Best audiobooks of all time
“What's the best audiobook you've ever listened to?”
30 answers from 28 people · Updated Sep 25, 2026
This is hands-down the best audiobook I’ve ever listened to. The narrator is 10/10.
3
This is the best audiobook I’ve ever listened to. My best friend Sienna put me on. It’s funny, heartbreaking, riveting, so beautifully written and fun to listen to. And the narration is perfection. Everyone who I’ve told to listen is also obsessed.
4
Midnight Library with Carey Mulligan
Carey Mulligan’s performance made this book feel very alive! One of the best audiobooks I’ve listened to and definitely felt like a treat. I’d recommend Alchemised audio book but you said you want to sleep later…
31
the stories, the accent, its absolutely incredible. almost 10 years old now and its still the first audiobook that comes to mind—and i read (listen) to a loooooot of audiobooks.
53
Should have listened to the hype on this long ago… Michelle Williams is a revelation… best audiobook I’ve listened to in awhile
Lincoln in the Bardo with Nick Offerman, David Sedaris, et al
This book has a large, talented cast, many of whom are comedians. The readers bring all sorts of performance decisions to the jokes (and the terror, and the sorrow, and the rest of it) and it feels like another dimension is added to the work. Saunders is often so dark, and this book is dark, but the voices help the listener understand light shining through it.
131
The Overstory (Richard Powers)
my favorite audiobook I think… it’s historical fiction told from different perspectives in different eras. It can get a little confusing if you’re not paying attention, so pls listen with care :) this book still inspires me to think about the trees (and other living things) whose lifespans are much greater than ours when I’m overwhelmed by my little ole life
David Pittu’s reading of The Goldfinch
I read Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch when it came out over a decade ago, but on the recommendation of my audiophile friend Genevieve I’m now listening to the audiobook, and it is truly outstanding. David Pittu is masterful and yet somehow understated in his various voices; I forgot how it unfolds like a thriller. Perfect long-haul audiobook experience pour moi.
101
Andy Serkis reading the Lord of the Rings
I have tried and failed to read LotR so many times but this is a fully pleasurable experience. Obviously Andy Serkis does an amazing job. And there is so much singing!
2
i’ve been listening to this series throughout work. genuinely amazing voice acting — brings a new element of storytelling into the medium.
3
The Murderbot Diaries are excellent reads no matter what, but I need to give a special shoutout to the audiobooks. Kevin R. Free is iconic as Murderbot and has so much depth and dry humor in his performance. If you’re planning on reading these, please do yourself a favor and listen to the audiobooks.
1
The voice is delightful, and the repetitive nameless narration that may be irritating to some in print acquired the sing-song fairytale and even trance-like quality that I firmly believe was intended.
51
This was the book that got me into audiobooks. My jaw dropped 100 times. I could talk about this book for an hour. Jessica Simpson had a fascinating time in the spotlight and hearing her stories in her voice made it better.
23
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett on audiobook
So cozy, read by Meryl Streep, a Fall dream from the library
Broken Horses by Brandi Carlile
If you are a Brandi Carlile fan, it's amazing because the audiobook includes a relevant song after every chapter where you get to hear her pour her soul into a song that is really meaningful to her.
42
perhaps my fav book of the year! Julia Whelan’s audiobook narration is chefs kiss. brb gonna go cry again.
The Ramona Quimby Audiobook collection
Have kids? They’ll love it. Don’t have kids? Doesn’t matter, you’ll love it. Stockard Channing’s narration is perfection and Beverly Cleary never misses.
31
Nothing to See Here (Kevin Wilson)
This book is so good, and Marin Ireland is so talented and funny. I am jealous of everyone who gets to listen to this for the first time.
4
I'm Glad My Mom Died (Jennette McCurdy)
It is incredibly heavy but her reading it really is better than reading it myself.
7
Don’t read these books. Listen to them.
12 recs
I am a bookstore owner. My income depends on selling physical books to people. And yet there are some books that I demand people listen to instead of physically read. Why? Some stories are better as poems, some as plays, some as films, some as novels, some as dance. And some books are better when someone is reading them to you, when the narrative voice in your head isn’t your own. And yes, to settle the argument: audiobooks count as reading. If you think otherwise, you’ve never loved a reader who has ADHD.
7 recs
I used to be a voice actor. Now I’m just a snob about it. This is a collection of audiobook performances that blew me away.
3 recs
“The Past is Red” by Catherynne Valente, read by Penelope Rawlins
5-hour Pynchonesque post-apocalyptic literary triumph made even better by the inimitably dynamic performance of Penelope Rawlins. A true treasure for audiobook enthusiasts.
3
This audiobook is a commitment and graduate level listening material. Tackling the brogue alone will make the plaque fall away from your brain. But you’ll stay for the riveting story. Great for a long drive.
8
Heartburn by Nora Ephron (read by Meryl Streep)
I’ve seen the movie with Meryl but hearing her read it hit differently, maybe because it feels like hanging out with both her and Nora at the same time and that’s comforting.
3
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Audiobook
Narrated by Stephen Fry! Witty, ridiculous and quick. Hadn't read it since I was a teenager, and it def holds up!
1
Yes yes yes! I cannot stop talking about how delightful this book is, and Ethan Hawke is just the perfect narrator!
31
An incredible book (and even better audiobook). Feels like chatting with your best friend about every boyfriend she’s ever had.
3
