Best of the Best

BEST OF THE BEST

From classic favorites to modern masterpieces, we’ve gathered the best audiobooks of
all time in every genre. Explore the best of the best and find a new listen to love.

Best of the Best Featured Articles

Best of the Best Genres

The Best New Listens of September Selected by Our Editors

  • Apples Never Fall Audiobook By Liane Moriarty cover art

    • Apples Never Fall

    • By: Liane Moriarty
    • Narrated by: Caroline Lee
    • Length: 18 hrs and 3 mins
    • Release date: 09-14-21
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 906 ratings
    • Mystery & Fiction | I fell hard for this listen
    • Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty is an ignore-your-children-and-household-chores type of all-consuming listen. Moriarty’s talent was on full display—no detail is wasted in this audiobook, and it continually amazed me how she tied each piece of the narrative together. When the matriarch of the tennis-famous Delaney family goes missing, all eyes are on the husband, but Moriarty mysteries are never that simple. The author has once again teamed up with Caroline Lee, who delivers on the story’s slightly sinister vibe with her raspy Australian timbre. I can’t stop talking about this one (even my husband is now listening so he can understand the obsession), and I can’t wait to geek out with my fellow editors once they’ve devoured it too.
      —Katie O., Audible Editor
  • Deepak Chopra's Mind Body Zone: Living Outside the Box Podcast with Deepak Chopra cover art

    • Deepak Chopra's Mind Body Zone: Living Outside the Box

    • 25 episodes
    • 4 out of 5 stars 26 ratings
    • Self-Development Podcast | Conversations and meditations for healing
    • As someone who struggles with anxiety, I’m always searching for listens that will help me unwind and build healthier habits. So I couldn’t wait to pop my earbuds in when I heard that celebrated wellness author Deepak Chopra was hosting a podcast on how to connect mind and body to enact meaningful change. With soothing meditations and inspirational insights from guests such as Dr. Gabor Maté, yogi and body positivity advocate Jessamyn Stanley, and the one-and-only Oprah Winfrey, Mind Body Zone is just what I need to get centered.
      Discover more listens like Mind Body Zone in the Well-Being Collection.
      —Rachael X., Audible Editor
  • The Love Hypothesis Audiobook By Ali Hazelwood cover art

    • The Love Hypothesis

    • By: Ali Hazelwood
    • Narrated by: Callie Dalton
    • Length: 11 hrs and 8 mins
    • Release date: 09-14-21
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 365 ratings
    • Romance | The scientific method meets romance (with a side of fake dating)
    • Are you looking for a fun, feel-good story that you won’t be able to hit pause on? You just found it. If I didn’t have to sleep, I easily could have listened to The Love Hypothesis in one sitting. Featuring a third-year PhD candidate, a broody professor with a heart of gold, and their fake relationship, this is one of the best romances of the year. Everything about Olive’s and Adam’s lives feels so warm, friendly, and real—all while shining a light on the difficulties of being a woman in the hypermasculine world of STEM. Oh, and did I mention that author Ali Hazelwood is also a professor with a PhD in neuroscience? There’s truly nothing about this listen to dislike. Do yourself a favor and pick it up ASAP, because I think everyone is going to be gushing over this one.
      —Michael C., Audible Editor
  • Beautiful World, Where Are You Audiobook By Sally Rooney cover art

    • Beautiful World, Where Are You

    • A Novel
    • By: Sally Rooney
    • Narrated by: Aoife McMahon
    • Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins
    • Release date: 09-07-21
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 347 ratings
    • Fiction | This spoke to my hardened pandemic heart
    • There is nothing like a dependable writer. Sorry, does that sound boring? It's not. Sally Rooney is that rare author whom I can absolutely, 100% trust to be bowl-me-over brilliant. Aoife McMahon, who has narrated Rooney's two other books, continues to be the listening linchpin, providing distinct voices for Rooney's conversation-rich stories without slipping into caricature. And in Beautiful World, Where Are You, Rooney brings us so much amazing conversation; her four main characters—all fully fleshed out—orbit around each other in various modes of longing, despair, and hope. They seem surprised that adulthood has grabbed them by the ankle and is hanging on, as they flail for both freedom and security in equal measure. Though the book's events predate the tragedy of COVID, the four's restlessness foreshadows lockdown, and the story ends amidst the emergence of the pandemic. Yet strangely, and without giving any spoilers, I will say that Beautiful World, Where Are You left me more settled than Rooney's other works. This novel is an ode to people asking for, and finding, what they need in life. And it may be that what we all need most right now is a little peace. And the certainty of a great listen.
      —Emily C., Audible Editor
  • You Got Anything Stronger? Audiobook By Gabrielle Union cover art

    • You Got Anything Stronger?

    • Stories
    • By: Gabrielle Union
    • Narrated by: Gabrielle Union
    • Length: 8 hrs and 8 mins
    • Release date: 09-14-21
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 387 ratings
    • Memoir | Gabrielle Union opens up
    • While her 2017 memoir, We’re Going to Need More Wine, touched on a few personal topics, You Got Anything Stronger? feels even more vulnerable as the actor dives deep into some of her pivotal life moments. Gabrielle revisits the trauma she felt after being raped at 19 by an armed assailant in the back room of the shoe store where she worked. She also details her years-long journey with infertility, a life-changing misdiagnosis, and her hesitancy before deciding to enlist the help of a surrogate to welcome daughter Kaavia James in 2018. Her breathtaking narration of Kaavia’s birth story brought tears to my eyes. Hearing the emotion as she recounted those 36 hours of labor made me feel as if I was in the hospital room with her. And fans of her star-making role in Bring It On are in for a treat, as she dedicates an entire chapter to talk about her role in the film. I suggest you settle in with a glass of wine, something stronger, or a cup of tea as I did and spend a few hours catching up with Gabrielle. Her strength, power, and resiliency are inspiring.
      —Margaret H., Audible Editor
  • Yes We Mustard Podcast with full cast cover art

    • Yes We Mustard

    • 7 episodes
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 224 ratings
    • Comedy Podcast | This Silicon Valley satire is thick with secrets and social commentary
    • I’m more of a Dijon man myself, but nevertheless, you don’t need to be a mustard fanatic to enjoy this new Audible Original podcast. Created by comedian and writer Ginny Hogan, Yes We Mustard is a satirical take on the Silicon Valley tech industry and what happens when a company that claims to be saving the world gets too big for its britches and finds itself becoming the bad guy. This seven-episode podcast is perfect for the comedy fan who loves a quick listen that is full of humor while also delivering poignant, timely, and smart commentary on the tech world that has taken over our lives.
      —Aaron S., Audible Editor
  • Iron Widow Audiobook By Xiran Jay Zhao cover art

    • Iron Widow

    • By: Xiran Jay Zhao
    • Narrated by: Rong Fu
    • Length: 12 hrs and 14 mins
    • Release date: 09-21-21
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 37 ratings
    • YA Science Fiction | The Hunger Games + Evangelion
    • If I were ever in a fight, I’d want Zetian to be on my side. Zetian absolutely refuses to bow down to what is expected of her, which, in this Chinese-inspired fantasy world, is to sacrifice her life so her family will have enough money to afford a bride price for her brother. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil, which is exactly what made Zetian’s story so satisfying. She defies the system one increasingly impossible step at a time, from becoming one of the most powerful Chrysalis (aka giant robot) pilots in the army—let alone the most powerful female pilot—to basically crushing all her enemies. There are two boys who will do anything for her, but don’t worry, it’s not a love triangle; it’s even better. I was so appreciative of Rong Fu’s narration to help me understand the pronunciation, and I really felt Zetian’s deep rage and frustration through her performance. Xiran Jay Zhao is a name to remember, because this creator is exploding onto the scene in a big way with Iron Widow.
      —Melissa B., Audible Editor
  • The Great Glorious Goddamn of It All Audiobook By Josh Ritter cover art

    • The Great Glorious Goddamn of It All

    • A Novel
    • By: Josh Ritter
    • Narrated by: Josh Ritter
    • Length: 6 hrs and 52 mins
    • Release date: 09-07-21
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 35 ratings
    • Fiction | An ode to American folk art
    • Coming from a musical background, I was drawn to this novel for its “haunting saloon tunes.” I loved its ominous earworms throughout, but from the moment I pressed play I realized I would be addicted to this audiobook for more than just its siren songs. To me, The Great Glorious Goddamn of It All is a beautiful testament to American folk traditions in all their forms. Larger than life, its lumberjacks eclipse Paul Bunyan as their origin stories set the stage for this listen like “meteors carving canyons.” Josh Ritter’s lush imagery paints the immense beauty of the American wilderness with an undeniable magic, and his elements of suspense put a chill down my spine that transported me to snowy mountaintops alongside his characters. I felt like I was listening to a tall tale told ’round a campfire. It truly made me excited for crisper autumn days to come.
      —Haley H., Audible Editor
  • Say You're Sorry Podcast with Lux Alptraum, Siona Peterous cover art

    • Say You're Sorry

    • 10 episodes
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 6 ratings
    • Society & Culture Podcast | Sorry, not sorry?
    • I love a good apology. I apologize all the time. It’s a great way to clear the air, break unnecessary tension, or just be an actual human to another human. But as much as I apologize, I’ve never thought that deeply about all the ways remorse is expressed in public, except when done poorly. Enter Say You’re Sorry—an Audible Original podcast that entertains the question of what makes a good apology with both a seriousness and a wry eye. Each episode explores a recent plea for forgiveness—from mea culpas for environmental disasters to run-ins with celebs on social. Peppered in are extra details and select conversations with the people involved to tease out what went right, what went wrong, and what is so complicated about owning one’s actions. I had a surprisingly good time, although—fair warning—some of the situations addressed are challenging.
      —Vanessa H., Audible Editor
  • The Fellowship of the Ring Audiobook By J. R. R. Tolkien cover art

    • The Fellowship of the Ring

    • Lord of the Rings, Book 1
    • By: J. R. R. Tolkien
    • Narrated by: Andy Serkis
    • Series: The Lord of the Rings, Book 1
    • Length: 22 hrs and 38 mins
    • Release date: 09-16-21
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 180 ratings
    • Fantasy | A most ''preciousss'' performance
    • It’s inarguable that J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy epic The Lord of the Rings is one of the greatest stories ever told: a saga of friendship’s might in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, the cyclical power struggle between good and evil, and the tremendous capacity for courage wielded by the unlikeliest of heroes, it is both an absolute feat of worldbuilding and a pillar of the fantasy genre as a whole. The journey of Frodo Baggins and his compatriots begins here, as he sets out on a daunting journey to destroy the One Ring—an object forged by the Dark Lord Sauron to secure power and dominion over all of Middle-earth—in order to save the entire realm. And though you might be familiar with the tale, you’ve never heard it quite like this. Actor and mocap 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 when it comes to voice work and character creation, Serkis is a master of his craft.
      —Alanna M., Audible Editor
  • Fuzz Audiobook By Mary Roach cover art

    • Fuzz

    • When Nature Breaks the Law
    • By: Mary Roach
    • Narrated by: Mary Roach
    • Length: 9 hrs and 17 mins
    • Release date: 09-14-21
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 63 ratings
    • Science | When science, nature, and humor collide
    • If I were a science writer, I’d want to be Mary Roach. Her brilliance is multifaceted: from the topics she picks to how she finds the most expert experts in whatever field she is exploring and then asks them the questions her fans might be too timid to ask themselves or never even think to ask. She gets people to tell the best tales, always teaching me something new, and making me cringe and laugh out loud at the same time. In Fuzz, she travels around the world investigating the animals and plants in nature that cause problems for humans. She looks at difficulties presented by bears, elephants, leopards, monkeys, cougars, birds, rats, mice, and even poisonous plants and tall trees. Fuzz offers the bonus of getting to hear the author in her own voice. After listening to her narrate, I feel even more of a kinship with the quirky, smart, and always edifying Mary Roach.
      —Tricia F., Audible Editor
  • Margarita in the Spotlight Audiobook By Maria Frazer cover art

    • Margarita in the Spotlight

    • By: Maria Frazer
    • Narrated by: Adriana Gaviria
    • Length: 4 hrs and 48 mins
    • Release date: 09-16-21
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 9 ratings
    • Kids & Family | From backup singer to front and center
    • Margarita ''Daisy'' McCoy doesn’t want attention. Instead, she happily plays second fiddle—er, banjo—as a backup singer in her big sister’s country music band. Margarita admires the effortless way her sis performs for adoring fans—as well as her blond hair and freckles, a look that seems perfectly suited for a country music star. Margarita is given the stage name ''Daisy'' by the band’s management team to obfuscate her Mexican heritage, creating a conflict between Margarita’s onstage persona and her actual self. As Margarita wades the waters of fame, cultural identity, and coming of age, the listener falls in step with her every victory, failure, and realization as she steps into her own limelight. This is a story that many can relate to, and a character everyone will root for, featuring pitch-perfect and original country music and narration that will stick with you well after the listening experience is over.
      —Sean T., Audible Editor
  • The Perfect Day to Boss Up Audiobook By Rick Ross, Neil Martinez-Belkin cover art

    • The Perfect Day to Boss Up

    • A Hustler's Guide to Building Your Empire
    • By: Rick Ross, Neil Martinez-Belkin
    • Narrated by: Guy Lockard
    • Length: 3 hrs and 22 mins
    • Release date: 09-07-21
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 872 ratings
    • Self-Development | Get your hustle on
    • Before you judge another self development title, forget everything you know about the genre and hop in the Lambo with Rick Ross. The Maybach Music Group mogul strikes yet again with this honest and approachable road map to personal success. As a lifelong fan of rap music, I always saw Ross as a unique entity. His journey from parole officer to veritable hip-hop brand rewrote the script for what it means to be a ''real OG,'' and his influence over the industry cannot be overstated. While I tend to stray away from this sort of title for fear of it being preachy, Ross meets you at eye level and offers his philosophy in a very digestible manner. So rev your engine, get your money up, and give this fresh title a listen.
      —Seth H., Audible Editor
  • Yours Cruelly, Elvira Audiobook By Cassandra Peterson cover art

    • Yours Cruelly, Elvira

    • Memoirs of the Mistress of the Dark
    • By: Cassandra Peterson
    • Narrated by: Cassandra Peterson
    • Length: 10 hrs and 42 mins
    • Release date: 09-21-21
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 78 ratings
    • Memoir | Give me all the Elvira, please
    • If there were justice in Hollywood, there would be no such thing as a casting couch, underrepresented groups wouldn’t have to fight so hard to get so little, and no one would have to ask ''Who is Elvira?'' again. I’ve answered the question to my share of whippersnappers, finding that ''the goth Dolly Parton'' is useful shorthand for the B-movie queen’s macabre version of exaggerated femininity, wielded in the service of iconic camp and, yes, feminism. As a kid, I watched her feature film, Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, so many times I practically knew it by heart, recognizing that her appeal was about more than her vampy, campy persona. Like Dolly, she used her considerable physical assets and comic genius to knock down the doors of a misogynist industry—in her case, horror instead of country music. Elvira, whose real name is Cassandra Peterson, is now 70, and her new memoir cements her legacy—a scrappy and hilarious collection of insider tales from a woman who knew everyone and did everything her way. When she was just a year old, Peterson pulled a pot of boiling water onto herself, burning much of her body and transforming her outlook forever. The farm kid from Kansas was destined for a different life, and in the company of her inimitable voice, you’ll hear allllll about it, in devilish detail. At a time when women were supposed to choose between being funny or sexy, Elvira was brilliant at both—and she still is. Grab your eyeliner and pay some respect.
      —Kat J., Audible Editor

Best by Year