Guys Read: True Stories by Jon Scieszka

Guys Read: True Stories

True tales that will flip your disbelief

★★★☆ 3.9 (14 ratings)

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Hear Bruce Thomas, Hillary Huber, Robin Weigert, Thaao Penghlis, Greg Itzin, Freda Foh Shen, George Newbern, MacLeod Andrews, Jim Beaver's narration on Audible.

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Quick Facts

AuthorJon Scieszka
NarratorBruce Thomas, Hillary Huber, Robin Weigert, Thaao Penghlis, Greg Itzin, Freda Foh Shen, George Newbern, MacLeod Andrews, Jim Beaver
Runtime4h56m
PublishedSeptember 16, 2014
Rating★★★☆ 3.9 / 5 (14 ratings)
CategoriesChildren's Audiobooks, Biographies, History, Science & Technology
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

Jon Scieszka’s *Guys Read: True Stories* isn’t just another dry history lesson—it’s a high-octane crash course in the weird, wild, and downright impossible corners of human achievement. This anthology isn’t about dusty textbooks or obligatory dates; it’s about the guy who built a rocket in his backyard, the kid who talked his way into college at age 11, and the dude who survived on a frozen tundra for 20 years. Scieszka curates a lineup of jaw-dropping, stomach-lurching, and occasionally stomach-turning true stories that feel like they’ve been plucked straight from a Marvel origin story. The pacing is relentless but never overwhelming, and the stories are short enough to hold the attention of squirmy listeners but meaty enough to spark actual conversation at the dinner table. No hand-holding, no condescension—just pure, unfiltered jaw-droppers that prove truth really is stranger (and often way funnier) than fiction. The narration team leans into the adrenaline, with Bruce Thomas’s gravelly gravitas perfect for the survival tales and Hillary Huber’s razor-sharp wit turning the science bits into stand-up comedy gold.

Tags: kids nonfiction audiobookinspiring true stories for boysmiddle grade biography collectionfunny history audiobookshort stories for reluctant readers

Why Listen to Guys Read: True Stories?

  • Expert narration by Bruce Thomas, Hillary Huber, Robin Weigert, Thaao Penghlis, Greg Itzin, Freda Foh Shen, George Newbern, MacLeod Andrews, Jim Beaver brings every character and scene to life across 4h56m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 3.9 stars by 14 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
  • Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.
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Editor's Review ★★★☆

AudioBook Atlas

Listening to *Guys Read: True Stories* felt like eavesdropping on a rowdy dinner party where every guest had at least one life story guaranteed to make you choke on your soda. The narration is a masterclass in making true stories feel alive—Greg Itzin’s weathered authority sells the historical figures, while MacLeod Andrews delivers the humor with the timing of a stand-up comedian who’s already three drinks in. My 10-year-old nephew was glued to his seat during the tale of a man who survived two plane crashes and a tsunami, but I’ll admit I groaned when the narrator hit a clunky inflection in one of the science sections. The production quality is top-notch, with seamless transitions between stories that keep the momentum going, though I’d wager some listeners might wish for a post-script fact sheet to dive deeper into the wildest claims. The standout for me was the segment on a kid inventor who built functioning robots—Hillary Huber’s playful delivery made it feel like a TED Talk pitched to a room full of squirming middle-schoolers. If your young reader thinks nonfiction is boring, this audiobook will change their mind faster than you can say ‘show me the receipts.’

Download: Guys Read: True Stories

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Guys Read: True Stories by Jon Scieszka is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Bruce Thomas, Hillary Huber, Robin Weigert, Thaao Penghlis, Greg Itzin, Freda Foh Shen, George Newbern, MacLeod Andrews, Jim Beaver with a runtime of 4h56m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.