I tend to read a lot of audiobooks, but I struggle to write reviews for them, because I process them differently than when I actually read the words. I don’t take the same kind of notes when I read audiobooks, so when I write my reviews, I typically do a short review on Goodreads instead of writing out a longer one on my blog. It works for me, but the problem is that I don’t get to focus attention on some of the truly amazing or enjoyable audiobooks that I read.

Also, since Chanukah started and I’ve been super busy with family stuff, I haven’t had as much time to devote to reading as usual, and don’t have any reviews prepared. I should be back on track in the next few days, but until then, I’m going to take advantage of this time to highlight some really good audiobooks that I’ve read recently, all of which are done especially well in this format:

1. All the Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham — this was such a twisty mystery that I kept thinking I had figured out, but I never did!
2. Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano — I couldn’t help but laugh out loud throughout this book, and absolutely loved the story.
3. Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez — I’m a sucker for a good historical fiction that makes real history feel more tangible and pushes me to read more about actual history.
4. We Deserve Monuments by Jas Hammonds — this contemporary YA book was fantastic, about learning more about your family, being queer in a place that doesn’t accept you, being who you are, and finding the people who have your back no matter what.
5. The Break by Katharena Vermette — this wasn’t an easy read, but it was incredibly moving and provided some insight into a life very different from my own, and it was fascinating to see how all the storylines wove together throughout the book.
6. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot — this was fascinating and left me with so much to think about. It finally gave a voice to Henrietta Lacks and her family, who have been overlooked entirely in the interest of scientific and medical advancement. The author talked about what those cells have done in our society, while never ignoring the harm that has done to the Lacks family.
7. Even Though I Knew the End by C.L. Polk — I fell in love with this queer and beautiful fantasy mystery novella, and my only complaint was that I wished it was a full length book. I guess I’m going to have to read more work by this author.
8. The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton — this was a fascinating story about climate change and the impact it can have on society as a whole and individuals, seen through the eyes of one young woman who grows up with a gift that helps her survive. It’s a combination of dystopian climate-oriented sci-fi with more than a little magical realism thrown in.
9. Seven Fallen Feathers: Racism, Death, and Hard Truths in a Northern City by Tanya Talaga —this nonfiction account of various young people that had died under similar suspicious circumstances in the same city over a range of years explores how systemic racism against First Nations people plays a role in these deaths. I found myself hoping for a better outcome, even though I knew it wouldn’t work out that way, but I got so invested in this story.
10. You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi — I was blown away by this gorgeous story, that’s a romance but also centers on grief and loss and emotional disconnects, and I loved how well it was done.
11. Meredith, Alone by Claire Alexander — I’m always a fan of books that portray mental illness accurately, and this handled agoraphobia wonderfully and realistically, while still making the MC with the disorder a sympathetic and wonderful character that was easy to love. I rooted for Meredith the whole time, and loved the story.
12. When the Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb — a queer Jewish story with an angel and a demon teaming up to come from Europe to America to save their town? What’s not to love?
13. River Woman, River Demon by Jennifer Givhan — this was another beautifully done, immersive story rich with Black, Mexican, and Indigenous folklore and witchcraft/brujeria, centering around a mystery, and touching on racism. I couldn’t stop listening to this story and it came through on all of its promises by the end.
14. Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch — I loved the book series, but let me tell you, the audiobook version is absolutely better than the printed one. The narrator makes the story that much better.
15. A Broken Blade by Melissa Blair — I loved the audiobook, and it’s a fantasy chock full of queer BIPOC characters that I loved and wanted to win. I already can’t wait for the next one to come out!

What are some awesome audiobooks that I should be checking out soon?