Did you know that 85% of learning derives from listening? When we listen, really listen and not dose off, information is better retained than just reading it. June is Audiobook month, which means your headphones will likely become your greatest accessory if they aren’t already. Listening to audiobook can be just as rewarding as reading. According to audiopub.org, listening to audiobooks can increase motivation by 67 percent, helps teach pronunciation and improves comprehension. Back in the 1930’s, Thomas Edison invented the phonograph, a device created for blind people to be able to listen to literature. Thanks to his invention, “talking books”, as folks back in the day referred to them, were later created.
With those long summer road trips coming up, audiobooks are a great way to pass the time in-between naps. New to the audiobook world? Have no fear! Listed below are a few audiobooks to get you started on your new journey:
A Man Called Ove written by Fredrik Backman, narrated by George Newbern
This novel, which was made into a 2015 Swedish film earning a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, is about a grumpy old man who finds his solitary world turned on its head when a mischievous young family moves in next door.
The Summer Before the War written by Helen Simonson, narrated by Fiona Hardingham
After her arrival in the village of Rye, England, a young woman becomes the first female teacher of Latin at the local school. She falls in love with her sponsor’s nephew at the brink of World War I.
Yes Please written by Amy Poehler, narrated by Amy Poehler with guest appearances by Carol Burnett, Seth Myers, Michael Schur, Patrick Stewart, Kathleen Turner and more
A collection of hilarious stories, thoughts and lessons learned from the mind of Amy Poehler. Listen to one of Saturday Night Live’s funniest comedians as she speaks on topics from parenthood to friendships to being told she has a “face for wigs.”
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe written by C. S. Lewis, narrated by Adrian Mitchell
One of my personal favorites as a child, listen to the tale of four children who find a magical wardrobe that leads them into the land of Narnia. They meet Aslan the lion and ruler of Narnia, and help him win back his world from the evil White Witch and her eternal winter spell.
Missing, Presumed written by Susie Steiner, narrated by Juanita McMahon
This mystery audiobook will have you at the edge of your seat! Edith Hind is a fearless graduate student at Cambridge University who has it all. When she turns out missing, Detective Manon Bradshaw is on the case. As she get deeper into her investigations, Bradshaw unravels alarming discoveries about Edith, her family and even herself.
Reality Is Not What It Seems written by Carlo Rovelli, narrated by Roy McMillan
Does time and space really exist? What exactly is reality? Theoretical physicist Carlo Rovelli takes us on a journey through his studies on quantum gravity, space, time and the vast parts of the universe still unknown.
Anything Is Possible written by Elizabeth Strout, narrated by the author
In this collection of short stories, the author tells the tale about a young woman who trades self-respect for a wealthy husband, a janitor has his faith tested when he meets an isolated man, two sisters struggle with abandonment and jealousy and more.
