Title: 8
Written by: Dustin Lance Black
Read by: Brad Pitt, George Clooney & an All-Star Cast
Length: 2 hours, 8 minutes

We love following politics so we’re always excited to throw a great political audio book into the listening mix. When we heard about the new audio book ‘8’ by Dustin Lance Black—which happens to focus in on a very hot topic in the US presidential race right now—we had to check it out. It also didn’t hurt that a certain Mr. Brad Pitt was part of the star-studded cast that narrated the book. ‘8’ is a fantastic story that will hit close to home for many, no matter what side of the political spectrum you’re on.

‘8’ takes a look at the controversial case filed by the American Foundation for Equal Rights to overturn Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment that eliminated the rights of same-sex couples to marry in the state of California. Drawing on actual transcripts of the 2010 trial, as well as first-hand observations of the courtroom drama and interviews with the plaintiffs and their families, ‘8’ tells the story of Kris Perry and Sandy Stier and their groundbreaking court case.

Academy Award-winning writer Dustin Lance Black felt compelled to craft the actual trial transcripts into a one-night only production in order to shed some light on what went on throughout the duration trial for all of us who were unable to see inside the courtroom. Black frames the story around the trial’s closing arguments, but also features all of the influential arguments and witness testimonies presented by both legal teams as well as each eye-opening moment throughout the case. The audio recording of that performance, featuring Brad Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Martin Sheen, Kevin Bacon, Jane Lynch and many other talented actors, is what’s now been released as the ‘8’ audio book.

Not only do the stars provide their A-list acting chops, they also perform brilliantly. The entire cast gives a genuine account of what went on in the courtroom and gives an intimate look at what unfolded throughout the monumental trial. Some noteworthy performances include Jamie Lee Curtis and Christine Lahti in their heartfelt portrayal of Perry and Stier and Martin Sheen brings the house down with this brilliant performance of the closing arguments.

In addition to the play, the audio book also features exclusive backstage interviews with Black, director Rob Reiner and many of the actors, including John C. Reily and Jesse Tyler Ferguson. So, all politics aside, we definitely recommend listening to this production of ‘8’—it deserves a standing ovation.

When you’ve finished listening to ‘8’, here are a few more great political listens to check out:

P.S. We’re almost half way through Audio Book Month! Keep up this year’s momentum by tweeting, Facebooking and blogging about all things audio books and tell anyone, anyway you can about why you love to listen to audio books—and why they’ll love listening to them too!