Last Updated on by Nishil Prasad
In this modern day and age, it gets more and more difficult to take out time for ourselves and read the book we’ve been eyeing for a very long time. Whenever you feel like this, remember, we’re living in the 21st century! We have audiobooks! So, whether you’re jogging, cooking, or commuting, just plug in your earphones and enjoy a new book.
Not wasting any more time, below are 60 amazing audiobooks you got to listen to. The books belong to different genres, and that’s exactly how you should read books, as you want: without any limits or boundaries. You can purchase these audiobooks from audiobooks.com where you can get your first audiobook for free!
Best Audiobooks in Fiction
01. Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection by Stephen Fry
Sherlock Holmes is easily one of the most enduring and popular characters to have come out of literature. Written over a century ago, these stories have shaped the culture since that time in many ways and even now, Holmes remains one of the most adapted characters of all time.
In this definitive collection, all the canonical stories are collected and have been narrated by none other than Stephen Fry himself. Whether you’ve traveled through these stories by Conan Doyle or not, this audiobook simply must not be missed for the delight that it is.
Narrator: Stephen Fry
02. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This elegant book explores the universal themes of race, identity, and love. The book is artfully written, and it is sure to leave its mark on you. Two teens, Obinze and. fall in love in Nigeria struggling with a dictatorial system. Ifemelu escapes to America, facing entirely new challenges, something she didn’t have to worry about back home: race. Obinze moves to London, not being able to enter America post 9/11. Will they be able to meet again?
A multi-generational story, encompassing globalization, racism, and expectations in today’s modern world, written strikingly and brilliantly by Adichie, Americanah is a masterpiece in every right, and demands to be read!
Narrator: Adjoa Andoh
03. Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
This debut novel by Stephen Chbosky is a coming-of-age story of Charlie. Charlie listens. Charlie observes. Charlie is a wallflower. The book is written in a very unique manner, in the form of letters from Charlie, to the reader. The book will make you laugh, it’ll make you cry, it’ll make you feel nostalgic. The book is very touching, and you’ll be haunted by it, by the time you finish it.
Chbosky writes in a very accessible, yet practical, manner so that you get invested in the story from the very first page. And the unique format of the book, as Charlie writes letters to an unknown person, presumably the reader, makes the whole work even more personal. This book inspired the very popular movie of the same name, starring Emma Watson.
Narrator: Noah Galvin
04. Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie
Winner of the Booker Prize in 1981, the “Booker of Bookers” prize in 1993, and the “Best of Booker” prize in 2008, this multilayered book delves into the magical realism genre, mixed with a family saga riddled with politics and societal conflicts.
As midnight struck on the day of Indian independence, the children born at that point got magical powers. It is on this premise that the whole book takes place. And how! Rushdie writes skillfully, with prose that will intrigue and mesmerize you, and a plot that’ll leave you speechless.
Narrators: Meera Syal, Aysha Kala, Nikesh Patel, Anneika Rose, Preeya Kalidas
05. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Perhaps Dahl’s most popular book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a dark yet lovely tale of Charlie and his visit to the Chocolate Factory. Charlie belongs to a family stricken with poverty.
One day, he gets the golden ticket which makes him one of the only five children allowed to visit Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. What happens after that is what this book is all about. Dahl’s writing style is delightful to read, and the reason why his books are bestsellers even after decades.
Narrator: Douglas Hodge
06. Killing Commendatore by Haruki Murakami
A man finds himself in the home of a famous artist, after being abandoned by his wife, where he discovers an unknown painting. This opens up a mysterious cycle, to close which, the man has to undergo a journey through different points in time and space.
Like every Murakami book, this book too is very surreal and different, with lyrical prose. This beautiful book is a tribute to The Great Gatsby and explores several themes like love, war, art, and loneliness.
Narrator: Kirby Heyborne
07. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Possibly the writer with the most prominent books on Afghanistan under his belt, Khaled Hosseini delivers another glorious and emotional masterpiece with A Thousand Splendid Suns. Two women, Mariam and Laila, come together, despite being separated by a generation and ideas, but brought together by war, loss, and destiny.
It’s the story of these two women, in Kabul. In Afghanistan, a country was wounded by several years of war, first by Soviet forces, and then by the Taliban. As they survive the dangers around them in a society not very kind towards women, they form a close bond. This heart-wrenching book is a story about love, friendship, family, fear, violence, and hope.
Narrator: Atossa Leoni
08. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
A book that inspects racial relations in all their complexity through an intergenerational family saga, The Vanishing Half follows two twins who go separate ways at the age of 16. While one of them goes far away and tries to pass her and her children off as white, the other sister stays in her native town.
What happens when they meet again? It’s a fascinating story, written beautifully by Bennett, and keeps you riveted throughout. The audiobook rendition brings these characters to life in the best possible way and you can’t help but keep coming back for more.
Narrator: Shayna Small
09. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
A classic, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is the story of Maya and her brother Bailey who are abandoned by their parents. Growing up in a neighborhood where they experience racism at every turn, their lives take another turn when their father returns from nowhere.
But when Maya is abused by her mother’s boyfriend, she closes herself up completely until Mrs. Bertha Flowers comes into her life and encourages her love for the written word. Lyrical and poignant, this BBC dramatization does full justice to Angelou’s masterpiece.
Narrators: Indie Gjesdal, Cecilia Noble, Pippa Bennett-Warner, Adjoa Andoh, Full Cast
10. Sabrina & Corina by Kali Fajardo-Anstine
One of the chief responsibilities of books, fiction even more so, is to bring forth voices that have not been traditionally heard. This collection of short stories brings forth tales of indigenous Latinas from the American West.
But it’s not just their stories that Fajardo-Anstine tells through this book, this is the story of women all over the globe as they struggle through abandonment and feelings of belonging. The cast of voice actors fleshes out each character and her story perfectly, creating an enriching listening experience for you.
Narrator: Almarie Guerra, Roxana Ortega, Alma Cuervo, Ana Isabel, Kyla Garcia, Marisol Ramirez
Best Mystery/Thriller Audiobooks
11. The Girl on The Train by Paula Hawkins
Rachel catches the same train every day. She’s familiar with every stop, every signal. At one of the brief stops, she watches a couple every day, whom she envies. It feels like she almost knows them. But one day, she sees something. Just for a minute. Something shocking. And it will change things forever. She’s no more going to be just the girl on the train.
The book is a ride from the very first page. It’s irresistible and wouldn’t let you leave it until you finish. Hawkins’ writing is well suited to the psychological thriller genre, as it never feels too heavy while still being very effective.
Narrators: India Fisher, Clare Corbett, Louise Brealey
12. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Amy, a beautiful and clever woman goes missing on her fifth wedding anniversary. The suspicions lay on her husband, Nick, who starts acting evasively. The hunt for Amy continues as new clues and pieces of evidence keep surfacing.
Written in trademark Flynn style, the book explores a marriage gone wrong. The book keeps you guessing and speculating throughout, and is an absolute roller coaster ride.
Narrator: Anna Maria Käll
13. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Ten people are invited to a house on an isolated island, each for a separate reason. Neither of them has met their host. All is good until one of them dies. Isolated from the outside world and with no one to trust, they try to survive while the murderer strikes again. And again. Will they be able to catch the murderer before their turn arrives?
An enthralling piece of a mystery thriller, this is considered Christie’s best work by her fans. It keeps you on your toes throughout the book, never letting you keep the book down. And I’m pretty sure, you’ll never see the ending coming!
Narrator: Dan Stevens
14. One by One by Ruth Ware
A claustrophobic thriller of a novel, One by One is about a corporate retreat gone wrong. A new tech start-up plans a weeklong trip to the French Alps for its members. But when one shareholder puts a buyout offer on the table, things are going to get messy in no time.
Outside, a storm rages, cutting them off from the world completely. And when a member doesn’t make it back from the slopes, panic sets in. With each hour, things get worse and worse and the group keeps on waning. This is an audiobook you won’t be able to stop listening to, once you begin!
Narrator: Imogen Church
Best Audiobooks in Fantasy
15. The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis
The audiobook collects all 7 books in the Chronicles of Narnia series, narrated by a host of voice actors, each adding something to the stories and characters here. One of the bestselling series of all time, there’s a reason why this book is still widely read globally.
Lewis creates the world of Narnia through the first book, incorporating Christian themes and morals, and in the process, creating something that readers and listeners of all ages can enjoy. There are incredible characters to root for, amazing adventures to be had, and who doesn’t love all of that, eh?
Narrators: Jeremy Northam, Patrick Stewart, Alex Jennings, Michael York, Lynn Redgrave, Derek Jacobi, Kenneth Branagh
16. Good Omens by Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman
Two great authors coming together to write one of the most hilarious books ever! What could be better than that, right? This book is about the birth of Satan and Armageddon taking place on Earth. Our protagonists in this book are Crowley, a demon, and Aziraphale, an angel, who want to prevent Armageddon from taking place.
The story is silly at times, which adds to the overall humor of the book. The writing style is brilliant, and the grace with which the story is told is absolute perfection.
Narrator: Mark Heap, Peter Serafinowicz
17. Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
It’s 1886. A circus has become the talk of the whole world. It arrives without warning. It opens only at night. And you can’t forget it once you’ve experienced it. At the center of it all is the challenge set between Celia and Marco, two magicians who’ve been trained throughout their entire lives to defeat their adversary.
This book is sure to dazzle and enchant you. Morgenstern writes extraordinarily, and you’ll be gasping and drooling over every description and every object she writes about. Narrated masterfully by Jim Dale, you must not leave this book unread!
Narrator: Jim Dale
18. A Game of Thrones by George RR Martin
Winter is coming. It’s game of thrones. In the labyrinth of politics, conspiracies, and betrayals, either your win. Or you die. There’s no middle ground. The iron throne is at stake. Who’ll rule it all?
This masterpiece of high fantasy is a literary delight to read. Martin brings to life this realistic, gritty, ruthless world that would keep you awake through the night. The first book in the epic A Song of Ice and Fire series, the book is told from the perspective of eight different characters, and the writing style is rich, vibrant, and powerful.
Narrator: Roy Dotrice
19. Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
Ten years ago, the magic failed at Elantris, the capital of Arelon. What was once a beautiful, dynamic, lively city turned into a filthy, dark, and crumbling place. Prince Raoden, exiled to Elantris, dies helping the wretched living there. This sets in a chain of events that might bring hope to Arelon and might reveal the secrets of Elantris.
The debut novel by Brandon Sanderson, this book is refreshing in that it doesn’t try to use classical tropes to tell his story. The prose is remarkable and complements the story perfectly. The world-building is distinctive and it is overall a very fulfilling read, filled with several twists and turns.
Narrator: Jack Garrett
20. Fellowship of the Ring by JRR Tolkien
The series which changed and redefined the fantasy genre forever, and introduced the wonderful world of Middle Earth, Lord of the Rings is an epic series that primarily roams around two hobbits who are entrusted to destroy the One Ring, as darkness looms and seeks to destroy everything.
The first part of this epic saga, Fellowship of the Ring is one of the most defining classics ever written in English literature. Filled with vivid descriptions and memorable characters, this phenomenal book is a must-read!
Narrator: Rob Inglis
21. The Bear & The Nightingale by Katherine Arden
After the death of Vasilisa’s mother, her father brings home a new wife. Her stepmother forbids honoring spirits in their house, leading to disasters. Crops fail, misfortunes befall, and evil lurks. But her stepmother only grows grimmer and more determined. To save all, would Vasilisa have to oppose everyone she ever loved?
The first book of the Winternight trilogy, the book is filled with magic and imagination. The prose quality is stunning, with a rich infusion of Russian folklore. The book is a wild ride you won’t be able to pull yourself away from, once you start.
Narrator: Kathleen Gati
Best Audiobooks in Horror
22. The Ruins by Scott Smith
Four American friends vacationing in Mexico decide to go to an archaeological site, to help their new German friend who’s searching for his young brother, along with a Mexican guy. But as they reach the site, they realize things are not what they seem.
While there are some supernatural elements, the real beauty, or the real horror of the book lies in the psychological aspects of the book, and how they react to the situation at hand. Smith dives smack into the action, and everything about this book is brilliant: the characterization, the plot, the interactions, everything.
Narrator: Patrick Wilson
23. Red Dragon by Thomas Harris
Every full moon, the tooth fairy strikes. And kills entire families. Will Graham, an amazing criminal profiler, reluctantly comes out of his retirement to help the FBI. But it’s easier said than done. He requires help. Help from Dr. Hannibal “the cannibal” Lecter, the psychopath, who’s the reason behind his injuries and subsequent retirement. But Hannibal’s playing a game of his own.
The book which introduced the world to the terrifying character of Dr. Hannibal Lecter, Red Dragon is a horror masterpiece. The narration is exemplary, and Harris keeps you on your toes throughout the book. A book that is sure to give you nightmares, this must be read by all horror fans!
Narrator: Thomas Harris
24. We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
Considered by many as Shirley Jackson’s finest work, We Have Always Lived in the Castle is a striking piece of literature mixing horror with mystery elements. The book is narrated by 18-year-old Mary Katharine aka Merrycat, who along with her elder sister is isolated by the locals. All the other family members are dead.
The book is strange, very much so. Horrifying, claustrophobic, disturbing, bizarre, and something you’ll never forget after reading. Jackson writes richly, with a sense of unease you won’t be able to shake off throughout the novel.
Narrator: Bernadette Dunne
25. The Troop by Nick Cutter
A group of 5 children and their scoutmaster are on their annual camping trip on an island when an unknown man arrives. He brings death, destruction, and chaos with him. Will the group be able to survive? Or will they succumb to the unknown monster?
If you find violence, gory descriptions, and body horror repulsive, this wouldn’t be something you should read. But for all those horror fans, I would highly recommend this book. Cutter uses conventional tropes, and traditional characters (a jock, a nerd, a bully, etc) but each is brilliantly sketched out, to create a spellbinding story you wouldn’t be able to put down.
Narrator: Corey Brill
26. Dracula by Bram Stoker
Probably the most popular book and character in the history of the horror genre, this is the story of a vampire out in search of a new place and new blood. Straight out of old superstitions, this creature has his eyes on New England as his new lair.
But what happens when a group of men and women band together to fight the supernatural forces and stop it once and for all? Thrilling and evocative, the audiobook is a thrilling and atmospheric ride that draws you in from the very start.
Narrator: John Lee
Best Audiobooks in Non-Fiction
27. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
A classic when it comes to books on how to deal with society, How to Win Friends and Influence People is simple yet profoundly effective. The entire book is filled with anecdotes through which the author tries to make his point that just by changing some habits and following some points, you can make any situation work in your favor, whether business or personal.
You can get success in every sphere of your life with some simple tips, like remembering a person’s name or smiling when meeting someone. The book has worked for many, many readers over the years and it is sure to work for you too!
Narrator: Andrew MacMillan
28. How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
We can’t just be not racist. We have to be anti-racist. This rousing book makes it very clear that unless we actively fight against racism, we’re indirectly supporting it. In the book, Ibram busts all the myths and misconceptions surrounding race and racism and explains that racial differences, intermixed with other factors, give rise to a larger bunch of complications.
The book is ambitious, in a way, as it should be. It attempts to make its readers think because, in the end, the book leaves you with more questions than answers.
Narrator: Ibram X. Kendi
29. Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond
This Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Jared Diamond explores human societies for the last 13,000 years and how they came to be what they are now. The book shows how climatic and geographic factors helped the Eurasians and North Africans to survive and dominate. How several factors influenced and shaped the different societies as we see them now.
The book is written in a very fascinating way, which serves to satiate your curiosity and provide you with some valuable insights. The book is sure to leave you with a different, and most probably a more interesting, perspective towards the world.
Narrator: Doug Ordonio
30. Becoming by Michelle Obama
When one of the most influential women of our time would decide to pen down her life, you bet the world was going to notice. And notice it did! This wildly successful memoir, which has also been narrated by her, chronicles her life with the wit and grace that Michelle is known for. The introspection and honesty, with which she tells her story, makes for an amazing and personal experience!
In telling her story, Michelle also inspires us, the readers. Her Becoming journal, which was released later, was quite popular too for its practical and simple advice. The book also inspired a Netflix documentary of the same name.
Narrator: Michelle Obama
31. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
This book chronicles the journey of humans. Not any species of mankind, specifically our species: Homo Sapiens. Us. How we progressed, how we dominated, and how we reigned. The narrative style of Harari is very simple, interesting, and accessible.
If you’re interested in how mankind reached where it is today, or if you’re interested in reading about the societal, cultural, and anthropological aspects in a fun and simple manner, then you must read this book.
Narrator: Derek Perkins
32. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
1959. Holcomb, Kansas. A family of four is found dead, all of them shot. An incident that would change the town forever. The book is not about those murders, as much as it is about the murderers, Perry Smith, and Richard Hickock. The book is chilling and frightening in that it shows how humane and normal they were.
I thought that Mr. Clutter was a very nice gentleman. I thought so right up to the moment that I cut his throat. The book is a brilliant example of a nonfiction “novel”. Capote brings to life these dead men in a brilliant, ingenious manner that would captivate you entirely.
Narrator: Scott Brick
33. Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
There’s something very fascinating about reading mythology, more so, if it was unknown to you before. Neil Gaiman brings to life characters of mythology belonging to a culture that is almost extinct now: Norse Mythology. Including tales like the binding of Fenrir, thievery of Thor’s hammer, etc, the book is delightful to read.
Gaiman’s writing style is remarkable, and you can’t not admire the prose in his books. The book has been narrated by Neil himself, which just adds to the overall experience.
Narrator: Neil Gaiman
34. Atomic Habits by James Clear
They say our habits determine who we are, as a person. And if you want to change your habits, this is a great choice. The book shows that instead of changing ourselves completely as we often try to do, we should bring small changes to our habits, and our lifestyle, one step at a time.
The book gives practical advice which would help you to improve your life. The steps are very simple, very easy to follow, and yet profoundly effective.
Narrator: James Clear
35. I’ll be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara
One man. No one knows him. They call him the Golden State Killer. Committed over 50 sexual assaults in 10 years before murdering 10 people. And never been caught.
Decades later, Michelle decided to delve completely into investigating this man, extensively researching and scouring for proof. Alas, she couldn’t see it till the end, and the book was published two years after her death. But, largely due to her efforts, the killer was arrested two months after its publication. The book is extremely chilling and horrifying to read and has a very creepy tone throughout.
Narrator: Gillian Flynn, Gabra Zackman, Patton Oswalt
36. A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
As the title suggests, this book is a history of nearly everything. From the time this universe came to be to the time when humans started forming societies, to where we are now, Bryson covers everything, in a simple and accessible manner, resulting in this widely popular book.
Narrated by Bryson himself, the book is insightful, very engaging, and fun to read. He tries to dive into questions that have always surrounded humanity and this planet, and if possible, tries to answer them. So if you want to be a know-all, you know what to read!
Narrator: Bill Bryson
37. Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
Written and narrated in the characteristic Noah style, this is a coming-of-age story made special by Noah’s unique voice. It’s a story both poignant and hilarious, made even more special by Noah’s ability to switch between accents and voices seamlessly.
He tells of his life growing up as a “colored” child in an apartheid state and of his mother who played a huge role in his upbringing. He lays out his life and the various stages he’s gone through, and the nuance and perspective that he brings through this audiobook are invaluable.
Narrator: Trevor Noah
38. Just Kids by Patti Smith
It was the summer when two kids met and decided to stick together through thick and thin. It’s the story of two artists and their rise to fame. Hidden amidst all this is a touching love story, and a portrait of New York City in the 1960s and 1970s.
Smith lays bare her past and her words have the same lyrical quality to them as her previous works. The cherry on the top that it’s been narrated by Smith herself, so you get to hear her story in her voice itself, the best way possible!
Narrator: Patti Smith
39. Educated by Tara Westover
This artfully written memoir by Westover gives us a glimpse, a look into the world of Tara, a girl from a family of survivalists, living in the mountains, cut off from the outside world. No education, no healthcare. Completely isolated from society. Amidst this, Tara decided to educate herself.
An emotional story of the coming-of-age of a person, of inventing themselves on their own, of strong family ties, of grief, this book is very honest and heartfelt, showing how education provides a different perspective, and how it liberates you.
Narrator: Julia Whelan
40. Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda
Considered one of the best spiritual books ever written, this is a simple yet profound autobiography of an enlightened man. He chronicles his journey towards spirituality, sprinkling several incidents from his life throughout the book.
It talks about philosophy, religion, yoga, Yogananda’s teachings, and his travels throughout the world. Even if you aren’t a fan of spirituality, you can read this book for its plainness and its unsophisticated view of the universe.
Narrator: Clay Lomakayu
Best Audiobooks in Romance
41. Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman
Inspiring an Oscar-winning screen adaptation with the same name, this book is gorgeous, elegant, splendid, and poetic! Something you wouldn’t want to finish, only to continue forever. The book follows Elio through his emotions, guilts, fantasies, and thoughts as he tries to cope with his feelings towards Oliver, a 24-year-old student who wants to exchange his help in return for food and boarding.
Narrated in an enchanting manner by Armie Hammer, who also played the role of Oliver in the film adaptation, the book will always stay with you once you’ve read it.
Narrator: Armie Hammer
42. Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
An angry teen. A know-it-all. When they both meet, little did they know that they’ll form an everlasting bond. A friendship that has the power to change people. And through this friendship, both Ari and Dante would discover themselves, who they are, and who they want to be.
One of the best LGBTQ+ YA books out there, Aristotle and Dante Discover The Universe is a coming-of-age story, with some delightful prose, which would draw you in entirely. The story is quiet, soft, and thoughtful which will, very gently, make a place in your heart.
Narrator: Lin-Manuel Miranda
43. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” With these immortal lines begins the masterpiece of a book written over a century ago, and which still resonate with readers all over the planet. The book has the French Revolution as the backdrop over which Dickens ingeniously paints a tragic love triangle.
The writing style is immaculate and Dickens expertly showcases the disparity in society because of wealth, the chief reason behind the French Revolution. The horrors of the revolution were shown too, in a way that would stay with you for long.
Narrator: Julian Rhind-Tutt
44. Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
Arguably the most popular romance novel ever written, which has inspired countless adaptations, Pride and Prejudice is Jane Austen’s masterwork. Written more than two centuries ago, the book is the story of the proud and vibrant Elizabeth Bennet and her encounter with the handsome and charming Mr. Darcy.
The book glistens with wit and comedy, so characteristic of Austen novels. The book is one of the finest works to come out of the Regency era and remains a favorite among readers even after so many years.
Narrator: Alison Larkin
45. Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez
This splendidly written tale by Nobel Prize-winning author García Márquez is the story of Florentino Ariza, a man completely in love with Fermina Daza, even when both have grown old, and even though she abruptly ended their relationship after getting disenchanted with her love towards Florentino and married Dr. Juvenal Urbino.
Márquez writes alluringly, with beautiful and vivid descriptions of landscapes and human emotions. He, throughout the book, compares lovesickness to cholera, both showing similar symptoms in man.
Narrator: Armando Duran
46. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
What happens when Alex, the son of the president of the United States falls in love with Henry, the prince of Britain? Not sure what would happen in real life, but a LOT happens in this book for sure! Some cheesy lines will surely make your heart swoon, and there is a wonderful romance that you won’t want to stop reading, ever.
If you are someone who lives for romance, then this just might be THE book for you. It’s written very well, there’s a lot of humor and it’s an amazing book overall.
Narrator: Ramon De Ocampo
47. A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende
Set amid the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s, this is the story of an unlikely couple. We follow Roser, a widow, also pregnant, who has to marry the brother of her lover for both of their survival. It’s a marriage neither of them desires but goes through nevertheless.
They’ll begin a new life together on a new continent altogether. The dream of returning to their homeland binds them, but they just might realize that home is always not where it seems to be. Evocative and emotional, this is a story of love, belonging, and so much more.
Narrator: Edoardo Ballerini
Best Audiobooks in Historical Fiction
48. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
This book shows two different characters from two different sides of World War II. On one hand, we have Werner Pfennig, a brilliant German student who’s just trying to follow the rules and get a better life. And on the other side is Marie-Laure LeBlanc, a blind girl who’s living with her father’s uncle and her grandmother in Paris after her father leaves.
The book shifts perspectives with every chapter, rendering the book complex and turning it quite interesting. This Pulitzer Prize-winning book has been written wonderfully and is sure to keep you glued to the very end.
Narrator: Julie Teal
49. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Written in 2004, this book remains a bestseller to date, and for no reason. Zusak infuses magic into every word and brings to life an epic tale set in Nazi Germany. The book has been narrated by death, who’s been written in a very non-stereotypical manner, as someone with emotions and empathy and a bit of humor too.
The story is of Liesel, a girl living with her adoptive parents, who loves reading and writing. The whole array of characters present in the book is unforgettable and extraordinary. The book will make you smile, it’ll make you cry, it’ll devastate you, it’ll make you hopeful and in the end, it’ll change you as a person.
Narrator: Allan Corduner
50. Beloved by Toni Morrison
This unflinchingly brave and haunting book, which won the 1988 Pulitzer Prize, is a tale inspired by true events. One of the finest works of fiction ever written, the book follows Sethe, a black woman who is born a slave but somehow escaped. But she can’t leave behind the memories of the farm where she worked, Sweet Home.
And her new home is haunted, by her child, nameless, who died on that farm, and has a grave with a single word on it: Beloved. The book describes the horrors of the apartheid era in a way that’ll change you forever. Toni Morrison draws a spellbinding and marvelous portrait of a woman haunted by her past, through this incredible piece.
Narrator: Toni Morrison
51. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
One of the most influential books of English literature, To Kill a Mockingbird explores a Southern American city in the 1930s. The book looks at society through the young eyes of Scout Finch as her father, Atticus, tries to defend a black man falsely accused of the rape of a white girl, in a racist society.
The book is impactful not just because of the message it delivers, but how it delivers. The story is filled with wit, humor, and innocence in a way that seems to question its readers about the type of society we are, the prejudices we have, and the violence one human is willing to inflict on others because of their biases.
Narrator: Sissy Spacek
52. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” With these immortal lines begins the masterpiece of a book written over a century ago, and which still resonates with readers all over the planet. The book has the French Revolution as the backdrop over which Dickens ingeniously paints a tragic love triangle.
The writing style is immaculate and Dickens expertly showcases the disparity in society because of wealth, the chief reason behind the French Revolution. The horrors of the revolution were shown too, in a way that would stay with you for a long time.
Narrator: Julian Rhind-Tutt
53. Atonement by Ian McEwan
McEwan’s lines read like verses in a poem, and it’s just wonderful to read his books. Atonement roams around Briony, a girl who’s trying to atone for her “sin” of accusing her sister’s lover of a crime he didn’t even commit.
The book is an exploration of themes like love, loss, guilt, innocence, etc. How far can one go to get rid of their guilt? Can you ever get rid of it? Well, you would have to read this remarkable piece of literary fiction for the answer to that.
Narrator: Carole Boyd
Best Audiobooks in Dystopian Fiction
54. The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel
Things come back to us in the most unexpected of ways. Vincent, a bartender at a five-star hotel is given a note by its owner, a financier, with a tip that begins their life together. The very same day, a mysterious figure scribbles something on the window of that same hotel, seeing which a shipping executive working for Neptune-Avramidis gets immensely scared.
Fast forward 13 years, Vincent disappears from the deck of a ship belonging to Neptune-Avramidis, after a massive Ponzi scheme bursts in New York. With an array of characters and locations and subplots, John Mandel creates something exquisite here, something you must not miss.
Narrator: Dylan Moore
55. 1984 by George Orwell
One of the earliest works of dystopian literature, this book is dreadful and incredibly real, to say the least. The book is set in a future ruled by a government that is authoritarian and watches every move Of everybody. Every action, even every single thought is monitored by the government.
“Big Brother is watching”: One of the very popular lines of this novel, it drives home the point that you’re being watched, every second of your life. The book stays very relevant even after several decades after its publication, as governments around the world try to impose restrictions on its population.
Narrator: Tim Pigott-Smith
56. Divergent by Veronica Roth
The book is set in a futuristic dystopian Chicago where people are divided into five factions that represent different attributes and characteristics. The story follows Tris, a young girl who chooses Dauntless as her faction. But she hides her true identity.
As a major war brews, will she be able to hide her identity and survive? The first book of the very popular Divergent trilogy, it is a fast-paced book written in a very accessible manner, which would undoubtedly keep you awake throughout the night.
Narrator: Emma Galvin
57. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
In the Republic of Gilead, there are several handmaids. Offred is one of them. Once every month, she desires with all her heart that the Commander makes her pregnant, because what would be her value otherwise? Shops have pictures as signs instead of words, as women aren’t allowed to read.
This horrifying and phenomenally sketched-out book is a force in itself, a warning to everyone. One of the most popular dystopian novels ever written, the book exemplifies Atwood’s remarkable skills as a writer and a narrator.
Narrators: Elisabeth Moss, Amy Landecker, Bradley Whitford, Ann Dowd
Best Audiobooks in Science Fiction
58. Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
Jason is walking back home one day when he is abducted by an unknown person and sent off to a place he has no clue about. Will he be able to escape? Will he ever be able to come back to his home?
Blake Crouch takes you on a non-stop roller coaster ride with this incredible sci-fi novel. The story is very complicated, and Crouch executes the whole setup effortlessly. You won’t be able to stop reading this book once you start and it will undoubtedly blow your mind away!
Narrator: Jon Lindstrom
59. Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
The first book in this “trilogy of five”, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy was adapted from the immensely popular radio series of the same name. Arthur Dent is yanked out of Earth, seconds before it is demolished, by his friend Ford Prefect. This pair hence begins a journey through space with some fellow travelers.
Silly and hilarious, this book is a laugh riot. One of the funniest books ever written, it’s a brilliant parody of science fiction. No science fiction cliche has been spared by Adams. The wonderful Stephen Fry narrates this book, elevating the overall experience of this masterpiece. If you are looking for a book to leave you tired from laughing too much, you must pick this one up.
Narrator: Stephen Fry
60. Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
Written over a century earlier, this book is considered to be one of the earliest works of psychological thrillers. Dr. Henry Jekyll, the protagonist of our story, has a darker alter ego, namely Mr. Edward Hyde. The book has such an impact on the population, that the phrase “Jekyll and Hyde” is often used to refer to a person with entirely different personalities, good from the outside, and mean in private.
This gothic piece of literature explores human duality, the constant fight between good and evil within a person. The book is very unique in the way it’s written and makes for a riveting read.
Narrator: Nicolas Soames, John L. Sessions
Conclusion
And here we are, at last, at the end of the article. I hope by now, you, the reader would have come across some great titles to listen to and enjoy the beauty and pleasures of reading. I sincerely desire that they’ll provide you with solace and companionship, making your days brighter, the same way they cheered my days.
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