Audiobook aficionados often find themselves pondering the question: what makes an audiobook truly exceptional? Is it the prowess of the narrator, the chemistry between a cast of characters, or perhaps the sheer popularity of the recording? The answer, much like the art of crafting a great audiobook itself, is subjective and open to interpretation.
Over the years, the medium has undergone significant transformations, from its humble beginnings on vinyl records in 1932 to the current plethora of digital formats. This evolution has led to an unprecedented proliferation of high-quality content, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. The rise of audiobooks’ popularity, fueled by the pandemic’s impact, has further solidified their place as a beloved form of entertainment.
As we embark on this journey to identify the best audiobooks of all time, it is essential to acknowledge that personal opinions will inevitably play a significant role in shaping our perceptions. In an effort to provide a diverse range of perspectives, I have not only consulted my own literary inclinations but also sought input from fellow book enthusiasts through social media channels.
The result is a curated list of exceptional audiobooks, distinguished by the remarkable performances that bring beloved characters and stories to life.
Best Audiobooks of All Time Read by Multiple Narrators
The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon; Read by Bahni Turpin, Raymond Lee, and Dominic Hoffman
Without a doubt, ‘The Name of the Wind’ is a must-listen for anyone who hasn’t yet experienced its captivating narrative. The audiobook boasts exceptional casting and enchanting narration that will transport you to the world of mythical fantasy. A significant portion of the story takes place over the course of a single eventful day, where Jamaican American Natasha and Korean American Daniel form an unlikely connection that evolves into a profound love.
However, their budding romance is threatened by the harsh reality that Natasha’s family is scheduled for deportation the very next day. As you immerse yourself in the book’s lush prose and heart-wrenching plot, you’ll find it impossible to tear yourself away from this emotional rollercoaster.
American Gods: The Tenth Anniversary Edition by Neil Gaiman; Read by Ron McLarty, Daniel Oreskes and a Full Cast
Gaiman’s latest adaptation of his iconic novel boasts an extensive, never-before-seen collection of unreleased material from his original draft. This ‘director’s cut’ edition showcases Neil Gaiman’s masterful storytelling, as the leads bring to life the complex and enigmatic Mr. Wednesday with unparalleled conviction. Meanwhile, Shadow Moon, the relatable protagonist, is given a depth and nuance that will resonate deeply with fans of the series.
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You Written and Read by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
Drawing inspiration from Kendi’s seminal work, ‘Stamped From the Beginning’, this acclaimed bestseller distills complex issues into an accessible narrative that resonates with both children and educators. The audiobook’s engaging rendition, brought to life by Jason Reynolds’s masterful performance, is a testament to his enduring popularity among young audiences and educational professionals alike.
World War Z: The Complete Edition: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks; Read by Alan Alda, Mark Hamill, Carl & Rob Reiner, and John Turturro
The award-winning audiobook, which took home the prestigious Audie for Multi-Voiced Performance in 2014, is a masterful blend of the original abridged recording and brand-new, unabridged recordings. The talented cast includes none other than the iconic Mark Hamill, lending his voice to this exceptional production.
The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty; Read by the Author and Eliana Shaskan
As an uninitiated individual, I made the grave error of diving into the audiobook of The Exorcist without having prior knowledge of the source material. The experience was nothing short of unsettling, as the narrative’s dark and twisted nature left a lasting impact. In fact, it overshadowed my initial impression of the film adaptation, rendering it seem tame in comparison. This audio production is an absolute must-listen for any horror enthusiast looking to indulge in a truly terrifying tale.
Same Sun Here; Written and Read by Silas House and Neela Vaswani
The audiobook was recognized with a prestigious nomination at the 2013 Audie Awards, specifically in the Children’s Titles for Ages 8-12 category. This unique storytelling approach, featuring narration from two distinct voices, lends itself perfectly to dual-narrator performances. Both readers deliver outstanding portrayals that authentically capture the contrasting tones and perspectives of the two main characters.
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders; Read by Nick Offerman and a Full Cast
What’s striking about this audiobook is not just its impressive narrative, but also the sheer scale of its cast. In fact, it boasts an unprecedented 166 narrators, including A-list celebrities like Julianne Moore, Don Cheadle, Susan Sarandon, and Bill Hader, to name a few. This remarkable feat earned the production the coveted Audie Award for Audiobook of the Year in 2018.
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo; Read by the Author and Melania-Luisa Marte
Elizabeth Acevedo’s distinctive narrative style shines through in her captivating audiobook narration. As she brings the characters to life with her rich vocal delivery, her unique perspective on the story emerges, rendering this novel-in-verse an even more immersive experience. The audio format perfectly complements the poetic storytelling, making it a delightful treat for listeners.
Best Audiobooks of All Time Read by a Single Narrator
Brown Girl Dreaming; Written and Read by Jacqueline Woodson
Without a doubt, Jacqueline Woodson is an exceptional writer who has earned her place among the best authors of our time. Brown Girl Dreaming stands out as a poignant and powerful portrayal of her childhood, skillfully conveyed through evocative verse. It’s only fitting that the author herself brings this deeply personal story to life with her own voice, offering readers a uniquely intimate reading experience.
A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin; Read by Roy Dotrice
Renowned for his exceptional talent in audiobook narration, Roy Dotrice brings unparalleled expertise to this sweeping tale. His remarkable vocal range allows him to skillfully portray the diverse array of characters, bringing each one to life with precision and nuance.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Written and Read by Maya Angelou
The iconic Maya Angelou, a renowned poet with a distinctive voice, has left an indelible mark on literature. Her narrative mastery weaves words into poignant tapestries that captivate audiences worldwide. A testament to her enduring legacy is the autobiographical masterpiece ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’, which has been illuminating readers’ paths for generations, offering a powerful account of overcoming adversity and finding solace in the human spirit.
The Stand by Stephen King; Read by Grover Gardner
Epic in scope and eerily relevant, The Stand tells the haunting tale of a civilization-ending illness that resonates ominously with our current reality. What makes this story truly unforgettable is Grover Gardner’s mesmerizing narration, which brings to life an array of complex characters each imbued with distinctive voices and subtle inflections that betray a profound grasp of the source material, transporting listeners on a deeply immersive journey.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern; Read by Jim Dale
While I’d rather not credit certain beloved novels for their association with an author whose TERF views are abhorrent, the audiobook rendition of these stories is truly exceptional. Jim Dale’s masterful narration brings to life a diverse cast of characters through his impressive range and skillful voicework, effortlessly conveying distinct personalities.
In contrast, Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus, though an excellent novel in its own right, relies on fewer unique characters, yet still benefits from Dale’s phenomenal performance.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas; Read by Bahni Turpin
Bahni Turpin’s captivating narration is one of the standout features of Angie Thomas’ iconic novel, The Hate U Give. Her portrayal of protagonist Starr is so convincing that listeners are instantly drawn to this relatable and endearing character, making it impossible not to root for her throughout the story.
Born a Crime; Written and Read by Trevor Noah
I’m a self-proclaimed Trevor Noah fanatic, but even I must admit that listening to him narrate his memoir is an unparalleled experience. The way he seamlessly weaves together Xhosa and Zulu languages throughout the story is nothing short of breathtaking in audio format. It’s one thing to read about it on the page, but hearing his voice bring those words to life is a completely different story altogether.
Circe by Madeline Miller; Read by Perdita Weeks
Immersive storytelling at its finest, Perdita Weeks’ portrayal of Circe on audio transforms the listener into an active participant, effortlessly transporting them to a realm that rivals the tangibility of reality. Spanning 12 hours, this masterful performance weaves a sonic tapestry that will leave you spellbound and craving more.
The Dutch House by Anne Patchett; Read by Tom Hanks
Beloved Written and Read by Toni Morrison
Morrison’s iconic narration brings a depth of emotion to the page as she recounts a poignant story in her own voice. The raw pain and heartache that resonates through her words makes this Pulitzer Prize-winning tale an absolute must-listen, regardless of whether you’ve read it before or not.
Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson; Read by Marin Ireland
The impact of this book was profound for me when I listened to it earlier this year. Its unique blend of emotional depth, absurdity, and humor had a lasting impression, making me eager to recommend it to anyone who will listen. What truly elevated the story from its written form to an unforgettable experience was Marin Ireland’s masterful narration.
Her exceptional use of dialect and unflinching honesty brought new layers of depth to the performance, rendering it a must-listen that I highly encourage you to start immediately.
Becoming Written and Read by Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama’s memoir, a Grammy Award Winner for Best Spoken Word Album 2020, offers a refreshingly honest and inspiring look at the life of our former First Lady. Her narration brings a unique perspective to her story, making it an absolute must-listen. If you’re new to audiobooks or looking to expand your collection, get these best audiobooks of all time in your ears ASAP! For more great recommendations, check out the lists below: The Best Audiobooks 2022 Has to Offer (So Far!
), Voicing the Classics: 8 Fantastic Classics Audiobooks, On the Road Again: 26 of the Best Audiobooks for Road Trips, 15 Recent Award-Winning Audiobooks to Enjoy, and Tune Into These Excellent Nonfiction Audiobooks. And don’t forget Libro. fm’s Most Preordered Audiobooks for Fall 2022.