A stack of books

…for me to listen.

I love my Audible account. Listening to audiobooks on my way into work makes the time fly. My husband and I are our account; we’re able to do so by racking up tons of credits. Instead of carrying a stack of books on the plane and dragging them around the beaches next week* I just bring my iPhone and hit play.

*Oh yeah, we’re going on a cruise next week. Details in Saturday’s post.

I’ve downloaded several titles- more than I’ll ever listen to in one week, but enough so that if I want variety, it’s there.

Right now I’m listening to The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson, the second of the Millenium trilogy. Yes, it’s as good as everyone says. Seriously dark content- do be forewarned- but immersive and irresistable. I finally broke down and watched The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo; I had promised myself I would wait to watch the movies until I’d finished the books, but now it’s strangely satisfying to picture the actors in my head as I listen. Thankfully the pace of this second book picks up considerably faster than Dragon Tattoo.

I’ve also got Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro on tap. This was recently made into a film with Keira Knightley and Carey Mulligan. On all appearances it looks like a period, turn of the century English boarding school story, but upon closer inspection, it’s actually a dystopian sci-fi piece. I won’t spoil it, but I made the mistake of reading more about the film and kind of know what it’s all about, but it’s received sweeping reviews so I thought I’d give it a whirl.

Other audiobooks in my queue:

The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan. In short: corn is in everything. I totally get it. But as a foodie, this is apparently a very important book to read. Similarly, I want to listen to…

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. Unfortunately, after previewing the author reading her own work, the pace is so staggeringly slow that I’ll actually have to read the book rather than listening to it. (This is also how Twilight didn’t make the cut. The narrator’s nasally voice was a total turn off. Also, after listening to about 5 minutes from each book in the series, I realized just how awful the writing is and I just can’t do it to myself. I’ll watch the movies, but that’s it.)

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. I know, I know – same plot, same characters, different conspiracy theory. However, I find his books like a good popcorn flick. Also, it’s about Freemasonry so I can appreciate the themes.

And finally, Room by Emma Donahue. It’s a new release and an interesting premise: it’s told in the narrative of a 5-year old boy named Jack who’s been locked in a single room all his life by his Ma and under the oppressive shadow of Old Nick. And then one night, Ma and Jack escape, and the tale unfolds from there.

What are y’all reading or listening to?