Okay, here's my list...
If your library doesn't have the book, I also subscribe to Audible.com. For something like $20 a month, you can download two full books a month. When I had my laptop stollen, I was delighted to see all my purchased books were still in my Audible library and available for another download.
Here's some books I can recommend (I'm on a Non-fiction kick lately):
"Kitchen Confidential," Read by Tony Bourdain. It's a blast hearing him retell his own stories. He really gets into it and is absolutely hysterical!
"My Life in France," Julia Child biography of the early years and budding interest in cooking. Fascinating.
"Comfort me with Appples" by Ruth Reichl. I listened to this ages ago and found it interesting. (I haven't listened to it yet, but I see "Garlic & Sapphires" is available on audio too.)
"Letters to a Young Artist," Anna Deviere-Smith. Anna is an Acress on the West Wing and she mentored a young artist with career advice, etc. and wove in a ton of her experiences. I found it really interesting and listen to it repeatedly...especially when I need a shot in the arm of "get out there..." momentum.
"Dispatches from The Edge: A Memoir of War, Disasters, and Survival," Read & written by Anderson Cooper. Fascinating. Weaves in his life growing up with Gloria Vanderbuilt as his mother, and his perspective from some of the most recent events. (Africa, New Orleans, Iraq, etc.) He brings news to life and spotlights the humanity.
"Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo," I'm listening to it right now and it's utterly fascinating.
"The War" by Ken Burns. Based on his documentary. This presents some new information and again, weaves in memoir and personal accounts during pivitol moments in history (both abroad and at home.)
I've heard Amy Tan's audio books are good, and "Eat Pray Love" on audio is supposed to be really good too. On audible.com, they have 5 minute samples of the audio so you can get an idea whether it's a worthwhile purchase. (The narrator can add or subtract from the story.)
Michael Pollan's books are also available on audio.
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I was extremely dissapointed with "Three Cups of Tea." I didn't buy into the story, or the narrator. At one point the writing is beautiful and then the writer cuts to quotes by the subject and they're incredibly lame. The story on the surface (read: book jacket) is interesting, but to know more? Meh. This is one case where the cover art is more compelling than the book contents.
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Podcasts worth looking into:
Kitchen Sisters
The Splendid Table
I've got some others, but can't think of them right now.
