It’s universally agreed that nothing can replicate the feel of books. The smell of the pages, the worlds you get lost in, the feeling of flipping page after page even when your mom scolds you to stop – irreplaceable. However, audiobooks offer a different kind of enjoyment. Long drawn books are particularly difficult to get through, or memoirs that feel even more intimate when the author narrates it – these experiences may just be better in audio form. Today, we have compiled a list of books that are better in Audio Form or you can say audiobooks which are better then their books.
List of Books That Are Better In Audio Form Or Say Audiobooks:
Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This novel is the stunning story of a rock band that plummeted to popularity in the 1970s. The story focuses on the lead character and lead singer of the band, Daisy Jones. It talks about the drugs, sex, glam lifestyle but more importantly, reveals the reason for their mysterious break up. This novel reads wonderfully as an audiobook, because the story is in the form of interviews. Similarly, the audio has replicated the form and vibe of the novel and the time period, and the ensemble cast does not disappoint.
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
Acevedo is a wonderful and famous slam poet, and her debut talks about the journey of the protagonist Xiomara, as she uses poetry to understand the world and her changing body. The best part about this audiobook is that Acevedo herself has narrated it, and her voice is powerful and passionate. Moreover, she has poured so much emotion into her work, that ever verse that you may have skimmed over in the novel will hit you in the face in the audiobook.
The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
The apex of Lebanese poet Gibran’s work, The Prophet is a series of philosophical sermons the Prophet gives to villagers. Here, Gibran pours out his philosophies on Love, Marriage, Children, Work, Passion, Beauty, Art and more. Although this book is a collection of essays, it reads like poetry. Such poetry is most felt when you allow the sound to echo in your ears and feel to mull over in your head. This is also a relatively small work, which allows time for reflection, while listening. Hence, it makes for a surreal audiobook experience.
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
This award winning novel follows the life of our two sibling protagonists – Danny and Maeve – through the vicissitudes of their life. The book places at the centre of their life a house that their father bought – the Dutch House. The audiobook is narrated by none other than Tom Hanks, whose lulling and calm voice sooths the soul. While thrillers and faced paced narratives are best enjoyed physically, the soulful books may sometimes be more impactful in audio form. This one is definitely the latter.
Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
As the title suggests, Gaiman brings to life the Norse gods with this one – from Odin to Thor and Loki. The brilliance of this novel lies in its characterization of the Gods – their flaws, ambitions and competitiveness. Gaiman’s fairytale like writing immortalizes these stories that have been told since the beginning of creation like no other’s. And the best part is, Gaiman himself has narrated the audiobook. The flawless characterization is complemented by his stunning voice. This audiobook proves that Gaiman is an expert storyteller – he brings to life characters with his voice modulation and style of narration.
Becoming by Michelle Obama
This powerful memoir of a powerful woman feels even more real and hard-hitting when narrated by the same powerful woman. This audiobook has won many prestigious audiobook awards, and rightly so. With wit and candour, the novel portrayed the life of the First Lady of America. It reflected on her struggles balancing an important political position with motherhood and personal purpose. From her childhood in South Chicago to her life now, she chronicles her story, and her personal emotions shine through in the audiobook. Michelle’s own voice lends a genuineness and powerful emotion to the audiobook, that the written copy misses.
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
In this non-fiction novel, Kimmerer looks at ecology from the lens of science. Kimmerer talks about our reciprocal and symbiotic relationship with the world around us. The author narrates the book, and the passion in her voice flows into the audio. It flows so well that it feels like a ‘song to your soul,’ as an Audible reviewer commented.
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
This deeply moving novel is the story of a Chinese American family, shattered by a favourite daughter’s death. It combines mystery with literary fiction to create a story so gripping that you cannot put it down. In audiobook form, Cassandra Campbell narrates it. This novel demands a narration full of depth and sincerity, quality of Campbell’s that shines through. Balancing tenderness with mystery deftly, this audiobook enhances the grip of the story.
