Although I’m not a huge audiobook reader, I think the audio format and narrator can sometimes enhance the reading experience. Here are ten recommended audiobooks I’ve enjoyed in case you are looking to add some variety to your reading life.
10 Recommended and Well-loved AudioBooks
I’m linking up today with That Artsy Reader Girl for Top Ten Tuesday. The intent of this prompt is to list ten recent books on our shelves, but since three of my recent 10 books have been duds, I think I’ll pivot and list 10 audiobooks I’ve enjoyed.
*This post contains links to my reviews which contain Amazon affiliate links.
10 Audio Books I’ve Enjoyed
(in no particular order)
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
(OK….I know I said “in no particular order,” but this might be my favorite audiobook! In addition, it’s my opinion that the audio format narrated by the gifted Ray Porter is the best way to “read” this fabulous story!)
West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
(This narrator matches the setting and mood of the story in my opinion! I read this in print and then did a buddy read with my husband via audio.) I have also created a FREE book club kit for book clubs!
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
(Wonderfully narrated by the expressive and memorable voice of Edward Herrmann, AKA Lorelai’s father on Gilmore Girls!)
And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the Great American Struggle by Jon Meacham
(Meacham is a wonderful and thoughtful narrator as well as an acclaimed historian and author.)
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
(I think audio format is the best reading experience for this memorable and compelling memoir. I first read it in print and then listened in audio after reading some persuasive and glowing reviews )
The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede
(This heartfelt and inspirational true account of 9-11 as experienced in Newfoundland is narrated by Ray Porter, the same narrator as Project Hail Mary. You must follow up this read by watching the Broadway musical, Come From Away (streaming). As a companion read, you might appreciate The Only Plane in the Sky. I only read this in print, but I’ve heard the audio format is fabulous.)
An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth by Colonel Cris Hadfield
(If an author can narrate his or her own memoir, it can enhance the reading experience I think.)
Exiles by Jane Harper
(I love the Australian narrator here that is the perfect voice for Aaron Falk….exactly how I imagine him.)
Dolly Parton, Songteller by Dolly Parton
(I admire Dolly Parton and I love that she included songs in her memoir! After listening, I borrowed the print version from the library so I could look at the pictures.)
Finding Me by Viola Davis
(First I read the print version of this powerful memoir. Then after I heard Davis won an audio award, I borrowed the audio format from the library.)
QOTD:
Which audiobook appeals most to you?
Have you read one on my list?
2024
I wish you a fabulous 2024 reading year!
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Another Dolly book!! I’ll look for it. I LOVED Edward Herrman as FDR–he “was” FDR. So good. I’ve enjoyed other audio books he did. Nice post.
I need to check out all his books!
If you’ve never seen Eleanor and Franklin and Then Eleanor and Franklin the White House years, based on Joe Lash’s books then they are worth it. A little dated (from the 70s–they used the modern streets of DC for a carriage ride and hoped we wouldn’t notice lol) Edward Herman is just so amazing!
Look on youtube
Thanks for the rec! My husband and I will enjoy those this week!
I have them about memorized! lol
I also loved the audiobook for Born a Crime. I loved listening to all the languages Trevor Noah speak and getting his perspective on South Africa, Apartheid, and the world.
Yes to all of that! An unforgettable memoir.
Project Hail Mary was such a good story.
Here is my Top Ten Tuesday post.
I’ll never forget it! Hopping over to read your post!
I do like a good audiobook, especially when the narrator is really talented. I’ve read a few of these books, but have not listened to them on audio. I’m going to keep this list in mind when I’m looking for my next listen. (The one I’m listening to right now is kind of a dud, but I’m too far in to quit now. Ha ha)
Happy TTT!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
I’m sorry for your dud. It’s happened to me a few times this year. 🤨 Happy reading in 2024! If I were to suggest just one audiobook it would be Project Hail Mary!
Btw…I’m having difficulty commenting on your post…I’ll try again later!
I love a good audiobook memoir. I might have to try that Dolly Parton one next year.
Happy 2024 reading! 🎉
OK, wow, I did actually listen to the audiobook of The Boys in the Boat years ago and noted how much I enjoyed the narrator, but I never made the connection to Gilmore Girls!! That’s amazing! I completely agree about The Day The World Came to Town — such a moving listening experience (and I love Come From Away).
Happy to hear we share the love! 🙌📚
I love audiobooks. Just about to start Mrs Porter Calling by AJ Pearce which I’ve waited months for from the library.
Is it the same narrator for all 3 in the series?
I don’t actually know as I read the other two as books.
It will be interesting to see if you like the narrator!
I’m hoping they are ‘frightfully posh’!
Fab list Carol! I also loved Born A Crime and Exiles on audio!
I have listened to 5 of these and have 3 others on my TBR. Boys in the Boat coming up next week. I am looking forward to hearing Edward Hermann narrate. Great choices, Carol.
Thanks Carla! Happy listening!