Staff Picks
In Their Own Words: Read by the Author
- Rebecca K.
- Monday, June 03, 2019
Collection
Did you know some of your favorite authors have narrated their own audio books? Check out one of these titles today to hear the story straight from the source.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Published in 2011
Author's memoir of growing up black in the 1930's and 1940's.
Rising Strong
Published in 2015
The physics of vulnerability is simple: If we are brave enough often enough, we will fall. The author of the Number One New York Times bestsellers Daring Greatly and The Gifts of Imperfection tells us what it takes to get back up, and how owning our stories of disappointment, failure, and heartbreak gives us the power to write a daring new ending.
A Full Life Reflections at Ninety
Published in 2015
Jimmy Carter has had the longest post-presidential life in American history; now he shares his thoughts on his domestic and international travels over the past three decades, on the presidents who succeeded him and on world leaders he has known.
What Happened
Published in 2017
For the first time, Hillary Rodham Clinton reveals what she was thinking and feeling during one of the most controversial and unpredictable presidential elections in history. 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. This is her most personal memoir yet.
Between the World and Me
Published in 2015
In a profound work that pivots from the biggest questions about American history and ideals to the most intimate concerns of a father for his son, Ta-Nehisi Coates offers a powerful new framework for understanding our nation's history and current crisis.
A Higher Loyalty Truth, Lies, and Leadership
Published in 2018
Former FBI director James Comey shares his never-before-told experiences from some of the highest-stakes situations of his career in the past two decades of American government, exploring what good, ethical leadership looks like, and how it drives sound decisions. His journey provides an unprecedented entry into the corridors of power, and a remarkable lesson in what makes an effective leader.
Seriously-- I'm Kidding
Published in 2011
The much-loved entertainer opens up about her personal life, her talk show, and joining the judges' table of American Idol.
As You Wish Inconceivable Tales from the Making of the Princess Bride
Published in 2014
From actor Cary Elwes, who played the iconic role of Westley in The Princess Bride, comes a first-person account and behind-the-scenes look at the making of the cult classic film filled with never-before-told stories, exclusive photographs, and interviews with co-stars Robin Wright, Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, and Mandy Patinkin, as well as author and screenwriter William Goldman, producer Norman Lear, and director Rob Reiner.
Bossypants
Published in 2011
From her youthful days as a vicious nerd to her tour of duty on Saturday Night Live; from her passionately halfhearted pursuit of physical beauty to her life as a mother eating things off the floor; from her one-sided college romance to her nearly fatal honeymoon, comedian Tina Fey reveals all, and proves that you're no one until someone calls you bossy.
Norse Mythology
Published in 2017
"In Norse Mythology, Gaiman fashions primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds; delves into the exploits of the deities, dwarves, and giants; and culminates in Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods and the rebirth of a new time and people. Gaiman stays true to the myths while vividly reincarnating Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin's son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki, the son of a giant, a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator."--Container.
Hunger a Memoir of (my) Body
Published in 2017
In her phenomenally popular essays and long-running Tumblr blog, Roxane Gay has written with intimacy and sensitivity about food and body, using her own emotional and psychological struggles as a means of exploring peoples shared anxieties over pleasure, consumption, appearance, and health. As a woman who describes her own body as wildly undisciplined, Roxane understands the tension between desire and denial, between self-comfort and self-care. She explores her past, including the devastating act of violence that acted as a turning point in her young life, and brings listeners along on her journey to understand and ultimately save herself.
Uncommon Type Some Stories
Published in 2017
A collection of 17 short stores by two-time Oscar winning actor Tom Hanks. A gentle Eastern European immigrant arrives in New York City after his family and his life have been torn apart by his country's civil war. A man who loves to bowl rolls a perfect game-- and then another and then another and then many more in a row until he winds up ESPN's newest celebrity, and he must decide if the combination of perfection and celebrity has ruined the thing he loves. An eccentric billionaire and his faithful executive assistant venture into America looking for acquisitions and discover a down and out motel, romance, and a bit of real life.
Believe Me a Memoir of Love, Death, and Jazz Chickens
Published in 2017
"Critically acclaimed, award-winning British comedian and actor Eddie Izzard details his childhood, his first performances on the streets of London, his ascent to worldwide success on stage and screen, and his comedy shows which have won over audiences around the world"-- Provided by publisher.
Furiously Happy a Funny Book About Horrible Things
Published in 2015
Jenny Lawson explores her lifelong battle with mental illness.
Good Vibrations My Life As a Beach Boy
Published in 2016
As a founding member of The Beach Boys, Mike Love has spent an extraordinary fifty-five years, and counting, as the group's lead singer and one of its principal lyricists. Mike Love now tells the story of his legendary, raucous, and ultimately triumphant five-decade career as the front man of The Beach Boys, the most popular American band in history.
Find a Way
Published in 2015
On September 2, 2013, at the age of sixty-four, Diana Nyad emerged onto the sands of Key West after swimming 111 miles, nation to nation, Cuba to Florida, in an epic feat of both endurance and human will, in fifty-three hours. Diana carried three poignant messages on her way across this stretch of shark-infested waters, and she spoke them to the crowd in her moment of final triumph.
Cleaving [a Story of Marriage, Meat, and Obsession]
Published in 2009
Her marriage challenged by an insane, irresistible love affair, Julie decides to leave town and immerse herself in a new obsession: butchery.
The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl
Published in 2015
Being an introvert in a world that glorifies cool isn't easy. But when Issa Rae, the creator of the Shorty Award-winning hit series "The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl," is that introvert, it sure is entertaining. Now, in this debut collection of essays written in her witty and self-deprecating voice, Rae covers everything from cybersexing in the early days of the Internet to deflecting unsolicited comments on weight gain, to learning to accept yourself-natural hair and all.
Year of Yes
Published in 2015
As the mega-talented creator of "Grey's Anatomy" and "Scandal," executive producer of "How to Get Away with Murder," and the single mom of three children, Shonda Rhimes had lots of good reasons to say NO when an unexpected invitation arrived. Hollywood party? No. Speaking engagement? No. Media appearances? No. The side benefit of saying No for an introvert like her-- nothing new to fear. Then Shonda's sister laid down a challenge-- just for one year, try to say YES to the invitations that come your way. Shonda reluctantly agreed, and the result was nothing short of transformative. Shonda Rhimes chronicles the powerful impact saying yes had on every aspect of her life, and how listeners can all change their lives with one little word. Yes.
The Book of Joan Tales of Mirth, Mischief, and Manipulation
Published in 2015
Melissa Rivers relates funny, poignant and irreverent observations, thoughts, and tales about the woman who raised her and is the reason she considers valium one of the four basic food groups.
Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls Essays, Etc.
Published in 2013
"From the unique perspective of David Sedaris comes a new book of essays taking his readers on a bizarre and stimulating world tour. From the perils of French dentistry to the eating habits of the Australian kookaburra, from the squat-style toilets of Beijing to the particular wilderness of a North Carolina Costco, we learn about the absurdity and delight of a curious traveler's experiences. Whether railing against the habits of litterers in the English countryside or marveling over a disembodied human arm in a taxidermist's shop, Sedaris takes us on side-splitting adventures that are not to be forgotten" -- from publisher's web site.
Born to Run
Published in 2016
Over the past seven years, Bruce Springsteen has privately devoted himself to writing the story of his life, bringing the same honesty, humor, and originality found in his songs. He describes growing up Catholic in Freehold, New Jersey, amid the poetry, danger, and darkness that fueled his imagination, leading up to the moment he refers to as 'The Big Bang': seeing Elvis Presley's debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. He vividly recounts his relentless drive to become a musician, his early days as a bar band king in Asbury Park, and the rise of the E Street Band. With disarming candor, he also tells for the first time the story of the personal struggles that inspired his best work.
The Glass Castle a Memoir
Published in 2010
Jeannette Walls, the former gossip columnist for MSNBC.com, chronicles her childhood, focusing primarily on the complicated relationships within her dysfunctional family. Raised by nomadic and idealist parents who eventually settled in a downtrodden West Virginia mining town, Jeannette's childhood was a rollercoaster ride. As her parents ran out of money, Jeannette and her siblings were forced to fend for themselves. Deeply hurt by her parents' betrayal, she became determined to be successful.
If You Ask Me (and of Course You Won't)
Published in 2011
A personal account by the popular actress shares stories from her decades in Hollywood while offering her lighthearted perspectives on topics ranging from sex and aging to animal welfare and television.
What I Know for Sure
Published in 2014
The inspirational wisdom Oprah Winfrey shares in her monthly O., The Oprah Magazine column updated, curated, and collected for the first time. Organized by theme, the essays offer a rare and powerful glimpse into the mind of one of the world's most extraordinary women.