Have you tried audiobooks yet? I’ve learned to love them in the past couple of years, and they’ve become popular with a larger demographic. What makes a good audiobook in my opinion is not only the story, which is super important, but mostly the narration. That is actually more appealing, as far as I’m concerned. The voice, the intonation, they all play a primordial role as far as audiobooks go. These are the 10 best audiobooks to listen to in 2024.
If you’ve never listened to an audiobook yet, you don’t know what you’re missing. And this list is just the beginning.
I’ve listened to a few audiobooks whose narrator’s voices irk me, and I had to abandon them. Even if it was a book that I couldn’t wait to read, I simply had to give it up. There’s one particular book that I’ve tried on two separate occasions, since I was behind on my advanced readers’ copies readings. I figured I would save time and listen to it instead of reading it. But the narrator’s voice and his accent really bugged me, and I couldn’t get into the book. It simply just didn’t work for me.
On the other hand, certain narrator’s voices are so soothing and engaging, they made me love listening to the audiobooks so much. The following audiobooks I included on this list today all have great narrators in common. Because, as you will shortly see, a few of those books I didn’t like that much.
Let’s see which are the 10 best audiobooks to listen to in 2024, for a great listening experience.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Narrated by Marin Ireland and Michael Urie
This book was one of my favorites of 2022. I liked it so much that on top of reading the actual book, I also listened to it on audio. The narrators bring the book to life and make it even better.
Remarkably Bright Creatures is an engaging, fun, yet different book from what I’m accustomed to reading. But I’m glad I gave in to its hype and read it. Hopefully you will enjoy it as well.
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Otessa Moshfeg
Narrated by Julia Whelan
My Year of Rest and Relaxation
This book offers a great listening experience. To be honest, if I read the physical copy, I probably wouldn’t have finished it. In this case, it was the narrator’s voice that kept me engaged until the end. A plot-loving reader such as myself had a hard time with the lack of action, but even I enjoyed the author’s writing style.
She is without a doubt a talented writer, but the two books I read by her did not impress me. I guess she caters to a particular type of reader, unfortunately I do not fall under that category. But if you want to give Moshfeg a go, this audiobook is a great way to attempt that, in my opinion.
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
Narrated by Lauren Graham
If you have been reading this blog for a while, you know this book has a special place in my heart. It is at the center of one of my best experiences I took part in last summer. For those of you who have no clue what I’m talking about, I will leave the link here.
One Italian Summer – The Hypewit Experience
The book is not the greatest I ever read, but the narration and story will give you wanderlust vibes. Be forewarned, you might be tempted to book that Italian vacation you’ve been putting off! Get ready to be transported to the much beloved Tuscany!
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
Narrated by Jennette McCurdy
Celebrity memoirs are my favorite non-fiction books, and this one doesn’t disappoint. It is geared to those who watched the show I, Carly growing up. Or to the parents of little girls who watched it, like myself.
Since I was familiar with the actress, the book title caught my attention. The book itself is nothing like I expected: it contains the struggles the young actress dealt with since she was a pre-teen. And, you might have guessed who was mostly responsible for a number of them. Yes, her mother.
A heart-wrenching story that will not leave you unmoved. I’m glad I listened to it on audio, so I can feel all the raw emotions Jennette displayed.
Know My Name by Chanel Miller
Narrated by Chanel Miller
This is another moving story about one of the most notorious trials of our times. Chanel was a university student that was doing what most of her peers do when they’re on college campuses. Especially while attending fraternity parties: she was there to unwind from the heavy workload and have a good time.
But what happened to her on the fateful night that haunts her even today is what many young women have been subjected to.
It is a tale of sexual assault, of heatbreak, and a young lady’s fight for justice. She narrated her story with raw emotion, and you can’t help but feel her pain. If you’re looking for a great memoir, I highly recommend this one.
Ninth’s House by Leigh Bardugo
Narrated by Lauren Fortgang and Michael David Axtell
This book is another example of me stepping out of my comfort zone. The dark academnia/fantasy book is not one I would normally gravitate towards. After reading it, I can attest that this one is worth the hype. Very well written and equally well narrated, the book will transport you to a complex fictional world where the rules are different from those we are accustomed to. Bardugo is a writer that succeeds in getting you emotionally involved in the story she’s telling. It is a great audiobook to get lost in for a few hours.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Narrated by Rebecca Soler and Teddy Hamilton
As I mentioned in a previous post, I’m not the right demographic for this book. Nevertheless, Fourth Wing is a definite must-listen to for fantasy lovers. As many other reviewers and fellow bookworms will attest, Fourth Wing is worth the hype.
The book contains all the elements that make a fantasy world come to life: dragons, elite dragon riders, romance, and so many twists and turns to keep you thoroughly engaged. If you want to see for yourself if this is worth what everyone is raving about, give it a go. You will be entertained from the beginning till the end.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Narrated by Jennifer Kim and Julian Cihi
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow
I loved this book so much when I read it in 2022 that I had to listen to it on audio as well. This was my reread of a book that has become a comfort read to me. The eloquent writing and beautiful narration make this one of the best listening experiences in my opinion.
If you haven’t given into the hype yet, the audiobook is a great way to dip your toes into the life of Sadie and Sam. You can follow the steps of their complex relationship as it progresses throughout the years, from their preteens to adulthood.
And the narration is top-notch, which means that you will surely enjoy it.
Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors
Narrated by Kit Griffiths
I haven’t had the pleasure to listen to this audiobook before publishing this post, but I’m waiting for my copy impatiently. I may be biased here, since Cleopatra and Frankenstein was my favorite book of 2022, but I know this will be a top audiobook for me as well. Fret not, I will update you once I listen to it. If you haven’t had a chance to read a physical copy of this beauty yet, the audiobook might be an alternative to consider.
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
Narrated by Maura Tierney
I can say without a doubt that this is my absolute favorite audiobook I’ve listened to thus far. Although it came out last year, this is still my top audiobook to date. I’ve reviewed this book last year, so I’ll leave the link here if you want to read it.
But having read the book first and then listened to it on audio just made my whole experience feel complete. It was my favorite book of 2023, but the audiobook version could be my go-to when I need a comfort read every now and then. It is that good!
Special Mention: Spare by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex
Narrated by the man himself, Spare was probably my most anticipated book of 2023.
Love them, hate them, the members of the Royal family are full of intrigue and drama. But what we see on TV is not exactly how things transpire behind closed doors.
The way Prince Harry tells his story will not leave you unmoved. Especially when he recounts the heartbreak over the loss of his mom when he was still a child. Unless your heart is made of stone, it will move anyone to tears.
I loved this audiobook so much, it was my favorite memoir of the year and a very close tie to Hello Beautiful.
Concluding Words
These are the 10, well actually 11, best audiobooks to listen to in 2024. They are a great place to start if you haven’t really given this format a try yet. If I can convert, so can you. I’m a visual person and it took me a while to get used to them, but I love audiobooks now. And yes, they count as reading too!
Have you listened to any of these yet? If you did, which ones are your favorite? As per usual, drop me a comment in the box below, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Until next time, keep reading fellow bookworms!