What do some long-haul truckers, knitters and gardeners have in common? They have discovered that audiobooks can provide a welcome accompaniment to otherwise tedious tasks, a distraction that will help the listener pass away the miles, complete a few more rows or finish weeding the vegetable patch. For those new to audiobooks, here are a few picks guaranteed to please.

'The Cuckoo's Calling'

Author: Robert Galbraith

What it's about: After losing his leg to a land mine in Afghanistan, Cormoran Strike is barely scraping by as a private investigator. He's down to one client, and creditors are calling when he's offered the chance to investigate the suspicious suicide of the supermodel Lula Landry.

What we think: Writing as Robert Galbraith, J. K. Rowling lives up to her reputation as a master storyteller, and narrator Robert Glenister brings the many colorful characters to life. And best of all, there's a sequel.

'As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of the Princess Bride'

Author: Cary Elwes

What it's about: Elwes brings together stories of the making of the cult movie classic "The Princess Bride"

What we think: With narration by cast members Carol Kane, Norman Lear, Rob Reiner, Chris Sarandon, Andy Scheinman, Wallace Shawn and Robin Wright, what's not to love?

'Yes, Please'

Author: Amy Poehler

What it's about: "Parks and Recreation" and "Saturday Night Live" writer and actor Amy Poehler dishes out wit and wisdom. In addition to Amy herself, the audiobook version enlists the voice talents of Carol Burnet, Seth Myers, Patrick Stewart, Amy's mom and dad, and many others.

What we think: Amy Poehler's persona as everyone's BFF (Best Friend Forever) never flags in this relentlessly optimistic advice book. Listening to Amy and friends talk about life, love, work and comedy is like eavesdropping at a very entertaining dinner party.

MORE: Find more picks from the Salem Public Library.

'The Swerve: How the World Became Modern'

Author: Stephen Greenblatt

What it's about: What was it that tripped the switch that turned the dark ages into the renaissance? Greenblatt tells a true tale of books and libraries that rivals any Dan Brown adventure.

What we think: Listening to the audio version of this book, ably read by Edoardo Ballerini, helps the listener keep track of the many complicated strands of this very complicated story. Hearing the Italian names and places pronounced correctly also does much to enhance the reading experience.

'A Man Called Ove'

Author: Fredrik Backman

What it's about: Ove is a curmudgeon, recently widowed, who is determined to put an end to his life. Unfortunately, (or, perhaps, fortunately) his neighbors, the cat, local bureaucrats and even perfect strangers keep intruding into his life and derailing his plans.

What we think: A sure bet for fans of "Major Pettigrew's Last Stand" and "The Unexpected Pilgrimage of Harold Fry."

Did you know?

Salem Public Library offers audiobooks in several formats: CDs, downloadable audiobooks from Library2Go and self-contained audio players called PlayAways.

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