Tom Lake By Meryl Streep
Not only is this a phenomenal book of generational storytelling, but MERYL STREEP IS NARRATING! She brings the characters to life. From her laugh to her tone; her character as Lara is spot on. She is engaging and motherly but keeps secrets to herself. This book transform you to the essence of Traverse City, Michigan with the breeziness and humility of a true Northerner.
Doppelganger by Naomi Klein
Canadian author Naomi Klein was tired of getting confused with the controversial writer Naomi Wolf. Her book takes a deep dive into the world of misinformation, blending cultural criticism with a deeper look at how we gain our beliefs.
This audiobook is best for culture junkies and those who need a break from social media. Narrated by Naomi Klein
Length: 14 hours, 47 minutes
Solito by Javier Zamora
Javier Zamora left El Salvador as a child to reunite with his parents by traveling to the U.S. border. His harrowing journey among a group of strangers who become more like family is a gripping, astonishing read. Zamora’s narration adds urgency to the written words.
This audiobook is best for those who want more than just pundits’ opinions about the border. Length: 17 hours, 8 minutes
Violeta by Isabel Allende
Spanning from one pandemic (the Spanish flu) to the next (COVID-19), this sweeping look at one woman’s life, told in an epic letter, touches on family and world events, conveying a life of dizzying highs and lows. Narrator Yareli Arizmendi gives Violeta a voice that elevates the recording.
This audiobook is best for fans of sweeping historical sagas and the author’s earlier work.
Narrated by Yareli Arizmend.
Length: 11 hours, 59 minutes
Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
As comedian Trevor Noah notes, the union that produced him between a Swiss father and a black Xhosa mother was outlawed in Apartheid-era South Africa, and his mother kept him hidden to avoid punishment. Noah narrates his memoir with the wry, candid delivery that has made him so successful.
Narrated by Trevor Noah
Length: 8 hours, 44 minutes
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
The epic novel, one of the best fantasy audiobooks, follows the Fellowship of the Ring as they begin their journey in Book 1 of Lord of the Rings, set in the same world as The Hobbit. Narrator Rob Inglis does a fantastic job building suspense as the fellowship tries to thwart Lord Sauron.
This audiobook is best for those looking for a long read, and those who enjoy fantasy. J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings:
Narrated by Rob Inglis
Length: 19 hours, 7 minutes
Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The format of this book — the oral history of a legendary band — makes it the perfect format for an audiobook read by a talented foursome voice cast. It tells the story of how Daisy joined The Six, who flourished and then floundered in an era of sex, drugs and rock and roll.
This audiobook is best for gossip hounds and music fans.
Narrated by Jennifer Beals, Benjamin Bratt, Judy Greer, Pablo Schreiber
Length: 9 hours, 3 minutes
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Have you ever wished for a do-over? In this novel, four people get to travel back in time to a moment of their choosing, but they can only stay until the coffee they were drinking at a Tokyo café gets cold. Arina Ii’s narration will inspire questions in your own life.
This audiobook is best for time travel buffs and people feeling reflective
Narrated by Arina Ii
Length: 6 hours, 52 minutes
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
This is also a book about the roads not taken. The Midnight Library contains books that say what would have happened to you if you went in another direction in life. These alternative histories may be better, worse or just different — so what to choose? Carey Mulligan’s rich narration perfectly outlines the dilemma.
This audiobook is best for those who like to wonder, “What if?”
Narrated by Carey Mulligan
Length: 8 hours, 50 minutes
The Woman in Me by Britney Spears
All the praise you’ve heard about Michelle Williams’ narration of pop star Britney Spears’ memoir is true. Spears’ mistreatment at the hands of the media is not surprising, of course, but the way her family did her wrong is equally infuriating, and Williams brings dignity to her narrative.
This audiobook is best for Spears fans and those who wonder why she made such an impact on pop culture.
Narrated by Michelle Williams
Length: 5 hours, 31 minutes
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
The Da Vinci Code was an exciting movie, so it makes sense that the page-turner, about a puzzle-driven conspiracy inside the Vatican, makes an equally appealing audiobook. Paul Michael’s narration keeps everything moving quickly.
This audiobook is best for anyone looking for a fun adventure.
Narrated by Paul Michael
Length: 16 hours, 59 minutes
