my favorite audiobooks of 2020
This fall I rediscovered my love for audiobooks. I love that I can “read” while folding laundry or driving to pick up my kid from school!
Have you heard of the Libby app? It makes it free and easy to listen to audiobooks — you just need a library card! Even though they are audiobooks, there are a limited number of copies available. It took me about six weeks to get my first book, but while you’re waiting you can look through the titles that are available immediately. I feel like I typically get the books sooner than they estimate, which is nice, because some have an estimated wait of six months.
I’ve found that I particularly love memoirs, especially when the author narrates the book. Here were my favorite audiobooks this year!
“When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi
I’ve wanted to read this book for years, so it felt great to finally get my hands on it. It’s a touching story about a neurosurgeon who gets cancer. It brought me to tears!
“Open Book” by Jessica Simpson
Oh my, this one was juicy! I devoured it — couldn’t get enough. If you grew up when I did (‘80s & ‘90s) and were into pop music, I think you will love it, too. Jessica is very vulnerable with the stories she shares.
“Untamed” by Glennon Doyle
A beautiful memoir, dedicated to her daughter, filled with vulnerable stories and brilliant lessons about motherhood, parenting and love. I took notes. The Doyle/Melton/Wambach family is tops.
“Everybody, Always” by Bob Goff
Wow wow wow. This book came to me when I needed something uplifting. I’d listened his first book, “Love Does,” several years ago, and this one is very similar. Bob lives a very interesting life and is a world-class storyteller. You won’t believe some of the stories he tells! I got goosebumps at the end when he shares whose fingerprints are on the book cover.
“Winning Balance” by Shawn Johnson
Stories of Shawn’s childhood, gymnastics career and experience on Dancing with the Stars. Shawn’s a fellow Iowa girl, and this book came out in 2012, just one month after I bumped into her at the local mall.
“The Magnolia Story” by Chip and Joanna Gaines
Narrated by Chip and Jo, they tell the story of how they met, got married and grew their businesses. At only five hours long, I flew through this one and fell even deeper in love with one of America’s most beloved couples. I particularly love the way they talk about their faith.
“The Bright Hour” by Nina Riggs
If you’ve read “When Breath Becomes Air,” you might like this one, too. It’s similar and there’s a unique connection between the two if you google it :)
“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” by Mark Haddon
This one took me a minute to get into. The book is written from the perspective of a 15-year-old boy with a disorder such as Asperger syndrome or high-functioning autism (the book does not specify). The narrator does a wonderful job, and I appreciate the new perspective it gave me.
“Forward” by Abby Wambach
Admittedly, if you’re not a fan of women’s soccer, you may not enjoy this book as much as I did. Abby tells stories of her growing up, coming out, substance abuse and playing soccer with the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. She ends the book in an unhealthy place, but if you follow her on Instagram you’ll learn she ultimately has a happy ending. :) Bonus listen: “Wolfpack” by Abby Wambach — it’s only an hour long!
What are your favorite audiobooks? I would love any recommendations you have!