Boygenius Graces Us With A New Album That Tackles Friendships and Family

The Best Spotify Audiobooks For Moms

Choosing Family: A Memoir of Queer Motherhood and Black Resistance by Francesca T. Royster

Francesca T. Royster details her experience being a Black, Queer mom in Choosing Family: A Memoir of Queer Motherhood and Black Resistance in a riveting way. Along with her wife Annie, Francesca adopts a little Black girl and they begin navigating what it means to choose your family. From detailing the long adoption process to understanding what it means to be a mother, Francesca examines how her experiences have allowed her to be open to something other than the traditional nuclear family.

Narrated by Sarah Palmero.

Chouette by Claire Oshetsky

Tiny knew from the moment she was pregnant with Chouette that she'd be different. She felt it throughout her pregnancy and stands correct in her assumptions when her daughter is born. She works overtime to make sure Chouette wants for nothing, but it seems like her efforts are in vain.

Convinced that she'd rather learn how to care for a child whose nature is to be free and wild, Tiny doubles down on her stance to love her unconditionally. Confronted by the knowledge her husband is trying to find a way to make Chouette as normal as possible, Tiny's love and devotion to her daughter are relentlessly tested.

Narrated by Julia Whelan.

More: Life on the Edge of Adventure and Motherhoodby Majka Burhardt

Majka Burhardt was known for going on rock and ice climbing expeditions with her husband, but her pregnancy caused her to slow down in ways she was unwilling to. Knowing that things will be different from here on out, Majka starts the process of grieving the life she had before entering motherhood.

Although she eventually goes back to work, she constantly feels torn between being there for her twins and what she used to choose without a second thought. Also, she and her husband Peter struggle to find a sense of balance with the addition of children.

It's an honest and raw look at one mother's journey as she works to understand how to navigate being a wife, mom, and working woman. Narrated by Majka Burhardt.

Honey, Baby, Mine by Laura Dern, Diane Lad and Reese Witherspoon

Laura Dern and her mother Diane Ladd peel back the layers of life, love, and more in Honey, Baby, Mine by having honest conversations. Stemming from an illness that plagued Diane's lungs, their conversations were born on the long walks that were meant to help her focus on other things. Daring to approach their conversations with open hearts and cover things that most mothers and daughters stray away from. The more Laura and her mother Diana share, the more their already close bond strengthens.

Honey, Baby, Mine is a recollection of those conversations and memories. Narrated by Laura Dern and Diane Ladd.

Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin

Although Interesting Facts About Space isn't completely about motherhood, it's an excellent listen for moms who want a break from things that talk about everything that comes with it.

Enid has an obsession with anything related to space and can share many facts about it. It's part of what moves her and keeps her going. Unfortunately, other areas of her life are all over the place. She spends most of her time listening to true crime podcasts and swiping right on dating apps that end in fruitless relationships.

Her relationship with her family is shaky at best, but she decides to be more intentional about her interactions with her half-sisters after their dad dies. It's around this time she unintentionally begins an affair and becomes paranoid that someone with violent motives is following her.

She eventually beings to realize that she has to deal with the one person she hasn't been honest with — herself.

Narrated by Natalie Naudus.

Down Came The Rain by Brooke Shields

Down Came The Rain is Brooke Shields' recollection of her postpartum experience and the depression that followed. She didn't expect to feel pure love and intense sadness after having her daughter, but those feelings came anyway. What makes this audiobook special is that Brooke speaks with clarity about how postpartum can be overlooked and implies that she hopes her story will make other moms feel less alone if they're struggling.

Narrated by Brooke Shields.

The Manicurist's Daughter by Susan Lieu

Susan Lieu takes listeners behind the scenes as she works to understand her family and how her future fits into the bigger picture. She talks about their escape from the ongoing Vietnam war in the 1980s and the way her own mother helped them transition successfully in California. Things were going well until Susan's mom unexpectedly died during a cosmetic procedure and the family forbid conversations about her.

It leads Susan down a long path of discovering how far people will go to change themselves and how no justice was brought against the surgeon who had a negative reputation with Vietnamese immigrants. Determined to find answers to her burning questions, Susan does everything she can to uncover secrets about the past. What she finds is unlike anythign she was prepared to discover.

Narrated by Susan Lieu.

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Little Fires Everywhere is a chilling look at two mothers who have made choices that directly affect themselves and their children. One one side of the coin, Elena Richardson lives in the picturesque Shaker Heights with her devoted husband and their three children. She's as "by the book" as anyone can be and she relishes in the life it's afforded her.

Then there's the free-spirited Mia Warren who strikes up an uneasy friendship with Elena and even becomes her tenant along with her daughter Pearl. Somehow, Elena's children are charmed by Mia and Pearl, wanting to spend as much time with them in their own ways. It sounds perfect until it's revealed that Mia has a complicated and elusive past that even Pearl isn't 100% aware of.

Things reach a head when Mia learns that Elena's friends are trying to adopt her co-workers daughter that she felt she was unable to care for. This custody battle forces those in close proximity to deal with their internal biases about race and socioeconomic status. As Elena works to bring Mia down, her own carefully coordinated life begins to unravel and it affects her family in irreversible ways.

Narrated by Jennifer Lim.

Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting by Pamela Druckerman

Journalist Pamela Druckerman gives birth in Paris and secret wonders how French parents are able to get their children to behave so well. She can't help but notice the glaring difference between children in France compared to the children in America as if someone has drawn an invisible line that separates the two. What she learns over time surprises her like the fact no one tells French mothers who they're supposed to model their lives after in order to be 'successful mothers.'

She learns that the French actually let their children exist as if instead of expecting them to hit every single benchmark that's expected of American children. Coupled with her notebook and curiosity, Pamela begins to investigate what helps French parents rear their children the way they do. She eventually comes to term with her own feelings about raising her child and relinquishes the idea that being a mom or child are supposed to be perfect.

Narrated by Abby Craden.

Grand Marnier Ranch Water Cocktail

Ranch water is a staple when it comes to classic cocktail recipes, and it reminds us of the country vibes that Beyoncé is putting out with Cowboy Carter. This version from Grand Marnier elevates the OG recipe in the tastiest way! To make it, mix 1.5 oz Espolon Blanco tequila, 0.75 oz Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, and 0.5 oz fresh lime juice in a Collins glass. Top it off with Topo Chico and a lime wheel to get to sippin'. (via Grand Marnier)

Bee's Knees

Beyoncé is Queen B after all, which is why the Bee's Knees cocktail is the perfect celebration of her queendom! Crafted primarily with gin, lemon juice, and honey, you and your squad will be buzzing to try this zesty Beyoncé cocktail. (via Mixop)

Snake River Sour

Using whiskey hailing from Wyoming, this drink taps into some serious wild west energy. To make it, shake 1.5 oz Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup over ice. Then, remove the ice and add 1 egg white to the mix, and shake. Strain into a coupe glass, add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, then garnish with a few cherries to seal the deal. This boozy libation will have you yellin' "yeehaw" in no time! (via Wyoming Whiskey)

YoCo Vodka's "Texas Hold ‘Em"

This rootin'-tootin' Texas Hold 'Em cocktail is filled with vodka and bourbon for an extra-special kick. To make it, stir 1 oz YoCo Vodka, 1 oz bourbon, 0.5 oz honey syrup, 0.5 oz Amaro Nonino, and 2 dashes of cinnamon bitters over ice. Strain into a glass and garnish with a cherry! (via YoCo Vodka)

The Hoedown

This fruity Hoedown will wanna make you throw down! Infused with a tasty ginger-cinnamon-balsamic syrup (you can also just use freshly-grated ginger if you're not into crafting your own syrup mix), it's sure to get the Cowboy Carter listening party goin'. To make it, shake 1 oz High West Double Rye, 1 oz Ancho Reyes, 0.25 oz Fernet Branca, 0.5 oz ginger-cinnamon-balsamic syrup, 0.75 oz strawberry juice, 0.5 oz lemon juice, and 3 dashes mezcal over ice. Strain and serve over large ice cubes to keep things country-cool! (via High West Whiskey)

Berry Bourbon Lemonade Pitcher Cocktail

Channeling the energetic zest of Beyoncé's Lemonade era, this batched cocktail is such an easy make for a bigger crowd. If you're hosting some friends ahead of Cowboy Carter, this berry-filled bourbon concoction will satisfy everyone at the party – and also pump the vibes up. (via Crowded Kitchen)

Smoked Whiskey

Giddy up, partner! 🤠 Whiskey is undeniably cowboy-esque, and this smoked version is even more so, bringing forth woodiness and a boozy bite in every sip. If you don't have the proper wood chips to lend the smoky effect, you can also burn rosemary, cinnamon, sage, or vanilla to offer unique flavors! (via Mixop)

Cowboy Coffee

Wake yourself up with this coffee cocktail that channels the lively hoedown vibes of "Texas Hold 'Em"!This Beyoncé cocktail is a simple build with 4 ingredients total. To make it, add 0.5 oz simple syrup and 1.5 oz High West Bourbon to a mug. Fill with brewed coffee and top with whipped cream! (via High West Whiskey)

YoCo Vodka's "Cowboy Carter"

Hold onto your cowgirl hat, because this bev is one heck of a good time! Here's how to make it: in a shaker with no ice, shake 1.25 oz YoCo Vodka, 0.75 oz Mezcal, 0.5 oz Licor 43, 0.5 oz lime juice, 1 egg white, and 2 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters together. Then, add ice and shake well. Strain into a coupe glass and top with bitters! .(via YoCo Vodka)

Boulevardier

🎶 Lay your cards down, down, down, down 🎶 with this relaxing cocktail that's strong on the bourbon. To make it, shake 1.5 oz Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon, 0.75 oz sweet vermouth, and 0.75 oz Campari over ice until chilled. Strain into a glass and garnish with lemon! (via Wyoming Whiskey)

Express Rider

Get ready to slip into your boots and saddle up for wild ride with this whiskey-based drink! To make it, mix 0.5 oz High West Double Rye, 0.5 oz rye whiskey, 0.5 oz Highland Park 12, 0.5 oz sherry, 0.25 oz Campari, 0.75 oz blood orange-infused Carpano Antica, and 2 dash chocolate bitters in a glass with ice. Tastes even better with Cowboy Carter playing in the background! (via High West Whiskey)

Redemption Pear & Spiced Old Fashioned

Dig into country music's rustic roots with this warmly-spiced Old Fashioned from Redemption Whiskey! To make it, stir 2 parts Redemption High Rye Bourbon Finished in Cognac Casks, 0.25 parts allspice liqueur, 0.25 parts Monin pear syrup, and 3 dashes chocolate bitters in a glass with ice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a pear slice, if you wanna be extra! (via Redemption Whiskey)

Wyoming Mule

Bourbon and ginger beer are a dream come true in this country cocktail. To make it, stir 2 oz Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon, 0.25 oz lemon juice, and 1 dash Angostura bitters over ice. Top your glass off with cold ginger beer and garnish with a lemon wedge to complete the drink! (via Wyoming Whiskey)

Daisy Edgar-Jones also revealed that she's remained incredibly close to Paul Mescal after their time on Hulu's Normal People. "Paul is one of my lifetime best friends," she says. "He’s an incredibly grounded person and I am too, I think, so it’s nice to be able to have those touchstones and those people you can laugh about it with and be lighthearted with. We met when I was 20 and Paul was 22; I’m so excited to see where we’ll be at 32, 42, and what life will bring us."

But the coolest thing is that not only is Normal People special for Paul and Daisy, but they've also been able to see the effect of the show on its fans.

"The thing I love people saying the most is, 'It made me contact my ex,'" Daisy continues. "Especially when much older people say, 'I just wanted to reach out to the person I was with when I was 17 just to say you were a big part of my history and thanks for being part of who I am, the tapestry of my life.' And that I really love, because I’m a massive romantic."

Daisy recently revealed they bonded over their training for Twisters and Gladiator II.

"I did running lessons — isn’t that crazy?" she told Variety. "Actually, Paul [Mescal] and I were laughing about it, because he was training for 'Gladiator II' and I was training for 'Twisters,' and obviously he had to be huge and I was like, 'Don’t worry, I’m going to be right up there with you.'"