Audiobooks under 8 hours

Audiobooks are an excellent learning resource, but many prefer to listen to them as they cook, clean, work out, or plan a road trip. However, longer audiobooks aren't for everyone. You may not have the time to immerse yourself in a ten-hour story full of intricate plotlines and complex characters.

But just because you're on a time crunch doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy a top-notch audiobook with a full cast of fantastic voice actors. With so many services like Amazon's Audible offering countless interesting titles, finding a story that clocks in under eight hours can be challenging.

To help, we've compiled a list of some of the best books under 8 hours that you can listen to right now.

The best short audiobooks under 8 hours

Whether you're a science fiction or love story fan, you'll find a title to add to your TBR (to-be-read) list in the following book reviews. All are good reads and under eight hours, so you won't need to change your daily routine to squeeze in some reading time.

Stardust by Neil Gaiman

This captivating 1997 fantasy book follows the adventures of a young man from Wall, a small village next to the magical Faerie land. Trying to win the heart of a beautiful woman, he crosses the border and heads into Faerie. He wants to retrieve a fallen star and impress the girl from his village with this unique gift.

But there's a slight problem. The star is a woman and many evil characters are after her. It's up to the main character to ensure both he and his new companion survive and make it back to Wall.

The book was adapted into a Hollywood movie starring Charlie Cox and Claire Danes in 2007, receiving generally favorable reviews.

The audiobook is even more exciting and brings to life Gaiman's humor and the magical realm where faeries, witches, and otherworldly beings roam free.

Read at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson

Woodson's bestseller opens with Melody, a young girl preparing for her sixteenth birthday. As she steps down the staircase, the story takes us back in time, introducing us to all the family members who came before Melody. The dress Melody wears was first intended for her mom, who abandoned Melody at birth, leaving the child to Sabe and Po-Boy, her loving grandparents.

Woodson examines each character's story to create a web of intergenerational struggle, love, hurt, hate, and racism. The novel is touching and a must-read for anyone who appreciates fine prose, genuine emotion, and a good coming-of-age story.

Pride by Ibi Zoboi

Zoboi's retelling of Jane Austen's "Price and Prejudice" follows Zuri, an Afro-Latino girl living in New York City. She's proud of her family and cultural heritage but is appalled by the rapid gentrification of her beloved neighborhood. When a wealthy family moves in across the street, she dislikes Darius Darcy, whom she finds arrogant and judgmental.

As she struggles with her identity, college applications, and changing neighborhood, Zuri will learn how to find her place in the world.

Acclaimed author and slam poet Elizabeth Acevedo narrates the official audiobook, delivering a stunning rendition of “Pride and Prejudice” in a modern setting.

The Initial Insult by Mindi McGinnis

The first book in a gripping young adult duology, this spooky tale pits two former best friends against each other.

Tress was happy with her life until she lost everything seven years ago, the night her parents disappeared while driving Felicity home.

On the other hand, Felicity has tried to forget everything about that fateful night and won't risk ruining her future by bringing up the past. Determined to find the truth, Tress is ready to put everything on the line to make Felicity talk.

"The Initial Insult" is a must-listen for those who enjoy mystery and crime books.

The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

Whitehead's 2020 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel examines America's dark history.

The book follows two boys sent to a reform school during the Jim Crow era. Once in the Nickel Academy, the boys feel like they’re trapped in a torture chamber, and the only silver lining is their friendship. But the horrors of the reformatory threaten to sever their bond and change their lives forever.

Whitehead based the novel on a true story of a correctional institution that operated for over 100 years, negatively impacting the lives of countless children.

Something That May Shock and Discredit You by Daniel M. Ortberg

Acclaimed author Daniel M. Ortberg pens a series of essays examining pop culture through a combination of social and personal history.

This excellent book contains poignant reflections on faith, family dynamics, and gender transition. However, Ortberg doesn't shy away from touching on figures like Nora Ephron, Anne from “Anne of Green Gables,” and Columbo.

Daniel M. Ortberg narrates the Audible version of this collection himself. You should consider adding it to your reading list if you want a book that will make you laugh and cry.

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo 

Rounding off our list of good books you should listen to is Elizabeth Acevedo's "Clap When You Land."

This novel-in-verse is the story of two sisters, Yahaira and Camino, who know nothing about each other. Camino lives for the summers when her father returns to the Dominican Republic to visit her, while Yahaira and her mom are unaware of his secrets. When he dies in a plane crash, the two girls feel like they've lost everything. But they just might find each other.

Although short, the audiobook provides thought-provoking insights about hurt, grief, love, and family.

Speechify

Speechify uses text to speech (TTS) technology to transform any printed or digital text into a listening experience. You can use this handy app to turn anything from your hand-written study notes to the latest news articles into audio files you can listen to on the go. The app offers an impressive collection of natural-sounding voices, supports over 20 languages, and uses AI algorithms to produce audio output.

Try it today for free.

FAQ

What is the name of the author of "The Martian"?

Andy Weir wrote the 2011 sci-fi novel "The Martian."

What are the benefits of listening to audiobooks?

Listening to audiobooks helps people enjoy reading more, improves literacy skills, and bolsters and enhances retention. Additionally, audiobooks are a great way to combat negative emotions and thoughts and positively impact mental health.

Who's an author who creates amazing short stories?

If you're interested in picking up some classic short stories, check out the work of James Joyce, Ray Bradbury, Raymond Carver, and Flannery O'Connor. For contemporary short stories, you can't go wrong with Jennifer Egan, Alice Munro, and Jhumpa Lahiri.