What We’re Reading: August ‘26
Trying new genres with audiobooks
August 5, 2026
*Pauses audiobook*
If you could read only one genre for the rest of your life, what would it be? Just a few years ago, I thought my answer to that question was simple: literary fiction. (Younger Olivia, however, who binged everything by Ally Carter, Rick Riordan, and Jenny Han, would be appalled.) But then I started reading audiobooks and opened myself up to a whole new genre: romance.
My first foray into audiobooks was as a member of Libro’s influencer program, and within a year, I was fully converted (so much so that I applied for a job opening, and four years later, here we are). But it did take me a while to get into them. At first, I tried literary fiction, thinking I’d love the books on audio because I loved reading physical copies. Yet I couldn’t pay attention and kept zoning out for minutes at a time. Then I tried nonfiction—another genre I love to read—but found myself taking so many notes on my phone that it defeated the purpose of “unplugging” over an audiobook walk. (Not to mention I’d constantly trip while trying to type and walk.)
And then, A Brush With Love by Mazey Eddings appeared on the list of influencer picks and there began my affair with romance audiobooks. If you look at my Libro.fm app’s library now, it’s like walking through a romance bookstore. I eagerly preorder books by my favorite romance authors and hunt through upcoming releases to explore what’s coming from debut writers.
What we read on audio doesn’t have to be the same as what we read physically or via ebook. And with so many amazing books out there, audiobooks can be a way to help us stay curious and branch out.
Today, we’re sharing bookseller recommendations for sci-fi reads, literary fiction, romance (yes, I’m biased), translated literature, and more. Maybe the story isn’t something you’d typically read on audio, but why not give it a try? You never know what you might fall in love with!
A quick note: Please know that we will never monetize this newsletter. We are aware of and in opposition to Substack’s content moderation policies, and will actively monitor for alternative options.
Hot bookseller recs
Who better to suggest your next read than our partners? Here are a few of our booksellers’ most recommended audiobooks over the past month. Browse all Bookseller Picks.
🎧 Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt by Ben Reeves, narrated by Mike Frankland
“A beautifully written and profoundly empathetic book about how the little, seemingly insignificant moments are what truly make a life worth living. I laughed, and then I cried…One of my favorite new releases of this year!” —Chloe, Sleepy Dragon Books
🎧 Moss’d in Space by Rebecca Thorne, narrated by Dylan Reilly Fitzpatrick and Natalie Naudus
“This cozy sci-fi is perfect for fans of Doctor Who. The vast universe she’s created is one I’d like to live in forever (specifically on a ship run by sentient moss, thank you very much).” —Summer, Under the Umbrella
Upcoming reads for your radar
Here are some forthcoming releases our bookselling partners are raving about. Consider pre-ordering them! Pre-orders benefit the author and booksellers, and will show up in your library on release day.
🎧 Crocodilopolis by John Manuel Arias, narrated by Christian Barillas
“Crocodilopolis reminded me how pleasurable it is to be completely consumed by a novel…Every page is punctuated by something interesting, and every chapter by a moment that will make you cup your hands to your mouth.” —Kar, Green Apple Books
🎧 Mothsblood by Lynn D. Jung, narrated by Ferdelle Capistrano
“Mothsblood had all the makings of a standout read for me: dark academic, modern-day Paris, alchemy, magic, secret societies, and an immortal murder mystery of who killed the headmistress.” —Aly, Second Chance Books
Backlist buzz
These reads may have been out for a while, but are definitely still worth your attention. Not only do our bookselling partners love them, but they’re also on our bestselling list!
🎧 The Eighth Life (for Brilka) by Nino Haratischwili, narrated by Tavia Gilbert
“Fabulous generational tale of the women in one family in Georgia. Pre and post Russian Revolution. Absorbing.” –Deb, The Sun Bookshop
While new to audio, The Eighth Life has been out for some time–and was longlisted for the International Booker Prize in 2020! To see more Booker nominees, check out the recently announced 2026 Booker Prize longlist.
🎧 Female Fantasy by Iman Hariri-Kia, narrated by Samantha Brentmoor
“Hilarious and heartwarming, this tale is a fierce love letter to anyone who has ever been made fun of or looked down upon for reading romance or wanting it in real life—especially by dismissive men.” –Emily, the Yakima Book Co & The Traveling Book Bus
(If you can’t wait to see the movie Wicker…this one, plus a few other recs, might be right up your alley!)
Playlists to explore
🏹 Queer Mythology Retellings: “Are you currently obsessed with Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey, but wish it were gayer?” curated by The Littlest Gay Bookshop in Boone, NC.
📚 Women in Translation: August is Women in Translation Month, a month that aims to raise awareness about books in translation, and push for more stories by women in translation.
✍🏼 Writers on Writing: “Books about the craft of writing,” curated by Copperfield’s Books in Northern California.
What we’re reading on audio
But, back to romance for a second…😉 Bookstore Romance Day takes place on August 15, so obviously we’re (read: I’m) getting ready to celebrate by consuming a ton of romance reads—specifically the ones our bookselling partners can’t stop raving about.
See all of our team’s favorites.
You don’t need headphones for these…
Things around the internet our team is sharing.
💗 Former President Barack Obama loves to read and recommend books…but one genre is notably always absent from his roundups. This reader is on a mission to change that.
🧛 Where are all the horror fans out there? Eric, an engineer at Libro, recently stumbled upon the The Evolution of Horror podcast and has been binging the episodes ever since.
💭 Is this the first time the London Review of Books has broken the mainstream internet? Emily Wilson, a translator of The Odyssey and professor of classical studies, wrote a review of the recent adaptation…and she (along with everyone else on the web) has thoughts. Regardless of whether you enjoyed the movie or not, we are loving the way this epic poem is creating conversation!
Congrats to Angela for being the winner of our last giveaway! Send us a DM and we’ll get you your audiobook copy of Fat Swim.
Don’t forget to let us know what you’re reading and loving! Your pick could be featured in a future issue.
And if you have a friend that would like this newsletter, why not send it their way?
Thanks again for reading! Feel free to now return to your audiobook.
*Presses play*
Coming to you from San Francisco, this newsletter is written by me, Olivia Butze—hi! As the Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, you’ll find me running our social media accounts, creating brand campaigns, and working on all things email related. I’m passionate about storytelling as a catalyst for societal change, and my favorite activities include long audiobook walks, drinking matcha lattes, and reading in Golden Gate Park.
I am wondering if I could be converted to audio books. I recently watched Project Hail Mary and people keep telling me the audio book is amazing – more so than the book!