This post is sponsored by Audible!
This year, I completely fell in love with audiobooks all over again—and I owe it to Audible. As someone who’s constantly juggling kids, work, and everything in between, I don’t always have time to sit down with a book. Audible has become my secret weapon for fitting reading into my life. Whether I’m folding laundry, driving to preschool drop-off, or enjoying a rare solo walk, I can dive into a story at the touch of a button.
Audiobooks have a way of bringing stories to life, and the five I’m sharing today were absolute standouts from the year. Each one was unforgettable, earning a perfect—or nearly perfect—rating.
Eligible new subscribers can sign up for a one month free trial of Audible Premium Plus anytime!
Here are my favorite listens from 2024:
1. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
How did I get through school without reading this classic? I was immediately engrossed in Francie’s story as she grows up in Brooklyn at the turn of the century. It’s a quintessential coming-of-age novel (my favorite genre!), beautifully written and deeply moving. The narrator brought such warmth to the characters, and I didn’t want it to end. This is one of the rare books I could see myself rereading in a few years, just to experience its magic all over again. If you’re intimidated by picking up a classic, this is the perfect one to start with.
2. None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
Here’s the thing: I don’t normally gravitate toward psychological thrillers, but this one was phenomenal. Lisa Jewell’s writing is gripping, and the unreliable narrators made every twist even juicier. The story follows two women who meet on their 45th birthdays—“birthday twins”—and their lives become unexpectedly intertwined as secrets unravel. I second-guessed everything, and the audiobook format added an extra layer of suspense. It’s binge-worthy in the best way.
3. Such A Bad Influence by Olivia Muenter
This book was a happy surprise for me. While it has the bones of a psychological thriller, it’s also a family drama with layers of mystery. The story follows a prominent mommy vlogger, her teenage influencer daughter who mysteriously disappears, and her adult daughter who steps in to figure out what happened. The characters are flawed and fascinating, and I was hooked from start to finish. Bonus: the ending is chef’s kiss.
4. All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
Whoa, whoa, WHOA. This book is an absolute masterpiece. I docked a teeny .05 points for a slow patch in the middle, but honestly, it deserves the full five stars. What starts as a mystery about a serial killer evolves into something so much more. The story is rich, emotional, and completely absorbing. If you loved Bright Young Women or Demon Copperhead, this is your next read.
5. Blue Sisters by Eliza Randall
If you read one book I’ve ever recommended, let it be this one. Blue Sisters is a stunning exploration of the complicated and beautiful relationships between sisters. After the untimely death of their fourth sister, three sisters navigate life, grief, and their bonds with one another. The audiobook made the raw emotions and exceptional writing come alive—I sobbed happy tears at the end.
Why I Love Audible
One of the things I appreciate most about Audible is the way it makes storytelling so accessible. I can seamlessly jump between my phone, car, and laptop without losing my place. The narrators often add an extra spark to the story (sometimes, I’d argue, it’s even better than reading!). These audiobooks turned mundane moments into opportunities to escape into incredible worlds.
If you’ve been on the fence about trying audiobooks, I hope this list inspires you to dive in. Trust me—there’s nothing quite like being swept away by a brilliant story while folding laundry or walking the dog. Don’t forget, eligible new subscribers can sign up for a one month free trial of Audible Premium Plus anytime!
Thank you to Audible for sponsoring this post!
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