The Best Recommendations for Audiobook Newbies

My very first audio book was The Secret by Katerina Diamond (Narrated by Stevie Lacey) and my thoughts were that I would only take audiobooks if she narrated them. However, whilst waiting I've listened to The Storm Sister by Lucinda Riley. Now I'm listening to Past Perfect by Danielle Steel whilst walking or doing stuff around the house. In the car I have The Girl Before by J P Delaney (Emilia Fox narrates Jane!).

I read alot so when I have to do stuff or go somewhere audio books is what i turn to and I'm still reading. I do have spare time to read a book 😁 always something on the go... 3 infact.

Does an audiobook get classed as book you've read on goodreads?

I've read The Martian, Ready Player One and Norse Mythology on Audible. They were all phenomenal.

The Kingsbridge Series by Ken Follett and read by John Lee, pretty amazing stuff.

Julie wrote: "My very first audio book was The Secret by Katerina Diamond (Narrated by Stevie Lacey) and my thoughts were that I would only take audiobooks if she narrated them. However, whilst waiting I've list..."

I classify my audiobooks as a 'read' on goodreads. I mean I didn't listen to all that good narrating and spend my time for nothing. haha lol.

I used to only read print versions of books, but it was difficult to find the time to just sit down and read. Nothing else can be done during that time and it seemed like there are always too many interruptions from family, pets. Ha! Reading before bed was also a no-go; I would be passed out after 10 or 15 mins of reading, especially if I had a hectic day and it would take forever to get through a book. In the last few years I've made the switch to audiobooks and let me tell you, it has made a dramatic difference in the number of books I can get through. Whether it's driving, or doing household chores, nothing makes the time more enjoyable than a good audiobook. The only problem for me is that audiobooks have an additional hurtle to overcome, not only does the book have to be good, but the narration must also be good.

Jb wrote: "I used to only read print versions of books, but it was difficult to find the time to just sit down and read. Nothing else can be done during that time and it seemed like there are always too many ..."

I totally agree with you when it comes to a good narration. Knowing it to be a good book but the narrator isn't right for the book. That's when I'd just forget about the audiobook and get the book. There are a selected few great narrators out there who do the books justice or even make it better than the book actually is. Also hearing how they portray the characters and there acting of the characters on the read, if that makes any sense. There's times I can use audiobooks anywhere I go like while driving or even on any occasion when it comes to using your phone and listening to them on your earplugs like eating, chores, yard work and etc.

Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache series as read by Ralph Cosham

J.J. wrote: "Jb wrote: "I used to only read print versions of books, but it was difficult to find the time to just sit down and read. Nothing else can be done during that time and it seemed like there are alway..."

Yup, I've done that before too...switch to the print version when I didn't like the audio version. All of the Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache books were narrated by Ralph Cosham, but he died in 2014 and the new narrator that Louise picked, Robert Bathurst, just wasn't the same.

Dang it! I can't stop posting recommendations! Ha! Ok, this is the last one, I swear.
Stephen King's Bill Hodges series as read by Will Patton, just perfection!
Mr. Mercedes
Finders Keepers
End of Watch

Jb wrote: "Dang it! I can't stop posting recommendations! Ha! Ok, this is the last one, I swear.
Stephen King's Bill Hodges series as read by Will Patton, just perfection!
Mr. Mercedes
Finders Keepers
End of ..."

I love Stephen King books. The Stand is my all time favorite.

is listening to an audiobook better than reading one? I've haven't listen to a whole audiobook so I don't know the difference and the pro and cons......

Megharin wrote: "is listening to an audiobook better than reading one? I've haven't listen to a whole audiobook so I don't know the difference and the pro and cons......"

Well, in my opinion it depends on the narrator. I suggest picking any fav book you've already read of yours and listen to the audiobook and compare it. The narrators actually act out there characters and give you a better feel to the book too. Like I said it depends on the narrator to. I've seem to notice the better the book or popular the book, the better the narrator is. Try to find one of your fav books on audiobook on YouTube. Sometimes you might be able to find some treasure troves of audiobooks on YouTube.

Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware series because John Rubinstein is narration at its best. I am currently re-listening to Christopher Moore's Vampire series. Susan Bennett readings are awesome and don't suck.

If your not British, I recommend that you stay away from British narration. It is stogy and boring.

Add Jason Reynolds “Long Way Down” 💗

Tracy wrote: "All TWELVE Bloody Jack adventures, written by L.A. Meyer and BEAUTIFULLY voiced by Kate Kellgren, who just passed away (only 48) in January."
I agree, Kellgren did an amazing job. Her performance reading the Bloody Jack books are amazing. They are my faviorate audio books by far. So sad to hear of her passing.

Here are some books I would recommend for a reader interested in audio books: The Possession by Sara Flannery Murry, The Switch by Lynsay Sands, Honor by Jay Crownover, Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones and The Bourbon Thief by Tiffany Reisz.

Ray wrote: “Why don’t I see Illuminae or Gemina on the list?

In my opinion, those were the best audiobooks I’ve ever tried so far and I think they deserve to be on the list”

Definitely! I also second the Dresden Files (read by James Marsters) and highly recommend Jonathan Stroud’s Bartimaeus trilogy (read by Simon Jones).

My very first audiobook was about 15 years ago...Kotzwinkle's "The Bear Went Over the Mountain." It's a satire and made my journey pass very pleasantly.
Another fun "read" was Alexander McCall Smith's "The Finer Points of Sausage Dogs."
These light reads got me into listening to audiobooks. I have graduated to heavier and lengthier fare such as Khaled Hosseini's books.

Anything narrated by Juliet Stevenson, in particular Jane Austen who is so witty.

Jennifer wrote: "I would suggest The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. This book was amazing to listen to."

Good choice! I really liked the Graveyard Book on audio, too.

A Thousand Splendid Suns was fantastic on Audio. The narrator had such a beautiful way with words.

Amy wrote: " Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware series because John Rubinstein is narration at its best. I am currently re-listening to Christopher Moore's Vampire
series. Susan Bennett readings are awesome and don't suck.

If your not British, I recommend that you stay away from British narration. It is stogy and boring.
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This is a perfect example of how different tastes are. I cannot stand Rubinstein's voice. It makes my skin crawl. If he is reading, no audiobook for me.

To Kill a Mockingbird is on sale through March 18 2018 for $6.95 for Audible members.

Megharin wrote: "is listening to an audiobook better than reading one? I've haven't listen to a whole audiobook so I don't know the difference and the pro and cons......"

I don't think it is better, overall. There are a few stellar cases in which an audiobook reading enriches and enlivens a book in a way reading can't compare, but that is rare. There is personal preference for voice, also for level of dramatization, etc. Most inmportantly to consider is that someone else is interpreting the author's words. Not just the narrator, but the producers and who knows. Sometimes the narration gives away plot points.

I have enjoyed all of Louise Penny's Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series as audiobooks. I have also taken several long road trips while listening to The Song of Fire and Ice series by George R.R. Martin.

Tiffany wrote: "The Help was one of the very best audiobooks I've ever listened to. I enjoyed reading the book and watching the movie as well, but the audiobook was very well done and was one of the..."

I definitely agree it was one of the best!

Any Discworld book with Nigel Planer or Stephen Briggs as narrator.

A great website for all book lovers https://www.orderofbooks.com/

Just search for author name and the site lists all of their titles in chronological order. It's really useful if you are trying to read a series in order...some authors can be very prolific. Also, if you sign up for the sites monthly newsletter, they have a monthly drawing for (4) $25 Amazon gift cards. (No, it's not my site. Ha! Just spreading the word)

Jb wrote: "J.J. wrote: "Jb wrote: "I used to only read print versions of books, but it was difficult to find the time to just sit down and read. Nothing else can be done during that time and it seemed like th..."

Books 1-10 were Ralph and he WAS the voice of Gamache. It was hard to switch. And especially when the new narrator pronounced some names differently....

Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan

The first audiobook I tried on Audible (& the first one I've finished since listening to The Hobbit on cassette back when I was 7 or so) was The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin.

Alien: River of Pain is also a great 'Audible Original Drama' adaptation.

I've now got quite a few stacking up waiting for me to get around to them and it's definitely reinvigorating by appetite for novels.

Leslie wrote: "Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series read by Davina Porter will hold you in thrall for MONTHS (truly). The best audiobooks available, imho.
I also love any Grisham novels read by Michael Beck.
The S..."

Did you get a glimpse at the Outlander TV show ? Is it good enough or should I really make time for the audiobook ?

Thx

I'm really enjoying this audiobook right now:

I always have a book on CD in the car and have "read" most of the 20 recommendations above. In addition I would recommend
"The Lacuna" written and read by Barbara Kingsolver and
my absolute favorite "Anansi Boys" by Neil Gaiman and read by Lenny Henry (he was amazing as a narrator!).

In addition to The Help (perfection-the movie was miscast and an affront after such great audible storytelling), I have found I enjoy memoirs read by their authors, books I would never read in print but which are made enjoyable because of the intimacy or humor or authenticity of the author's voice such as:

Stories I Only Tell My Friends by Rob Lowe
Along the Way by Emilio Estevez and Martin Sheen
Born With Teeth by Kate Mulgrew.

I must second the recommendation of the Outlander series (brilliant!) I find that a narrator who can pull off many characters through various accents or vocal modulations particularly enthralling:

The Alice Network read by Saskia Maarleveld
Saving CeCe Honeycutt read by Jenna Lamia

And then, there is just the book that is read by the perfect voice--The Art of Racing In the Rain read by Christopher Evan Welch who will make you both laugh out loud and weep real tears as you drive down the expressway.

Colleen wrote: "Still Alice which is read by the author. Also The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo which is also read by the author. [book:Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemptio..."

Can you recommend any humorous books?

sublimosa wrote: "Megharin wrote: "is listening to an audiobook better than reading one? I've haven't listen to a whole audiobook so I don't know the difference and the pro and cons......"

I don't think it is bette..."

sublimosa wrote: "Amy wrote: " Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware series because John Rubinstein is narration at its best. I am currently re-listening to Christopher Moore's Vampire
series. Susan Bennett readings ar..."

An excellent point. Certain vocal tones, etc., have different emotional reactions in different people. For instance, I do not find English accents off-putting at all. I am currently listening to Elinor Oliphant Is Completely Fine which is in a heavy Glasgegian accent and, while difficult to understand sometimes, doesn't put me off. However, I find the heavy, ponderous tones of John Lee (who reads Pillars of the Earth) ridiculously Charlton Heston-like as in "Let my people go!" and better than Sominex. I also have an aversion to men doing women's voices--something creepy there, especially in the
romance genre. Eewww!

Michele wrote: "Colleen wrote: "Still Alice which is read by the author. Also The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo which is also read by the author. [book:Just Mercy: A Story of Justi..."

Bossypants--Tina Fey

Nathaniel wrote: "The audiobook narration for Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff, The Fireman and N0S4A2 by Joe Hill, and all of the First Law books by Joe Abercrombie are beyond excellent. Oh! And Mary Robinette Kowal ..."

I'm so glad someone recommended Jenny Lawson's books. She is the best!!!!

Amy "the book-bat" wrote: "Maureen wrote: "I love audiobooks and find that I can garden/chore out for hours if I have a good listen. My husband & I both enjoy all the Longmire stories by Craig Johnson & read by George Guidal..."

The Cat Who books were my introduction into audiobooks. For the longest time, George Guidall was the voice of audiobooks. It's funny, he sometimes still shows up, even on books he isn't actually narrating, and I'm always happy to hear his voice!

The series by Stieg Larsson, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, & the other two by him. Also the ones that follow after Larsson's untimely death by David Lagercrantz, all narrated by the best narrator ever, Simon Vance.

Barbara wrote: "The series by Stieg Larsson, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, & the other two by him. Also the ones that follow after Larsson's untimely death by David Lagercrantz, all narrated by the best narrato..."

Oooo The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Trilogy is great. I have yet to listen to the audiobooks, but I've read all 3 and they were great. I've seen the Swedish movie of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo with all 3 books in them. It's pretty damn good if you don't mind reading subtitles. It's on Netflix

The Help was very good in audio!

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom.

I read this book and then promptly listened to the audiobook. It is read by the author along with many guest readers who are actual musicians mentioned in the book. It gives an authentic feel to this Forrest Gump type story of a great musician.

Ray wrote: "Why don't I see Illuminae or Gemina on the list?

In my opinion, those were the best audiobooks I've ever tried so far and I think they deserve to be on the list"

Ray wrote: "Why don't I see Illuminae or Gemina on the list?

In my opinion, those were the best audiobooks I've ever tried so far and I think they deserve to be on the list"

LOVE those on audio too, though I'd recommend at least looking at the books for the visual version of what the audios do so well! (And Obisidio is out now, too).

Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts, read by Humphrey Bower!

ALL of the Maarten J Troost books (Sex Lives of Cannibals; Getting Stoned with Savages; Headhunters on My Doorstep) read by Simon Vance.

Anything by David Sedaris read by him.

The Time Traveller's Wife
All of the Odd Thomas books (Dean Koonst)
All of the Pendergast novels (Preston/Child)
Murdoch Mysteries (Jennings) a good lead in to the tv series which just finished its 11th season
Marvel's Deadpool (A graphic Audio)
Even some old radio plays (Radio Yesteryear)

I usually listen to the books as I travel to and from work

Alan Lewrie naval adventure series by Dewey Lambdin. John Lee is the narrator. I agree with Chris that a superb narrator makes a huge difference.

Absolutely beautiful interpretation which brings the book alive - A Man Called Ove. Lovely reading also for Eleano Oliphant is Perfectly Fine. Both highly recommended as audiobooks.

I recommend the Illuminae Files trilogy. It's full cast and neatly done.