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I get it—your days are packed, and finding time to enjoy a full-length audiobook feels like a stretch.
That’s why short audiobooks have been a total game-changer for me.
They’re perfect for sneaking in a little “me time” without committing hours and hours.
These bite-sized stories are under 5 hours but still leave a big impression.
Whether you’re tackling a quick road trip, doing chores, or just unwinding, they fit right into your busy schedule.
If you’re looking for audiobooks that are short, sweet, and totally worth it, this list is exactly what you need. Let’s find your next listen!
1. My Name Is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout
Narrator: Laura Linney
Runtime: 1h 26m
This one hit me hard in the best way.
Lucy is recovering from surgery when her estranged mother visits her, and their quiet conversation reveals so much about family, longing, and the complexities of love.
I adore Laura Linney’s narration—it’s gentle and raw, and I swear, she makes every word feel like it’s meant just for you.
If you’re in the mood for something intimate and emotional, this is perfect.
2. The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw
Narrator: Janina Edwards
Runtime: 4h 6m
If you’re ready for something that’s both tender and unapologetically bold, this one is for you.
This collection of stories follows Black women navigating their desires, their faith, and their own identities in a world that often expects them to conform.
The characters are so real, so vivid. Janina Edwards brings them to life in such a way that I felt like I was right there with them, feeling every emotion.
It’s raw, it’s beautiful, and I loved every minute of it.
3. Evidence of the Affair by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Narrators: Julia Whelan, George Newbern, James Daniels, and Dara Rosenberg
Runtime: 1h 19m
This story really tugged at my heart. Carrie, a woman hurt by her husband’s affair, writes a letter to David, a stranger, and they share their pain and hopes in such an unexpected way.
I wasn’t sure what to expect going in, but the way these letters unfold is just beautiful.
Julia Whelan’s voice, especially, gives the story such a comforting, tender tone. It’s short, but oh, it makes an impact.
Related: Your Friendly Guide to Finding, Listening, and Loving Audiobooks
4. Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
Narrators: Full Cast
Runtime: 3h 53m
Oh, this one. It’s powerful, layered, and honestly, kind of perfect.
We follow Melody’s coming-of-age ceremony in Brooklyn, but through her family’s past, we discover the complexities of history, ambition, love, and sacrifice.
The multiple narrators bring so much life to this rich, deep story, and I felt like I got to know each character in such a personal way.
It’s the kind of book you want to return to again and again.
5. The Deep by Rivers Solomon
Narrator: Daveed Diggs
Runtime: 4h 1m
This is one of those books that sticks with you long after you’ve finished.
The wajinru, descendants of enslaved Africans thrown overboard, live in the ocean, and Yetu, the historian, carries the burden of remembering their painful past.
It’s haunting and beautiful, and Daveed Diggs’ narration is just perfection—it carries the weight of this story so beautifully.
I honestly can’t recommend this enough if you’re looking for something unique and thought-provoking.
6. Half Light by Tayari Jones
Narrator: Bahni Turpin
Runtime: 1h 20m
This one is so intimate.
It’s about two sisters, identical twins, who have grown into very different women, yet their bond remains unbreakable.
There’s a simplicity to it, but also a lot of depth.
Bahni Turpin’s voice is so warm and rich; it really feels like she’s right there with you, telling you their story.
It’s short, sweet, and emotionally powerful.
Also See: 10 Audiobooks That Will Make Your Road Trips More Fun
7. Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
Narrator: Mohsin Hamid
Runtime: 4h 42m
Nadia and Saeed fall in love in a country on the brink of war, and when things get too dangerous, they find magical doors that transport them to new places.
The story is tender and haunting, and Mohsin Hamid’s own narration gives it such an intimate, reflective quality.
It’s a moving exploration of love, identity, and belonging—and though it’s short, it’ll make you think for days.
8. Southern Lady Code by Helen Ellis
Narrator: Helen Ellis
Runtime: 3h 12m
This one is just so much fun.
Helen Ellis brings her Southern charm and humor to a series of hilarious essays about marriage, manners, and everything in between.
There’s a lot of sass, but also heart, and I found myself laughing out loud a few times.
It’s the perfect listen if you want something light, funny, and just a little bit cheeky.
9. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
Narrator: Elizabeth Acevedo
Runtime: 3h 30m
Xiomara, a fierce Afro-Latina teen, finds her voice through poetry while struggling with her faith, her family’s expectations, and her own identity.
Elizabeth Acevedo’s narration is powerful and raw, and it really brings Xiomara’s emotions to life.
This one had me thinking about the power of words long after I finished listening.
If you’re into poetry or coming-of-age stories, you’ll love this one.
You May Also Like: 15 Full-Cast Audiobooks That Will Make You Feel Like You’re Watching a Movie
10. Brother & Sister by Diane Keaton
Narrator: Diane Keaton
Runtime: 4h 30m
Diane Keaton’s memoir about her relationship with her brother Randy is heartfelt and deeply moving.
They were once so close, but as they grew up, their lives took very different paths.
Diane reflects on their shared memories, their family, and the complexities of love and responsibility.
Diane’s voice adds such a personal touch—it feels like she’s sitting with you, telling you their story.
11. Binti by Nnedi Okoroafor
Narrator: Robin Miles
Runtime: 2h 30m
Binti is a young woman who’s the first from her people to be offered a place at the prestigious Oomza University, but to accept, she must leave everything behind.
This short story is a blend of sci-fi, cultural identity, and self-discovery.
Robin Miles’ narration brings the story to life in such a way that I could feel Binti’s journey. It’s a short but memorable listen.
12. My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Narrator: Adepero Oduye
Runtime: 4h 15m
If you’re in the mood for something dark and hilarious, this is the one.
Korede keeps cleaning up after her sister Ayoola’s murders, but when Ayoola starts dating a man Korede loves, things get tricky.
The narrator’s delivery brings out the dark humor of the story, and I couldn’t stop listening.
Related: 40+ Fun & Exciting Things To Do While Listening To An Audiobook
13. A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
Narrator: Emmett Grosland
Runtime: 4h 8m
In a world where robots once served humans and then vanished, a tea monk meets a robot who needs to answer the question: what do people really need?
It’s a quiet, reflective story about life, purpose, and connection, and Emmett Grosland’s narration brings it all together beautifully.
If you like gentle, thought-provoking sci-fi, this is perfect.
Got any other short-but-sweet audiobook recommendations?
Leave them in the comments—I’m always ready to add a new listen to my queue!
