Stock up on these preciousss steals before returning to Middle-earth

It’s inarguable that J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy epic The Lord of the Rings is one of the greatest stories ever told. And though you might be familiar with the tale, you’ve never heard it quite like this. Actor and motion-capture performance icon Andy Serkis, who brought Gollum/Sméagol to life in Peter Jackson’s acclaimed adaptations, does an outstanding job of voicing every single character and creature—proving yet again that he is a master of his craft. If you, like me, are anxiously anticipating the return to Middle-earth with Prime Video's The Rings of Power, there's no better time to revisit the fantasy genre's foundational saga. —Alanna M.

A family road trip like no other*

Upon its release, Sing, Unburied, Sing took the literary world by storm, as it quickly flourished into a New York Times bestseller and earned the National Book Award for Fiction among countless other accolades. One listen and you will understand why. Jesmyn Ward’s masterful story transports us through the American South on an intergenerational journey, expanding our understanding, love, and respect for the family road trip novel along the way. —Haley H.

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Way more than fluff

When I first heard about The Flatshare it was billed as a light and happy beach listen about roommates who fall in love through Post-it notes. However, despite its rom-com premise, Beth O'Leary's debut is way more than fluff. Yes, take this one on vacation and revel in its sweetness and the heartwarming love story, but stick around for the depth and intelligence that emerges from the amazing performances. —Emily C.

Your must-listen summer thriller is here*

M.T. Edvardsson’s buzzy English debut proposes a Scandinavian-crime twist on Tolstoy: All happy families are reliable narrators, but a family facing a murder investigation is unreliable in its own maddeningly messed-up way. Pro tip—the audio version is the one to beat, with Richard Armitage (alert the #ArmitageArmy), Emily Watson, and Georgia Maguire perfectly cast in the three roles. —Kat J.

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A modern-day epic

I never thought a nonfiction book would have me on the edge of tears, but I was totally sideswiped by American Wolf. The saga touches on nearly every issue in our increasingly complex American narrative—from politics, to economics, to our personal, familial, and social lives. The further you get into this modern-day epic, the more deeply you realize that our story and the wolf’s are one and the same. —Michael D.

A career's worth of jokes*

Is This Anything? runs through a collection of 40 years’ worth of jokes, going all the way back to the days before anyone knew what Jerry Seinfeld had in store for comedy fans. This audiobook is a really special performance because you get to experience one of the most illustrious careers in the history of comedy and television by listening to the man himself voice the jokes that started it all. —Aaron S.

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Give me a happy ending, please

Glendy Vanderah is fast becoming one of those writers I look to when in need of something to get lost in, and this listen does not disappoint! Beautifully performed by narrator Susannah Jones, this enchanting story about love and loss and carrying on in the face of tragedy is the perfect companion to a long walk in the woods. It may make you cry, but ultimately will leave you with a smile on your face. —Tricia F.

An Audible essential*

There’s something so essential about the story that Hidden Figures tells. When you add narrator Robin Miles’s trademark warmth, rhythm, and pacing to the mix, this audiobook becomes even more of a force to be reckoned with. I hope everyone who watched the fantastic movie will take a deep dive into this unforgettable listen. —Rachel S.

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Teen angst and parental fear*

Like all of Backman’s books, Beartown resonates, lingers, and sparks something new. This “hockey” book is darker, different, and about more than youth sports, as Marin Ireland’s performance perfectly captures the overarching teen angst as well as parental fear that permeates the story. Grab this unforgettable listen at a discounted price today before the third and final installment in its series releases this fall. —Tricia F.

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An insightful listen for anyone

Listeners may recognize Tom Foreman from his job as a broadcaster on CNN, but My Year of Running Dangerously steps away from his experience as a journalist and digs into his personal life. Though this audiobook is centered around running, it’s insightful for anyone struggling with the challenges of getting older, losing motivation, or simply looking for a good story. —Haley H.

I never lose the chills from this enduring thriller*

Is it safe to say I’m not alone? Years later, and I still can’t shake my chills from listening to Josh Malerman’s debut. Its characters may wear blindfolds, but it’s easy to see why Bird Box stands the test of time. If you’re still losing sleep over Netflix’s spine-tingling adaptation starring Sandra Bullock, this one’s for you! —Haley H.

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