With commutes, road trips and errands, audiobooks are great for book lovers—although, when given the time, we’d all prefer a physical book in our hands, the crisp swish of pages, the aroma of wood, vanilla and glue, the sanctity of reading words from the hearts of trees. So each month, SheReads editorial director Lauren Wise curates a list of binge-worthy audiobooks, new and old. An added bonus: as the She Writes Press and SparkPress associate publisher, she also highlights the indie author audiobooks you should listen to now. 

How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell

This is the advice we need in a world where our attention is pulled in a dozen directions at any given time. Jenny Odell provides an inspirational guide about how to escape a world overrun with addictive technology and notions of constant productivity. It discusses the possibilities and limitations of our attention and the importance of what we choose to pay attention to. Odell describes an action plan that encourages readers to be bolder, wiser, and more in touch with the true meanings of growth and happiness.

Finding Me by Viola Davis

In this honest and heartfelt memoir, renowned actress Viola Davis opens up about her personal life, her career, and the journey that helped her discover who she truly is. Starting in a small apartment in Rhode Island, Davis’s story follows the events that led her to the stage in New York City, where she found her voice and her purpose. Her memoir is a poignant reflection centered around self-love and the power of expression, creativity and authenticity.

Once a Girl, Always a Boy by Jo Ivester

Once a Girl, Always a Boy follows the story of Jeremy Ivester, a transgender man. Though he was assigned female at birth, Jeremy expressed himself in ways that were viewed as masculine while he was growing up. By 23, he underwent surgery to remove his breasts, started taking hormones that allowed him to express his true self, and became an active advocate for the transgender community. Jeremy’s story shifts perspectives, including those of his family members and their experiences accepting his transition. Written by Jeremy’s mother, Jo Ivester, Once a Girl, Always a Boy is a vulnerable and moving story that explores truths about love, self expression and acceptance.

The Candy House by Jennifer Egan

In this captivating novel, Jennifer Egan plays with the bounds of technology and brings to life a world where all of our unconscious memories are accessible and even exchangeable. Tech entrepreneur Bix Bouton’s newest creation “Own Your Unconscious” immediately intrigues many—but not without consequences. Creatively narrating through different characters and time periods, Egan reveals the personal and social outcomes of introducing daring technology into personal psychology. In a world perhaps not so far out-of-reach to our own, there are Counters, those who take advantage of Bix’s latest work, and Eluders, who recognize it’s potential cost. The Candy House creatively speaks to relevant issues and moral trade-offs regarding privacy and technology, while simultaneously highlighting the ultimate importance of authentic human connection.

The Catch Me If You Can by Jessica Nabongo

Traveler and photographer Jessica Nabongo recounts her experience traveling the world and visiting all 195 countries. She shares riveting tales about her adventures and the connections she made, including stories of a traumatic accident in Nauru, horseback riding with Black cowboys in Oklahoma, swimming with humpback whales in Tonga, and many more. Nabongo takes readers on an epic journey with her, exploring and celebrating the cultures and diversity of the world.