All about author-read audiobooks
As someone who self-published my first novel, please rest assured I never for a moment considered reading my own book for audio. 🤣 I hired a production company I trust and they hit it out of the park! I am greatly looking forward to sharing the news with you soon.
That said, I love listening to nonfiction read by the author.
My dear friend and neighbor Anne Gardner is getting ready to read her own audiobook. I’m so excited for her! In honor of her journey, I’ve put together a list of author-read nonfiction audiobooks I loved. Y’all know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Audiobooks I loved because they were read by the author
Radical Love: Learning to Accept Yourself and Others by Zachary Levi
If we have ever met in person, you have probably heard me talk about Zachary Levi. I’m just the tiniest bit obsessed with his story—and he was generous enough to write it for us and record the audiobook. Please give him your undivided attention. You can thank me later.
Mating in Captivity: Reconciling the Erotic & the Domestic by Esther Perel
If you haven’t read Perel, I suggest you put down this blog and go read something of hers right now. As a romance reader, you will find her work fascinating, I’m sure.
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver
This book sucked me in and had me looking up farm properties for sale. Kingsolver is the rare (in my humble opinion!) author who can read her own fiction well, as well.
Self-Inflicted Wounds: Heartwarming Tales of Epic Humiliation by Aisha Tyler
I read this on a plane and had to apologize to my seatmates for laughing so loudly and so often. Too much good stuff.
You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
To really grasp Sincero’s balance between biting sarcasm and deep earnestness, one needs to hear it in her own voice. 10/10 I recommend.
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
Not only did I love this story and Noah’s delivery, but also I got to see him live. His comedy tour that year was many of these stories but perhaps even funnier. He’s a gem and I’m excited to see what comes next for him.
Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don't Know by Malcolm Gladwell
Honestly, anything Malcolm Gladwell is my current favorite. (He has a podcast, too, if you’re interested!) And as I write this post, I realize I haven’t read his new book yet. So, The Bomber Mafia is now on my to be read list! Which leads us to…
My TBR list of audiobooks read by the author
The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times by Michelle Obama (I loved hearing her read Becoming and I am looking forward to this! Her husband writes good books—and reads them for audio—as well.😉)
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey (Yes, please!)
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy (I think Holland would want me to read this.)
Last but never least…
And while this post has nothing to do with authors reading their own fiction, please hear me say again how much I loved Joe Arden reading The Chameleon Effect. <sweet sigh>
