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pghfya · 7 years

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Cassi's Most Recommended Audiobooks

So, I love audiobooks. I listen to a few a month. Sometimes one a week. I listen at work, on the bus to work, while doing chores around the house, out for long walks on the beach. It doesn’t matter when or where I am, I will probably be listening to an audiobook.

And because I love audiobooks so much that every time someone is like “I need an audiobook I’m all…”

So what I’m saying is that I’m super excited to be sharing some of my favorite audiobooks with you all. I talk about audiobooks a lot of my blog so if you want more recommendations, check it out (My Thoughts Literally) But in the mean time, here are some of my favorite audiobooks and the ones I have recommended the most.

1.) The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

All of Maggie’s books are amazing and their audiobooks are fantastic. You seriously can’t go wrong with a Maggie book on audio. Her writing is so atmospheric that it works really well with the audio format. Scorpio Races is the best though. The island of Thisby comes alive in this audio. You will love it. Trust me. Plus it is narrated by Steve West and Fiona Hardingham. They are among my favorite narrators. Anything they narrate is great. Steve West, in particular, makes me feel things I shouldn’t feel in public. But seriously, these narrators are so good. This spring I listened to almost exclusively books narrated by them and I had to force myself to stop because it was ruining other narrators for me.

2.) The Reckoners Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson

I love Brandon Sanderson and this series is the one that started it for me. It’s a seriously amazing and action-packed read that is great on audio. The narrator, MacLeod Andrews is another one of my favorite narrators. He really gets the characters. And in this series, there is a huge and diverse cast of characters. There are all kinds of different accents and personalities in the series but they are all so perfect in MacLeod’s expert hands (mouth?). But the best part is that this series is so funny. It’s really hilarious. You will laugh out loud. It’s amazing.

3.) Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

This is technically not YA, but it has so much crossover appeal that I have to list it. Plus it really is among my most recommended audiobooks. Plus the movie is coming out soon and if you want to read the book before the movie comes out you need to know that the audio is so good. Because it really is amazing. It’s a really thrilling and descriptive read that comes alive in the audio format. Plus it’s narrated by Wil Wheaton which is such perfect casting. It’s nerdy 80’s and computer references are perfect with Wil as the narrator.

4.) The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

I love this series. I read the first three books in like two weeks and immediately became obsessed. They’re so fun and the characters are amazing. This is another audio with a great world and tons of action that work so well in the audio format. Plus it is narrated by Elizabeth Soler who again is one of my favorite narrators. I listened to the first three books as a reread before Winter came out that I couldn’t actually read Winter. I had to listen to the audiobook because her voice became the characters’ voice. (P.S. This also happened with Throne of Glass because Elizabeth Evans does the most perfect Celaena Sardothian. Throne of Glass isn’t in this series it could be).

5.) Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

I’m a huge fan of Libba Bray’s books. I’ve read basically all of them and I’ve loved every single one of them. I listened to the audio for Beauty Queens and I am really glad that I did because it was amazing. The author narrates it herself which is one of my favorite things in audiobooks. I feel like when the author narrates you get the tone of them. And the tone of this book is hilarity. Seriously I thought this was so fun and silly in the best possible way. I even asked Libba Bray on twitter after I listened to this if she would narrate my life because she did such a great job. She agreed and I am still waiting for that.

6.) Illuminae Files by Jay Kristoff and Aime Kaufman

So, I know what you are thinking. This series is written in an epistolary format and there are pictures and cool stuff, why would I listen to the audio. But trust me, the audio is amazing. For one thing, it has a full cast, something I always love, but it also has sound effects. The book really does come alive in the audio. It’s a truly immersive experience if you scroll through the book and look at the images while you listen to the audio. Plus they have some great narrators. Olivia Taylor Dudley and Lincoln Hoppe in Illumnae are great. Gemina has MacLeod Andrews, Steve West, and Carla Corvo all of whom I love. Plus whoever does Ella is perfection. These audio are perfection.

7.) Jackaby series by William Ritter

This is maybe one of the most underrated series out there. I am obsessed with it. It’s like Sherlock Holmes meets Doctor Who. A historical fantasy set in a small New England town with all kinds supernatural happenings. But luckily for us, there is Detective R.F Jackaby there to investigate things with his trusty assistant Abigail Rook, his ghost landlady Jenny Cavanaugh, Douglas a duck who used to be his assistant, and a frog you should not stare at. It’s hilarious and mysterious. Plus Nicola Barber is a great narrator.

8.) His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman

I’m a huge fan of this series. I read it years ago and then reread it recently on audio. The audio was seriously amazing. I did not expect it to be as good as it was. But this is another series that has a full cast and it worked so well. The narrator for Lyra was so perfect and so was the narrator for Iorek Byrnison, who is my favorite character in the series. It’s told like a radio play and I loved it.

9.) Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Another one that isn’t young adult but has a ton of crossover appeal. If you see a trend here then you are very perspective. Yes, I like audiobooks that have a lot of action and a lot of humor. That is absolutely what this book has. There are two versions, one that has one narrator (Stephen Fry for the first book and then Martin Freeman), and a radio play with a full cast. Both are great.

10.) Honorable Mentions

Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

These are all honorable mentions and therefore the tenth on this list because I couldn’t decide which one to decide because they are all so amazing. Also, I listened to recently so I’m not sure I have every really recommended them to anyone. But I’m recommending them to you because they are amazing.

Okay, that’s all I will list here. I can seriously go on forever with recommendations. Seriously, check out my blog for more. I’ve done plenty of posts with my favorites and even a ton of reviews of audiobooks. I listen to like 40 audiobooks a year so I have a lot of feelings. Anyway, I have to go. Probably find new audiobooks to listen to. Maybe I’ll see if any other clubs have recommendations.

#fya audiobooks #submission #yasummershowdown 2017 #2017 yasummershowdown #pghfya #2017 artifact hunt #artifact hunt 2017

#submission #fya audiobooks #ya summershowdown 2017 #2017 ya summershowdown #pghfya #2017 artifact hunt #artifact hunt 2017

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lifeismeantforexploring-blog · 6 years

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Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Check out these drool-worthy spots & awesome things to do!

Thinking of Visiting Sri Lanka?

Let us just start by saying, you can’t go wrong 🙂 Settled beautifully in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a wonderful destination for virtually any traveler. If you’re looking to relax by soaking up some rays and dipping your toes in the sand, Sri Lanka is perfect.

Perhaps you’re more interested in waking up at the crack of dawn to watch the jungle come to life as you roam around in a safari jeep? Sri Lanka is for you.

Maybe you want to check out the hustle and bustle of different cities or see what it’s like to ride through amazing scenery on a jam-packed train… head over to Sri Lanka!

If you’re an avid hiker keen on checking out remote places, amazing scenery, and trying your hand at speaking Sinhalese or Tamil.

Perhaps you’re interested in experiencing what local culture is like, staying in a homestay, or visiting museums and workshops, hop on a plane to Sri Lanka! What are you waiting for?

20 Photos of Sri Lanka To Inspire Your Next Travel Adventure

1). Coconuts

When you think of beaches, tropical climates, and vacations coconuts are bound to come to mind. Sri Lanka is full of these delicious hydrating fruits. You can pick them up virtually anywhere in the country for a refreshing drink!

2). Relaxing Days & Beautiful Beaches

With 832 miles (1,340 km) of coastline, it’s no surprise that the tropical island of Sri Lanka is home to some amazing beaches! From Galle to Unawatuna and Mirissa to Arugam Bay (and plenty others) you’ll find the perfect beach for you.

Sri Lanka is home to beaches that are remote and others that are built up. Home to beaches with strong currents where you wouldn’t want to swim and ones with smaller waves. There are also beautiful beaches for lounging or beaches that are better explored via boat rides.

3). Murals

Across cities and towns, you’ll find artwork that makes you stop in your tracks and say “wow”. Some of our favorites, like this peacock, are found in Arugam Bay. Spend a day “mural hunting” and see how many amazing works of art you can find.

4). Mother Nature

You can simply sit on a beach… or you can get in on the action. We sat in small pools of water and watched waves crash over us (keeping safety in mind) one day. It was a fun way to marvel at the mist floating above our heads and take in the beauty of Mother Nature.

It also produced some great moments of laughter as we got soaked time and time again!

5). Safari Adventures

When one first thinks of safaris, perhaps a list of African countries comes to mind. And they should – they’re on our bucket list!

That said, Sri Lanka has some safari adventures of its own that you won’t want to miss. They are also usually a fraction of the price- great for getting started 🙂

6). Tuk Tuk Adventures

Many Asian countries have Tuk Tuks or something similar – and Sri Lanka’s no different. When we weren’t galavanting around on the sprawling train system we had fun adventures in these decked out carts on wheels.

Hop in the back and get ready for an adventure as you drive past rolling waves and through beautiful jungly hills.

7). School’s Out For The Day

Take a visit to the former Dutch Fort Town, Galle. You can spend an entire day, or days, walking the Fort walls, and the cute streets and alleyways. Galle’s historic architecture is beautiful.

Plus, you’ll come across hundreds of students in white uniforms headed to the beach to swim at the end of the day. Prepare to smile and wave! Ayubowan is the term used for greetings if you want to say something other than “hello” while you’re here.

8). Waterfalls: Lovers Leap

Talk about breathtaking beauty! Sri Lanka is home to some amazing beaches… but also some magnificent waterfalls.

Heading inland to Nuwara Eliya – which was not on our original itinerary – was the best decision we could have made. We spent hours walking to this waterfall and enjoying it once we arrived. (You could also opt for a Tuk Tuk to take you part way and make the walk much shorter).

9). Tea Factories

Sri Lanka is well known in the tea world for its amazing teas. In fact, tea production happens to be one of the main sources of foreign exchange for the country!

There are a variety of tea factories scattered among the highlands. We spent an afternoon touring Halpe Tea in Ella learning all about the tea making process. No photos allowed inside the factory… so we took this one outside!

10). Surf

Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a newbie just learning, Sri Lanka has beaches and waves for everyone!

We’re definitely on the newbie end of the scale but had a blast learning and taking a class with Excellent Surf School at “Peanut Farm” just outside of Arugam Bay.

Fun Fact… wild elephants occasionally walk onto this beach and dip their toes in the sand! Talk about a fascinating sight to see.

11). Fitness Outdoors

TJ swears his legs were up straight in this headstand… but we have photo proof that says otherwise!

Whether you’re a fitness fan of yoga, HIIT, running, circuit training or another kind, Sri Lanka has plenty of beautiful places to get your sweat on outside. Our favorite was the beach!

Just make sure to protect your skin and slather on some sunscreen 😉

12). Sunrise Over The Jungle

Picture this: sunrise over the quite jungle as the sun pokes up above the horizon, birds begin to chirp, and the entire sky is illuminated.

We opted to go on safari in the less crowded Udawalawe National Park (as opposed to Yala) and had an amazing time. Watching sunrise over the jungle is a site we’ll never forget. You can hire a private safari jeep for the day from your guesthouse and set off on a grand adventure!

13). Beautiful Boats

While staying in Arugam Bay we ventured down the beach on multiple occasions and marveled at the sheer number of fishing boats that line the shore.

They head out very early in the morning and return before most travelers are even out of bed. They’re often painted bright colors and look beautiful against the sand.

14). Hanging Out Of Moving Trains

If you research some of the most famous train rides in the world – particularly in Asia – Sri Lanka is bound to come up.

Most famous is the ride from Kandy to Ella… but it is packed with people. And, unless you buy tickets well in advance you may be standing for the entire 8-hour journey. It can get tiring!

Even so, if you’re on a less crowded train and can reach the doors you can spend your entire ride hanging out of the train as the landscape zooms by! One of the most eventful train rides we’ve ever had!

15). Island Adventures

As if being on a beautiful tropical island weren’t enough… you can walk from mainland Miriss Beach, across a sandbar, to a tiny island jutting out of the surf. How beautiful!

It’s a great place to watch the tide change, waves crash, and life take place on Mirissa beach.

16). Take In The View

We love taking in the scenery on beautiful beaches but sometimes it’s even more fun to admire them from a different vantage point.

Find a hill, check out a viewpoint on Maps.me and see what beauty is in store for you when you reach the top!

17). Marvel At Tea Fields

We already mentioned tea above, but check out these tea plants in the bottom left of the photo! They’re beautiful, especially when surrounded by other fields and a mountain landscape 🙂 We’re outdoor nature junkies and Sri Lanka took our breath away.

18). Sri Lanka’s Delicious Breakfast Trio

As foodies, meal preppers, and cooking fanatics we’re always thrilled to get to a new country. Why? Because we get to try new food!

Breakfasts in Sri Lanka are one of our favorites. Delicious roti paired with coconut sambal and dahl are the perfect way to start the day. Check out this favorite food and many of our other favorites!

19). Nine Arch Bridge

One of the most popular things to see while visiting Ella – the Nine Arch Bridge – will not disappoint.

Walk the railway from the train station, or take a jungle hike to arrive. We opted for the hike and were greeted with this magnificent view upon arrival.

An engineering wonder, this bridge was built with stone bricks and cement, but without steel!

20). Swing Off Into The Distance

There’s no doubt about it. Instagram has had a huge rise in popularity in the last few years. And, with this rise, has come the famous “Instagram worthy ” or “Most Instagramamble Places” for every traveler to find.

Look no further than beach swings in Sri Lanka. They dot beaches across the island and provide a great way to stay cool as you swing through the breeze. Just be prepared to pay a fee to hop on someone’s swing!

Share this: use the sharing icons below to share this with your friends! And be sure to share your adventures with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (tag @LifeIsMeantForExploring to make sure we see it 🙂 ). Pinterest fan? Pin one of the images below!

Get Skyscanner ready, you'll be wanting to book a flight to Sri Lanka in no time! Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Check out these drool-worthy spots & awesome things to do!

#adventure #inspiration #photo essay #travel

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