Nerd Out With Quirky Histories, Niche Topics, and Offbeat Non-Fiction on Audio
If you feel like your brain is on a slow drip out your left ear, you’re not alone. The demands on adult attention are extreme, and it may feel like the last thing there’s time for is a social history of collectors and collecting, a dip into the wierdness of the British monarchy, or tapping into your inner goth (looking at you, Obitchuary). And yet, here come these delightful audiobooks, packed with more fun facts than you can lob at a cocktail party conversation. So maybe we all give Reddit a break and take our adult self back to school with one of these puppies? See you in class.
A Noble Madness by James Delbourgo
We all collect something, don’t we? (That doesn’t sound creepy at all). Read by the author, A Noble Madness is a captivating history of obsessive collectors and hoarders from ancient looters to 20th century decadents. Get ready to sit back and resonate with your own very special “madness.”
Unruly by David Mitchell
Written and read by British comedian David Mitchell, this rollicking and hilarious history of England’s kings and queens (from Arthur to Elizabeth I), is a tale of power, glory, and excessive beheadings not to be missed.
Obitchuary by Spencer Henry and Madison Reyes
Based on the popular podcast, Obitchuary: The Big Hot Book of Death is a smart, saucy look at the American culture of death and how we’re remembered. Go on—we know you’re dying to listen to this one.
A City on Mars by Kelly Weinersmith and Zach Weinersmith
There’s a lot of chatter about starting life anew somewhere far, far away, but how realistic is it? And how would this escapist fantasy actually shake out with our Earth-designed human selves? Bestselling authors Kelly and Zach Weinersmith aren’t sure space settlements are such a great idea, and with deep expertise and a winning sense of humor, they investigate humanity’s obsession with becoming multiplanetary.
Humble Pi by Matt Parker
Math is easy to ignore until a misplaced decimal point wreaks real world havoc. Exploring and explaining a litany of glitches and mathematical mishaps, Matt Parker uncovers the bizarre ways math trips us up, and what this reveals about its essential place in our world.
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
One of the world’s most beloved writers and New York Times bestselling author of A Walk in the Woods Bill Bryson takes his ultimate journey—into the most intractable questions that science seeks to answer about, well, everything.
You Never Forget Your First by Alexis Coe
With irresistible style and warm humor, Alexis Coe takes a close look at George Washington, and finds he is not quite the man we remember. You Never Forget Your First combines rigorous research and lively storytelling that will have listeners hooked.
Subpar Planet by Amber Share
In this follow-up to Subpar Parks, which featured one-star reviews of US National Parks, Subpar Planet takes listeners around the globe to celebrate the world’s greatest wonders alongside hysterical reviews from their harshest critics. Perfect for both seasoned travellers and anyone who wants to see the unique ways their fellow human beings interact with the world around them.
