I have come to enjoy audio books over the past few years. I still prefer a good book in my hands, but there is a place for audio and, if the narrator is a good one, it makes you enjoy the subject so much more.

One of my favorite narrators is Ray Porter. I don’t read a lot of fiction, but several people recommended the Bobiverse series to me a few years ago. I thoroughly enjoyed the series and am anxiously awaiting the release of the fifth book in the series this October. Porter was absolutely fantastic and if you ever want to read a fun series about the future of mankind while also delving into the ideas of what, exactly, makes us human, I highly recommend the series. I liked it so much, I purchased the books and read them as well.

The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein

While a lot of the information wasn’t new for me, it’s a fantastic book which presents data in a meaningful way to someone who is unfamiliar with how deeply involved our government was/is in segregation. Anyone who reads or listens to the book and comes away without a greater understanding of how systemic racism was purposely instilled in America wasn’t paying attention or is being purposely obtuse.

One issue that came up several times throughout the book can be summed up by this quote, “Segregation by intentional government action is not de facto. Rather, it is what courts call de jure: segregation by law and public policy.”

I’m really happy I chose the audio book as well. There were times when a certain policy or situation was cited and it angered me to the point that I was glad I was listening in 10-15 minute chunks at a time. It is one thing to read about these policies over the course of my lifetime. It is quite the other when those policies are read aloud. As the narrator, Adam Grupper puts forth quite distinctly those words as gut punches regardless as to whether it’s the first time you’ve heard it or the 100th.

American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America by Colin Woodward

I love this book so much, I’ve read it twice. The first time was several years ago when I purchased the book after a recommendation from the folks at r/history on Reddit. I had a free audio credit on Amazon, so I picked up the audio book, converted it to mp3 and listened to it on my many travels in my car.

Woodard details how North America is really a collection of 11 rival cultures, which endures today. We tend to think of the modern United States as red vs blue states, but Woodard meticulously details in an engaging and thought-provoking way how the land was settled by people with “distinct religious, political, and ethnographic characteristics, creating regional cultures that have been at odds with one another ever since.”

I really enjoyed Walter Dixon’s narration, which was an addition to the book I had already read. While I prefer the rich denseness of the book where I can more easily pause and flip back to associated sections, the audio book was more of a refresher for me on some of the finer points. The details can be pondered regardless of audio or paper and both are pleasant additions to my personal library. There is so much information, that I would not be surprised if I picked them up again.

A Land So Strange The Epic Journey of Cabeza de Vaca by Andrés Reséndez

Narrated by Jonathan Davis, I was really glad I “read” this as an audio book. Davis does a remarkable job with narrating the story of 300 men who left Spain to colonize Florida. Everything went horribly wrong for the men. Instead of glory, they found horror at every turn. In the end, four men survived – three Spaniards and an African slave. Their journey took nearly a decade to complete as they wandered the land in search of the Pacific Ocean. This is a harrowing tale of men who encountered many tribes, learned many indigenous languages, and had their lives transformed is not well-known, but a vital history lesson from those who explored North America before European settlers arrived and changed the landscape forever.

Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man by Emmanuel Acho

Read by the author, I think this is a book that should be heard over being read. Acho begins by saying, “You cannot fix a problem you do not know you have.” Acho’s book discusses the systemic racism in America. Throughout the book, he reminds readers there is a fix, but “we’re going to have to have some uncomfortable conversations” to get there.

While addressing issues large and small, taboo and common, prepare to be uncomfortable with the truth and be willing to look inward at your own thoughts and how you can change. Acho is at once upset at the state of America while being compassionate and understanding toward issues that typically end in screaming matches.

I purposely picked this book to “read” as an audio book precisely because the author is also the narrator. They are his words and his experiences. I wanted to hear the nuances when he spoke rather than interpreting them myself on a page. I think any way you read the book is good. I just think the audio adds a bit something to it and you’ll be better off for doing so.

Catching Fire – How Cooking Made Us Human by Richard Wrangham

Speaking of being uncomfortable, I did not enjoy this audio book. It has nothing to do with Kevin Pariseau’s narration. The book was highly recommended. It was a finalist on several book prize lists. It ticks all the boxes of things I like to read. I just couldn’t get into it. I don’t know what it was, but I presume it was me, but I haven’t been able to put my finger on what I didn’t like.

I honestly felt like I wasn’t learning anything new, but that is neither the fault of the author or narrator. I think I have just read too much on the topic and related topics that I became disinterested.

I wouldn’t count this as a bad book. It’s awards speak for itself. It’s a worthy topic to learn about. It just wasn’t for me.

If anyone would like to listen to these books, I have them in the mp3 format and am happy to share. If you can afford it, I’d recommend supporting the authors and narrators, whichever way you prefer to read.