10 Audio Books for Father’s Day
If you didn’t know, Father’s Day in the US is coming up next Sunday, June 19, 2011. Need a great gift? Think audiobooks.
I’m a Dad and I love audiobooks, so I thought I would share my top 10 recommendations based on my listening the past year. Just so you know, I like tech stuff, interesting business, action, thrillers and good reads. The list is short of classics, but everyone of these books will keep your Dad interested and listening.
The Big Short by Michael Lewis
This is for the business oriented Dad’s out there. Michael Lewis tells the fasinating story of how the banks, regulators, rating agencies and hedge funds caused the big Recession. I think everyone should listen to this book and you will have a much better understanding of who screwed up the world economy. Warning, you might be mad after listening to this book, but at least you’ll be mad at the right people.
The Gunslinger by Stephen King
This audiobook is for the Stephen King fan. It is the first book in King’s master series called The Dark Tower. The story is dark, troubling and well told. I really enjoy King’s work and the The Dark Tower is worth the the time and listening effort. This book is just the beginning, but it will get your Dad hooked on Stephen King.
This book was really compelling. In this true story, the WWII hero of the book goes through the unimaginable and survives, only to have to do it over and over again. You find yourself wondering how things can get worse and they do. But Louis Zamperini, remains resilient and unbroken, and ulitimately finds the peace of redemption. Well written, well read. At times it will break your heart, but it’s a story worth knowing.
Do The Work by Stephen Pressfield
This is for the creative Dad; the author, programmer or artist who must overcome the forces of resistence to find way to Do the Work. The book shows resistence for what it is, and provides inspiration to do battle with the Resistence Monster. It’s short, but really enjoyable.
What can I say? Did you see the movie? Now listen to the story, and your Dad will enjoy it all over again.
This is a big book and a big sci-fi, thriller story. The scientists have created something monsterous, man is almost wiped out and must fight to make a come back. The story line may seem familiar, but this is a really good telling of the story. I read this first as a book and enjoyed it so much I got the audiobook version to listen to the performance all over again.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
The first in a well written trio of books. Action, mystery and some wierd but interesting charactors. It’s a good audiobook for Dad’s that just need a fun escape from the real world.
This was the book that got me started on audiobooks. Dad’s who like facebook and action thrillers will enjoy this twist on a dangers and benefits of a networked world. It’s fun and there’s a sequel your Dad will want too.
Gladwell always finds a twist, something right there in plain site, but often unseen. In this book, Gladwell explores outliers in performance. Is there something that can explain why some people are just exceptional at some things? Gladwell does a nice job exploring the issue. I especially enjoyed the connections between when your kids are born and there chances of doing well in a particular sport depending on the cut off dates for different age groups.
Another one for the tech Dad. In The Plex goes undercover at Google. It explores what may be the most important company in the world and how it works. It reveals the unapologetic culture that has come to rule so much of the internet. You get to see Google turned inside out.
So there you have it, my list of audiobook recommendations for Father’s Day. Hope you find something great for your Dad.
