Whether you don't have the patience, time, or hands to hold a book during your long drive, there is still a way to broaden your literary universe. Audio books, baby! Don't let the time stamps scare you away, it's a known fact: audio books are multiple hours long. But, if you've got lengthy travels ahead or a slow work day, you'll be polishing off books in no time.
If you're an Amazon user already,(and let's face it, who isn't?) then Audible is a good move. However, if you like to stray from the norm, Spotify has a surprisingly wide variety of classic books, Downpour allows for audio book rentals, and Overdrive helps find audio books in the closest library if you prefer an old school vibe.
Me? I've got Audible and have been very into having books read to me this summer by famous people with smooth sounding voices. Here are some greats to consider:
As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride- Carry Elwes
This was one of those books that I never wanted to end. Not only is this narrated by Elwes himself, but also a slew of cast members (like Robin Wright and director, Rob Reiner) to tell their fun, crazy, fascinating stories of hard work and heartwarming dedication. This is what sets apart the audio book for me; getting to hear the perspectives from so many others involved with the film. An absolute feel-good listen that will fill you with the same warmth as the film, until you feel as though you'll burst. What will you want to do after listening to Elwes' narration? Storm the castle? Climb the Cliffs of Insanity? Walk through the fire swamp? (Watch the movie, damn it) Alright, gotta go, I'm listening to this book all over again.
Bossypants - Tina Fey
The boss woman herself narrates her book and doesn't disappoint. It's hilarious and reveals just how sharp-witted Fey is through her precise narration. There are only a handful of books that have made me laugh loud and publicly, like this one did. The audio book was no different. Hearing Fey recount her college days at UVA, starting at SNL, airing the first pilot of Thirty Rock, and her own opinions on her incredible success. make this woman even funnier. Personally, I'm a big fan of when authors consistently address the reader, like they're your secret famous friend, and this book does just that.
Heartburn- Nora Ephron
This audio book is not only narrated by Meryl Streep, but written by a woman who somehow makes adultery really, really funny. The novel is a witty combo of sardonic humor, gossip of wealthy people, and food recipes that will make your mouth water. The main character, Rachel, is a food writer, pregnant, and learning how to deal with the knowledge of her husbands new lover. Lots of surprises and hysteria await for those who need a dramatic flare in their life, but don't actually want to experience any of it. And isn't that the best kind?
The Graveyard Book- Neil Gaiman
Coraline fans unite- this audio book is a winner for you. As the author of Coraline, Gaiman is able to create another eerie, yet fun, adventure. This one about a boy that live in a graveyard, being raised by ghosts. If that doesn't strike you as interesting, then I don't know what will. Make sure to listen to the "full cast" version that includes Gaiman's narration and that of several other smooth-voiced Brits, like Andrew Scott (for all Sherlock fans), that bring the story even more to life. Or undead. Are ghosts undead if they're raising children?
Emma - Jane Austen
Okay, I know what you're thinking. But, seriously, this audio book is all sorts of Victorian-age fun. Specifically, I recommend the version read by Emma Thompson. There's a soft melody in the background of Thompson's reading, noises of crackling fires, bells ringing in the town square, and bustling town squares. Because of this, it's read similarly as a play might be, with all the characters being acted and completely animated. This is by-far Austen's book with the most lighthearted scheming (less brooding), with a rather spoiled heroine you'll either love or hate, allowing it to take on a vibrant life while being read aloud. I know you want to sound like an intellectual at parties, and referencing one of Ms. Austen's longest novels will make you sound smart and ~edgy~ since you've set yourself apart from those who are familiar with only Pride and Prejudice.
Now, get to listening. You have no excuse (Unless you've lost all your heasphones. Sorry, this one isn't for you).