If you're heading on a road trip [1], whether it's for three hours or thirteen, we have some great listens that'll make the time fly by. And no, they're not music — they're all audiobooks! We all know how difficult it can be to stare at the yellow lines on the road for hours on end, but these enthralling, mysterious, and hilarious audiobooks will keep you focussed and awake for hours to come.
To help you out, we've reached out to our POPSUGAR Book Club members (join us!) [2] for a little advice on which audiobooks they've enjoyed on the road to make the time pass. While some readers found themselves listening to hilarious comedies, others turned to memoirs, thrillers, and even fantasy books to stay entertained during a long drive. There are even audiobook recommendations appropriate for the whole family.
So what're the top audiobooks that book clubbers are raving about, you ask? Well, Born a Crime by Trevor Noah had to be the number one recommendation, which is narrated by Noah himself, along with 11/22/63 by Stephen King, a historic science-fiction novel, and in third place comes Daisy and the Six, which features a great full-cast recording. But hey, we can't give away all our book clubbers recommendations. Keep reading to find the audiobook inspo you need for your next road trip!
Open Book by Jessica Simpson
"I was never a fan of Jessica Simpson [4]'s and knew very little about her before picking up Open Book: A Memoir [5]. But after listening to it, the story really feels like a conversation with a good friend."
— Anamika R.
Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties by Tom O'Neill
In Tom O'Neil's Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties [6]the former journalist discusses his 20-year fascination with the Charles Mason murders and the shocking revelations he uncovered along the way.
In Pieces by Sally Field
Hear the story of one of the most beloved American actresses, Sally Fields, in In Pieces [7]. The actress narrates the audiobook herself, and she gets intimate about her challenging childhood, her craft, and where she's at today.
The Invention of Wings: A Novel by Sue Monk Kidd
From the author of The Secret Life of Bees, comes The Invention of Wings [8], a historical novel about an abolitionist in South Carolina who was given an enslaved girl at 11 years old and fights for her freedom.
Travels With Charley in Search of America by John Steinbeck
In Travels With Charley in Search of America [9], Gary Sinise does a wonderful job of telling John Steinbeck's story about his travels across America. From small towns to large cities, John's discoveries about people, nature, and the open road will inspire you.
Stay Sexy and Don’t Get Murdered by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
In Karen Kilgariff's and Georgia Hardstark's debut book, Stay Sexy and Don't Get Murdered [10], we get to hear the voices behind the podcast My Favourite Murder and their never-before-heard stories of the life events that shaped them.
Springfield Confidential by Mike Reiss With Mathew K
"Springfield Confidential [11] is great in audiobook form! Not something I'd normally pick, but it's very funny and my husband loved it."
— Ellen N.
Call Me by Your Name: A Novel by André Aciman
"Call Me by Your Name [12] is such a beautiful book, and it's short enough to finish in one weekend trip."
— Sara T.
The Ride of Our Lives by Marc Cashman
The Ride of Our Lives [13] by Mike Leonard is a touching story about Leonard's trip across the country. Full of ups and downs, hope, persistence, and valuable lessons, you'll find this book to be a heartfelt listen.
Bossypants by Tina Fey
Have you ever wondered about the life of actress, producer, writer, playwright and comedian Tina Fey [14]? Well, now you can get the full scoop on her life in this hilarious autobiography titled Bossypants [15].
Daisy Jones and The Six: A Novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid
"The audiobook has a full cast that really pulls you into the story. The first time I listened to it, I actually thought that Daisy Jones and The Six [16] must have been a real band because the story felt so real."
— Kristen M.
"I completely forgot that Daisy Jones and The Six was a fictional book and not a real story. The cast of characters with different narrators portraying them made it feel so real. One of my favourite audiobooks of all time."
— Sherry M.
The Martian by Andy Weir
In this science-fiction novel by Andy Weir, The Martian [17] tells the story of a man named Mark Watney and his experience as the first person to walk on Mars, and quite possibly the last.
11-22-63: A Novel by Stephen King
"My husband and I both loved listening to 11-22-63 [18] together, and he isn't even a big reader. The story is long but it hooks you from the start."
— Jenni G.
"11/22/63 is so good! The narrator really brings the story to life."
– Ashley G.
"11/22/63 is probably the best audio production I've heard. And I don't usually care for Stephen King."
— Sarah S.
"11-22-63 is absolutely brilliant, both the writing and narration is fabulous."
— Lacey P.
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
"Born a Crime [19] by Trevor Noah is one of my all-time favourites and most recommended audiobooks! It's the story of his growing up as a mixed-race child in apartheid South Africa. He reads the book and it's just fantastic. I love how he narrates his mother's parts. Yes, he pokes a little fun but his love for her really shines through. It's not a political book at all (if that may be stopping you). It's completely lovely and something that can be enjoyed by both men and women."
— Jill R.
"Born a Crime by Trevor Noah is the best narration I've listened to in ages. I laughed so hysterically on a walk that people were giving me the strangest looks, but I could not stop chuckling."
– Chrissi L.
"Born a Crime by Trevor Noah is my number one audiobook recommendation always and forever. His story is fascinating, sad, hilarious . . . just captivating. And listening to HIM narrate it is priceless."
— Kayla A.
"Trevor Noah narrates Born a Crime himself. It's absolutely hilarious but also informative if you don't know a lot about South Africa."
— Ashleigh A.
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder [20] by Holly Jackson is about a local murder case that doesn't add up, and a girl who'll stop at nothing to find the killer. If you love a good murder-mystery, you'll enjoy all the twists and turns this story throws at you.
An American Marriage (Oprah’s Book Club): A Novel by Tayari Jones
An American Marriage [21]by Tayari Jones was an Oprah's Book Club 2018 selection, and is Jones's fourth novel. The story is about a middle-class African American couple, Roy and Celestial, whose lives are torn apart when Roy gets convicted of a crime he did not commit.
Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover
Tara Westover tells her unforgettable story in Educated [22], a memoir of her life growing up and what it was like overcoming a survivalist Mormon family in order to get an education.
The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick
In Phadra Patrick's The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper [23], you'll find yourself smiling from cheek to cheek. The story is about a widower who embarks on a life-changing adventure to discover more about his wife's secret past. Along his journey, he finds hope, healing, and self-discovery in places he could have never imagined.
The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall
If you need a good laugh, Jeanne Birdall's The Penderwicks [24] is it. The story is about two sisters who are home and ready to take on the world, and as Mr. Penderwick begins dating, they prepare a plan that's laugh-out-loud funny.
The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James
"If you're a true-crime podcast lover, I recommend the audiobook The Sun Down Motel [25]. I just finished it, and it's got paranormal elements, a murder investigation, and great narration! This would be a good one to help pass the time quickly."
— Kayla A.
Kiss Carlo by Adriana Trigiani
From the New York Times best-selling author of The Shoemaker's Wife, Adriana Trigiani brings us Kiss Carlo [26], a story of family, secrets, and pursuing your dreams.
Yes Please by Amy Poehler
"Listening to Amy Poehler [27] read Yes Please [28] feels like you got an invite to join her at the author's dinner table. She spins yarns of SNL tales of yore; drops some serious knowledge on how great it is to be a woman over 40; talks with us about her parents and their pivotal role in her life; and passionately speaks about comedy, improv, and making people laugh. As a strident fan of Parks and Rec, I've always considered Leslie Knope to be my spirit animal, and my love for the show only grew listening to her speak about it."
— By Jill C.
Beastie Boys Book by Micheal Diamond
Find out how the rock and roll band came to be in the Beastie Boys Book [29] by Micheal Diamond.
The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
Set in turn-of-the-century New York, The Golem and the Jinni [30] by Helene Wecker follows two mythic beings, a clay-made "woman" and a "man" of fire, who both find themselves in NYC.
Mrs. Sherlock Holmes by Brad Ricca
Brad Ricca's Mrs. Sherlock Holmes [31]covers the 1917 missing-girl case that launched the career of Grace Humiston, the famous female detective whose talents earned her the moniker of the title.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
In The Hate U Give [32] by Angie Thomas, Starr Carter witnesses the fatal shooting of her unarmed friend Khalil by a police officer and is confronted with the responsibility and repercussions of speaking up.
The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
The Last Mrs. Parrish [33] by Liv Constatine is a story about a girl named Amber Patterson who is tired of blending into the background. One day, when she meets socialist and philanthropist Daphne Parrish, Amber sees the opportunity to get the life she's always dreamed of, but after a secret arrises, her new lavish life may fall apart.
As You Wish by Cary Elwes
Actor Cary Elwes, who played Westley in The Princess Bride, brings us As You Wish [34], an autobiography that depicts the making of the classic film, The Princess Bride, as well as some never-before-told stories.
Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff
"Lovecraft Country [35] by Matt Ruff has great narration. The story has both real and magical monsters, and the real ones are much worse. Each section involves a different character but they all intertwine. One of my favourites ever."
— Kristie G.
Full Throttle by Joe Hill
"On my last road trip, my family and I listened to Full Throttle [36] by Joe Hill. We had a lot of long drives through the west Texas desert and the short stories were perfect for these stretches (and the subject matter very atmospheric for the isolated landscape we were in). Each story had a different narrator, giving them all a fresh feel and keeping the listening from getting monotonous. I loved getting to experience so many great narrators in one book; Wil Wheaton and Ashleigh Cummings were particular standouts."
— Abbie F.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
The Nightingale [37]by Kristin Hannah tells the story of two sisters in France who end up in different positions during WWII: one fights with the resistance and the other becomes a prisoner.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Taking place in the wilderness of Alaska in 1984, you won't want to stop for breaks listening to The Great Alone [38] by Kristin Hannah. The story follows a family in crisis who's forced to live off the grid, and each chapter is riveting.
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
Anne Patchett's The Dutch House [39] is a moving story about the bond between two siblings and the grand home their father left them after WWII. Set over the course of five decades, the siblings lose their house to their stepmother, watch their inheritance be put into jeopardy, and are forced to confront the demons of their past.
Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
In Nelson Mandela's autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom [40], he shares the secrets of his life, struggles, setbacks, as well as his renewed hope and strength.
All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto by George M. Johnson
"All Boys Aren't Blue [41] is a beautiful and raw memoir read by the author, and is short enough to be completed in one trip."
— Morghan F.
Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky
Author of Perks of Being a Wallflower Stephen Chbosky brings us Imaginary Friend [42], a novel about a family starting over and their son who disappears for six days, only to return unharmed, but different.
If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
M.L Rio's debut novel If We Were Villains is the story of a murder-mystery surrounding the death of a former actor, Oliver Marks.
The Diaries of Adam and Eve by Mark Twain With Walter Cronkite
— Theresa R.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo [44]by Taylor Jenkins Reid is an empowering story that touches upon the scandalous history of old Hollywood, celebrity couples, and more, while diving into the issues of race, sexuality, and what it means to be a women in the '40s and '50s.
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
The Poet X [45] by Elizabeth Acevedo is about an Afro-Latina heroine who feels uncomfortable in her Harlem neighbourhood as soon as her body grows curves. Instead of speaking out, she finds it best to write it all down in a leather notebook and discovers slam poetry.
Illuminae: The Illuminae Files, Book 1 by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
"For science fiction and adventure fans I recommend the Illuminae: The Illuminae Files, Book 1 [46] by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. It's almost like an old time radio show with its full cast and sound effects. If it's a long trip you have the full trilogy to look forward to!"
— Tricia C.
"Illuminae: The Illuminae Files, Book 1 is by the the most immersive audiobook trilogy I have ever listened to!"
— Serena B.
Meg and Jo by Virginia Kantra
Little Women gets a modern-day update in Virginia Kantra's Meg and Jo. [47] The four March sisters have all grown up and moved out, but when their mother becomes ill, journalist-turned-food-blogger Jo and young mom Meg return home to care for her during the holidays.
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
"First, Wil Wheaton was the perfect narrator for Ready Player One [48]. He did an amazing job. Second, it's fun for all ages so if you're travelling with or without kids, everyone will enjoy it."
— Samantha G.
"Ready Player One! Will Wheaton really draws you into the world and makes you feel like you are part of the adventure."
— Leah F.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Set in Victorian London, Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus [49] tells the story of a magical travelling circus where, behind the scenes, two young magicians keep up the illusions and captivate audiences while locked in a fierce competition neither of them understands. Eventually, the two realise the only way to win the competition is to kill the other, but by that point, they've already fallen in love.
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Proving that not all fantasy series are set in medieval-style worlds, Maggie Stiefvater's The Raven Boys [50] finds magic in a world just like our own. Blue Sargent is clairvoyant, and she discovers her gift when she meets one of the Raven Boys, a group of young men who attend a prestigious private school. Soon Blue finds herself entrenched in their circle, where she must face a dark prophecy about her life: she'll cause her true love to die.
Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan
"Echo [51] by Pam Munoz Ryan is my favourite. It's a middle grade book, but I loved it as much as my son."
— Shana F.
The Taking: A Novel by Dean Koontz
"The Taking [52] by Dean Koontz has the perfect amount of horror and suspense to keep your imagination busy for hours."
— Marieve E.
The President Is Missing by Bill Clinton and James Patterson
Bill Clinton and James Patterson's The President Is Missing [53] is a political thriller where the President goes missing for three tense days, leading the nation down a path of despair. Featuring knowledge only a President could know, this realistic read makes a great car listen.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
An iconic tale of racial prejudice and human morality, To Kill a Mockingbird [54] by Harper Lee is a must-listen. When a Black man is falsely accused of rape in a small Southern town, it falls to attorney Atticus Finch to defend him. Atticus's daughter, Scout, is the primary point of view, as she watches the hate thrown at her father and the racist miscarriage of justice at the trial.
Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
"Nevernight [55] by Jay Kristoff is worth a listen. The audio is so immersive and the narration is perfection. The story has everything you could want out of a fantasy book: magic, love, treachery, action, and heart-pounding twists and turns. I have never gasped, cried, or laughed more at my radio more than when I was listening to this series. The only challenge is being forced to pause the book to get gas."
— Grace B.
Artemis by Andy Weir
Artemis [56], a science-fiction novel by Andy Weir, takes place in the year 2080 in the city of Artemis, the first city to be built on the moon. Porter and Jazz live there, but Jazz isn't satisfied with her poor life. In a desperate attempt to become rich, Jazz gets caught up in a conspiracy for control of the city and finds herself in a sticky situation.
Wanderers by Chuck Wendig
Wanderers by Chuck Wendig [57]centres upon an epidemic in which a flock of people across America begin sleepwalking to an unknown destination. The epidemic causes mayhem in the world around them, and even gains attention from the U.S. military, which threatens to exterminate them. It's up to the unaffected to figure out the mystery behind it all, especially if their loved ones are a part of it.
The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan
If you're interested in plants, The Botany of Desire [58]by Michael Pollan will pull you right in. The book showcases four types of human desires that reflect in the way we grow, breed, and engineer our plants.
Matilda by Roald Dahl
"Matilda [59] by Roald Dahl, read by Kate Winslet [60], is the best single narrator book I've ever heard."
— Jen F.
Becoming by Michelle Obama
In former First Lady Michelle Obama [61]'s dazzling memoir, Becoming [62], she chronicles her life from a childhood on the South Side of Chicago to becoming one of the most compelling and visible women of her time, noting all of the triumphs and disappointments she's faced along the way.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Alex Michaelides's The Silent Patient [63] is a labyrinthine tale of secrets and murder. A woman shoots her husband in the face five times and then refuses to speak, launching her into infamy, and catching the attention of a psychotherapist, Theo. Soon, Theo becomes obsessed with making her speak again, but his motives may not be as pure as they initially appear.
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
"I adored The Boys in the Boat [64] by Daniel James Brown. It's narrated by Edward Herrmann of Gilmore Girls [65] fame and he's the perfect narrator. The book is about the 1936 U.S. Olympic men's rowing team. I knew nothing about rowing before reading the book but somehow I came to care about rowing very much. At one point I spontaneously cheered. It's the perfect road trip book."
– Tara N.
A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
A Walk in the Woods [66] is a humourous memoir by Bill Bryson that tells the story of an Iowa-born man who returns to America after 20 years in England to walk the Appalachian Trail.
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
"Children of Blood and Bone [67] read by Bahni Turpin narrates Tomi Adeyemi's story perfectly!
— Mackenzie H.
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
"Braiding Sweetgrass [68] by Robin Wall Kimmerer is just beautiful. It makes the hours fly by and puts a shimmery haze on the edges of the world. Plus, you just might learn a thing or two."
— Mellisa H.
Over the Top by Jonathan Van Ness
Over the Top [69]by Jonathan Van Ness uncovers the never-before-told secrets of JVN's life, and proves there's much more to him than the crop tops, stilettos, and what you see on Queer Eye [70].
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
"The Unhoneymooners [71] made a great audiobook. A laugh out loud rom-com set on a Hawaiian trip is perfect for a road trip!"
— Brittany S.
The Guest List by Lisa Foley
A wedding goes horribly awry in Lucy Foley's clever The Guest List [72]. The Agatha Christie-style mystery is set on a remote island where a group of wedding guests quickly become murder suspects after a dead body turns up.
The Guardians by Mandy M. Roth
The Guardians [73] by Mandy M. Roth is about a badass guardian who is a college student by day and spends her nights fighting "the innocents" to protect society from the night walkers that live among them.
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
"The Graveyard Book [74] by Neil Gaiman is a wonderful story, fun for all ages, and the full cast audio recording is phenomenal!"
— JoAnna B.
The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni
"The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell [75]by Robert Dugoni was a great listen on my drives to and from work."
— Kristen S.
The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom
"The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto [76] by Mitch Albom is not to be missed. The audiobook has an all-star cast of cameos."
— Rebecca F.
Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
"Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore [77] by Robin Sloan is entertaining for a road trip and the narrator is amazing and so fun to listen to!
— Margaret W.
My Friend Anna by Rachel DeLoache Williams
"My Friend Anna [78] by Rachel DeLoache Williams pulls you in and makes you feel like a friend she's telling a story to. The audiobook is completely compelling."
— Leslie C.
The Idea of You by Robinne Lee
"The Idea of You [79] by Robinne Lee will make you want to keep driving for hours."
— Elaine P.
Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson
Jenny Lawson toes the line between dark and humourous in her memoir, Furiously Happy [80]. Lawson examines her own experiences with depression and the various other disorders she's come in contact with.
Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames
In Kings of the Wyld [81] by Nicholas Eames, an old group of money-hungry warriors who were once the best in the land decide to get back together for one last battle.
Save the Date by Morgan Matson
Save the Date by Morgan Matson [82] is the most fun you'll have. I laughed through the whole book.
— Angela Lopez
Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko
In Gennifer Choldenko's historical fiction novel, Al Capone Does My Shirts [83], Moose's family moves to Alcatraz island so that his sister can attend a special school in San Francisco and his father become a guard. But as always, nothing goes according to plan, especially in Alcatraz.
The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher
"The Princess Diarist [84] by Carrie Fisher should not be listened to with children in the car, and may make you pee yourself, but I highly recommend it!
— Monica W.
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
Donna Tartt's The Goldfinch [85] tells the story of a young boy who was given a home by a wealthy upper class family after his mother was killed in a bombing.
Allie and Bea by Catherine Ryan Hyde
New York Times bestselling author of Pay It Forward Catherine Ryan Hyde brings us Allie and Bea [86], a story of losing everything only to rediscover hope . . . no matter your age.
The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
The New York Times best-seller The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires [87]by Grady Hendrix tells the story of a women's book club that must protect its community from a strange and handsome man who turns out to be more trouble than they thought.
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
Such a Fun Age [88]by Kiley Reid has made its way into the spotlight due to its focus on race, gender, and social media outrage. The plot is about a Black girl named Emira who gets accused of kidnapping a white toddler that she cares for at a store. Her boss Alix is outraged, but after Emira explains herself, she made things right. That is, until a video of her at the store goes viral.
The Lady From the Black Lagoon by Mallory O'Meara
The Lady from the Black Lagoon: Hollywood Monsters and the Lost Legacy of Milicent Patrick [89] by Mallory O'Meara is "a true-life detective story" looking into the mysterious life and work of Milicent Patrick, one of Disney's first female animators and the woman who created one of Hollywood's most famous movie monsters: Creature From the Black Lagoon.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Spanning decades in the lives of one family, The Vanishing Half [90]by Brit Bennett follows twin sisters, one who still lives in the small southern town where they grew up and the other who is passing for white with a white husband who knows nothing about her past. Despite their lives diverging as adults, the twins find that they're still linked no matter how far apart their experiences may appear to be.
The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett
After a danger threatens their reality, Tiffany aching teams up with Nac Mac Feegle — aka the Wee Free Men — to defend her family and stop them from kidnapping the Queen of Elves. If you're ready for a drive with lots of twists and turns (and we're not talking about the road), Terry Pratchett's The Wee Free Men [91] is it.
Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow
The author, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Ronan Farrow, reads the audiobook of Catch and Kill [92] about abuse of power, corruption, and serial abuse in Hollywood.
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
In American Gods [93], Neil Gaiman sends two men on a road trip across the United States, but no matter where Shadow and Mr. Wednesday go, magic follows. There are gods wageing a war for America, and the battle that ensues is strange and bloody, with the rare moment of beauty thrown in for good measure. By mixing mythology and technology together with a good old-fashioned story about two men trekking across the US, American Gods creates an unforgettable journey that you'll want to go on again and again.
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Rainbow Rowell's Fangirl [94] tells the story of two sisters, Cath and Wren, who have been inseparable their whole lives, but outgrew one another as they got older. Now, Cath is on her own at college — but can she do it without Wren by her side?
World War Z by Max Brooks
You may think the ultimate zombie tale is The Walking Dead [95], but World War Z [96] by Max Brooks might have you fooled. Centreed around various characters throughout a zombie apocalypse, the book tells the history of war from all sides of the catastrophe.
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
If you want a light-hearted and fun listen on your next road trip, Crazy Rich Asians [97] by Kevin Kwan is your go-to. The novel is about three super-rich Chinese families and the gossip and drama that ensues them.
Miracle Creek by Angie Kim
An explosion. Two deaths. A high-profile murder trial. It all collides in Angie Kim's Miracle Creek [98], which sees its characters going to extreme lengths to protect their family and their secrets.
Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows: A Novel by Balli Kaur Jaswal
This funny novel Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows [99] by Balli Kaur Jaswal is about a Londoner who takes a job at a writing workshop only to find that all the stories the women share are about sex. The story is surprisingly delightful and even touches upon larger themes like female empowerment, societal expectations, and the immigrant experience.