Somewhere along the way, and for reasons I can’t totally explain, I traded my love of reading for some combination of sewing, cross stitching, documentary watching, and all things Taylor Swift. It used to be that I could count on getting some solid audiobook time in while commuting, doing chores, or even working, but these days most of my listening time has been spent with Taylor’s albums on repeat. If you’ve ever seen my Spotify Wrapped or any of the stats I’ve shared in my Instagram stories, you already know this isn’t exactly shocking.

Lately, though, I’ve realized how much I miss the stories and the emotions they bring out. There’s something so comforting about getting lost in a good book, whether it’s an old favorite or a new discovery, but I just haven’t had the time or desire to sit down and read. So over the last few days, I’ve been making a conscious effort to turn off the TV and press play on an audiobook instead.

And wow… I forgot how much I love it. The right narrator can bring a book to life in a way that feels completely immersive. It’s been such a good reminder that sometimes all we need is a small shift in our habits to reconnect with the things that bring us joy.

The audiobook I’m listening to right now has me totally hooked. I went in knowing almost nothing about it, but it’s set in 1997 (which just so happens to be the year I graduated high school 👀), and that alone was enough to pique my interest. Combine that nostalgic setting with a great cover and an engaging story, and I’m all in. Happily, the story itself is living up to the rest of the package.

So here’s to rediscovering old favorites, whether it’s an artist, a format, or a feeling. If you’ve drifted away from audiobooks lately, consider this your little nudge to dive back in. You might just fall in love with them all over again, too.