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Now is the perfect time to catch up on new literature or expand the mind learning something new. Here is a selection of our favourite Audible books and podcasts we’ve been listening to recently. Some are very new and others are goody oldies- hopefully, there will be something of interest for everyone!
On the occasion that you are feeling a little sorry for yourself, which we are all guilty of doing especially these days, we recommend listening to The Salt Path. A middle aged couple become homeless and decide to walk 630 miles of the South West coastal path. Their story is one of courage and resilience in a time of utter despair. It is an uplifting and positive inspiration to us all at this time and shows the true healing power of nature. The landscape feels like a character in itself and the depictions of nature will leave you planning your own walks along this coastline once we are all able to go out again.
Listen to it here
A hilarious telling of comedian Tina Fey’s life to date. With unrelenting wit and self deprecating humour, Fey tells all in a series of essays that jump from her awkwardly funny early years, to weird and wonderful anecdotes from her career on Saturday Night live to her experiences in love and marriage. Read this when you need cheering up and are looking for laugh out loud genius!
Listen to it here
A love letter to her native Chile, this historical fiction, tells a story spanning decades as a group flees the Spanish Civil war for Chile on a boat chartered by the poet, Pablo Neruda. We follow along with the characters as they experience the trials of a forced departure from their homes to a life in a new land, where old and new cultures clash. The proof of Allende’s skill is in her masterful depiction of our humanity- describing moments of tenderness, love and connection against such a stark and desperate backdrop.
Listen to it here
With worldwide renown, Brene Brown’s books on embracing vulnerability and imperfection are a beam of light for our times. With all the uncertainty in the world at the moment, listening to her explain the need to be courageous is so apt for this difficult period we are going through. It can be easy to hide from our emotions, or feel shame when feeling anxiety and worry, especially when others may seem much worse off. However, listening to this book, Brene Brown tells us in her reassuring Texan drawl, that nothing is more human than to be ‘all up in your feelings’ and by daring to communicate where we are at, we become more open to an infinite power to feel empathy for others and to be gentle with ourselves.
Listen to it here
When a great classic of literature like Sherlock Holmes is paired with the excellent Stephen Fry’s rich and mellow narration you have a truly exquisite pairing. Fry brings Holmes and Watson to life in all their essence and we highly recommend this book to both the devout Sherlock Holmes fans and also to those dabbling for the first time into the books. Either way it is a treat to follow along this classic British detective story.
Listen to it here
If you are new to the world of podcasts, then we recommend podcast Hall of Fame, This American Life. Each week the podcast brings a range of stories around a certain theme from politics, history, comedy to our favourite, the everyday human experience. It is in this last area that the podcast really shines when a very normal and seemingly not that interesting topic can take up a life of its own and pull you under its spell. It is the very normal element of the storyline that often has the biggest draw, making it so relatable and fun to listen to. This is an easy podcast to become addicted to!
Listen to it here
As we live through our own crisis, some among us may wish to fulfill a dark, morbid desire to learn more about catastrophes through the centuries (as evident by the huge rise in viewings of disaster related shows on Netflix) Enter, The Alarmist. A podcast that looks at disasters and catastrophes through a lighthearted, comedic lens, as they happened through the years and tries to pinpoint the cause and who might be to blame. Told with lashes of humour, this is the perfect listening when things are all getting a bit overwhelming and too serious.
Listen to it here
This one may be a surprise choice, but there is so much of interest on this podcast that is relevant far beyond mums to be. Hosted by the gentle and soothing voice of Sophie Walker, each week she invites a guest to speak about her experience of pregnancy and birth. Far from the typical scenes of birth in movies, the episodes delve into the very different journeys that women have in bringing life into the world. Part educational (you will leave armed with a suitcase of birth related trivia), but also part inspirational. Aside from the obvious physical aspect of birth, the podcast explores the mental fortitude that women display as they venture into birth and the relationships that they depend on to get through this life altering event. It is fascinating and empowering listen but also a testament to human will and spirit.
Listen to it here
This one is a British treasure with episodes going back on Radio 4 since, 1942. The premise is simple, each week guests are castaway to a Desert island and they must choose 8 songs, a book and a luxury item to take with them. Since the show became a podcast, we have the opportunity to dive into the archive, listening as guests from a variety of backgrounds from politics to theatre, science and philosophy, discuss their lives and the music which has shaped them. Despite lots of episodes to listen, the true magic of the show is its ability to continue to remain fresh and engaging every time!
Listen to it here
If you love a true crime story, then this is the one for you! The series follows the disappearance of a woman in Australia in 1982, whose husband seems more and more suspicious as time passes (his young lover for instance moves into the family home right after the disappearance!). The storytelling unfolds in an enthralling way, as episode by episode new information pertaining to the case is appearing in real time (from the audience no less) that brings more twists and turns to the case. A captivating one to listen to!
Listen to it here
This post is part of a Les 100 Ciels blog series titled, Life Indoors. Each week we will be posting on a range of topics to inspire you as you carry on your life from indoors. With the Covid-19 virus spreading around the world, the vast majority of us will be living vastly quieter lives and it is clear that now more than ever before, the importance of focusing on our shared humanity and community is integral. We are committed to continue to engage and support our community. If there is any topic you’d like us to write about, do get in touch and we’ll include it on our blog if we can. With love, The Les 100 Ciels Team
