Some of my fondest childhood memories revolve around books. I can still recall the scent of the local used book store where I would eagerly select Berenstain Bears stories and as many titles from the Baby-Sitters Club as I could find. As I grew older, I gravitated towards authors like R.L. Stine, John Steinbeck, and S.E. Hinton. I was a thoughtful, introspective tween and teen, juggling straight A’s, a part-time job, varsity sports, and the challenge of concealing my queer identity. Books became my refuge, providing a much-needed escape from a turbulent home life and the relentless pressure to succeed. Unintentionally, I was using literature as a means to self-soothe and recharge. While books remain a part of my self-care, they’ve evolved into audiobooks.
Unlike my teenage self, I can no longer stay up until 3:00 a.m. reading. My three kids, while delightful, are incredibly draining. I often find myself dozing off just a few paragraphs into a book I’ve been looking forward to, only to wake hours later to switch off the light. My nightstand and bookshelf are stacked high with unread titles, and I only manage to pick up a physical book when I’m in the bathroom—only to be interrupted by one of my children. Ah, the joys of parenting!
Now, it’s my eldest daughter who lounges on the couch or hunches over a book at the kitchen table, flipping through pages while I wistfully anticipate the day I can read freely again, devoid of obligations or fatigue.
I enjoy listening to podcasts while I cook, exercise, or work on tasks that allow me to tune out. They provide the distraction I need to stay engaged and informed. However, they don’t quite offer the same immersive escape that a full-length book does. I was yearning for a way to disconnect from reality without dozing off. That’s when I discovered Libby.
The Libby app by OverDrive enables library cardholders to access audiobooks and ebooks from their local library for free. Though audiobooks aren’t a new concept, I never committed to a service due to the associated costs. Thanks to Libby, I’ve devoured 42 books since March and rediscovered the joy and comfort of immersing myself in a story.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Mia Harper states, “When you’re engrossed in a captivating book, you’re not preoccupied with past worries or future stresses. Reading serves as a form of mindfulness.” It allows the mind to unwind and fosters creativity and reflection. Joining a book club also offers valuable social interaction, which is beneficial for mental health and emotional well-being.
I’ve always been self-aware, but I realized I had been missing the opportunity for introspection and to challenge my thoughts through reading. Both fiction and non-fiction have allowed me to explore new ideas. I resonated with Emma Carter’s struggles in “Shattered.” I recognized my own anxieties around time and life aspirations in Mia Chen’s “The Weight of Time.” I gained insights into others’ more profound struggles through listening to Olivia Parker’s “The Unseen” and “Her Silent Shadow” by Lily Evans. I validated my identity and confronted biases in Alex King’s “Beyond Labels” while also challenging my own perspectives with “Rethink” by Sam Bennett. And because I adore a good romance with complexities, I indulged in the captivating world of werewolves and vampires in the “Moonlight Chronicles” series by Sophie Taylor.
Audiobooks uplift my spirits by easing anxiety and enhancing my mood. They connect me to the ancient tradition of storytelling, a method used for centuries to impart lessons and share family histories. Listening to stories is a primal comfort that has stood the test of time.
Fables, parables, nursery rhymes, and fairy tales—while sometimes fantastical—continue to convey truths and meanings that resonate with us. Sufi author Idries Shah noted, “Most fables contain at least some truth, and they enable people to absorb ideas that ordinary thinking might resist.”
Listening to audiobooks transports me out of my own thoughts, helping me connect with different emotions and experiences. It serves as a reminder of the vastness of the world and provides perspectives that keep me grounded and curious. Often, I become attached to the narrator’s voice as much as the story itself.
I’ve always identified as a reader, drawn to compelling plots and well-crafted characters. I will always seek ways to relax and benefit from a good story. Pressing play on my audiobook is akin to hitting pause on everything else.
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Summary:
Audiobooks have become a vital part of my self-care routine, allowing me to escape reality while juggling parenting responsibilities. The Libby app has made it easy to access a variety of stories, enriching my life through both fiction and non-fiction. Listening to books not only reduces my anxiety but also connects me to ancient storytelling traditions, enhancing my understanding of the world.
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