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Why we think it's Essential: At the heart of Lian Hearn's beautiful saga of samurai, enchantment, and passion in feudal Japan is the story of two ill-fated lovers, brought to poignant life with the dual performances of Kevin Gray and Aiko Nakasone. Trading chapters as their stories intertwine, Gray and Nakasone anchor the action with their alternating voices, underscoring the very personal stakes amidst the epic tale of feuding warlords. —Ed Walloga
Why we think it's Essential: I think most people would agree that Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has got to be one of the best American novels of all time. Reading a classic such as this would be a big task for any narrator, but Elijah Wood completely captures Huck’s naïve and lively adolescence. After listening, I couldn’t imagine Huck’s voice being anyone else’s—and I wouldn’t want to experience this tale any other way. –Tyler LeBleu
Why we think it's Essential: Hardwire William Gibson into Dashiell Hammett and you get the unique universe that has earned Richard K. Morgan a legion of Audible fans. Todd McLaren wisely taps into the noir undercurrent for his narration - moving the action forward at a steady clip, letting the characterizations do the work, and treating high concepts like sleeving (downloading your personality into a new body) with a dead-pan legitimacy that makes them feel all the more real. —Ed Walloga
Why we think it's Essential: In an era before both iPod and printing press, people told tales of the gods around the firepit. With American Gods, master storyteller Gaiman taps that mythic vein for a genre-defying modern-day tale of gods, both ancient and new, warring under our very noses. Giving voice to Gaiman's words, George Guidall brings out both the energy and emotion of this surprisingly human tale. His characterization of the much-more-than-a-conman Mr. Wednesday is masterful. —Ed Walloga
Why we think it's Essential: People have called this a sad book. I imagine those are people who read it with their eyes instead of hearing Frank McCourt narrate his story. Those who listen hear the ecstasy in McCourt's exclamations over a piece of bread and an egg and the humor with which he dealt with hardships. Listeners are enveloped by McCourt's brogue, occasional songs, and his joyful spirit. —Beth Anderson
Why we think it's Essential: Let's face it: Jules Verne's book is pretty tedious in print. But I was in need of a listen for a family road trip, and was intrigued by what Jim Dale could do with Verne's classic. To our pleasant surprise, my family and I were absolutely transported. Dale's brilliance takes what is essentially a lengthy travelogue and turns it into a glorious adventure. —Steve Feldberg
Why we think it's Essential: Garth Stein’s poignant story captures the full range of human emotions — and the impenetrable bond between man and animal — through the eyes of a wise canine. As a dog lover I was afraid it might be too sad, but Stein’s blend of nostalgic happiness and the pains of mortality mixed with Christopher Evan Welch’s perfectly balanced narration left me on the verge of tears one minute and laughing out loud the next. —Cori Turkowski
Why we think it's Essential: Ayn Rand is most assuredly a Russian novelist: both The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged clock out at an ear-popping 95 hours—some 1,800 pages in print. Unlike Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, and other compatriots with whom she shares a penchant for expansiveness, Rand's work is known for launching a worldwide movement with millions of enthusiasts. Atlas Shrugged, a superior follow-up to The Fountainhead, posits what would become of us if all creative individuals went on strike. Narrated by Scott Brick with conviction and authority befitting the themes of this profoundly influential (and suspenseful) novel, Rand's masterwork ranks among our highest rated and best-selling books of all time. ..
Why we think it's Essential: The Bad Beginning may be, as Lemony Snicket reveals, a miserable tale, but it is a joy to listen to. This full-cast production is of the highest caliber, filled with orchestral music and chilling sound effects. I loved Tim Curry (yes, Dr. Frank N. Furter) as the infamous villain Count Olaf, and was charmed by the witty Baudelaire siblings, who rely on books to help them avoid the Count's treachery. —Diana Dapito
Why we think it's Essential: Ann Patchett's prose is, quite simply, miraculous. And Anna Fields' narration, amid all the nationalities and accents and characters, is superb. Together, the two bring to life a tale of such stunning imagery and emotion that you'll be replaying entire chapters just to see it again in your mind. —Chris Doheny
Why we think it's Essential: The oldest epic in the English language was passed down for hundreds of years as an oral tale, so there is no better way to experience the saga of Hrothgar and Beowulf and Grendel than by listening to it. Robertson Dean's narration is lively and admirable, and the production makes it more powerful than a 10th century bard ever could. —Chris Doheny
Why we think it's Essential: If you prefer your poetry dry, stale and dusty, stay clear of this program. However, if you prefer it to be warm, funny, and exciting, you are in luck. Or, if you don't know if you like poetry, I can assure you, you will enjoy Collins' accessible work. This former poet laureate offers such a wonderful performance that he upstages the introductory banter by comedian Bill Murray. —Beth Anderson
Why we think it's Essential: I knew Iranian actress Shohreh Aghdashloo from her Oscar-nominated performance in The House of Sand and Fog, and hoped for another star turn in her narration of Anita Amirrezvanivs debut novel - I wasn't disappointed. Aghdashloo's deep, raspy voice is absolutely haunting, whether describing the (surprisingly) fascinating intricacies of rug-making or re-telling the Iranian folktales that are woven into the story. A colorful, lush tale that I didn't want to end. —Diana Dapito
Why we think it's Essential: The only thing better than hearing Ruby Dee give voice to this heartbreaking first novel by Toni Morrison, is to hear the author herself exchange lines of dialogue with the veteran actress and narrate key passages. Although the journey I took with Pecola (the main character) through this novel was difficult, it was also important—something I'll never forget. –Corey Thrasher
Why we think it's Essential: I have a love/hate relationship with running, and this book brought my passion surging back with indomitable force. But whether you are a runner or not, you’re sure to be captivated by Christopher McDougall’s enthralling narrative and endearing characters, perfectly complemented by the smooth narration of Fred Sanders. Born to Run is a fascinating, inspirational look at the human body and its astonishing capabilities. —Cori Turkowski
Why we think it's Essential: The iconic moments of Dr. King's oratory echo in our aural consciousness; this collection offers a unique opportunity to move beyond those moments. Backed by eye-opening introductions from Dr. King's inner circle, these 12 speeches trace the growth of a man, a voice, and a movement. From the rarely heard Birth of a New Nation speech to King's final thrilling I Have Been to the Mountaintop, I am reminded that spoken word can truly change the world. —Ed Walloga
Why we think it's Essential: Listening to Casino Royale is like peeling away the shell of a cultural icon and returning to the good, exotic thrillers that gave it birth. As captured by narrator Simon Vance, Bond is as suave, British, and ultra-competent as you'd expect, but he's also startlingly vulnerable, falling victim to both his enemies and his own doubts. With a wry, knowing delivery, Vance excels at capturing the tension in Fleming's prose: he wrings Bond's torture for every last, excruciating squirm. —Ed Walloga
Why we think it's Essential: Nearly 50 years after it changed the American lexicon, Catch-22 is as biting and relevant in its satire of war and bureaucracy as when it was first published. Jay O. Sanders delivers a near-perfect performance. He uses his naturally deep, vaguely military tone to wring every bit of irony from Heller's prose, while bringing the cast of characters to life with some of the funniest performances I've heard on audio. —Ed Walloga
Why we think it's Essential: With shades of both Tom Clancy and Dr. Strangelove, Charlie Wilson's War is the incredible true story of a gregarious Texas Congressman, a shadowy CIA operative, and their campaign to fund the Afghan jihad against the Soviet Union. Christopher Lane's smooth narration compliments George Crile's well-researched chronicle...right through to a riveting coda that reminds us of the operation's very real ramifications. —Ed Walloga
Why we think it's Essential: Many Audible listeners call this the best audiobook ever recorded. It is not just the timeless story of a girl, a pig, and a spider that makes this a treasure; the story is told by the author, with a raspy New England accent and a casual manner that recalls my best memories of being read to by a favorite grown-up. Warning: you may be an adult now, but that doesn't mean you won't cry as you listen. —Beth Anderson
