- Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
- The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
The best Audible books on our list are available through the Audible Plus Catalog, Audible Originals, or are categorized as Free Titles. There’s no comprehensive list of free Audible books, but if you know where to look, you’ll find a great selection of audiobooks that won’t cost you anything extra.
1. The Visit by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The Visit is a sci-fi short story about a matriarchal world where role-reversal means men are under surveillance. In this world, women rule and men are kept in line by the strictures of their society. When one woman is granted an audience with the king, she discovers that he has been keeping tabs on her for years. The visit is a chance for her to show him that she is still powerful and relevant in the world, even after all these years.
2. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
This Russian classic, Tolstoy’s War and Peace, is still as relevant as ever. Despite being in the public domain for over a century, it’s still being read and enjoyed by people all over the world. This is likely due to its timeless messages and the powerful characters that are featured in it.
3. Mythos by Stephen Fry
Zeus and the other residents of Mount Olympus live in a world of laughter and joy. They are the protectors of the gods, and their stories are full of adventure, love, and humor. Stephen Fry brings these myths to life with his hilarious narration, making them all the more enjoyable to listen to.
4. Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
Stephen Fry’s narration makes these sixty-hour Sherlock Holmes stories a delight to listen to. Fry reads six collections of stories, each with its own unique tone and setting. This downloadable audiobook will keep you entertained for days. ..
5. The Jane Austen Collection
This audiobook collection of novels by Jane Austen features 45 hours of Jane Austen goodness. You’ll get all the feels with this audiobook, including Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion. So make yourself a cup of Earl Grey tea and settle in for a good time.
6. Thicker Than Water by Tyler Shultz
This whistleblower documentary account from a former employee of Theranos, based on interviews and documents provided to The Intercept, provides a unique perspective on the company’s collapse and the role of Elizabeth Holmes. The employee, who is still employed by Theranos, describes how her family was deeply entwined in the company’s scandal and how she was forced out after revelations that Theranos had lied about its blood-testing capabilities.
7. Choice by Jodi Picoult
In the future, most couples are forced to have children because the government has determined that having more than one child is a sign of being “weak” and “not able to handle the challenges of life.” But for one ex-couple, their unwanted pregnancy is a chance to break free from their society and start fresh. They choose to have a baby, but they soon realize that their new life won’t be as easy as they thought it would be. The government has made it very difficult for them to get jobs, and they can only find work if they can prove that they are pregnant. They also have to worry about the possible consequences of their baby being born into a world where there is no food or water available.
8. Alien III by William Gibson
In 1987, William Gibson wrote a draft script for a possible Alien III movie. His version was never filmed, but you can listen to it on the Audible app. In this full-cast production, you’ll recognize the voices of Alien movie stars Lance Hendrickson (Corporal Hicks) and Michael Biehn (Bishop).
9. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Scarlett Johansson stars as Alice, the White Rabbit is played by her sister Vanessa, and the Cheshire Cat is voiced by none other than Neil Patrick Harris. This audio treatment of Lewis Carroll’s classic fantasy story follows Alice on her journey down the rabbit hole and into a fantastical world of talking animals. With Johansson’s trademark humor and charm, this audio version is sure to be a hit with fans of all ages. ..
10. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankel
In his riveting memoir, “The Unseen World of concentration camps,” Frankel tells the story of his experiences in Nazi concentration camps. He found meaning and purpose in the experience, and became the head of the neurology department at the Vienna Polyclinic Hospital. Frankel’s views on meaning and mental health were foundational to the field of positive psychology. This book is regarded as one of the most influential books in the world.
11. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Brontë’s classic tale of Jane and Mr. Rochester is one of the most famous romance novels of all time. Thandie Newton, an actress known for her work in movies like Mission Impossible 2 and Solo: A Star Wars Story, has lent her voice to the audiobook version of the novel. ..
12. So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
Talking about race can be difficult, but author Ijeoma Oluo helps readers learn new ways to think about structural injustice and discuss racism. ..
13. Caffeine: How Caffeine Created the Modern World by Michael Pollan
Caffeine has a long and varied history, and it has had a significant impact on the course of human history. In recent years, scientists have begun to understand how caffeine can have a significant impact on our mental health and physical well-being. By discussing the history of caffeine, we can better understand how it has shaped the course of human history.
14. Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman by Richard Feynman
Richard Feynman was a brilliant theoretical physicist who was also able to explain complex concepts in simple, often entertaining ways. His stories cover everything from his fascination with safe-cracking to his work on the Manhattan Project. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in learning about one of the most influential and fascinating physicists of all time. ..
Taking Reading to Another Level
Many readers know that buying reading materials can get quite expensive. Luckily, there are ways to get some books and audiobooks for free. In addition to the list of free audiobooks on Audible above, consider browsing titles on Librivox. If you have a library card, you might also have access to collections on Hoopla and Overdrive.
