10 award-winning audiobooks of 2022

Audiobook lovers always want to know about the latest and best audiobooks to hit the digital shelves. With this format’s rising popularity, there’s no shortage of libraries to browse, from Amazon to Harper Audio to Speechify.

But if you aren’t sure what audiobook to pick up first, looking at last year’s top winners can guide you toward some fantastic stories and masterful voiceover performances.

The best award winners of 2022

Project Hail Mary – Andy Weir

This science fiction story about a mission to save humanity won Audible’s Audiobook of the Year award in 2022. The book follows Ryland Grace, the sole survivor of a last-ditch effort to save Earth.

The problem is that the main character doesn’t know who he is or what he has to do. Listeners get to uncover the plot at the same pace as the character. Ray Porter’s masterful narration does this Andy Weir story justice.

A Promised Land – Barack Obama

Authored and narrated by former U.S. President Barack Obama, A Promised Land (Random House) is the first volume of memoirs. The audiobook covers exciting topics, milestones, and events from the former president’s young life.

Tune in to experience his odyssey from hopeful youth to the leader of the free world. It’s a story about discovering one’s identity while being entrusted with great responsibility. The audiobook won the award for Best Narration by the Author.

Somebody’s Daughter – Ashley C. Ford

The Best Autobiography/Memoir Award went to Somebody’s Daughter by Ashley C. Ford. It’s a riveting story about growing up without a father figure and becoming a prominent societal voice.

It’s an honest, carefully crafted, and deeply moving story that any audiophile can enjoy.

How Y’all Doing – Leslie Jordan

If you want something more upbeat, all book lovers can appreciate How Y’all Doing by Leslie Jordan. The comedic sensation won the award for best audiobook in the humor category.

The audiobook has a collection of odd, humorous, and unforgettable events from the author’s life. Find out how the actor reacted to becoming viral and how he adapted to newfound fame.

The Parted Earth – Anjali Enjeti

Author Anjali Enjeti’s debut novel, The Parted Earth, won the prize for Best Female Narrator in 2022. The audiobook version brought to life by Deepti Gupta tells a heartfelt story spanning three generations.

It starts in 1947 and covers the trials and tribulations of various characters as they navigate a clash of cultures of epic proportions.

Later – Stephen King

Stephen King is no stranger to New York Times bestsellers in the sci-fi, horror, and mystery categories. His fans and followers still rave about his stories even when he doesn’t win awards. Later is one of the author’s latest mysteries and the winner of Best Mystery in 2022.

Seth Numrich narrates the story of a young child with an unusual ability and the high cost of using it.

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World – Benjamin Alire Saenz

This audiobook won the Lin-Manuel Miranda Best Male Narrator Award. It tells the story of a young adult’s life and the romance between two boys living in a border town.

The heartwarming piece of literary fiction is one of the finest new books you can listen to when not in the mood for reading.

Machiavelli for Women – Stacey Vanek Smith

Written and narrated by Stacey Vanek Smith, Machiavelli for Women is the Business/Personal Development 2022 Audie Award winner. It’s a story about women’s fight for equality in male-dominated areas.

The author contemplates the payoff of women who surpass men in education, business, and on the political stage. It’s not as rewarding as many think, despite the amazing results women achieve.

Rhythm of War – Brandon Sanderson

Sometimes one audiobook narrator isn’t enough to do a story justice. That’s why Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson enjoys a full cast comprised of Kate Reading and Michael Kramer.

The story is a sequel to the author’s bestseller Oathbringer and continues the popular fantasy saga. The masterful storytelling and exceptional voice acting make it a standout in the fantasy category.

Clanlands – Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish

Clanlands’ description says it all: whisky, warfare, and a Scottish adventure like no other. The book is the 2022 winner of the history/biography category.

Created by Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish, the audiobook follows their exploits in Scotland. It’s a story about cementing a new friendship and learning about a country with rich history and culture.

Find amazing audiobooks and short stories on Speechify Audiobooks

If you want access to more audiobooks, including award winners, finalists, and popular bestsellers, Speechify Audiobooks is the service for you. Unlike competitors, it’s one of the most affordable and well-balanced audiobook libraries online.

It offers a wide range of fiction, non-fiction, public domain literature, and educational materials in an audiobook format. In fact, when you join, you’ll have access to a library of over 70,000 titles.

Try Speechify Audiobooks now and get your first premium title for free.

FAQ

What is the most inspirational audiobook?

For 2022, A Promised Land has one of the most inspirational stories written and narrated by a beloved politician and humanitarian, Barack Obama.

What are the most listened-to audiobooks?

Literature, fiction, mystery, and sci-fi or fantasy are among the most popular audiobook categories.

Which award is given to the best audiobook?

Like with acting accolades, audiobooks can receive awards on many stages and from various organizations. But Audie Awards and Grammy Awards are the most prestigious.

Who are the most influential people in the world of audiobooks?

Narrators like George Guidall, Neil Gaiman, Marin Ireland, and Julia Whelan are synonymous with the audiobook industry. In recent years, screen actors like Tom Hanks and Stephen Fry and podcast star Jennette Mccurdy have also left their mark on the industry.