Audio Auras: Real Reflections
By Kristen Capano and Rebecca Scalese
This summer, the Audio Auras crew is taking a look in the mirror and doing a little reflecting. Oh and hi by the way, we’re three PRH Audio staffers who work behind the scenes coordinating audiobook productions, and who care deeply about nourishing your vibe. Our inspo for this season’s recommendations? Audiobook memoirs. There’s something about hearing an author tell their story in their own words that encourages us to shape our own experiences, and see ourselves reflected in the stories of others. In that spirit, we’re excited to share these real reflections with audio listeners everywhere!
Magical/Realism by Vanessa Angélica Villarreal
In Magical/Realism, Angélica Villarreal explores opposing concepts: creation and loss, beginnings and ends, borders and migration. She examines American pop culture, fantasy, and the imagination and uses them to reflect on her own personal experiences as a Mexican-American woman. Race, identity, gender, heritage are all examined in this collection, as well as how remembering and recollecting can become tools to combat intentional erasure.
Hear Vanessa Angélica Villarreal talk about recording her audiobook on our This Is the Author podcast.
Quietly Hostile by Samantha Irby
The word for Samantha Irby? RELATABLE. Despite her place at red carpet events and Hollywood premieres, Irby still engages her fans with down-to-earth, laugh-out-loud moments, heartfelt passages, and awkward experiences that listeners can connect to and see themselves in. In Quietly Hostile, Irby explores the behind the scenes realities of a semi-famous star just trying to live her best life.
Hear Samantha Irby talk about recording her audiobooks on our This Is the Author podcast.
Subculture Vulture by Moshe Kasher
In Subculture Vulture: A Memoir in Six Scenes, Kasher organizes his life into six categories: Alcoholics Anonymous, Hasidic Judaism, deafness and sign language interpreting, stand-up comedy, raves, and Burning Man. These distinct subcultures molded Kasher’s life and shaped him into the writer, comedian, husband, and man he grew up to become. While his particular experiences may be unique, listeners will find they are universal in their humor and complexity.
Hear Moshe Kasher talk about recording his audiobook on our This Is the Author podcast.
XOXO Cody by Cody Rigsby
Cody Rigsby is widely known as an effervescent Peloton instructor, and he feels like the best friend we all wish we had. For those of us who want another dose of Cody without signing up for a cycling class, XOXO, Cody explores the experiences, relationships, and life lessons that enabled him to be the unfiltered, confident person we see today. A reminder to be bold and be yourself, XOXO, Cody is just what you need when you’re looking for a little reassurance.
Hear Cody Rigsby talk about recording his audiobook on our This Is the Author podcast.
Bless the Blood by Walela Nehanda
When Walela Nehanda was diagnosed with advanced stage blood cancer, they were suddenly thrust into the unsympathetic world of tubes and pills, and hordes of “well-meaning” but patronizing people. But Walela’s diagnosis quickly becomes a catalyst for their self-actualization, and Bless the Blood is a reflective mirror that allows listeners to connect with their own hardships, and offers ways to overcome them.
Hear Walela Nehanda talk about recording their audiobook on our This Is the Author podcast.
