There should be no debate on whether audiobooks count as reading. But just in case there are any doubters among our readers, we challenge you to take a long road-trip or staycation with these incredible books and see how you feel afterwards!
Each of these audiobooks are worth every second of listening and are enjoyable not only for the substance, but by the way they’re performed and the incredible narration and production. Read on for some of the best audiobooks to enjoy this summer, whether you’re roadrtipping or just want something good to listen to until Fall!
Like a Love Story by Abdi Nazemian
Narrated by Lauren Ambrose, Vikas Adam, Michael Crouch
Set in the 1980’s, Like a Love Story tells the tale of three young adults growing up during the days of the HIV/AIDS crisis, attempting to define their place in the world and come to terms with their sexual identity. Told from the perspective of each teen, Like a Love Story talks about their peculiar love triangle and how friendship overcomes all. The voices of each character in the audiobook sets the tone for the scenes that unfold. It’s nearly impossible to not feel the passion in their voices as they relate the characters’ heartbreak, frustration and joy. Compared to reading the novel, the audiobook delivers a unique, more personal experience. – Leigh-Ann Brodber
The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen
Narrated by Rebecca Soler
Hailed as the queen of YA, Sarah Dessen is known for the way she perfectly captures a teen’s perspective and her latest YA novel is no exception. The novel follows Emma Saylor who is sent to stay with her mother’s family who she barely knows for the summer. Here in North Lake, Emma is Saylor – the name her mother called her when she was alive. Across in Lake North where her father grew up, she is known as Emma. Torn between two identities, Emma Saylor must now decide who she wants to be. As with most YA books, romance also plays a big part in this decision. Rebecca Soler is the perfect person to voice Emma Saylor. As she narrates Emma Saylor’s thoughts and the scenes she encounters, the heavy emotions that are usually found in teenage angst is clear in her voice. – Leigh-Ann Brodber
Hot Dog Girl by Jennifer Dugan
Narrated by Brittany Pressley
Summer is not turning out the way Lou expected it would. She’s stuck working at Magic Castle Playland with her crush but as a giant dancing hot dog while he’s been cast as the Diving Pirate. Working alongside her crush would be awesome if she didn’t have to do it wearing a ridiculous food costume and if he didn’t already have a girlfriend who just happens to be the princess of the park. Add in the fact that Lou’s best friend, Seeley, has decided that she won’t help Lou in breaking up her crush and his girlfriend or Lou’s attempt to play matchmaker for her, the summer is looking all but bleak. Worse yet, she might not even have a summer next year if she can’t stop the park from being closed down. In this stunning novel, Dugan explores the extent of teenage angst. – Leigh-Ann Brodber
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Narrated by Jennifer Beals, Benjamin Bratt, Judy Greer, etc.
Told from a documentary format, Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid is the kind of novel you clear your schedule to indulge in. The story follows Daisy Jones, a fictional phenomenal singer in the late sixties/early seventies, who happens to end up with a band called The Six, led by the brooding Billy Dunne. The moments after their encounter is recorded in interview format and makes you question whether or not these events are only fictional or are actually based on real life events. – Leigh-Ann Brodber
The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart
Narrated by Khristine Hvam
This middle-grade book packs quite a punch. It follows the hippie-ish life of Coyote and her father Rodeo as they travel far distances in their remodeled school bus in an attempt to escape the emotional burden that awaits them in their hometown. However, when Coyote hears that the park where she buried some very important notes is about to be torn down, she tries to steer him back home. Unfortunately, it isn’t as easy for Rodeo to confront the truth when Rodeo finally discovers what Coyote is up to. – Leigh-Ann Brodber
The Gentlemen’s Guide To Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
Narrated by Christian Coulson
Henry “Monty” Montague just wants to have a whirlwind European tour with his best friend (who he is also desperately in love with) but when a reckless choice separates them from their chaperone, he, Percy and his sister must untangle the mysteries surrounding a stolen artifact and figure out how and if they want to go home again. Christian Coulson (who you may recognize as a young Tom Riddle in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets) delightfully narrates this exciting, hilarious and at times heartbreaking book. You’ll be desperate for more of Monty, Percy and Felicity and be overjoyed that there’s a brilliant companion novel from Felicity’s point of view, A Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy, which is just as wonderful. – Brianna Robinson
Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick
Narrated by the author
I love celebrity memoirs and I love celebrity narrated audiobooks. Anna Kendrick’s memoir is giggle-snort inducing and provides insight into her life as an actress and her career. If you love her tweets, you’ll love this book. –Brianna Robinson
Shadowshaper by Daniel Jose Older
Narrated by Anika Noni Rose
An urban fantasy, this book is as much about art as it is about magic. The narration by Anika Noni Rose is perfection and provides the best voice for Sierra’s thoughts. If you’re looking to escape into a fantastical world this summer, you must try this audiobook. –Brianna Robinson
The Great American Whatever by Tim Federle
Narrated by the author
I laughed so much through the first chapter of this book, narrated by the author as a bonus, that I would be a horrible person not to recommend it. But this book is more than just funny–it can be terribly sad and wonderful all at once. It’s worth a listen, just bring some tissues. – Brianna Robinson
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
Narrated by the author
Jason Reynolds is a master of language. This book is a fantastic example of that and this award-winning audiobook proves just how incredible he is as an author and narrator. Important and jarring, this book takes on gun violence, and brilliantly told in a sixty-second span. This audiobook demands a listen. – Brianna Robinson
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevado
Narrated by the author
This verse novel was upsetting because I just wanted Xiomara to succeed. I felt so close to X and the rhythm of her life, the poetry. Like Long Way Down, the book is narrated by the author and it couldn’t have been a better choice. –Brianna Robinson
Do you have a favorite audiobook? Sound off in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: Photo by Gavin Whitner