I’ve listened to a lot of audiobooks over the past couple of years; they’re the only way I can read when I’m feeling burnt out, exhausted or unwell. I usually borrow them from my local library via Libby or BorrowBox, or via NetGalley, which enables booksellers, press and reviewers to preview books. Here’s what I thought of five I’ve listened to recently.
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jeanette McCurdy, narrated by Jeanette McCurdy
I’m Glad My Mom Died shows just how much we don’t know about famous people, despite what we may think. You might remember Jeanette McCurdy from Nickelodeon’s iCarly and, perhaps because it’s a comedy, assumed she was genuinely happy. We couldn’t be more wrong.
Beginning with a title that immediately shocks you, Jeanette’s memoir shows that her life was anything but happy. As the book goes on, you go from thinking ‘Is that…okay?!’ to being absolutely confident that her mother was abusive (not to mention others around her).
I’m Glad My Mom Died is a shocking, emotional, reflective journey, and I’ll definitely be reading what Jeanette writes next – a novel, and a new non-fiction title!
Verity by Colleen Hoover, narrated by Vanessa Johansson & Amy Landon
A famous writer has an accident, resulting in debilitating injuries, and cannot progress their next novel, so you’re invited to write it for her. That’s what Lowen Ashleigh is hired to do, but whilst in Verity Crawford’s office, she discovers a different project… one full of bone-chilling secrets.
Verity was a thrilling audiobook to listen to… especially if you listen to it at night! I’d lie in bed, nervous about what was going to come next, swapping thoughts about who I trusted. It’s a book you’ll race through, ready to uncover the truth. I’d love more thrillers like this, please.
Babel by R.F. Kuang, narrated by Chris Lew Kum Hoi & Billie Fulford-Brown
Babel, a dark academic fantasy about ‘the violence of colonialism, and the sacrifices of resistance’, is a story I’m still thinking about weeks later, full of early His Dark Materials vibes. Within its story, it explores everything from translation and academia to colonialism and capitalism. Robin Swift’s experience of 1800s Oxford was devastating, marvellous, and transformative in equal measure.
I now need to pick up The Poppy War!
None of This is Serious by Catherine Prasifka, narrated by Simone Collins
None of This is Serious is about Sophie, a Dublin student whose ‘adult’ life is about to begin. But she’s struggling to be as happy as everyone else appears to be. Her best friend Grace is self-entered, she’s in love with Finn, and she’s about to meet Rory.
If you’ve ever wanted to delete Twitter and Instagram off your phone, struggled with the drama of female friendship, or become obsessed with Sally Rooney’s novels (and characters), this is for you!
The Club by Ellery Lloyd, narrated by Tamaryn Payne
The Club is exclusive, only open to the super rich, and super influential… even if you can afford it, you might not get in. When a major incident happens on the club’s island, everyone is talking about it.
The Club was surprisingly exhilarating… the newspaper segments were a fab addition to the story, and I felt like I was watching a real-time newsreel. I enjoyed hearing from all the different characters, hearing about their dramas, and not knowing where the story was going to go. A fun, chaotic, guilt pleasure thriller.
Photography by Davies Design Studio.
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