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Nonfiction

Nonfiction Audiobooks Read By Their Authors

This week's new nonfiction releases, plus a pair of excellent nonfiction audiobooks performed by the writers.

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Kendra Winchester

Contributing Editor

Kendra Winchester is a Contributing Editor for Book Riot where she writes about audiobooks and disability literature. She is also the Founder of Read Appalachia, which celebrates Appalachian literature and writing. Previously, Kendra co-founded and served as Executive Director for Reading Women, a podcast that gained an international following over its six-season run. In her off hours, you can find her writing on her Substack, Winchester Ave, and posting photos of her Corgis on Instagram and Twitter @kdwinchester.

View All posts by Kendra Winchester

Did you know that June is audiobook month? I’m a huge audiobook fan. There’s just something magical about listening to something read to you. My favorite audiobooks are those where the author has the performance skills to read their own book. So today, I’m sharing two audiobooks written and read by their authors.

But first, it’s time for bookish goods!

Bookish Goods

a photo of a mug that says, "Earbus In. World out. Audiobook on.

Audiobook Mug by AudiobookAddicts

Since we’re talking about audiobooks this week, I thought this mug was perfect! I love a perfect accessory to show off my audiobook love. $10

New Books

a graphic of the cover of Woman of Interest: A Memoir by Tracy O'Neill

Woman of Interest: A Memoir by Tracy O’Neill

In 2020, Tracy O’Neill learned that her biological mother might be dying in South Korea. O’Neill hires a private investigator, only to have him ghost her. Picking up the pieces herself, O’Neill becomes determined to find the mother she’s never met.

a graphic of the cover of At the Edge of Empire: A Family's Reckoning with China by Edward Wong

At the Edge of Empire: A Family’s Reckoning with China by Edward Wong

The former Beijing bureau chief of The New York Times shares the story of his family’s flight from China to Hong Kong and his eventual return. Weaving together China’s complex history and his family’s story, Wong reckons with his past and how that now impacts his life now.

Riot Recommendations

a graphic of the cover of Making a Scene Constanct Wu

Making a Scene by Constance Wu

Fresh Off the Boat and Crazy Rich Asians star Constance Wu went viral when she tweeted that she was disappointed that Fresh Off the Boat was renewed for a sixth season. After receiving such intense backlash, Wu left social media, and her mental health began to spiral. She ended up entering a mental health facility for depression and suicidal ideation. Now, she’s returned to the public eye with this new collection of essays. Wu writes about her life as the daughter of Taiwanese immigrants living in Richmond, Virginia. Wu performs her memoir as an audiobook, creating that perfect pairing when a writer performs their own work.

a graphic of the cover of Tiny Beauiful Things

Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed

If you have a reader in your life who enjoys self-help, memoirs, or essays, then this is the book you need. Over 10 years ago, Cheryl Strayed started writing  Dear Sugar, an advice column on The Rumpus. Now, she has a new 10th-anniversary edition that includes extra columns she’s written on her new Substack.

Tiny Beautiful Things is the perfect gift that allows readers to dip in and out of the different columns, travel, or as a wind down before bed. Plus, Cheryl Strayed reads the audiobook edition, which gives listeners an intimate performance of her columns.

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You can find me over on my substack Winchester Ave, over on Instagram @kdwinchester, on TikTok @kendrawinchester, or on my podcast Read Appalachia. As always, feel free to drop me a line at kendra.d.winchester@gmail.com. For even MORE bookish content, you can find my articles over on Book Riot.

Happy reading, Friends!

~ Kendra