Greetings fellow Kos-listeners! As someone fairly active at a couple of online audiobook forums, it seems as though fiction gets the lion's share of attention. Not to say that there isn't a popular market for non-fiction, but it often seems … overlooked and under-appreciated to nerdy me. For those who've never tried listening to a non-fiction book, or have done so and regretted it (there are some real clunkers out there!) , I'm offering up this diary to help you ease into things with a few suggestions that should work out well as introductions. I do belong to Audible's monthly credits plan, although many libraries offer free downloadable books, as well as ones on CD's. Finally, I debated as to whether to include some memoirs (or more accurately “true life” stories) here, deciding in favor of doing so, although I realize they're a somewhat different experience. I've linked to the books' entries at Audible, though I believe they should be available through one's public library system. Over the squiggle and off we go …
Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea is probably the most “approachable” work of non-fiction that I've heard to date. Folks used to fiction will appreciate that the author did extensive interviews with escapees, but rather than present each story separately as a mini-memoir, she alternates them cliffhanger-style. None of the folks profiled ever thought they'd defect, so as each begins to seriously consider the idea, we switch to another person, etc. Sounds confusing, but builds tension in a highly effective manner. I'm fortunate enough to acquainted with Karen White, the incredibly talented narrator, who shared that she worked with a native Korean speaker to get the names and places down just right.
The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration I've selected as being of significant interest to Koslisteners, given the story of overcoming injustice. This time, we follow three African-American escapees from Jim Crow, from backgrounds under that awful system, to the decision to leave, and then their lives “outside” (which weren't all complete success stories). Robin Miles does an outstanding job narrating the material. As a Caucasian reader, I felt it made a difference hearing an African-American voice telling me the stories, rather than reading a printed page.
Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer might upset vegetarians here, and to be honest I had my doubts, but this story of raising animals (and produce!) from an apartment in Oakland is well worth a listen! There's very little having to do with harvesting animals, and a lot about living in Oakland in general. If you think you might like it, you will.
Death at the Priory: Love, Sex and Murder in Victorian England is a nonfiction work that should appeal to folks who enjoy historical fiction. A true story, highlighting the plight of Victorian chattel women.
As Texas Goes... How the Lone Star State Hijacked the American Agenda, Gail Collins' (lengthy essay really) on why "The Texas Experience" isn't exactly a model for the nation to follow, in spite of Rick Perry exhortations to the contrary. I offer it here as a suggestion owing to Collins' dry delivery, which keeps the dismal news from the Lone Star State from seeming one continuous downer; moreover, it's only six hours.
Here's hoping that some dedicated fiction readers out there are willing to consider some of the above recommendations. Nonfiction is a tricky thing, so I warn against tackling grand opuses as audiobooks without a very strong interest or background in the subject matter – tomes on the history of Christianity, as well as on the city of Jerusalem (over 30 hours each) caused my ears to glaze over after a while!
Thanks for reading, and I look forward to hearing of your audio experiences.