Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine

This portrait of Holocaust survivor Ludwig Sokolov, based on his own account revealed to the author, becomes a mesmerizing account for listeners. Sokolov was sent to Auschwitz in 1942 and assigned the role of tattooing Jewish prisoners.

This extraordinary collaboration between Booker Prize-winning novelist Pat Barker and two superb narrators reimagines the passionate, bloody, mythic Trojan War of Homer’s ILIAD, including the mighty and petty human drama of Troy’s siege.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.