Audio Book Recommendations by Christy

 

            I didn’t start listening to audio books until I was in my 30s, and I’m kicking myself that I waited that long. I still read traditional books but for some genres (specifically non-fiction), I prefer the audio medium now. Listening to audio books has almost doubled my yearly reading count, and opened up a new world of content for me. Here are a few of my favorite audio books that I highly recommend.

I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend by Martin Short

            This book is what got me into audio books. I checked it out on a whim after seeing a few glowing reviews pop up on Good Reads. I liked Martin Short just fine but never really gave him a second thought. This book made me love him and appreciate his talents. He does silly voices and sings songs but he’s also clearly grateful for his friends, family, and the life he leads. He also tenderly remembers loved ones who have passed, and it’s hard not to feel his grief along with him. A well-rounded and charming memoir.

 

True Crime from Texas Monthly

            A collection of five articles from Texas Monthly, this audio book is perfect for true crime fans who may not be in the mood to commit to one story. As someone who seeks out in depth, true crime articles, Texas Monthly always seems to deliver, and this audio book is further proof of that. Whether you want to hear about a woman who robbed banks for years dressed as a man or a mother who plotted murder to secure her daughter’s spot on a cheerleading squad, there’s something here for everyone.

 

Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

            This is a great, quick listen that you could probably finish up while wrapping Christmas presents. I hadn’t read this book since elementary school but it’s still as charming as ever. Elaine Stritch does a fantastic job narrating, and she sounds like she’s enjoying herself too. A delightful way to kick off the holiday season!

Family Christmas Traditions Old and New

Reported by Christy H.:

Old Traditions

Ever since my mother was a small child her family has been hiring someone to play “Santa” for the children on Christmas Eve during our annual family dinner/reunion. The earliest incarnation of which was adorably kitsch with a felt beard.

Through the years each Santa would gather the children around and re-tell the story of the first Christmas. He told it by memory but the library offers many versions for those who are inclined. (Father and Son: A Nativity Story, Spirit Child: a Story of the Nativity, An Angel Came to Nazareth, One Winter’s Night, etc.) Then he would hand out the presents!

Santa’s gifts aren’t just for the kids though. Car keys have been brought for the teens, house warming gifts for the newlyweds, etc. But surprisingly, no engagement rings? (In 50 years, how has no one thought of this??)* But I digress. Despite the lack of Big Proposals to squeal over, it remains one of my favorite traditions and one that I look forward to each year. 

And New

Last year, my mother bought my father, my sister, and me a “Christmas Eve box” to open after we got home from our family dinner. Each box included pajamas, candy, popcorn, hot cocoa, and a couple of Christmas themed DVDs. (I got Frosty the Snowman!) To be honest, I’m not entirely sure if this counts as tradition as I don’t know if this is something she plans to do each year. But I would love it! Although, I’d probably run out of room for all those pajamas pretty quickly.

The last couple of weeks I’ve been pining for a cheesy Christmas novel. I finally settled on Lakeshore Christmas by Susan Wiggs. Not sure how I feel about it yet; it might be too cheesy even for my tastes. But the main character is a librarian which is fun. As far as other books go I’d like to start incorporating a few children’s books into our Christmas Eve festivities. My favorite as a child was The Biggest, Most Beautiful Christmas Tree by Amye Rosenberg. Even as an adult the illustrations are still my favorite part. There’s so much going on in each picture I feel like I find something new every time. I’d also like to revisit The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson. I haven’t read it in YEARS. The TV movie is also available in full on YouTube so I know what I’m watching this week!

*After writing a rough draft, I double checked with my mother about proposals. Funnily enough, this year my cousin was planning to propose via Santa but his future mother-in-law spilled the beans!