First-Date Preparedness Kit

There comes a moment early in every relationship when the whole thing threatens to blow up before it leaves the launch pad. Think back to all your first dates: You're across the table from the most recent candidate for the title of "soul mate." There's water, but no bread. There's a tiny candle and a blue glass vase of plastic flowers. The waiter has just slipped away with your orders and the two of you are suddenly, inescapably, alone.

This is it, the split second where you, left to your own devices, must start a conversation. To say something smart, or witty, maybe. Or, if need be, you must have a decent return volley should your date speak first. It's essential that you come off like the well-rounded human being you know yourself to be.

This moment is crucial.

That's where this bookshelf comes in. Each of these audiobooks has been chosen — perhaps even written — with the sole purpose of giving you something to talk about. They are works rooted in history and science and the arts, rife with anecdotes, perpetually thought-provoking, endlessly useful and, in a pinch, quite quotable. Your date will respect your brain and want to match wits. It's the 21st century, people. "Nerdy" is everybody's type.