This pet-lover-approved selection of audiobooks will give new and veteran pet parents alike a sneak peek into the lives of their favorite (furry) companions.
In times of stress and uncertainty, there's nothing more comforting than hanging out with a dependable, lovable dog, cat, bird, or other favorite critter. No wonder the fostering and adoption of furry friends continues to surge!
Here are some of our favorite audiobooks with stories that center around the most captivating of comrades—our pets.
This endearing tale of rescue-dog-actually-rescues-owner follows a high-strung therapist as her life slowly unravels as a result of a neighbor's death, which renders her de-facto dog-mom to two newly orphaned Shih Tzus. Revealing all the many ways in which a dog’s love can change who we always thought we were, unveiling warmth we didn’t know we had, this is a must-listen for any and all dog lovers.
British philosopher John Gray invites us to learn from cats in this fun and thought-provoking exploration of what our feline friends might teach us in the way of understanding our (sometimes overcomplicated) human-selves. As Gray so accurately declares in the audiobook, “When cats are not hunting or mating, eating or playing, they sleep ... there is no inner anguish that forces them into constant activity." Hmm ... kitty wisdom might just be exactly what we need right now.
New York Times bestselling author Garth Stein brings listeners the thoughtful and uplifting story of race car driver Denny Swift and his dog Enzo, as told from the perspective of the constantly watching, quietly wise Enzo. Equal parts hilarious and heart-wrenching, this listen just might have you reaching over to cuddle your pup with newfound appreciation.
Helen Macdonald beautifully blends nature writing and memoir in H Is for Hawk which details her journey to train a fierce wild hawk after the death of her father leaves her devastated by grief. Narrated by the author herself, this listen is sure to awaken the wild nature within.
Two-time BAFTA winner Mark Haddon brings listeners the moving, honest, and endearing story of a teenage boy with Asperger's Syndrome on a mission to unlock a mystery that threatens to upend his largely logical life. Paired with the soothing British narration of Jeff Woodman, this is a novel listeners of all ages will enjoy.
This volume of memoirs by a previously unknown Scottish veterinarian has made James Harriot one of the most beloved authors of all time. After just a few minutes of listening, it’s easy to understand why—silly escapades, funny stories, and life-affirming anecdotes all set in the world of a newly qualified vet in a small Yorkshire village makes for some heartwarming listening indeed.
New Yorkers Paul and Darren have planned a winter holiday in Venice. But when their five-year marriage suddenly unravels, Paul endeavors to make the trip alone. Soon after arriving in Italy, he notices a small, scruffy, self-assured dog trotting alongside a canal with the confidence he so desperately wants for himself. This street dog and his instincts for survival lend Paul’s trip a singular purpose—to determine how his new four-legged friend thrives on his own.
Librarian Vicki Myron’s New York Times bestselling true story, Dewey the Library Cat follows the life of an abandoned kitten left in a library book-return slot. This tiny-kitten-turned-beloved-library-cat's story is one of survival, courage, and love that is sure to leave your eyes a little misty and your heart a bit warmer.
In this award-winning celebrity memoir production, Trevor Noah tells his wild coming-of-age tale during the twilight of apartheid in South Africa. It’s a story that begins with his mother throwing him from a moving van to save him from a potentially fatal dispute, then follows the budding comedian’s path to self-discovery through episodes both poignant and comical. Noah’s virtuoso embodiment of all the characters from his childhood garnered him the Audie Award for Best Male Narrator in 2018. Of all the many characters who help Noah learn and grow throughout his journey, however, one key friend stands out—his beloved dog, Fufi, who teaches Noah invaluable life lessons that stick with the star forever.
Lonely and recently relocated, young Opal finds an unexpected friend in Winn-Dixie, an energetic pup she names after the store where he was found. Author Kate DiCamillo, who narrates the tale along with actress Jenna Lamia and author Ann Patchett, brings a soft accent and gentle charm to the audio version of this beloved Newbery Medal Honor Book.
