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Intro
Ever wish you had more time to read? You have it if you read while driving. While Complex would never advocate precariously balancing a book on your knees or steering wheel, we would suggest audiobooks for drives both long and short. Think of it as multitasking, if you're into that sort of thing. If you enjoyed someone reading to you as a child, it's kind of like that, too. With the selection of books we've got here, you won't run the risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
Born to be Riled
10. Born to be Riled
Author: Jeremy Clarkson
Genre: Essays
Audio Publication Date: 1999
Price: $30
Complex Says: This collection of essays is not only written by Jeremy Clarkson. It's read by him as well. So you don't even have to imagine the dulcet tones of the noted gearhead and Top Gear presenter as you drive along listening.
Shaq Uncut
9. Shaq Uncut: My Story
Author: Shaquille O'Neal
Genre: Sports Memoir
Audio Publication Date: 2011
Price: $25.54
Complex Says: Shaq's amazing career is read, in Shaq's own words, by Dion Graham. If you've been jonesing for NBA action while the lockout's been in effect, buy this immediately to tide you over till the 2011 season finally starts.
Ghost in the Wires
8. Ghost in the Wires: My Adventures As The World's Most Wanted Hacker
Author: Kevin Mitnick
Genre: Memoir
Audio Publication Date: 2011
Price: $29.88
Complex Says: A living example of how sometimes real life is much more fascinating than fiction, reader Ray Porter ably recounts Kevin Mitnick's exploits in breaching seemingly unassailable security. It's not overly technical, so don't be scared off if you aren't an IT guy. If you enjoyed Frank Abagnale's audacious "Catch Me If You Can," this is like the computer hacker version.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
7. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Author: Stephen R. Covey
Genre: Self-Improvement
Audio Publication Date: 2000
Price: $10.08
Complex Says: Having a little alone time in your car is the perfect opportunity for self-improvement. Covey's book is a classic of the genre for a reason, and is illustrated by recorded excerpts from seminars he's given. If the privacy of your own car isn't the best place for self-discovery, we don't know what is.
SEAL Team Six
6. SEAL Team Six: Memoirs of An Elite Navy SEAL Sniper
Authors: Howard E. Wasdin and Stephen Templin
Genre: Memoir
Audio Publication Date: 2011
Price: $32.95
Complex Says: Tom Clancy ain't got nothin' on real life. This memoir, read by Ray Porter, takes you inside the life of the team that took down Osama bin Laden. SEAL Team Six is the elite of the elite--and so is this audiobook. What we're saying is, you could do worse for driving companionship.
Sweetness
5. Sweetness: The Enigmatic Life of Walter Payton
Author: Jeff Pearlman
Genre: Biography
Audio Publication Date: 2011
Price: $34.95
Complex Says: Author Jeff Pearlman exhaustively researched Chicago Bears legend Walter Payton, collecting more than 700 interviews in the process of putting this book together. Reader Malcom Hillgartner brings Sweetness to life wherever you listen--especially in the confines of your car. Love football? You should own this already.
Chattery Teeth and Other Stories
4. Chattery Teeth and Other Stories
Author: Stephen King
Genre: Horror, Short Stories
Audio Publication Date: 2009
Price: $10.19
Complex Says: Short story collections are great for short drives, and who better to give you a chill up your spine when you're alone in the car than Stephen King? It's OK to be scared. No one will see you. With an all-star cast of readers including Kathy Bates and David Cronenberg, your short time in the car will fly by even faster.
Anansi Boys
3. Anansi Boys
Author: Neil Gaiman
Genre: Fantasy
Audio Publication Date: 2005
Price: $39.95
Complex Says: This is the book you save to prove to the ladies you take for a drive that you're sensitive, imaginative, and literate. The fact that it's a great story about an otherwise unremarkable man who finds out his dad is a West African trickster god Anansi and is read by noted UK comedian Lenny Henry is just a bonus.
The Bourne Identity
2. The Bourne Identity
Author: Robert Ludlum
Genre: Thriller
Audio Publication Date: 2008
Price: $35.95
Complex Says: There's no denying that Jason Bourne is badass. In this unabridged audiobook read by Scott Brick, a slightly different level of badassitude shines through as the miles fly by. Save this for a long trip, as it's almost 23 hours long. Watch your foot on the gas, too--your elevated adrenaline level may lead to accidental tickets and jail time.
From Russia With Love
1. From Russia With Love
Author: Ian Fleming
Genre: Spy Novel
Audio Publication Date: 2000
Price: $35.28
Complex Says: If you haven't wanted to be James Bond--or at least drive those awesome Astons he drives--we question your manliness. Sorry, but there's no gentler way to put it. Frequent Bond reader Simon Vance brings what's widely regarded as one of Fleming's best Bond novels to life. If you've only seen the movie version, you're missing out.
