Stories you should experience via Audiobook
I got into audiobooks last year and have been steadily listening ever since. I use them while working on tedious tasks, such as cleaning, cooking, and doing laundry—anything that keeps me from sitting still with a physical book. Ebooks and my Kindle are still my number one choice for maximum enjoyment and story absorption. But now and then, certain books become otherworldly experiences through audio in a way they simply don’t when I read them myself.
One of my biggest gripes with audiobooks was that narrators rarely sounded the way I imagined a character to in my head, which jars me out of the story. Yet sometimes, a narrator embodies a character so perfectly—in cadence, intonation, and vibe—that it truly feels like that character is living in my mind. At other times, a full cast brings voices and personalities that I could never sustain for every single character on my own, and the experience shifts from reading to cinematic.
With fantasy books, I discovered dramatised audiobooks: not only different actors per character, but also sound effects and music. Obviously, this is no longer a reading experience—it’s less about the prose and more about the atmosphere. Still, it works beautifully for some stories.
Below are some of my favourite audiobook experiences—from sensational narration to feeling a plot’s tension in real time, to stories that feel utterly real. Each of these was a random decision to try on audio for one reason or another, and I didn’t regret a single one.
Project Hail Mary – Andy Weir
When Ryland Grace wakes alone on a spacecraft with no memory of who he is or why he’s there, he slowly realises he’s humanity’s last hope. As his memories return, the mission becomes clear: save Earth from extinction. Smart, funny, and surprisingly emotional, this is a science‑heavy survival story grounded in friendship and hope.
I loved this book. Oh my word, what an amazing experience it was! The narrator, Ray Porter, does a fantastic job capturing the essence of the book and taking us on that journey. I recently watched an interview where he mentioned that he had never read the book before narrating it. Not only is that immensely skilled, but the authenticity of his responses—inflexions, intonations, emotions—is all genuine as he experiences the story for the first time alongside us. That really captures the essence of Andy Weir’s novel. I also recently watched the movie, so a book vs. screen comparison is coming soon!
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Set against the backdrop of NASA’s space shuttle programme in the 1980s, Atmosphere follows Joan Goodwin, a brilliant scientist chosen to train as an astronaut. As she pushes against sexism, ambition, and personal sacrifice, Joan also discovers love and belonging in unexpected places. A sweeping, emotional novel about desire, courage, and reaching beyond the limits imposed on you.
As we know, this was my favourite book of 2025, and the reading experience was transformed by the audiobook. It is so well performed—the high stakes, the strong romantic storylines, and the heightened emotions are all captured perfectly by the narrators. I loved that it isn’t just one voice; it truly feels like a movie in your head.
Who Asked You? – Terry Macmillan
This multi‑generational story centres on a sharp‑tongued matriarch whose family is forced to confront long‑buried truths after a personal catastrophe. Told through multiple perspectives, the novel explores love, loyalty, resentment, and accountability within Black family life, balancing humour and conflict with emotional honesty and hard‑won growth.
This was also one of my top reads of 2025. I had a wonderful listening experience. It’s a story with ensemble characters, and despite being narrated by one person, it very much feels like a full cast—a testament to a very talented narrator. The story is great, and following multiple adjoining storylines gives it the feel of late-2010s ensemble movies like New Year’s Eve or Valentine’s Day. It’s also a very funny and lighthearted book while still tackling strong emotional themes. All of this together makes it so fun to listen to.
The Scammer – Tiffany D Jackson
Set on the campus of a prestigious HBCU, The Scammer follows Jordyn Monroe, a freshman seeking freedom and belonging. When her roommate’s charismatic brother moves into their dorm, his influence slowly turns dangerous. What begins as community curdles into control, revealing how manipulation, grief, and power can hide behind charm and good intentions
This was one of the most frustrating books I have read so far this year. Sometimes hearing nonsense hits a bit harder than reading it, and that’s how I felt with this book. I often listen while doing menial tasks, and there were many moments when I’d stop and say, “Did I just hear that?” There isn’t anything specific about the narration that heightens the experience, except that the plot fits perfectly into something you’d listen to—like a true crime podcast.
Me Before You – Jojo Moyes
Louisa Clark takes a job caring for Will Traynor, a wealthy man whose life has been irrevocably altered by injury. What begins as a reluctant arrangement becomes a deeply emotional connection that challenges both of their views on love, independence, and choice. Tender and divisive, the novel asks difficult questions about living fully.
I rarely read romance novels via audiobook because I always want to feel and absorb the emotions myself. Yet something led me to experience Me Before You on audio, and I don’t regret it one bit. It is such a full and all-encompassing story—it felt like one of those tales you hear from an old family member narrating their life. The narrator does a wonderful job capturing Louisa’s essence. She sounds just like Emilia Clarke in the movie, and it’s almost an uncanny experience.
Special – and reluctant – mentions
I have a few special mentions—some of which are books I’ve discussed so much on this blog that I know you’re all sick of me. Plus one story I never really want to recommend, but can’t lie about either.
Daisy Jones & the Six
The structure of Daisy Jones & the Six fits perfectly into a listening format. With its interview- and documentary-style clips, plus a full cast, it really feels like you’re watching a documentary.
Fourth Wing
I don’t hate Fourth Wing (especially compared to its third book counterpart). It was the first story I experienced in dramatised audio, and it actually changed my life. Such a great experience—I consumed so many fantasy stories that way for weeks afterwards.
Kindred
I recently read Kindred and split my experience between reading and listening—a wild way to go through it, given the jarring, harsh nature of the book. This is one where the audiobook heightens the experience by making it feel more real, but it’s definitely a harder listen than others on this list.
Girl, Woman, Other
Another book I’ve discussed on this blog. It’s a story I really enjoy, and because it’s an anthology following many characters, it feels like listening to snippets of different people’s lives. That makes it a fun listen again, despite the tougher themes in the book. Also, the writing style is very unconventional, so this makes consuming the story much easier.
If you’re not usually one for audiobooks, this is where I’d suggest starting. These are fun, easy, and exciting stories—the kind that grab you early and don’t let go, guaranteed to keep you hooked and enjoying the ride from start to finish.
I hope you try some of these out and let me know your verdicts!
Thanks for reading!
Signed,
