Memoirs on Audio

So many wonderful memoirs have published in the last several years, and a great way to experience them is by listening to them via audiobook. Many memoirs, especially those of famous or prominent individuals, are narrated by the authors and make for such an interesting way to hear these stories. It often makes me feel like I am listening to a friend tell me his or her life story. Here are some of the best ones that I have listened to:

Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten – Garten’s gift is to make everything look easy, yet all her accomplishments have been the result of hard work, audacious choices, and exquisite attention to detail. She brings her past and her process to life in a high-spirited memoir that chronicles decades of personal challenges, adventures, and unexpected career twists. I listened to this one, and Garten narrates which is spectacular. I was not very familiar with her story and am now a fan after getting to know her through this memoir. For foodies and anyone who loves a good memoir.

In Gad We Trust by Josh Gad - In his wonderful memoir, Josh Gad dives into a wide array of personal topics, the lasting impact of his parents’ divorce, how he struggled with weight and self-image, his first big break, his take on fatherhood, and much more. I devoured this one on audio in two sittings and am now an even bigger fan of his than I already was. I loved the backstage gossip and behind-the-scenes stories about filming the Frozen movies and performing in his Broadway shows. For fans of Broadway shows and Disney movies.

Hunger Like a Thirst by Besha Rodell – Traveling around the world, Rodell takes us on a delicious, raw, and fascinating journey through her life and career as a restaurant critic and explores the history of criticism and dining and the cultural shifts that have turned us all into food obsessives. Her career coincides with the rise of bloggers and subsequently influencers who really changed the way restaurants were reviewed, and I found that fascinating and very similar to the shift that happened in the book world. I listened to this one, and her Australian accent was an added bonus. For foodies and those who are interested in restaurant culture.

Matriarch by Tina Knowles – Tina Knowles, the mother of iconic singer-songwriter Beyoncé, is known the world over as a Matriarch with a capital M: a determined, self-possessed, self-aware, and wise woman who raised and inspired some of the great artists of our time. Her life's journey – through grief and tragedy, creative and romantic risks and turmoil, the nurturing of superstar offspring and of her own special gifts – is the remarkable story she shares with readers in this stellar memoir. I knew very little about Knowles, but thoroughly enjoyed her story from its humble beginnings in segregated Galveston to traveling the world with Beyoncé. Knowles narrates this heartfelt memoir, which added to my listening enjoyment. For fans of music and stories about strong women.

Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks - When Brooks suddenly lost her partner of more than three decades, author Tony Horwitz (his book Confederates in the Attic is one of my favorite nonfiction titles), the demands were immediate and many. Without space to grieve, the sudden loss became a yawning gulf. Three years later, she booked a flight to a remote island off the coast of Australia with the intention of finally giving herself the time to mourn. This beautiful book toggles between the days following his death and her time in Australia. It is such a moving story about love, loss and pain, reflection, and how life isn’t always fair. For fans of books about grief and those who enjoy epic love stories.

The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop - Bishop’s long, storied career has been defined by landmark achievements, from winning a Tony Award for her turn in the original Broadway cast of A Chorus Line to her memorable performance as Jennifer Grey’s mother in Dirty Dancing to her iconic role as matriarch Emily in the Gilmore Girls. Bishop narrates, and it is like listening to a fun friend tell you stories. For fans of Broadway shows, the Gilmore Girls, and show business.

For more book recommendations and bookish thoughts, see Cindy’s monthly Buzz Reads column, her award-winning Thoughts from a Page Podcast or follow @ThoughtsFromaPage on Instagram.