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Audiobooks to make spring cleaning fun
Multitasking while organizing and cleaning is what these books are all about.
Published on April 19, 2024
The Three-Body Problem
Cixin LiuStarting in 1967 but spanning decades, Liu’s Hugo-winning trilogy opener blends sci-fi, mystery, and political commentary. The tightly wound plot covers everything from alien invasion to China’s Cultural Revolution in a labyrinth of shocking reveals. The Netflix adaptation stars Benedict Wong, Eiza Gonzalez, Jovan Adepo, and Rosalind Chao, who narrates this edition of the audiobook.
The Coworker
Freida McFaddenNothing like a thriller to make time dusting your bookshelves fly by. When Dawn, a socially inept accountant, fails to show up for work one morning, her colleague Natalie, a pretty and popular sales rep, is worried. A disturbing phone call sends Natalie on a mission to find out what happened to Dawn and why. Told in dual perspectives with unreliable narrators, “The Coworker” is a page-turning thriller with a shocking twist.
The Storm We Made: A Novel
Vanessa ChanIn the years preceding World War II, Cecily Alcantara is taken with the idea of building an “Asia for Asians,” and begins spying for the Japanese to usurp British rule over her home country of Malaya (now Malaysia). A decade later, the fallout of her choices has devastating consequences — not just for the nation, but within her very family. Chan’s historical fiction offers richly drawn, morally complex characters while exploring the generational traumas of war and occupation.
Expiration Dates: A Novel
Rebecca SerleDaphne Bell knows exactly how long her relationships will last. When she meets a new man, she receives a postcard listing the number of days they’ll be together — and these cards are never wrong. So when Daphne meets Jake and receives a blank card, the truth seems obvious: He’s the one. Isn’t he? Serle, who brought us bestsellers like “In Five Years” and “One Italian Summer,” pens another moving story that questions fate versus free will. Listen while getting rid of expired food in your pantry (or whenever really, because it’s very good!).
Anita de Monte Laughs Last: Reese's Book Club Pick (A Novel)
Xochitl GonzalezGonzalez follows up her lauded “Olga Dies Dreaming” with this novel inspired by the true story of late artist Ana Mendieta. In 1985, up-and-coming artist Anita de Monte dies after falling 33 stories from the apartment she shares with her husband, an established white artist. Over a decade later, an art history student stumbles upon Anita’s story and is determined to find out more, especially as her own life starts to mirror Anita’s. Commentary on classism, racism, and sexism in the art world makes this whip-smart tale even more cutting.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Benjamin Alire Sáenz“Hamilton”’s Lin-Manuel Miranda’s irresistible narration of Sáenz’s stunning novel about young love will lift your mood as you scrub, tidy, and organize. Despite being complete opposites, teens Aristotle and Dante strike up an instant friendship as they confront the challenges of family, culture, and sexuality. If your spring cleaning to-do list is long, there’s always the sequel, “Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World,” also narrated by Miranda.
The Familiar: A Novel
Leigh BardugoBardugo, the author behind the beloved Grishaverse (which spans many series, including “Shadow and Bone” and “Six of Crows”), delivers an adult historical fantasy inspired by her own ancestors. When influential people discover Luzia Cotado, a lowly kitchen servant, has magical powers, she suddenly has to navigate court intrigue and shifting loyalties. There’s also training under an immortal familiar (who may become something more than a friend) — all while hiding her Jewish heritage.
Fourth Wing
Rebecca YarrosIn this chart-topping, blockbuster fantasy romance, Violet, the bookish daughter of a formidable mother, must put aside her fear to become a dragon rider. But first, she has to graduate (read: survive) the brutal Basgiath War College, where everyone and everything seems out to kill her. Besides the riveting action and romance, this story has also gained immense appreciation for its treatment of chronic illness. Yarros, who has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, drew inspiration from her own life to create Violet’s character.
It Ends with Us
Colleen HooverIf you haven’t had a chance to listen to Hoover’s most popular book, spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity. In many ways, this seems like your stereotypical sexy romance novel: Protagonist Lily Bloom must choose between a hot doctor named Ryle and her first love, Atlas. But the story shines above the rest for its authentic and poignant portrayal of cycles of abuse. “It Ends With Us” consistently tops the bestseller lists.
The House of Hidden Meanings: A Memoir
RuPaul“Your vulnerability is where your real power is,” says RuPaul to Vogue when discussing his purpose and process behind this moving memoir. Get to know the Queen of Drag as he was: Young, queer, and Black while navigating family strife in San Diego, coming-of-age in Atlanta, and spending early adulthood in New York City. This story peels back the layers on a cultural icon to celebrate found family and self acceptance.
Good Girls Don't
Mara WilsonGood girls don’t talk back. Good girls don’t disobey their parents. Good girls don’t disappoint their fans. Writer and former child actor Wilson (“Matilda,” “Mrs. Doubtfire”) opens up about her struggle with the pressure to please other people while growing up in the spotlight on set and dealing with the turmoil of her mother’s death. This memoir is candid, humble, and above all, painfully relatable.
A Court of Thorns and Roses
Sarah J. MaasAnother #BookTok sensation, Maas’ wildly addictive novel takes themes from “Beauty and the Beast” and twists them into something entirely new and unexpected. Feyre is a huntress, but when she kills the wrong wolf, she is taken from her family and into the fae realm to pay the price. Only, the fae have secrets and problems of their own. Complete with curses, wicked rulers, dangerous bargains, and monsters, this story explores just how much one will sacrifice for love.
Daughter of the Moon Goddess: A Novel
Sue Lynn TanAs you dust and sweep, allow yourself to be whisked away to a beautiful world full of mythological creatures and magic. Xingyin attempts to free her imprisoned mother, the moon goddess, and is forced to choose between family and the fate of the world. A fresh imagining of Chinese folklore, Tan’s epic adventure and coming-of-age tale leaves fantasy lovers eager to dive into the sequel, “Heart of the Sun Warrior.”
Burn Book: A Tech Love Story
Kara SwisherFor as long as tech billionaires have been disrupting our world (for better or worse), journalist Swisher has been chronicling and commentating on their every move. “Burn Book” spills the tea on Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and the like, but it also explores how tech has evolved, the failed promises of its leaders, and the dangers of unchecked innovation. Despite her warnings, Swisher remains positive about technology (or at least its potential) in this highly readable account.
Land of Delusion: Out on the edge with the crackpots and conspiracy-mongers remaking our shared reality
Land of Delusion: Out on the edge with the crackpots and conspiracy-mongers remaking our shared reality
Colin DickeyIn the recesses of Reddit and other online forums, ordinary people discuss extraordinary conspiracy theories that are increasingly becoming mainstream and affecting global politics. With both urgency and understanding, Dickey gets to the heart of what makes once-radical alternate histories appealing.
The Song of Achilles: A Novel
Madeline MillerAn epic cleaning session deserves an equally epic story. This imaginative and modern reinvention of a classic is a transporting foray into Ancient Greece that will satisfy lovers of literature and poetry alike — and makes the time fly while you get things done around the house.
Sadie: A Novel
Courtney SummersSadie has a stutter, a switchblade, and a will of steel. She’s declared missing after she embarks on a journey to find her sister’s killer, and a radio personality picks up her trail to create a popular podcast called “The Girls.” With a full cast narration, this Edgar Award-winning thriller is reminiscent of the Golden Age of Radio. As you’re caught up in the story’s twists and turns, don’t be surprised if your chores fly by.
Welcome to Night Vale
312 podcast episodes
Welcome to Night Vale
312 podcast episodesWelcome to Night Vale, a small desert town where strange things happen. This fiction podcast delivers bi-monthly episodes that masquerade as local weather, news, and other announcements from the town sheriff. It’s “what might occur if Stephen King or David Lynch was a guest producer at your local public radio station,” says the New York Times.
The Paris Apartment: A Novel
Lucy FoleyWhen Jess Hadley’s brother goes missing, she asks the tenants of his once-elegant, now-creepy apartment building about his whereabouts. Each one deflects her questions, and Jess soon finds out the residents share a dark secret. It may be hard to focus on your chores during an exciting thrill ride through Paris, but any slowed progress is worth it for this novel’s big reveal.
Organizing for the Rest of Us: 100 Realistic Strategies to Keep Any House Under Control
Organizing for the Rest of Us: 100 Realistic Strategies to Keep Any House Under Control
Dana K. WhiteIf you dread spring cleaning every year, White offers low-pressure and unconventional organizing advice — with enough encouragement to act on it. This audiobook, written for non-Type A’s, proves that decluttering can be easier than you think, and once you overcome that mental block, it’ll reward you with peace of mind (and a lovely home).
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
Marie KondoIt’s a classic for a reason: Japanese cleaning consultant Kondo’s book on her KonMari Method — which involves clearing and organizing your items by category — sheds light on so much more than spring cleaning. This is definitely worth a listen, even if you already watched the TV adaptation, “Tidying Up With Marie Kondo,” on Netflix.
The Essential Habits of Conscious Consumers: A Guide to Wise and Sustainable Consumption
The Essential Habits of Conscious Consumers: A Guide to Wise and Sustainable Consumption
Stephanie Marie SeferianLots of clutter makes cleaning your home extra challenging, but you can streamline your life with the help of this “Scribd Coach” audiobook. Seferian, host of “The Sustainable Minimalists” podcast, shares her passion for mindful consumption in a way that’s inspiring, empowering, and empathetic.
Finding Me: A Memoir
Viola Davis“It’s an eenie, meenie, miny, mo game of luck, relationships, chance, how long you’ve been out there, and sometimes talent,” says Davis when describing her professional triumphs. This emotional memoir chronicling her journey from growing up in a rat-infested apartment to Julliard and beyond is an uplifting story of hard work and dedication. Davis won the 2023 Grammy Award for Best Audiobook, Narration, and Storytelling Recording for this title, securing the elusive EGOT status (for those who’ve won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, AND Tony).
High School
Sara QuinIndie pop favorites, LGBTQ+ icons, and twins Tegan and Sara open up in this revealing autobiography about their tumultuous high school years full of sibling squabbles, sexual discovery, and songwriting. The audiobook is especially entertaining while spring cleaning, as it features recordings of the sisters’ earliest music.
I'm Glad My Mom Died
Jennette McCurdyMcCurdy is an actress best known for playing Sam on the Nickelodeon sitcom “iCarly.” Her writing debut is an honest memoir of child stardom under the control of an abusive mother. It includes heavy themes, such as disordered eating, so some may wonder if it’s too dark a listen for spring cleaning. But McCurdy infuses humor and redemption into her coming-of-age story, and the tone is ultimately one of hope and resilience.
All Systems Red [Dramatized Adaptation]: The Murderbot Diaries 1
Martha WellsThis is the Hugo Award-winning novella that kicks off the beloved “Murderbot Diaries” series. It’s a fun, fast-paced read full of dry humor that’s balanced by a poignant examination of the ethics of artificial intelligence. The GraphicAudio version features a full cast for a truly immersive experience.