Best Audible books of all time

Many audiobook providers have entered the market in recent years, and Amazon Audible has quickly amassed countless users. If you’re stuck in a reading slump and looking for your new favorite book, check out our roundup of engaging Audible bestsellers. 

The best audiobooks on Audible

The following list offers some of the best audiobooks of all time on Audible. Our roundup contains everything from science fiction page-turners to must-listen historical fiction and self-help books.

The Shining – Stephen King

Stephen King’s thrilling work often blends horror and sci-fi elements, and “The Shining” is no exception.

The story follows Jack Torrance, whose new job takes him to the Overlook Hotel. Jack sees this as the perfect opportunity to focus on his writing and spend quality time with his wife and son. However, as the harsh winter engulfs the hotel and a sinister atmosphere looms over the Torrance family, dark forces begin tormenting the Torrance family.

Danny, Jack’s gifted five-year-old son, senses that trouble is fast-approaching. Campbell Scott narrates this classic horror story.

The Harry Potter Series – J.K. Rowling

The Harry Potter series of audiobooks follows Harry as he forges friendships, battles evil forces, and learns to wield magic. If this is your first time diving into this magical world, you’ll meet the full cast of enigmatic characters, some of which aid Harry in defending the wizarding realm while others try to stop him.

This must-read coming-of-age story starts with Harry’s childhood, and in the final installment, we see him as a young man whose choices could change the world forever.

A Game of Thrones – George R.R. Martin

Roy Stern narrates the audio version of “A Song of Ice and Fire,” the first installment in the “Game of Thrones” series.

The audiobook introduces us to the House of Stark, whose members soon clash with the powerful House of Lannister. The brewing tension will test alliances and result in backstabbing, betrayal, intrigue, and war. 

Immerse yourself into this epic fantasy world and learn about the scheming nobles of Westeros. Stern’s narration will deliver an unmatched listening experience. 

Born a Crime – Trevor Noah

This superb audiobook is the real-life account of Trevor Noah, a television personality and comedian who grew up in South Africa as the apartheid era began to collapse. Noah details what his mother sacrificed to ensure her son survived and doesn’t shy away from themes like racism, violence, and self-discovery.

He narrates the memoir, and his performance won an Audie Award for Best Narration. A thought-provoking audiobook, “Born a Crime” is one of the most heartfelt celebrity memoirs in recent years.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck – Mark Manson

This nonfiction book is an unconventional self-help guide, and Mark Manson suggests that being overly optimistic isn’t the best approach to life. Using outrageous jokes and academic research, Manson debunks the myth that positive thinking is the key to happiness.

Instead, he recommends that readers embrace their flaws and uncertainties to confront harsh truths. For Manson, living a grounded life rests on being honest with yourself, even if that means acknowledging you’re still not the best version of yourself. Audible users appreciate the audiobook’s humorous tone and listening to this title feels like tuning into a comedy podcast.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams

This bestseller list wouldn’t be complete without “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” a masterful sci-fi and comedy work by Douglas Adams. The New York Times bestseller follows Arthur Dent, a man who survives the end of the world thanks to his intergalactic friend, Ford Prefect.

As Dent comes to grips with the fact that his friend has been posing as a human for years, he must navigate intergalactic waters and learn how to survive in space. Adams’s prose chronicles numerous funny interactions with extraterrestrial species and poses several philosophical questions. What’s the meaning of life and death? Are we connected to everything in the universe? Listen to the audiobook to find out.

Evidence of the Affair – Taylor Jenkins Reid

Taylor Jenkins Reid titles have topped the bestseller charts for years, and “Evidence of the Affair” is a beautifully written short story full of intrigue and heartbreak.

When David and Carrie learn their spouses have been having an affair, they feel their worlds have ended. Struggling to understand how their marriages went wrong, the two begin writing letters to each other and form an unusual kinship. Their feelings are raw and crushing, but the relationship they form forces them to confront the truth and learn how to start again. George Newbern and Julia Whelan narrate the audiobook and bring David and Carrie to life.

The Child of Auschwitz – Lily Graham

If you’re looking for a thought-provoking title for your book club, “The Child of Auschwitz” is the perfect pick. This World War II tale takes place in Nazi-occupied Poland, where Eva hopes to finally see Michal, her husband, at the notorious concentration camp.

But as she tries to locate Michal and survive the guard’s rough treatment, Eva befriends Sofie, a young woman determined to protect her child. Although she manages to reunite with Michal, Eva fears for both their lives when she realizes she is pregnant. The story highlights a bleak part of history, but Eva and Sofie’s friendship proves that hope survives in the darkest times.

Honorable mentions

Whether you’re looking to help your high school students fall in love with reading or find a new pastime, Amazon Audible contains countless engaging titles. From Pulitzer Prize-winning works to Audible original audiobooks, there’s no shortage of content you can explore. 

In addition to the above entries, here are our honorable mentions that may become your new favorite book:

• “Becoming” by Michelle Obama
• “Lincoln in the Bardo” by George Saunders
• “Me Talk Pretty One Day” by David Sedaris
• “Bossypants” by Tina Fey
• “Neverwhere” by Neil Gaiman
• “Educated” by Tara Westover

Use Speechify to listen to any text online

If you love audiobooks on Amazon Audible, you probably prefer listening over reading. In that case, why not try Speechify? This robust text to speech (TTS) program can convert virtually any digital or printed text into audio output. Use Speechify to listen to papers and short stories, boost productivity, and proofread your writing. Customize your experience by tweaking the reading speed and choosing a narrator voice you like best. 

Try Speechify for free today and see how it can transform your reading habits!

FAQ

What is the most listened-to audiobook?

Ann Patchett’s “The Dutch House,” Barack Obama’s “A Promised Land,” and Michelle Obama’s “Becoming” are among the most listened-to audiobooks of all time.

Who is the most popular Audible narrator?

Jim Dale and Bahni Turpin are two of the most popular Audible narrators.

What is the best audiobook to listen to on a road trip?

The “Harry Potter” series is perfect for long road trips and will keep you good company on your journey.