It’s undeniable—there’s just something special about holding a physical book versus reading off a screen. But there’s also something especially remarkable about being able to read (or listen) wherever you are, whenever you want. A morning commute becomes an opportunity to listen to another chapter in the book you just can’t put down. Audiobooks have transformed the way we read and we, at Baker & Taylor, are embracing it fully.
Here are some of our favorite audiobooks this year…
Sing, Unburied, Sing | Jesmyn Ward
This story is full of emotion from the beginning to the end. It’s a story about a very hope and struggle, as well as giving us a glimpse of still living in the rural South. I enjoyed the audiobook because it added additional feeling to each of the characters as they shared their stories. — Patti Logan, Pricing & Promotions Specialist
Lincoln in the Bardo | George Saunders
This experimental novel, loosely based on the son of Abraham Lincoln’s death, features so many characters that I found myself getting lost when reading it on the page. With the audiobook, though, I got to explore each character more deeply. As I got to know all the voices, I was hooked. Lincoln in the Bardo is truly a unique read that is only enhanced on audio. — Emma Way, eMarketing Specialist
The Hate U Give | Angie Thomas
Initially, I wasn’t in the mood for something that I thought would be a heavy and depressing topic. However, all of the positive reviews encouraged me to check it out. I enjoyed this as an audiobook because it helped me make a stronger connection with the main character and stick with her through all of the ups and downs of the story. — Leah Sealy, Digital Relationship Manager
Sourdough | Robin Sloan
Who knew a book about baking bread could be so funny! I was really pleasantly surprised. The story is about a young woman who inherits a sourdough culture from a restaurant that has gone out of business. The story follows as she learns how to bake the bread and shares the bread with others. The narrator adds comedy and chaos and makes the listening experience that much more enjoyable. — Patti Logan, Pricing & Promotions Specialist
HONORABLE MENTION:
Being Mortal | Atul Gawande
While this was not released in 2017, we loved it so much, we had to include it!
This is a heavy but important book. Gawande hones in on the importance of aging with dignity in a society that values quantity over quality of life. It challenged the way I thought about aging, end of life care and death. I listened to the audiobook while I was training for a race. This book turned into more of a walking or running meditation for me. I became so enveloped in his words that I would completely lose sight of how far I had run. — Nicole Tate, Product Manager
Notes In The Margin 