reading has a positive effect on the mind. The benefits of reading include that it helps reduce stress, improves vocabulary, and increases emotional intelligence and empathy.
The way a book is formatted can affect how fast you can read it. e-reading can present some problems, especially if you do it before bed. the blue light they emit can keep you awake!
You are reading: Books that are better as audiobooks
Reading before bed helps you sleep better. but if your eyes are tired from the day and you still want to wind down with a good book, you’ll want to grab some headphones and tune in to an audiobook.
These 50 audiobooks will give you a better feel than the print version. They’ll leave you craving more with a great storytelling style, an intimate listening experience, and a riveting storytelling style.
Compared to reading, listening to audiobooks requires less effort. it is also more convenient. while you’ll lose the handling of a physical copy of a book, the audio versions will make up for it with a nice vocal delivery.
Keep reading this article to discover the best audiobooks that will give you a better experience than the print version.
1. I know my name from chanel miller
In 2015, Chanel Miller was attending school at Stanford University when she was sexually assaulted. While she was walking home from a frat party, Miller was tackled to the ground by a man (Brock Turner) and she was later found behind a dumpster.
turner was arrested and charged with five felony counts of sexual assault and was found guilty on three of these counts. Hear from the author herself what this horrible experience was like. after hearing her story, you will see the strength that comes from surviving an incident like this.
2. the 2 witches from lindy west are coming
a collection of essays, the witches are coming from lindy west is a must listen. she narrates it herself to perfectly time the jokes written in each rehearsal. In her book, West tackles a variety of topics related to American culture, including race, climate change, and women in society. Written in the midst of the #metoo movement, West’s observations are spot on and insightful.
3. Braided Sweet Grass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by robin wall kimmerer
You can learn much more about plants and animals than what is written in textbooks. Botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer writes a different kind of book about plants and animals through a philosophical and cultural lens. Braiding Sweet Grass is the perfect audiobook to enjoy while gardening or taking a walk in nature.
4. the body: a guide for occupants by bill bryson
bill bryson’s books always read better when narrated by bryson himself. In The Body: A Guide for Occupants, Bryson takes a comprehensive look at the body and how scientists are always learning something new. it is remarkable how the body works, heals and fails us too. Bryson’s soothing voice is the added touch to this fascinating and educational read.
5. the seven husbands of evelyn hugo by taylor jenkins reid
The three narrators of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo turn this book into a movie for the mind. Reclusive Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo opens up to magazine reporter Monique Grant about her life in 1950s Los Angeles until she left show business in the 1980s.
Monique learns more than a timeline of Evelyn’s career, but also a timeline of her husbands. as she continues with her story, it becomes more apparent to monique how evelyn ended up being a recluse.
6. on earth we are briefly beautiful by ocean vuong
ocean vuong narrates his novel, written like a letter, and no one could have narrated it better than him. little dog, a Vietnamese-American, writes a letter to his mother, which he cannot read. In the letter, the little dog reviews his family history and reveals more about race, sexuality, and masculinity. Vuong’s debut novel won numerous awards, a spot on the New York Times bestseller list, and is a novel he will keep in his audiobook library for years to come.
7. open book by jessica simpson
music plus a book? Jessica Simpson offers them both in her memoir, Open Book. simpson discusses what life is like as a pop star and reality star. she includes six of her new songs that she says inspired the book.
8. become by michelle obama
one of the most critically acclaimed books of 2018, becoming by michelle obama, sold more than 10 million copies in 2019 and was the number one bestselling novel on amazon for 47 days. Read by Obama herself, she talks about what it was like growing up on the South Side of Chicago and working to become one of the most influential women of our time.
9. the house on the cerulean sea by tj klune
linus baker is a social worker for the department of young wizards. Her job is to supervise youngsters in government-sanctioned orphanages. All is well until Baker meets six potentially dangerous children. six children who could bring about the end of the world! a narrator gives voice to the six children giving them the personalities that accompany the funny dialogue.
10. Wendy’s slaughter club heard
Jazz has finally left his adoptive mother’s house when he receives a mysterious phone call. Whoever he calls, he knows about her relationship with his adoptive mother and can relate. While jazz may be free, his younger brother Joaquin is still trapped inside with that wicked witch. The caller tells Jazz that she has a way to help Joaquin, but that means he will have to kill a stranger. Will he do it for her sake and her brother’s future?
11. oh no thanks. by samantha irby
samantha irby is in a transitional phase of her life. At 40, he quit his job, published successful books, and moved to a new city. irby reads a collection of essays, all annotating these new experiences that read like you’re having a conversation with her. relatable and fun, wow, no thanks. It is better to listen to it than to read it.
12. the slide to the right by alisha rai
Readers are saving romance books for the summer, and swipe rightis the perfect summer read. Dating app developer Rhiannon Hunter experiences firsthand what it’s like to ghost on her own platform.
A month later, she runs into her handsome date and discovers that he is working on a rival dating app and is still as handsome as ever. should rhiannon give him another chance, or ignore and move on to the next dating prospect?
13. such a fun age of kiley reid
After Emira Tucker is mistaken for the kidnapping of the child she cares for, she feels humiliated and is hesitant to accept help from her employer, Alix. When a viewer of the incident posts the footage, someone from Alix’s past resurfaces. now what the two women think they knew about each other is turned upside down. such a funny erais really interesting or, in this case, you will listen to it for hours and hours.
14. little weirdos by jenny slate
By now, you should know that any humor book is always better heard than read. The same goes for comedian Jenny Slate’s Little Oddballs. To give you a sample, Slate writes in her introduction, “I am your hostess: I am a human woman named Jenny Slate and I am thirty years old. I weigh one hundred and fifty kilos. if you thought it was funny, wait until you hear the full audiobook.
15. talking to strangers: what we need to know about people we don’t know by malcolm gladwell
Another writer who integrated music into his book is author and public speaker Malcolm Gladwell. Gladwell narrates his book on the importance of communication in all aspects of life. The book creatively quotes studies and news using the original audio from those news segments. a nice change from an author’s usual way of verifying his sources.
16. those who haven’t been on their honeymoon by christina lauren
Imagine this. You’re the flushed bride celebrating her recently recited wedding vows when you and her husband run to the bathroom sick as a dog only to find a line! everyone at your wedding got food poisoning except two, your sister and the best man (whom she hates).
17. in the house of dreams by carmen maria machado
carmen maria machado was one of the unlucky people on this planet who experienced a relationship gone wrong. As a strong person, she got over it and wrote a book to raise awareness about a type of abuse that is not always discussed in society. psychological abuse. In the House of Dreams is comprised of essays exploring the complexities of violence in queer relationships that everyone needs to know about.
18. well received by jen deluca
Emily somehow volunteers at a renaissance fair with her niece after going into town to visit her sister, who recently had an accident. Irritated by the situation, she soon finds herself in a different state of mind. That’s because she meets Simon, a long-time fairground volunteer who turns Emily’s visit into something else. Both fun and romantic, this is an audiobook to take with you on your next vacation.
19. the library book by susan orlean
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A Hello Sunshine Book Club Pick, Library Book is one to reserve your next audiobook credit. Based on a true story, Susan Orleans reopens the archives of the 1986 Los Angeles Public Library fire. Thousands of books were destroyed or damaged, yet the cause of the fire is still unknown. what orlean brings to light is the importance of libraries in our society. a book you can listen to at your local library while looking for your next paperback read.
20. Norse mythology by neil gaiman
there is no better human being to narrate mythology than neil gaiman. he has the right personality that shines through in his storytelling as he creates different voices for each character. A well-written novel, Norse mythology breathes new life into ancient tales of gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures.
21. the american adolescent field guide by ben philippe
You should download the audiobook just because of its funny title! In Ben Philippe’s first young adult novel, Norris Kaplan moves from Canada to Texas and finds himself in a situation no teenager likes to be in. in a new country, in a new high school, trying to separate the categories of teenagers that they are possible candidates to befriend.
22. it’s not me, it’s you by stephanie kate strohm
After a bad breakup before prom, Avery Dennis begins to reflect on his past relationships. why has everyone ended the way they have? is it something she’s doing?
Trying to forget your recent breakup is hard. It certainly doesn’t help that she’s on the graduation committee. Determined to find out, she goes to every guy she’s ever dated to see what went wrong in a hilarious audiobook you’re sure to enjoy.
23. unprotected by barbara kingsolver
No Shelter is another best-selling novel by Barbara Kingsolver. two families from two different generations live under the same roof. one would expect them to get along, but unfortunately their experiences and politics get the better of them, and tension builds. can they ever get along? find out in this beautifully written and narrated novel.
24. more myself by alicia keys
Find out how pop singer Alicia Keys rose to fame in her memoir Plus Myself. You have the pleasure of hearing from some of her famous friends, including Oprah Winfrey, Jay-Z and Michelle Obama. as a bonus, keys includes some of her songs!
25. save yourself by cameron esposito
comedian cameron esposito recounts his life from growing up in a strict catholic family to coming out to his family. It was not an easy journey by any means. his family rejected her and his career as a comedian saved her. despite the difficulties she faced as a lesbian trying to be accepted by her family, she jokes about past experiences. this is a book you have to experience with narrating it instead of reading a print copy.
26. calypso by david sedaris
If you’ve ever read another book by David Sedaris, you know that his novels are always better heard than read. In Calypso, Sedaris shares a collection of personal essays about his family, their time at their beach house, and his bout with depression.
27. jackaby by william ritter
william ritter continues his ember in the ashesbook series with jackaby. Set in 1890, Abigail Rook applies for the position of assistant to a researcher, R.F. Jackaby Jackaby is unlike most investigators in that he has a knack for tracking down supernatural beings.
On his first day, Jackaby takes on the case to solve what the police think is a “serial killer” when he knows he isn’t. too exciting to read, you’ll have to get it in an audiobook and be entertained by the narrator!
28. atomic habits: an easy & Proven way to develop good habits & breaking baddies by james clear
Self-help expert James Clear narrates his novel Atomic Habits, a well-researched book that explains the psychology behind habit formation. while he dictates, you are free to take notes for reference. a win-win!
29. spun silver by naomi novik
could rumpelstiltskin’s fantasy story be any better? You can with expert storyteller Lisa Flanagan! She does an excellent job of giving all six characters their own personalities, as written by Naomi Novik.
30. the schizophrenias collected by esmé weijun wang
wow! talks about a moving book about mental illness that will make you understand its effect on a person’s life. esmé weijun wang reveals what life is like when she is diagnosed with schizophrenia and learns to live a new norm. she comes across a community of people with the same illness, which she refers to as the “collected schizophrenias”. she narrates the book of essays collected from her to give it that extra touch all non-fiction books need.
31. other words for home by jasmine warga
explaining different cultures to children isn’t always easy, but jasmine warga did it with her honor book newbery, other words for home. Warga experiences culture shock when Jude and her mother move to Cincinnati, leaving her father and her brother in her homeland of Syria. Jude soon discovers that he will be able to fit into the person he really is despite the unexpected surprises he encounters.
32. the night watchman by louise erdrich
Based on the true story of Louise Erdrich’s grandfather, Thomas Wazhushk, the night watchman at a jewelry factory in rural North Dakota. In 1958, Congress was about to vote on a bill that would take ownership of the land away from Native Americans.
at the time, wazhushk was a member of the chippewa council and fought to get this bill done. The Night Watchman, narrated by erdrich herself, makes the story more personal through an audio book as she recounts how her grandfather’s determination made a difference.
33. anna k by jenny lee
Here’s a romantic comedy that teens will enjoy. Anna K’s life is nothing but a mess at the ripe old age of 17. she’s in a relationship with a boring boyfriend, her brother is caught up in a sexting scandal, and her friends are stuck in rocky relationships.
just a typical day for anna k in her busy manhattan lifestyle. Hear if it all works out from narrator Jenna Ushkowitz, best known for her role as Tina Cohen-Chang on Glee. Her experience as an actress gives the audiobook a personality that you might not otherwise get from reading the paperback version.
34. Born as a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by trevor noah
born a crime is trevor noah’s memoir about his life growing up in south africa. The book recounts his experiences as a black child in South Africa and what it was like to live in an apartheid society. it also explored how he began to develop his career in comedy. the book is full of emotional moments delivered in a light-hearted way.
As the title of the book suggests, his birth was a crime because interracial relationships were illegal at the time. her father is of Swiss-German descent, while her mother is Xhosa. The audiobook version, narrated by Trevor Noah, uses humorous tones and creative performances to deliver a captivating story.
35. We’re Going to Need More Wine: Funny, Complicated, and True Stories by Gabrielle Union
This book is an interesting and fun memoir of Gabrielle Union. she gave us insight into her raw life experiences ranging from sexual assault, her past relationship and the complexities of living in hollywood.
The audiobook, narrated by Gabrielle Union herself, presents us with witty stories about her life in a way that will give you a warm feeling and arouse a mix of emotions in you. listening to the audio sounds like an intimate conversation with the author where she shares her vulnerability and her life experiences.
36. the great gatsby by f.scott fitzgerald
Considered a masterpiece of American fiction, this 1925 novel by Fitzgerald charted a thrilling depiction of the Jazz Age through the point of view of the narrator, Nick Carraway. tells the story of his wealthy neighbor Jay Gatsby. The book chronicles the glitz and glamor of Gatsby’s life, his love for Daisy Buchanan, and how his yearning for rekindling his love affair ends disastrously.
The audiobook version features better narration from the novel. Oscar-nominated actor Jake Gyllenhall uses his skills as an actor to deliver a masterful portrayal of history and a depiction of the Roaring 20s.
37. reasons to stay alive by matt haig
If you’ve ever struggled with depression and are looking for reasons to stay alive, Matt Haig’s memoir is a great inspiration. In this book, she describes her struggle with the depression that ravaged her mind at age 24. therefore, she found no reason to continue living.
In the end, with the help of his family and his girlfriend, he got over it and found a reason to live. Haig opens up about his struggle with mental illness, which will inspire anyone in the same boat.
The audiobook, narrated by Haig himself, will give you an idea of what was going on at the time. the tone of the narrative will give you a glimmer of hope. He will help you understand that you are not alone, and just like him, one day you will find a reason to appreciate life.
38. to kill a mockingbird by harper lee
To Kill a Mockingbird is an award-winning classic coming-of-age novel by Harper Lee. The story is told from the point of view of the protagonist, Jean Louise Finch, an intelligent young woman. she portrays her perceptions of racial inequality and injustice in the South.
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The audiobook brings the story to life by using a compelling storytelling style to create a compelling narrative of what life was like in the Deep South, riddled with prejudice and injustice.
39. a promised land by barack obama
this memoir gives us a deeper insight into barack obama’s journey as president of the united states. provides an account of his aspirations, his life as a community organizer, and his experiences when he held the oval office.
narrated by obama himself, the audiobook version infuses his charismatic personality into the story and captures the behind-the-scenes moments of his presidency in a captivating way.
with this book, obama opens the curtain a little so you can glimpse what it means to be the president of the most powerful country in the world. he talks about the challenges he faced in this position and the difficult decision-making process he had to go through.
40. american gods by neil gaiman
American Gods is a 2001 fantasy novel by Neil Gaiman. combines the elements of modern America, myths and legends to tell us the exciting story of the shadow, the protagonist of the novel. Shadow is an ex-convict whose life changes radically after learning of the death of his wife in a car accident along with his best friend, Robbie. Later, he discovers that his wife has been having an affair with his best friend.
The audiobook was narrated by different narrators, including Gaiman himself. each of the narrators creatively captured the voice of the book’s characters, making it more dramatic. the narrators employed a tone that captures the dark and creepy feeling of the story.
41. children of blood and bone by tomi adeyemi
This young adult fantasy novel takes us on a journey into the story of the novel’s protagonist, a girl, zélie, who lives in a mythical world. she is a member of maji, a group with special powers.
The novel follows a West African-inspired fantasy tale where the protagonist attempts to restore the powers of the maji after they were suppressed by the king. The audiobook is all the more interesting as it is read by acclaimed award-winning reader, Bahni Turpin, whose voice modulation adds more color to the story.
42. elevator moment: how women’s empowerment changes the world by melinda gates
In this inspiring book, Melinda Gates sets out to tell the world how empowering women can change the world. melinda takes us on a journey of her experiences in her humanitarian service.
She introduces us to the world of the women she met during this journey and how empowering them has uplifted their families and communities. Narrated by Melinda, the audiobook version evokes a powerful emotion that will compel you to join the race of those who are dedicated to the elevation of women.
43. the subtle art of not giving a fuck: a counterintuitive approach to living the good life by mark manson
When we think of self-help books, what comes to mind is a book that offers the reader some simple advice on how to solve personal problems and overcome life’s challenges. but for the subtle art of not giving a fuck,the author takes an unconventional approach to educating the reader about life. Instead of the unnecessary positivity propagated by other books in this category, the book argues that the only way to live a happier life is by accepting our limitations and accepting our painful realities.
If you think the print version was iconic, the audiobook is even better, as the narrator adopts a style that will push you to strip away all the feel-good positivity you’re already used to accepting the limitations of your life.
44. dear ijeawele, or a feminist manifesto in fifteen suggestionsby chimamanda ngozi adichie
adichie, the award-winning author, creates this short and captivating book to deliver a message about empowering a girl and raising an independent woman.
Formally adapted from a letter to a friend who had just given birth to a baby girl, the book offers 15 essential suggestions for raising an independent, feminist woman. The audiobook is narrated in a style that makes these invaluable tips compelling and exciting that you’ll find it hard to turn off.
45. klara and the sun, kazuo ishiguro
This novel by Nobel Prize winner Ishiguro engages us in a dystopian science fiction story. tells the story of klara, an artificial friend with powers of observation. portrays a speculative future in which josie, a sickly girl, chooses this humanoid machine as her mate. This fascinating story told through Klara’s eyes comes to life in an audiobook where the narrator infuses an engaging element that will stir deep emotions in you.
46. notes from a native sonby james baldwin
james baldwin captivates us in this collection of 10 essays that explores the central issue of racism in the civil rights era. conveys a powerful message about what it means to be black in a society where racial inequality and discrimination abound. the audiobook evokes powerful emotions in a deeper way.
47. transcendent realm: a novel by yaa gyasi
Transcendent Kingdom is a moving story of a ghanaian immigrant family struggling with depression, loss, addiction and the challenges of suicide. Gifty, a doctoral candidate in neuroscience at Stanford University School of Medicine, is determined to discover the scientific root of these problems that his family is experiencing. the audiobook version sums up this family’s overwhelming experience, sparking empathy for them.
48. the promise of damon galgut
Damon Galgut employs elements of compelling prose to tell the story of the downfall of a white South African family, the Swarts. the book is divided into four parts, and the narration takes a different format. each section is separated by the death of a family member. The audiobook accomplishes the author’s goal of creating an intriguing narrative of a family in crisis in a changing nation.
49. nobody talks about this by patricia lockwood
This novel belongs to an unconventional genre. portrays the life of an anonymous protagonist who is extremely online. became famous when her social media post “can a dog be twins?” went viral. the first half of this novel exposes this aspect of his life, while the second half shows how his internet-addled life seems to shrink when life’s challenges arrive. this earned him speaking engagements around the world. The audiobook retells the story in an engaging way that will keep you connected to your listening device.
50. girl, woman, otherby bernardine evaristo
this book earned bernardine evaristo the 2019 booker award. it shows the intersection of identity. The audiobook version will treat you to fascinating stories about women of color in Britain from different classes, cultures and sexual identities in a very intriguing way.
conclusion
The list above features 50 audiobooks with the right narrative voice, proper pacing, enunciation, and excellent performance.
Audiobooks make it easy to finish books quickly. an adjustment to the narration speed will cut the time in half.
While this is a good way to enjoy the latest bestseller, it doesn’t help with proper documentation, especially if you want to highlight an essential detail in the book.
There is something special about seeing sentences in a book jump out at you, and this will help you better retain the information. if this is your goal, then the print version is your safe bet.
however, combining audiobooks with physical books is a better option that may benefit you, depending on your daily commitment.
If you have some challenges finishing a physical book quickly while understanding every word, you’ll want to learn to read quickly.
With our speed reading proficiency course, you’ll learn to read technical materials at lightning speed while easily retaining all the information. sign up today to learn to read quickly.