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34 Best Audiobook Of 2023 That You Shouldn’t Miss
Dive into the list of top audiobooks to listen to right now.
I love listening to audiobooks.
I am always in search of great audiobook recommendations.
One of the best reasons to listen to audiobooks is that you can enjoy them while walking, cooking, or even running.
You can do a hundred things while listening to audiobooks.
And there are many benefits of listening to audiobooks too.
My favorite thing about audiobooks is being able to cook while I listen to a compelling story.
In fact, I plan to listen to Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer while making lunch today.
However, one crucial factor to consider is the narrator.
An audiobook narrator can significantly enhance the entire listening experience.
But you know what? You don’t have to worry because in this list, you’ll find the best audiobooks with amazing narrators.
So, just relax and enjoy these popular audiobook recommendations that you can start listening to right away.
Best Ways to Listen to Popular Audiobooks
There are many options to listen to audiobooks. My I love Scribd I have been using it for years.
I also use Audible, when I want to listen a popular release that not available anywhere else. Read this guide to gets arted on Audible. How Does Audible Work?
My Top five selection of Popular Audiobooks In 2023
- Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir– An easy to listen Sci Fi fiction with a terrific narrator.
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid– Historical fiction, Old Hollywood, Multicast narration.
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K Rowling – narrated by Stephen Fry.
- Tom Lake by Ann Patchett– Narrated by Meryl Streep slow-paced heartwarming story.
- Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman– Social awkward protagonist, funny and touching story.
Top Audiobooks 2023 that Everyone’s Talking About
This is a selection of best new audiobooks released in 2023.
Spare by Prince Harry
Prince Harry’s memoir is all about his childhood, his life after meeting Meghan Markle and the problems they faced from the media and racism.
The exciting part about this audiobook for me is that it’s a rare opportunity to get to know the British royal family.
Of course, we have all heard millions of things about Princess Diana, King Charles and their family. This audiobook is the best way to really find out what really happened.
I highly appreciate the fact that Since Harry shares his own experiences, emotions, and challenges.
His discussions about his struggles with grief, anger, loneliness, can inspire and offer hope to us .
Also I am excited to know that Prince Harry’s narration has gotten over 50K five stars, which goes to show his incredible narration skills. So there you go, so many reasons why Spare is one of the best audiobooks to listen to right now.
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Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
Tom Lake is set against the backdrop of the pandemic.
Lara tells the story from her perspective when her daughters ask about her romantic relationship with the now-famous actor, Peter Duke.
Tom Lake is an intricate exploration of family dynamics, youthful love. Basically about love in all its many forms.
And when you hear Meryl Streep narration, you just want to stop everything and just listen . Her voice and the way she expresses the characters and their feelings make everything come alive.
Which is why I think listening to Tom Lake is a lot like savoring a slow, well-prepared meal. It has this unhurried pace, which lets you ease into the story in a relaxed way.
Because of all this Tom Lake is of the best books on Audible with a great narrator. Read my review of Tom Lake
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Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Fourth Wing follows Violet Sorrengail and her journey to survive and succeed in a brutal and elite environment.
From leading quiet life among books and history she is forced by her mother to become a dragon rider at an elite war college.
I have never seen a hyped book like Fourth Wing in years. People were practically paying big bucks just to get their hands on this book.
So, I think this is your opportunity to enjoy the audio version peacefully. The enemies-to-lovers romance audiobook is praised for its incredibly entertaining storytelling.
If you are looking for an incredible dragon fantasy, this must be it.
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Pageboy by Elliot Page
Pageboy is a coming-of-age memoir written by Academy Award-nominated actor Elliot Page.
I first got to know Elliot Page from the cool show Umbrella Academy. He played the character Vanya/Viktor, and I thought he did a great job.
I also saw him in the movie “Inception,” and he was really impressive there too. But when I watched his interviews, I always felt like he has s much sadness in him.
I’m really happy that he’s sharing his story in this book.
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The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson
Set in 1950s Philadelphia, The House of Eve introduces us to two young Black women, Ruby and Eleanor. When these two women’s lives unexpectedly intersect, everything changes.
Historical fiction is one of my favroite genres. These stories are emotionally rich and so learn so much about each characters.
Also, I don’t think we have many books shining light on lesser-known chapters of American history.
I’m always curious to read stories about the many challenges Black people, especially women, faced during the 50s and 60s
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None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
If you loved Lisa Jewells previous books, you will absolutely love listening to this.
The Family Upstairs is one of my favorite thriller books. I was captivated by the character Hery.
None of This is True is also a gripping psychological thriller with a twist.
It follows Alix Summers who is a popular podcaster. Then she meets her birthday twinJosie Fair, her .
Alix becomes intrigued by Josie’s complex life and decides to make her the subject of her podcast. Only to discover a web of dark secrets.
The theme of family is always fascinating for me, especially in a thriller genrs. And it is the main theme of None of This Is True.
Another cool thing is the full cast narration. Which in my opinion, takes the dark and creepy vibes of the story up a notch, making the whole experience even more immersive.
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Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
R.F. Kuang’s Yellowface pleasantly surprised me; it’s quite different from what I had expected.
It follows two authors June Hayward and Athena Liu hwho were supposed to be twin rising stars. But only Athena becomes a cross-genre literary sensation
But when Athena tragically dies, June decides to steal Athena’s experimental novel.
Like one of the reviews mentioned, this book is incredibly memorable.
The characters, especially June Hayward, are haunting.
I truly enjoyed the dark humor, snarky commentary, and sharp satire.
I hope publishers release more books that tackle cultural appropriation and racial identity, just like “Yellowface” does.
Helen Laser’s narration was fabulous and perfectly captured the satire. So if you ask me, Yellowface deserves a spot among the top audiobooks of 2023.
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The Creative Act A Way of Being
The Creative Act is a rather short audiobook of just under six hours.
And narrated by the author himself. I always love it when authors narrate the book themselves because their personal connection to the story shines through in their voice.
If you are an artist or a creator this audiobook will guide you on not just on making great art but on being true to yourselves.
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Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson
Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson unfolds Musk’s extraordinary journey from a bullied South African kid to the richest man on earth.
This biography is written by Walter Isaacson, you would probably know him as an author of Steve Jobs and other bestselling biographies.
Of course, we all know Elon Musk, especially since his Twitter takeover. But even if you’re like me, not directly connected to the world of electric vehicles and private space exploration, I believe we can all learn from
This audiobook is a bit lengthy, but it’s definitely worth listening to if you’re keen on exploring the lives of visionaries.
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The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama
The former First Lady shares her wisdom and strategies for building meaningful relationships The Light We Carry
When I read Michelle Obama’s memoir, Becoming, I was genuinely captivated and shocked to learn about her life and her personal struggles.
It was incredibly raw and personal.
And so is The Light We Carry
It even builds upon parts of Becoming.
I believe she is the mentor all of us need in our lives, and I am profoundly grateful that we can listen to her wisdom through this audiobook.
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The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese is a multi generational family saga set in Kerala, India
It spans three generations of a family plagued by a unique affliction: drowning.
As the family witnesses dramatic changes at home and in society, the novel offers a rich exploration of love, faith, and medicine.
Also, I should say that I absolutely loved the fact that it’s set in the part of the world I come from.
In reality, the number of books set in Kerala and written in English is quite limited.
One of the most popular books was published in 1997 by Arundhati Roy, The God of Small Things. So, this book is rather special, and everyone needs to listen to it at least once in their life.
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Late Bloomers by Deepa Varadarajan
Late Bloomers by Deepa Varadarajan is a heartwarming debut that delves into the dynamics of an Indian American family.
The audiobook is packed with both laugh-out-loud moments and touching, heartwarming scenes.
Plus, the multicast narration is just perfect.
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Thicker than Water by Kerry Washington
Thicker than Water by Kerry Washington takes us into the public and private life of the award-winning actor.
It narrates her life as a mother, daughter, wife, artist, advocate, and trailblazer.
Yes, one more celebrity memoir to the list of popular audiobooks. But if you are like me, always on the lookout for inspiring memoirs that encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and embrace your authentic self, this book is for you.
What’s truly remarkable is Kerry Washington’s narration, which creates an intimate connection, making it feel as though you’re sharing a conversation with a close friend.
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Prequel An American Fight Against Fascism
Prequel by Rachel Maddow covers a riveting details about espionage, paramilitary movements, and the heroes who sought to expose the conspiracy.
The author and narrator Rachel Anne Maddow is an American television host and political commentator Maddow’s engaging storytelling.
If you are looking for non fiction audiobooks that chronicles pre-WWII American fascist movements that were never taught in schools, listen to this book. It’s a fast-paced, timely narrative to listen to.
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Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger
Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger shares seven important rules for living a meaningful life.
If you ever feel lost in life or need help achieving your goals while staying true to your purpose, this is the best audiobook to listen to in 2023.
You might wonder, with so many audiobooks covering these topics, why should you choose this one? Because it has simple language, fast-paced narrative, and concise length. Perfect audiobook to listen on your daily commute.
And, of course, none of the other books are narrated by The Terminator, are they? Schwarzenegger’s narration in the audiobook is fantastic. His voice and the way he speaks make the content personal and engaging.
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Slayers by Christopher Golden, Amber Benson
Slayers by Christopher Golden and Amber Benson has brought back the original cast of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” for an exciting new adventure.
If you want to revisit some favorite characters or looking for a fun and supernatural escape in 2023, this audiobook is just perfect.
And I am super excited that it’s a full cast audiobook featuring the original actors.
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Popular Audiobooks to Listen to Now
Up next is list of all-time favorite audiobooks that people can’t get enough of.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Atomic Habits is a personal development goldmine. It’s that one book that teaches you how to make time for new habits. There are really helpful guides to help you overcome that lack of motivation and willpower.
And, let’s be honest, we could all use some extra help in that department.
But what I love most is that it doesn’t just leave you hanging when you slip up.
It’s a game-changer, seriously. It’ll completely change the way you think about making progress and achieving success.
And it’s also another audiobook narrated by the author. After listening to it I discovered that the author has an entire website dedicated to more aspects of this book.
Be sure to check James Clear website. This article is one of my favorites- One-Sentence Stories From People Who Have Built Better Habits
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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is an historical fiction about (fictional) legendary Hollywood actress, Evelyn Hugo, and her seven marriages.
But honestly it’s more than that.
It’s about ambition, love and life. When I listened to the book. It reminded me of one of my favorite quotes from the movie Titanic- “A woman’s heart is a deep ocean of secrets.”
This is one of the best books of Taylor Jenkins Reid.
I really appreciated the choice of the whole cast of characters. The different voices add so much depth to the storytelling. Read my full review of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
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Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
I am a sucker for stories with humor and wit, and Lessons in Chemistry has plenty of that. Stephen King even called it the “Catch-22 of early feminism” so you know it’s a good book.
But what really makes it great is Elizabeth Zott, who’s breaking barriers in the 1960s with her unique approach to life, love, and cooking. I mean, she’s a chemist who becomes the star of a cooking show! The audiobook really brings her character to life and all the supporting characters are just fantastic.
So, if you’re looking for a funny, observant, and original story “Lessons in Chemistry” is the one to listen to.
Read my review of Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.
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I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
I’m Glad My Mom Died was an absolutely phenomenal audiobook by iCarly and Sam & Cat star Jennette McCurdy.
She doesn’t hold back talking about her battles with eating disorders, addiction, and her complicated relationship with her mom.
And let me tell you, it’s a real eye-opener about what’s behind the scenes of a child star’s life.
It’s not all that glitz and glamour we usually imagine.
After listening to ‘m Glad My Mom Died you’ll understand why no kid would dream of such a life. Also
I loved Jennette’s narration but it was really fast. In fact, this is the only audiobook I’ve ever had to slow it down.
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Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Remarkably Bright Creatures follows Tova Sullivan, who’s been through a lot in life, from the mysterious disappearance of her son to the loss of her husband.
To cope, she starts working at an aquarium, where she crosses paths with Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus with a lot more wisdom than you’d expect. Their friendship is heartwarming and unique.
What’s really cool is that Marcellus, the octopus, becomes quite the detective and helps Tova uncover the truth about her son’s disappearance.
But what really takes this book another level is Marin Ireland, the narrator. She’s one of my all-time favorite voice actors. She also narrates Anxious People by Fredrik Backman, and she won the Audie Award for the best narrator for that one.
But wait, there’s more! Michael Urie takes on the perspective of the grumpy octopus in the book, and it’s just side-splittingly funny. You won’t be able to keep a straight face while listening.
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Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
The audiobook Demon Copperhead Demon, an unforgettable character, in the mountains of southern Appalachia.
Inspired by Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield speaks for a new generation of lost boys and those born into places they can’t imagine leaving behind.
If you’re looking for an audiobook that immerses you in a compelling journey and you’re open to vibrant language, then this book is a perfect choice.
It’s a narrative that invites you to see beyond stereotypes and understand a part of America that deserves compassion and comprehension.
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Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
In this fascinating book, McConaughey takes us through various stages of his life, from his childhood all the way to rising to fame in Hollywood.
It’s not just a typical memoir; it’s more of a journey rather than a destination.
There are plenty of moments that’ll have you laughing out loud, but there are also some really deep insights that can help you find yourself and live life to the fullest.
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Verity by Colleen Hoover
Verity is going to be one of the best mystery audiobooks you’ll ever listen to.
It follows the struggling writer, Lowen Ashleigh as she gets hired to complete the works of this super famous author, Verity Crawford.
She stumbles upon an unfinished manuscript of Verity’s autobiography with some seriously creepy details.
It’s got all the suspense and thrill that’ll keep you hooked till the very end.
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Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
If you’re in the mood for a heartwarming romance audiobook , Every Summer After is a fantastic choice.
This second chance romance spans six summers and one transformative weekend
It follows Persephone Fraser and her journey back to her hometown. Her reconnection with Sam Florek, the man she never thought she’d have to live without.
The narrator has a really lovely voice and a fantastic pace and her performance only adds to the experience.
If you’re a fan of Christina Lauren or K.A. Tucker you will love this one.
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The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Alex Michaelides’ debut novel The Silent Patient is a psychological thriller that would be perfect audiobook for binge-listening.
The story follows Alicia Berenson, who seems to have a perfect life. But things take a dark and mysterious turn when she shoots her husband and refuses to utter a single word. And then we have Theo Faber, a criminal psychotherapist who becomes obsessed with breaking Alicia’s silence.
The Silent Patient is that one book that made me fall in love with psychological thriller books.
There are lots of secrets and twists, and they are really fast-paced. The chapters are incredibly short which means you will never be bored for a single second.
Read my review of The Silent Patient
I loved Michaelides’ writing so much that I also finished his second book The Maidens, which was also a great thriller with a twist.
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Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Project Hail Mary is about Ryland Grace, a high school teacher on a mission to save the world.
And let me tell you, Andy Weir’s book ticks all the boxes. The narration by Ray Porter is top-notch; it feels like you’re right there in the story, experiencing everything alongside Ryland.
This is the first sci-fi audiobook where I didn’t feel like I had to become a scientist to understand it.
Andy Weir has taken the most complex concepts and made them accessible and engaging for everyone.
I felt really emotional when I finished it. The characters in the story were like old friends I didn’t want to say goodbye to.
But I am super excited about the movie adaption of Project Hail Mary.
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Finding Me by Viola Davis
Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis narrates the story of a girl who’s on a quest to find her purpose in life. It all started in a shabby apartment in Rhode Island, which was her home for years.
Finding Me is a powerful journey of finding hope, letting go of the weight of shame and failures, and ultimately discovering oneself.
To be honest, I hadn’t seen many of Viola‘s roles until I came across Annalise Keating in How to Get Away with Murder,and oh my god, she was like a lioness.
There’s this one court scene that’s an absolute storm. Even if you haven’t watched the entire series, you’ve got to watch that scene from How To Get Away With Murder
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Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Book Lovers is the story of Nora Stephens, high-powered literary agent who keeps bumping into Charlie Lastra, a city slicker editor from NYC.
Their encounters go from funny to downright annoying, which makes things pretty interesting. Nora and Charlie have this undeniable chemistry, and you just know there’s something more beneath the surface.
One thing I loved is how Emily Henry’s books are her characters.
Nora is this multi-dimensional protagonist, and her character development is top-notch. She’s juggling her tough career and family responsibilities, and you can see her grow throughout the story.
Also the audiobook is narrated byJulia Whelan, I absolutely loved her voice. She can read the grocery list to me, and I would happily listen to it.
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The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
The Dutch House is a must-listen if you are into family dramas and deep connections.
The story revolves around Danny and Maeve, two siblings, and their journey through life.
The book is narrated by Tom Hanks and honestly, it felt like I was watching a movie.
Of course, we all know he is an excellent actor.
He can slip into all sorts of roles seamlessly.
Plus, his narration skills are off the charts, and you know how expressive his voice can be. So, you can imagine him just breathing life into Danny’s perspective, making it one heck of an audiobook experience.
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Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Born a Crime is an exceptional autobiography by the comedian Trevor Noah.
In his melodic and tuneful voice, he narrates his life story, delving into the horrific injustices of growing up in South Africa.
Despite addressing significant topics like Colonialism and apartheid, Noah manages to keep you entertained with moments that had me laughing out loud about his life.
If you’re on the hunt for some fantastic and funny audiobooks this year, look no further.
I found it so hilarious that I can’t even express how funny he is. I fell in love with this book to the point that I ended up binge-watching Trevor Noah’s stand-up comedy on YouTube
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Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine revolves around Eleanor, an eccentric loner who struggles with social skills and tends to speak her mind.
Her life takes a turn when she meets Raymond, an unhygienic IT guy, and together they rescue an elderly man named Sammy.
I happened to listen to this book by accident but it turned out to be one of the most moving experiences I’ve had with an audiobook.
It got me thinking about people like Eleanor, who might seem grumpy or unfriendly on the surface but are actually going through a lot beneath it all.
And the narration by Cathleen McCarron, oh my goodness! She doesn’t just capture Eleanor’s humor; she embodies her character, especially during her most vulnerable moments.
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Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton
Everybody knows Malfoy, Draco Malfoy! Now in Tom Felton’s audiobook you are going to learn a lot more about magical moments from his time on set, and it’s super interesting.
In Beyond the Wand, Tom Felton describes how it feels to be famous at a young age, and how he had to juggle being a regular teenager with all the fame from the Harry Potter movies.
The best part? He talks about working with legends like Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, and many more, and you get to hear about his lasting friendships, including the one with Emma Watson.
Even if you are not a huge Malfoy fan, this audiobook is a must-listen. It’s not just about Harry Potter; it’s about Tom Felton’s life as well. And the fact that he reads it himself makes it even better.
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Harry Potter and Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
I don’t have to tell you the story, Everybody knows Harry Potter!!
But I definitely want you to listen to this audiobook by Stephen Fry.
Rowling’s storytelling is already captivating, but with the character voices and vivid descriptions in the audiobook, it’s even more engaging.
It’s your ticket to escape the real world.
Whether you’re stuck in traffic, doing chores, listening to Harry Potter whisks you away to a world full of wonder and excitement.
It’s like rediscovering the magic all over again!
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Conclusion:
So there you have the list of popular audiobooks to listen.
If you are not sure which book to listen to, here is my top choices
- Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir– An easy to listen Sci Fi fiction with a terrific narrator.
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid– Historical fiction, Old Hollywood, Multicast narration.
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K Rowling – narrated by Stephen Fry.
- Tom Lake by Ann Patchett– Narrated by Meryl Streep slow-paced, heartwarming story.
- Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman– Social awkward protagonist, funny and touching story.
More audiobook recommendations for you
25 Awesome Full Cast Audiobooks To Listen To In 2023
12 Best True Crime Audiobooks That’ll Keep You Up at Night
21 Best Audiobooks to Listen to While Running
The Complete Guide to How Audible Works
26 Best Long Audiobooks You Should Listen At Least Once
Best Audiobooks for Road Trips
Best Audiobook Narrators You Won’t Stop Listening To
I absolutely love Fredrick Bachman’s novels. Anxious People is one of my favorite audiobooks. I am glad you have enjoyed his Beartown series! I hope to give it a listen soon:)
I listened to Beartown by Fredrick Bachmann recently and enjoyed it as well as the next two of the trilogy.