Today's Read Team 
Powerful Audiobooks Exploring Art and Responsibility
In a time of global uncertainty and overwhelming challenges, many individuals seek solace and inspiration through the words of talented writers. The intersection of personal experiences and societal issues often leads to profound reflections in their work. Here, we highlight three audiobooks that weave memoir, reporting, and political analysis, narrated by their authors, offering insights into the responsibilities of artists in today’s world.
Three Audiobooks To Consider
READING THE WAVES by Lidia Yuknavitch
Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir, READING THE WAVES, delves into themes of love and grief through a collection of non-linear narratives. With her fluid, lyrical reading style, she captivates audiences by sharing profound experiences, including her relationships with her late mother and ex-husband, as well as the heart-wrenching loss of her infant daughter. Yuknavitch skillfully navigates heavy subjects such as grief and violence alongside the enduring power of love—be it for nature, words, or human connection. Ultimately, this reflection on memory and storytelling provides a compelling exploration of her identity as a writer.
ONE DAY, EVERYONE WILL HAVE ALWAYS BEEN AGAINST THIS by Omar El Akkad
In his nonfiction work ONE DAY, EVERYONE WILL HAVE ALWAYS BEEN AGAINST THIS, journalist Omar El Akkad addresses the dark realities of American imperialism and critiques the complicity of government actions in global crises, particularly focusing on Gaza. Through his personal insights garnered over recent years, El Akkad articulates the deep interconnections of violence within the American narrative. His narration is filled with palpable urgency driven by love for affected communities, prompting listeners to engage with pressing moral questions, even if concrete answers are elusive.
THE MESSAGE by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Ta-Nehisi Coates’s audiobook, THE MESSAGE, presents a collection of three insightful essays, including reflections on Palestine. Coates’s engaging narration invites listeners into his personal evolution as a writer, emphasizing the importance of artistic responsibility. Highlighting his visits to places like Senegal and South Carolina, he examines the complexities of his earlier positions and provides a poignant narrative of self-discovery and accountability. This audiobook is a special opportunity to learn from one of today’s most significant literary voices about the intersections of art, morality, and society.