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Original poster

Suggestions for audio books please

39 replies

BatshitIsTheOnlyExplanation · 27/05/2024 17:16

I have a long car commute and have just been gifted an Audible subscription. I love reading (paper copies) but have never tried an audio book.
Any recommendations?
I like most modern fiction, read my way through the Booker long list if I have time, also like autobiography.
What's the best book you've listened to?

OP posts:
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Original poster
BatshitIsTheOnlyExplanation · 30/05/2024 14:55

Thanks so much everyone, always great to choose someone else's favourite!

OP posts:
AncillaryMercy · 29/05/2024 23:00

I loved Project Hail Mary too. I read it first then listened to it a year later.

I've read Rivers of London, they are overdue a re-read. I will give the audiobook a try.

I like Ruby Was's books. I listen to the on a free library app.

Dresden Files.

Theaspidistraiswilting · 29/05/2024 22:55

I loved Project Hail Mary and itching for him to write another!

Cooper77 · 29/05/2024 22:28

Brian Blessed has recorded his autobiography on audiobook. It’s brilliant - really funny, and also quite moving. The chapter about his friendship with Peter o’Toole is fascinating.

Laying in a hot bath listening to Stephen Fry read P. G. Wodehouse or the Sherlock Holmes novels is my idea of heaven. Douglas Adams is also fantastic on audiobook, and so is Evelyn Waugh.

CanyonMoon · 28/05/2024 17:32

OK yes I see what you mean @Oceansmeet I was thinking why would you choose a good narrator and then have them sound all squeaky 😂

Oceansmeet · 28/05/2024 16:58

CanyonMoon · 28/05/2024 16:38

How can you listen to them sped up? Doesn’t it sound like a mouse talking?!

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It gives you an option for the speed. Goes from slightly slower to 2x normal speed. 1.2 is quite useful if the narrator is very slow ( good actors get it spot on ime though)

CanyonMoon · 28/05/2024 16:38

Apollo365 · 27/05/2024 21:24

I speed them up to 1.2 🤣

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How can you listen to them sped up? Doesn’t it sound like a mouse talking?!

hoochycrone · 28/05/2024 07:22

Ooo listening to 'The eye of the world' by Robert Jordan, read by the awesome Rosamund Pilcher.
On Libby so it's free!

Oceansmeet · 28/05/2024 07:18

I speed them up too 😂

Apollo365 · 27/05/2024 21:24

lumpybumpydumpy · 27/05/2024 20:21

I struggle with audiobooks as I find them very slow but I really enjoyed the last Richard Osman one.

I speed them up to 1.2 🤣

Byronada · 27/05/2024 21:06

I really enjoyed Mythos read by Stephen Fry.

Orchid888 · 27/05/2024 20:57

None of this is true (Lisa Jewell) - an Audible orginal and really well done (like watching something on Netflix!)

BoobyDazzler · 27/05/2024 20:55

Rivers of London and The Rosie Project are a few of my modern favourites.

EineReiseDurchDieZeit · 27/05/2024 20:51

Thirded about Project Hail Mary was brilliant.

Longlazyday · 27/05/2024 20:23

You are here, David Nicholls, narrated by Lee Ingleby and Lydia Leonard.

Absolutely agree, select books by narrator. Beware whose voice you let into your head. I am now just a little bit in love with Lee Ingleby and currently finding an outlet by binge watching every series he’s been in 😵‍💫

lumpybumpydumpy · 27/05/2024 20:21

I struggle with audiobooks as I find them very slow but I really enjoyed the last Richard Osman one.

DisforDarkChocolate · 27/05/2024 20:21

Second here for Project Hail Mary, probably a perfect audiobook.

The Martian is also by Andy Weir and it's fantastic too.

OpusGiemuJavlo · 27/05/2024 20:19

The watchmaker of filigree street

When women were dragons

The amber fury

The midnight library

GozerTheGozerian · 27/05/2024 20:17

The beastie Boys book is the best non fiction audiobook I’ve read. They have such an interesting story and different narrators each chapter. Tho it does help if you’re interested in music.

best audiobook ever is Project Hail Mary - the story is great, but the narration is what really makes it.

piejetyellow · 27/05/2024 20:14

If you want to try something different I recommend the dramatisation of 1984 for Audible, I really enjoyed it. It's only 3.5 hrs long though.

Apollo365 · 27/05/2024 20:01

WitchyBits · 27/05/2024 19:27

Was it the ink black heart by any chance? I think for me it was the format as it would have worked in text/ paper book with the computer chatroom sections but it was awful on those parts in an audio book. I did enjoy the story though

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Agree!

Elodie9 · 27/05/2024 19:31

@WitchyBits You have it in one! I tried so hard but it was getting so annoying. I've looked at the book in Tesco but can't face it yet so might have to watch it on tv instead. I asked my friend to fill in the gaps for me as I loved the next one, The Running grave. I think it is Robert Glenister who narrates them, he is so good.

DisforDarkChocolate · 27/05/2024 19:29

I loves Rivers of London narrated by the incredible Kobna.

Recently enjoyed Daniel Aubrey - Dark Island (excellent narrator too).

Himself by Jess Kidd is a favourite.

The Five by Hallie Rubenhold - wonderfully moving.

Natalie Haynes - especially A Thousand Ships.

Mudlarking - fascinating and educational.

EineReiseDurchDieZeit · 27/05/2024 19:28

The narrator is everything! I'm currently on the hunt for my next, but have to suggest 3 non fictions

A Woman Of No Importance
The Escape Artist
Educated

WitchyBits · 27/05/2024 19:27

Elodie9 · 27/05/2024 19:22

Agree the Strike books are good on audible (except for one which just did not work for me) and I loved the St Mary's chronicles as the narrator Zara Ramm is excellent.
Also loved Rebecca read by Anna Massey.
Duma key read by John Slattery also excellent.
Definitely has to be a voice you like though. I have one short story read by Cillian Murphy. swoon or what!

Was it the ink black heart by any chance? I think for me it was the format as it would have worked in text/ paper book with the computer chatroom sections but it was awful on those parts in an audio book. I did enjoy the story though

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