The Best Audiobooks to Listen to Right Now

While we'll never give up the pleasure of cracking the spine and turning the pages of a great new book, the audio version fits a particular niche. Audiobooks are ideal for a hands-free reading experience: when you can't get a seat on a crowded commuter train or to make the drive to work go faster, to help the miles fly by on family road trips when you need to keep everyone in the car occupied (and not fighting with each other) or while you're doing chores, preparing dinner or otherwise just have your hands occupied. Some people also process information better by listening rather than visually. You can take in a great literary classic or the best books of 2022 hands-free.

The next time you find yourself in need of a creative way to pass the time, break out one of these best audiobooks of all time. (Don't forget to sign up for the Audible free trial using your Amazon account before you go, to make working your way through that TBR pile even more affordable). Some of our favorites are recorded with big-name casts full of voices you may recognize, others are just the author or a voice actor sharing the work; some are brand-new, others are classic literary texts reinvigorated through your headphones. The one thing they have in common is that all of them are positively captivating. Work your way through these, then hit up the Good Housekeeping Book Club for even more feel-good favorites.