I am doing a very long drive over the Thanksgiving holiday and need something besides music to keep me entertained. Enter audio books from Audible. Audible is an app that allows the user to download books for a monthly fee. I listen to novels while on walks, doing dishes, folding laundry, and even on my breaks at work, not just long car rides. These are the books I downloaded for my trip:

1. To You We Shall Return by Joseph M. Marshall III – The author is a member of the Lakota tribe which is his first language. He speaks from personal experience of Lakota traditions and Euro-American and compares the two. This novel has so many valuable gems of wisdom and a different point of view for a lot of Euro-Americans. I listened to this book a few years ago and still go back to it from time to time. The author narrates the audiobook which lends to a very peaceful listen, though the aggressions he mentions of White people towards his tribe are hard to listen to. I listen to some chapters while going to sleep. I listen to others when I need grounding and a different perspective. I highly recommend this!

2. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo is a fantasy tale about a young woman who discovers she has magical gifts which uproots her entire life. It’s got scary creatures, a daunting task, and a love story. I can’t wait to finish this one!

3. Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty was a listen I found when searching through the discover section of audible. It’s a mystery which is one of my favorite genres to listen to on long road trips.

4. The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz is based on ancient wisdom from the Toltec people. The description promises to unveil a code of conduct that will bring inner peace and thus freedom. Many people I know have read and recommended this book to me. It’s only a two hour listen, which is easier to commit to than an 18 hour listen.

5. The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemison was recommended to me by a friend just today. She promised coffee and a chat about the book when I finish, so I downloaded it immediately.

6. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett has been on my list for quite a while. It’s a New York Times Bestseller and reportedly one of Barack Obama’s favorite books. The plot centers around two inseparable twin sisters whose paths diverge when they to live in two different worlds: one Black and one White. I am so interested in this and have started it many times. I can’t wait to finish!

What have you been listening to or reading recently?

xMae