The best audiobooks to listen to right now

I must confess, dear reader, that Saunders’ work has been a revelation to me, a humble soul who finds solace and inspiration in the written word. It is not just a collection of stories, but a guidebook for living, a manual on how to appreciate the beauty in our lives and the world around us. And let me tell you, the star-studded cast that brings these tales to life only adds to the enchantment! From Phylicia Rashad’s lilting tones to Rainn Wilson’s quirky charm, I can’t help but feel like I’m sitting in a classroom with the great man himself. So yes, I wholeheartedly recommend it, and if you still need convincing after all that, just remember: it’s not every day you get to learn from the likes of Nick Offerman! —A humble bookworm

Few things are better than settling down with a good book, but sometimes the settling is easier said than done. Between a long commute, making dinner, or just getting some fresh air outside, there are some times that a traditional book (or even an e-reader) just won’t cut it. For all those times, there’s no better place to turn than audiobooks.

Not every audiobook is a gem. Some come with a less-than-ideal narrator, an overly energetic cast, or a complex storyline that’s hard to grasp just by listening. This can make choosing your next audiobook feel like a challenge, but don’t fret! We’re here to help you find the perfect listen.

If you’re an experienced audiobook listener seeking a hidden gem, or a time-strapped traveler aiming to catch up on contemporary classics, check out some of our top picks from TopMob’s collection, tailored for your listening pleasure.

The Animorphs series by K. A. Applegate

Spoken by: MacLeod Andrews, Michael Crouch, Ramon de Ocampo, Emily Ellet, Sisi Aisha Johnson, and Adam Verner (in this production)

In the science fiction young adult series Animorphs, there are 62 books that tell a surprisingly dark story about a band of teenagers who acquire the ability to transform into animals and battle an unrelenting alien invasion. Starting from 2020, each book in this series has been progressively released as audiobooks, all the way up to the 54th book, titled “The Beginning“. While I’m unsure when the entire collection will be completed, it’s definitely a captivating adventure — one that’s worth the anticipation until the remaining books are finished recording. Each book in the series features a different narrator since each story is told by a distinct member of the group of extraordinary friends; the same voice actors portray the same characters throughout the series, and their performances are exceptional. –Maddy Myers

Cinema Speculation by Quentin Tarantino

Narrated by: Quentin Tarantino and Edoardo Ballerini

Quentin Tarantino’s book on cinema, particularly that of the 1970s, moves fluidly among film analysis, commentary on film critique, and self-reflection. At one instance, he recounts his nostalgic visits to budget cinemas with his mom’s partner, while in another, he traces the evolution of Los Angeles’ film criticism community. In a characteristic burst of energy that is uniquely his own, Tarantino blends elements from a virtually forgotten neo-noir into a five-course meal.

As a dedicated fan of Quentin Tarantino’s films for many years, I must say that his career-long habit of self-mythologization can sometimes be overwhelming. However, in this book, Tarantino takes us on an engaging journey through the movies that have shaped him as a filmmaker, and it’s hard not to get swept up in his enthusiasm for cinema. The most memorable sections of the book allow Tarantino to wax lyrical (or tear apart) films that have provided tools for his cinematic toolkit.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Narrated by: Jennifer Ikeda and Stina Nielsen

Listening to faerie smut like this got me into running, because I’d rather run another 100 yards than stop mid-chapter. The dramatized audiobooks for A Court of Thorns and Roses are probably the most popular option — they’re cast with different voice actors for each character, and the audio-engineered foley sounds help you envision the scenes as they happen. Personally, I like regular, single-narrator versions, particularly A Court of Silver Flames, narrated by Stina Nielsen — her husky voice is perfect for Nesta’s point of view. —Zoë Hannah

Dune by Frank Herbert

Featuring the Voices of: Scott Brick, Orlagh Cassidy, Euan Morton, Simon Vance, Ilyana Kadushin, Byron Jennings, David R. Gordon, Jason Culp, Kent Broadhurst, Oliver Wyman, Patricia Kilgarriff, and Scott Sowers

As a teenager, I savored the hardback version of Dune. In 2013, when I joined a literature club, I decided to revisit Frank Herbert’s psychedelic sci-fi masterpiece with a fresh approach. Instead of another written rendition, I opted for an unabridged audiobook. This version is unique, featuring no less than 12 readers who alternate in portraying the various characters, enriching the book’s intricate complexity with their individual talents. It’s an extraordinary way to immerse oneself in a story that showcases a myriad of personalities and viewpoints —MM.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Narrated by: Simon Templeman, Anthony Heald, Stefan Rudnicki

In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, there are three distinct narrators, which means that three actors were chosen to bring this chilling story to life in an audiobook format. Each actor delivered a voice performance that was eerily fitting for the tale. I remember listening to Victor Frankenstein’s quivering, anxious tone while I was digging out my car during a snowstorm, and it remains one of those solitary and spine-tingling audio experiences that I will never forget. While the perfect atmosphere may not always be available, the audiobook is still an enjoyable listen overall —MM

Patricia Wants to Cuddle by Samantha Leigh Allen

Narrated by: Cindy Kay, Justis Bolding, Laura Knight Keating, Susan Bennett, Jasmin Walker

If you’re a fan of reality TV shows like “The Bachelor” and enjoy horror movies that have a final girl, then the book “Patricia Wants to Cuddle” is perfect for you, especially in audiobook format. Each female contestant on this fictional dating show turned disastrous will be voiced by a different reader. Although I hoped my friend would narrate the story since she’s the author, I’m excited to recommend the talented group of readers who breathe life into her characters. —MM

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

Narrated by: Liyah Summers

When I decided to listen to “The Priory of the Orange Tree” in audiobook format, it was a fresh and distinct experience compared to my previous reading. Liyah Summers’ narration wasn’t just about getting the correct pronunciations of the names, but it transformed the intricate fantasy tale into a soothing bedtime story-like narrative. If you’ve previously read this book, I suggest giving the audiobook a listen, particularly for the standalone prequel, “A Day of Fallen Night,” which is narrated by the author herself, as well as other voice actors to bring different perspectives to life. —ZH

A Swim in the Pond in the Rain by George Saunders

The story is told by an ensemble cast which includes George Saunders, Phylicia Rashad, Nick Offerman, Glenn Close, Keith David, Rainn Wilson, BD Wong, and Renee Elise Goldsberry.

As a gamer, I’d say George Saunders is like the game designer who crafts intricate worlds full of interconnected mysteries. He doesn’t hand me a manual on how to navigate life (he knows that’s beyond any guide), but instead leads me to breathtaking landscapes, mind-bending puzzles, and thought-provoking scenarios, then invites me to ponder, “What do these moments stir within you? And more importantly, why?”

I’d like to emphasize the far-reaching impact of Saunders’ work, as I’m concerned you might dismiss it as “a compilation of classic short stories by Russian authors, supplemented with lectures,” which could lead you to think, “I have limited time in life and no intention of pursuing a PhD in Comparative Literature.” However, the book, derived from Saunders’ university courses, is not just beneficial for aspiring novelists or academics; it’s engaging, entertaining, and, to use an overused metaphor, applicable to everyone.

Saunders skillfully explores the essence of life through captivating prose, guiding us on how to compose, comprehend, and savor such literature, as well as live our most purposeful lives. To make it even more enticing, he’s enlisted an array of talented actors like Phylicia Rashad, Nick Offerman, BD Wong, Keith David, and Rainn Wilson to bring his short stories to life. Are you intrigued? —CP

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Narrated by: Jennifer Kim, Julian Cihi

In simpler terms, the cast of “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” audiobook isn’t as big as some other books I’ve suggested, but the soft narration of Jennifer Kim (with occasional chapters by Julian Cihi) is a significant reason why I adore this novel about a group creating a game. Their exceptional talent in portraying the emotional nuances of this heartfelt story truly captivated me. — MM

Trust by Hernan Diaz

Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini, Jonathan Davis, Mozhan Marnò, and Orlagh Cassidy

I’m somewhat reluctant to include “Trust,” a 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction co-winner, on this specific list. The book’s quality and entertainment value are not in question; it’s both a literary masterpiece and an unexpectedly captivating beach read. However, its format appears, initially at least, more suited to the printed page than the audiobook.

The concept of trust, on a broader scale, revolves around the essence of immense wealth, while on a personal level, it delves into the solitary guardian of a fortune and his irresistible pull, as well as those who find themselves entangled in his sphere. Author Hernan Diaz structured this book by creating four fictitious pieces: a novel, an autobiography, a memoir, and a single day’s account. Some are fully developed and refined; others remain unfinished drafts. Each offers a distinct perspective, much like “The Great Gatsby” combined with the multifaceted storytelling of “Rashomon.”

Diaz employs formatting to convey distinct emotions in each text, making a hard copy appealing. However, the audiobook offers its unique twist by enlisting four narrators with different styles. These skilled performers make it seem as though they’re arguing for the truth in a persuasive interrogation, adding an eloquent touch to your listening experience.

Look, if you don’t trust me, at least trust Dua Lipa! —CP

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2024-08-11 19:19