Key Points
- Reddit is a trustworthy source for audiobook recommendations because it features real people sharing their own experiences.
- Reddit’s upvoting and downvoting system helps ensure unbiased recommendations.
- Some of the best audiobooks recommended by Reddit users include Angela’s Ashes, Travels with Charley in Search of America, and The Brothers Karamazov.
- Other highly recommended audiobooks include Jane Eyre, Circe, and The Count of Monte Cristo.
- The Sandman by Neil Gaiman, originally a graphic novel, is Reddit’s top choice for the best audiobook.
Aren’t audiobooks great? From your morning commute to your afternoon lunch break to your evening run and beyond, audiobooks help you read books when you otherwise wouldn’t be able to pick one up. Plus, a great narrator helps bring the story to life in ways the page alone can’t always do. If you’re looking for the crème de la crème of audiobook experiences, look to Reddit. Audiobook lovers on the site have named some of the best audiobooks ever recorded. We’ve ranked them all for you here. Which ones have you listened to? And which ones have rocketed to the top of your list?
Why Trust Reddit’s Audiobook Suggestions?
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While it might not be the first place you think of when trying to find the best audiobooks, Reddit is a great place to find recommendations. One reason Reddit is trustworthy is that the site is all about real people sharing their own experiences. When Redditors recommend audiobooks, they often share why they enjoyed them, what made them special, and how they felt while listening. This adds a genuine touch to their suggestions.
Plus, Reddit’s diverse member base consists of all sorts of different perspectives, ensuring a broad range of audiobook suggestions you might not have heard of before. Beyond this, Reddit’s very nature encourages open and honest conversations. Users are free to express their opinions, positive or negative, about audiobooks. For added transparency, other members can upvote or downvote responses based on how they feel about the comments. These honest discussions help you make a more informed decision and avoid any biases.
Not to mention, Reddit’s upvoting and downvoting system helps circumvent the promotional tactics that may influence recommendations on other platforms such as Twitter or Instagram. Popular responses push to the top, while less popular or downright incorrect responses fall to the bottom. You can also rest easy knowing that Reddit threads consist of enthusiasts who have extensive knowledge and passion for the subreddit’s subject. By participating in these audiobook-focused communities, you get to tap into the collective wisdom of dedicated audiobook lovers.
15. Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt
Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt is a beloved audiobook that captures the hardships and triumphs of a young boy growing up in poverty-stricken Ireland. Interestingly enough, this audiobook is read by its author. The Angela’s Ashes audiobook proves that it can be a real treat when the author takes on narration duties. Listeners appreciate McCourt’s honest and poignant storytelling, which immerses them in the raw emotions and vivid experiences of his childhood. After all, who better to do the narration than the book’s narrator himself?
14. Travels with Charley in Search of America by John Steinbeck
- Runtime: 7 hours, 58 minutes
- Author: John Steinbeck
- Narrator: Gary Sinise
Travels with Charley in Search of America by John Steinbeck is a captivating travelogue that takes readers on a journey with the author and his dog across 1960s America. In audiobook form, it feels like the listener is on a trip with Steinbeck and Charley themselves. People love how Steinbeck’s narrative skillfully combines personal reflection with social commentary during a pivotal time in the nation’s history. The audiobook version of the book offers a unique perspective on the country’s landscapes and people through Steinbeck’s eyes (and narrator Gary Gary Sinise’s voice).
13. The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
- Runtime: 34 hours, 52 minutes
- Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky
- Translator: Constance Garnett
- Narrator: Frederick Davidson
The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a timeless classic that delves into an array of complex moral and philosophical questions. The book gets another layer of depth when you get to hear it instead of read it. Narrated by audiobook legend Frederick Davidson, listeners admire the rich character development, intricate plot, and exploration of human nature’s depths brought to life by Davidson. It’s one of the most thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating titles on the list of Reddit’s best audiobooks.
12. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
The Bronte sisters are known for their strong-willed and independent female protagonists. Throughout their bibliography, perhaps no title stands out as strongly as Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. This standout nature of Charlotte’s book becomes even more apparent when listening to the audiobook by actress Thandiwe Newton. People have always been drawn to Jane’s resilience, her search for identity, and the emotional depth of her experiences. Listening to her story read aloud makes the tale feel all the more compelling and timeless.
11. Circe by Madeline Miller
One of the more recent releases on this list of Reddit’s best audiobooks is Circe by Madeline Miller. The book is a captivating reimagining of Greek mythology from the perspective of the enchantress Circe. The audiobook version of the novel immerses listeners in the world of the Greek Heroic Age. Listeners praise Miller’s lyrical prose in actress Perdita Weeks’ voice. Reddit admires her ability to breathe life into ancient myths as Madeline Miller explores themes such as power, love, and self-discovery.
10. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
- Runtime: 52 hours, 41 minutes
- Author: Alexandre Dumas
- Narrator: Bill Homewood
Alexandre Dumas is responsible for some of the most notable novels of all time. The Count of Monte Cristo is definitely his most grand. It’s an epic adventure filled with revenge, romance, and intrigue — three things Dumas writes exceptionally well. Given the book’s extreme length, the audiobook version of the novel elevates these elements to all new heights. It feels like an old-school radio play, but somehow even more special. Fans of the audiobook appreciate the thrilling plot, the intricate storylines, and the fascinating characters’ voices, making it an engrossing and unforgettable tale.
9. Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne
- Runtime: 4 hours, 14 minutes
- Author: Jules Vern
- Adapted by: Anna Lea
- Narrators: Toby Jones, Vineeta Rishi, Don Gilet, George Blagden
Reddit’s list of the best audiobooks includes many titles from the canon of classics. Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne is just one example. While excellent in book form, Verne’s globe-spanning epic is all the better as a delightful audiobook with a big cast. Actor Toby Jones and crew take listeners on a whirlwind adventure across different countries and cultures in a way only Verne could. Reddit users enjoy the fast-paced narrative, the clever twists and turns, and the sense of excitement and wonder throughout the audiobook.
8. Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
Larry McMurtry’s Lonesome Dove remains one of the most exceptional Western novels ever written. Thanks to Lee Horsley’s narration on the audiobook, McMurtry’s words take on all new weight. This masterpiece tells the story of a cattle drive from Texas to Montana. When read aloud, everything feels that much more real. From its richly drawn characters to its vivid depiction of the American West to its exploration of friendship, loyalty, and the harsh realities of frontier life, Lonesome Dove is an absolute must-listen.
7. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is a heart-wrenching and beautifully written novel set during World War II. Since its publication in 2006, readers have been moved by the book’s timeless exploration of love, loss, and the true power of words. Listening to The Book Thief as an audiobook, the story takes on a deeper meaning through the unique perspective of Death heard out loud. Featuring Allan Corduner as the narrator, Zusak’s book manages to hit even harder than before. Even if you’ve read it before, it’s worth going through again as an audiobook.
6. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
- Runtime: 5 hours, 51 minutes
- Author: Douglas Adams
- Narrator: Stephen Fry
The works of Douglas Adams have long been heralded as some of the best novels of the 20th century. Adams’s hilarious British comedy combined with top-notch and irreverent science fiction storytelling make The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy an all-time favorite for many Redditors. This only rings more true as an audiobook. Listeners adore the witty humor, the imaginative world-building, and the offbeat characters given new life by comedian Stephen Fry on narration duties. All in all, it’s a delightfully entertaining and unforgettable audiobook for the ages.
5. World War Z by Max Brooks
- Runtime: 12 hours, 9 minutes
- Author: Max Brooks
- Narrators: Alan Alda, Martin Scorsese, John Turturro, Simon Pegg, Rob Reiner, Alfred Molina, Mark Hamill
Even if you weren’t a fan of the movie World War Z (2013), you should still check out the book by Max Brooks. Turns out, it’s hardly the same story at all. This gripping audiobook presents a fictional oral history of a global zombie apocalypse read by a cast of legendary actors. Some popular names include Alan Alda, Rob Reiner, Mark Hamill, Alfred Molina, and more. Fans appreciate the unique narrative structure of Brooks’s book, the realistic and immersive storytelling, and the exploration of humanity’s resilience in the face of an unthinkable catastrophic event.
4. Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
- Runtime: 7 hours, 25 minutes
- Author: George Saunders
- Narrators: Nick Offerman, George Saunders, Carrie Brownstein, Bill Hader, Don Cheadle, Julianne Moore, Ben Stiller, Susan Sarandon
Speaking of a full cast of characters, Reddit highlights George Saunders’s Lincoln in the Bardo as one of the best audiobooks ever recorded. The experimental novel blends history and the supernatural to tell the story of President Lincoln’s grief after the loss of his son Willie. It features over a hundred characters, each with a distinct voice. Listeners are consistently captivated by the unconventional narrative style, the diverse cast of characters, and the poignant exploration of grief, loss, and the complexities of the human condition.
3. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Andy Weir’s novel The Martian gets a lot of love from Reddit. However, it’s his follow-up Project Hail Mary that the communities feel is one of the best audiobooks. Project Hail Mary is a thrilling science fiction audiobook that follows an astronaut’s desperate mission to save humanity. Reddit says narrator Ray Porter knocks the gig out of the park. (That’s the same Ray Porter who played Darkseid in the DCEU’s Justice League.) Listeners love the gripping plot, the meticulous scientific detail, and the sense of wonder and suspense radiating from the modern sci-fi story.
2. It by Stephen King
It doesn’t matter if you’ve seen the miniseries, watched the films, or read the book before. Stephen King’s It takes on a whole new depth when heard in audiobook form. The horror epic delves into the fears and traumas of a group of childhood friends as they face off against a killer clown who plagues their town every 27 years. Fans admire King’s masterful storytelling, the rich character development, and the spine-tingling suspense. It’s an even more terrifying and unforgettable experience as an audiobook.
1. The Sandman by Neil Gaiman
- Runtime: 11 hours, 2 minutes
- Author: Neil Gaiman
- Adapted by Dirk Maggs
- Narrators: Riz Ahmed, Andy Serkis, Kat Dennings, Taron Egerton, Samantha Morton, James McAvoy, Michael Sheen
Audiobook adaptations aren’t limited to just novels. The audiobook for The Sandman by Neil Gaiman proves this to be true. Originally published as a graphic novel, The Sandman‘s audiobook reimagines the story as an audio play with a stacked cast of true talents. As narrators, James McAvoy, Michael Sheen, Andy Serkis, Riz Ahmed, and more bring The Sandman to new levels of greatness. This blend of mythology, fantasy, and dark supernatural elements converge to become Reddit’s top choice for the best audiobooks ever recorded.
Summary Table
| Rank | Audiobook | Author |
|---|---|---|
| #15 | Angelaâs Ashes | Frank McCourt |
| #14 | Travels with Charley in Search of America | John Steinbeck |
| #13 | The Brothers Karamazov | Fyodor Dostoevsky |
| #12 | Jane Eyre | Charlotte Bronte |
| #11 | Circe | Madeline Miller |
| #10 | The Count of Monte Cristo | Alexandre Dumas |
| #9 | Around the World in Eighty Days | Jules Verne |
| #8 | Lonesome Dove | Larry McMurtry |
| #7 | The Book Thief | Markus Zusak |
| #6 | The Hitchhikerâs Guide to the Galaxy | Douglas Adams |
| #5 | World War Z | Max Brooks |
| #4 | Lincoln in the Bardo | George Saunders |
| #3 | Project Hail Mary | Andy Weir |
| #2 | It | Stephen King |
| #1 | The Sandman | Neil Gaiman |
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Primakov/Shutterstock.com.
