By Jill Roberts / December 11, 2019

The convenience of listening to audiobooks has opened me up to a world of fascinating stories. This past week I finished my twelfth book of the year, a memoir by Jane Fonda. I’m fascinated with memoirs, especially by those who’ve achieved a lifetime worth of wisdom. I figure, maybe experience in age has led them to know a little more than I do; so why not be inspired by their successes, or learn through the introspection of their failures.

Lucille Ball stood strong and was respected in a man’s world, but struggled with a work/life balance; Sally Field, admittedly, was overly concerned with financial security, which often kept her looking into the future, instead of appreciating the now; Demi Moore, albeit resilient to social conformity, was often distracted by personal insecurities; And, Jane Fonda’s emotional walls constructed in childhood, continued to hold back her personal relationships until she found courage to be vulnerable. All relatable life challenges from a marinated perspective.

Then, there were authors, who’s personal life stories were riveting, and in some cases shocking; Like, “Educated,” by Tara Westover, which illustrates the importance of education as a means to offer a window for a child who is otherwise exposed to the same four walls. Or, the story of Nike, from its grassroots’ beginnings, as written by its creator Phil Knight, which demonstrates the important lesson, that in business, as in life, challenges are an opportunity for growth.

Other non-fiction I enjoyed, which offered a mindful perspective on the human experience, included, “Talking To Strangers” by Malcolm Gladwell, and “Conscious Uncoupling” by Katherine Woodward. Both offered interesting insight into how understanding and empathy towards one’s audience can improve communication and develop meaningful relationships. It’s not what we communicate; it’s how we communicate, and our ability to listen.

Below is the complete list of audiobooks I added to my Amazon’s Audible Collection in 2019, in order of as they were heard. For a total of 7,013 minutes, roughly 19 minutes per day, I listened, and maybe learned a few things. What’s in your library?

1. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom (Narrated by Mitch Albom)
2. Love Lucy by Lucille Ball (Narrated by Lucie Arnaz)
3. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight (Narrated by Norbert Leo Butz)
4. Dying to Be Me by Anita Moorjani (Narrated by Anita Moorjani)
5. The Path Made Clear by Oprah Winfrey (Narrated by Oprah Winfrey)
6. Conscious Uncoupling by Katherine Woodward (Narrated by Katherine Woodward)
7. Educated by Tara Westover (Narrated by Julia Whelan)
8. In Pieces by Sally Field (Narrated by Sally Field)
9. Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell (Narrated by Malcolm Gladwell)
10. Inside Out by Demi Moore (Narrated by Demi Moore)
11. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb (Narrated by Brittany Pressley)
12. My Life So Far by Jane Fonda (Narrated by Jane Fonda)