It’s all about the reviews! We love when our members leave reviews on our site to let us know what they thought about the audiobooks they’ve listened to. This allows other users to get a feel for what others thought about the listen before committing to spending their credit and jumping into the story.
We’ve rounded up our top ten audiobooks with the most five-star reviews and we’ve also picked out some of our favorite user reviews, so you don’t have to take our word for it — hear how great they are directly from our listeners!
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, narrated by Cassandra Campbell
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The author uses such beautiful words to describe the landscape of the North Carolina coast. Often I felt like I was there in the shed with Kya. The ending was a complete surprise and I actually hated for the book to be over. Great read!
– Tara M.
Publisher Summary:
For years, rumors of the ‘Marsh Girl’ have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life–until the unthinkable happens.
Where the Crawdads Sing is at once an exquisite ode to the natural world, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story, and a surprising tale of possible murder. Owens reminds us that we are forever shaped by the children we once were, and that we are all subject to the beautiful and violent secrets that nature keeps.
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Becoming by Michelle Obama, narrated by Michelle Obama
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Brilliantly written, brilliantly narrated, by a brilliant woman. I am an avid reader and I found this to be one of the most profound historical works I have ever encountered. Exceptional, moving, honest. triumphant.
– Dr. Barbara B.
Publisher Summary:
In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. As First Lady of the United States of America—the first African American to serve in that role—she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world, dramatically changing the ways that families pursue healthier and more active lives, and standing with her husband as he led America through some of its most harrowing moments. Along the way, she showed us a few dance moves, crushed Carpool Karaoke, and raised two down-to-earth daughters under an unforgiving media glare.
In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her—from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it—in her own words and on her own terms. Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations—and whose story inspires us to do the same..
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The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck by Mark Manson, narrated by Roger Wayne
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What a refreshing read. This book cuts to the chase and says exactly what people need to hear.
– Lana E.
Publisher Summary:
In this generation-defining self-help guide, a superstar blogger cuts through the crap to show us how to stop trying to be ‘positive’ all the time so that we can truly become better, happier people.
For decades, we’ve been told that positive thinking is the key to a happy, rich life. ‘F**k positivity,’ Mark Manson says. ‘Let’s be honest, shit is f**ked and we have to live with it.’ In his wildly popular Internet blog, Manson doesn’t sugarcoat or equivocate. He tells it like it is—a dose of raw, refreshing, honest truth that is sorely lacking today. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k is his antidote to the coddling, let’s-all-feel-good mindset that has infected modern society and spoiled a generation, rewarding them with gold medals just for showing up.
Manson makes the argument, backed both by academic research and well-timed poop jokes, that improving our lives hinges not on our ability to turn lemons into lemonade, but on learning to stomach lemons better. Human beings are flawed and limited— ‘not everybody can be extraordinary, there are winners and losers in society, and some of it is not fair or your fault.’ Manson advises us to get to know our limitations and accept them. Once we embrace our fears, faults, and uncertainties, once we stop running and avoiding and start confronting painful truths, we can begin to find the courage, perseverance, honesty, responsibility, curiosity, and forgiveness we seek.
There are only so many things we can give a f**k about so we need to figure out which ones really matter, Manson makes clear. While money is nice, caring about what you do with your life is better, because true wealth is about experience. A much-needed grab-you-by-the-shoulders-and-look-you-in-the-eye moment of real-talk, filled with entertaining stories and profane, ruthless humor, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k is a refreshing slap for a generation to help them lead contented, grounded lives.
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The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, narrated by Jeremy Irons
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This book was a joy to read. My 7th grade son was reading it in English class and his teacher invited the parents to read it as well….I am glad that I did. What I took away from it will be much different than my 13 year old son, but it is truly a treasure. A beautiful, simple story that tells of life’s mysteries without very much pomp or circumstance…the narrator brings the story of a boy in search of his Personal Legend in a mesmerizing way. His voice is calming yet personifies each character as he reads. I’ve recruited other moms to read it and I can’t wait to meet for coffee and discover their own Personal Legends…..ha! Read it, you won’t regret it!
– Angie G.
Publisher Summary:
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho continues to change the lives of its readers forever. With more than two million copies sold around the world, The Alchemist has established itself as a modern classic, universally admired.
Paulo Coelho’s masterpiece tells the magical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure as extravagant as any ever found.
The story of the treasures Santiago finds along the way teaches us, as only a few stories can, about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, learning to read the omens strewn along life’s path, and, above all, following our dreams.
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Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, narrated by Davina Porter
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The most enjoyable romantic adventure I have ever read.
– Bobby G.
Publisher Summary:
Outlander, Diana Gabaldon’s landmark novel of Scottish lore has captured the hearts of millions of readers around the world and catapulted her to the top of the New York Times bestseller list. Intrigue, danger and desire merge in this lush novel of loyalty and time travel.
In 1945, Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon. Their blissful reunion is shattered when she touches a boulder in one of the ancient stone ruins and is instantly transported to a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans . in 1743. Will Claire find her way back to her own time, or is her destiny forever linked with Clan MacKenzie and the gallant James Fraser? Davina Porter‘s lyrical narration will launch listeners into an exhilarating world of heroism, pulse-pounding adventure, and breathtaking romance as one woman is torn between past and present, passion and love.
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It by Stephen King, narrated by Steven Weber
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As others have said, the narrator is astoundingly good. I’ve never heard a book narrated so well, so distinctly for each voice, so pitch perfect for every scene. Of course it’s a great story, King being an evil-genius and all, but the narration made this books so good it’s almost painful to end.
– Peg I.
Publisher Summary:
Welcome to Derry, Maine. It’s a small city, a place as hauntingly familiar as your own hometown. Only in Derry the haunting is real.
They were seven teenagers when they first stumbled upon the horror. Now they are grown-up men and women who have gone out into the big world to gain success and happiness. But the promise they made twenty-eight years ago calls them reunite in the same place where, as teenagers, they battled an evil creature that preyed on the city’s children. Now, children are being murdered again and their repressed memories of that terrifying summer return as they prepare to once again battle the monster lurking in Derry’s sewers.
Readers of Stephen King know that Derry, Maine, is a place with a deep, dark hold on the author. It reappears in many of his books, including Bag of Bones, Hearts in Atlantis, and 11/22/63. But it all starts with It.
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To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, narrated by Sissy Spacek
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This classic describes coming of age in the Deep South amidst serious life events, the awareness raised by being the children of Atticus, a local attorney. Both children became aware of the damage done by severe racial prejudice and joined their father in the courageous but tragic counter cultural activities, raising awareness of the pain and suffering of African Americans, and the bravery required to be a minority in the Deep South. Loved this book and have listened several times.
– Elizabeth C.
Publisher Summary:
Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork of honor and injustice in the deep South—and the heroism of one man in the face of blind and violent hatred
One of the most cherished stories of all time, To Kill a Mockingbird has been translated into more than forty languages, sold more than forty million copies worldwide, served as the basis for an enormously popular motion picture, and was voted one of the best novels of the twentieth century by librarians across the country. A gripping, heart-wrenching, and wholly remarkable tale of coming-of-age in a South poisoned by virulent prejudice, it views a world of great beauty and savage inequities through the eyes of a young girl, as her father—a crusading local lawyer—risks everything to defend a black man unjustly accused of a terrible crime.
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The Secret by Rhonda Byrne, narrated by Rhonda Byrne
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Love it… The law of attraction is strong and if you us It to you full potential then you will have everything you want..
– J. D.
Publisher Summary:
The worldwide bestselling phenomenon that has helped millions tap the power of the law that governs all our lives to create—intentionally and effortlessly—a joyful life.
Fragments of a Great Secret have been found in the oral traditions, in literature, in religions, and philosophies throughout the centuries. For the first time, all the pieces of The Secret come together in an incredible revelation that will be life-transforming for all who experience it.
In this book, you’ll learn how to use The Secret in every aspect of your life—money, health, relationships, happiness, and in every interaction you have in the world. You’ll begin to understand the hidden, untapped power that’s within you, and this revelation can bring joy to every aspect of your life.
The Secret contains wisdom from modern-day teachers—men and women who have used it to achieve health, wealth, and happiness. By applying the knowledge of The Secret, they bring to light compelling stories of eradicating disease, acquiring massive wealth, overcoming obstacles, and achieving what many would regard as impossible..
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The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien, narrated by Rob Inglis
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My first journey into fantasy novels as a kid, and still one of the best. Tolkien has that rare gift of immersing his readers into his world and leaving them wanting more. I never tire of this series and listen to it once or twice a year.
– Charles S.
Publisher Summary:
Inspired by The Hobbit, and begun in 1937, The Lord of the Rings is a trilogy that Tolkien created to provide “the necessary background of history for Elvish tongues.” From these academic aspirations was born one of the most popular and imaginative works in English literature.
The Fellowship of the Ring, the first volume in the trilogy, tells of the fateful power of the One Ring. It begins a magnificent tale of adventure that will plunge the members of the Fellowship of the Ring into a perilous quest and set the stage for the ultimate clash between powers of good and evil. In this splendid, unabridged audio production of Tolkien’s great work, all the inhabitants of a magical universe-hobbits, elves, and wizards-step colorfully forth from the pages. Rob Inglis’ narration has been praised as a masterpiece of audio. “Suffice it to say that this unabridged recorded version … is marvelous in all respects. The narration is clear and delivered in a smooth English accent of a master storyteller.” -Kliat
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5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman, narrated by Gary Chapman
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What an excellent book on love, marriage, and relationships. Absolutely essential for married couples, and dare I say parents as well. I honestly believe that if more couples tried what is written & recommended in the book, that it would have a significant, positive affect on the rate of divorce. The subject material is simple to understand, built on decades of research, and validated by many real life examples. This ‘book’ is easy to read, easy to understand, and easy to put into practice right away, with near minimal effort. The audio version is fantastic. I highly recommend. The author has a buttery smooth southern drawl, which is very pleasing to listen to…
– Justin A.
Publisher Summary:
Between busy schedules and long days, expressing love can fall by the wayside. We forget to compliment, to give gifts “just because,” to linger in an embrace. The things that say “I love you” seem to either not get said or not get through. This is an audio book about saying it — and hearing it — clearly. No gimmicks. No psychoanalyzing. Just learning to express love in your spouse’s language.
With over 10 million copies sold, The 5 Love Languages® has transformed countless relationships. Its ideas are simple and conveyed with clarity and humor, making this audio book as practical as it is personable. You’ll be inspired by real-life stories and encouraged by its commonsense approach. Listening to this audio feels like taking a walk with a wise friend. Applying it will forever change your relationship — starting today.
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Looking for Book Recommendations?
• Here are the audiobooks our members have been loving, along with our staff picks that we’ve been championing.
• Looking to share your love of books? Our handy Book Clubbin’ questions make it super easy to start a book club. Or, Netflix n’ buddy-read with this year’s book-to-screen adaptations (just be prepared for the perennial debate: is the book better than the movie/show?).
• If you’re looking for something extra, we’ve got author and narrator interviews to give you a gleam inside their worlds.
• For the curious-minded, audiobooks can teach you a thing or two, from nature therapy to personal finance. It can even keep the little ones busy so you can steal some time back for yourself.
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