Audio Book Update

Audio Books to Improve Your Communication Skills

admin — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:20:24 +0000

A lot of people prefer audio books to their paper counterparts because they are easy to use (no reading required), they can be enjoyed anywhere (even in the car or in the dark), and they are better for the environment (guaranteed to denude fewer forests). And these are just a few of the many reasons to opt for audio books. But if you didn’t realize that the audio books you consume could actually help to improve your communication skills, then you may be missing out on one of the best reasons to choose them over traditional reading. And they can be especially useful for the segment of the population that learns better through auditory rather than visual methods. But how can listening to books help you to communicate more effectively?

Although the parts of your brain that pertain to listening/comprehending language and speaking are distinct (Wernicke’s area and Broca’s area, respectively), the two are linked, according to studies (such as the one detailed in the August 2011 issue of Psychological Science, which ascertained that the same areas of the brain were active during both listening and speaking). This could mean that the way you listen (or the fact that you’re listening instead of looking) could have a marked effect on how you reverse the process when you speak.

For starters, there are some pretty obvious benefits. Listening to the way others speak can help you to copy accents and intonations so that you learn to say words properly. This is not only useful for children and foreigners that are just beginning to learn a new language; it can also aid the average adult in learning the pronunciation of certain words. And listening to audio books can also increase vocabulary and comprehension, both of which are necessary for better communication. When you have a variety of words at your disposal in order to make your meaner clear, you will find that people are able to understand your intent more quickly and easily.

In some cases, hearing words can even help to improve your spelling. This might sound somewhat counterintuitive, but when you know how a word sounds you may have an easier time spelling it out later, as opposed to trying to recall the arrangement of letters on a page. And how often do you read aloud to connect the sound of a word to its written representation? Probably rarely (if ever).

Of course, the biggest benefit to listening to audio books is that it helps you to improve your own comprehension of the meaning of spoken words. Hearing language used in context contributes to a better understanding of the usage of particular words and phrases, which can easily translate into everyday conversation. After all, what is communication but a guessing game where two (or more) people try to come to a common understanding using words as a bridge? Listening to literature can help you to state your own intent clearly and concisely in conversation, as well as gain comprehension of what others are saying (perhaps even when they don’t know themselves). The long and short of it is that listening is just a different way to learn. But considering that most communication between humans is verbal, listening may be the best way to learn to communicate better.

Best Audio Books on Autism

admin — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:36:01 +0000

Whether you’re a parent of a child with autism, you are a professional working with autistic individuals, you have discovered that you fall in the autism spectrum, or you are simply interested in this recent growth of this disorder, there are plenty of audio books on the market that can give you data pertaining to autism or even personal accounts of how autism has affected the lives of sufferers and caregivers. In short, you can use the wide world of audio books to uncover everything you ever wanted to know about autism. And here are just a few offerings to get you started.

Autism by Dr. Stanley Monteith, Dr. Bernard Rimland, Dr. Cindy Schneider, Dr. Bryan Jepson, and Dr. F. Edward Yazbak. Although this compilation of interviews with industry experts is a few years old (meaning statistics and discussions on topics such as vaccinations are somewhat outdated) there is a lot of interesting information and professional conjecture presented in this audio book. Many of the doctors interviewed have had decades of experience dealing with autism and this offering gives listeners some of their amazing insights and personal stories connected to the ongoing search for answers concerning this growing epidemic.
Healing and Preventing Autism: A Complete Guide by Jenny McCarthy. You may have seen other offerings from actress and comedienne McCarthy, who basically became a spokesperson for early detection and treatment when she discovered her son was autistic. Louder Than Words: A Mother’s Journey in Healing Autism and Mother Warrior: A Nation of Parents Healing Autism against All Odds are also available in audio format. But this book focuses on the idea of DAN (Defeat Autism Now), a school of thought that encompasses early detection and the use of specific therapies and treatments that could actually help to prevent autism or at least combat its effects to ensure minimal impact on a child’s development.
Strange Son: Two Mothers, Two Sons, and the Quest to Unlock the Hidden World of Autism by Portia Iverson. This audio book can act as a guide in multiple ways. First and foremost, it details how Iverson discovered her son had autism and then sought out a woman in India (Soma Mukhopadhyay) who had learned to interact with her non-verbal autistic son (Tito) through writing. In this respect the audio book is ideal for anyone who has yet to be introduced to the concept of facilitated communication. However, it has also drawn criticism for the unflinching (and sometimes callous) portrayal of Tito’s condition and behavior. So it also teaches a valuable lesson about how not to behave as an adult that should know better than to sensationalize such sensitive material.
The Fabric of Autism by Judith Bluestone. Herself a sufferer of autism, Bluestone went on to become an advocate and therapist for those with autism spectrum disorders, as well as a teacher and lecturer on the subject. Here she presents her theories on the possible causes of autism and the roots of autistic behaviors, based on neuroscientific research and her own experiences.
Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior by Temple Grandin. Those who saw the made-for-TV movie about Temple Grandin are likely aware that this amazing woman used her own struggle with autism to develop a deeper scientific understanding of animals, eventually changing the way people viewed and handled livestock. Proponents of neurodiversity claim that autism is an evolutionary leap that simply gives the human race a different set of tools to approach the world, and Grandin could just be the prime example of that school of thought. Her comparison of animals to autistic people is likely to both stun and surprise you, but one thing this audio book will not do is bore you.

Audio Books for Eco-Car Enthusiasts

admin — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:33:08 +0000

What better way to make your morning commute fly by than with audio books about your favorite green automobiles? Whether you’re a car-lover in general and the rise in alternative vehicles intrigues you, you’re interested in the eco-history of cars that condemned the consumption of petroleum, or you simply want to know more about how the oil industry crushed the competition, you can find audio books that will take your mind off the gridlock you’re stuck in and remind you why modern man has an ongoing, worldwide love affair with cars, despite the fact that petroleum may be on the way out. Here are just a few that are sure to get you revved up and ready to take that road trip you’ve been dreaming of, in a car that helps to reduce your carbon footprint.

ZOOM: The Global Race to Fuel the Car of the Future by Iain Carson and Vijay Vaitheeswaran. It is shocking to think that the automobile industry has been around for more than a century now, and with it the exploitation and pollution of the planet. Petroleum products have taken us from point A to point B for generations and now those resources are being exhausted. And that’s totally aside from the fact that their carbon byproducts have created a global warming crisis. This insightful book comprehensively explores the link between the auto and oil industries, how they got to the point we’re at today, and the companies that are looking to make a change for the future.
Internal Combustion: How Corporations and Governments Addicted the World to Oil and Derailed the Alternatives by Edwin Black. Believe it or not, electric cars have been around almost as long as gas-powered vehicles. So why haven’t we seen them? The explanation would be worthy of the “conspiracy theory” descriptor if it wasn’t actually true. This audio book delves into the way big businesses forced out even big-name inventors like Edison and Ford (who tried to push the idea of individual backyard charging stations for their electric cars), as well as the way that companies later conspired to derail (so to speak) mass transit.
Powering the Future: How We Will (Eventually) Solve the Energy Crisis and Fuel the Civilization of Tomorrow by Robert B. Laughlin. If you wonder what the world might look like in a couple hundred years, just picture a planet without petroleum. You might imagine a world gone to pot, with roadways crumbling from disuse, but the truth is that technology will win out with innovative new cars that run on the power of the sun (and wind, and water). Laughlin takes us there with a bold prediction about how the world will cope with the loss of the most destructive fuel source on the planet.
Is That Thing Diesel? by Paul Carter. After working on oil rigs for the better part of his life (and detailing the experience for readers and listeners in two hilarious chronicles), Carter retired and got to the good life. Or did he? According to his latest foray into writing, the answer is no. Instead of kicking back he decided to ride around Australia on an experimental motorcycle that ran on used cooking oil. His antics will have you rolling even as you learn about the ups and downs of a fuel revolution.
An Inconvenient Truth: The Planetary Emergency of Global Warming and What We Can Do About It by Al Gore. The PowerPoint presentation that started it all (or at least caught the public attention) is also available for your listening pleasure. Although some of the numbers have since been disputed, the truth is that this is still a great introduction to the global warming crisis and how we can turn things around by lessening our dependence on petroleum products.

Sarah Danielson is a contributing writer for Used Saab Engines, where Saab engines are shipped nationwide daily.

Motivational Audio Books for Burnt Out Employees

admin — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:08:39 +0000

When it comes to raising employee morale, a heartening speech full of empty promises may not be the tactic you’re looking for. And a weekly lunch on the company dime could be too little, too late. Although you can institute an ongoing plan to show employees that their contributions are valued and that your company cares about their happiness and well-being, you may need something a bit more immediate to snap them out of their general malaise. So here are just a few audio books that you can help you form both short- and long-term strategies that will get burnt-out employees back in the game and increase productivity.

The Three Signs of a Miserable Job: A Fable for Managers (and their employees) by Patrick Lencioni. According to Lencioni, the single most prevalent cause of miserable employees is a poor relationship with their direct supervisor, which means the onus is on you to improve your interpersonal skills and the way you approach handling your employees if you hope to have any influence on their level of motivation. This is actually good news for most managers because it means that the keys to success are in their hands. And Lencioni’s fable will give you the tools you need to turn around a low-morale situation and become the best manager you can be.
Leadership and Vision: 25 Keys to Motivation (The New York Times Pocket MBA Series) by Ramon J. Aldag and Buck Joseph. Whether you’re new to management or you’ve been struggling along for years, this handy guide to offering guidance to employees is chock full of tips and tricks designed to help you do better. You’ll soon increase efficiency amongst individual workers (and between departments) and have your employees reporting higher levels of satisfaction in the process.
100 Ways to Motivate Others: How Great Leaders Can Produce Insane Results Without Driving People Crazy by Steve Chandler and Scott Richardson. Well, the title of the audio book kind of says it all. You definitely don’t want to make your employees crazy through your efforts to motivate them. And with simple tips like “first just relax”, “stop talking”, and “tell the truth” you might be pleasantly surprised by how simple it actually is to interact with your employees on a level that is relatable and constructive rather than demeaning or outright mean.
Hug Your People: The Proven Way to Hire, Inspire and Recognize Your Employees and Achieve Remarkable Results by Jack Mitchell. Mitchell’s goal here is to help employers realize that the way they treat their employees is just as important as the way employees treat customers (and one follows the other). The basic tenets he uses to run his own successful business are imparted here in lessons as simple as being nice, showing trust, and recognizing accomplishments and rewarding them (both financially and emotionally).
The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace: Empowering Organizations and Encouraging People by Gary Chapman and Paul White. If you find that your workforce is beset by negativity, chances are the management is to blame, and Chapman and White posit that it’s because you’re speaking different languages. Their guidebook will teach even small businesses how to get on the same page with employees by showing appreciation, increasing loyalty, and creating a positive work environment that fosters growth, creativity, and productivity (not to mention happy and motivated employees).

Sarah Danielson writes for Midwest HR Illinois Employee Benefits Management. Midwest HR offers innovative HR solutions to organizations that are focused on productivity, profitability, and growth.

Inspirational Audio Books for Photographers

admin — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:43:47 +0000

The modern art of photography has inspired professionals and amateur enthusiasts alike to get behind the lens and capture the world around them for the better part of two centuries. Photographs can be personal, political, and revealing. They can capture a moment in history. They can show truth, beauty, and the marvels of the modern world. And if they’re done right they can bring about an emotional response in viewers. So whether you’re starting a private photo-journal or earning a living snapping pics all over the globe, here are a few audio books that can offer you some verbal inspiration on your photographic journey.

Basic Photography, Sixth Edition by Michael Langford. This introductory tome might as well be entitled “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Photography (But Didn’t Know to Ask)”. The international bestseller has been in print for over 30 years (although it has undergone numerous updates in that time) and it still holds water today. Listeners will learn not only technique, but also the theory behind making this visual medium work for them. Form and function are given equal weight in this informational and inspirational audio book for those that want to get serious about photography.
100 Minutes to Better Photography: An Instructional Program Leading to Advanced Photographer by Julian Padowicz. You might think it’s impossible to significantly improve your camera skills in less than two hours, but this audio guide can help you to learn basic terminology while offering the tips and tricks that separate amateurs from pros. It delivers on the promise made in the title by taking beginners to the next level and offering information that is useful even for seasoned photographers.
Learn Digital Photography by Video Professor. Digital cameras have changed the way we look at the world and there’s a lot to learn not only about taking digital photos, but about the many ways they can be enhanced. This tutorial will teach you not only how to point and shoot, but also how to do basic touch-ups like removing red-eye and lens flare, correcting color and sharpness, and air-brushing flaws, as well as more complex tasks like taking stellar video footage with your digital camera. This 3-CD set contains a compendium of knowledge useful to any photographer looking to move into the digital era.
An Interview with Richard Avedon by Richard Avedon. This influential portrait artist is best known for his knack of bringing out the multiple facets of his subjects. Even if you’ve never heard of him, you’ve likely seen some of his amazing celebrity photographs, including notable names like Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Andy Warhol, Katherine Hepburn, and John Lennon (which doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of his extensive list of subjects). This 1985 interview was released on CD in 2007 in order to bring fans into the world of one of the greatest portrait photographers in history.
Travel Photography by Cliff and Nancy Hollenbeck. Not everyone wants to be a pro; some of us would be happy simply learning how arrange a decent visual composition when snapping vacation photos. This basic guide for travelers taking pics on the go will help you to get gorgeous photos whether you have the time to search for the best angle or you’re clicking away from your seat on a bus. The included paperback gives visual samples to supplement the audio book.

Sarah Danielson is a contributing writer for Essence Photo and Video, specializing in Chicago wedding videography and photography.

The Best Audio Books about Internet Business

admin — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:46:14 +0000

If you’re interested in starting your own internet-based business (and who can say no to low overhead in a recession economy?) or you’ve already launched your online enterprise, then you’re probably pretty busy learning a new trade or a new way of operating. So you may not have time to thumb through the many heavy tomes on the market that concern the ins and outs of running such a business. But if you need some information on web design, SEO, or even basics like marketing and selling to an online audience (and you need it stat!) here are a few audio books that can give you the skinny on internet business when you’re just too busy typing to read.

Internet Riches: The Simple Money-Making Secrets of Online Millionaires by Scott Fox. Fox comes equipped with some street cred here as he is a top rated consultant for successful e-commerce operations, and he relates the basic how-tos of designing and marketing your business online, often with tips on how to do if with less expenditure (or no capital at all, in some cases). Added value comes in the form of planning guidelines that will help you ensure success before you ever spend a dime, as well as targeted interviews that will help to illustrate his points.
Viral Loop: From Facebook to Twitter, How Today’s Smartest Businesses Grow Themselves by Adam L. Penenberg. This audio book isn’t a step-by-step guide to making your business as successful as those listed in the title, so if you’re seeking a how-to you might want to look elsewhere. But that doesn’t mean it won’t offer you valuable information that can expand your view of marketing models and internet success in order to help you better understand your own business. If you’re looking for a little inspiration to help you hone your own ideas, Viral Loop may be just what you’re looking for.
The Whuffie Factor: Using the Power of Social Networks to Build Your Business by Tara Hunt. In case you weren’t yet aware of the power of social networking, it provides unparalleled opportunities for business owners looking to expand their customer base and keep the money rolling in. Hunt advocates using not actual cash to capitalize on the social media revolution, but something she calls whuffie, or social capital. Basically she intends to teach businesses how to gain credibility with online communities through strategies that will make users “like” you rather than see your efforts as nothing more than spam.
Customers.Com: How to Create a Profitable Business Strategy for the Internet and Beyond by Patricia Seybold with Ronni T. Marshak. Seybold passes on her knowledge from years as an ecommerce advisor to help listeners manage, market, and sell their business online. If you’re seeking strategies to move your company into the online arena, you can follow the example of Fortune 500 companies and virtually take your business to the next level.
Online Business Promotion (Made for Success Collection) by Liv Montgomery. There’s a lot more to promoting your business than finding your dream domain names for sale and slapping together a website. eCommerce Gal Montgomery offers tips and tricks on making your website work for you, engaging in successful marketing techniques (SEO, online networking, building customer relationships, and so on) in order to grow your online business and help you reach consumers worldwide.

Great Audio Books for Long Family Road Trips

admin — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:59:03 +0000

This holiday season promises a bump in travel over the last few years, but since most families are still riding out the recession, you’re going to see a lot more people traveling by car than other, more pricy methods (planes, trains, and so on). For the family on a budget, this could mean long hours in the confines of a crowded sedan or minivan. So if you’re looking for a way to entertain the kids that won’t bore you to tears (or leave you humming “Twinkle, twinkle little star” for the duration of your trip), here are a few audio books that the whole clan is sure to enjoy.

Holes by Louis Sachar. If you’ve read the printed version of this book or seen the 2003 movie adaptation, then you are already familiar with the endearing story of Stanley Yelnats (yup, his last name is his first name spelled backwards). Poor Stanley is caught in the middle of a curse that goes back generations and he must find a way to right the wrong that his no good, dirty, rotten, pig-stealing great-great grandfather committed. Unfortunately, he’ll have to do so from a youth “camp” where he’s been unfairly dumped with the task of digging holes in the desert. Luckily he makes some good friends along the way and unwittingly finds the answer his family has been searching for.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (The Chronicles of Narnia, Book 1) by C.S. Lewis. Totally aside from the fact that this first installment in a series of seven has something of a religious bent (which may or may not appeal to you), it is a really fantastic story that both kids and adults will undoubtedly enjoy. And in truth, the struggle between good and evil (and the ability of all people to choose) is a theme that is universal in literature, religious or otherwise. British actor Michael York brings the text to life with his richly inflected vocal patterns.
The Best School Year Ever by Barbara Robinson. If your kids enjoyed The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, they’ll definitely find something to love in this hilarious sequel that has the Herdman kids up to their same old antics (smoking cigars and causing trouble wherever they go). If you’re looking for an audio book that will have you laughing out loud right along with your kids, this is the perfect choice.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling. Everyone is by now acquainted with the famous boy wizard, thanks to the popular book series and movie franchise (not to mention a theme park). But you can relive the magic all over again from the very first year Harry enters Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The books and movies may be at an end, but everyone from truckers in day cabs to families traveling by car or RV can enjoy the story again via audiobook.
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley. Kids that love mysteries and morbid goings on will no doubt be fascinated by this story that is equal parts Nancy Drew and Lemony Snicket. Heroine Flavia de Luce is an 11-year-old aspiring chemist that just happens to stumble upon a murder mystery in her sleepy little English village. Of course, she can’t help but try to solve it. Although some parents may find the premise questionable, the content is fairly safe for school-age kids (no bad language or graphic and gruesome descriptions). And the whole family will be charmed by brilliant Flavia and the plot of this captivating audio book.

Children’s Best Audio Books for Bedtime

admin — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 13:53:10 +0000

Every parent knows that getting the kids to drift off to dreamland is a bit more difficult than tucking them into bed. But the right bedtime story can help immensely. So here are just a few of the favorites that parents have been using for years to get those little eyelids drooping. And with audio books on your side, you can keep your kids entertained and sneak a few extra minutes for yourself, as well.

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd. This classic children’s book about going to bed has delighted kids for decades (while unfortunately boring parents to tears – anyone who has made this book part of their bedtime routine can no doubt attest to this sad fact). Now you can let your kids enjoy Goodnight Moon whenever they want with the audio book, which will give children the repetition they seek while allowing you to introduce new texts during your nightly reading time. It’s a win-win.
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. What kid (or adult, for that matter) hasn’t wanted to join the monsters under the bed and be their king? In this fantasy audio book, willful Max runs off to join the wild things after being sent to bed without dinner. Children will identify with the desire to be independent and run wild, but also with the eventual urge to return to a home that is safe and loving. And parents will find that listening to this imaginative story never gets old. So let the wild rumpus begin!
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams. In the grand tradition of children’s literature, this audio book is a blend of tragedy and salvation. The toy rabbit that is loved by his boy is unfortunately fated to be cast aside as the boy grows older. But because he has been so loved, he ends up becoming a real rabbit. The audio version is skillfully narrated by none other than actress Meryl Streep, so both kids and adults will find something to love in this heartwarming tale of transformation.
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. This book may be better suited to school-age children than toddlers, but the delightful story will likely appeal to a wide age range. Follow Mole, Toad, Rat, and Badger as they become friends and have wild adventures. Each character has a distinctive personality but they all come together in the end to help each other out.
Good Night, Sleep Tight, Don’t Let the Bedbugs Bite! by Diane deGroat. Although this audio book has bed bugs in the title, it won’t answer the question, “What is a bed bug?” It will, however, take your kids on an adventure with Gilbert, a loveable critter who is going on an overnight camping trip for the first time. Of course, the older kids tell a ghost story that frightens young Gilbert, but he finds that even the boldest of campers (like Lewis, who is quick to tease poor Gilbert) can be afraid of things that go bump in the night. This book will teach kids that everyone gets scared sometimes, but we can all find bravery, even in the dark.

The Best Audio Books for Graphic Designers

admin — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:42:48 +0000

I know what you’re thinking; shouldn’t books for graphic designers have a visual element? In truth, tutorials on the art of graphic design will almost certainly require some sort of visual aid, but there are all kinds of audio books for this field that have more to do with the principles of design than actually clicking a mouse and making a ball bounce on the monitor. And there’s a lot more to this artistic craft than the technological aspects of assembly. So here are just a few audio books that every busy graphic designer can turn to for inspiration or information on the go.

Behind the Design: Designers on Designing (Design Concepts) by Brian Arnold and Brendan Eddy. If you want to know the method behind the madness of some of your favorite designers, this audio book offers fantastic insight into the way their minds work. Each designer is presented in a two-part segment that includes an interview as well as a breakdown of one of their projects, from how they conceived the idea straight on through successful completion. It won’t teach you how to do graphic design, but it will provide valuable lessons in how the pros do it.
Animation Now! by Julius Wiedermann. This compendium of modern cartoonists is no joke; if you’re interested in learning about the people responsible for some of the best animation on the market today, this audio book will offer you an inside look at 80+ artists (both independent and from commercial studios), including biographical information and descriptions of some of their award-winning work. Best of all, it comes with a bonus DVD that contains short films by a handful of these animation wizards.
A History of the World in 100 Objects by Neil MacGregor. This collaboration between the BBC and the British Museum seeks to tell the story of human history by using just 100 objects from the museum’s collection. Anyone who knows anything about art realizes that one form necessarily influences others, so it pays to discover how man first created art, what he chose to depict, and how artistic design progressed to the point it’s at today. Only through a familiarity with the art of ages past can designers hope to create something new and leave their own mark in history.
Weaving the Web: The Original Design and Ultimate Destiny of the World Wide Web by Its Inventor by Tim Berners-Lee. It turns out that Al Gore did not, in fact, invent the internet. It was actually a guy from across the pond that practically nobody has heard of because he made it for free. And there are few feats of modern design more mind-blowing than the World Wide Web. In this audio book, Berners-Lee discusses the beginnings of the web, the formation of e-commerce, and the issues facing the internet today (censorship, privacy, etc.). Anyone interested in any type of design (especially that which lives on the internet) will find this an interesting and informative listen.
The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman. Not every graphic artist is going to end up doing logo design for small business. Some will tackle animation while others will go into engineering. And some will even design the objects that people use every day. This audio book discusses how design is an essential part of ensuring that consumer goods are first and foremost useful (and aesthetically pleasing second). Since most design happens graphically these days, it behooves any graphic designer to know what makes a product design both useful and appealing.

Sarah Danielson is a contributing writer for www.logomojo.com, where you can create the perfect logo design for your business.

Audio Books for the Expectant Mother

admin — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 21:21:58 +0000

Once a baby is on the way, even women who thought they were prepared will likely be scrambling to figure out how to adapt to this new (and semi-permanent) state of existence. Luckily, there are dozens of audio books out there to help expectant mothers answer every question that pops into their heads (and even some they never thought of). The real trick is finding the best that the audio book market has to offer. So here are just a few selections you might want to check out when you find yourself in the family way.

Pregnancy for Dummies by Joanne Stone, Mary Murray, and Keith Eddleman. If you’re new to the pregnancy game and you’re worried that you might not even know what questions to ask, then this book will provide a springboard to get you started down your path to parenthood. You’re not the only expectant mother to feel foolish about the things you don’t know, as you’ll quickly discover from testimonials offered by first-time parents like yourself. The audio book covers basic information, including the questions you may be too embarrassed to ask a doctor and helps you prepare for the challenges of pregnancy and labor with a little bit of much-needed humor.
Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth About Pregnancy and Childbirth by Jenny McCarthy. Before this comedienne became an advocate for parents with autistic children, she was an expectant mother herself, facing the challenges of pregnancy (and as yet unaware of the many difficulties of parenting). You can expect some gross-out moments from the notoriously crude McCarthy, but she’s really just putting her no-holds-barred spin on the taboo aspects of pregnancy that every woman must face if she wants to have a baby. And this is one of those times when it’s a lot better to laugh than cry. McCarthy’s wit and humor will help on that score.
YOU Having a Baby: The Owner’s Manual to a Happy and Healthy Pregnancy by Michael F. Roizen and Mehmet C. Oz. Also known as “America’s Doctors”, you’ve likely seen this pair on TV (especially Dr. Oz, who is the titular host of the show that bears his name). Here they bust some of the many myths surrounding the seemingly mystical state of pregnancy and offer up scientific information that will help you to understand not only what you should do during pregnancy, but also why it is important to do certain things and avoid others. There’s even a section on epigenics, as well as information for expectant fathers.
Joyful Pregnancy by Janey Lee Grace with Glenn Harrold. This offering for expectant mothers comes from across the pond. Grace is a mother of four as well as a performer (singer, radio DJ, and even TV presenter) and she teams up with hypnotherapist Harrold to give mothers-to-be a little information and a lot of relaxation to prepare them for pregnancy and the birth of a child. So if stress is a part of your daily life that you’d like to cut back on now that you’re thinking for two, this two-disc set is sure to deliver the help you seek.
Your Pregnancy Week by Week: Updated 6^th Edition by Dr. Glade Curtis and Judith Schuler. You’re likely to have many questions once you see that pink strip. How should my diet change? What vitamins should I take? What does morning sickness feel like? Can I exercise? And of course you’ll want to know about the stages of pregnancy and what they entail for you and your baby. This comprehensive compendium contains just about everything an expectant mother might want to know, from medical information and milestones for mother and baby, to products and safety recommendations. In short, it’s a go-to guide for any couple with a bundle of joy on the way.