The Audible Essentials
The Audible Essentials is our list of 100 absolute must-listens. Hours were spent deliberating which books should (and shouldn't) make the cut. Ultimately, the final list was chosen to represent a wide range of genres, compelling stories, and can't-miss performances. These are the books that stand the test of time: vetted by our listeners and hand-picked by our editors as examples of excellence.
Product List
  • Ender's Game Audiobook By Orson Scott Card cover art

    • Ender's Game

    • Special 20th Anniversary Edition
    • By: Orson Scott Card
    • Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki, Harlan Ellison, Gabrielle de Cuir
    • Series: The Ender Saga, Book 1, The Enderverse, Book 6
    • Length: 11 hrs and 57 mins
    • Release date: 12-30-01
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 44,212 ratings
    • Why We Think It's Essential
    • It’s really best to go into this one blind, but if you need more of a reason to listen to this sci-fi classic other than the fact that it’s a sci-fi classic for a great reason, chalk it up to this: Ender’s Game is a nonstop thrill ride of dynamic dialogue, space opera action, and big-picture philosophical concepts that don’t slow anything down. And the narrators are just as captivating as the timeless content. Right in line with the action and the characters, their sardonic, straightforward performances offer even greater depth to a story that is already so well-refined. —Michael, Audible Editor

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  • The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Audiobook By Douglas Adams cover art

    • The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

    • By: Douglas Adams
    • Narrated by: Stephen Fry
    • Series: Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Book 1
    • Length: 5 hrs and 51 mins
    • Release date: 04-28-05
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 55,093 ratings
    • Why We Think It's Essential
    • Douglas Adams’s cheeky writing is right in the wheelhouse for narrator Stephen Fry, who nails one absurd gag after another with spot-on timing and impudence. He savors each character, shifting gears effortlessly among the put-out earthling Arthur Dent, zany intergalactic politician Zaphod Beeblebrox, and hilariously downbeat robot Marvin (“The Paranoid Android”). Forget the movie version—even a full cast of great actors can’t outdo Fry on this one. —David, Audible Editor

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  • The Great Gatsby Audiobook By F. Scott Fitzgerald cover art

    • The Great Gatsby

    • By: F. Scott Fitzgerald
    • Narrated by: Jake Gyllenhaal
    • Length: 4 hrs and 49 mins
    • Release date: 04-09-13
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 23,249 ratings
    • Why We Think It's Essential
    • The Great Gatsby is undoubtedly an American classic, but Jake Gyllenhaal’s superb narration as Nick Carraway takes it to a whole new level. Fitzgerald’s elegant yet simple prose stands the test of time, and Gyllenhaal treats it with the utmost respect, allowing the vivid descriptions of mansions, landmarks, and 1920s New York to flow at just the right pace. While ultimately tragic, The Great Gatsby is full of light and beautiful moments that kindle nostalgia for the Roaring Twenties. —Chris, Audible Editor

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  • The Undoing Project Audiobook By Michael Lewis cover art

    • The Undoing Project

    • A Friendship That Changed Our Minds
    • By: Michael Lewis
    • Narrated by: Dennis Boutsikaris
    • Length: 10 hrs and 18 mins
    • Release date: 12-06-16
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 13,146 ratings
    • Why We Think It's Essential
    • Michael Lewis is known for his accessible and incredibly interesting "backstage-pass looks" into the inner workings of a particular industry. In The Undoing Project (which is gunning for the top spot on my Michael Lewis Favorites list) that industry is behavioral economics . . . partially. The book is also about a friendship which completely revolutionized what is known as "Big Data.” Dennis Boutsikaris, with his clear and knowing voice, does an incredible job of highlighting the conversational tone Michael Lewis is famous for. —Laura, Audible Editor

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  • The Goldfinch Audiobook By Donna Tartt cover art

    • The Goldfinch

    • By: Donna Tartt
    • Narrated by: David Pittu
    • Length: 32 hrs and 24 mins
    • Release date: 10-22-13
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 41,527 ratings
    • Why We Think It's Essential
    • The Goldfinch is one of those rare books that makes me wish I could turn back time so I could experience it anew all over again. Epic in both narrative scope and in length, this heartbreaking and gripping coming-of-age story is simply destined to become a modern classic. Narrator David Pittu takes on the mammoth task of voicing Tartt’s captivating characters over years of growth, regression, and change; in the process, he creates a beautiful, familiar kinship with each character that resonates with the listener long after the final chapter. —Sam, Audible Editor

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  • Me Before You Audiobook By Jojo Moyes cover art

    • Me Before You

    • A Novel
    • By: Jojo Moyes
    • Narrated by: Susan Lyons, Anna Bentink, Steven Crossley, Alex Tregear, Andrew Wincott, Owen Lindsay
    • Series: Me Before You Trilogy, Book 1
    • Length: 14 hrs and 40 mins
    • Release date: 12-31-12
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 37,001 ratings
    • Why We Think It's Essential
    • I think I fell in love with author Jojo Moyes as much as I did with Louisa and Will while listening to Me Before You. Her ability to make you feel so deeply for her characters is a true talent, and one that she consistently demonstrates in all of her work. This is a thought-provoking and beautiful book with a rich, multi-voiced cast that truly makes you think about the importance of being selfless in love. Fun Audible fact—we had team outing to the movies when the film came out. What’s more fun than hysterically sobbing in front of your coworkers? Nothing. —Katie, Audible Editor

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  • Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection Audiobook By Arthur Conan Doyle, Stephen Fry - introductions cover art

    • Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection

    • By: Arthur Conan Doyle, Stephen Fry - introductions
    • Narrated by: Stephen Fry
    • Series: Sherlock Holmes, Book 1-6
    • Length: 71 hrs and 57 mins
    • Release date: 02-27-17
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 20,610 ratings
    • Why We Think It's Essential
    • There is no detective more beloved than Sherlock Holmes, and this mammoth collection of four of Conan Doyle's Sherlock novels, plus four sets of short stories, is a must-listen for any fan of the mystery genre. It's narrated by the inimitable Stephen Fry, which is an appealing factor on its own, but what truly makes this listen special is Fry's connection to the material—a Holmes mega-fan himself, he lends enthusiasm and authenticity to each story, in addition to a personal written introduction. —Michael, Audible Editor

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  • The Underground Railroad (Television Tie-in) Audiobook By Colson Whitehead cover art

    • The Underground Railroad (Television Tie-in)

    • A Novel
    • By: Colson Whitehead
    • Narrated by: Bahni Turpin
    • Length: 10 hrs and 43 mins
    • Release date: 08-02-16
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 16,234 ratings
    • Why We Think It's Essential
    • An important work by any measure, Colson Whitehead’s take on the titular slave escape route is delivered in unvarnished language that lays bare the heinousness of that darkest moment in our history. Bahni Turpin’s narration is at once chilling and subtly evocative as she shifts from slave to brutal slave owner; from depictions of harsh assaults to fleeting, beautiful moments of hope. It’s a listen that’s forever changed my perception of an ugly time I’d previously known primarily from matter-of-fact textbook accounts. —Courtney, Audible Editor

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  • Pride and Prejudice Audiobook By Jane Austen cover art

    • Pride and Prejudice

    • By: Jane Austen
    • Narrated by: Rosamund Pike
    • Series: Jane Austen's Novels
    • Length: 11 hrs and 35 mins
    • Release date: 12-08-15
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 41,443 ratings
    • Why We Think It's Essential
    • Experiencing this classic, as performed by Academy Award nominee Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl) —who also starred as Jane Bennet in the big screen version of Austen’s beloved novel—is a bucket-list-level essential for all listeners. For me, it’s the ideal coming together of novel and narrator. From her caustic rendition of Mrs. Bennet to the stern Mr. Darcy, Pike brings all of Austen’s tremendous characters to life, proving that she was born to perform this book. —Doug, Audible Editor

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  • Hidden Figures Audiobook By Margot Lee Shetterly cover art

    • Hidden Figures

    • The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race
    • By: Margot Lee Shetterly
    • Narrated by: Robin Miles
    • Length: 10 hrs and 47 mins
    • Release date: 09-06-16
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 9,597 ratings
    • Why We Think It's Essential
    • There’s something so essential about the story that Hidden Figures tells. Four incredible mathematicians already had the deck so stacked against them for being women and African American in Jim Crow Virginia, yet they persevered to propel NASA ahead in the great Space Race. When you add narrator Robin Miles’s trademark warmth, rhythm, and pacing to the mix, Hidden Figures becomes even more of a force to be reckoned with. I hope everyone who watched the fantastic movie will take a deep dive into this essential listen. —Rachel, Audible Editor

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  • The Devil in the White City Audiobook By Erik Larson cover art

    • The Devil in the White City

    • Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America
    • By: Erik Larson
    • Narrated by: Scott Brick
    • Length: 14 hrs and 58 mins
    • Release date: 12-29-02
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 30,560 ratings
    • Why We Think It's Essential
    • If you haven't listened to something by Erik Larsson, start with this. This richly detailed, incredibly immersive story juxtaposes the glamour and glitz of the World's Fair with the gruesome acts of one of America's first serial killers. As you listen to Scott Brick subtly switch between the narrative of the serial killer and the narrative of the Chicago architects, it will become obvious why he’s one of my favorite narrators—and he might become one of yours too. —Laura, Audible Editor

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  • The Book Thief Audiobook By Markus Zusak cover art

    • The Book Thief

    • By: Markus Zusak
    • Narrated by: Allan Corduner
    • Length: 13 hrs and 56 mins
    • Release date: 09-14-06
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 33,476 ratings
    • Why We Think It's Essential
    • Set in Nazi Germany and narrated by Death, this Printz Award winner is the story of a young orphan who finds solace in books and the love of her adoptive father as the world is going mad all around her. This audiobook packs an emotional punch, leaving me gasping for breath as I pulled off the road because I was sobbing too hard to drive. Be warned and pack tissues, but don’t miss this one! —Sonja, Audible Editor

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  • The Eye of the World Audiobook By Robert Jordan cover art

    • The Eye of the World

    • Book One of The Wheel of Time
    • By: Robert Jordan
    • Narrated by: Kate Reading, Michael Kramer
    • Series: The Wheel of Time, Book 1
    • Length: 29 hrs and 57 mins
    • Release date: 12-31-06
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 67,905 ratings
    • Why We Think It's Essential
    • Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series is not only an essential listen because of its sheer magnitude and importance in the fantasy genre: it's perhaps one of the most stunning examples of a dual narration out there. Longtime pair Michael Kramer and Kate Reading work in tandem to bring to life Robert Jordan's epic tale over fourteen books that add up to nearly three weeks' worth of audio. And despite all that listening time, with these two, this is an adventure you'll never want to end. —Sam, Audible Editor

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  • 1776 Audiobook By David McCullough cover art

    • 1776

    • By: David McCullough
    • Narrated by: David McCullough
    • Length: 11 hrs and 33 mins
    • Release date: 05-20-05
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 19,237 ratings
    • Why We Think It's Essential
    • David McCullough has won the Pulitzer Prize (twice), and qualifies as an essential American historian. 1776 stands as one of his signature achievements in audiobooks (he narrates!), a classic of leadership and history. I love 1776 personally because the events of that year—meticulously but suspensefully narrated—take place so often in and around the NY/NJ area. (Curiously, listeners from Boston and Virginia say the exact same thing!) Crossing the Delaware is not to be missed! —Christina, Audible Editor

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  • Red Rising Audiobook By Pierce Brown cover art

    • Red Rising

    • By: Pierce Brown
    • Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds
    • Series: Red Rising, Book 1
    • Length: 16 hrs and 12 mins
    • Release date: 01-28-14
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 69,551 ratings
    • Why We Think It's Essential
    • Red Rising is the epic opener to a thrilling and compulsively listenable sci-fi series. I say sci-fi, but actually this is a total genre bender: let’s just call it “post-apocalyptic, dystopian, YA-crossover military sci-fi with Roman history and general awesome geniusness.” All these elements meld together into one whip-smart saga that stayed with me for months after finishing it. —Emily, Audible Editor

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  • 14 Audiobook By Peter Clines cover art

    • 14

    • By: Peter Clines
    • Narrated by: Ray Porter
    • Series: Threshold Universe
    • Length: 12 hrs and 34 mins
    • Release date: 06-19-12
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 48,703 ratings
    • Why We Think It's Essential
    • The collective members of our team have recommended 14 so many times that it feels like a prerequisite course to becoming an Audible Editor. For me, the combination of Peter Clines’s compulsive, creepy mystery and Ray Porter’s pitch-perfect performance of an ensemble of quirky characters (his specialty) provided my “aha” moment as a listener—the realization that an audiobook could not only be a great book in the traditional sense, but an amazing immersive performance that can rival the best TV series or movie. —Sam, Audible Editor

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  • The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Audiobook By C. S. Lewis cover art

    • The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

    • The Chronicles of Narnia
    • By: C. S. Lewis
    • Narrated by: Michael York
    • Series: The Chronicles of Narnia (Publication Order), Book 1, The Chronicles of Narnia (Author's Preferred Order), Book 2
    • Length: 4 hrs and 21 mins
    • Release date: 12-26-04
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 17,076 ratings
    • Why We Think It's Essential
    • This is the first book that made me fall in love with reading, the first to show me that a book can be a portkey to another world. It has everything a magic-loving child could want: an ordinary piece of furniture that transports kids to an enchanted, wintry world, talking animals, a wicked witch, and a great battle of good vs. evil. And Michael York’s rich voice brings Narnia to thrilling, glorious life. —Sonja, Audible Editor

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  • Lincoln in the Bardo Audiobook By George Saunders cover art

    • Lincoln in the Bardo

    • A Novel
    • By: George Saunders
    • Narrated by: Nick Offerman, David Sedaris, George Saunders, Carrie Brownstein, Don Cheadle, Lena Dunham, Bill Hader, Kirby Heyborne, Keegan-Michael Key, Julianne Moore, Megan Mullally, Susan Sarandon, Ben Stiller, Various
    • Length: 7 hrs and 25 mins
    • Release date: 02-14-17
    • Language: English
    • 4 out of 5 stars 10,333 ratings
    • Why We Think It's Essential
    • George Saunders’s first foray into long-form fiction quickly won critical acclaim, and the 2017 Man Booker Prize. But this is really a book you have to hear. With more than 160 narrators—many of them famous people you probably already know (Nick Offerman, David Sedaris, Carrie Brownstein, Ben Stiller, Susan Sarandon, Don Cheadle, to name a few)—it is really unlike any other audiobook. One-of-a-kind both in form and content, Lincoln in the Bardo is an audio experience that simply washes over you. It will definitely make you laugh and wonder, and it definitely made this Audible Editor take a quick break for a severely unattractive but cathartic cry. —Michael, Audible Editor

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