The Alternative Valentine’s Day Audiobook List
Escape the Valentine’s Day buzz with xigxag’s alternative book recommendations.
As the big V-Day draws closer, we can start to expect the usual commercialism with online retail and social media overflowing with red heart hashtags, lovey-dovey memes, and inflated prices. And expectations/FOMOs to increase.
But not everyone is waking up on Valentine’s day to 12 red roses, ready to curate their social media post about the (pre-planned) surprise of their favourite restaurant being booked. And even if we have a special someone, for many of us love is not a thing you say, it is a thing you do. And it can be found in many different places… starting with oneself.
Here at xigxag we know that V-day might not be everyone’s cup of tea, which is why we have curated an alternative to your regular romance book list to save you time. So you can enjoy page-swiping, binge-listening escapism, the alternative way.
If you want to find your perfect alternative Valentine’s pick check out our alternative pick list, (no hearts and flowers guaranteed), and download our app to experience 21st-century audiobooks today. Or if romantic fiction really is your cup of tea, check out our romantic fiction list here.
Looking after yourself:
“Find Your Unicorn Space“ by Eve Rodsky on xigxag. It’s about creating space for your own creativity and reducing the mental load, so often borne by women. “Creativity is not optional. It’s essential.”
“Own the Day, Own Your Life“ by Aubrey Marcus on xigxag. This one is about self-empowerment and optimising every aspect of one’s life, focusing on oneself.
Dark comedy if you are feeling anything but love on Valentine’s Day:
“How to Kill Your Family“ by Bella Mackie (read by Charly Clive, Paul Panting) on xigxag. This one is a bit subversive, but it’s a funny take on family life and modern society.
“Sex Power Money” by Sara Pascoe” (read by Joe Jameson, Sara Pascoe) on xigxag. A comically well-researched take on what really matters to people through the lens of the hilarious Sara Pascoe.
Male introspection:
“The Descent of Man“ by Grayson Perry (read by Jonny Phillips) on xigxag. This is equally compassionate of and critical of men and the negative habits associated with traditional masculinity.
“The Problem with Men” by Richard Herring (read by Alistair Green, Deborah Frances-White, Richard Herring) on xigxag. A funny and moving book for anyone striving for an equal society.
Some girl power themes:
“Strong Female Lead” by Arwa Mahdawi (read by Brenda Iyalla) on xigxag. An investigation into the qualities demonstrated by the female leaders showing us how it’s done.
“I Hate Men” by Pauline Harmange (read by Emily Lucienne) on xigxag. The feminist book they tried to ban in France – it’s a suggestion that women’s wariness of men might be a useful response to sexism and a path to resistance.
“Women Don’t Owe You Pretty” by Florence Given on xigxag. Women Don’t Owe You Pretty is the ultimate book for anyone who wants to challenge the out-dated narratives supplied to us by the patriarchy.
Non-traditional romance:
“The Ex Factor“ by Eva Woods (read by Laura Kirman) on xigxag. Modern dating is hard, especially when all you meet are liars, oddballs, men who wear Superman pants and men who live with their mums. So, why not date someone who already comes pre-approved? Why not recycle people you’ve dated and share them with your friends?
“Real Men Knit“ by Kwana Jackson (read by Keylor Leigh) on xigxag. Discover the most feel-good romance of the year. Perfect for fans of Jasmine Guillory, Lindsey Kelk and Sophie Ranald.
Our award-winning UK audiobook app offers great prices, no subscriptions, and exclusive access to the listen-and-read x-book®. At xigxag, we put listeners at the heart of everything we do: great prices, no subscriptions, and the best-ever user experience.
Photo credit: Isaiah Rustad on Unsplash
