Baldwin by Nicholas Boggs, narrated by Ron Butler
For more than 24 stunning hours, narrator Ron Butler immerses listeners in the world of writer James Baldwin. This detailed biography structures Baldwin’s life around his greatest loves, the people who filled so many of his thoughts. Butler’s narration is a master class in maintaining the listener’s attention over the course of a lengthy audiobook. He makes every change in tone, volume, and pace with careful purpose, creating a seamless listening experience.
(24.5 hours)
Memorial Days by and narrated by Geraldine Brooks
When novelist Geraldine Brooks’s husband, Tony Horwitz, dies while on a book tour, she gets the call from a harried medical resident who can’t get off the phone fast enough. Brooks alternates between memories of those first days and her life three years later on an isolated island in Australia, where she finally takes time to focus on grieving. Listening feels particularly intimate. Brooks’s performance is heartfelt and beautiful, both precise and expansive.
(5 hours)
Mark Twain by Ron Chernow, narrated by Jason Culp
Twain’s twang, as delivered by Jason Culp, runs through this compelling and comprehensive audiobook like a vein of gold. He convincingly portrays the great humorist in all his guises—raconteur, lecturer, parent, public figure, wit, and philosopher—homespun and not. Culp expertly narrates the exposition (and in a 44-hour biography there’s plenty) and modulates his voice and pitch for different speakers. But it’s in his emulation of the tone and timing of the old rakehell himself that Culp sparkles.
(44.5 hours)
Awake by and narrated by Jen Hatmaker
Those who have watched Hatmaker’s videos or listened to her podcasts will immediately recognize her distinctive speaking style in this memoir recounting her journey from the trauma of divorce and evangelicalism to the healing and rebuilding of her life. Her cadence is energetic, and listeners will be captivated by her combination of gravity and humor overlaid with forthright sincerity. Also, featured in the audiobook are asides voiced by friends and family, as well as audio clips of interviews from Hatmaker’s podcasts.
(7.5 hours)
The Spinach King by John Seabrook, narrated by Dion Graham
This performance by a five-narrator cast is truly special. Every perspective offers an individual personality and a spectrum of emotions. It genuinely feels like each character is a complete story on their own, but when blended together, they create a symphony of mystery, challenges, and compelling world-building.
(10.25 hours)
Boat Baby by and narrated by Vicky Nguyen
Award-winning NBC News Anchor and Chief Consumer Investigative Correspondent Vicky Nguyen delivers her memoir with the same passion and rapid-fire delivery that she brings to her television work. This audiobook offers great insight into the talented journalist. Born in Saigon, Nguyen fled to a Malaysian refugee camp with her family, finally immigrating to the U.S., where she continues to experience the pain of racism. Her ambitious quest for each TV job is carefully balanced with her concern for how her family will be affected as she climbs the career ladder.
(7.75 hours)
Five Books aims to keep its book recommendations and interviews up to date. If you are the interviewee and would like to update your choice of books (or even just what you say about them) please email us at [email protected]
Five Books interviews are expensive to produce. If you've enjoyed this interview, please support us by donating a small amount.
