An absorbing audiobook with vivid stories that bring each American president’s struggles with his writing (or ghostwriting) alive. AudioFile’s Jonathan Smith and host Jo Reed discuss this surprising audiobook packed with tales of presidents and their writing habits, and how the reading public evolved over our country’s history. Fred Sanders narrates with a warm voice and clear diction, revealing the presidents’ insecurities, intellect, and often, ego. A rich political and social history of the republic, seen through the prism of books, their presidential authors, and readers. Published by Simon & Schuster.

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Listeners will be on the edge of their seats while listening to John Lee’s superb narration of Winston Churchill’s first year as Britain’s prime minister, 1940-41. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Jonathan Smith discuss this most perilous year in Britain’s history, as told through Erik Larson’s captivating writing and Lee’s polished and expressive narration. The German invasion was expected at any moment, and listeners gain a new appreciation for the perilous state England was in as they faced Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain, and the Blitz. Published by Random House Audio.

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Billie Fulford-Brown narrates this enemies-to-lovers romance that is above all an ode to skilled professionals doing their jobs amazingly well. AudioFile’s Emily Connelly tells host Jo Reed why she loved escaping into this audiobook by Lucy Parker, a new sequel to THE AUSTEN PLAYBOOK. Set in London, the story centers on two competitive television hosts, Sabrina and Nick, who have to combine their efforts to help revive their station’s failing morning show—or lose their jobs. Fulford-Brown perfectly captures the way Sabrina and Nick’s relationship shifts from frosty to passionate and ramps up the on-air and behind-the-scenes chemistry between the characters. Published by Harlequin Audio.

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R. Eric Thomas is known for his essays on current events and for his talents with storytelling live on stage. He narrates his own memoir in a warm and familiar voice. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly discuss Thomas’s essays, which touch on the complexities of identity, faith, and internet culture. His perspective comes from his intersecting identities—he is a gay black man, a writer in the digital world, and a person married to a pastor and brought up in an anti-gay faith. Listeners will find a level of seriousness in the mix of pop-culture references and humor. Thomas’s curiosity, hope, and love for the world are apparent in every word he speaks. Published by Random House Audio.

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Narrator Ron Butler lends expertise, elegance, and expressiveness to his heartbreakingly beautiful performance of King, a black tween whose older brother has died. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly discuss Kacen Callender’s must-listen audiobook for middle graders. Butler’s narration mirrors all of King’s emotions as the story sensitively explores racism, homophobia, child abuse, death, and sexuality. Each character, and most especially King, comes to life through Butler’s voice. Published by Scholastic Audiobooks.

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Listeners will want to have a pen and a journal at the ready as they work through Layla F. Saad’s 28 days of examining the ways white supremacy is acting through them. AudioFile’s Emily Connelly tells host Jo Reed about the impact of this workbook that requires real listener participation. Saad first shared the Me and White Supremacy challenge on Instagram in 2018, and the challenge went viral. When she repackaged it as a free downloadable workbook, it was downloaded nearly 100,000 times. Now Saad has added new content, providing more personal and historical context as she helps listeners reflect on their relationship with white privilege, white fragility, and more. Saad narrates clearly and smoothly and keeps listeners in line—you will want to push back against being held accountable, and she knows just what to say to counter that impulse. This is life-changing work. Published by Blackstone Audio.

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Glennon Doyle opens her heart to listeners in her vivid new memoir. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly talk about the power of Doyle’s writing and her moving narration. Doyle is a bestselling author, motivational speaker, and philanthropist, and she narrates with passion as she gets incredibly personal with her storytelling. She speaks about how society has “tamed” women to act and live in certain prescribed ways, stuffing every aspect of their true selves away. She shares insights on why it is so essential to listen to our inner voices, and how her life has changed as a result. No one but Doyle herself could read this memoir. Published by Random House Audio.

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An extraordinary production of Pulitzer Prize-winner Elizabeth Strout’s novel of the same name. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Robin Whitten discuss this dramatic adaptation of MY NAME IS LUCY BARTON, voiced by actor Laura Linney, who also stars in the Broadway play. Linney alternately transforms herself into tough yet fragile Lucy and Lucy’s croak-voiced mother. Rona Munro’s exquisite adaptation pares the story to its core. Lucy, waking from an operation during a long hospital stay, finds her estranged mother keeping watch. This surprise triggers a flood of memories, and listeners hear the desperation, fury, fear, and yearning of those years of poverty-stricken childhood. Published by Random House Audio.

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The plot of EIGHT PERFECT MURDERS is ready-made for classic mystery buffs. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Robin Whitten discuss this twisty and surprising audiobook. Narrator Graham Halstead is genuine with his dialogue, especially as Malcolm Kershaw, the crime fiction bookstore owner who seduces listeners into trusting him. Kershaw posted a blog describing eight mysteries in which the murderer succeeds in committing the perfect unsolvable crime. Now, several years later, the FBI is in touch because someone seems to be imitating those murders in real life. A clever audiobook by an author who truly appreciates the genre. Published by Harper Audio.

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Dive into an alternative history where Princess Elizabeth and Margaret were sent to Clonmillis Hall in Ireland during the London Blitz. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Robin Whitten discuss this new look at World War II from Benjamin Black. Barrie Kreinik narrates with admirable skill, giving the secreted away “Ellen” and “Mary” believable voices, with an imperial no-nonsense voice for the future queen, while Mary vibrates through a range of voices, always letting her feelings show. The unwilling hosts, their help, and the townspeople all come to life with distinct Irish lilts. Published by Macmillan Audio.

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