16 Fascinating Audiobooks Read By Authors

One of the reasons I love listening to audiobooks is the narrators. As listeners, we rely on the voice and articulation of the narrator a lot. But what if the narrator and author are the same people?

Wouldn’t it be extraordinary to listen to the books narrated by the authors themselves?  For that reason, I have compiled the best memoirs read by the authors.

The list includes celebrity authors like Matthew McConaughey,  Mindy Mailing, Jessica Simpson, and many more. 

Celebrity Memoirs Read by the author

Open book by Jessica Simpson

From her childhood in Texas to her career as musician, Jessica narrates her extremely personal evolution.  The struggles in both her personal and professional life are inspiring and so relatable!  There are even threads about addiction and inner most thoughts . This poignant yet delightful memoir is a must listen.

Greenlights-Matthew McConaughey 

The academy award-winning actor in his unfiltered and authentic memoir takes you through a lot of things. His childhood, his career and life as a family man. He also incorporates its adventurous expedition to the middle of Africa and South America. An inspirational book worth listening to. 

Why not me? by Mindy Kaling 

Kailing shares her journey to find excitement & contentment in her adult life. The book consists mostly of humorous observational essays based on her life. The book was loosely fashioned around themes of approval & entitlement”.

Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah

In the autobiographical comedy book Trevor Noah describe how is it like to growing up in the background of Apartheid era.  He recalls the troubles and struggles that he had to go through as a mixed race baby. He introduces his mom as stubborn, but also accounts her difficulties in raising him. Even though the book contains his harsh realities, he never forgets to sprinkle humor throughout the book. 

Best narrated audiobooks by authors

A promised land by Barack Obama

It’s an extremely verbose autobiography in first person narration about the 44th African American President Barack Obama. This book delves into his style of straightforward humble presidency. His journey of Identity transformation is a tremendous tale of Presidency that came through daily steps & interactions.

Becoming by Michelle Obama

One of the most iconic women of our era takes us through her  hardships & success.  She talks about her childhood in a poor neighbourhood in the South Side of Chicago, about getting married to an ambitious man and her struggles to find balance in the relationship. And how becoming the first lady has been challenging for a woman who has had her own successful career.  

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In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado

In her remarkable memoir Carmen Maria Machado writes about her abusive relationships. The struggles, agonies and isolation that came with it… Each chapter reflects her dreams on love, shattered hope, and her horror of realising who the partner really is! Everyone would definitely benefit from the book whether they’re in an abusive relationship or not. 

Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson

The sequel of her autobiography ‘ Let’s Pretend This Never Happened’ deals with Lawson’s experience with mental illness, depression & anxiety. This hilarious memoir tinged with just enough tragedy & pathos make it worth reading. Jenny’s world is definitely a lot for entertaining than the ordinary. 

Hunger: A Memoir of (my) body by Roxane Gay

A heartwarming memoir which unfolds the bitter experiences of the author, including the gang rape she had faced in her childhood. The book is really an honest account of her life and it also describes her body. She hates the world for being a reason to hate her body. The book clearly represents the image of a woman in an unprotected world.

Naked’ by David Sedaris

David Sedaris’s ‘Naked’ offers a series of scattered autobiographical pieces as in the form of a collection of essays. He even detailed his unusual upbringing in the suburbs of Raleigh. Unlike his other works, these autobiographical essays weren’t as consistently funny & entertaining.

Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day- Jay Shetty

The social media star Jay Shetty, in his new book, describes the lessons that he acquired during his three years in India as a monk. The author dives deep  into the ancient wisdom  that can help us deal with anxiety and negativity off the modern world.  The book has many exercises for your body and soul that can help you have a purpose-filled life.

Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted- Suleika Jaouad 

Suleika Jaouad, in her heartbreaking memoir, describes living in two kingdoms- Kingdom of wellness and sickness. How she fought the very best to win her life back that has been swallowed by cancer.  A captivating book that’s both overwhelming and inspiring at the same time.

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson

An inspirational read that holds high the significance of having equal justice for everyone. Bryan, as an incredible lawyer and author, has written this work as a protest towards America’s injustice and partiality towards the downtrodden. The book analyses the increasing death sentences of the country and how the American justice system shows unfairness to poor people.

Wow, No Thank You. By Samantha Irby

Samantha Irby’s new book is a collection of essays that offers its readers a good time to laugh lout oud. An extreme hilarious work, which contains several random stories of Irby as a forty year old woman. It’s touching and emotional with lots and lots of humour. 

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

A delightful read that motivates us to be more brave in our life. In her memoir, Doyle highlights ‘women’ and the importance of their empowerment and how to be self loved. An intimate read that helps each and every woman to follow their own intuitions to success. 

Save me the plums by Ruth Reichl

A touching memoir that discusses the story of a hippie and her life in a corporate world. The book is all about Reichl’s life as the chief editor of Gourmet, a food magazine. A must read for food lovers as she describes some mouth-watering recipes! 

Time for you Action

Have you listen or read any memoirs recently? Did you enjoy it? Let me know in the comments.

Always curious to hear from you,

Stephy