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I first learned about and immersed myself in all things Gypsy-Rose Blanchard after watching the Hulu series The Act. When I heard that Blanchard was writing a memoir where she wanted to set the record straight and take back her own story from Hollywood, I ran to my trusty Audible app to download the audio. In a raw and powerful narration, Blanchard recounts the abuse she endured through her mother’s Munchausen by proxy, taking an objective look at her childhood, the scams and lies she was forced into, the guilt she carries from her part in her mother’s death and the continuous healing journey she’s on. My Time to Stand gives listeners insight to Blanchard’s life, straight from the source, in a way no TV show could. And it isn’t just a memoir – it’s also a testament to resilience and a call for advocacy. —Patty R.
A master class in handling haters
There’s one thing in life that’s more sure than death and taxes, and that’s people getting in the way of your dreams. Thankfully, the latest audiobook from the bestselling author of The 5 Second Rule, Mel Robbins, promises to teach us how to reclaim our power from the naysayers, doubters and saboteurs using just two deceptively simple words: let them. Robbins's blend of relatable examples, scientific research and practical advice told through her signature down-to-earth storytelling makes this audiobook accessible and applicable for listeners from all walks of life. Whether you're seeking to improve your career, deepen your relationships or simply find more happiness in your daily life, The Let Them Theory offers valuable insights and tools that could make a real difference. —Rachael X.
Even though I don’t live in a co-op, I was thoroughly entertained by Lucas, the main character, and his building drama. So many incidents mirror what I’ve heard from friends living in a co-op. Although I don’t believe I’ve ever heard of the problem being a frying pan. Someone has (gasp!) left a frying pan in the wrong place, near the recycling room. Okay, one demerit for not putting it inside, but really? All the meetings and way too many absurd opinions provide lots of humour in this short story from bestselling author Fredrik Backman. Poor Lucas, all he wants to do is play his video games and eat his pad thai the way he likes it. The board even weighs in on that: extra peanuts or no peanuts. If you’re in the mood for a giggle, this is for you. It might not win you over to co-ops, but it will win you over. —Yvonne D.
It’s time for one part of the Stormlight Archive series to come to a close. We’ve had 269 published hours with Kaladin, Jasnah, Dalinar, Adolin and Shallan over the course of 14 years and five novels. While I’m a little teary-eyed saying goodbye to these beloved characters, I’ll just say this: I can only imagine what Sanderson has in store for us next. —Melissa B.
Heading into the holiday season, I’ve been on the hunt for a listen that could keep my festive spirits up while the barrage of errands, events and gift wrapping do their best to drain my energy. Enter Five Stolen Rings by Gracie Ruth Mitchell. This charming holiday romance is filled with so many tropes I love – second chances, childhood besties and even an air of mystery. Stella Partridge is unexpectedly back in her hometown, house-sitting in the days leading up to Christmas. One day there’s an attempted break-in, but the thief is her former best friend Jack Piorra, who swears there’s something in the house that belongs to him. Performed by Rylee Kuberra and John Rogers, I can’t wait to listen to Five Stolen Rings (as I shop for my four little boys, three best friends, two big sisters, all while I root for Ms. Partridge and Jack P 🎵. See what I did there?). —Katie O.
Guess who's back, back again? Jeff is back, tell a friend!
I’ve been craving another season of Alive & Well Enough since the moment I last heard Jeff’s voice, his soothing timbre that is both captivating and comforting, that could make a murder documentary sound like a bedtime story. He continues season 2 with new stories, new scene re-enactments and new songs that offer an entertaining look into his life and what goes on around him. With inside scoops on the audition process and the art of acting and writing, you’ll be fascinated by the behind-the-scenes insights even if you aren’t in the entertainment industry. So, whether you’re back for season 2 or visiting Jeff for the first time, you'll relish the wit. You'll relish his company. —Caitlyn L.
Before I dare say more about the strangest, sweetest Hanukkah story of the season, I first have to congratulate Beth Kander for coming up with the most incredible name imaginable for a handsome hunk of clay, Paul Mudd. Like all golem-related tales, this wacky debut novel – which came to be after the author won a Hanukkah-movie-pitch contest with her concept for a “Broad City meets Shaun of the Dead” rom-com – unfolds in unpredictable ways. Full of humour and hope while also grappling with themes of grief, I Made It Out of Clay offers a source of solace for the wide flurry of emotions stirred up throughout the holiday season. —Haley H.
Say No More is an absolutely fitting title for this Audible Original, because you won’t know what to say after listening. What are you to do when your mother is negligent and it drastically affects your little sister? This is the question our main character, Maureen, asks herself every day while trying to navigate life, be accountable and move past the traumatic events that continue to lead her sister down a path of chaos. From unstable family dynamics to self-love and boundaries, author Caroline Overington does not flinch from looking at the harsh realities of family ties and family lies. And Maureen learns that we are all shaped by our childhoods, but that life, at the end of the day, is a product of the choices we make as adults. Anna Skellern drives it home with a pitch-perfect performance. There is not much to say after listening to Say No More – I’m literally speechless. —Disha M.
Go on a nostalgic journey to solve a mystery
While undeniably heart-wrenching (I was brought to tears more than once), this dual-timeline mystery is also full of warmth, suspense and more than a few laughs. The story includes a nostalgic yet unsentimental backdrop that reflects the LGBTQIA+ experience of the 1980s, and it comes with a full ’80s playlist woven into the narrative. Themes of acceptance, friendship and forgiveness are brilliantly explored as we journey with Billy to the past, and back to the present, eager to find out what really happened to his love, Conor, who disappeared so many years ago. I will not soon forget these characters, who are beautifully rendered in the narration of author Neil Alexander, along with Patrick Moy and Ruairi Conaghan. —Tricia F.
Add “funwork” to your vocabulary
Australian musician and bestselling author Clare Bowditch has wowed thousands of fans with her creative talents. In her latest Audible Original, Find Your Creative Courage, Bowditch imparts her hard-won insights into the creative process to listeners who are looking to amp up their bravery, tune into their artsy side and belt out how much fun they’re having, all in pursuit of personal fulfillment. In each example-packed chapter, Bowditch shares a new way to live the imaginative life you’ve dreamed of, and dares you to dream further still. Plus, check out my interview with Clare to hear more about the inspiration behind her audiobook. —R.X.
From the moment I saw the cast of Know Your Newlywed by Heather Taylor and Hillary Nussbaum, produced by New York Times bestselling author Elena Armas, I knew it was going to be a great experience – and I was not wrong. Cleo, a Boston researcher, and Javi, a Chicago marketing manager, meet on a dating app and bond over their love of the retro game show Know Your Newlywed. When the show announces a reboot, they pretend to be newlyweds – and quickly become fan favourites. From the moment they meet, their chemistry is electric, even if they’re the last to realize it. Mary Mouser as Cleo and Tyler Posey as Javi are perfectly cast (the entire cast is terrific), and the immersive sound effects make you feel like you’re right there watching Cleo and Javi fall in love. I know it won't be long until I give Know Your Newlywed another listen, just so that I can experience this gem all over again. —P.R.
Art inspires life, with terrifying consequences
For listeners like myself, who enjoy a suspenseful crime thriller during the holidays, Pip Drysdale’s The Close-Up is a riveting exploration of ambition, obsession and the precarious allure of fame. Zoe’s journey – from a failed novelist working in a flower shop to a viral sensation caught in a media frenzy – feels both relatable and suspenseful, capturing the desperation of chasing artistic dreams while navigating the fickle nature of celebrity. The story takes a dark turn when Zoe’s novel finds unexpected success and its plot becomes a dangerous blueprint for a stalker’s deadly obsession. The Close-Up is both a cautionary tale and a gripping mystery that will keep you guessing long after the final twist. —Dawn G.
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