9 audiobooks to listen to when you need a break

The past month has been tough and it’s arguably become even more important to take some time for just you whenever you can. Because we see you, mama. Balancing your kid’s Zoom calls in between your work conferences. Making yet another meal and rushing to get everyone everything they need at all hours of the day. Giving your kids a sense of normalcy during this extremely abnormal time.

At the end of the day, you probably don’t have much left to give. Much less time to sit down and devour that book you’ve had on your nightstand for months. So if you’re looking for a bit of self-care that *really* doesn’t take much effort, I can’t recommend audiobooks more. Listen as you get ready for the day, during dinner prep, while taking a walk—and before you know it, you’ve finished a really great book with minimal effort.

Here are my favorite ways to listen to audiobooks:

• Audible: For $15 a month, get 1 audiobook of your choice and 2 Audible originals
• Libby by Overdrive: If you have a library card (or your little one does) you can borrow audiobooks from your local library
• Scribd: For $8.99 a month, get access to unlimited audiobooks—you can read free for 30 days
• Libro.fm: For $15 for one month, get a credit for 1 audiobook—pick your local bookstore to support! (PS. Use code SWITCH to get 3 audiobooks for the price of one)

Here are our favorite audiobooks to listen to:

If you need an escape: ‘The Unhoneymooners’ by Christina Lauren

Mentally escape to Hawaii with this enemies-to-lovers trope. Olive has always been the unlucky twin, but when her sister Ami (and the entire wedding party) gets severe food poisoning, Olive and the groom’s brother, Ethan, are the only two who can go on the free honeymoon. The two, who don’t like each other, have to figure out how to make this fake relationship work in paradise.

 

If you liked Big Little Lies: ‘My Kind of People’ by Lisa Duffy

Leo returns to him hometown of Ichabod Island, an island off the coast of Massachusetts, to become the caregiver of his best friend’s 10-year-old adopted girl, Sky, after a tragic accident. Follow the stories of Sky, Leo and the small town’s community (including Maggie, who helps with Sky while dealing with her police chief husband’s scandal) and a mysterious woman who’s come to the island to fulfill her dying wish. It’s Big Little Lies meets Celeste Ng! It releases May 12th.

 

If you’re royally-obsessed: ‘The Royal We’ by Heather Cocks + Jessica Morgan

Think Prince William meets Kate Middleton (if she were American). The Royal We follows along American Bex Porter, who is studying abroad at Oxford, where she meets Nick. But, there’s a catch… he’s the heir to the British throne. On the eve of their wedding, Bex reflects on their journey, what she’s given up and finds herself wondering if hearts will have to break. And, keep an eye out for the sequel, The Heir Affair , hitting shelves this July!

 

If you’re looking for inspiration: ‘Becoming’ by Michelle Obama

Narrated by the former First Lady herself, dive into her journey from Chicago to the White House. Her memoir Is full of inspiration, touching reflections and will make you feel like you’re sitting down with her having a cup of coffee.

 

If you need a break from your partner: ‘The Bromance Book Club’ by Lyssa Kay Adams

When professional baseball player Gavin Scott’s marriage is in trouble, (psst: he just learned his wife has been faking the O their entire relationship) his Nashville pals bring him into their book club—the men read steamy romances to learn what women really want. Gavin will have to let go of his ego, learn some new tricks and decide if his pride will get in the way of his marriage.

 

If you love a thriller: ‘Something in the Water’ by Catherine Steadman

Newlyweds Mark and Erin are on a dream honeymoon in Bora Bora. While scuba diving, they find something in the water—do they keep it a secret or speak out? That decision creates a domino effect of events that’ll change their lives forever. You’ll be reigned in from page one, and the author (and actress!) is a fantastic narrator.

 

If you’re missing your therapist: ‘Maybe You Should Talk to Someone’ by Lori Gottlieb

Even therapists go through tough times. When Lori is met with an unexpected life change, she decides that it’s time to seek therapy, too. Follow along her journey, along with some of her patients, for an introspective look at how we process things. It’s the perfect intersection of humor, deep reflection and informative—you’ll devour it in one sitting.

 

If you can’t stop binging Netflix series: ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ by Delia Owens

In a quiet North Carolina coastal town, a beloved man is found dead and the community suspects “Marsh Girl” is at fault—but is she who everything thinks she is? Connected throughout by a coming-of-age story, you’ll be immersed into this town and the stories of its people and how Mother Nature takes care of us.

 

If you want a little self-improvement: ‘Dare to Lead’ by Brené Brown

Brown has studying the emotions and experiences that give meaning to life and brought those insights into an easy-to-read book that answers the question: How do you cultivate braver, more daring leaders, and how do you embed the value of courage in your culture?

 

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