The Book Lover's Briefing: All Things Audio
What we're listening to: audiobooks and their narrators, podcasts and their hosts
A Note From Zibby:
I recorded the audiobook for Between Chapters this week in a small studio in Santa Monica, an Israeli producer, Ziv, in the next room. As I read one essay in the collection about being Jewish, he chimed in afterwards through my headphones: “Amen.”
I’d blocked two full days at the studio, 9 am - 5 pm PT, to record. By 3:30 pm on day one, I texted Kyle, “Done!” Here are the five things I wasn’t expecting.
Headphones Are In
As we close out Audiobook Month, we couldn’t resist calling out some of our favorite audiobooks. There’s nothing better than being transported into a great story and searching for any excuse to keep listening. (Our homes have never been cleaner—and we keep meeting our daily step goals!)
These are Zibby’s favorite EarPods and headphones. What are yours?
We asked narrators and authors to give us their thoughts on recording audiobooks: the magic a narrator can bring, the best ways to lean into the medium, and how impactful it can be to read your own story. Actor Andie MacDowell (and Margaret Qualley’s mom!) and Annabelle Gurwitch teamed up and share all.
The booksellers at Zibby’s Bookshop gave us some great listening recs that we’ve already added to our queues. Did you know that when you order an audiobook on Libro.fm it benefits our store? Try it here!
Zibby’s favorite audiobooks include Matthew McConaghey’s Greenlights, Samantha Bee’s How to Survive Menopause, Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain, and Nanaville: Adventures in Grandparenting by Anna Quindlen.
Between Chapters hits shelves early this fall, and we can’t wait for everyone to read it. This is a particularly exciting week; Zibby recorded her audiobook! But it wasn’t her first rodeo. Start listening to Zibby's other audiobooks before Between Chapters comes out: On Being Jewish Now, Bookends: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Literature, Princess Charming, Moms Don’t Have Time To, Blank (narrated by Sharon Freedman), and Moms Don’t Have Time to Have Kids (only on Audible).
We’re Totally Listening to Totally Booked
After we finish a book, we’re desperate to hear more from the authors. Did you know Zibby has interviewed an astounding 1,985 authors on her podcast? Chances are she’s interviewed some of your favorites! Search any podcast app with their name and “Zibby.”
Zibby’s most recent guests have been: New York Times bestselling author and screenwriter Ben Mezrich and New York Times bestseller Douglas Brunt, host of Dedicated with Doug Brunt, in a special joint episode about chess, Emanuel Nobel, and more; Dr. Lucy Hone who spoke about living through trauma and rebuilding a sense of identity and hope when your life has been turned upside down; Dr. Jaime Kopeman, Rebecca Raphael, and Lindsay Bartels, who discussed their takes on infertility in Own Your Fertility and Imogen in Waiting; and Former First Lady of Iceland, Eliza Reid, The First Lady Next Door.
If you’re an avid audiobook listener, you’ve undoubtedly heard from Julia Whelan; she has narrated more than 700 audiobooks! She’s also an author herself—listen to Zibby’s episode with her here!
News From the Bookshop
Whether you’re looking for inspiration on what to listen to or read next, these bestsellers from Zibby’s Bookshop are a great place to start.
Mark your calendars for these upcoming Zibby’s Bookshop's events, which will all be live-streamed. Beloved founding Peloton instructor Hannah Corbin will be at the shop on July 8th at 6:00 PM to celebrate the release of her new guidebook 52 card deck, Did You Stretch Tho? Later, we’re hosting Reese’s Book Club alum Marissa Stapley, author of Lucky, on Saturday, July 11th at 4:00 PM ahead of the much-anticipated Apple TV+ adaptation of her book.
Want to meet Kathryn Stockett, author of The Help and The Calamity Club? Link here to access our special event.
Thank you for reading and listening! See you next week! Go back and click on any links you’ve missed!
Favorite headphones : well depends on the use case. Most of the time when outside walking ,Shokz Openfit Pro. Because of the open ear design, one can still hear what else is going on around you. For Zoom or calls, AirPod Pro 3. And for flying , AirPod Max. And for for focused listening to music , Devialet Gemini.