LISTEN: Library Love from Authors in the Audio Studio: Ruta Sepetys, Aurora James, Najwa Zebian, Christian Cooper, & more!

By Jennifer Rubins | September 13 2023 | Audiobook NewsFrom the Author

Celebrate September is Library Card Sign-up Month by listening to these heartfelt, happiness-inducing, and at times hilarious (have you ever checked out a fox from the library?) sentiments from authors who took time out of their recent audiobook recording sessions to share why they love libraries. From praising Brooklyn Public Library’s Books Unbanned program, to recalling a childhood haven affected by Hurricane Katrina, to relishing peace, quiet, and the company of great authors—or fellow writers, each ode to libraries in this special episode of PRH Audio’s This is the Author podcast is sure to spark familiar flames of gratitude in your own hearts. Listen below!
♥ Thank you to librarians and libraries everywhere! ♥

Hear these authors narrate their work in these audiobooks:

A Writer's Guide to Craft Through Memory

Read by the Author

“In an upbeat conversational tone, she encourages listeners to plumb their own lives for writing inspiration. . . You may want to take notes or grab a print copy to work on her many prompts, but it is the audio version that will inspire you. If you’re a writer (or want to be), listen up!”—AudioFile


A Memoir

Read by the Author

“James’ charming voice is consistently passionate, and listeners will be captivated as she discusses her challenges, decisions, and compelling perseverance.”—Booklist starred audio review


An Altar Call for Evangelical America

Read by the Author

“Russell Moore’s gentle, courageous voice has a way of cutting through the clamor of the age, right down to the marrow of what matters. . .” —Andrew Peterson, singer/songwriter


My Unlikely Journey from the Street to the Stars

Read by Hakeem Oluseyi

“Oluseyi’s unflinching honesty and love of science, and the ever-present threat of a tragic end, will keep readers riveted. Each short chapter tells a full story in lively prose, making this account ideal for its intended audience.”—Booklist starred review

Age 12 and up

A novel

Read by the Author

“Listeners experience the characters’ love, pain, humor, and the moments of frustration that ease into patience and acceptance of their challenges and differences. The Hurricane Maria chapters and a reflective epilogue are particularly affecting in Santiago’s voice.”—Booklist


Guidance, Meditations, and Exercises to Help You Live Authentically

Read by Najwa Zebian, Catherine Ho, Dani Martineck, Musu-Kulla Massaquoi, Gilli Messer, Lee Osorio, and Victoria Villarreal

“Listeners will likely replay, press pause, and take notes as they listen to this audio-original and become enlightened by the conversation.”—Booklist starred audio review


The Making of Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska

Read by the Author

“Zanes traces how the album’s punk rock spirit pushed back against the industry’s preferred polished sound to become a chart-topping success, and delivers the narrative in energetic prose that makes his enthusiasm for his subject palpable. Rock ’n’ roll fans will want to crank this up to 11.”—Publishers Weekly


Journeys to the Depths of the Ocean

Read by the Author

“Readers will be thrilled by the author’s descriptions of truly bizarre sights and creatures as well as dazzling archaeological treasures. . .  Space exploration gets the headlines, but Casey makes a convincing case that the deep ocean is more interesting.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review


The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them

Read by the Author

“There’s a reason why Timothy Egan is a Pulitzer-Prize-winning reporter and author of numerous bestsellers. . . Egan brings his rigorous journalistic chops to this fascinating story. . . It is an important listen that informs and engages.”—AudioFile


Notes from a Black Man in the Natural World

Read by the Author

“Listening to this compelling memoir, narrated in Cooper’s gently raspy voice, we learn much more about him. . . With his well-paced delivery, Cooper takes us along on adventures near and far, from growing up on Long Island to birding obsessively during the spring migration and eventually traveling the world. Birdsong between chapters is a delightful bonus.”—AudioFile


Read by the Author

“Torrey Maldonado’s voice is perfectly pitched for Trev, a promising Black 12-year-old who is dealing with family and community violence. . . Use of vernacular language and Trev’s differing modes of communicating give this audiobook a tone of authenticity.”—AudioFile

Age 10 and up