Every Monday through Friday, AudioFile’s editors recommend the best in audiobook listening. We keep our daily episodes short and sweet, with audiobook clips to give you a sample of our featured listens.

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No wonder Hanif Abdurraquib’s collection of lyrical essays, A Devil in America, is a finalist for the National Book Award. It is thoughtful, beautifully written, and intelligently performed by JD Jackson. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Sandi Henschel discuss Abdurraquib’s essays and Jackson’s skill at bringing them to life. Abdurraquib focuses on Black life, Black performance, and Black exceptionalism, and Jackson delivers each small gem with as much delight as there is anger and pain behind the words.

To listen to the whole archive of Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine, subscribe and listen on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or wherever else you find your favorite podcasts.

Support for Behind the Mic comes from Graphic Audio. Graphic Audio, A Movie in Your Mind featuring dramatized adaptations of the TERRA IGNOTA science fiction series by Ada Palmer. Savings of up to 60% Off this month! Discount prices reflected on product pages at GraphicAudio.net.

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Behind the Mic

Behind the Mic

Every Monday through Friday, AudioFile Editors recommend the best in audiobook listening. All in 6 minutes or less. It’s short, sweet, and just what your ears need.