Best audiobooks to listen to in 2023

The rise of the Amazon Kindle helped us discover new ways to experience books digitally. With the advent of audiobooks on digital platforms, such as Audible and Speechify Audiobooks, great titles are available for our listening and reading pleasure.

Whether you’re looking for new releases or classic audiobooks, this article highlights some of the best audiobooks to check out in 2023.

Thriller audiobooks

A good thriller gets the blood pumping and our mystery-solving brains working overtime. Here are three great thrillers to read in 2023.

Apt Pupil by Stephen King

As the author of many bestsellers in the thriller and horror genres, Stephen King is always a good choice for an exhilarating listen.

Apt Pupil is a 1998 classic thriller that focuses on a character called Todd Bowden. He meets a teacher, Mr. Dussander, who has a dark past that involves torture, death, and a nationwide chase. Can Todd resist the evil lure of his teacher, or will he do the right thing in the end?

Evidence of the Affair by Taylor Jenkins Reid

In this short story, Taylor Jenkins Reid unravels the tale of an illicit affair. Starting with a young woman writing a letter to a man she hasn’t even met, the story examines the complex nature of love and the heartbreak associated with affairs.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Paula Hawkins’ novel focuses on a young woman named Rachel. She catches the same train every morning and feels like she knows a couple who live in one of the houses overlooking her station.

However, after seeing a shocking event, Rachel gets the chance to participate in the couple’s lives in ways she never imagined.

History audiobooks

History isn’t always told through dry tomes. These three audiobooks give you a taste of history in a different way.

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

If you want a novel that gives you a slice of the 1960s, Lessons in Chemistry is the book for you. It follows the story of a female scientist and his strange journey through the era. As a taste of what this famous decade offers, it’s an essential read.

The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama

After the success of Becoming, which became a bestseller in The New York Times, Michelle Obama returns with The Light We Carry.

The book is filled with insight gleaned from Michelle Obama’s past. As a history lesson, it explores issues of gender and race. As an inspiring novel, it’s also ideal for anybody who needs a dose of self-help. 

Prince Harry: The Inside Story by Duncan Larcombe

The story of the Duke of Sussex is told unflinchingly in this biography of Britain’s rebellious prince. While quick to highlight the perks and disadvantages of Prince Harry’s royal life, it also discusses some crucial royal events.

Children’s audiobooks

Whether you’re looking for a nice fairy tale or want something in the young adult genre, plenty of children’s books are worth your attention.

The Elephant Girl by James Patterson, Sophia Krevoy, and Ellen Banda-Aaku

Though he’s best known for his thrillers, James Patterson and company take a much lighter touch with The Elephant Girl.

The story focuses on a young Masai girl who befriends a baby elephant. As an examination of teenage life in a different culture, it’s a wonderful read for any young adult.

The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

The Harry Potter books and films are still trending today, despite being many years old. J.K. Rowling’s tale of a wizard named Harry is just as inspiring to children as it’s always been.

It’s hard to recommend a single book from the series, as they’re all wonderful reads. Besides, reading them all gives you the full journey on which Harry Potter embarks.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Set in Nazi Germany during the Second World War, The Book Thief focuses on a young girl named Liesel. After picking up a book called The Gravedigger’s Handbook while grieving for her brother, she starts a love affair with books.

The book should land on the wish list of any young adult with a passion for books and an interest in one of the most harrowing periods in recent history.

Audiobooks narrated by great actors

Sometimes, the best actors take their talents from Netflix and the silver screen to the world of audiobooks. These three titles are great picks if you want an audiobook narrated by an actor.

Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover

Narrated by actors Ryan West and Brittany Pressley, Reminders of Him tells the tale of a young mother searching for her chance at redemption.

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

This autobiographical tome is narrated by the author, who has starred in TV shows like Sam & Cat and iCarly. McCurdy gets personal as she recounts her relationship with her mother and the mental health challenges she’s faced in her life.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

This science fiction (sci-fi) story features a superb narration from Romeo & Juliet star Claire Danes. The story of a society in which women are stripped of almost all of their rights is also surprisingly relevant in current-day America.

Enjoy even more audiobooks with Speechify

No matter which genre you prefer, you can always find great audiobooks on Speechify Audiobooks. Featuring over 60,000 titles from some of the world’s leading authors, Speechify Audiobooks allows you to experience your favorite books in brand-new ways.

As a new member, you receive a free audiobook of your choice. Plus, you can listen to your book on almost any device. If you’d like to explore the platform and get your first audiobook for free, try Speechify Audiobooks today.

FAQ

What is the best platform to listen to audiobooks?

Speechify Audiobooks is a great choice, as it’s available for iOS, Android, and Microsoft Windows.

Do you need a library card to listen to audiobooks?

No, you don’t. You can become a subscriber of several services or buy audiobooks individually through others.

Which is better, audiobook or e-book?

It all depends on your tastes. Some prefer letting their imagination craft the story with e-books, while others like the atmosphere created in an audiobook.

What are the benefits of audiobooks?

There are several benefits of audiobooks. These include being able to listen while you do other things and engaging in beloved stories in new ways.

What is the difference between an audiobook and a podcast?

Audiobooks are stories or books read aloud for the reader. Podcasts are usually shows where the hosts discuss pertinent topics.