It’s (beyond) time for another batch of Quick Takes—this time focusing on non-fiction audiobooks that I’ve enjoyed so far this year. As always, the point of these quick takes posts is to catch up on my “To Write About” stack—emphasizing pithiness, not thoroughness.
The Other Family Doctor:
A Veterinarian Explores What Animals Can Teach Us About Love, Life, and Mortality
by Karen Fine
DETAILS: Publisher: Random House Audio Publication Date: March 14, 2023 Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 9 hrs., 2 min. Read Date: February 5-9, 2024 Buy from Bookshop.org!
(the official blurb)
In my experience, your typical Veterinarian memoir focuses on their patients and weaves in a little about the Vet themselves—their education/training (for sure) and then some other material from their lives. This goes the other way—it’s primarily about Fine and her life—her training, her family (going back to her grandfather), her background, her pets, her spouse, her health, and so on—and how that impacts/shapes how she treats her patients and deals with their families. It’s just a matter of emphasis. The subtitle would be better “A Veterinarian Explores What Animals Have Taught Her…” Still interesting, just a different emphasis to the book than you’d think from the title/subject.
Fine does a good job on the narration front, you really wouldn’t know her day job isn’t as a performer/narrator.
Raw Dog:
The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs
by Jamie Loftus
DETAILS: Publisher: Macmillan Audio Publication Date: May 23, 2023 Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 9 hrs., 38 min. Read Date: April 12-15, 2024 Buy from Bookshop.org!
(the official blurb)
The description of a COVID-era road trip taken by a writer and her significant other (until they broke up toward the end) touring through as many states as they could, tasting and experiencing the most notable Hot Dogs for each state along the way. Interspersed with the description of her/their trip and the hot dogs they encounter along the way are looks at the history of the hot dog, its culinary and cultural predecessors, the way they’re made (both pre and post-Upton Sinclair), how the companies behind them treat their employees, the myth and truth of the Costco Dog pricing, competitive eating (with a focus, obviously on hot dog eating competitions) and more.
Informative, entertaining—frequently funny, also frequently a little more “blue” than you’d expect (but perhaps shouldn’t based on the title)—eye-opening, and will make you crave a handful of that most American of foods. This is a blast. Loftus nails the narration.
Supercommunicators:
How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection
DETAILS: Publisher: Random House Audio Publication Date: February 20, 2024 Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 7 hrs., 28 min. Read Date: March 21-26, 2024 Buy from Bookshop.org!
(the official blurb)
On the one hand, this is the least interesting book that Duhigg has written, unusually for him, the anecdotes along the way didn’t capture me like they usually do. Maybe that says more about me and my headspace in late March of 2024 than it does Duhigg (it likely does).
That said, it’s the most easily applicable of all his work. I really felt like I should be taking notes (my coworkers, family, and friends would quickly agree that I should’ve)—and I probably need to go back and listen a few more times, and maybe work through a hard copy.
When I say least interesting of his—it should be stressed that his topics and stories are usually very thought-provoking, so “less interesting” is still more than worth your time. It’s an engaging listen (Duhigg knows what he’s doing behind a microphone), full of practical information and strong advice and it’s a rewarding book.
Making It So
DETAILS: Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Publication Date: October 3, 2023 Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 18 hrs., 50 min. Read Date: April 19-24, 2024 Buy from Bookshop.org!
(the official blurb)
It’s almost 19 hours of Patrick Stewart telling you stories about his life—how do you think this is? Need I say more?
He seems very open about his flaws and mistakes. Moreover, he seems to enjoy laughing at himself. So we get plenty of stories where he doesn’t come out looking too good. In fact, he comes across like the bad guy in some of his personal stories.
This is a great mix of personal stories and behind-the-scenes material about the projects we know and love him for.
And again, It’s almost 19 hours of Patrick Stewart telling you stories about his life. What else do you need to convince you? (the paper version is probably pretty good, too—but you’d miss that voice)
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