If you are anything like me, you are both interested in learning more about nonfiction topics (space, the Amarna period, Victorian curios, the usual) but ALSO sometimes have trouble finding the energy to tackle anything too mentally taxing when you finally have some downtime. If I could just absorb that information through osmosis, maybe just take a nap on a pile of books and wake up an amateur expert on shoemaking, that would truly be ideal. However, neither technology nor wishing really hard has made that an option just yet. So, I do the next best thing: listen to nonfiction audiobooks.  

There is also a distinct possibility that you are not like me, as we are all unique humans, and there are other barriers to reading physical copies of non-fiction books that might be more relevant to you. Some people have difficulty concentrating or have barriers like dyslexia that make it functionally difficult to read these books. Maybe there are other tasks that need to be accomplished, so you don’t have the time to sit down and read a book. The topic is one you need to rather than want to learn about, so it’s difficult to push through the reading. The list goes on. I would advocate that as long as there are available titles, though, the solution can still be the same: nonfiction. audiobooks.  

This way, someone else just reads the information to you. You can listen to them while driving or working on other tasks, and you don’t have to worry as much about your eyes glazing over. True, you can’t nap while listening to absorb the knowledge, but you can certainly just lounge and maybe do some crafting.  

Also, the topics are endless! History, science, memoir, biography, social commentary, how-to and self help, true crime – all of the same kinds of nonfiction you could find on the library shelves can also be found in audiobook formats. The library has a plethora of options in its collection. There are both physical CD audiobooks you can pick up from your local branch in the form of CDs and occasionally Playaways, as well as digital versions through Libby/Overdrive, a downloadable library app. 

If you don’t know where to start, here are some highly rated suggestions to begin your nonfiction audiobook experience. There are a couple suggestions that are only available as e-audiobooks through Libby/Overdrive or just as CD audiobooks, but most can be found in both formats. 

• The Anthropocene reviewed by John Green 

• Taste by Stanly Tucci 

• Dark archives by Megan Rosenbloom 

• Packing for Mars by Mary Roach 

• Hidden figures by Margot Lee Shetterly  

• Educated  by Tara Westover 

• Talking to Strangers  by Malcolm Gladwell 

• Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari 

• The body a guide for occupants by Bill Bryson 

• Lost city of the monkey god by Douglas J. Preston 

There’s so much information out there and nonfiction audiobooks are an enjoyable and convenient way to learn more about the things we want to know. Download one today or ask a staff member at your library branch to help you find what you’re looking for. Happy exploring!