There’s nothing better than diving into a good book. And with more audiobooks available to choose from than ever before, we’re spoilt for options!
If you’re searching for a new title to enjoy while you run on the treadmill, wash the dishes, or travel, we’ve got you covered. From the heartwarming to the mind-boggling, here are 10 of the best audiobooks of all time.
1) Best celebrity memoir: I’m Glad My Mom Died
Starting off strong, we’ve got I’m Glad My Mom Died, a heart-wrenching and entertaining celebrity memoir from Jeanette McCurdy. Former child star McCurdy voices this tale of maternal abuse, eating disorders, and the danger of being a child in an adult’s world, walking the listener through her journey to starring on Nickelodeon’s hit show iCarly and everything that followed, including her decision to ditch acting entirely.
A blunt and honest yet somehow humorous retelling of her most formative years, McCurdy’s memoir is a must-listen for, well, everyone.
2) Best graphic novel adaptation: The Sandman
We don’t know which is the biggest selling point for this audiobook; Neil Gaiman’s incredibly dark, genius story or the insanely stacked cast.
In this audio production of Gaiman’s best-selling graphic novel series, The Sandman is brought to life by an incredible ensemble cast that sees James McAvoy voice the title character, Morpheus. A perfect listen for fans of fantasy, this series is more than an audiobook; it's an audio adventure.
3) Best fantasy: A Court of Thorns and Roses
A Court of Thorns and Roses was first released in 2015 but has been enjoying a resurgence thanks to the booktok community on TikTok. And the hype is well-deserved.
This story is the first installment in an ongoing series and is made to be narrated. ACOTAR takes listeners on a journey of intrigue and magic as nineteen-year-old Feyre is dragged into the magical world of the fae after killing a wolf in the woods that separates it from the land of the humans.
4) Best sci-fi: The Dispossessed
One of the best sci-fi novels of all time, Ursula K. Le Guin’s thought-provoking The Dispossessed follows physicist Shevek as he travels from his home planet Anarres, an anarchist ‘utopia,’ to Urras, a capitalist world that mirrors our own.
A beautifully written novel that explores the concept of utopia and themes of freedom, The Dispossessed is a captivating listen for sci-fi lovers looking to have their worldview challenged.
5) Best mythology: Mythos
Written and performed by the one and only Stephen Fry, Mythos is a masterclass in storytelling. Mythos is a collection of retellings of popular and lesser-known Greek myths, from the tale of Persophne to the torments of Prometheus, sprinkled with Fry’s classic charm and tidbits about the English language and these stories' origins throughout.
You could read a physical copy of this odyssey, but why would you when Fry can do it himself?
6) Best rom-com: Happy Place
Emily Henry is the queen of the twenty-first-century romantic comedy. Voiced by prolific narrator Julia Whelan, you know you’re in for a wild ride from page one — or should we say, minute one.
Happy Place tells the story of Harriet and Wyn, who have joined their friends on their yearly vacation in Maine. The only problem? They’ve broken up, and they haven’t told anyone yet.
7) Best comedy: Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
As Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy first started as a radio drama in the 1970s, it seems fitting that its audiobook version can be considered one of the best of all time in the realm of comedy.
Another story given life by the incomparable Stephen Fry, this lighthearted and utterly ridiculous sci-fi romp sees Arthur Dent (a very British man) catapulted into an adventure in space after he finds out his friend is an alien. Oh, and the Earth is destroyed.
8) Best history: Unruly
Unruly is what it says on the tin: a history of England's kings and queens written and narrated by comedian David Mitchell.
If you want all the joy of learning without the feeling of being back at school, this comedic history audiobook was made for you.
9) Best self-help: Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?
Got a long car journey ahead of you? Why not use it to improve yourself with one of the best self-help books of late, Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?
Dr Julie Smith’s non-fiction exploration of techniques for managing anxiety, learning to forgive yourself, and more will leave you with a better understanding of all the skills you need to handle anything life throws at you.
10) Best mystery: Murder on the Orient Express
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express is one of the most iconic mystery novels of all time, so it’s no surprise that half a dozen audio versions of this story exist.
The version we’re interested in is the Audible Original Drama, which boasts an incredible ensemble cast. With Tom Conti voicing our Hercule Poirot, this dramatized whodunnit will keep you on the edge of your seat and make doing the chores a breeze.
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