While there will never be anything better than the pleasure of turning the first pages of a great new book, I do love the advantages and freedom of the audio version.

For me, being able to read hands-free is the biggest advantage: long road trips (well not in 2020 or 2021, obviously), doing the dishes, cleaning the house, editing photos, doing my daily 5K … the possibilities are endless and different for everyone. Especially in winter or on a rainy weekend I love cuddling up on the couch with the dogs right beside me and listen to a good book while enjoying a cuppa tea.

As I love to learn and it’s safe to stay I’m interested in just about everything and wouldn’t mind reading everything that comes my way (let me be honest with you: it’s exactly what I did in my teenage years). Turns out I do prefer non-fiction, especially autobiographies or stories about past events, so you’ll find plenty of these in here and in my monthly recommendations on the blog.

If you’re growing tired with your choice of podcasts or fancy to mix it up a little, here are my favourites.

Audible Original: West Cork

Well written and presented by Jennifer Forde and Sam Bungey, you’re probably going to binge on West Cork. I couldn’t stop listening to it (and this is me after having listened to it three times already). The audible original delves into the past via interviews to recall a 1996 murder in West Cork, Ireland. I can only remember my parents and our neighbours talking about a murder at the time but to be honest I didn’t know anything and didn’t ask - the horses, sheep and dogs were far more important for me these days. The victim was 39-year-old Frenchwoman Sophie Toscan du Plantier and she was killed near her holiday home in West Cork in 1996. The show is well-made, there’s a twist in episode 5 and as I’ve mentioned above - it’s binge-worthy.

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Narrated by Michelle Obama, Becoming is a window into her life so far. Michelle Obama shares her memories in a very insightful, honest and empowering way. Her story is unique and provoking and it left me with even more admiration and respect for her than before.

Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt

I know this one by heart, as I once wrote a term paper about Frank McCourt and his books. Still, I loved listening to it after all those years. If you like it, be sure to watch the film, too.

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

The Guest List was the second book by Lucy Foley I listened to and I liked it even better than The Hunting Party. On an island off the coast of Ireland, guests gather to celebrate a wedding. Again, a remote location, again, a spotty cell phone service… and someone turns up dead. I really enjoyed this one and it’s perfect for a cosy autumn weekend on the couch.

Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker

Especially in our high-efficiency, early-riser society, this book is so important. I wish I had a book like this in my youth. After moving to Germany, I had to get up at 5.30am to get to the school bus (leaving at 6.15am) in time. School started at 7.50am and ohhh it was so hard for me. Nowadays I’m an early riser, I love getting up with the sun and starting early when most of the world is still asleep. In this book you’ll learn why getting enough sleep is so essential, how (the lack of) sleep affects our day and much more. Oh and if you’re not sure whether you’re going to like this book: check out Matthew Walker’s “Why We Sleep” videos on youtube.

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce, read by Colin Farrell

Not the obvious choice for an audiobook, I know, but Colin Farrell might just convince you enough to start. The book itself is a brilliant read and it’s always worth reading.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

Although it was published in 1985, The Handmaid’s Tale is still so up-to-date. I read the book a while back and only recently watched the TV series, so I can highly recommend listening to it if you liked the TV adaption.

Starkes weiches Herz by Madeleine Alizadeh (@dariadaria)

Although book and audiobook are only available in German so far, I highly recommend it to everyone who’s able to understand it. It’s a great book, very inspiring and eyeopening and I wish everyone could read it. The audiobook is narrated by Madeleine Alizadeh herself, which makes it even better.

The One Thing by Gary Keller

Although I had already read the book in 2019, I started listening to the audio version a few months back while editing photos and was glad I did. It’s one of these books I will definitely re-read once year as there is so much wisdom and truth in it. It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read and it has helped me immensely in my business. Scheduling tasks and planning days and weeks is so much easier thanks to The One Thing. I can’t recommend it enough to every business owner, freelancer and creative.

Get Rich, Lucky Bitch by Denise Duffield-Thomas

Not only does Get Rich, Lucky Bitch give you the tools and inspiration you need to go the next level of wealth (wherever your starting point is), it will also change your life by changing your mindset. I wish I had read a book like this in my teenage years. Especially as woman, it’s a must-read as money mindset isn’t something you usually talk about. The audiobook is narrated by Denise herself and it’s very refreshing to listen to her voice. It’s like listening to your best friend and to be honest I could listen to her for hours. I can highly recommend reading her other books, too.

Enjoy, friend! If you have any audiobook recommendations, be sure to send me your favourites on instagram!

Etta x

10 Audiobooks You’re Going to Love This Weekend