Whether you’re chilling by a beach or pool, taking some vacation, or just enjoying the long and lazy days, summer is the ultimate time to dive into a good book. And since there’s more to imagine when you listen, the ladies of The View are sharing their favorite audiobooks of the summer in a daily segment called “Ladies Get Lit.”
All week, hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Joy Behar, and Ana Navarro are sharing their summer listening picks on Audible. Check back here daily for each cohost’s personal picks—alongside even more great listening ideas—and come get lit with the ladies of The View!
Whoopi’s picks
Whoopi Goldberg kicks off the series with The Fall of Roe: The Rise of a New America, journalists Elizabeth Dias and Lisa Lerer’s explosive investigation into the plan to overturn Roe v. Wade, rivetingly narrated by performer Lipica Shah. Whoopi’s second pick is The Friday Afternoon Club, Griffin Dunne’s remarkable memoir of growing up among larger-than-life characters in Hollywood and Manhattan, read with warmth and charisma by the actor himself. Whoopi’s third pick, Aretha Cool: The Intimate Portraits, a collection of photos of Aretha Franklin by photographer Matthew Jordan Smith, is available on Amazon.
Sara’s picks
Sara Haines continues the series with her two picks—starting with The Women by award-winning and bestselling author Kristin Hannah. This masterful novel shines a light on the nurses who courageously served during the Vietnam War. Julia Whelan delivers the narration as only she can, and Kristin Hannah adds a special note to listeners. Sara's next pick is The Color of Love by Poppy Harlow and Laura Jarrett, a heartwarming story about a little girl who learns that there is no one color for love. Harlow and Jarrett's narration captivates and resonates with listeners of any age.
Sunny’s picks
Today, Sunny Hostin chose Elin Hilderbrand’s Swan Song. The title tells all, as the book is a swan song to the author’s renowned summer series based in magical Nantucket. At the center of the story are a 22-million-dollar home and a mysterious family. Award-winning Erin Bennett narrates as she has for previous installments. There’s a bonus—Hilderbrand narrates the last chapter! Sunny also picked A Love Song for Ricki Wilde, a beautiful love story that takes place in modern Harlem with a backdrop of the glamorous Harlem Renaissance. Narrators Mela Lee and Preston Butler add the magic and passion that will make listeners swoon.
Alyssa’s picks
Alyssa Farah Griffin’s first pick is Tyranny of the Minority by Harvard professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt. The authors present a framework for understanding the volatile times we’re living in by drawing from the past and present. Keep listening for their interesting, thought-provoking conclusions. Alyssa’s second pick is Combat Love, a memoir by CNN anchor Alisyn Camerota, recounting her search for a sense of belonging that led her down a gritty path of many experiences, and the bright light she found at the end: home. Camerota also narrates.
Joy’s picks
Joy Behar chose Feeling Good by David D. Burns, MD, who delivers good news. Conditions such as anxiety, guilt, low self-esteem, and other black holes of depression can be cured without drugs. He generously shares information on new techniques to lift spirits and change lives. Joy also liked The Big Goodbye: Chinatown and the Last Years of Hollywood. This insider’s story of the classic movie is written and narrated, as is should be, by Sam Wasson, a noted chronicler of old Hollywood. He tells all about the making of the iconic film. And there’s plenty—the players, the drama, and the myths.
Ana’s picks
Ana Navarro wraps up the series with her two picks. The first, An Island Princess Starts a Scandal, is a fabulous romp, following a Caribbean princess who’s determined to enjoy her last summer of freedom to the hilt. Narrator Nneka Okoye adds to the excitement and fun. Ana’s second pick, Relentless recounts Luis Miranda’s life and community activism in Latino, New York. Miranda exudes charm in his narration, and you can hear his great pride when speaking about his son Lin-Manuel’s successful production, Hamilton.
Check back daily for more listening recommendations from The View’s Ladies Get Lit series!
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