As writer Richard Steele once said, "Reading is to mind as exercise is to body." But in the digital age, there's no need to sit down and physically read a book. Thanks to apps like Audible, you can listen to incredible reads while you're commuting, doing chores, working out — even while you're at work.
And if you need any recommendations for great audiobooks to add to your digital queue, you're in luck. Audible just released its annual "Best of the Year" list, and it's packed with a curated selection of some of this year's best releases — plus favorites from Audible editors and listeners, each one with a standout performance that you can't miss. The books on this list cover a wide range of genres and styles, from a retelling of a classic American novel to a new adaptation of a dystopian favorite to thrillers, tearjerkers, biographies and more. There's something for everyone here.
In this article: "James" by Percival Everett, "George Orwell’s 1984" by Joe White and "First Lie Wins" by Ashley Elston
Check out the list below to see which books made Audible's "Best of" list — and download a few for your own "to listen" list.
Percival Everett retells "Huckleberry Finn" — but from Jim's perspective in this funny-yet-harrowing first-person novel that recently won that National Book Award for fiction.
"George Orwell’s 1984" by Joe White
This new adaption of the George Orwell classic features a star-studded cast of voice actors including Andrew Garfield, Cynthia Erivo and Andrew Scott.
"First Lie Wins" by Ashley Elston
This thriller takes twists and turns that will leave even the most astute readers struggling to keep up with a main character whose life is a lie — but which parts?
"Supercommunicators" by Charles Duhigg
Pulitzer winner Charles Duhigg narrates his own book on the art of good conversation — and how to use it to form genuine connections with others.
Kristin Hannah, author of "The Nightingale," tells another tear-jerking story, this time about the nurses in the Vietnam war. It's deeply tragic, and even more deeply human.
"An Unfinished Love Story" by Doris Kearns Goodwin
Doris Kearns Goodwin narrates her own memoir about hers and her late husband's roles in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations.
"Listen for the Lie" by Amy Tintera
This comedic thriller starts with a woman wandering the streets covered in her best friend's blood — and the twists don't stop from there. Listener alert!
"Wandering Stars" by Tommy Orange
In this epic follow-up to "There There," Tommy Orange challenges readers once again with the truths about America's brutal treatment of its Native people.
Emily Henry is well-known for writing a great love story, filled with relatable characters and situations you can see yourself getting into — and "Funny Story" might just be her best yet.
Sierra Greer explores themes of personhood and free will in her fresh take on bots and AI.
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