The Best Audiobooks to Gift This Season

Just like that, the gifting season is upon us and, inevitably, the stress of finding the perfect presents. If you want to avoid the headache of packed shopping malls, that dreaded “out of stock” sign, and lots and lots of indecision, we’ve got just the thing for you!

With 1, 3, 6, and 12-month gift subscriptions to Audiobooks.com, you’re giving that special someone access to over 300,000 audiobooks at their fingertips. PLUS, you can recommend an audiobook with your gift so they have the perfect first listen to put their credit toward. Follow these steps to recommend a gift that will really speak to them:

1. Find the audiobook you’d like to recommend with your gift subscription on our website

2. Click the “Give as a Gift” button

3. Finish filling out the information for your gift

4. Complete the checkout process and that’s it!

If you’re not sure which audiobook to recommend, we’ve got you covered! No matter who you’re shopping for, you’ll find the perfect audiobook for them in our gifting guide below.


BEST FICTION AUDIOBOOKS


Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr, narrated by Simon JonesMarin Ireland

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of All the Light We Cannot See, perhaps the most bestselling and beloved literary fiction of our time, comes Cloud Cuckoo Land.

Set in Constantinople in the fifteenth century, in a small town in present-day Idaho, and on an interstellar ship decades from now, Anthony Doerr’s gorgeous third novel is a triumph of imagination and compassion, a soaring story about children on the cusp of adulthood in worlds in peril, who find resilience, hope—and a book.

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Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid, narrated by Julia Whelan

Malibu: August 1983. It’s the day of Nina Riva’s annual end-of-summer party, and anticipation is at a fever pitch. Everyone wants to be around the famous Rivas. Together the siblings are a source of fascination in Malibu and the world over—especially as the offspring of the legendary singer Mick Riva.

By midnight the party will be completely out of control. By morning, the Riva mansion will have gone up in flames. But before that first spark in the early hours before dawn, the alcohol will flow, the music will play, and the loves and secrets that shaped this family’s generations will all come rising to the surface.

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Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon, narrated by Davina Porter

#1 New York Times bestselling author Diana Gabaldon returns with the newest novel in the epic Outlander series.

The past may seem the safest place to be…but it is the most dangerous time to be alive. …Jamie Fraser and Claire Randall were torn apart by the Jacobite Rising in 1746, and it took them twenty years to find each other again. Now the American Revolution threatens to do the same.

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BEST MYSTERY & THRILLER AUDIOBOOKS


Billy Summers by Stephen King, narrated by Paul Sparks

Billy Summers is a man in a room with a gun. He’s a killer for hire and the best in the business. But he’ll do the job only if the target is a truly bad guy. And now Billy wants out. But first there is one last hit. Billy is among the best snipers in the world, a decorated Iraq war vet, a Houdini when it comes to vanishing after the job is done. So what could possibly go wrong?

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The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris, narrated by Aja Naomi King, Heather Alicia SimmsBahni Turpin, and Joniece Abbott-Pratt

Twenty-six-year-old editorial assistant Nella Rogers is tired of being the only Black employee at Wagner Books. Fed up with the isolation and microaggressions, she’s thrilled when Harlem-born and bred Hazel starts working in the cubicle beside hers. They’ve only just started comparing natural hair care regimens, though, when a string of uncomfortable events elevates Hazel to Office Darling, and Nella is left in the dust.

Then the notes begin to appear on Nella’s desk: LEAVE WAGNER. NOW.

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The Judge’s List by John Grisham, narrated by Mary-Louise Parker

Investigator Lacy Stoltz is tired of her work for the Florida Board on Judicial Conduct and ready for a change. Then she meets a mysterious woman who is so frightened she uses a number of aliases. Jeri Crosby’s father was murdered twenty years earlier in a case that remains unsolved and that has grown stone cold. But Jeri has a suspect whom she has become obsessed with and has stalked for two decades. Along the way, she has discovered other victims.

Suspicions are easy enough, but proof seems impossible. He is the most cunning of all serial killers. He knows forensics, police procedure, and most important: he knows the law.

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BEST MEMOIRS


Will by Will Smith, narrated by Will Smith

One of the most dynamic and globally recognized entertainment forces of our time opens up fully about his life, in a brave and inspiring book that traces his learning curve to a place where outer success, inner happiness, and human connection are aligned. Along the way, Will tells the story in full of one of the most amazing rides through the worlds of music and film that anyone has ever had.

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The Storyteller by Dave Grohl, narrated by Dave Grohl

Features excerpts from five never before heard demos performed by Dave Grohl and an original story exclusive to The Storyteller audiobook.

So, I’ve written a book.

The joy that I have felt from chronicling these tales is not unlike listening back to a song that I’ve recorded and can’t wait to share with the world, or reading a primitive journal entry from a stained notebook, or even hearing my voice bounce between the Kiss posters on my wall as a child. 

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Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner, narrated by Michelle Zauner

From the indie rockstar of Japanese Breakfast fame, and author of the viral 2018 New Yorker essay that shares the title of this book, an unflinching, powerful memoir about growing up Korean American, losing her mother, and forging her own identity.

In this exquisite story of family, food, grief, and endurance, Michelle Zauner proves herself far more than a dazzling singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Vivacious and plainspoken, lyrical and honest, Zauner’s voice is as radiantly alive on the page as it is onstage.

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BEST NON-FICTION


Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography by Laurie Woolever, narrated by  W. Kamau BellNigella LawsonLaurie WooleverChristopher BourdainJosé Andrés, and a full cast

An unprecedented behind-the-scenes view into the life of Anthony Bourdain from the people who knew him best.

When Anthony Bourdain died in June 2018, fans around the globe came together to celebrate the life of an inimitable man who had dedicated his life to traveling nearly everywhere (and eating nearly everything), shedding light on the lives and stories of others. His impact was outsized and his legacy has only grown since his death.

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The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet by John Green, narrated by John Green

The Anthropocene is the current geologic age, in which humans have profoundly reshaped the planet and its biodiversity. In this remarkable symphony of essays adapted and expanded from his groundbreaking podcast, bestselling author John Green reviews different facets of the human-centered planet on a five-star scale—from the QWERTY keyboard and sunsets to Canada geese and Penguins of Madagascar.

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Woke Up This Morning: The Definitive Oral History of The Sopranos by Steve SchirripaMichael Imperioli, narrated by Michael ImperioliSteve Schirripa, and a full cast

The definitive oral history of the landmark television series and streaming hit The Sopranos, packed with untold stories from behind the scenes and on the set. Stars Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa—whose Talking Sopranos podcast has become a sensational fan favorite—talk intimately with virtually everyone who has been involved with the show. And they’re ready to spill it all.

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MORE TO DISCOVER


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.


New to Audiobooks.com? Get your first book free, PLUS a bonus book from our VIP selection when you sign up for our one-month free trial. Digital audiobooks make audible stories come to life when you’re commuting, working out, cleaning, cooking, and more! Listening is easy with our top-rated free audiobook apps for iOS and Android, which let you download & listen to bestselling audiobooks on the go, wherever you are. Click here to get your free audiobooks!

5 Audiobooks to Keep You Inspired in the Kitchen

It’s a fresh new year and with the Holiday rush behind us we have time for all the things we didn’t get to try in 2017. One of those things for me is upping my food game. From eating healthier to making more elaborate meals, I found a few titles that will keep me inspired. Better yet, I’ll be listening while I cook to make the most of my time in the kitchen. If you’d like to join me on this journey, channel your inner-chef and give these audiobooks a listen!

 

1. Pretty Fun: Creating and Celebrating a Lifetime of Tradition by Kate Hudson, narrated by the author

Celebrate all of the special moments in your life, big and small, with this warm and welcoming, lifestyle and entertaining guide, complete with delicious, healthy recipes, from actress, fashion icon, entrepreneur, and New York Times bestselling author of Pretty Happy Kate Hudson.

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2. My Life in France by Alex Prud’homme and Julia Child, narrated by Flo Salant Greenberg

From the moment the ship docked in Le Havre, en route to Paris, in the fall of 1948, Julia had an awakening that changed her life. Soon this tall, outspoken gal from Pasadena, California, who didn’t speak a word of French and knew nothing about the country, was steeped in the language, chatting with purveyors in the local markets, and enrolled in the Cordon Bleu.

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3. Cork Dork: A Wine Fueled Adventure Among the Obsessive Sommeliers, Big Bottle Hunters, and Rogue Scientists Who Taught Me to Live for Taste by Bianca Bosker, narrated by the author

Amateur drinker and professional tech reporter Bianca Bosker didn’t know much about wine—until she stumbled on an alternate universe where taste reigned supreme, a world of master sommeliers who could, after a single sip, identify the grape a bottle was made from, in what year, and where it was produced, within acres. Where she tasted “wine,” they detected not only complex flavor profiles, but entire histories and geographies. 

Read more and sample the audio.

 

 

 

 

 

4. What She Ate: Six Remarkable Women and the Food That Tells Their Stories by Laura Shapiro, narrated by Kimberly Farr and Laura Shapiro

Everyone eats, and food touches on every aspect of our lives-social and cultural, personal and political. Yet most biographers pay little attention to people’s attitudes toward food, as if the great and notable never bothered to think about what was on the plate in front of them. Once we ask how somebody relates to food, we find a whole world of different and provocative ways to understand her. Food stories can be as intimate and revealing as stories of love, work, or coming-of-age. 

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5. The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan, narrated by Scott Brick

We are indeed what we eat, and what we eat remakes the world. A society of voracious and increasingly confused omnivores, we are just beginning to recognize the profound consequences of the simplest everyday food choices, both for ourselves and for the natural world. The Omnivore’s Dilemma (brings) a completely fresh perspective to a question as ordinary and yet momentous as “What shall we have for dinner?”

Read more and sample the audio.

Audiobook lovers gift guide

Need a gift suggestion for the audiobook lover in your life? Look no further! We’ve curated the perfect list to help you shop for that special someone in your life. These tech friendly gifts are sure to have him/her listening for hours in the new year.  If you have any other suggestions, feel free to share your ideas below!
Phone case
The most popular method of listening to audiobooks, is on mobile devices such as smart phones. Give your loved one’s smart phone a new look and feel this holiday season by gifting them a vibrant new phone case.
Waterproof speaker
Do you know someone who likes to listen everywhere they go? If you do, a waterproof speaker is the way to go! They can pair their mobile device using a bluetooth connection and make their showers even more productive by listening to an audiobook.
Plush steering wheel cover
Fun Fact: the most common listening activity is driving! Make your loved one’s daily commute that much more enjoyable by gifting them a plush steering wheel cover. It’s guaranteed to put a smile on their face every time they reach for the wheel!
Car phone mount
With hands-free driving laws appearing around the globe, it’s more important than ever to focus on the road. Get your loved one an in-car phone mount so they can call you or listen to an audiobook and navigate all hands-free!
Head wrap with built-in headphones
These head wraps with built-in earphones are the perfect travel accessory for audiobook lovers of any age. Whether you travel by plane, train or car to visit your relatives, sit back, relax and listen with a cozy head wrap.
Bookish clothing & acessories from Out of Print
Do you know their favorite author or book? Check out Out of Print‘s selection of book themed clothing and accessories to find something they would enjoy.
Gift Subscription to Audiobooks.com
Give the gift that will really speak to them; give the gift of an Audiobooks.com subscription! Gift subscriptions are available in 1, 3, 6 or 12 month packages. The bigger the gift, the bigger the savings.

Holiday Romances

The holidays are a romantic time of the year. From ice skating to sipping hot cocoa by the fire, there’s lots to do with your significant other. Whether your a hopeless romantic or you have a special someone in mind this holiday season, we’ve got an audiobook suggestion for you!

Merry and Bright, by Debbie Macomber

Merry Knight is pretty busy these days. She’s taking care of her family, baking cookies, decorating for the holidays, and hoping to stay out of the crosshairs of her stressed and by-the-book boss at the consulting firm where she temps. Her own social life is the last thing she has in mind, much less a man. Without her knowledge, Merry’s well-meaning mom and brother create an online dating profile for her-minus her photo-and the matches start rolling in. Initially, Merry is incredulous, but she reluctantly decides to give it a whirl.

 

Miracle on 5th Avenue, by Sarah Morgan

It will take a Christmas miracle for two very different souls to find each other in this perfectly festive fairy tale of New York! Hopeless romantic Eva Jordan loves everything about Christmas…Bestselling crime writer Lucas Blade is having the nightmare before Christmas… He wants no interruptions, no decorations and he certainly doesn’t appreciate being distracted by his beautiful, bubbly new housekeeper. But when the blizzard of the century leaves Eva snowbound in his apartment, Lucas starts to open up to the magic she brings This Christmas, is Lucas finally ready to trust that happily-ever-afters do exist?

 

Mistletoe Secret, by Richard Paul Evans

New York writer Tyler Richards is reading her posts. Nursing his own broken heart and trust issues, he finds himself falling for this anonymous blogger. Following a trail of clues LBH has inadvertently revealed, he tracks her down to the small town of Tribe, Alabama. He makes his way there, and begins the search for a Lisa, Lori, maybe a Luanne. Instead, he finds a woman named Kelly to help him track down the mysterious LBH.

 

Hold Me, Cowboy, by Maisey Yates

Stranded with a cowboy for Christmas from New York Times bestselling author Maisey Yates! Oil and water have nothing on Sam McCormack and Madison West. The wealthy rancher has never met a haughtier or more appealing woman in his life. And when they’re snowed in, he’s forced to admit this ice queen can scorch him with one touch Madison had plans for the weekend! Instead she’s stranded with a man who drives her wild. A night of no-strings fun leaves both of them wanting more when they return to Copper Ridge. His proposal: twelve days of hot sex before Christmas! But will it ever be enough?

 

Making Spirits Bright, by Elizabeth Bass, Nan Rossiter, Rosalind Noonan and Fern Michaels

A combination of four short stories. Making Spirits Bright, by Fern Michaels. Runaway Christmas, by Elizabeth Bass. Home for Christmas, by Rosalind Noonan. Christmas on Cape Cod, by Nan Rossiter.

 

Let us know what you think and share your favorite holiday romance below!

Win BIG this holiday season

Audiobook lovers know the joy of having their books connected to as many devices as they can get their hands on. This Christmas we’re stepping that joy up a notch with three awesome prizes! Win an iPad Pro, SONOS speakers or Beats headphones for a friend, and you’ll get a 12-month Audiobooks.com gift subscription too!

Enter the contest on Facebook or Instagram for a chance to win a FREE 12-month gift subscription for yourself and one of these great prizes for a friend (valued at up to $650)!

How to Enter:

  1. 1. Like the Audiobooks.com Facebook or Instagram page
  2. 2. Like the contest post on the appropriate social media platform
  3. 3. Tag a friend in the comments

 

Don’t miss out on your chance to win. Contest ends December 8th, so get tagging! The three lucky winners will be randomly selected after contest closure.
US and Canada only. Read the full contest rules here.

Why an Audiobook Subscription is a Great Gift!

Gift giving is stressful for even the most organized. Presents are needed for grandparents, parents, in-laws, significant others, friends… the list goes on and on. Consider a solution that’s both budget and time friendly. This holiday season, give a gift that will really speak to them: an audiobook subscription!

Gift subscriptions from Audiobooks.com are flexible. They can last for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months, and the bigger the gift, the bigger the savings!

Do you know the perfect listen for them? Recommend it! Show your loved ones just how well you know them and they’ll appreciate their personalized gift.

They’re especially great for those far from home. Gift subscriptions are easily delivered via email to booklovers worldwide, on your scheduled date.

Make your holidays stress-free. This holiday season, spend less time shopping and more time listening. Give the gift of great listens!

Click here to browse gifts.