In this episode, I am sharing 7 non-fiction audiobooks you can listen to when stitching. You can listen to the episode below or keep scrolling to read the blog post.
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If you love to read and cross stitch then listening to audiobooks while you’re stitching can mean more time for both hobbies.
I used to only listen to non-fiction audiobooks when stitching (hence this blog post) because I didn’t think I could get into a fiction book via audio. Plus, I love being all-in on fiction books when I’m reading them.
But I recently listened to Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by Joya Goffney* when I was stitching and enjoyed it! I think the key to listening to fiction when stitching for me is to make sure it’s a lighter read without a too complicated plotline.
But non-fiction audiobooks I’m an expert on; I find them so easy to listen to while doing other things such as stitching or cleaning or cooking so I’ve listened to a lot.
These 7 are not only some of my favourites but also ones that would be a great start to listening to non-fiction if you’re new to it.
I listen to all of my books on audible. You can get a free trial of Audible here* where you get 1 free audiobook and get to keep it even if you cancel!
It’s £7.99 a month after that and remember to cancel if you don’t want to carry on your membership. And if you’re already a Prime member, you actually get 2 free audiobooks!
7 non-fiction audiobooks to listen to when stitching
1. Talking As Fast As I Can by Lauren Graham
Lauren Graham played Loralai Gilmore in Gilmore Girls; one of my most favourite shows ever! I re-watch it every year in the Autumn.
She is reading the book, which I love about non-fiction as that connection is there when you already know the person.
I’ve not always been a fan of reading celebrity books but I love them via audiobooks because it’s just like listening to a podcast!
I highly recommend this book if you’re a fan of Gilmore Girls, Parenthood or anything else Lauren is in.
You can get Talking As Fast As I Can on Audible here*.
2. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
Jen’s books were the first books I listened on audible. This book is so motivating and inspirational. And funny!
It’s a great book to start dipping your toe in self-help/personal development/growth, etc. This was one of the first books I read which spoke more about mindset and who you are being and sent me down a long journey of healing and growth.
You can get You Are a Badass on Audible here*.
3. Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
I’ve not actually finished this book yet but it’s so good so far that I had to put it on here.
I think the only way you can read this book is by listening to it. Matthew reads this book himself and the way he reads it is SO GOOD.
I love his voice anyway (as I do all southern state accents) but there are poems and parts in the book that only he would be able to read the way they’re meant to sound because he wrote them.
He calls this book a playbook rather than a memoir or biography. It is full of stories that were red or green lights to him; they either paused his life or allowed him to flow through. And some things may seem like a red light, but is actually green.
Highly recommend this book!
You can get Greenlights on Audible here*.
4. The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer
This book is hilarious; it’s like having a stand-up show in a book!
But it also has some sadness running throughout it and if you are triggered by events such as sexual assault or gun crime then I recommend reading reviews before getting this book.
Amy is reading this though and there is more comedy than heaviness; in fact some of the heavy things Amy manages to turn to humour. So don’t let that put you off, it’s a great book!
You can get The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo on Audible here*.
5. The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi
If you listen to the Lazy Genius Podcast then you will love this book! It gives you so many practical ways to do things as well as lots of things to think about to see what’s important to you.
I love supporting podcasters by buying their book so I would have bought this and not really minded if it wasn’t amazing. But this really was! It got 5 stars from me on Goodreads.
You can get The Lazy Genius Way on Audible here*.
6. Share Your Stuff I’ll Go First by Laura Tremaine
Another book by a podcaster that I love! Plus I see Laura as celebrity status because of her husband and her life in LA. Which you get a little peek into with this book.
Plue Laura is so down to earth and I just love the questions she asks in this book such as “when was there magic in your life?”
I love this question so much! As well as the whole book and journally prompts inside.
You can get Share Your Stuff I’ll Go First on Audible here*.
7. Becoming by Michelle Obama
This is another book I haven’t finished but loving so much! Just seeing where Michelle started out in life and where she ended up going is so fascinating.
Learning about politics and history through stories is so much more interesting to me than how we learn about it through school and/or the media.
Plus I love America and this book as well as all the others in this list too has given me such an insight into different lives and ways of living.
You can get Becoming on Audible here*.
I am probably 50/50 with my fiction and non-fiction reading. I love them both for totally different reasons. If you haven’t tried a non-fiction book yet I highly recommend and hopefully this list was varied enough for you to like at least one of them.
Other links mentioned
Extra episodes and posts
- My cross stitch and reading routine
- How to read more when you’re a new mum
- Find More Time for Your Hobby free guide
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Why don’t you try books about history. There are so many too enjoy. Try Ian Mortimer he does life in different times which are fascinating. Also travel books like Williams Dalrimple’s In Xanadu.
Thank you so much for the recommendations!