My Favorite Audio Books of the Year

I have wanted to be a reader for as long as I can remember but for years my own struggle with decoding and comprehension kept me from enjoying the majority of the books I longed to immerse myself in.  Predictable plot lines and familiar characters kept me reading my way through the Baby Sitters Little Sisters books and then later, the Babysitters Club itself.  The books of my youth didn't veer very far off of those titles, which meant that the list of non-series books I wanted to read kept growing and never had a chance to shrink.   It wan't until my early 20s when I realized that my reading skills had improved enough for me to finally do something about that list.  The only problem was that I was knee-deep in lesson plans and special education paperwork as a brand new teacher and I couldn't afford the time to sit down with a novel of my choosing. 

Even still, I loved the library and I used to spend Sunday afternoons hunkered down in a cozy corner of my local library planning for the upcoming school week (or at least for the day ahead).  It was on one such outing that I spotted the audio version of a book I had been wanting to read for years.  I picked it up and realized with great excitement that I could still enjoy the story, even if I didn't have the time to "read" it.  After that first audiobook, I was hooked.

Now I do almost all of my "reading" on audio while I do chores around the house.  Not every nap time, or bedtime lends itself to turning on an audiobook, but when they do, I always enjoy it.   It's amazing how motivating it can be to keep up with my housework while I am wrapped up in a story.  Not only am I finally making some progress on the to-be-read list I made long ago, but I also believe that listening to other people read me stories has made me a better reader for my kids.  I know first hand how powerful and inviting it is so listen to a well-narrated story, so I do my best to be a fluent and captivating voice for my children too. 

There are countless ways to listen to audiobooks these days, which makes for a wide and varied selection of fantastic titles to choose from.  I wanted to share some of my favorite listens from 2019 in hopes that you might find something worth listening to also.

Non-Fiction
The Enchanted Hour by Meghan Cox Gurdon - It should be no surprise that a book about reading tops my list this year.  I enjoyed every single minute of this researched-based book about reading aloud to children.  My tools were sharpened, my resolve to be a family that reads was deepened, and my knowledge of why reading matters was expanded.

Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin - Two years ago, my Bible study leader held up a small book with a cursive title and said, "this book is life changing, I just ordered all of you a copy.  I will give it to you for free if you promise me that you'll read it." Two weeks later, she passed the books around and reiterated how much she wanted us to read it.  I had every intention of cracking mine open right away, but I struggled to make time for it.  After I found the audio version on hoopla, I knew I'd finally be able to dive into the content.  The premise of the book is how to study the Bible on your own and not only was it one of my favorite books of the year, it also is one of the most helpful books I have ever read about Bible study.

The Grace Outpouring by Roy Godwin - I read very mixed reviews online about this title before I gave it a listen for myself, but once I started, I immediately rewound the first hour of the book so that Shawn could listen to it with me.  He has a strong tendency to fall asleep while listening to audiobooks but was intrigued enough by what little he did hear to order himself a copy to read while he traveled.  After reading the first 30 or so pages, he promptly ordered it for a few friends and we were all encouraged by the remarkable testimony of what can happen when you boldly pray for God to bless others.

Fiction
Marilla of Green Gables by Sarah McCoy - I am a huge fan of the Anne of Green Gables series by Lucy Maud Montgomery so I was intrigued and hesitant when I ran across this title and it wasn't written by her.  This book is a fictional account of Marilla's childhood and young adulthood before adopting Anne.  I enjoyed it immensely and didn't feel like it took anything away from the series it was based on.

Jane of Austin by Hillary Manton Lodge - This was probably the most predictable book I read this year but I loved the spin off of Jane Austen's work.  Set in Austin, Texas, I couldn't help but enjoy the numerous Texas references and the recipes woven throughout.

Series
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis - My mom read aloud to me and my siblings a ton when I was growing up so I know that we read through this series together at least once.  I had been itching to rediscover the books again on my own and I am so glad I finally did.  I listened to all 7 books this summer and enjoyed each one more than the last.

Even though my audiobook journey began with a hardcover cd set from the library, I now do almost all of my listening on my phone, also thanks to the library.  My very favorite library sponsored audiobook site is called hoopla.  My library allows me to borrow 5 titles a month, all on demand.  I love that there is no waiting and you can keep everything for 3 weeks.  While hoopla is always where I check for titles first, libby is the other library sponsored app I listen on.  I usually have to put a hold on popular titles, and my library limits how many titles I can have a hold on at once.  I use both players in order to access a wider selection of books, but if I had to pick one over the other, hoopla has my vote all the way.

What was your favorite book this year?
Love,
Erica