Now that my commute is 1+ hour each way every day, I have been cruising through audiobooks faster than I ever have before.
The most frustrating part of listening to audiobooks and podcasts is that there is no effective way of discovering new content. While this is also somewhat the case for other forms of media such as video, at least YouTube has a somewhat decent discovery engine/algorithm that suggests other videos you may want to watch. In podcast and audiobook land, you're all on your own. Audible sort of tries to recommend some, but it's not as robust as I'd like. In podcast world, there's absolutely nothing. Someone should fix this...
Here are my top pics for this month:
The most frustrating part of listening to audiobooks and podcasts is that there is no effective way of discovering new content. While this is also somewhat the case for other forms of media such as video, at least YouTube has a somewhat decent discovery engine/algorithm that suggests other videos you may want to watch. In podcast and audiobook land, you're all on your own. Audible sort of tries to recommend some, but it's not as robust as I'd like. In podcast world, there's absolutely nothing. Someone should fix this...
Here are my top pics for this month:
 | How To Get Filthy Rich In Rising Asia by Mohsin Hamid The book is addressed to you, the reader. A unique perspective that is executed well without being too gimmicky. I enjoyed it overall, but there were a few moments that were unexpectedly R-rated. It's written in a parody form of a self help book by telling the story of the life a man from birth to death and how he (or rather, you) rise to becoming wealthy. Narrated by the author, which is nice, since he is able to tell it with the nuances intended when written. Can't say it was my favorite book, but it's worth checking out. Recommended by Chris Sacca on the Tim Ferriss podcast. |
 | 14 by Peter Clines Wow. This was an unexpectedly great book, certainly one of my favorites that I've listened to this year. This is one of those books where it may be better just to listen to cold, without knowing what it's about. Narration was done so well I am now reading another one of the author's books by the same narrator. It's a bit science fictiony (especially towards the end) if you're into that sort of thing but this was one audiobook I could not stop listening to. Very highly recommend. |
 | Where The Hell Is Tesla? by Rob Dircks Quick, fun read. Humor is a bit sophomoric at times but it was enjoyable overall. Narrated by the author and he does a great job, which is not always the case. This would be a great audiobook to listen to when you don't want to or have to really pay attention too closely. Worth a listen. |
 | The Girl With All The Gifts by M.R. Carey Hands down my favorite audiobook of the month, probably the year. This is also being made into a movie (see trailer below) which is why I rushed to read this - books are ALWAYS better than the movie versions. Narrator does a great job and I was a bit disappointed to find out that she hasn't narrated that many other books that I am interested in listening to. Yes, this is another zombie story but I promise it has a unique twist on it with a great ending. They call them "hungries" in this book and they're the type that run really fast and are freakishly strong. Listen to it before the movie comes out! |
What I'm Reading/Listening to Next...
 | The Fold by Peter Clines After enjoying 14 so much, I decided to give another one of Peter Clines' books a try, especially since it's read by the same narrator Ray Porter. He's up there with my other favorite narrator R.C.Bray. |
Please let me know what audiobooks I should listen to next!
