I love reading, but mom life doesn’t exactly give me a lot of free time to sit and read. Audiobooks to the rescue! I listen to audiobooks while doing laundry, dishes, running and more.
This year, I’ve been surprised by a few books I couldn’t put down, well, stop listening to. Many of these books were on my list for months if not years, but while on my personal development book kick, I kept overlooking these.
Friends, if you’re looking for a gripping book, here are a few books I couldn’t put down. Many of these books are based on true stories, which makes them even more powerful.
The Invisible Woman by Erika Robuck is a powerful novel about World War II heroine Virginia Hall. I knew nothing about Virginia Hall before reading this book and was absolutely captivated by her story. Ms. Hall’s brave actions in France saved many lives while defying the Nazis. She lived undercover as an old woman, had a prosthetic leg and was American, but still went into France without being recognized.
I’ve raved about The Invisible Woman before, but the story was so powerful, I had to list it first. I did not want this book to end!
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas was on so many lists this past year that I avoided reading it mostly because it was so popular. But I finally pressed “play” and am so thankful. The main character, Starr Carter, experiences a shooting of her childhood best friend. Then we go with her through the journey of emotions and experiences that no 16-year-old should endure. It’s heartbreaking and powerful.
It also provides a perspective that I would never have known, which I truly appreciated.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris starts with the main character, Lale, on the train to Auschwitz. He quickly discovers the horrors of the concentration camps, but since he could speak multiple languages, he got a coveted position as the tattooist. What little benefits Lale’s position affords him, he shares with others, including a Gita, a woman he falls in love with. He takes calculated risks to survive and manages to maintain his sanity among horrible atrocities, including encounters with the disturbing real-life Nazi, Dr. Josef Mengele.
This book is based on the true story as told to the author by Lale himself. It was so powerful; I couldn’t stop reading.
I read Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens on the recommendation of a co-worker. It’s been months since I finished this book and still think about it. We grow up with the main character, Kaya, as she goes through an incredibly difficult childhood. Mostly alone, she is a survivor. With the help of a local neighbor boy, she learns how to read and creates a way for herself in the world. Then, she’s accused of murder.
This book is so well written that even after the ending, I kept thinking about all the nuances. I was surprised and yet not surprised at the same time. I hated this book and loved it. I wanted to talk with anyone about it. So good!
I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai is a first-hand account of her to-date life’s story. Malala grew up in Pakistan and at fifteen years old, was shot by the Taliban. She describes life before the Taliban, her account of September 11, what it was like to live under the Taliban rule, and how her vocal support of female education made her a target.
Malala provides so much detail of her homeland and her life that it feels like you’re there with her. I am in awe of her bravery while living in a very hostile environment. Sidenote: Malala just got married; congratulations Malala!
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman is the first book I recall where the reader sees the world through the eyes of someone who’s a bit eccentric, and I believe autistic. At first, the book bounced all over the place but then I realized it’s because that’s her life and how Eleanor’s mind works. But as you get to know Eleanor, watch her try to socialize, save her relationship with her mom and overcome her mental challenges from her abusive childhood, everything becomes completely understandable.
It’s an incredibly well-written story that beautifully illustrates how you really should treat everyone with compassion because you never know what’s going on inside someone’s head or why.
These books took me on some incredible journeys. Most were quite emotional, but with each one, I could not put the phone down or press pause!
One unexpected benefit of audiobooks, if you aren’t an avid listener yet, is that you can hear the reader’s inflection, passion and pronunciation. I never would’ve pronounced Tätowierer or really any town in Malala’s story correctly if I read it in a book!
Have you read any of these books before? If so, what did you think? Or, are there any books you’ve read lately that you couldn’t put down because it was so good? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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