barron
In A Nutshell: Four siblings are banking on an inheritance from their father. But when one of them goes off the rails, they stand to lose everything — unless they can hunt down their unreliable, dangerously charismatic brother.
Listening Length: 11 hours, 6 minutes
Listen to a sample of this book.
Image: Harper Audio.
Modern Lovers
Written by Emma Straub
Narrated by Jen Tullock
In A Nutshell: Elizabeth and Zoe have been friends for decades. They've managed to carve out a niche for themselves and their families in Brooklyn, still staying close. But when their past rears its head, they have to find a way to reconcile it with present circumstances — and still stay true to themselves.
Listening Length: 9 hours, 2 minutes
Listen to a sample of this book.
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