6 audiobooks worth your time
+ a Gordon sister collab
My sister Lauren was my first reading inspiration. She was the kind of kid who always had a book at the dinner table, and she introduced me to absolute bangers like The Giver, His Dark Materials trilogy, and of course, the Harry Potter universe.
When visiting my aunt’s cabin in North Carolina, Lauren would load up the car — already stuffed with muddy tennis shoes and dogs — with laundry baskets full of books. After she went to college, I discovered the joys of “bodice-ripping” historical romance novels by snooping through her bookshelves. Because of Lauren, I was way ahead of the “romantasy smut” trend. Thanks, sis!
Lauren remains the fastest reader I know. When she came to visit me earlier this year, she read five (!) books in one week. Outside of vacation, though, Lauren rarely has the energy for physical books after reading legal documents all day. Now, she does the majority of her reading via the audiobooks she listens to while walking her dogs.
I am not one of those people who thinks audiobooks “don’t count.” On the contrary, I love how the format allows for greater access to reading — especially with Libby’s terrific audio feature. But for some reason, most audiobooks don’t stick for me. And as someone who loves both listening to podcasts and reading books, this has been a true source of frustration.
Historically, when I’ve listened to audiobooks, my mind tends to wander — and I often find myself reaching for my phone. It’s a similar sensation to reading on a short subway ride — by the time I look up and check my station, go back to my book, and get off again, it’s almost like I didn’t read at all.
There are, however, a few audiobooks where I have found success. And when Lauren texted me this week suggesting I pull together a roundup, I couldn’t resist. She also generously sent over three of her recent favorites (you’ll quickly surmise we have very different taste in books — which I love!).
What are your favorite audiobooks? Do they “count” as reading for you? Let me know in the comments 💌
First up… Lauren’s audiobook recommendations!
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
One of my favorite science fiction books of all time. A captivating story about a man who wakes up alone on a spaceship with no memories of how he got there, traveling millions of miles from home. The narration is immersive, bringing the listener along every twist and new discovery as our lead character learns the “how” and “why” behind his space journey. Throw in the charming and creative voice acting for one mysterious friend we meet along the way, and you can absolutely understand why this audiobook won the 2022 Audiobook of the Year.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune1
Top 10 books for me that broke me out of a reading slump and left me in a puddle of happy tears. The House in the Cerulean Sea is an earnest, enchanting story about finding love and family in the most wonderfully strange of places. The narrator provides each character with their own unique voices and tenor of emotion, immersing us in a new world of fantastical children and the adults trying to protect them. A story of empathy, strength of character, and the wonders of being “different,” this audiobook is not to be missed. Listen out for my favorite slimy boy, Chauncy, who has the most adorable voice and inflection. He’s the best. 🦑
Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
This book series is my newest audiobook obsession (I’m currently on book 3 of 7). The plot is truly so bizarre that I must rely on the help of others to describe: “A man. His ex-girlfriend's cat. A sadistic game show unlike anything in the universe: a dungeon crawl where survival depends on killing your prey in the most entertaining way possible.” (Thanks, goodreads).
This book is a combination of Ready Player One, The Hunger Games, and the Dungeons and Dragons movie. It is charming, laugh-out-loud funny, wildly (and creatively) violent, with a through line of heart and humanity. It is a bizarre ride narrated by the incredible voice artist, Jeff Hays. He does every voice, and it is truly exceptional. If you are on the fence about giving this series a shot, just try it. You won’t regret it!
And now… MY recs!
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Narrated by Noah himself, Born a Crime is a rare audiobook that surpasses its physical counterpart. A significant portion of the memoir explores the linguistic diversity of South Africa, and in my view, it’s something you must hear to fully appreciate.
If you're seeking an introduction to contemporary South African politics and a deeper understanding of how the country arrived at its current state, this book is a must-read. The title refers to Noah’s very existence; at the time of his birth, the interracial sexual partnership of his parents was criminal and could result in a 5-year prison sentence. Because of these apartheid laws, young Noah spent much of his childhood confined indoors, under the constant threat of being taken away.
The sad history of South Africa—colonialism, racism, and exploitation—is harrowing, but Noah's memoir is infused with his signature humor, making it sharp and, at times, devilishly funny. (Just wait until you hear the story about a kid named Hitler. You’ll understand when you get there, I promise! )
Penance: A Novel by Eliza Clarke
My friend Kate is a huge horror fan, and I texted her immediately after finishing Penance. This book left me speechless—not in a “wow, this is amazing!” way, but in a “I am so deeply disturbed I can’t even form a sentence” kind of way. Only dive into this if you're ready to be profoundly unsettled.
Penance, loosely inspired by several real events, tells the story of a gruesome murder: a 16-year-old girl set on fire by three of her own friends. Through a series of interviews with witnesses and family members, letters from the perpetrators, and extensive historical research, the fictional journalist at the center of the story attempts to unravel the twisted truth of what really happened in this sleepy UK town.
Beyond the unsettling tale, I admire this book for its critique of our collective obsession with murder — and the reminder that we can never fully know "the truth" of sensationalized crimes. Penance works well as an audiobook because it has all the chilling qualities that make a good true crime podcast.2
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jeanette McCurdy
I’ve recommended this book before, but I’m revisiting it here because, hands down, it’s my #1 pick for the audiobook format.
I'm Glad My Mom Died follows Jennette McCurdy’s career as a child actress, but it’s really about her complicated and abusive relationship with her mother, who passed away in 2013. I recommend this book even if you're not familiar with her work on iCarly (the Nickelodeon show that rocketed her to tween stardom). You’ll never think about the child performance industry the same.3
If you want a thought-provoking audiobook for a road trip or just a reflective listen, this is it. And hearing McCurdy’s own narration — when, for so many years, she was deprived of her authentic voice — is especially powerful.
📚 On my shelf
I’m almost done with Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton and am enjoying it much more than anticipated! The story of a billionaire technocrat not-so-secretly running the world feels extremely relevant right now… More soon!
I now really want to read White Fur by Jardine Libaire thanks to
’s latest post!
📚 Links and things
Have you also noticed less paperbacks for sale? This article explains why 📚
🌸 I’m finally caught up on The White Lotus, and am relishing this season so far. For those equally Goggins-pilled, this GQ article is a delight.
Speaking of shows… My favorite group text is buzzing because Top Chef is back this month! Last season was pretty disappointing, but the trailer for the upcoming season set in Canada has me hype 🍁4
Important reporting on Haskell Indian Nations University in Kansas, a Native institution under threat from Trump administration cuts.
Happy reading! 💛
XOX
Alli
This is one of the rare books we 100% agree on! I recommended it earlier this year in my cozy books roundup.
If you like scary books like this, I also recommend the Hulu series Under The Bridge. The series, featuring a stellar Lily Gladstone, is based on the book of the same name, which tells the story of the real-life murder of Reena Virk, a 14-year-old Canadian girl who was beaten and killed by a group of teenagers in British Columbia in 1997.
Speaking of… Has anyone watched the new Ruby Franke miniseries on Hulu? I want to, but don’t have access here in Germany. I am morbidly fascinated by the “mommy blogger” world, and am glad to see there is finally some legislative movement on this issue.
I remain infuriated the show hasn’t come to Atlanta yet! Not to be a Wisconsin hater, but wtf, Bravo.
Project Hail Mary is indeed THE best audiobook!
Loved Project Hail Mary on audio!