Being read to is a treat that shouldn’t just be reserved for kids – not only is it super relaxing, it can really bring a book alive in new ways. To have a memoir read by the author themselves adds an extra layer of pleasure; likewise when a classic gets paired with the perfect narrator.
And, let’s be honest, there are times when audiobooks are more convenient than sitting down with a physical read. They’re the ideal companion for long journeys, for when you’re getting your steps in or while you’re doing boring jobs around the house. They can also come in very handy when you’ve left buying your latest book club title too late to actually have time to sit down and read it!
Addictive audiobooks
People Pleaser by Bryony Gordon
Jenna Coleman (from Doctor Who and The Jetty) narrates this witty and relatable new novel from the author of Mad Woman about the pressure of always trying to keep everyone else happy.
Length: 8 hours, 6 minutes
AUDIBLE People Pleaser by Bryony Gordon
One Of Us by Elizabeth Day
The political elite are on the sharp end of Day’s pen in this witty novel which is narrated by Richard Armitage, Emilia Fox and a full cast of voices.
Length: 12 hours, 10 minutes
The Barbecue At No9 by Jennie Godfrey
The second novel from the author of word-ofmouth hit The List Of Suspicious Things is set in the summer of 1985, against the backdrop of Live Aid. Game Of Thrones’ Gemma Whelan stars alongside Stephen Mangan.
Length: 8 hours, 42 minutes
AUDIBLE The Barbecue at No.9 by Jennie Godfrey
Classic stories
Pride And Prejudice by Jane Austen
Industry’s Marisa Abela is Elizabeth Bennet, with Harris Dickinson as Mr Darcy, Glenn Close as Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Bill Nighy as Mr Bennet in this witty adaptation of the Austen classic.
Length: 4 hours, 34 minutes
AUDIBLE Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Continental Christie by Agatha Christie
Take a journey across Europe with the queen of crime and some of her most iconic creations in this short-story collection, read by a cast led by Juliet Stevenson.
Length: 7 hours, 38 minutes
AUDIBLE Continental Christie: Twelve European Mysteries
Memorable memoirs
Famesick by Lena Dunham
This raw and honest memoir from the Girls creator and star shot straight to the top of the audiobook charts when it was released a few months ago. In it, she opens up about her experiences of addiction and meditates on whether fulfilling her ambitions has been worth the pain it brought with it.
Length: 11 hours, 46 minutes
A Mind Of My Own by Kathy Burke
Narrated by Burke in her inimitable voice, this funny and frank memoir covers everything from her early years in north London and her mother’s death to how a chance encounter with The Clash changed everything and her successes as an actor.
Length: 9 hours, 30 minutes
Gallery UK A Mind of My Own by Kathy Burke
Kids, Wait Till You Hear This by Liza Minnelli
The iconic actress and grand dame of Hollywood narrates her own gossipy, glamorous memoir. She chronicles the highs and heartbreaks of her life, including her four marriages and high-profile friendships with Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Jackson and Princess Diana.
Length: 17 hours, 55 minutes
AUDIBLE Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!: My Memoir by Liza Minnelli
Big-name narrators
It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell
An all-star cast, led by James Norton and Lesley Sharp, voices this edgy thriller about a woman who returns to the house where she had a near-death experience 25 years before. Joanna David and her actor children, Emilia and Freddie Fox, play a family.
Length: 10 hours, 47 minutes
AUDIBLE It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell
The Long Shoe by Bob Mortimer
Diane Morgan and Arabella Weir join Mortimer to read the comic and author’s latest quirky tale, bout bathroom salesman Matt who’s lost his job, partner and home.
Length: 7 hours, 25 minutes
The Weekend by TM Logan
When friends discover a life-changing amount of cash, it leads to betrayal and murder. Nicola Walker narrates.
Length: 11 hours, 41 minutes
Learn as you listen
She Wanted More by Poorna Bell
This bold, unapologetic guide to living life on your own terms, narrated by the author, includes interviews with Marian Keyes and Mariella Frostrup.Length: 8 hours, 11 minutes
The Age Code by David Cox
From the rise of cancer in the under-50s to increased infertility, many of us are now ageing faster. This covers everything from supplements to cooking tips to help you age better. Narrated by Oliver Hembrough.Length: 13 hours, 2 minutes
AUDIBLE The Age Code: The New Science of Food and How It Can Save Us
How to listen to audiobooks
Listen on your phone, tablet, smart speaker or laptop using an audiobook app, then simply press play and pick up where you left off whenever it suits you. Most listeners use subscription services such as Audible, BookBeat and Spotify, while many local libraries also offer free audiobook borrowing through apps such as BorrowBox or Libby.
