Vancouver Public Library and V.I.A. have teamed up to help you discover new reads, hidden book gems and surprising literary finds. Check back every couple of weeks for the latest reading recommendations from the experts at Vancouver’s library.
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Fall has arrived, and school and work are in full force! Whether your morning commute is a short hop away or a long-haul journey, you'll enjoy listening to these audiobooks recommended by VPL's reading experts.
Starting to feel antsy on your commute?
Stuck in gridlock traffic, or feel like you're trapped in a can of sardines? Alleviate your commuting frustrations with one of these revenge fantasies:
- Skink No Surrender by Carl Hiaasen will make you laugh and cheer as Hiaasen’s immortal agent of justice and retribution settles scores.
- The Revenant by Michael Punke will channel your rage with this brutal tale of a man left for dead in the wilderness.
Soothe the soul and find your zen
Perhaps one too many lane changes or a series of public transit mishaps have left your nerves feeling jangled. Smooth things out with these introspective tales:
- Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig dives into the story of a father and son who hop on a motorcycle and begin a quest for truth and identity.
- Travels with Charley in Search of America by John Steinbeck explores the values of people living in small and large towns.
"Beam me up, Scotty!"
Longing for the day when you can call on Star Trek's Scotty to 'beam' you to your destination? You can fantasize about time travel with these stories:
- The Outlander by Diana Gabaldon will sweep you back to Scotland in 1743.
- The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams will make you wonder about the far reaches of the galaxy.
Looking for some excitement?
If sitting on the bus or in the car is starting to feel a little mundane, add a dash of excitement with stories of travellers on dangerous journeys:
- American Gods by Neil Gaiman is a darkly humorous fantasy about a former prison inmate who takes a job as a bodyguard and becomes involved in an epic battle against the gods.
- A Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne is a classic tale that tells the story of three individuals who encounter dangerous and bizarre creatures on an adventure towards the centre of the earth.
All you can think about is food
It’s been a long commute and that feeling that started at the bottom of your stomach is now transforming you into the hunger monster. If you've missed all your chances to stop and re-fuel, why not try these satires on food culture:
- Stanley Park by Timothy Taylor explores the dark side of fine dining with a story about a young chef, who will do anything to keep his high-end restaurant afloat.
- Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain reveals what goes on behind the kitchen door, as he shares personal stories about sex, drugs and haute cuisine.
Recharge your batteries
If you're starting to feel drained from your commute, jump-start your brain with these high-octane stories to get your adrenaline going:
- Dark Matter by Blake Crouch is a fast-paced and suspenseful thriller about a kidnapped man who wakes up and finds himself trapped in an alternate reality.
- At the Mountains of Madness by H. P. Lovecraft is a collection of four blood-curdling short stories that will leave you in a cold sweat.
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Audiobooks are just one of many alternative formats available. Find out more about VPL's accessible services, and how those living with a print disability or homebound can enjoy the library, including home delivery.
For more great reads, visit vpl.ca and find us on Facebook and Twitter @VPL.
