Five Adult Audiobooks For Every Type Of Reader

I don’t know about you all, but I feel like one of the best things in life is reading a variety of books. I cannot limit myself to just one type. This kind of thing also follows me into the audiobooks that I listen to. Below are a sampling of five audiobooks for adults that I’ve recently read and just really want to talk to you about!

I received this book for free from Library, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

One devoted modern girl + a meddlesome, traditional grandmother = a heartwarming multicultural romantic comedy about finding love where you least expect it

Raina Anand may have finally given in to family pressure and agreed to let her grandmother play matchmaker, but that doesn't mean she has to like it--or that she has to play by the rules. Nani always took Raina's side when she tried to push past the traditional expectations of their tight-knit Indian-immigrant community, but now she's ambushing Raina with a list of suitable bachelors. Is it too much to ask for a little space? Besides, what Nani doesn't know won't hurt her...

As Raina's life spirals into a parade of Nani-approved bachelors and disastrous blind dates, she must find a way out of this modern-day arranged-marriage trap without shattering her beloved grandmother's dreams.

What Did I Think Of The Matchmaker’s List by Sonya Lalli?

The Matchmaker’s List by Sonya Lalli is actually a pretty okay read. I mean, I enjoyed the audiobook that I listened to. Granted, I came into it knowing about a few issues people had with the content. So, this book is about a young Indian-Canadian woman named Raina who is not yet married much to her Nani’s dismay. So, her Nani gives her this list of eligible young Indian men to go on dates with and hopefully end up marrying. Only, Raina is still stuck on this guy Dev who she dated but who wasn’t exactly the best for her.

So, while she’s kind of fed up with all the dates which end up a bit disastrous she tells her Nani a lie. This lie is that she’s gay. That’s where the issues people had come in. How I took it — and yes you need all the salt grains for my thoughts because they are not right or wrong — is that yeah, she screwed up huge. Her lie was NOT played for laughs. She ends up feeling really guilty over it. She knows it is a messed up thing to lie about. There are ramifications for doing that. I don’t get the sense that Raina’s choice to do this in The Matchmaker’s List was to be a dick to people who are gay or to trivialize sexuality.

I do also kind of think this is an adult book, aimed at grown ups, not children or teenagers. So, I feel like adults do tend to have some critical thinking skills. Hopefully they should be able to use those skills to discover that the book isn’t exactly condoning Raina’s behavior. But then again, maybe I am wrong in my personal interpretation of the book (I do have a lot of privilege so that does impact my views). So, mileage may vary. I liked it, but yes, I came at this book from the experience of an old married lady.

How’s The Narration?

The audiobook of The Matchmaker’s List by Sonya Lalli is narrated by Soneela Nankani. SHE IS AN EXCELLENT NARRATOR. I mean, I really liked how she portrayed the story and the characters with her voice. She was fabulous to listen to and actually my attention did not wander at all. The audiobook is 10 hours and 40 minutes and I 100% recommend you listen to it.

What Did I Think Of The Last Year Of The War by Susan Meissner?

The Last Year Of The War by Susan Meissner really hit the historical fiction craving spot for me. Last year I listened to Stars Over Sunset Boulevard and hoped that if I was going to get to this one late, that I’d at least experience it via audiobook. Thank goodness. I was the first person to place a hold on the audiobook for The Last Year Of The War and yes, that is the way you need to read this book.

So, The Last Year Of The War starts out in modern day. Elise, the main character, is suffering from Alzheimer’s. However, she has also learned a new skill – how to use the Google. There, she finds the whereabouts of her best friend from one year of her girlhood, Mariko. As it turns out, Mariko is in the United States, in California. Elise figures out the hotel that Mariko’s daughter is manager of and makes plans to stay there. The book then bounces between present and past.

When we get to the past, the year is 1943. Elise’s family lives in Iowa. Her parents have been in America for twenty years and things have been mostly just fine. Except, well, it’s 1943 and America is in the grips of World War II. So, Elise’s father is arrested on suspicion of being a Nazi sympathizer. Fast forward a little and Elise and her family are placed in an internment camp in Texas along with people of Japanese descent as well. To make matters even worse, Elise’s family has been selected for repatriation. That means they are forced to go back to Germany (while the war is still on) in exchange for American citizens. Meanwhile, Mariko’s been told she’s not allowed to contact Elise again.

The years pass and the two fall out of touch. We learn all about Elise’s life back in Germany, after the war, and how she eventually makes her way back to America. It’s a story filled with love and emotions and some drama too. Of course, I was very engaged in this audiobook. I think that when I need a fix for historical fiction, I am going to pursue more of Meissner’s books.

How’s The Narration?

The audiobook of The Last Year Of The War is narrated by Kimberly Farr who is also a completely new narrator to me. The audiobook is 16 hours and 30 minutes long, but honestly it goes by fast. I think that Farr does a good job narrating as both a woman at the end of her life and a young girl. She never comes across as overwrought or cliche. I’d say this audiobook makes for a good introduction to Meissner’s work.

What Did I Think Of The Lost Season Of Love And Snow by Jennifer Laam?

The Lost Season Of Love And Snow by Jennifer Laam basically should be right up my alley. It’s a historical fiction book with some drama and romance set in Imperial Russia. However, as it turns out I had a bit of a tough time connecting with it. Maybe it was a case of the wrong audiobook at the wrong time for me? I did really intend to enjoy this one, but it ended up just being kind of okay for me.

Laam’s The Lost Season Of Love And Snow follows Natalya, a sixteen year old girl who catches the attention of one of the most famous writers in Russia – Alexander Pushkin. It is up to Natalya to marry well – as in her family NEEDS her to do this. Luckily she is gorgeous and she is also pretty smart. However, for the most part it seems like men only really care about her looks. Anyways, she ends up married to Pushkin and so this book is all about their relationship as well as the kids they have and Pushkin’s untimely death from a duel. I tried to really care a lot more, but I just couldn’t manage it.

How’s The Narration?

The audiobook of The Lost Season Of Love And Snow is narrated by Jennifer Nittoso. It is 11 hours and 30 minutes long. Personally, I did not totally gel with the narration. It just felt so young and just, maybe not right for the story. Granted, when it begins Natalaya is sixteen, so maybe I am wrong in my feelings on this. I could be. On the whole, this one just felt mediocre to me and I am okay with that. I think your mileage may vary though and hope you end up liking this book much more than I did.

What Did I Think Of The Winter Of The Witch by Katherine Arden?

The Winter Of The Witch by Katherine Arden is the final book in the Winternight Trilogy. And whoa is this story sent out with a bang. I LOVED IT. Okay, so the beginning of this book is just brimming with action. So, okay Moscow is facing illness and people are dying. The residents are pissed off and looking for someone to blame for their misfortune. Enter Vasya. She becomes a bit of a scapegoat. There’s a wild amount of action right in the beginning because of all this. And, ugh some serious heartbreak.

However, the ending kind of pulls everything together and makes all that we experienced worth it — especially the scene involving a certain animal character that we have all come to know and care about.

On the whole, I think that The Winter Of The Witch is a must read for fantasy lovers. Personally, I am already looking forward to re-reading this trilogy back to back in the deep of winter someday. I feel it was beautifully written, atmospheric, perfectly characterized. This trilogy definitely deserves a spot upon my shelves and I just cannot wait to come back to it and to see what Arden comes up with next.

How’s The Narration?

The Winter Of The Witch audiobook is narrated by Kathleen Gati who has also narrated The Bear And The Nightingale and The Girl In The Tower. I liked that the trilogy had the same narrator throughout. Something that annoys me is when audiobook series have a change in narrators partway through. I also just really enjoyed Gati’s voice which is perfect for the story. She really guided my journey through these audiobooks. Also, just want to point out that I listened at 1.25x speed and that was quite ideal for the story. I definitely would recommend this whole trilogy in any form – audiobook, physical, or ebook. It’s just a damn good read.

What Did I Think Of The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker?

The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker is actually a good follow up to Becoming Minimalist. This book is a practical hands on guide on how to turn your home into a minimalist home (like the title says). Essentially it goes room by room with advice on how to get rid of things and tone down your attachment. Thankfully, there’s no expectation for readers to live in an empty spartan home. Becker talks about decorations and how it is okay to have them, plus how the purpose is to make you feel happy. So, I was down for that.

There’s a couple things from this book that I want to implement, like getting rid of some big things. And also a few things I need to really work on — like getting rid of my books, I just want to read a large chunk before I pass them on.

I also find the towel advice to really not be up my alley. It talks about how every person needs two towels, one to use and then one that’s in the wash and you just alternate. Um, I need a hair towel. Plus a towel for the hot tub. Plus a towel for the pool (although the hot tub and pool towel could be the same) but then a towel for the shower after hot tub time. I could really get into the weeds on this. But yes, as with all advice books, I just pick out the information that is relevant to me and leave the rest behind.

How’s The Narration?

The Minimalist Home is one of those audiobooks narrated by the author. Joshua Becker narrates his own book and it’s eight hours and five minutes long. I listened to this book at 2x speed and borrowed it from my library via Libby (new favorite app now that Hoopla put all the good audiobooks on some weird new more expensive library plan model). Anyways, the narration of this audiobook is not bad as far as author narrated audiobooks go. It was a little bit different from what I expected, but hey, I am satisfied on the whole. I found it very easy to follow this book. I took in the information and well, it was a quick listen to. I’d definitely recommend if you’re on a tidying up roll or you just want more motivation to declutter your home.

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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