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I started building a walking habit a couple of years ago, and honestly, it was so hard.
I’d start, and 15 minutes in, I’d get bored, tired, frustrated – fresh air wasn’t helping, and I’d just end up cranky.
But then, I started listening to audiobooks on my walk and they absolutely changed the game.
Honestly, sometimes I didn’t even want to stop walking.
A few years later, I now mix audiobooks with podcasts, but my first love has always been – and will always be – audiobooks.
Whether I’m walking, cooking, or doing chores, audiobooks make the hours fly by and make everything feel way more interesting.
2025 has blessed us with some truly amazing books – nonfiction, science fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction, everything has just been so good.
And the best part? Many of these gems already have audio versions – and you guys, the narrations? They are phenomenal.
You know that feeling when the narrator gets it?
When they bring out the soul of the story like they were born to read that book?
That’s what you’ll find in the audiobooks I’ve listed in this post.
The narrators truly came to do the work – and they delivered.
Presumed Guilty by Scott Turow – Narrated by Grover Gardner
This one is such a gripping story.
Rusty, a retired judge, is finally enjoying a peaceful life with his fiancée Bea.
But everything changes when Bea’s son is accused of murder.
Rusty steps back into the courtroom to defend him and maybe protect the love and hope he’s finally found.
This audiobook dives into justice, family, and second chances. The suspense is strong, but so is the heart.
It made me wonder: can the system ever truly be fair?
If you enjoy legal thrillers that also feel deeply personal, this one’s a gem.
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy – Narrated by a multicast
If you love atmospheric stories, this one will completely pull you in.
A family lives on a remote island guarding precious seeds and carrying their own emotional baggage.
When a woman washes up during a storm, everything starts to shift.
It’s mysterious, moving, and beautifully written.
I loved how nature is a character of its own here.
There’s tension, yes, but also healing.
This story made me feel things I wasn’t expecting – from fear to tenderness to hope.
And the audiobook’s multiple narrators really bring the island and its secrets to life.
Say Everything by Ione Skye – Narrated by the Author
Ione’s story is honest, raw, and kind of heartbreaking but in that way where you feel connected.
She shares what it was like growing up in the shadow of fame, chasing love, and figuring out who she really is.
It’s messy and full of moments that made me pause and feel.
From dreamy actors to rock stars and broken dreams, it’s like flipping through a scrapbook of a very real, very complicated life.
I loved how she didn’t hide her mistakes.
Instead, she invites us in to see her learn, love, fall, and try again.
So human and heartfelt, I will absolutely recommend this audiobook to anyone.
Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton – Narrated by Louise Brealey
This was such a comforting and magical listen.
Chloe finds a newborn hare during lockdown and tries to save it.
What follows is a sweet, emotional journey of friendship between human and animal.
I love how gentle and curious this story is.
It made me think about freedom, love, and letting go – even when it’s hard.
The writing is so calm and beautiful, and Louise Brealey’s voice fits it perfectly.
It’s the kind of audiobook that feels like a warm hug, especially if you’re drawn to nature and quiet moments.
Definitely a favorite and one I’ll listen to once again.
This is a Love Story by Jessica Soffer – Narrated by Marin Ireland
This audiobook is exactly what the title promises – a love story in all its beauty and messiness.
Abe and Jane have been meeting in Central Park for 50 years, through every season of their life together.
Now, as Jane nears the end of her life, Abe looks back at their journey.
It’s emotional, poetic, and so deeply human.
The story feels like a quiet reflection on love, time, and the choices we make.
I teared up more than once – it’s that kind of story.
If you like stories about lasting love and honest family dynamics, this one will stay with you.
Wild West Village by Lola Kirke – Narrated by the Author
Lola Kirke’s story is funny, bold, and unexpectedly touching.
She grew up in a creative but chaotic family and takes us through all the highs and lows of figuring out who she really is.
There’s a lot of heartbreak, laughter, and truth in her words.
What I liked most is how she embraces all the contradictions in her life – the mess and the beauty.
She reads the audiobook herself, and it feels so personal, like she’s talking just to you.
If you love memoirs that are honest, witty, and full of personality, this one’s a treat.
Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams – Narrated by the Author
This memoir surprised me in the best way.
Sarah takes us behind the scenes of Facebook and wow, the things she saw.
Power, pressure, and personal challenges collide as she tries to hold her own in a place that often didn’t treat women well.
It’s sharp and eye-opening but also deeply human.
I loved how she balanced big-picture insight with her own emotional story.
It made me think about how tech shapes our world and the cost of being in those rooms.
If you’re curious about the truth behind the headlines, this one is a must-listen.
Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks – Narrated by the Author
When Geraldine’s partner suddenly dies, she’s left lost and grieving.
But instead of rushing through the pain, she finds a quiet place in Australia to face it.
I found her reflections on love, loss, and healing so powerful. It’s soft and sad, but also hopeful.
She shares stories from her past and from other cultures, and I learned so much.
Her voice is calm and soothing, which made it even more moving.
If you’ve ever experienced grief – or just want to understand it better – this is a special one.
Source Code by Bill Gates – Narrated by Wil Wheaton
This audiobook gave me a new side of Bill Gates – the young, curious, kind of awkward guy who built Microsoft.
He shares the ups and downs, the early mistakes, and how he went from coding in his room to changing the world.
What I liked most was how it didn’t feel braggy.
Instead, it felt like he was inviting us into his journey and showing us that big dreams start small.
It’s inspiring, honest, and surprisingly warm.
If you like stories about building something meaningful and making an impact, this one is a great listen.
All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman – Narrated by Georgina Sadler
When Alfie, the class bully and heir to a frozen-food fortune, vanishes on a school trip, single mom Florence is forced into action.
Her son Dylan is the prime suspect and while Florence has zero detective skills and all the school moms despise her, she’s determined to clear his name.
Equal parts funny, frantic, and full of twists, this one’s a wild ride through parental panic, secrets, and suspicion.
If you’re an audiobook lover like me, then run – don’t walk – to check out these amazing books.
They are just so, so good.
One thing I absolutely love is how more authors are starting to narrate their own books.
There’s just something special about that – sometimes, it really feels like only the author can capture the heart of the story in a way no one else can.
They bring out the exact tone and emotion that makes the book unforgettable.
