Wondering what audiobook you should listen to? Get ideas for must-listen genres and titles and find one of the best audiobook services.

What audiobook should I listen to?

Finding a great audiobook can be overwhelming with all the many options out there. There are audiobook platforms with thousands of audiobook titles, if not hundreds of thousands, and browsing through their vast libraries is counterintuitive if you want to listen to audiobooks to save time.

Here, we’re making things easier by featuring some popular categories and must-listen audiobook titles.

Best audiobooks to start listening now

Everyone’s interests may differ. You can have specific genre preferences or be at a certain point where your interests are not the same as before. Some books may be must-read works while others aren’t.

Yet dismissing genres makes it easy to let great audiobooks slip by unnoticed. Thus, here are some categories and titles you may find interesting.

The classics

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

The timeless classic and one of the most famous love stories is available on many audiobook platforms. You can find a version narrated by actress Rosamund Pike who also played a role in the film adaptation.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

Mark Twain wrote some of the finest American literary works. Considered the source of modern American literature, this story, narrated by Elijah Wood, makes for an epic coming-of-age adventure.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Oscar-winner Sissy Spacek narrates a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. It’s a harrowing story that tackles gritty topics and a coming-of-age journey of a young girl in the American Deep South.

Dracula by Bram Stoker

The book that started the vampire craze has an audiobook version with a full cast of voice actors and award-winning narrators.

Fantasy

The Game of Thrones series by George R.R. Martin

Before the hit TV show arrived on HBO, the Game of Thrones book series, also known as A Song of Ice and Fire, amassed a massive fan base. Unsurprisingly, the fantasy series found a place in the world of audiobooks.

American Gods by Neil Gaiman

What’s not to like about ancient gods adapting to modern times? The science fiction book series by Neil Gaiman has excellent audiobook and TV adaptations.

The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

The wizarding world of Harry Potter is a global sensation. It’s one of the most relevant fiction book series and received excellent representation on screen and in audiobook format. Stephen Fry lends his voice to the U.K. audiobooks. Jim Dale recorded the U.S. audiobooks.

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Nigerian-American author, Tomi Adeyemi, took inspiration from many cultures to write his debut novel. A hit in book clubs, the fictional story is suitable for kids, high-school students, and young adults. Hall of Fame narrator Bahni Turpin recorded the audiobook.

Self-help

Take Control of Your Life by Mel Robbins

Mel Robbins’s bestseller is one of the best books in the self-help section. It has real-life wisdom and humor and makes for a great listen during a road trip.

Becoming by Michelle Obama

The former First Lady wrote one of the most notable non-fiction books in recent years. Its audiobook version tells a fantastic story and guides audiences on a journey of self-discovery.

Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover

This coming-of-age story is a New York Times bestseller and an Audible Best Memoir of the Year winner. It’s the story of the author’s own life and the struggles endured while pursuing education and autonomy despite her isolated upbringing.

Business

Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

If you want to take a break from sci-fi stories and read something more practical, this could be the book for you. The audio version goes through every interview with some of the most successful business people of all time.

The Founder’s Dilemmas by Noam Wasserman

Sometimes it’s hard to start a business, let alone succeed. But the groundbreaking audio version of Noam Wasserman’s book is filled with the best advice for entrepreneurs.

Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter

It’s one of the easiest business books to digest for people of all ages. It contains practical advice, a few of the authors’ life lessons, and can serve as a foundation for planning and reaching financial goals.

Mystery

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

The Handmaid’s Tale is on many people’s reading list, especially after its hit Netflix series. But the audio version also does the story justice and makes for an exciting first-time audiobook experience.

Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson are legendary. Add a Stephen Fry narration and over 60 hours of runtime, and you’re in for a thrilling ride.

Notable mentions

• The Dutch House, an epic fiction novel by Ann Patchett narrated by Tom Hanks
• A Short History of Nearly Everything, a retelling of the history of the universe by Bill Bryson, narrated by Richard Matthews
• Lincoln in the Bardo, an experimental novel written by George Saunders and narrated by David Sedaris
• Evidence of the Affair, a fictional short story by Taylor Jenkins Reid narrated by Julia Whelan, Dara Rosenberg, James Daniels, and George Newbern
• Project Hail Mary, a science fiction novel about preventing the end of the world by Andy Weir, narrated by Ray Porter

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If you want to browse a premium audiobook library with amazing titles, Speechify has the best app for you. You can get your first audiobook for free and ease into the immersive experience of listening instead of reading.

You can choose bestsellers from many genres and listen to free classics and public domain titles. Speechify’s audiobook service offers everything, from non-fiction to educational materials to science books and science fiction. Whether you want obscure, Indy titles, new releases, or timeless gems, Speechify has you covered.

Try it today to get your free title and browse the rich library.

FAQ

Why should I listen to audiobooks?

Audiobooks allow you to multitask while learning or listening to an exciting story. It also makes it easier to consume content for people with reading difficulties.

What is the best audiobook of 2022?

Each audiobook streaming service and reviewer has different opinions on the best audiobook in any given year. But Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, narrated by Ray Porter, won Audiobook of the Year at the Audie Awards and the top prize in the science fiction category.