If you haven’t hopped on the audio book band wagon yet, then that means you’ve never had Stephen Fry’s dulcet tones reading Harry Potter to you, which basically means that you’re not reaching your happiness potential.
However, audio books aren’t just wizards, yule balls and quidditch. There are a tonne of non-fiction audio books out there that span a range of self help topics and will help you tap into what you really want out of life, your passions, and how to make it happen. (And become a poet. Without even knowing it. Ok we’ll stop.)
Here are 5 audio books that will change your life on the morning commute.
1) Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert
If you’re a creative, looking to tap back into your creative side, seeking ways to lead a more creative life or if you’re just sick of hearing me use the word creative, you need to read this book. Author of Eat, Pray, Love (which is a staple read for anyone with…well actually, just anyone at all) Elizabeth Gilbert shares her wisdom and unique perception of chasing dreams in this exceptional, curiosity-piquing exploration of creativity.
Gilbert is un-preachy, un-pretentious and her voice is a total dream to listen to.
2) The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin
If you’re looking to live your life with more positivity and acknowledgement of the little joys, this a must-listen. After a full-blown epiphany onboard a bus one day (hey – I did say these books could be transformative for your commute!), Rubin realised that “the days are long, but the years are short. Time is passing and I’m not focusing enough on the things that really matter.”
Sound familiar? The Happiness Project is an actionable guide on how to make the most out of every day. We’re (literally) all ears.
3) The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself, Michael A. Singer
Penned by ultra-inspiring spiritual teacher Michael Singer, this audiobook is about getting conscious in the present moment, and using that as a key to true happiness. It encourages yoga and meditation as a method of getting in touch with the person that you are, and insists that the first step is simply realising that you are in there. You are conscious and you are experiencing what it is to be human.
4) Nice Girls Don’t Get The Corner Office, Lois P. Frankel
A non-negotiable listen for career-focused girls, this book offers a crash course on how to navigate the corporate world as a woman. In it, the author reveals a distinct set of behaviours that women learn in girlhood and ultimately work to unconsciously sabotage them as adults.
Give it a listen, then go get ’em, girlfriend.
5) Fight Like A Girl, Clementine Ford
If you’re interested in finding out more about feminism and the feminist movement, this book is the answer to all of your questions. Spoken in a super-engaging and up-front way, Ford explores what it is to be a woman in today’s society, how traditional feminism is getting it wrong and the knowledge that we, as women, should be arming ourselves with as we ride into battle against inequality.
Inspired to do more of this reading-with-your-ears thing? Check out these five podcasts that will make your commute more bearable.