I’ll be honest—I’m not really an audiobook girlie. I’ve always loved the feel of a book in my hands, the quiet moments when it’s just me and the page. And whenever I’ve tried audiobooks before, I usually end up dozing off halfway through (there’s just something about a soothing voice in my ears that makes sleep come so easily!).
But a few months ago, I decided to give them another try during my morning runs, and that changed everything. Instead of lulling me to sleep, the right audiobook made my runs feel lighter, my pace steadier, and the miles less daunting. There’s something different about having a story told to you, especially when it’s narrated by the author or a voice actor who knows exactly how to bring the words to life. Suddenly, running feels less like a chore and more like stepping into another world.Â
That’s why for this edition of My Reading Picks, I’ve curated a list of five audiobooks that shine best in this format. These aren’t just books you can read—they’re books you should hear. From memoirs that feel like intimate conversations to full-cast productions that play like movies in your ears, these titles prove that sometimes listening can be just as powerful as reading.
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah’s memoir, Born a Crime, tells the story of his childhood in apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa. With humor, honesty, and vulnerability, he shares what it was like growing up as the son of a Black mother and a white father during a time when his very existence was considered illegal. The book is full of incredible stories—some hilarious, some heartbreaking—that paint a vivid picture of resilience and love.
What makes the audiobook stand out is Trevor himself. His narration is more than just reading—it’s a performance. He slips into accents, delivers jokes with perfect timing, and tells his story with the kind of emotion and nuance only he can. Listening to him recount his life feels like sitting down with a friend who happens to be one of the best storytellers in the world.
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This novel tells the story of a fictional 1970s rock band, told in an interview-style format that mimics an oral history. It follows Daisy Jones, a free-spirited singer-songwriter, and the members of The Six as they rise to fame, crash into chaos, and navigate the messy, beautiful reality of art, love, and ambition. It’s a story that feels so real, you’ll almost want to Google the band after finishing.
The audiobook makes this experience ten times better. With a full cast of narrators, each character’s perspective comes alive in a way that feels like you’re listening to a documentary or podcast series. The format was already built for audio, but the multiple voices and natural dialogue make it absolutely immersive. It’s one of the rare times where listening might even beat reading.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
From the author of The Martian comes another thrilling sci-fi adventure. Project Hail Mary follows Ryland Grace, a man who wakes up alone on a spaceship with no memory of how he got there—or why he’s the only survivor of a desperate mission to save humanity. As his memory returns piece by piece, the stakes get higher, and the story unfolds with both scientific detail and emotional depth.
Ray Porter’s narration elevates this book to another level. His voice captures Ryland’s humor and desperation, making the science-heavy parts fun and accessible. But what really makes the audiobook special is how Porter brings the alien character "Rocky" to life—his voice work gives Rocky a unique, unforgettable presence that text alone just can’t deliver.
Becoming by Michelle Obama
In Becoming, Michelle Obama opens up about her life—from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as First Lady of the United States. She reflects on her struggles, triumphs, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. It’s a deeply inspiring memoir that feels both personal and universal.
And then there’s Michelle’s narration. Hearing her read her own story adds so much weight to the words—you feel the sincerity, the emotion, and the quiet strength in her voice. It feels less like reading a book and more like having a heart-to-heart conversation with someone you deeply admire. This audiobook isn’t just about learning her story—it’s about feeling it.
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
The Dutch House is a family saga that spans five decades, following siblings Danny and Maeve as they grow up in and later reflect on the house that defined their childhood. The novel is about memory, forgiveness, and the ties that bind families together, even when life pulls them apart.
The audiobook is narrated by none other than Tom Hanks. His warm, familiar voice makes you feel instantly at home, as if you’re being told a story by a trusted friend. Hanks doesn’t just read the words—he embodies the rhythm and emotion of Patchett’s writing, turning this already moving novel into something unforgettable in audio form.
If you’ve never given audiobooks a real chance, these five are the perfect place to start. They’re not just convenient for multitasking or long runs—they’re experiences in themselves. Listening adds a new dimension to storytelling, whether it’s the intimacy of a memoir told in the author’s own voice or the magic of a full cast performance.
I’ll be honest, I thought audiobooks weren’t for me. But after running with these voices in my ears, I’ve realized they bring a kind of magic you can’t always get from the page. Give them a try—you might just find yourself hooked.
📚 ETA: About 2–3 weeks of listening time (depending on your pace). Perfect for filling your commutes, workouts, or quiet evenings.
✨ Do you have a favorite audiobook that changed the way you see listening? Share your recommendations with me at ihorton@whatsupmag.com. I’d love to add them to my next run playlist!
