Feature Image Credit: @organizedadventure
I know the feeling of just wanting to hear your favorite celebrity’s voice, and lucky for us book worms Audible has taken that feeling and made it 10x better. From classics to memoirs, celebrities have taken time to read us some of our favorite stories and even tell us their own in these audiobooks. Whether you are taking a walk, or a road trip, or even just cleaning up around the house, these stories and voices will thrill, comfort, and suck you into the already amazing stories.
Dispossession by Tayari Jones
Narrated by Gabrielle Union
Cheryl wants to be a good mother to Javonte. Raising a Black son in the streets of Atlanta filled with violence has her constantly worried. During his youth Cheryl wanted nothing more than to send Javonte to a boarding school in New England where he would be safe and looked after, and her wish came true. Now years later, Javonte lives in Vermont, married and completely established. All good things right? Yet he doesn’t speak to her the same, and Cheryl can’t remember the last time they were together in person. Even when Javonte announces a visit, he cancels the trip at the last minute, leaving Cheryl to wonder if the choices she made were truly worth it. The talented Gabrielle Union narrates this powerful tale about the bond and meaning of family.
Finding Me: A Memoir By Viola Davis
Narrated by Viola Davis
Viola’s journey starts with a crumbling apartment and a need to run from her past. Now she reminisces about the little girl who lived in Central Falls, Rhode Island to the woman who became a successful actress working on stages in New York. The one no one really saw but also the one who decided to give herself the self-love she deserved. Viola creates her memoir for those who are struggling to find themselves and for those in need of honest truths about who they plan to be. The How to Get Away with Murder and The First Lady actress shares her memories using her strong and rhythmic voice.
On Such a Full Sea by Chang-Rae Lee
Narrated by B.D. Wong
Fan, a female tank diver, leaves her home after her lover mysteriously disappears. In this futuristic dystopian society, class gets strictly enforced, and the urban neighborhoods have transformed into labor colonies, including selling pristine produce and fish. In order to find her love Reg, she’ll embark on a journey that steps her outside the safety of her stratified compound that is walled off from the lawless scrap heap of North America to head to the open country. In the open, crime is incessant, and laws do not exist. B.D. Wong perfectly narrates this world created from Lee’s elegant and innovative imagination.
Dear Justyce by Nic Stone
Narrated by Dion Graham
Two young boys grow up together in the same neighborhood, Wynwood Heights, a block from one another. Yet as they get older, their lives change drastically. While Justyce McAllister attends Yale University, Vernell LaQuan Banks resides inside the Fulton Regional Youth Detention Center. His story is a misunderstanding that leads to a weapon with Quan’s fingerprints on it, and murder charges for a dead cop. How did Quan end up down the wrong path, a question that still has him unsure? Actor and Voice of Choice narrator Dion Graham bring life into a story that is filled with heartache, mystery, and pain.
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Narrated by Dominic Hoffman
Two half-sisters, Effia and Esi, experience separation after being forced apart. Effia lives in Cape Coast Castle after she is married to a colonial officer, while Esi was sold into slavery, living in the castle beneath Effia. She is then sold and shipped off to America where her lineage will to experience the bonds she does. Each journey they embark on will be told for generations to come. Traveling from 18th century Ghana to the present day, their story reveals truths about the African culture, the effects of slavery and so much more. The smooth and alluring voice of Dominic Hoffman transports the story through each generation’s pain and heartache.
Pet Sematary by Stephen King
Narrated by Michael C. Hall
Moving to a new town means a fresh start for Dr. Louis Creed and his family. The tranquil town of Ludlow, Maine is their new home, and all seems to be right in the world. If it weren’t for the makeshift graveyard where children bury their deceased pets, Louis might consider the town a bit too perfect. When he receives a warning not to venture past the graveyard both in life and in his nightmares at night, he’ll soon realize how curiosity killed the cat and, sometimes death is the better option. Dexter’s very own Michael C. Hall fits right in with this alluring tale, bringing to life every dark and twisted turn.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Narrated by Claire Danes
A dystopian tale that is equally terrifying as it is engrossing. Offred lives in a world where the U.S. government becomes a dictatorship referred to as the Republic of Gilead. They limit the rights of citizens, specifically women who now have jobs as handmaids. As one of the few women left who can give birth, Offred, who lives with the enigmatic Commander and his bitter wife, must conceive and create a new generation of children for the men who rule. But she fights because she can remember the days when she had a name, a job, and a husband and daughter. Those memories push her to try and end the oppression before a new round of children enter it. Claire Danes’ movie-star voice emphasizes the passion and rage that Offred feels living in this unruly world.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
Narrated by Daniel Henning
Peace — that’s the world that surrounds Linus Baker. Along with his records, his tiny house, and his mischievous cat, life is pleasant for Linus. At forty his job as a caseworker in the department in charge of the magical youth involves overseeing orphaned children. His next assignment will put Linus to the ultimate test. Six dangerous children live at the Marsyas Island Orphanage with the power to bring about the end of the world. But destroying the home and the enigmatic caretaker Arthur Parnassus might be harder than Linus anticipates. Daniel Henning dives into character offering whimsical remarks and playful growls to make listening to a theatrical experience.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Narrated by Lin-Manuel Miranda
With a brother in prison, it’s no wonder Aristotle is an angry teen. Dante on the other hand looks at the world in unusual ways. After the two meet at a pool, tension arises and they know they have little in common. The one thing they do have is their loner attitudes. So, when they start spending time together, they develop a friendship that lasts forever. And one that will allow them to discover exactly what kind of people they’re meant to become. Playwright, songwriter, and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda, known for his work in Encanto and Hamilton, narrates this tale.
The Ten Thousand Doors by Alix E. Harrow
Narrated by January LaVoy
A young woman living in the 1900’s takes a journey to find herself, after discovering a mysterious book. January Scaller loves curiosity. Living in a mansion will bring out the best in anyone and for her the need to wander is constant. She’s the ward to a wealthy Mr. Locke who leaves her alone constantly, leaving her to her imagination. Once she finds a strange book that reads of secret doors and smells like other worlds, she’s hooked. Every page she turns draws her closer to the magic and soon January will discover how her own life intertwines with it all. Sharing the same name as the main character, One Life to Live actress January LaVoy narrates this enchanting journey of self-discovery.
Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee
Narrated by Reese Witherspoon
This is the story of Jean Louise Scout Finch, also known as Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird, but she isn’t so little anymore. Now 26 and living in New York, she returns to her hometown in time for another judicial case being handled by her infamous father. This time is different though, Atticus Finch seems to be going back on his thoughts of justice and racism from the trial that made him a household name. If the story doesn’t entice you, Reese Witherspoon’s natural southern accent will sway you right into this audio adaption.
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Narrated by Maggie Gyllenhaal
Esther Greenwood seems to be having a breakdown. Yet, it could be completely rational, at least in her mind. In her only full length-novel, Plath writes from her own lifelong struggle of womanhood and mental health in mid-century America. Rawly intimate, this book is a look into the intricate workings of the mind that is stormed with depression. Plath’s confessions are navigated and brought to life in the voice of Maggie Gyllenhaal
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz
Narrated by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Oscar de León is an overweight Dominican teen, living in New Jersey. He is obsessed with comic books, science fiction, and writing so much so that he aspires to be the next and new J.R.R. Tolkien. Yet, a curse has plagued his family, the fukú curse, and Oscar fears that he will never truly get what he wants. Perseverance is key, and Oscar must power through the supposed hauntings of failure if he is going to live the life that he has always dared to dream of. Told through the lyrically amusing voice of Lin-Manuel Miranda, this book is definitely worth the hearing.
Like No Other by Una LaMarche
Narrated by Phoebe Strole and Leslie Odom, Jr.
They’ve spent their entire lives a street apart, but have never met … until they did. Devorah is your average good girl, never straying from her strict Hasidic upbringing, while Jaxon is a book-smart nerd who has never been popular with the girls. Fate brings these two together when a hurricane strikes the Northeast and leaves them stuck and stranded in an Elevator together. This is just the start of their forbidden love, secret meetings, and endless sacrifices. How much are they willing to risk before it feels like life is trying to tear them apart? Narrated by Broadway actresses Phoebe Strole and Leslie Odom, Jr., you will be engrossed from the first few lines.
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
Narrated by Shvorne Marks
Queenie is a 25-year-old Jamaican-British woman who just had a very messy break-up, so it’s only reasonable that she sleeps with terrible men, isn’t that involved with her job, and has a very rocky relationship with her mother, right? Queenie starts to ask herself all the rational questions that we tend to ask ourselves after making a lot of questionable decisions, and she finds out the answers in this hilarious and kind of heartbreaking tale of life. Actress Shvorne Marks brings Queenie’s voice to life in this excellent audiobook version of the novel, which is soon set to be adapted for the screen.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
Narrated by Anne Hathaway
Take a trip to the Land of Oz in this classical novel, no tornado necessary. In case you haven’t heard of Dorothy, and her dog Toto, this is the story of her quest to find a way home because after all, there’s no place like home. After being transported from Kansas to a magical world through a tornado, Dorothy must travel the roads of Oz in order to meet the Wizard of Oz who is promised to know how to get her home. She will meet many friends along the way, a brainless scarecrow, a heartless tinman, and a cowardly lion, but they will help her in the voyage even against the Wicked Witch and the flying monkeys. Told from the Princess of Genovia herself, Anne Hathaway gives you the perfect opportunity to get swept up in the whimsical story that we all know and love (BTW, she also narrates The Princess Diaries audiobooks, too … in case you were wondering)
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
Narrated by Tom Hanks
At the end of the Second World War, Cyril Conroy begins an enormous real estate empire, propelling his family from poverty to enormous wealth. His first order of business is to buy the Dutch House, a lavish estate in the suburbs outside of Philadelphia. Meant as a surprise for his wife, the house sets in motion the undoing of everyone he loves. Cyril’s son, Danny, and daughter, Maeve, are exiled by their stepmother and the once rich siblings are thrown back into poverty. Over five decades, the two siblings only have each other to rely on and neither can seem to escape their past. What will happen when they come face to face with the family that left them behind? Tom Hanks will walk through this dark fairytale with you, at every turn and heartbreak and laugh.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Narrated by Scarlett Johansson
Alice falls down a rabbit hole and into a whole new world, quite literally. Alice finds herself in a very peculiar land, surrounded by both humanlike and un-humalike creatures. Scarlett Johansson This tale has captured the hearts of many through the decades and will surely reign true to your childhood.
Sherlock Holmes Rediscovered Railway Stories by John Taylor
Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch
This new collection of four short stories inspired by Arthur Conan Doyle’s original Sherlock Holmes stories stars the greatest detective of all time. Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes will go on new adventures, reveal truths to the world, and hopefully solve some mysteries. Told from the voice of Benedict Cumberbatch, Sherlock Holmes himself, you won’t be able to turn away from these new thrilling mysteries.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley by Malcolm X and Alex Haley
Narrated by Laurence Fishburne
Malcolm X, the Muslim leader, firebrand, and Black empowerment activist, tells the extraordinary story of his life and the growth of the Human Rights movement. He gives perspective on the American dream and the inherent racism that is integrated in society. This autobiography is more than just a statement, it is his unfinished work and a message that is timeless. Performed by Oscar-nominated Laurence Fishburne, this is the African American experience and telling of America as a whole.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Narrated by Laura Dern and a full cast
Little Women follows four sisters through their coming-of-age stories. Each sister is uniquely represented and loved by generations of people and adventures and conflicts. In the backdrop of the American Civil War, and the pressures of growing up as a woman in such a set society, Louisa May Alcott transcends genre, gender, and class with examinations of personal quests, societal restrictions, family ties, and the end of innocence. Laura Dern and a full cast represent these classical roles as the voices of the audiobook and it’s a must-listen.
Heartburn by Nora Ephro
Narrated by Meryl Streep
Rachel Samstat is seven months pregnant when she finds out her husband is in love with another woman. The complications that arise include wanting to win him back and also wanting his untimely death. As most women come to find, Rachel learns that the one constant in her life is her love for food. Sometimes adultery, revenge, group therapy, and pot roast, reminds us that comedy depends on anguish as surely as a proper gravy depends on flour and butter. The laugh-out-loud audiobook is made even better by the endearing narration of living legend Meryl Streep.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Narrated by Thandiwe Newton
Thandiwe Newton’s narration of Jane Eyre is a stunning testament to the power of a magnificent story paired with the perfect performer. From a cruel childhood to unplanned love, this story follows the multifaceted Jane. Strong in both independence and spirit, Jane finds herself at the crossroads of love and must make a decision that will either leave her to deal with the consequences of her love or without the one man she loves. Which will she choose?
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Narrated by Jake Gyllenhaal
The 1920s is a too-dreamy-to-be-real world. Wealth, parties, love, the luscious landscape of Mr. Jay Gatsby’s thrilling life. The people, places, and parties of West Egg hold more heartache and despair than you would think at first glance. The green light at the end of the pier is a calling to hope, and the inevitable tragedy of getting what you thought you always wanted. Oscar-nominated actor Jake Gyllenhaal steps into the shoes of narrator Nick Carraway with a voice that oozes refinement and style—a perfect complement to the grandeur of Gatsby’s story.
Upstate by Kalisha Buckhanon
Narrated by Chadwick Boseman
This is a powerful story told through letters between 17-year-old Antonio and his 16-year-old girlfriend, Natasha, set in the 1990s in New York. When Antonio finds himself in jail for being accused of a shocking crime, his love and realtionship will be put to the test. Their desperate attempts to stay connected take place for over a decade. While Antonio is fighting to stay alive on the inside, Natasha is making choices that will change her whole life. When they both make decisions that lead them away from each other, they start to wonder if they will ever find their way back. The honorable voice of the late Chadwick Boseman will take you through this startling, real, and brilliantly unforgettable story.
White Oleander by Janet Fitch
Narrated by Oprah Winfrey
A young girl’s life falls apart when her mother ends up in prison. As Astrid is the only child of a single mother, Ingrid, she worships her mother and cherishes their private world full of ritual and mystery. However, when Ingrid falls apart over a lover, deranged by rejection, she murders the man and is sentenced to life in prison. Astrid’s journey through foster’s home and life begins and will come with many confrontations and lessons to be learned. This novel made an impact on Winfrey and was one of her original book club selections from 1999 and she takes part in the story by lending her voice to the audiobook!
Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote
Narrated by Michael C. Hall
Though Breakfast at Tiffany’s may be more well-known for its much-adored film adaptation starring the iconic Audrey Hepburn, it was originally published as a novella by Truman Capote in 1958. The story is about Holly Golightly, the downstairs neighbor that is the epitome of American beauty. As she opens up to the unnamed narrator, there begins to be a glimpse of the girl who lives behind the socialization and parties. Michael C. Hall’s performance offers listeners a far less idealized window into Holly’s character, instead highlighting a thoughtful and subtle appreciation of her true self.
Casino Royale by Ian Fleming
Narrated by Dan Stevens
Bond, James Bond. British Secret Service agent, codename 007. Do you need any other reason to tune into this book? Casino Royale is the first in the Bond series, a gripping adventure as he hunts down a Russian operative. Suave, charming, seductive, shaken not stirred, Bond is given a slick performance by Dan Stevens as he makes the story a perfect and edgy voice for any listener with a taste for espionage.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Narrated by Samira Wiley
Celie has grown up poor in rural Georgia, despised by the society around her and abused by her own family. While she succeeds in protecting her sister from a similar fate, Celie is married off to an older suitor and sentenced to a life alone with a harsh and brutal husband. When she begins to write letters directly to God, she finds support that she never knew possible. A self-discovery journey of over 20 years filled with the empowerment and love of women, Samira Wiley brings light with her voice to the literary masterpiece.
Leave A Comment