Technology has taken us so far that it sometimes feels like we’re already living in a dystopian future, the Sci-Fi books once predicted. Yet, society still preserves it, which is more advanced than ever. With so many novelties, it is hard to let go of some relics of old. While many believe no new technology will ever replace the paper copies of books and the feel of paper in one’s hands, this transition is already happening.

The best part is that book replacements are already available in multiple forms. Today, you have Kindle, e-readers, e-books, and audiobooks. It’s funny that audiobooks have existed since the early 1930s. Yes, they’ve regained popularity with the spread of the internet and mobile devices, but they are not a new technology. The truth is that they are more accessible than ever.

If you’re not a fan, it is the right time to become one. Why? The reasons are simple: there are more audiobooks than ever, and some beat reading a classic book by a mile. If you love movies and television, there is no reason not to try audiobooks. The best way to fall in love is to listen to books dubbed as being better than originals and help readers immerse themselves in the story’s universe deeper. So, let us start with one you know the best:

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien

This book has it all. It has many unique characters, a great setting, and an unparalleled story. It is rightfully seen as one of the best fantasy novels ever. All books from the series were adapted into films, and the same was done for audiobooks. It would be best if you listened to this book ASAP. The narrator is Rob Inglis, and you will fall in love with his voice, which will forever associate you with LOTR. The best part is that this audiobook can save you a lot of time if you don’t have it for a long time.

In the same way, you can save yourself a lot of trouble when travelling to Europe if you click here. Lastly, you need to know that it is a long 19-hour and 7-minute listen. Less than a day for Fellowship of The Ring is nothing, trust us.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

This is a fun title. Stroll through all corners of the web, Quora, Reddit, and similar forums, and you will find this book to be the top comment in the discussion of the best audiobooks out there. This novel is another Sci-Fi masterpiece. It follows the story of an astronaut stranded on a mission who wakes up knowing no knowledge of events past with all of his crewmates dead. The main character is named Ryland, and the narrator of this particular book is Ray Porter. It is a perfect voice to cover this unique story, and you can feel the tension between the fate of human existence and being on the line. Trust us, this will be the best 16 hours and 10 minutes you ever spend listening to a thing.

The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo

Audiobooks are one of the best ways to consume books from other cultures. If you want to immerse yourself in 1930s Malaysia in this history-fiction book, be our guest, and we recommend it sincerely. It follows a little boy on an adventure to rescue his teacher’s severed finger. For many of you, the setting will be a completely new experience and one worth exploring through this one-of-a-kind historical novel. It would be best if you also appreciated that the 14-hour and 8-minute narration is done by the author, Yangsze Choo himself.

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

This book will take you back to one of the most stressful periods in recent human history. If you’re prepared to recollect the events of the COVID-19 pandemic, this audiobook needs to be on your listening list. The story takes action during the pandemic but revolves around a mother who tells a story of her youth romance with a famous actor to her daughters. Early COVID was hell on Earth, but listening to this book, narrated by Meryl Streep and her one-of-a-kind voice, will help you relieve some stress piled up from that time. With only 11 hours and 22 minutes, this one can be classified as an easy ‘read.’

11/22/63 by Stephen King

No list of this kind can be compiled without Stephen King. The notion that a tiny change in the past can change the future is described amazingly in this book. 11/22/63 is about a man who tries to go back in time and stop the assassination of JFK. The book is fast-paced, which makes it ideal for the audiobook format. If you are a history geek with a penchant for a bit of Sci-Fi action, this book is for you. Narrated by Carlos Manuel Vesga, it will keep your ears busy for 32 hours and 42 minutes.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi (2019)

Another fantastic audiobook based on the notion of time travel. It follows the adventures of four friends who can return to one moment of their selection. Their time in the past is limited as they can only remain there when their coffee gets cold in present-day Tokyo. Arina Ii perfectly narrates this book and encapsulates the moments of past and present in this book with surgical precision. With only 6 hours and 52 minutes long, this book could be a perfect entry into the world of audiobooks.

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

Let’s move a tad bit towards popular culture. Michelle Williams narrates the memoirs of Britney Spears and brings her struggles closer to the listener. Britney has had a rough few years, stretching for a decade or more. She was mistreated at the hands of the media, her peers, and most of all, her family. With Williams at the helm of the memoir commentary, the famous singer at least got some of her dignity back. If you want to go through the strenuous life, downfall, and success of one Britney Spears in 5 hours and 31 minutes, this audiobook can help you.

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

One of the best mystery books of the early 2000s got a fair treatment in Paul Michael’s voice. The Vatican conspiracies were never more interesting than this depiction in Dan Brown’s words and Paul’s voice. The book is well-paced, but you don’t miss a beat with Michael at the helm. It takes 16 hours and 59 minutes to complete it and trust us, when on a long flight or divided into a daily commute, this book will make your time fly by.

Summary

The books on this list are the cream of the crop regarding audiobooks. Any of them can be a grand entry into audiobooks or a new book to listen to if you’re already a fan but haven’t gotten around to them.