3 Literary Listens: Audiobooks to Try

For some of us, summer may offer a little more down time than usual, making it easier to spend a little more time exploring good books. But for some of us, listening to audio books may be a little more feasible—especially if you’re spending your summer days gardening, supervising the kids at the neighborhood pool or taking a much-deserved weekend road trip.

So, if you’re looking for a few great books to add to your audio library, we’ve got a few suggestions!

All My Knotted-Up Life

Beth Moore

Available here If you’re looking for a memoir, this might be the pick for you. Christian Bible teacher Beth Moore recently released her first memoir a few months ago, and it’s a fairly short but captivating listen. I grew up in the same denomination as Moore and previously served in a denominational setting, so hearing her story in her own words was of great interest to me. Moore is painstakingly honest, sometimes errs on the side of trying to create too picturesque of a word picture and willing to admit her faults, mistakes and when she was wrong. It’s a story of resilience, of deep faith and a desire to follow Jesus that anchors her soul in all the chaos. Moore reads the audio book, so if you’re unfamiliar with her voice, it may take a little getting used to, but this autobiography is worth your time! Get your copy.

Demon Copperhead

Barbara Kingsolver

Available here

I first read Barbara Kingsolver after a friend suggested the Bean Trees to me, and she has been a writer I’ve returned to again and again over the years. Demon Copperhead is her latest release, and a modern take on the Dickens’ classic David Copperfield. The novel is listed among the best books of 2022 on a wide variety of lists, and Kingsolver is also the recipient of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize in fiction for the novel. Kingsolver sets her story in Appalachia and follows Demon through foster care, poverty, addiction and moral collapse. I haven’t listened to the audio book just yet—it’s on the list!—but Kingsolver rarely disappoints. Fair warning: Kingsolver usually doesn’t shy away from tough situations and harsh realities, and this novel will likely deal in both. If you’re looking for a light beach listen, this probably isn’t the novel for you! Get your copy.

The Complete Novels

Jane Austen

Available here

I’m attempting to listen to all the Jane Austen novels this year and am about halfway through this audio book (which I have dipped in and out of as I’ve read other books). Alison Larkin serves as the narrator, narrating Austen’s varied casts of characters and all the social faux pas you’re sure to find in an Austen novel—but I will admit that I much preferred the audio versions of Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility narrated by Rosamund Pike. All of Austen’s completed novels are represented here, and you can use the table of content to drop in to particular books or simply listen all the way through. In addition to the stories, this audio version also includes short snippets of music from the time periods of the novels. Get your copy.

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