Sometimes, Listening Wins
Reading a great book is almost always enough to bring its characters to life, but audiobooks take it a step further. If you insist on holding a physical book, these five titles might just convince you to give your headphones a chance.
1. Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Since the novel is written as an oral history, its full-cast audiobook feels like you're listening to an actual documentary. It’s a stacked cast, too; Jennifer Beals, Judy Greer, Benjamin Bratt, and Pablo Schreiber are among the performers. Arguments and uncomfortable pauses are all the more effective when they're spoken instead of just appearing.
2. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah narrates his own memoir, which gives the audiobook an advantage over the printed copy. His impressions, comic timing, and ability to move between the languages are what bring extra character to already solid stories. More emotional sections also benefit from hearing Trevor tell them.
3. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Ray Porter's narration transforms Andy Weir's science-heavy adventure into something lively. He captures Ryland’s humor and frustration without making any of the technical stuff feel like a lecture. Better still, the audiobook gets creative with one particularly unusual character's method of communication.
4. World War Z by Max Brooks
The interview format of World War Z was practically made for a large cast—and you can’t go wrong with the talent. Its audiobook features Mark Hamill, Alan Alda, Rob Reiner, and John Turturro, with each survivor recounting a different piece of the war. With so many veterans in the booth, it’s worth a listen.
5. The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
Tom Hanks reading an entire novel? Well, what more could you ask for? He gives Danny's reflections a conversational quality that makes the story feel as though someone is personally recounting complicated family history. Even quieter passages gain warmth from Hanks' understated performance.
