Listening to an audiobook is more than just convenient—it can completely transform how we experience a story. Beyond accessibility, for many book lovers, some books are simply books better as audiobooks. Whether it’s a memoir read by the author, a rom com with a happy ending, or a sci fi epic brought to life by a full cast, audio versions offer something uniquely immersive. There’s an emotional resonance in audiobooks that sometimes isn’t present in a physical copy or physical book.
We’ve curated this guide to the best books that stand out in audiobook form—perfect for your next road trip, book club pick, or quiet afternoon. These titles have become some of our very favorites because of their excellent narration, rich characters, and unforgettable performances. If you’re looking for audiobook recommendations, these are a great place to start.
Celebrity-narrated audiobooks:
I’m Glad My Mom Died
This bold, vulnerable, poignant, and humorous memoir self-narrated by Jennette McCurdy, star of iCarly and Sam & Cat, brings emotional depth to the narration. In the audiobook, she recalls her struggles as a former child actor, and shares her battles with eating disorders, addiction, and her complex relationship with an overbearing mother. Her voice, pacing, and emotional delivery turn this into a great listen that’s hard to put down—or stop listening to.
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Finding Me
Narrated by EGOT winner Viola Davis herself, Finding Me is a brutally honest and captivating memoir covering Davis’s life journey from her coming-of-age in Rhode Island to present day. The voice that brought iconic characters to life also carries her story with dignity and depth, making it a great listen.
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The Dutch House
This novel about life, memory, and sibling bonds benefits immensely from Hanks’ narration. It’s hard to imagine reading it the same way in a physical book. Don’t miss Tom Lake either—narrated by Meryl Streep!
Also check out Tom Lake by Ann Patchett, narrated by Meryl Streep!
View the audiobookNarration bringing stories to life:
Thank You For Listening
Julia Whelan is regarded as one of the top narrators in the industry today. Her novel Thank You For Listening follows a former actress turned audiobook narrator, as she rediscovers her dreams after an accident. Narrating a romance novel with an unknown voice actor leads to unexpected connections and challenges, pushing her to confront buried desires for intimacy and acceptance.
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The Vaster Wilds
January Lavoy was named Audiobook Narrator of the Year by Publishers Weekly and received a Golden Voice award from AudioFile. The Vaster Wilds is a tale of a servant girl who escapes a colonial settlement and confronts societal norms. The narration heightens the tension and emotion in a story of a girl confronting hope and humanity.
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Children of Blood and Bone
In Tomi Adeyemi’s West African-inspired, sci-fi infused fantasy debut, she crafts a stunning world of dark magic and peril. This audiobook was the winner of the Audie Award for Audiobook of the Year, which AudioFile Magazine described as a “breathtaking narration [that] will keep listeners rooted to their seats, listening intently.” Bahni Turpin’s voice masterfully carries a world of magic, rebellion, and destiny.
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Braiding Sweetgrass
Read by the author, Braiding Sweetgrass is Libro.fm’s #1 bestseller of all time. Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book is thought-provoking, focusing on how to reconnect with the earth and nature, and presents a profoundly moving collection of interwoven stories about the natural world and Indigenous life. It’s one of those audiobooks that transforms how you view the world.
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Audiobooks with special production:
Daisy Jones & the Six (TV Tie-in Edition)
Daisy Jones & the Six is a novel about how a legendary 1970s rock band came together, and broke up at the height of their fame through a series of interviews. This audiobook guarantees a fulfilling listening experience with multiple narrators, with every narrative engaging in its own unique way.
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The Ballad of Perilous Graves
The Ballad of Perilous Graves is a homage to New Orleans, blending vibrant characters, rich world-building, and poetic depictions of music in a wildly imaginative narrative. The audiobook features a jazz score written and performed by Andrew McGowan.
Explore more audiobooks with music in this playlist.
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Good Talk
A humorous and insightful, yet heartbreaking, memoir of what it means to mother a brown boy and what it means to live in this country post-9/11, as a person of color, as a woman, as an artist. Produced beautifully with full-cast audio performance, it weaves a series of stories in the form of conversations.
View the audiobookThrillers and mysteries: a listener’s delight
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers
This cozy mystery is one of those favorite books better experienced in audiobook form. Vera is sharp, hilarious, and lovable, and Eunice Wong’s narration brings her to vibrant life.
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Silver Nitrate
Montserrat, a talented but overlooked sound editor in 1990s Mexico City, joins forces with a faded soap opera star and a cult horror director. As they work together to unravel the mystery of the film, they uncover hidden powers and confront supernatural forces that blur the line between fantasy and reality. This spooky novel, narrated by Gisela Chípe, will send shivers down your spine.
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Promise Boys
This groundbreaking YA mystery follows three teen boys of color as they investigate their principal’s murder to clear their names. Booklist says: “the full-cast narration helps the listener track the extensive collection of characters in this whodunit….Musical accompaniment is peppered throughout the production as well, adding to its overall polished production and thrilling atmosphere.”
View the audiobookBooks Better On Audio
Listening to an audiobook is a great way to enhance your reading experience. We’ve compiled a list of books that we think are better on audio. Grab your headphones and immerse yourself in these favorite audiobooks, perfect for a road trip or a leisurely afternoon.
