Top 5 Tuesday is hosted by the wonderful Shanah @ Bionic Book Worm.
If you have been reading my blog for awhile, you will know that I have fallen in love with audiobooks. They have been a complete game-changer. It is amazing how much more enjoyable errands and everyday tasks are now that I can do them while listening to a book. Do not let anyone tell you that listening to audiobooks isn’t reading- those people are killjoys!
The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff
There is no denying that The Only Plane in the Sky is the best audiobook I have ever listened to. Graff has done extensive research on what happened on 9/11, and has interviewed many of the people who were affected by the events of that day. The result is this powerful, thoughtful, devastating yet hopeful work. The audiobook is a full cast and I truly think it is the best way to experience this book, even if you are not someone who normally listens to audiobooks.
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
I am about halfway through the audiobook of The Dutch House and I am savouring every minute of it. There is nothing better than having Tom Hanks read a story out loud to you. I can not even explain it- you have to experience it for yourself! It doesn’t hurt that the story itself is captivating and touching. I will post a full review when I am done, but I will be sad to see this one come to an end.
Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman narrates this one himself, and he has the perfect voice for audiobooks. He truly brings these characters to life! There is something about this format that works perfectly for mythology and lore. I loved hearing the dynamics between Thor and Loki. I don’t think I have ever been so entertained by an audiobook.
Naturally Tan by Tan France
I do not often read celebrity memoirs, but from now on, I will definitely listen to them on audio. There is something so personal about having the author tell you their story- you feel like you are having a conversation with a friend. It doesn’t hurt that I love Tan’s accent! Also, there is a surprise guest in the audiobook and it was just such an adorable moment that fans of Queer Eye shouldn’t miss.
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
I am sensing a theme here- apparently I enjoy it when an author narrates their own work. Not every author can pull it off, but no one understands the characters more than the person who created them. The Poet X is written in verse and Acevedo herself is a slam poet, so those things combine to make the perfect audiobook!
What are your favourite audiobooks? Who is your favourite narrator? I would love to know!
I certainly agree that listening to audio books is still reading; I do tend to get different things out of the experience. Tom Hanks’ voice is wonderful, and I also enjoyed listening to stories in his book, “Uncommon Type.”
I read the physical copy of Uncommon Type and really enjoyed it. I should listen to the audiobook one of these days!
I would love to hear Tom Hanks narrating The Dutch House, perhaps I would have had a better experience with the book that way. Reading it was a bit boring. I haven’t even realised there was a story to tell there let alone it being captivating or touching. There are siblings there who have a difficult fact accepting that their mother left them and that their father adopted two other children. I don’t see the book as being anything other than that.
I think I feel an interesting connection to it because I am an older sister to a younger brother. I am also someone who enjoys slice of life stories like this one and I prefer character driven novels. Keep in mind, I am not done yet, but I do think Tom Hanks’s narration adds to the experience!
I’d really like to read Naturally Tan and if it’s Tan himself narrating then I’ll definitely have to add it to my list of audiobooks to try out for when I learn how to keep my concentration. Great post 🙂
Thank you! I think you will love the audiobook for Naturally Tan. He is just so sweet and charming!
I absolutely love that you included Acevedo on this list because her audiobooks are next level! I don’t know if it’s the author connection to the characters that you mentioned, but I’ve listened to three of her narrations now and I’m a forever fan!
They really are! I think she truly knows her characters and has a connection with them, which makes the audiobooks next level!
I’ve heard great things about the audio for The Poet X. Great list!
It is incredible!
🙂
I have The Poet X saved to listen to some day! I can’t wait! Great list 🙂
It is so fantastic on audio!
Ooh Norse mythology was amazing on Audio! I should have put it on my list as well!
I loved the last magician and crown of feathers on audio!
(www.evelynreads.com)
I have both of those books on my TBR! So good to know they are good audiobooks!
Some new finds here for me. Nice.
Oh good!!
I cannot believe I chose to read Dutch House instead of listening to Tom Hanks read it to me for hours. Great list!
Oh no! I see a reread in your future!
Oooo! I might try the audiobook of Tan’s book! I also didn’t realize Norse Mythology would have one (should’ve been obvious). I’m very new to audiobooks so I’m not used to them yet haha!
Haha it took me awhile to really get a handle on audiobooks! I think Tan’s is a great one for when you’re just getting in to them.
Good to know! Maybe I will pick it up sooner rather than later!
Good to know poet x was such a good audiobook! Awesome list!
It’s brilliant. Thank you!
I’ve been seeing a lot of the Poet X, I’ll have to check it out! Great list!💜
It deserves all the hype!!
I didn’t know The Dutch House was read by Tom Hanks. I’ve added it to my TBR!
Yay! He is an incredible narrator!
Someone else also told me Norse Mythology is great on audio. I have the book, but might take in the audio too.
I definitely think audio is the way to go! It adds to the humour!
How good is Tom Hanks? I am also about halfway through The Dutch House and loving every second.
Same! He is amazing. I will listen to anything he narrates.
Definitely!!
I’ve heard so much about The Only Plane in the Sky, and Tom Hanks in The Dutch House was AMAZING!!! And I’ve heard how amazing Poet X apparently is, I’ll be putting it on my tbr.
All brilliant! Poet X is a must listen!
The Dutch House audiobook sounds great. I didn’t know Tom Hanks read audiobooks. I’ll add it to my wish list.
In terms of favourite narrators, it has to be Stephen Fry. He did a marvellous job on the Harry Potter books and Mythos. Lenny Henry is a great narrator too. His reading of Anansi Boys was brilliant.
It seems as though more and more celebrities are getting in to narrating audiobooks!
Ah yes I love Stephen Fry as well! I don’t think I have listened to anything narrated by Lenny Henry- will check them out. Thanks!
Norse Mythology is on my eventual to read list (its a long list) and I love when Neil Gaiman narrates his own books!
I so relate to that! Norse Mythology is a good one if you are in the mood for something fun and entertaining!
Just added The Only Plane in the Sky to my TBR, that sounds so interesting. Great recs!!
Thank you! Be prepared–it is very emotional!
The Poet X is such an incredible audiobook! 😀 I love it when authors narrate their own books.
Me too! It adds another layer to the story!
I’m definitely trying The Dutch House, with Tom Hanks reading to me!
Yes! It is such a great experience!