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The New York Times’ Top Audiobooks of 2024: What to Listen to Right Now
Alright, audiobook fans (and soon-to-be audiobook fans), The New York Times just dropped their list of the Best Audiobooks of 2024, and it’s packed with some seriously great listens. If you’re looking for something new to keep you company on your commute, during workouts, or while zoning out on the couch, this is the list to check out.
This lineup covers everything from historical deep dives to raw memoirs and even some wildly inventive fiction. Basically, whether you’re into intense storytelling, laugh-out-loud moments, or something that makes you stop and think, there’s something here for you. So let’s get into it—here are the top picks:
1. James: A Novel
- Audible Audiobook
- Percival Everett (Author) – Dominic Hoffman (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 03/19/2024 (Publication Date) – Random House Audio (Publisher)
This one’s a bold twist on Huckleberry Finn, but instead of Huck, we follow James (aka Jim from the original story). The novel gives him the spotlight, diving into identity, survival, and how he masks his intelligence with a “slave filter” to navigate the world. The narration? Absolute perfection. Hoffman shifts between humor and heavy moments like a pro. If you’re into historical reimaginings with a fresh voice, this one’s a must. Available for $17.72.
2. All Fours: A Novel
- Audible Audiobook
- Miranda July (Author) – Miranda July (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 05/14/2024 (Publication Date) – Penguin Audio (Publisher)
A 45-year-old workaholic meets a mysterious younger man at a car wash, and suddenly, life takes a turn. All Fours is equal parts funny, vulnerable, and a little chaotic (in the best way). July, who also narrates, brings every intense, cringeworthy, and beautiful moment to life with her raspy, intimate storytelling. If you love nonlinear, introspective journeys about passion and self-discovery, this one’s for you. $17.72 well spent.
3. The Wide Wide Sea
- Audible Audiobook
- Hampton Sides (Author) – Peter Noble (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 04/09/2024 (Publication Date) – Random House Audio (Publisher)
History buffs, this is your pick. This audiobook dissects Captain James Cook’s doomed expedition through the Northwest Passage, unpacking themes of colonization, cultural clashes, and environmental impact. Narrator Noble delivers a gripping performance that makes this feel like an epic adventure. If you want more like it, check out Spotify’s top audiobook picks. Price? $19.69.
4. Rejection: Fiction
- Audible Audiobook
- Tony Tulathimutte (Author) – Micky Shiloah, Allyson Ryan, Quincy Surasmith (Narrators)
- English (Publication Language)
- 09/17/2024 (Publication Date) – HarperAudio (Publisher)
A dark, biting collection of interconnected stories about human nature at its strangest. We’re talking self-destructive characters, painfully awkward incels, and moments that make you laugh, cringe, and question everything. The narrators nail the delivery, making each story feel like its own bizarre little world. If you love offbeat, edgy fiction, this is the one. $22.04.
5. From Here to the Great Unknown: A Memoir
- Audible Audiobook
- Lisa Marie Presley (Author) – Riley Keough, Julia Roberts (Narrators)
- English (Publication Language)
- 10/08/2024 (Publication Date) – Random House Audio (Publisher)
This one hits hard. Presley’s memoir, completed by her daughter after her passing, is a mix of tragedy, resilience, and beautifully raw storytelling. The audiobook even features Presley’s own voice through archival recordings, which makes it all the more moving. If you’re into deeply personal, emotional memoirs, this belongs on your list. Also, The Eras Tour Book is breaking records—another memoir worth checking out. $19.69.
6. Long Island: A Novel
- Audible Audiobook
- Colm Toibin (Author) – Jessie Buckley (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 05/07/2024 (Publication Date) – McClelland & Stewart (Publisher)
Love historical fiction? This one’s got all the heart and nuance. Set in 1950s Brooklyn, Long Island follows Eilis Lacey (yes, the same Eilis from Brooklyn), navigating love, culture, and self-discovery. Ronan’s narration is effortlessly elegant, making this a dreamy, immersive listen. Also, if you love reading alongside listening, check out Kindle Scribe’s AI summaries. Price tag? $20.48.
7. Health and Safety: A Breakdown
- Audible Audiobook
- Emily Witt (Author) – Emily Witt (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 09/17/2024 (Publication Date) – Random House Audio (Publisher)
Witt takes us straight into the chaotic Brooklyn rave scene, weaving in personal struggles, a toxic relationship, and the political messiness of the Trump years. The storytelling is sharp and unfiltered, with a narration that keeps things grounded even in its wildest moments. If memoirs are your thing, don’t miss Audible’s current deal—three months for just $3. This one’s $15.75.
8. Whale Fall: A Novel
- Audible Audiobook
- Elizabeth O’Connor (Author) – Dyfrig Morris, Gabrielle Glaister, Gwyneth Keyworth (Narrators)
- English (Publication Language)
- 05/07/2024 (Publication Date) – Random House Audio (Publisher)
A beautifully atmospheric story set on a remote Welsh island during WWII, following an 18-year-old grappling with love, culture, and isolation. Keyworth’s narration is soft yet powerful, making this feel like a quiet, meditative experience. It’s short but impactful—sometimes less really is more. $11.81. If you’re after more affordable reads, check out Kindle Unlimited’s latest deal for under $1.
Where to Find These Audiobooks
Most of these are available on Amazon, often with solid discounts (some up to 13% off). Also, if you’re into integrating audiobooks into your daily routine, the latest Kindle Scribe updates are making it even easier to switch between reading and listening. Now’s a great time to jump into something new.
Whether you’re a history buff, fiction lover, or memoir junkie, this list has a little something for everyone. So, what’s your next listen?
