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Between commuting to and from work, getting a healthy dinner on the table, and binge-watching the latest Netflix original series, carving out the time to sit down and crack open a book at the end of a long day can be a lot more difficult than it sounds. If you're someone who genuinely loves to read, there's a surprisingly easy solution—listening to books during your commute.
We're guessing we aren't the only ones who want to make the most of our morning drives, so we're sharing a list of some of the best books on Audible for anyone who also feels like they don't have time to read. Having a productive way to pass the time you spend behind the wheel each day will make your commute a little bit better.
Here are our picks for the best books on Audible.
Look Alive Out There by Sloane Crosley
Many years after publishing her wildly popular collection of essays I Was Told There'd Be Cake, Sloane Crosley is finally back with another collection of witty, relatable insights. In the audiobook version of the collection, the author narrates her own writing with all the charm, humor, and sass that jumps off the page.
This Will Be My Undoing by Morgan Jerkins
If you're a fan of Roxane Gay's Bad Feminist and Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie's We Should All Be Feminists, you need to listen to the audiobook version of Morgan Jerkin's This Will Be My Undoing, a brutally honest look at what it means to be a Black woman in America today. It's compelling, insightful, and should be considered required listening.
The House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea
In this audiobook, Pulitzer Prize-nominated author Luis Alberto Urrea narrates his latest novel, which is a spellbinding portrait of a Mexican-American family, the De La Cruzes, and their pursuit of the American dream. Trust us when we say you'll be transfixed by this fictional account of the quintessential American story.
Speak No Evil by Uzodinma Iweala
This highly anticipated novel from the acclaimed author of Beasts of No Nation tackles the topic of the power of words. Included in Audible's Editors Selects for the best new releases of March 2018, the audiobook version is narrated by "two seasoned veterans who complement each other and Iweala's aesthetic beautifully," says Audible editor Michael Duke.
Tomorrow Will Be Different by Sarah McBride
Sarah McBride's powerful memoir Tomorrow Will Be Different is made all the more impactful by listening to the author narrate her own story. In this audiobook, McBride, an activist and the national press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign, is captivating as she shares her personal experience with gender identity.
I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara
In this audiobook, journalist Michelle McNamara's gripping investigation into the Golden State Killer, a serial rapist turned murderer who terrorized California in the '70s and '80s, is bookended by a forward read by best-selling author Gillian Flynn and an afterword read by McNamara's husband, Patton Oswalt.
The Recovering: Intoxication and Its Aftermath by Leslie Jamison
Leslie Jamison delves into the topic of addiction in her genre-defining book The Recovering. Part memoir, part cultural history, part literary criticism, the book shares Jamison's personal experience with addiction, as well as stories from Jean Rhys, Billie Holiday, and George Cain, in order to present a fascinating look at the recovery movement.
Emma by Jane Austen
This audible original recording features actor Emma Thompson (alongside actors Joanne Froggatt, Aisling Loftus, and Isabella Inchbald) narrating the witty Jane Austen classic. Austen fans, be forewarned: This isn't a word-for-word reading, but rather a modern telling of a classic.
Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
File this audiobook under refreshing self-help books that expose the misconceptions of having it all figured out. The utterly hilarious Hollis narrates her motivating New York Times bestseller, giving listeners a glimpse into her own messy life to inspire us all to get real.
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
Oluo's novel, which has been aptly described as "a current, constructive, and actionable exploration of today's racial landscape," is brought to vivid life by Bahni Turpin, whose name you might recognize from her acclaimed reading of Colson Whitehead's brilliant novel The Underground Railroad.
Becoming by Michelle Obama
The former First Lady's memoir is already close to being one of the best-selling memoirs of all time. The audiobook is narrated by Michelle Obama herself, and it's a must-listen.
Educated by Tara Westover
Even Barack Obama can't get enough of this memoir by Tara Westover. In the book, Westover recounts her experience being raised in a survivalist family in Idaho and her journey to pursue an education despite her upbringing.
Everything’s Trash, but It’s Okay by Phoebe Robinson
If you love the podcast 2 Dope Queens, check out co-host Pheobe Robinson's audiobook. It contains a collection of feminist essays that will have you actually laughing out loud on your commute.
The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton
This memoir is an absolutely riveting listen. Anthony Ray Hinton, a man wrongfully convicted for a crime he did not commit, spent 27 years in prison on Death Row. Trust us—you won't want to get out of the car until you reach the end.
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
This George Saunders novel won the 2018 APA Audie Awards for Audiobook of the Year, so consider it a must-listen. The father and son story explores the relationship between President Lincoln and his son. The all-star narrators (Nick Offerman, David Sedaris, and more) are reason enough to listen.
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling
Mindy Kaling can do no wrong, and her first book was no exception. If you just want to laugh, this hilarious and relatable memoir will make your drive fly by. Kaling, who also narrates the audiobook, shares her thoughts on romance, friendship, Hollywood, and more.
Body of Proof by Darrell Brown and Sophie Ellis
This true crime podcast examines unanswered questions from the disappearance and death of Suzanne Pilley in Edinburgh in 2010, as well as the conviction of David Gilroy. Journalists Darrell Brown and Sophie Ellis spent two years investigating the case, and you won't want to miss this.