Read to me, please.
I was the last Apple Books holdout. Not for me, I said. I need to touch paper. To smell bindings. And libraries.
But then … Michelle Obama.
I had the hardbound Becoming, of course, but the promise of *actual Michelle* reading aloud to me (eeeek, fantasy!) proved a siren call impossible not to answer. I dove in. Not just into Apple Books, but into -gasp- audio books.
Now, on walks, en route to client meetings, and in the tub, I allow authors to read to me. I don’t know if the payoff is exactly the same, if I get the exact brain fitness of reading the words myself. But I do get the sense of achievement, the lyric inspiration, the boost of learning or thinking about something new. And in a form that feels like the most indulgent escape.
Want someone to read to you?
My suggestions from the past year:
*Becoming, Michelle Obama. On top of everything else you’ve heard, a love story of equals who discover how to make it last. Oh, and it feels like Michelle is your new BFF.
*Olive, Again, Elizabeth Strout. The latest (last?) installment of an addictively authentic human.
*Such a Fun Age, Kiley Reid. Race and privilege movingly explored in a sticky-as-candy story with my favorite reader/voice since I’ve begun audio books.
*Three Women, Lisa Thaddeo. Three women’s lives and sexuality documented in unforgettable (and surprisingly lyricial) style.
*Ask Again,Yes, Mary Beth Keane. An epic story that crosses generations, weaves families together, and surprises at every turn. For every time you’ve driven along a crowded street and marveled that every little light in every little house has a story.
*Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber, Mike Isaac. Stephanie Carter of @theversemedia called it the year’s Theranos. I made any excuse to drive (or stay sitting in the driveway) when this was my car-read.
*An American Marriage, Tayari Jones. An epic and unforgettable story of race and love that plays out like one of the horrifying (real) cases in the soon-to-be-a-movie Just Mercy.
Would love more audio recommendations; please share here in the comments or on insta @honorcodecreative
p.s. I still read (usually used) books. On summer porches. In a cozy chair with the snow swirling outside. And any time I’m reading poetry. How about you?