By Kathryn Alley, Nathasya G and Samantha Ross.
As the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like cosying up with a familiar audiobook. Whether it’s an old favourite or a story that feels just right for the chilly weather, autumn is the perfect season for a re-listen. This week, we’re diving into the audiobooks that make us want to curl up with a warm drink and let the world drift away with our favourite cosy autumn picks.
Nathasya’s Pick: Welcome to Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Boreum, Translated by Shanna Tan and Narrated by Rosa Escoda
Any book set in a bookshop always feels cozy to me, including Welcome to Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Boreum. I picked up the audiobook last year and Rosa Escoda’s narration makes the book feel warm and inviting. The story itself follows a story about a bookshop in Hyunam-Dong, Seoul, run by Yeongju, a woman in her late thirties who finally pursued her dream of opening a bookshop. While there are a lot of uncertainties in the beginning, we follow Yeongju’s journey of learning and developing not only the bookshop but also herself.
I think what makes the book a very cosy listen is that this fictional bookshop also becomes a safe and welcoming haven for the other characters in the book. Throughout the book, Yeongju meets people who become her acquaintances. Like her, these people are trying to figure out their lives and, for some reason, they all come to this bookshop at Hyunam-Dong where they can heal, connect and simply breathe.
As I mentioned earlier, Rosa Escoda's narration really captures the cosy, heartwarming essence of this story perfectly. Escoda’s voice lends warmth and authenticity to Yeongju’s journey of self-discovery and resilience as she navigates the ups and downs of running the bookshop. Her narration beautifully brings out the comforting and communal atmosphere of the bookshop, which serves as a haven for characters who, like Yeongju, are seeking solace and connection. Escoda’s gentle tone draws listeners in, creating an inviting, slice-of-life experience perfect for a relaxing escape.
Samantha’s Pick: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and Narrated by Carolyn McCormick
When I think of autumn, cosy or comforting, I usually think of hot drinks, blankets, fallen leaves and candles; rarely do I think about The Hunger Games. I’ve read the books before, but last autumn I decided to listen to the audiobooks and I think it may have become a new tradition after doing the same this year.
The dystopian trilogy has become huge since its release in 2008, and the audio versions are definitely a great way to revisit an old favourite. Collins does an incredible job at writing vibrant characters whose journeys you can’t help but sink into, and McCormick’s narration perfectly encapsulates everyone’s unique voice.
This may not be to everyone’s taste, especially as a cosy audiobook to cuddle up with in the colder months, but there’s a hypnotic quality to the writing and narration. It allows the listener to be fully absorbed into a different world for a short time, ultimately rooting for the underdogs who find family in each other.
Kathryn’s Pick: The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams and Narrated by Richard Armitage
While autumn is my absolute favourite season, and there are so many incredible audiobooks to choose from, I had to go with a classic that has been with me since I was little: The Velveteen Rabbit. Narrated by Richard Armitage, this timeless tale of love and loss is the perfect complement to fall. Each year, as autumn arrives and the days get shorter, returning to The Velveteen Rabbit brings a special kind of warmth, even as the story tugs at the heart with its bittersweet themes.
Although it’s undeniably bittersweet, following the journey of a beloved toy facing the reality of being forgotten, the story is also filled with such deep beauty. There’s something timeless and almost magical in the idea that love has the power to make us “real.” Armitage’s narration brings out the emotional depth of the story with a gentle strength, creating an atmosphere that’s perfect for cosy evenings under a blanket. Re-listening to this audiobook feels like reconnecting with an old friend, one who reminds me that even through change and hardship, the bonds of love remain, making this story the perfect companion to usher in the fall season. Whether you’re familiar with the story or not, I invite you to re-listen this fall, as this audiobook is a reminder of the beauty found in vulnerability, love and the quiet magic that comes with simply being cherished.
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