I’ve really gotten into audio books lately, especially now that I spend more time than I used to driving. I prefer listening to podcasts and audio books while in the car. (Here’s my latest podcast obsession!)
With audiobooks, I am kind of (okay, very) picky about what I listen to. It has to be something that keeps my attention and that’s easy enough to follow without seeing the words/names… and, the real kicker, I can’t be annoyed by the narrator’s voice. (I’ve listened to books on tape before in the past where I absolutely did not like the book even though I think I might have, had I actually read it instead of listened to it.)
I listened to two audiobooks this month and loved both. They are completely different from each other and I recommend them both highly!
When I drove up to Cape Cod to visit my friend, I downloaded Tina Fey’s Bossypants to listen on the way. I had read Amy Poehler’s Yes Please and liked it so I thought I would give Bossypants a shot. Because Tina Fey narrates the book, you really feel an extra connection to her story; it’s like she’s sitting right next to you chatting away The audio recording itself could be better… it sounds like she did it at home instead of a studio if that makes sense… but if you turn up the volume you should be just fine.
In the book, Tina Fey shares a lot of witty career and life advice that’s interesting to listen to. It’s not cheesy or cookie cutter. She draws on her personal experiences sharing tidbits and little stories along the way. Of course, two weeks after I listen to the book, Tina Fey’s Sarah Palin character is revived due to the current events… and the book seems even more relevant the ever. (That was one of my favorite sections, it’s fascinating to hear the behind the scenes of how she got that particular gig!)
So I listened to this in the car and she kept referring to “the PDF” which I assumed was something that I was supposed to be able to download somewhere. I’m very anti phone-while-driving (seriously, put your phones down!!!) so I just let it slide and waited until I got home to investigate. Turns out there IS a full PDF, even though I had no idea how to get it. Thanks to Reddit, someone uploaded it here to view.
On the completely opposite end of the spectrum, I listened to When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi just a week later. Wow. Just wow. I had heard incredible things about this book and the audiobook didn’t disappoint. This should be required reading for everyone. Just before Paul Kalanithi is about to finish his residency as a neurosurgeon, he’s diagnosed with lung cancer. This book examines life and death… and living while dying… and facing death while still living… and just what exactly that all means. It’s truly moving. With his extensive medical and literary knowledge, the memoir transcends the typical cancer story. Paul Kalanithi covers it all with such a raw and honest voice: love, career, family, life, and (of course) death.
This is a must read.
Does anyone have any great audiobooks that you recommend?
I drive long distance a lot and have just started getting into audiobooks as well. I highly recommend the app Overdrive. It's a free app from itunes that allows you to "rent" audiobooks from a library you belong too. All you need to do is input your library card number and it lets you rent audio books (and even ebooks) for free from that library! The book stays in the app for 2 weeks and then gets "returned" to the library. My phone is hooked up to my bluetooth in my car, so the book plays right through my speakers! The only thing I would recommend is looking for a book early because some titles can be hard to find if there's something in particular you're looking for. But overall, it's awesome for trying out new books that you aren't sure of! (I'm currently listening to American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin….pretty good!)
I love Tina Fey – I will definitely have to check out this book. I haven't gotten too into audio books yet, but that is a great alternative to music when it comes to long car trips.
I loved Bossypants – the first audio book I listened to, actually! My Audible subscription is a game changer for my daily long stretches in my car. Definitely listening to When Breath Becomes Air soon. I've read a lot about it since I follow Joanna Goddard's blog and the author was her brother-in-law.
I have always had a hard time with audiobooks. I absorb information better when read instead of listening. I always watch TV with subtitles on because of that! Also, so many of the narrators sound too goofy. I'd only successfully listened to one audiobook (Gone Girl) previously when I had a 40 minute commute by car.
However, I'm currently reading the Outlander series and book #5 is very long and a bit dull. I got the recommendation to try to listen to it to get through it instead (because the next book gets better) and it's been easier. It helps that the narrator is not bad and that I am already familiar with the "world" so I don't have to pay super close attention to the characters they are talking about.
I have a love/hate relationship with audiobooks. I love them when I'm driving, but I'm very picky and sometimes I hate the narrator (which is most of the time). I got Yes Please because of you and loved it! I'm currently listening to Ready Player One on audiobook and so far so good! 🙂
I have a love/hate relationship with audiobooks. I love them when I'm driving, but I'm very picky and sometimes I hate the narrator (which is most of the time). I got Yes Please because of you and loved it! I'm currently listening to Ready Player One on audiobook and so far so good! 🙂
I just finished listening to Yes, Please by Amy Pohler and Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kailing, which are both phenomenal because of the narration. I also listened to the Song of Ice and Fire series, which is an awesome series on audiobook because the narrator has different accents for all of the characters! Also, the outlander series of audiobooks is great and super action-filled. And full of Scottish accents.
I have grown to LOVE baby wearing. Not only do I think it’s such a nice and cozy way to bond with baby, it’s also incredibly practical, especially when you have a toddler to keep up with too! The @wildbird aerial carrier was a treat for myself- and I’m so obsessed with it. 👶🏼 Leave a comment “wildbird” and I’ll DM you the color I have as well as my personal review of it (including some troubleshooting tips).
Some top level things I like; - it’s easy to put on! - it’s so, so comfortable (for me AND baby!) - the little flap is seamless and provides extra support while baby naps and privacy when we need/want it
This affordable rechargeable LED lamp is cute and then made even cuter with this wicker lampshade! 💡✨ No cords needed- just charge and place wherever you want. (Will be extra perfect for dining outdoors this summer!) 💫 Comment “lamp” and I’ll send you links to the LED lamp ($38 for a pair!) and the lampshade (available in a few styles- including a darling blue).
Not really in the mood to be in photos right now, but I keep telling myself I’ll want to look back on these moments and remember them. (Right?!) when I look at these photos in 10, 20, 30 years…
I hope I remember Jack “rescuing” Rory from a windy tent, not how I stood in front of my closet with tears in my eyes.
I hope I remember watching Jack roll down hills and play hop scotch and scoot down the sidewalk with his besties, not that I caught a glimpse of my reflection and didn’t recognize myself.
I hope I remember sitting outside with my friend happily watching our kids play (while watching the minutes until bedtime tick by), and not that I spent too much time zooming in and examining every new wrinkle on my face.
I hope I remember the pure joy of these early warm days with my little family whom I love so much 🤍
The weather is warming up and I’m feeling slightly more comfortable in my skin every day ☀️ Here’s what I wore last week as a mom of two. I have a two and a half year old toddler and a two month old so I need outfits I feel good in, can chase a little guy around in, AND that I can breastfeed easily while wearing. 🔗 Leave a comment with “OUTFITS” to get links to every outfit I wore!
This room is so very special 🤍 The little cars sprinkled everywhere (watch your step!). A tiny sock, never two, peeled off and tucked somewhere hidden away. Piles of books that grow almost as quickly as the little boy who sleeps here. Outgrown pants and shoes to grow into mingling in the closet. Often messy, and a little cluttered, but a little boy lives here. 🚘☀️🐶📚🧸
(Rory is still in our room, but eventually the boys will share. I can picture their little twin beds already!)
About ten days ago, I noticed that today’s forecast was looking WARM. I told Mike, “We’re walking into town and sitting outside and I’m getting a beer. Put it on your calendar.” It ended up being warmer than forecasted (almost eighty degrees!) and let me tell you, it delivered. Today felt like the beginning of The Season™: dinners al fresco, beers/fries/ice creams, and late bedtimes. Indulging in it all because the kids are only getting older and we’re the grownups (somehow) and we get to make the rules ✌🏻
Dress is @tuckernuck & sweater is @kiltecollection
@pennylinndesigns and I hosted a “learn to needlepoint” class this past weekend and it was everything ✨ Needlepoint has been such a bright spot in my life over the past five years- and it’s gotten me through some difficult times. Because it’s helped me so much, sharing this hobby with others has turned into a mini life mission of mine. To sit in a room (my beautiful office space designed by @clare.sull!) with pro stitchers and needlepoint newbies alike was one of my dreams come true. I loved seeing women chatting, meeting, and bonding over this beautiful craft 🪡 Honestly, the needlepoint world is (sadly) filled with a lot of gatekeeping and competitiveness; this weekend proved that it doesn’t have to- and shouldn’t- be this way! It’s for EVERYONE. Whether you’ve never picked up a canvas in your life or you’re working on heirloom stockings for your family, there’s room for everyone at this table.
📍 Leave a comment saying “needlepoint” and I’ll send you my go-to resources for getting started with needlepoint!
Motherhood is pure JOY to me– nothing makes me happier than being with my boys! I wear my @haverhillcollection personalized jewelry every day as a symbol of my love for them– it’s a constant reminder for me of my greatest purpose. To celebrate my first Mother’s Day with TWO boys, I sent in my Haverhill necklace to add Rory’s birthstone and initial alongside Jack’s! I also got a second bracelet to stack with Jack’s. Love that this personalized jewelry can be altered as our family grows. Haverhill’s jewelry is designed to be lived in (perfect for busy moms!) made from solid 14k gold with high-quality birthstones so I never have to take it off to exercise, shower, or sleep. Use code MOTHERSDAY15 for 15% off!
I drive long distance a lot and have just started getting into audiobooks as well. I highly recommend the app Overdrive. It's a free app from itunes that allows you to "rent" audiobooks from a library you belong too. All you need to do is input your library card number and it lets you rent audio books (and even ebooks) for free from that library! The book stays in the app for 2 weeks and then gets "returned" to the library. My phone is hooked up to my bluetooth in my car, so the book plays right through my speakers! The only thing I would recommend is looking for a book early because some titles can be hard to find if there's something in particular you're looking for. But overall, it's awesome for trying out new books that you aren't sure of! (I'm currently listening to American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin….pretty good!)
Omg, how have I never heard of this?!
I love Tina Fey – I will definitely have to check out this book. I haven't gotten too into audio books yet, but that is a great alternative to music when it comes to long car trips.
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/
I just finished Bossypants and I LOVED it. She has such a great writing voice.
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
I loved Bossypants – the first audio book I listened to, actually! My Audible subscription is a game changer for my daily long stretches in my car. Definitely listening to When Breath Becomes Air soon. I've read a lot about it since I follow Joanna Goddard's blog and the author was her brother-in-law.
I have always had a hard time with audiobooks. I absorb information better when read instead of listening. I always watch TV with subtitles on because of that! Also, so many of the narrators sound too goofy. I'd only successfully listened to one audiobook (Gone Girl) previously when I had a 40 minute commute by car.
However, I'm currently reading the Outlander series and book #5 is very long and a bit dull. I got the recommendation to try to listen to it to get through it instead (because the next book gets better) and it's been easier. It helps that the narrator is not bad and that I am already familiar with the "world" so I don't have to pay super close attention to the characters they are talking about.
"When Breath Becomes Air" is on my must-read list, hopefully sooner rather than later! I've noticed many bloggers talking about how great it is!
I have a love/hate relationship with audiobooks. I love them when I'm driving, but I'm very picky and sometimes I hate the narrator (which is most of the time). I got Yes Please because of you and loved it! I'm currently listening to Ready Player One on audiobook and so far so good! 🙂
I have a love/hate relationship with audiobooks. I love them when I'm driving, but I'm very picky and sometimes I hate the narrator (which is most of the time). I got Yes Please because of you and loved it! I'm currently listening to Ready Player One on audiobook and so far so good! 🙂
I just finished listening to Yes, Please by Amy Pohler and Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kailing, which are both phenomenal because of the narration. I also listened to the Song of Ice and Fire series, which is an awesome series on audiobook because the narrator has different accents for all of the characters! Also, the outlander series of audiobooks is great and super action-filled. And full of Scottish accents.