Uncover the best audiobooks on Audible, explore an alternative, and immerse yourself in captivating narratives.

What are the best audiobooks on Audible?

When it comes to audiobooks, Audible has established itself as a leading platform, providing a vast collection of titles across different genres. From bestsellers to debut novels, Audible offers a diverse range of audio content for book enthusiasts. In this article, we will explore some of the best audiobooks available on Audible, and discuss an alternative where you can find more captivating reads.

Audible background

Owned by Amazon, Audible has been a prominent player in the audiobook industry since its launch in 1995. It quickly gained popularity, offering a wide selection of audiobooks, including bestsellers, classics, and exclusive Audible Originals. With millions of subscribers worldwide, Audible has become a go-to platform for audiobook lovers. Whether you're a fan of fiction, non-fiction, self-help, or true crime, Audible has something to offer.

How Audible works

Audible operates as a subscription-based service, allowing users to access audiobooks through its mobile app or website. Users can create an Audible account and choose from different membership options.

Audible memberships

Audible offers various membership plans, allowing users to choose the option that suits their needs. Here is what you need to know about each:

Audible Plus membership

Audible Plus provides access to the Audible Plus Catalog, which is a rotating library of thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals for just $7.95 per month.

Audible Premium Plus membership

For those who want even more, the Audible Premium Plus plan offers everything included in the Audible Plus subscription, plus one credit per month to use on any title in the premium selection, for $14.95 per month.

What types of audiobooks are available on Audible?

From thrilling science fiction to enlightening self-help, Audible offers a broad spectrum of titles to satisfy every listener's preferences. Some popular genres on Audible include bestsellers, non-fiction, mysteries, true crime, memoirs, fantasy, romance, and young adult fiction.

Best audiobooks on Audible

The best audiobooks on Audible can vary depending on personal tastes and current trends. However, there are several titles that have received widespread acclaim and captivated audiences. Here are the best Audible books to add to your book club:

Atomic Habits by James Clear

James Clear's Atomic Habits is a self-help book that delves into the science of habits, suggesting that tiny changes can yield remarkable results. Clear provides actionable strategies for forming good habits, breaking bad ones, and mastering the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results, all the while emphasizing the compound growth that arises from making slight improvements.

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

Mark Manson's book is a counterintuitive guide to living a good life. Rather than promoting relentless positivity, Manson argues that life's limitations should be accepted and the pursuit of happiness should be grounded in reality. He emphasizes that we need to choose our battles wisely and only give our concern to truly important issues.

Educated by Tara Westover

Tara Westover's memoir Educated, narrated by Julia Whelan, recounts her upbringing in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho. Despite never attending school, Westover's thirst for knowledge leads her to Harvard and Cambridge. The book is a testament to the power of education to transform, uplift, and provide escape from toxic environments.

Becoming by Michelle Obama

In Becoming, former First Lady Michelle Obama shares her personal and professional journey, from her childhood in Chicago to her experiences in the White House. The memoir offers a deeply personal reflection on her roots, her public and private challenges, and the experiences that have shaped her.

The Martian by Andy Weir

The Martian is a gripping science fiction tale of astronaut Mark Watney, who becomes stranded on Mars after a dust storm forces his crew to evacuate, thinking he's dead and his fight for survival. Using his wit, engineering skills, and a lot of duct tape, Watney works to survive and signal to Earth that he is still alive.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

This novel introduces readers to young Harry Potter, who learns on his 11th birthday that he's a wizard and has been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As he delves into this magical world, he discovers his fame for surviving an attack by the dark wizard Voldemort, and begins his journey of friendship, adventure, and self-discovery.

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

Greenlights is a unconventional memoir by actor Matthew McConaughey, detailing stories from his life. He reflects on moments of success, failures, and personal growth, emphasizing the metaphor of "greenlights" as moments when life goes smoothly, and how the "red" and "yellow lights" eventually turn green with perspective.

Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection by Arthur Conan Doyle

This collection, narrated by Stephen Fry, compiles the adventures of the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes and his friend Dr. John Watson. Through a series of short stories and novels, Holmes employs his extraordinary observational and deductive skills to solve a myriad of complex cases in Victorian England.

American Gods by Neil Gaiman

In American Gods, narrated by a full cast, Shadow Moon is released from prison after the death of his wife and drawn into a conflict between old gods, rooted in ancient mythologies, and new gods, embodying modern obsessions like technology and media. As he journeys across America, the novel delves into themes of belief, identity, and the nature of power.

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Set in the marshes of North Carolina, the coming-of-age story follows Kya Clark, the "Marsh Girl," who grows up isolated and abandoned by her family. As she matures, Kya becomes involved in a romantic mystery surrounding a local boy's death, challenging the town's perceptions of her.

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Set in the rock 'n' roll world of the 1970s, the novel chronicles the rise and tumultuous journey of a fictional band, Daisy Jones & The Six. Told through interviews, it captures the passion, music, and complexities of relationships, ultimately revealing why the band broke up at the peak of their fame.

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

In this thought-provoking non-fiction work, Harari traces the journey of Homo sapiens from hunter-gatherer origins to dominance over the globe. Addressing key turning points like the Cognitive Revolution and the rise of agriculture, the book examines how culture, economics, and technology have shaped human societies and our impact on the world.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Set in the Roaring Twenties, The Great Gatsby tells the tragic tale of Jay Gatsby and his unyielding love for Daisy Buchanan. Through the eyes of narrator Nick Carraway, the story critiques the decadence and excess of the Jazz Age and the American Dream's underlying decay.

Calypso by David Sedaris

Calypso is a collection of personal essays by the humorist David Sedaris that delves deep into the complexities of family. Centered largely around Sedaris's purchase of a vacation home on the Carolina coast, which he names the Sea Section, the book touches on the dynamics with his siblings, the passing of his mother, and the challenges with father.

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Demon Copperhead is beautiful exploration of family, identity, and the power of resilience and tells the story of a young woman named Codi Noline who returns to her hometown in Arizona to care for her ailing father. As she reconnects with her past and the people she left behind, she uncovers a dark secret that threatens to destroy her family and the entire community.

Fairy Tale by Stephen King

Fairy Tale is a haunting Stephen King audiobook that follows the story of a young boy named Tyler who discovers a mysterious book in his grandmother's attic. As he reads the book, he realizes that the characters are coming to life, and he must find a way to stop them before they destroy his world in a chilling tale of magic, horror, and the power of imagination.

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

I'm Glad My Mom Died is a raw and emotional audiobook that tells the story of the actress' complicated relationship with her mother, who passed away from cancer in a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of self-love. McCurdy shares her experiences growing up in a dysfunctional family, her struggles with mental health, and how she eventually found healing and hope after her mother's death.

It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

It Ends with Us delves deep into the difficult topics of love and domestic abuse. The story revolves around Lily Bloom, who, after losing her mother to an abusive relationship, meets a captivating neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid. As they embark on a tumultuous relationship, Lily must grapple with her past and the painful patterns of her present, leading to a series of heart-wrenching decisions about love, resilience, and personal strength.

Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins

David Goggins, often regarded as the toughest man alive, shares his life story in Can't Hurt Me. He chronicles his journey from a traumatized childhood riddled with poverty, prejudice, and physical abuse to becoming one of the world's top endurance athletes and a U.S. Armed Forces icon. The memoir is a testament to the power of mental toughness and challenges the reader to break free from comfort and redefine their own limits.

I Am: The Power of Discovering Who You Really Are by Howard Falco

In I Am, Howard Falco presents a deep exploration of the self and the immense power of self-awareness. Drawing from spiritual concepts, Falco dives into the understanding of the ego, personal growth, and the inherent potential every individual holds. The book serves as both a guide and a philosophical exploration, aiding readers in their journey of self-discovery, understanding their life's purpose, and unlocking their potential.

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

This murder mystery follows Pippa Fitz-Amobi, a high school senior, who chooses a local murder case as her final year project. Five years prior, a girl named Andie Bell was allegedly killed by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who then supposedly committed suicide. However, Pippa believes Sal may be innocent. As she dives deeper into the investigation, she unravels a web of secrets and lies.

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FAQ

Does Audible audiobooks come with Amazon Prime?

Audible audiobooks are not automatically included with Amazon Prime, but Prime members do have access to a rotating selection of audiobooks through Prime Reading.

Does Audible have free audiobooks?

No, you have to sign up to read any Audible audiobooks.

Does Audible offer a free trial?

If you are a first-time Audible member, you can enjoy 30 days for free with Audible’s trial.