Mar 20 2009
Audiobooks - my top twelve
I’ve seen a lot of discussion on various book blogs about audiobooks - and whether or not listening to them counts as actual “reading.” I am a huge lover of audiobooks, and have decided that I don’t really care either way - audiobooks are simply a way that I can multi-task and keep all of the time spent driving, folding laundry, doing dishes, and cooking meals from being completely wasted.
I’ve always loved to be read aloud to - although my read-aloud experiences as a child didn’t last very long, because I learned to read early. My first boyfriend out of high school loved to read aloud, though, and we shared a lot of books together - mostly science fiction and fantasy - and an obscure history of the British monarchy. That was one book I hated giving back when he entered the Army. I should see if I could find a copy.
I digress. Listening to an audiobook is a very different experience from reading a book, though, and I’ve discovered that only certain books work as audio - at least for me. Non-fiction, for example: the only non-fiction books I can listen to on audio are memoirs. Anything else requires more intense concentration that I can give when I’m also doing chores or driving.
Fiction is perfect for audiobooks, with a couple conditions. No pre-20th century classics - again, they require too much concentration, and I’m more likely to want to copy passages down in my commonplace book.
The storyline has to move along - if it’s very literary and descriptive, I’d rather read it than listen. For that reason, mysteries and historical novels that have a lot of adventure make great audiobooks.
Of course, one of the biggest considerations is the audiobook reader. The narrator can make or break an audiobook. And if an author reads their own book, they better make sure that they can do it well - a great writer does not necessarily a great reader make. On the other hand, there are some writers who should always read their own work. Neil Gaiman, for instance, is a wonderful audiobook reader.
Now that I’ve completely over-analyzed the whole audiobook issue, here are my top twelve must-listen audiobooks (or series):

Notes From a Small Island by Bill Bryson, read by the author: This is a travel memoir of Bryson’s tour of England, before he moved back to the United States. If you are an anglophile, and like travel humor, this is a terrific listen.

The Mitford Series by Jan Karon, read by John McDonough: I’ve read this entire series, and love it both ways. John McDonough is one of my all-time favorite narrators, and I would listen to anything read by him.

Pirates! by Celia Rees, read by Jennifer Wiltsie: This YA novel about a British aristocrat’s daughter forced into a life of piracy - full of action, adventure, danger, and romance.

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith, read by Jenny Agutter: This is a wonderful comedic and romantic novel. It is hard to find the unabridged edition in the US, though - don’t settle for an abridged version.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, read by Sissy Spacek: Spacek embodies the voice of Scout - her reading is amazing.

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah, read by the author: This memoir is heartreaking and intense, and hearing it read by the author gives it even more impact.

The Breakdown Lane by Jacquelyn Mitchard, read by Anna Fields: This novel is about a woman dealing with the break-up of her marriage and a diagnosis of MS. Sounds depressing, but Mitchard writes with wry humor and I loved this book.

What the Dead Know by Laura Lippman, read by Linda Emond: Intriguing mystery about missing sisters, one of whom pops up thirty years after the fact.

Burning Bright by Tracy Chevalier, read by Jill Tanner: Wonderful historical novel about two young people whose lives brush up against the brilliance of William Blake.

The Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich, read by C.J. Critt: Ms. Critt embodies lingerie saleswoman turned bounty-hunter Stephanie Plum - as well as a host of hilarious characters, including the wonderful Grandma Mazur.

The Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, read by Davina Porter: Ms. Porter is the most talented reader I’ve ever experienced. I’m currently listening to the third book in this series, and she has believably voiced characters from Scotland, England, France, and America. I live these books when I listen to them.

The Beekeeper’s Apprentice by Laurie R. King, read by Jenny Sterlin: I listened to this first book in the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series, and as I have read the subsequent books in the series, I continue to hear Ms. Sterlin’s voice in my head.
So, those are my favorites. What are some of your must-hear audiobooks? I don’t want to miss out on anything great.






















You have made some great points. I think the audiobook reader is huge and at this point I will listen to anything read by Stephen Fry. I am new to audiobooks and find that they take some getting used to. I don’t know if I need to train myself to ‘read’ this way but at this point I can only listen to children’s audiobooks. I have attempted a Wodehouse but couldn’t stay focused. I am going to look into the Bryson. My audible.com credits are building up and I need to make progress on my audiobook challenge.
Carol - I’m so sorry your comments got stuck in moderation! I’m not sure why - sometimes my Spam filter can be a little weird.
I haven’t read Hannah Coulter yet - I should see if the library has it on audio.
Spacek was wonderful as Scout, wasn’t she?
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