Staff Picks
What Alexis Patterson Is Loving Right Now
Discover this associate marketing director’s favorite unforgettable audiobooks and engaging reads.
We asked some of the most bookish people we know to share what they’re enjoying these days, from the latest unputdownable novel to their current movie obsession. We’re excited to hear from Alexis Patterson, Associate Marketing Director for Penguin Random House Audio! Read on to hear in her own words what she’s reading and recommending right now.
I’ve always been a bookworm. The first time I fell in love with a book was when I was nine years old reading A Journey to the New World: The Diary of Remember Patience Whipple, Mayflower 1620 (Dear America Series). I checked this book out from my local library and instantly became obsessed with Remember Patience Whipple’s fictional story of sailing from England to the New World on the Mayflower. I found her “diary entries” incredibly compelling. In one entry, she wrote about how bored she was on the ship, and, in the next, she described watching bodies thrown overboard into the sea. I was so captivated. Although historical fiction got me hooked on reading at an early age, I now love any genre and audiobook that includes characters from underrepresented backgrounds that make me laugh and/or cry. In 2016, I created @thebrooklynbookworm on Instagram to connect with other book lovers and to visually showcase the books I am reading. DM me with your book recommendations!
As Penguin Random House Audio’s Associate Marketing Director, I focus my efforts on reaching new audiobook listeners and building format awareness with innovative marketing campaigns. Additionally, I am PRH Audio’s Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) Divisional Officer. I am passionate about making sure PRH continues to build an inclusive culture and champions all voices.
The three narrators of Sabaa Tahir’s All My Rage deliver the most incredible, emotional, and moving performance I have listened to. I cried. I raged. Swooned. Seriously felt all the feels. Tahir’s book touches on so many difficult topics: abuse, death, drugs, and racism. Yet, it is also a beautiful love story between Salahudin and Noor, both trying desperately to make sense of all the chaos and destructive choices in their broken worlds. Such a good audiobook.
Listen to the audiobook here.
This debut novel was so much more than just your typical rom-com. You can immediately tell from the dedication page: “And to all the women who question their worth. Remember, you’re always deserving of self-love.” This story was super smart, funny, and charming. It touched on everything from societal pressures, familial expectations, faith, sex, friendship, self-doubt, the workplace, how your butt looks, and so much more. Narrator Ronke Adékoluejo was such a delight to listen to.
Listen to the audiobook here.
I love a book read by the author! Samantha Irby opens up her mind, heart, and bowels to us with a raw honesty and a million laugh-out-loud moments. Intensely vulnerable, completely crude, and the MOST hilarious reflections on existence. Listening to this felt like having drinks and sharing the grittiest day-to-day life details with a good friend. SO funny. Samantha truly makes you feel seen.
Listen to the audiobook here.
I LOVED listening to this wildly original, brilliantly comic, delightfully fast-paced novel about two Nigerian sisters. One of whom, as you can guess from the title, is a serial killer. Don’t worry, this book is not scary or gruesome in the least bit. I actually found myself constantly laughing-out-loud at the absurd situations Korede, the narrator and older sister, finds herself in because of her younger, gorgeous, oblivious, boyfriend-killing sister. I loved everything about this book, especially the narration by Adepero Oduye.
Listen to the audiobook here.
I enjoy listening to a good self-help book. Psychiatrist and neuroscientist Amir Levine’s and psychologist Rachel Heller’s refreshing book of facts, observations, and advice gives a compelling argument about how and why the culture of finding and maintaining love is influenced by science. Through their research on the attachment theory, they debunk and pick apart the patronizing, contradictory, and inaccurate guidelines for relationship success. An interesting and great listen, one that many people, regardless of their relationship status, can relate to.
Listen to the audiobook here.
This book is absolutely gorgeous. The way it made me feel, the way it was written — everything about it feels like it was a gift to this world. This is a story about two Black girls learning to love themselves and each other while dealing with rejection and heartbreaking adversity. Both Audre and Mabel were amazing characters, and I loved listening to their stories so much. Junauda Petrus (the author and Mabel) and Bahni Turpin (Audre) did a fabulous job narrating and bringing this book to life.
Listen to the audiobook here.
Set in 1950s Mexico, Mexican Gothic follows the fabulously sassy and defiantly headstrong main character, Noemí, as she journeys to the Mexican countryside to check in on her cousin Catalina after Catalina sends a troubling letter. What happens next is a highly creative and unexpected storyline. Narrator Frankie Corzo delivers an utterly compelling, deeply chilling, and intensely creepy performance. I verbally said “ew gross” a few times — a sign of fantastic writing. I also loved loved, loved Noemí! She rejects all the 1950s social norms — she’s young and single, flirts, smokes cigarettes, and does not take no for an answer. Can you ask for more from a book?
Listen to the audiobook here.
Abi Daré’s beautiful novel tackles issues of sexism, power, grief, and women’s inequality. I was so inspired by the main character, Adunni, and her powerful spirit. Adunni is a Nigerian girl who, after her mother passes away, is sold into a marriage at the age of 14. She fights against all odds to have a voice and not just a voice but a LOUDING VOICE. I love that throughout the book she reminds herself and the reader that, “Tomorrow will be better than today. I have value and I’m important.” Narrator Adjoa Andoh brilliantly reads this empowering story.
Listen to the audiobook here.
There aren’t enough words to express how much I loved listening to Glennon Doyle read her audiobook Untamed. It was hard not to replay every single line in this insightful manifesto about radical self-love. This book was exactly what I needed during these strange times. It grounded me, brought me back to myself, and made me feel like, f*** yeah I got this, I am a goddamn cheetah.
Listen to the audiobook here.
What are you watching?
The Last of Us – I am not generally a fan of the zombie genre, but I LOVE this show. From the stunning visuals to the expertly crafted story and performances, this series is a must-watch for fans of the original game and newcomers alike.
What are you listening to?
Celebrity Memoir Book Club – A great podcast with two witty women giving you the good bits and their funny takes on the memoirs they are reading.
What are you cooking?
One Pot: 120+ Easy Meals from Your Skillet, Slow Cooker, Stockpot, and More by Martha Stewart – The beauty of this cookbook is that the recipes are easy, delicious, and require hardly any cleanup!
Thank you, Alexis!
