Social Proof

10 of the most innovative audiobooks to listen to

Speechify is the #1 audio reader in the world. Get through books, docs, articles, PDFs, emails - anything you read - faster.

Featured In

forbes logocbs logotime magazine logonew york times logowall street logo
Listen to this article with Speechify!
Speechify

Looking for creative audiobooks? Here’s a list of 10 of the most innovative audiobooks to listen to in your downtime.

10 of the most innovative audiobooks to listen to

Audiobooks are popular for many reasons. Primarily, this form of reading has tremendous potential for innovation. It can come from the way the author delivers the story or how the narrator uses sound to add a new dimension to the events.

If innovation is one of your priorities when searching for an audiobook, you’ve come to the right place. This article will list some of the most innovative titles available, whether you’re looking for an audible original or a sci-fi thriller.

The most innovative audiobooks

Here are the most innovative books released by Macmillan Audio, Random House, and other major publishers.

The Golden Compass - Phillip Pullman

If you’re a fan of HBO’s Game of Thrones TV series or the Netflix series “Stranger Things,” you’ll love The Golden Compass. This unabridged audiobook is set in a parallel universe where Lyra Belacqua travels to save kidnapped children from a menacing organization.

The full cast only includes the author, Phillip Pullman. He uses several different voices to breathe new life into his characters.

The Graveyard Book - Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman regularly promotes the audio versions of his titles. One of his most impressive pieces is The Graveyard Book.

This novel revolves around a boy raised by ghosts. He wants to explore places outside the titular graveyard, but he’s unaware of the dangers lurking there. Whether you’re a first-time audiobook listener or a long-time fan, you’ll thoroughly enjoy this title.

The Harry Potter Series - J.K. Rowling

Narrated by Jim Dale, the Harry Potter series is easily one of the most innovative audiobooks ever released. It follows the protagonist as he uncovers his mysterious bond with the dark wizard Voldemort, who killed his family.

Harry is accompanied by two loyal friends, Ron and Hermione, who proved instrumental in fighting Voldemort. If you haven’t read the books since high school, you can listen to the audiobook versions on Speechify.

Skeleton Crew - Stephen King

Skeleton Crew is a collection that features 18 short stories, two poems, and two novellas. It’s a fantastic collection for Stephen King fans and horror lovers and was first released in 1985. There are several narrators, including Will Patton, David Morse, Dylan Baker, and Matthew Broderick.

The Only Plane in the Sky - Garret Graff

In The Only Plane in the Sky, the author explains the events of 9/11 through the eyes of the survivors. It contains documents, transcripts, interviews, and real-life recounts from friends, witnesses, and family members.

Seeds From Scratch - Alice Vincent

If the pandemic has made you want to learn how to plant flowers in your garden, Seeds From Scratch is the perfect audiobook for you. The author reveals the secrets behind this craft. It’s an interactive piece that provides step-by-step explanations coupled with immersive narration.

Talking to Strangers - Malcolm Gladwell

One of the biggest innovators in the audiobook industry is the creator of Talking to Strangers. Malcolm Gladwell uses this book to illustrate the lengths he goes to produce his audiobooks. It’s a unique experience that involves conversations and mesmerizing recordings.

Daisy Jones & The Six - Taylor Jenkins Reid

This is a fantastic novel for modern teenagers. It centers on Daisy Jones, an American girl growing up in Los Angeles and coping with drugs, sex, and other challenges. It’s a coming-of-age story that describes the titular character’s development.

Liberation Day - George Saunders

Liberation Day is a collection of stories narrated by several voice actors. The characters are stuck in dehumanizing jobs or responsible for putting others into that position.

For instance, “Love Letter” tells a story about a grandfather convincing his grandson not to help his friend deal with an authoritarian regime. It’s chock-full of regret, sorrow, and other thought-provoking themes.

Once More Upon a Time - Roshani Chokshi

Audiobooks are so popular that some writers have started creating novels in the audio format only. For example, Roshani Chokshi has produced Once More Upon a Time for her audiobook audience.

This mesmerizing story follows a couple struggling to remember why they love each other. They rush to answer this question before their relationship collapses.

Listen to amazing audiobooks with Speechify Audiobooks

If you want to discover these and many other popular book club titles on a convenient platform that provides an excellent listening experience, look no further than Speechify Audiobooks. The app features countless innovative podcasts and audiobooks, including New York Times Bestsellers and gripping true crime tales.

Some of the most famous authors you can find on Speechify include Colleen Hoover, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Dale Carnegie, Bill O’Reilly, and Viola Davis. Explore Speechify’s audiobook library today to discover the best books and your next favorite title. Plus, receive your first audiobook for free when you sign up for Speechify Audiobooks.

FAQ

What is the most inspirational audiobook?

There are many high-quality inspirational audiobooks, such as Awaken the Giant Within, Goodbye Things, and How to Relax.

Which audiobooks sell the most?

Some audiobook genres outsell others. The most popular audiobooks are science fiction, fantasy, mystery, thrillers, and historical fiction.

Who has the best audiobook voice?

It’s hard to say who has the best audiobook voice because many narrators have impressive narration abilities. Stephen Fry, Julia Whelan, David Sedaris, and Jim Dale are among the best voice actors.

What are the best audiobooks for children?

The best audiobooks for children include The Hobbit, Matilda, The Snowy Day, and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

What is the longest audiobook?

The longest audiobook is Shree Haricharitramrut Sagar. It’s nearly 150,000 minutes long.

Who are some of the best audiobook authors?

The best audiobook authors are also some of the best authors of physical books. The list includes George R.R. Martin, J.R.R. Tolkien, Toni Morrison, Margaret Atwood, and Harper Lee.

Cliff Weitzman

Cliff Weitzman

Cliff Weitzman is a dyslexia advocate and the CEO and founder of Speechify, the #1 text-to-speech app in the world, totaling over 100,000 5-star reviews and ranking first place in the App Store for the News & Magazines category. In 2017, Weitzman was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list for his work making the internet more accessible to people with learning disabilities. Cliff Weitzman has been featured in EdSurge, Inc., PC Mag, Entrepreneur, Mashable, among other leading outlets.