This month two superstars dominate the audiobook news… actually, make that three superstars! Beyond the glamour, the motivation and educational benefits of listening to audiobooks are evaluated by psychologists and librarians. Also in the news, a new partnership for comic lovers, the industry down-under and the ever-evolving bumpy road of using of AI voices.

In preparation for October’s Banned Book Week, libraries and distributors from coast to coast expanded access to books on the banned book list. In other news, the spotlight focused on black narrator superstars, The New York Times and The New Yorker dedicated space and time to discuss the love of listening to audiobooks and Spotify was also in the spotlight with expanded offerings in the UK and Australia. RBMedia, AirCanada and Darklit Press (just in time for Halloween) announced expanded offerings. Speaking of spotlights and superstars, Patrick Stewart and Michelle Obama announced new audiobook offerings.

This month kick back, relax and stroll through a brief history of the audiobook industry or get lost in a story told by your favorite celebrity. Investigate the differences in growth among the international audiobook markets. Read about the successful sale of RBMedia, mobile connectivity deals at Storytel and delivery modifications at Scribd. In other audiobook news; a Hindi production with a diverse cast, Bob Woodward’s defense presents it’s case, Stephen Fry warns the community about voice cloning without consent and a clinical trial for chronic pain patients.

This month Edison Research reports on audio usage, library deals are examined and it’s hard not to encounter the big news at KKR with the sale of RBMedia and purchase of S&S. Further, the news digs into what the acquisitions mean for authors and consumers. Also prominent in the news is a host of A.I. concerns including its effects on creativity, productivity and production. If all of this has you reaching for an otherworldly audiobook or returning to the Barbie movie for a repeat viewing, check out the earpod news. Or sink into a soothing bath with an audiobook before heading to bed to dream.

The three bears of audiobooks leave their pudding on the table for our readers to determine which is just right, in this compilation of June and July 2023 news. From the too long/too short/just right category (Jan 6 chronicles, short form audiobooks, interview with Sarah Jaffe), to the too easy/too difficult/just right category (voice switching, narrating an autobiography, mom reads erotica) and the too passive/too aggressive/just right category (Tolstoy chill, deep fakes, growing Spanish sales). After you’ve had your pudding, settle down for a comfy read of the APA annual sales report to feel… just right.