Most of the time while riding we enjoy the simple pleasures of the scenery around us. Once in a great while the scenery can become a bit monotonous or a hill challenging enough that we feel the need to distract ourselves. Audio books are a great source of entertainment and distraction and work well in these situations. Below are the audio books we have listened to along with a brief summary, followed by our recommendation.

The Long Walk by Slavomir Rawicz
This true story of survival ranks up there with those of Shackleton and Mawson. Stuck between the Russians and the Germans, Polish calvaryman is arrested, tortured and sent to Siberia to work in a mine. The story of survival just getting to Siberia is incredible. His story of escape is incredible. I listened to this book even when the riding was fun! Note: Stephen King also has a book with this title so be sure to include the author in your search.
++ Highly recommended

Hidden Figures by Margo Lee Shetterly
A fascinating, inspiring and sometimes disturbing look into the “computers” of the early twentieth century. This book is about the black computer’s contributions to America’s efforts in WWII through NASA putting a man on the moon, the struggles they faced, and the advances they brought about in moving towards racial equality. The movie by the same name is based on this book.
++ Highly recommended

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
A story of one man’s survival during WWII. From an Olympian contender in running, to a bombardier in the Pacific arena, to a prisoner of war, this story is well told and a real page turner. I liked it so much that when I accidentally began listening to it again several months after I first listened to it I went ahead and listened to the whole story a second time.
++ Highly recommended

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
An entertaining, touching, and heartwarming story that had me laughing, thinking and crying. Having done track days on my motorcycle I can appreciate the nuances of racing that are mentioned in this book, but lack of that experience does not diminish this books entertainment value.
+ Recommended

People of the Lie by M. Scott Peck
An insightful study of the diagnosis of evil from a clinical perspective.
+ Recommended

Alone on the Ice: The Greatest Survival Story in the History of Exploration by David Roberts
This is one of the few actual books we have read, all the rest being audio books we listen to while riding. This is a story of Douglas Mawson, an Antarctic explorer in the early 20th century. He sailed with Shackleton then later was the leader of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition. It was while he was on the AAE that he fell through a snow bridge into a cravass while hauling his sledge back to camp himself, his dogs gone. Well researched and written, this book gives an insiteful perspective on Mawson’s story of survival, “Mawson’s Will” being the most well known book on this topic.
+ Recommended

The Woman Who Smashed Codes by Jason Fagone
If you are interested in cryptography you owe it to yourself to read or listen to this book as it provides an interesting insight into the history of crypto-analysis and one of the key individuals in the United States who played a key role in its development in the early twentieth century.
+ Recommended if you like history and/or are interested in cryptography

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
A bit grim at many points, which is fitting given the setting, this novel tells a fascinating story of love and survival in one of the most demoralizing and difficult places in history.
+Recommended if you have an interest in of what life may have been like in a WWII concentration camps

The Flight Girls by Noelle Salazar
Based on the books description I thought this was going to be an interesting view into the role the Womens Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) played in WWII. I wish I had read this review before wasting my time on this book. If you are looking for a Romance Novel then this is for you. If you are looking for a book that includes any meaningful historical information on, or insights into WASP, don’t waste your time.
– Not recommended