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The Very Best Audiobooks
28
items I have listened to hundreds of audiobooks. These are the ones I always recommend sorted by genre.
Sections
4
Fiction
Nonfiction
Fantasy
Young Adult
Fiction
A humorous and tragic novel. Make sure to get the version narrated by Lin Manuel Miranda!
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao Audiobook
One of my favorite books made even better with audio narration. A post-apocalyptic story centered on a group of theater performers.
Station Eleven
A retelling of the story of the goddess Circe from her own perspective. This one is fantastic as an audiobook.
Circe Audiobook by Madeline Miller
Another stunning book by Maggie O’Farrell. This one is about a young girl navigating Italian politics and intrigue in the 1500s.
The Marriage Portrait Audiobook
A celebrity cast reads Saunders’ stunning novel about the death of Abraham Lincoln’s young son during the Civil War. Truly one of the most unique, remarkable reading experiences of my life.
Lincoln in the Bardo Audiobook by George Saunders
Tom Hanks narrates this moving novel by Ann Patchett about two siblings and their childhood home. Great story and perfect narration.
The Dutch House Audiobook by Ann Patchett - A Novel
A gripping novel about a young girl alone in the woods of North America after escaping a colonial settlement.
The Vaster Wilds Audiobook by Lauren Groff - A Novel
This is the first of Strout’s Lucy Barton series. In this story, Lucy is an adult in the hospital reflecting on her childhood and early adult life. It’s so wonderful to get lost in this world.
My Name Is Lucy Barton Audiobook by Elizabeth Strout
A dark comedy about an accidental wedding guest. Better as an audiobook!
The Wedding People Audiobook by Alison Espach - A Novel
An unexpected post WWII novel. Narrated by two voices. Completely captivating.
The Safekeep Audiobook by Yael van der Wouden
A lighthearted audiobook about the different paths one’s life could take. A very easy, pleasant listen.
The Husbands Audiobook by Holly Gramazio - A Novel
If you like an unlikable protagonist, this book is for you. A great audiobook because you get fully immersed in the main character’s mind.
The Guest Audiobook by Emma Cline - A Novel
This crime novel will have you on the edge of your seat. Masterful narration and a gripping story.
All the Sinners Bleed Audiobook by S. A. Cosby
A coming-of-age novel with a twist. Lovely narration
Listen Free to Girls of Summer - A Novel
Meryl Streep brings this story to life. A mother and her grown daughters reminisce about the past. A lovely way to spend some time.
Tom Lake Audiobook by Ann Patchett - A Novel
The Irish narrator helps bring this story to life. A young mother becomes obsessed with a story from the past. A tough but beautiful listen, especially for mothers.
A Ghost in the Throat (Audible Audio Edition)
The second of the Lucy Barton novels. I recommend listening to all of these in a row to fully immerse yourself in the world Strout has created
Anything Is Possible: A Novel - Elizabeth Strout
The third of Strout’s Lucy Barton novels. Lucy and Williams set off on a roadtrip and revisit their past.
Oh William! Audiobook by Elizabeth Strout - A Novel
My all-time favorite book and audiobook. I re-listen to it every year. A young woman gets swept up in the life of an older man. Can’t say more without spoiling the plot. A must-read!
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Nonfiction
Erik Larson’s nonfiction reads like an engaging novel. This story is about the Chicago World Fair and a serial killer that lurked in its shadows.
The Devil in the White City: Murder & Madness
Any of Sedaris’s books are a treat, but this one is especially good. He reads all of the best stories he has published so far. Literally laugh out loud funny.
The Best of Me (Audible Audio Edition)
The charming Trevor Noah narrates his memoir. Funny and heartfelt.
Born a Crime Audiobook by Trevor Noah
Another gripping book by the master of nonfiction, Erik Larsen. Great as an audiobook.
Dead Wake Audiobook by Erik Larson
Fantasy
A fantastical journey through the depths of London. One of my all-time favorites from the master of weird, Neil Gaiman.
Neverwhere Audiobook
A fully immersive audiobook experience. This fantasy novel will take over your life for 30 hours or so!
The Will of the Many Audiobook by James Islington
This fantasy classic narrated by Harlan Ellison is a joy to listen to. This version isn’t on Audible, but I found it using Libby.
A Wizard of Earthsea
Lock in and listen to the most epic fantasy series of all time narrated by two of the best voice actors in the game. I love this series so much I named my son after one of the main characters. This is such a fun way to reread these books or to experi...
The Wheel of Time Audiobooks
Young Adult
Rachel McAdams narrates this classic story. A fun one to listen to with kids!
Anne of Green Gables