Rep. Giffords finishes taping audio book

PHOENIX, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., has completed the narration for the audio edition of the memoir she wrote with her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly.

The audio version of the memoir will give listeners the opportunity to hear how Giffords is recovering from gunshot wounds to the head from a Jan. 8 shooting in Tucson, The Arizona Republic reported. Giffords has made very few public appearances since she was shot while meeting with constituents. Six people were killed and 13 were wounded in the shooting.

The memoir, "Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope," chronicles the couple's courtship and marriage, Giffords' political career, Kelly's career as an astronaut and their experiences during and after the shooting, said the publisher Scribner.

The audio book, scheduled to be released Nov. 15, is highly anticipated, as Giffords has released few details about her recovery, the newspaper said.

"I think any contact with Gabby, even just hearing her voice, would be fabulous," said Giffords' longtime friend Elaine Richardson. "I know, as her friend, I can't wait to see her again, and I know there are a lot of people who don't know her as well feel just as strongly."

Giffords, who suffered a severe brain injury, has been living in Texas with her husband and undergoing therapy to relearn how to walk and talk.