Audiobooks are a major multitasking tool that’s trending, and for good reason. They’re especially handy to accompany a road trip, or any kind of travel in general. Mundane tasks like sitting in a car, an airplane, or on the train are nicely paired with an audiobook. For times like these, we’ve compiled a list of suggestions that’ll suit any mood — whether you’re wanting to think deeply, be thrilled, or just enjoy a good laugh — on your way here and there.
When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole
In this psychological thriller, Sydney witnesses her historically Black Brooklyn neighborhood become gentrified almost overnight. But where are her neighbors disappearing to? Newcomer Theo may help her find answers — but the price might be very high indeed.
Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin
You’ll be on the edge of your seat listening to this New York Times bestseller which also won a Los Angeles Times Book Prize and Gold Dagger Award. Childhood friends in the late 1970s, Larry and Silas parted ways when Larry was suspected in a young woman’s disappearance. Two decades later, Silas is the local constable when another girl disappears. Now the two estranged friends must dig up the past to discover the dark truth of what’s really going on.
The Galaxy and The Ground Within by Becky Chambers
Escape into space with this newest installment in Becky Chambers’ Hugo Award–winning Wayfarers series. The Five-Hop One-Stop on planet Gora is like a truck stop in the intergalactic highway — until a technological crisis strands three different species there for longer than they planned, to some awkward and surprising results.
Black Water Sister by Zen Cho
You’ll be swept from reality as you dive into the world of magic-infused Malaysia with this audiobook which follows Jessamyn as she moves back to her home country, and starts to hear the voice of her deceased grandmother. Things only get worse when her grandmother orders her to avenge a powerful god called the Black Water Sister by going against a gang boss. Catherine Ho’s narration of the audiobook pulls you right into this captivating story.
The Woman Who Smashed Codes by Jason Fagone
You’ll be amazed by this true story of Elizebeth Smith, a Shakespeare expert-turned-codebreaker who helped combat American enemies for decades, including revealing Nazi spy rings across South America during World War II. Together with her husband, cryptologist William Friedman, Elizebeth had a lasting impact on both codebreaking and covert operations in the United States.
Just as I Am by Cicely Tyson
Before her death in January 2021, legendary actress Cicely Tyson penned this moving memoir, as well as narrated the audiobook alongside Viola Davis and Robin Miles. You’ll be filled with wonder, respect, and admiration for Tyson as you learn about her life and a long acting career that paved the way for other Black performers, from her Academy Award-nominated work in 1972’s “Sounder” to her recent role on TV’s “How to Get Away with Murder.”
High Conflict by Amanda Ripley
The perfect audiobook to hear during our polarized times, High Conflict argues that many of us have moved beyond healthy conflict to become mired in what’s called “high conflict” — a tension that involves outrage, blame, and “us versus them” thinking. Narrated by author Amanda Ripley and featuring clips from interviewees, it offers examples of people who choose other ways of relating — and what happens as a result.
The Power of Ritual Casper ter Kuile
Can walking the dog be a spiritual experience? What about CrossFit? Yes, according to this book that suggests more of us could benefit from spiritual experiences in our fast-paced, social media-filled modern world, whether we identify as religious or not. As you listen, you may find yourself wondering which everyday practices could bring more reflection, connection, and authenticity into your own daily life.
Tools of Engagement by Tessa Bailey
Home renovation gets hilarious in this romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey. To convince her brother she can flip a home, designer Bethany enlists the help of Wes, a Texan who drives her crazy in more ways than one. Add in a reality show, and you’ve got the makings of a laugh-out-loud audiobook you’ll be recommending to all your friends.
I’m Just a Person by Tig Notaro
From Star Trek to a Netflix zombie flick, everything's better with the addition of comedian and actress Tig Notaro. This memoir shows why. Though it traces the year Notaro was diagnosed with cancer while grieving her mother and a breakup, she nevertheless manages to find the absurdity in life’s difficult moments and the courage to be honest about where she’s at — which led to her post-cancer diagnosis comedy going viral.
Wild Rain by Beverly Jenkins
Ready to be swept up in an emotional romance? This recently-released audiobook by historical romance superstar Beverly Jenkins does the trick. In it, gutsy survivor Spring finds an unconventional path as a female rancher in late 19th-century Wyoming. But when former slave-turned-reporter Garrett comes to town, Spring has to decide whether she’s willing to succumb to the passion between them.
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
Written by the New York Times bestselling author of Red, White & Royal Blue, One Last Stop will have you falling in love along with August, a New York City diner waitress who finds herself captivated by June, a young woman she meets on the subway. The problem? June is from the 1970s and has been stuck in a time loop — and only August may be able to help her. You’ll love listening to Natalie Naudus narrate this upbeat-yet-wry audiobook.
About the Author: G.G. Andrew
G.G. is a freelance writer and author of romance and women's fiction, including the short story "Everything Left Unsaid" in the collection A Million Ways: Stories of Motherhood. A Texas transplant, she lives outside Houston with her husband and two sons, both of whom are on the autism spectrum. In her spare time, she enjoys browsing bookstores, yoga, paper crafts, cooking, genealogy, and anything related to Halloween. She's probably drinking tea right now.
