Chapter 1: Audiobooks and Their Perception

“Do you comprehend the words I am saying?”

As the New Year dawned, the New York Public Library took to social media on January 4, 2024, to announce, “The ins and outs of NYPL in 2024!” Among the “Out” items was the notion that audiobooks are not considered reading—a jab that felt aimed directly at me.

While I resonate with many points from the “Out” list, I stand firm on the belief that audiobooks do not equate to reading. After all, you wouldn’t say you read a podcast! So, yes, my snobbery persists into 2024.

(But I encourage anyone who enjoys audiobooks to indulge; it’s all part of the cultural tapestry. Enjoy yourself!)

Though I frequently offer recommendations for TV shows and books, I’ve overlooked sharing some fantastic podcast suggestions. Audible has been stepping up its game lately.

Here’s a scoop that I think you’ll appreciate: George Orwell's 1984 is being adapted into an audio drama.

On January 9, 2024, Audible announced that Tom Hardy will voice Big Brother, while Matthew Bellamy of Muse provides the score, and Andrew Garfield takes on the role of Winston.

(Unfortunately, Julia will be portrayed by Cynthia Erivo, whose portrayal of Holly Gibney in the Stephen King adaptation of The Outsider left much to be desired. Justine Lupe in the Mr. Mercedes series captured the character's essence far better, showcasing Holly’s fierce intellect and heart.)

The audio adaptation is set to be released globally on April 4, aligning with the 40th anniversary of Winston's first diary entry in 1984.

As always: do read the original novel! And don’t miss out on Orwell’s Animal Farm—another timeless piece. Both 1984 and Animal Farm are significant dystopian novels. Orwell’s insights are strikingly relevant to our current landscape.

Reflecting on Fido Nesti’s comic adaptation of 1984 that I perused over a year ago, I realized I had overlooked the Physical Jerks—mandatory exercise via the telescreen, which feels like a precursor to Peloton.

George Orwell was akin to The Simpsons back in 1949; he got so much right that it’s chilling.

So, what about lighter moments? Well, I have three Audible recommendations to share, along with a caution from Cory Doctorow.

Audible Suggestion #1: Think Twice: Michael Jackson

Last April, Audible and Wondery unveiled Think Twice: Michael Jackson, created by journalists Leon Neyfakh and Jay Smooth.

Listeners will hear from over 100 individuals who played various roles in Michael Jackson’s life story.

“This narrative is as much about us, American culture, global culture, and how history and memory function, as it is about Michael himself,” stated Jay Smooth in an NPR interview.

This intriguing angle is what drew me to this podcast.

However, it delves into the absurd while attempting to investigate why his global influence remains, despite serious allegations against him.

Guilt and innocence are ultimately irrelevant.

None of us are qualified to judge Michael Jackson as a person, even though that’s often what we do. But that doesn’t mean it’s right.

Most importantly, your reasons for listening—or not—don’t matter. There’s no moral component to pop culture.

If you want to enjoy music from Kanye West, Michael Jackson, Madonna, or anyone else—fantastic! Crank it up!

You have the freedom to choose what to listen to, and everyone shares that same wonderful freedom.

If you’d rather not listen, that’s also a crucial part of your freedom—your reasons don’t need to be justified.

Many people don’t listen to Whitney Houston, for instance. Some can’t stand Coldplay or U2. That’s just how pop culture works.

As for me, I don’t listen to Pearl Jam. The reasons behind it simply don’t matter.

If you choose not to listen to Michael Jackson, that’s perfectly fine—just don’t press play.

There’s no value in angst or in making public declarations on social media. Revel in your choices, and your life will be great.

It’s all pop culture. Choose wisely and appreciate it; never take the magic for granted.

Audible Suggestion #2: Class of ’88

Recently, Wondery and Audible launched Class of ’88, hosted by Will Smith.

1988 was a year filled with unforgettable music from INXS, Tiffany, Michael Jackson, and Van Halen. Those were joyful times filled with mixtape magic.

Yet, during this year, rap was firmly establishing itself as a cultural force, with tracks like “Straight Outta Compton” (N.W.A), “Colors” (Ice-T), and “Don’t Believe The Hype” (Public Enemy) making waves.

Timeless tracks like “It Takes Two” by Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock also hail from 1988. As soon as that beat drops, everyone rushes to the dance floor as if it’s their job.

While we often only recognize significant events like the Berlin Wall’s fall or 9/11 as historical, that’s not a complete picture.

1988 was a pivotal year for hip hop—an important chapter for both artists and fans alike.

Over eight episodes, you’ll hear interviews with the icons who shaped the genre in 1988, including Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa, Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels, Rakim, and more.

Class of ’88 is essential listening—it should be a part of school curricula, as our past serves as a blueprint for our future.

Audible Suggestion #3: Slayers: A Buffyverse Story

Slayers: A Buffyverse Story, featuring beloved original cast members from the iconic TV series, premiered on October 12, 2023.

This audio drama picks up a decade after the show’s conclusion on May 20, 2003.

I’m not particularly into Buffy, but I have many friends who are die-hard fans. Here’s a snippet from the media release:

“Slayers: A Buffyverse Story reunites the original cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (with a few notable exceptions) to follow Spike (James Marsters) ten years after the finale. He teams up with a new Slayer, Indira (Layla DeLeon Hayes), and gets drawn into inter-reality chaos when Slayer Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter) arrives in Los Angeles seeking his help to save her world from Drusilla (Juliet Landau).”

While those words may not resonate with me, it’s clear that Buffy is a niche experience—either you’re in or you’re out. (And again, your reasons don’t matter.)

Chapter 2: Audible's Challenges

Audible Problem #1: Cory Doctorow

You might recall Cory Doctorow’s appearance in Chapter #110 of My Summer Lair.

He recently shared a post on his blog that highlights a troubling issue:

“Audible—Amazon’s monopolistic gatekeeper in the audiobook realm, controlling over 90% of the market—refuses to distribute my work. Audible employs Digital Rights Management to restrict every audiobook they sell to their platform. Only an Audible-authorized app can decrypt and play the audiobooks you purchase. Distributing a tool that removes Audible DRM is classified as a felony under Section 1201 of the 1998 DMCA.

This means that if you decide to part ways with Audible—deleting their apps—you forfeit your entire audiobook library. The fact that you’re held hostage by Audible also makes your favorite authors their captives. Writers know that if they leave the Audible platform, their audience must choose between following them or losing all their audiobooks.”

This situation exemplifies the frustrating aspects of our tech landscape.

Yes, Facebook allows you to connect with family, but it can also become a tool for manipulation and misinformation.

It reminds me of a moment from The Simpsons, where Homer goes shopping at The House of Evil.

Good and bad coexist:

Owner: “Take this object, but beware it carries a terrible curse…”

Homer: [anxiously] “Ooooh, that’s bad.”

Owner: “But it comes with a free Frogurt!”

Homer: [relieved] “That’s good.”

So while you enjoy these Audible recommendations, tread carefully—there’s a significant downside.

(And unfortunately, none of them come with a complimentary Frogurt. How rude!)

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Sammy Younan is the engaging host of My Summer Lair: think NPR’s Fresh Air meets Kevin Smith—interviews and insights on pop culture.

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