Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine
Find your next great audiobook on our podcast, Behind The Mic with AudioFile Magazine. Every Tuesday, AudioFile Editors and host Jo Reed recommend the very best audiobooks and narrators. It’s the perfect way to keep up with new releases and hear about audiobooks you may have missed. Want more? Listen to our bonus episodes featuring in-depth conversations with the most talented voices in audiobooks today.
Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Visit our website: AudioFileMagazine.com the #1 review source for audiobooks.
1851
IN PIECES by Sally Field, read by Sally Field
In a powerhouse performance of her first memoir, Sally Field touches listeners with her honest and heartfelt narrative and her engaging personal presentation style—even through the tough family issues that formed her life and outlook.
3 min
1852
WASHINGTON BLACK by Esi Edugyan, read by Dion G...
Root for the heroes of this adventure who escape by hot air balloon from an 1830s Caribbean plantation to the arctic plains of Canada. Narrator Dion Graham pulls out the stops to sweep listeners along with the eleven-year-old enslaved boy and his master.
3 min
1853
MEDITATION IS NOT WHAT YOU THINK by Jon Kabat-Z...
Discover an enlightening explanation of what mediation is—and what it is not. Jon Kabat-Zinn uses quiet encouragement to reveal that meditation is simpler and more fluid than many expect. Listen and be inspired to find peace and awareness this weekend.
4 min
1854
WORD WARRIOR by Sonja D. Williams, read by Robi...
Golden voice narrator Robin Miles reads a biography of Richard Durham, an African-American radio broadcaster who was posthumously inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame. Perfect listening for anyone interested in African-American history.
4 min
1855
DON'T MAKE ME PULL OVER! by Richard Ratay, read...
The perfect audiobook for a road trip. This lighthearted listen highlights the evolution of travel, cars, and roads in the U.S., and the “joys” of family road trips. Jonathan Todd Ross delightfully narrates the tales of personal and American history.
4 min
1856
#NEVERAGAIN by David Hogg, Lauren Hogg, read by...
This moving audiobook from two young leaders of the #NEVERAGAIN movement details their experiences in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School during the 2018 shooting, and their role in helping to inspire a gun safety movement. An inspiring listen.
5 min
1857
THE TANGLED TREE by David Quammen, read by Jacq...
Do you like science? If so, you’re in luck! David Quammen’s latest audiobook is a deep dive into what makes us—us. THE TANGLED TREE introduces molecular phylogenetics, which completely changed our understanding of the evolutionary “tree of life.”
5 min
1858
FRESH INK by Lamar Giles [Ed.], read by Guy Loc...
A full cast presents this YA anthology published in partnership with We Need Diverse Books. Well-loved authors including Jason Reynolds and Nicola Yoon write compelling stories read by some of the best narrators out there. Perfect weekend listening.
5 min
1859
MARY B by Katherine J. Chen, read by Marisa Calin
The perfect audiobook for Jane Austen lovers who are willing to think past tidy Happily Ever After endings. Marisa Calin brings a refreshing voice to this feminist tale of the plain and “unlovely” Mary, the middle Bennet sister of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE.
5 min
1860
NATE EXPECTATIONS by Tim Federle, read by Tim F...
Discover the wholly satisfying conclusion to Tim Federle’s award-winning middle-grade series loved by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Federle gives voice to Nate’s vibrancy and insecurities as he tries to make a place for himself in high school and come out as gay.
4 min
1861
TRANSCRIPTION by Kate Atkinson, read by Fenella...
“Kate Atkinson has no match for atmosphere,” says narrator Fenella Woolgar, and we wholeheartedly agree. Juliet Armstrong has been recruited to transcribe traitorous secrets from fascist sympathizers in WWII Britain, and things quickly get complicated.
5 min
1862
FINDING LANGSTON by Lesa Cline-Ransome, read by...
This is middle grade historical fiction at its best. Dion Graham reads with a light Southern drawl in an immersive performance. Listen as 11-year-old Langston and his father adjust to life in Chicago, bringing a story of the Great Migration to life.
4 min
1863
LIVE LONG AND... by William Shatner, David Fish...
Listen in as William Shatner talks Star Trek, aging, and his Hollywood world in the memoir he calls “Live Long and dot dot dot.” AudioFile editors enjoyed his authentic audiobook, a humorous, easy listen that will entertain you.
3 min
1864
DAY OF THE DEAD by Nicci French, read by Beth C...
A serial murderer has become obsessed with Frieda Klein, the consulting psychologist who is central to this mystery series by Nicci French. Narrator Beth Chalmers gives a marvelous rendition of Frieda, and her voice is crucial to this riveting audiobook.
4 min
1865
PLANETSIDE by Michael Mammay, read by R.C. Bray
Are you ready for the ultimate audiobook mash-up? This blend of science fiction, mystery, military strategy, and humor also has a ton of momentum. Science fiction fans and sci-fi skeptics alike will enjoy PLANETSIDE and R.C. Bray’s dynamic narration.
4 min
1866
WILD FIRE by Ann Cleeves, read by Kenny Blyth
Come explore the bleak beauty of the Shetland Islands. This final book in the mystery series gives you a richer world than what you can find in the popular BBC TV show, but don’t worry if you haven’t read any of the others — start here and get sucked in.
4 min
1867
STILL LIVES by Maria Hummel, read by Tavia Gilbert
Reese Witherspoon calls this “the ultimate mystery.” It’s set in the flashy, sinister Los Angeles art world, and it’s an audiobook that turns creepy quickly. Two-time Audie winner Tavia Gilbert says STILL LIVES is one of her favorite narration projects.
3 min
1868
VOX by Christina Dalcher, read by Julia Whelan
For fans of frighteningly believable stories, don’t miss today’s recommendation—a debut novel. We imagine ourselves in a world where half the population is allowed to speak only 100 words a day. A must for fans of THE HANDMAID’S TALE.
3 min
1869
CRAZY RICH ASIANS by Kevin Kwan, read by Lynn Chen
With the release of the blockbuster movie, we revisit the audiobook written by Kevin Kwan. Satire is at the heart of this romp of a novel and part of the fun. Narrator Lynn Chen enlivens a broad cast of characters.
3 min
1870
PIECES OF HER by Karin Slaughter, read by Kathl...
Here’s an audiobook that snares us in a labyrinthine web of lies, deceits, betrayals, and truths that span decades. This engrossing listen explores relationships and secrets between mothers and daughters and will have you glued to your earphones.
2 min
1871
THE PRISON LETTERS OF NELSON MANDELA by Nelson ...
With 2018 marking the centenary of Nelson Mandela’s birth, we’re discussing THE PRISON LETTERS OF NELSON MANDELA. His letters will tear at listeners’ hearts, and actor Atandwa Kani’s Earphones Award-winning narration is not to be missed.
3 min
1872
THE GREAT BELIEVERS by Rebecca Makkai, read by ...
Two stories run parallel throughout this thoughtful audiobook, one unfolding during the early days of the AIDS epidemic in Chicago and the other taking place in a more contemporary time in Paris. A listen with strong emotional impact.
3 min
1873
LeVar Burton Interview
On this bonus episode we talk with actor LeVar Burton. LeVar considered Fred Rogers a friend and mentor and jumped at the chance to honor the creator and host of the iconic PBS television series “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” by narrating THE GOOD NEIGHBOR.
19 min
1874
THE MIDDLEMAN by Olen Steinhauer read by Ari Fl...
America is primed for this political thriller featuring a polarizing president. No, THE MIDDLEMAN isn’t a non-fiction audiobook recommendation but rather cerebral suspense. Narrator Ari Fliakos has a clear connection to literary work using emotional intimacy.
3 min
1875
THE OUTSIDER by Stephen King, read by Will Patton
Don’t listen to this podcast in the dark! AudioFile shares an excerpt from Stephen King’s very creepy THE OUTSIDER, read by Will Patton. As we expect from the King and Patton combination, the emotional intensity makes this audiobook a subtle powerhouse.
4 min