Thanksgiving Listens

Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season! This week is likely to be your first of many family dinners to come over the course of the next six weeks. No matter how long your journey home takes, we’ve got you covered with a read that will make traveling that much more enjoyable.

 

Start Without Me, by Joshua Max

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In an airport restaurant on Thanksgiving morning, Adam and Marissa meet. Over the course of this day fraught with emotion and expectation, these two strangers will form an unlikely bond as they reckon with their family ties, their pasts, and the choices that will determine their way forward… Listen here.

 

Hey Harry, Hey Matilda, by Rachel Hulin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Matilda Goodman is an underemployed wedding photographer grappling with her failure to live as an artist and the very bad lie she has told her boyfriend (that she has a dead twin). Harry, her (totally alive) brother, is an untenured professor of literature, anxiously contemplating his publishing status (unpublished) and sleeping with a student. When Matilda invites her boyfriend home for Thanksgiving to meet the family, and when Harry makes a desperate-and unethical-move to save his career, they set off an avalanche of shame, scandal, and drunken hot tub revelations that force them to examine the truth about who they really are… Listen here.

 

Thanksgiving, by Janet Evanovich

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When it comes to men, Megan Murphy has an aversion to “I do”. Then she meets irresistible pediatrician Pat Hunter. Add in a cozy colonial cottage, the world’s biggest turkey, two hopeful families, and a skirt-chomping rabbit, and you’ve got a feast of fabulous fun! Listen here.

 

The Diva Runs Out of Thyme: A Domestic Diva Mystery, by Krista Davis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Few can compete with the Natasha Smith when it comes to entertaining, but her childhood rival, Sophie Winston, certainly tries. While Natasha is known for her intricate centerpieces and painstakingly prepared gourmet meals, Sophie likes to keep things simple . . . real simple. Natasha may have stolen the spotlight—and Sophie’s husband—but Sophie is determined to take home the prize at the Stupendous Stuffing Shakedown. She just needs the right ingredients… Listen here.

 

Quilter’s Holiday, by Jennifer Chiaverini

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Elm Creek Quilters, the day after Thanksgiving marks the start of the quilting season, a time to gather at Elm Creek Manor and spend the day stitching holiday gifts for loved ones. This year, in keeping with the season’s spirit of gratitude, Master Quilter Sylvia Bergstrom Compson Cooper is eager to revive a cherished family tradition. A recent remodeling of the manor’s kitchen unearthed a cornucopia that once served as the centerpiece of the Bergstrom family’s holiday table. Into it, each Bergstrom would place an object that symbolized something he or she was especially thankful for that year. On this quilter’s holiday, Sylvia has invited her friends to continue the tradition by sewing quilt blocks that represent their thankfulness and gratitude… Listen here.

 

Strangers at the Feast, by Jennifer Vanderbes

Strangers at the Feast: A Novel, Jennifer Vanderbes

 

On Thanksgiving Day 2007, three generations of the Olson family gather. Eleanor and Gavin worry about their daughter, Ginny, an unmarried academic in her thirties with a newly adopted Indian daughter, and about their son, Douglas, who has recently been caught in the imploding real-estate bubble. But Ginny and Douglas, determined to have a perfect holiday, keep their troubles secret, a skill they have learned from their parents… Listen here.

 

The Thanksgiving Day Murder, by Lee Harris

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More than a year ago, Natalie Gordon went to buy a balloon at the Thanksgiving Day Parade and dissolved into thin air. The police and a private investigator still have no leads. So when Natalie’s despairing husband pleads with ex-nun Christine Bennett to help, she can’t say no. What she finds is a cast of characters so chilling that murder seems not only invisible but likely to happen again… Listen here.

 

Have a happy Turkey Day and let us know what you think of these reads!

Actors Who Became Authors in 2017

At Audiobooks.com, our second favorite A-word (after author), is actor! This year, the publishing industry saw it’s fair share of actor-turned authors.  Check out this list of our favorite actors and their audiobooks:

 

Krysten Ritter

Bonfire by Krysten Ritter, narrated by Karissa Vacker

Fans may recognize Krysten Ritter from her role as the lead super-heroine in the hit show Jessica Jones.  She has also appeared in movies such as What Happens in Vegas, 27 Dresses, Confessions of a Shopaholic and She’s Out of My League. She’s had roles in the television shows The Defenders, Breaking Bad, Veronica Mars and Gossip Girls.  In 2017, Krysten Ritter debuted her career as a writer.  Bonfire, is a suspense novel in which the main character, Abby Williams, is forced to return to her hometown to take a case. While working on the lawsuit, she unearths secrets about the town’s most high-profile company and the disappearance of her friend.

 

Tom Hanks

Uncommon Type: Some Stories by Tom Hanks, narrated by the author

Tom Hanks is among one of two actors that have won consecutive Academy Awards for Best Actor. Some of his best roles were in the films Philadelphia, Sleepless in Seattle, Forrest Gump, Apollo 13, Cast Away and The Polar Express. In addition to being a well-accomplished actor, he is also an experienced screenwriter, producer and director. He is an experienced voice narrator thanks to his role as Sheriff Woody in the popular film series Toy Story. His new audiobook, Uncommon Type: Some Stories, is a must listen. It is a compilation of seventeen short stories about love, war, business and fame. The book is narrated by Hanks himself, and he leverages his previous voice narration experience to bring new depths to the audiobook.

 

Anna Faris

Unqualified by Chris Pratt & Anna Faris, narrated by Fred Sanders & Anna Faris

Anna Faris is best known for her roles in comedic films such as the Scary Movie series, The House Bunny, What’s Your Number, The Dictator. She is also an experienced voice narrator having had roles in Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Alvin and the Chipmunk: The Squeakquel, and The Emoji Movie. In her book Unqualified, Anna shares her advice about love, friendship and the entertainment industry in a hilarious, yet honest way.

 

Cara Delevingne

Mirror, Mirror: A Novel by Cara Delevingne, narrated by R. Jones

Former model, Cara Delevingne joined the film industry in 2012 and has seen great success since doing so. She is best known for her roles in Paper Towns and Suicide Squad. Most recently, she has starred in Tulip Fever and Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. She debuted her writing career with the recent release of Mirror, Mirror: A Novel. A book about the turbulent teenage years and the complexities of navigating identity, sexuality, gender, emotional pain and social media.

 

Gabrielle Union

We’re Going to Need More Wine: Stories That Are Funny Complicated, and True by Gabrielle Union and narrated by the author

Actress Gabrielle Union’s breakthrough role was in the film Bring It On.  Today, she is best known for her roles in the comedic films The Brothers, Deliver Us from Eva, Daddy’s Little Girl, Think Like a Man and Think Like a Man Too. Her recent book, We’re Going to Need More Wine, is a compilation of essays about gender, sexuality and race told through Union’s thought provoking wisdom and humor.

Pages to Screen in November 2017

The month of November will see its fair share of shows and movies adapted from popular books. Check out what’s upcoming and take a listen before they hit the screen!


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last Flag Flying
Expected Release: November 3rd, 2017

Now middle-aged, Meadows seeks out his former captors in their civilian lives to help him bury his son, a Marine killed in Iraq, in Arlington National Cemetery. When he learns that the authorities have told him a lie about the circumstances of his son’s death, he decides, with the help of the two others, to transport him home to Portsmouth. And so begins the journey, centered around a solemn mission but, as in the first book, a protest against injustice and celebration of life too, at once irreverent, funny, profane, and deeply moving… Read more and listen to a sample

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Murder on the Orient Express
Expected Release: November 10th, 2017

Just after midnight, the famous Orient Express is stopped in its tracks by a snowdrift. By morning, the millionaire Samuel Edward Ratchett lies dead in his compartment, stabbed a dozen times, his door locked from the inside. One of his fellow passengers must be the murderer… Read more and listen to a sample

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wonder
Expected Release: November 17th, 2017

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school-until now. He’s about to enter fifth grade at Beecher Prep, and if you’ve ever been the new kid, then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie’s just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he’s just like them, despite appearances?… Read more and listen to a sample

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool: A True Love Story
Expected Release: November 16th, 2017

On September 29, 1981, Peter Turner received a phone call that would change his life. His former lover, Hollywood actress Gloria Grahame, had collapsed in a Lancaster hotel and was refusing medical attention. He took her into his chaotic and often eccentric family’s home in Liverpool to see her through her last days. Though their affair had ended years before, it was to him that she turned in her final hour of need… Read more and listen to a sample

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Darkest Hour: How Churchill Brought England Back from the Brink

Expect Release: November 22nd, 2017

May 1940. Britain is at war, Winston Churchill has unexpectedly been promoted to Prime Minister, the horrors of Blitzkreig witness one western European Democracy fall after another in rapid succession. Facing this horror, with pen in hand and typist-secretary at the ready, Churchill wonders what words could capture the public mood when the invasion of Britain seems mere hours away… Read more and listen to a sample

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Call Me By Your Name: A Novel

Expected Release: November 24th, 2017

Call Me by Your Name is the story of a sudden and powerful romance that blossoms between an adolescent boy and a summer guest at his parents’ cliffside mansion on the Italian Riviera. During the restless summer weeks, unrelenting but buried currents of obsession, fascination, and desire intensify their passion as they test the charged ground between them and verge toward the one thing both already fear they may never truly find again: total intimacy… Read more and listen to a sample

Which of November’s movies are you most excited for? Let me know!

October’s Top 10 Audiobooks.com Member Downloads

Check out this month’s roundup of the top titles downloaded by Audiobooks.com members! We’ve separated out fiction and non-fiction for your browsing convenience.

 

FICTION

 

1. Origin by Dan Brown, narrated by Paul Michael

In keeping with his trademark style, Dan Brown, author of The Da Vinci Code and Inferno, interweaves codes, science, religion, history, art, and architecture into this new novel. Origin thrusts Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon into the dangerous intersection of humankind’s two most enduring questions, and the earthshaking discovery that will answer them.

Read more and sample the audio. 

 

 

2. Before We Were Yours: A Novel by Lisa Wingate, narrated by Catherine Taber and Emily Rankin

Based on one of America’s most notorious real-life scandals—in which Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country—Lisa Wingate’s riveting, wrenching, and ultimately uplifting tale reminds us how, even though the paths we take can lead to many places, the heart never forgets where we belong.

Read more and sample the audio. 

 

 

3. Haunted by James O. Born and James Patterson, narrated by Danny Mastrogiorgio

You can take Michael Bennett out of New York City, but you can’t take the cop out of Michael Bennett. But far from the city streets he knows so well, no one will talk to the big-city detective, and the bodies keep piling up.A young, hardscrabble, and forgotten girl is haunted… Will Bennett and his unlikely ally unmask the culprit before anyone else winds up haunted?

Read more and sample the audio. 

 

 

 

4. The Rooster Bar by John Grisham, narrated by Ari Fliakos

Mark, Todd, and Zola came to law school to change the world, to make it a better place. But now, as third-year students, these close friends realize they have been duped… they learn that their school is one of a chain owned by a shady New York hedge-fund operator who also happens to own a bank specializing in student loans, the three know they have been caught up in The Great Law School Scam.

Read more and sample the audio. 

 

 

 

 

5. The Cuban Affair by Nelson DeMille, narrated by Scott Brick

What Mac learns is that there is sixty million American dollars hidden in Cuba by Sara’s grandfather when he fled Castro’s revolution. With the “Cuban Thaw” underway between Havana and Washington, Carlos, Eduardo, and Sara know it’s only a matter of time before someone finds the stash-by accident or on purpose. And Mac knows if he accepts this job, he’ll walk away rich…or not at all.

Read more and sample the audio. 

 

 

 

NON-FICTION

 

1. What Happened by Hillary Rodham Clinton, narrated by the author


Now free from the constraints of running, Hillary takes you inside the intense personal experience of becoming the first woman nominated for president by a major party in an election marked by rage, sexism, exhilarating highs and infuriating lows, stranger-than-fiction twists, Russian interference, and an opponent who broke all the rules. 

Read more and sample the audio. 

 

 

2. Killing England: The Brutal Struggle for American Independence by Martin Dugard and Bill O’Reilly, narrated by Robert Petkoff

Told through the eyes of George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Great Britain’s King George III, Killing England chronicles the path to independence in gripping detail, taking the listener from the battlefields of America to the royal courts of Europe. What started as protest and unrest in the colonies soon escalated to a world war with devastating casualties.

Read more and sample the audio. 

 

 

 

3. Unshakeable: How to Thrive (Not Just Survive) in the Coming Financial Correction, by Tony Robbins, narrated by Jeremy Bobb and Tony Robbins

Tony Robbins returns with a step-by-step playbook, taking you on a journey to transform your financial life and accelerate your path to financial freedom. No matter your salary, your stage of life, or when you started, this book will provide the tools to help you achieve your financial goals more rapidly than you ever thought possible.

Read more and sample the audio. 

 

4. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life, by Jen Sincero, narrated by the author

In this refreshingly blunt how-to guide, Sincero serves up twenty-seven bite-sized chapters full of hilariously inspiring stories, life-changing insights, easy exercises, and the occasional swear word. Via chapters such as “Your Brain Is Your Bitch,” “Fear Is for Suckers” and “My Subconscious Made Me Do It,” Sincero takes you on a wild joy ride to your own transformation, helping you create the money, relationships, career, and general all-around awesomeness you so desire.

Read more and sample the audio. 

 

 

5. Brain Rules for Aging Well: 10 Principles for Staying Vital, Happy and Sharp, by John Medina, narrated by the author

Brain Rules for Aging Well is organized into four sections… First up, the social brain, in which topics ranging from relationships to happiness and gullibility illustrate how our emotions change with age. The second section focuses on the thinking brain, explaining how working memory and executive function change with time. The third section is all about your body: how certain kinds of exercise, diets, and sleep can slow the decline of aging.

Read more and sample the audio. 

10 Audiobooks for People Who Love Podcasts

Calling all podcast lovers! We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 audiobooks and their related podcasts. Check out the list below and let us know which ones are your favorite:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rainbow Comes and Goes: A Mother and Son On Life, Love, and Loss by Gary Vaynerchuk

Podcast: The #AskGaryVee Show

In his book Rainbow Comes and Goes, Gary Vaynerchuk draws from his popular show #AskGaryVee to answer questions about entrepreneurship, family businesses and social media marketing.  Listen to his talks on-the-go with podcast adaptations of the original hit show.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jump by Steve Harvey

Podcast: Steve Harvey Morning Show

Steve Harvey shares daily words of wisdom with listeners on the Steve Harvey Morning Show. In his novel, Jump, Harvey expands on his daily words of wisdom by providing spiritual support, comfort, or guidance to anyone in need.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bare Bones: I’m Not Lonely If You’re Reading This Book by Bobby Bones

Podcast: Bobbycast

Voice of Country Radio, Bobby Bones, talks about growing up with a young addicted mother, a father who abandoned him at the age of five and being raised by his grandmother in his book, Bare Bones. On the Bobbycast, listen to him interview guests from the comfort of his own home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forward: A Memoir by Abby Wambach

Podcast: Fearless Conversation with Abby Wambach

In Forward, Abby Wambach recounts how she lead her soccer team to its recent World Cup Championship and has become an advocate for women’s rights. On her podcast, Fearless Conversation with Abby Wambach, she shares her opinion on the latest topics in the world of sports.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Be Here: A Guide to Creating a Life Worth Living by Rob Bell

Podcast: The RobCast

In his novel, How to Be Here, Rob Bell helps readers define and follow their dreams. Similarly, on his podcast series, The RobCast, he provides support and insight to listeners and shares uplifting life advice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Black Man, White House: An Oral History of the Obama Years by D.L. Hughley

Podcast: The Hughley Truth

Black Man, White House, is perhaps one of the most satirical and honest portrayals of the American politics today. On the Hughley Truth, listen to the author’s uncensored opinion on current news, social issues and popular culture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s Okay to Laugh: (Crying is Cool Too) by Nora McInerny Purmort

Podcast: Terrible, Thanks for Asking

In her novel, It’s Okay to Laugh, Nora McInerny Purmort explores the universal themes of love, marriage, work, (single) motherhood and depression through her refreshingly frank viewpoint. On her podcast, Terrible, Thanks for Asking, she explores similar topics in a funny/sad/uncomfortable manner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adnan’s Story: The Search for Truth and Justice After Serial by Rabia Chaudry

Podcast: Serial

Adnan Syed was convicted and sentenced to life plus thirty years for the murder of his ex-girlfriend.  Since arrested, Rabia Chaudry, a family friend, has believed wholeheartedly in his innocence. In this novel, she reexamines the investigation from her own view-point.  Rabia also contacted producer, Sarah Koenig, from This American Life, who turned Adnan’s story into an award winning podcast series and shed new light on the case.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Slobberknocker: My Life in Wrestling by Vincent K. McMahon, Scott E. Williams, Paul O’Brien, Jim Ross and Steve Austin

Podcast: The Ross Reports

Slobberknocker isn’t just a wrestling story. It’s a story about overcoming adversity and achieving your dreams. Jim Ross has held various jobs in the wrestling business, from being a wrestler himself, to calling matches, to consoling contestants. In his latest novel, he shares never-before-told stories about wrestling stars and the politics of the wrestling world.  Similarly, on his weekly podcast, he shares his knowledge of today’s wrestling stars and their story lines.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unqualified by Chris Pratt and Anna Faris

Podcast: Anna Faris is Unqualified

In her latest novel, Unqualified, Anna Faris has plenty of lessons to share: Advocate for yourself. Know that there are wonderful people out there and that a great relationship is possible. Her podcast offers listeners “romantic advice from completely unqualified Hollywood types.”