Audiobooks are only as good as their narrators, and who better to bring a book to life than the author? These are ten of my favorite audiobooks narrated by the authors themselves; I can’t wait to hear what you’d add to the list.
For more info on getting started with audiobooks, check out the beginner’s great big guide to audiobooks.
Authors reading their own work
Why Not Me?
Author: Mindy Kaling
I just finished listening to this new release from Mindy Kaling. This collection of essays covers everything from body image to inner confidence to Hollywood life. When it's good, it's very, very good: my favorite stories were about The Office and Mindy's personal career trajectory. A fun and easy listen. More info →
Angela’s Ashes: A Memoir
Author: Frank McCourt
This alternately heartwarming and heartbreaking tale about McCourt's Irish childhood won the Pulitzer Prize and landed at the top of the New York Times bestseller list. (Mary Karr cited it often as a stunning example in her recent book The Art of Memoir.) McCourt's brogue makes the story leap off the page. More info →
The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent A Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun
Author: Gretchen Rubin
This is one of my favorites that I keep coming back to. Engaging and inspiring. Rubin's upbeat voice suits her material. More info →
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Author: Maya Angelou
The haunting story of Angelou's childhood in the American South in the 1930s. If this is one you've been meaning to read, give the audio version a try: Angelou's lilting voice brings her powerful, touching story to life. More info →
Someone Else’s Love Story
Author: Joshilyn Jackson
Several devoted readers told me they didn't fall in love with Joshilyn Jackson's writing until they listened to her narrate her own stories on audio. This Southern novel begins with a holdup at the Circle K, and weaves together themes of loss, love, date rape, and Asperger's Syndrome into one strange but strangely fitting story. A few disturbing scenes. More info →
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
Author: Anne Lamott
In Anne's own words: "Thirty years ago my older brother, who was ten years old at the time, was trying to get a report on birds written that he'd had three months to write. It was due the next day. We were out at our family cabin in Bolinas, and he was at the kitchen table close to tears, surrounded by binder paper and pencils and unopened books on birds, immobilized by the hugeness of the task ahead. Then my father sat down beside him, put his arm around my brother's shoulder, and said, 'Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.'" A modern classic, and a must-read for writers. More info →
The Graveyard Book
Author: Neil Gaiman
This Newbery medal winner is one of Gaiman's best-known and most-loved works. The story centers around Bod Owens (short for Nobody), who grows up in a graveyard surrounded by ghosts after his family is brutally murdered. (The violent act occurs in the very beginning; it's much easier to listen to after the first chapter.) Gaiman is an excellent narrator, and that's not even counting his British accent. More info →
Flight Behavior
Author: Barbara Kingsolver
I thought this finely crafted novel had many wonderful moments and a truly horrible ending. (That's not a reason to skip: bad endings make for great book club reading.) Kingsolver's lyrical voice perfectly suits her prose. More info →
Born Standing Up: A Comic’s Life
Author: Steve Martin
Interesting and entertaining memoir about Steve Martin's roots and the real story behind his "overnight" success, packed with surprising tidbits about the industry and Martin's personal life. A great show biz biography, especially as read by the author. More info →
Yes Please
Author: Amy Poehler
The reviews on this are decidedly mixed: if you're on the fence, definitely go for the audiobook recording with a full cast including Carol Burnett, Seth Meyers, Kathleen Turner, Patrick Stewart (who reads haikus), and even Amy's parents. More info →
What would you add to the list?Â
P.S. A trick to save big on audiobooks, 40 favorite audiobooks, and 40 favorite audiobooks for kids.
95 comments
I LOVE this list! I’ve had trouble getting into audiobooks unless they are read by the author. Thanks for giving me some new ones to try.
One of my all-time favorite books is “Just Kids” by Patti Smith. I read it and adored it, then got the audiobook and listened to her read it, and enjoyed it even more.
I loved this book, too! I’ll have to try the audio book.
I really enjoyed listening to Charlotte’s Web, read by E.B. White. Also, my library has the first three of Madeleine L’engle’s Time books (A Wrinkle in Time, etc.) read by the author. The kids adored those, and I enjoyed them too. She isn’t the most spectacular reader, but I’m always interested in how authors interpret their own work.
I had no idea L’Engle and White read their own books occasionally! Thanks for sharing.
Tina Fey reads Bossypants
Alan Alda reads Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself
Rob Lowe reads Stories I Only Tell my Friends and Love Life
…
basically, autobiographies read by their authors.
Thanks for these!
Definitely Rob Lowe’s narration of his two books, Stories I Only Tell My Friends and Love Life (but especially Love Life). It’s endearing to hear the smile in his voice when he’s reading the parts about his wife & kids, & his voice breaking when he reads about particularly emotional moments in his life (like dropping his oldest son off at college). And you don’t need to be familiar with Rob Lowe or his movies to enjoy the books.
Also, Jim Gaffigan reading Dad Is Fat and Food: A Love Story is, of course, hilarious.
Thanks for the recs!
One of the first audiobooks I read years ago was Julie Andrew’s memoir called Home: A Memoir of My Early Years. I love Julie Andrews, and especially her voice (both spoken and singing). It was really interesting to hear her telling her own story.
Thanks for the recommendation!
I’ve resisted audiobooks for years, but I have to say that I love David McCullough’s audio versions of his books. His voice is so rich. Listening to “The Wright Brothers” is kind of like the audiobook equivalent of a Ken Burns documentary in all the best ways.
Love that description.
I loved listening to The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian read by author Sherman Alexie. Hearing his voice, his intonation, and expressions took me back to life on the reservation. (I worked on a reservation as a teacher.) A funny, heart-breaking book.
Thanks for the recommendation!
This sounds fascinating. I love Alexia’s work.
I really enjoyed Dan Harris reading 10% Happier. I thought it might sounds like listening to the news, but he’s very funny and has great intonations.
I just read that book a couple of months ago and had no idea he did his own audiobook! I’ll try that on a re-read.
I love Bill Bryson’s recordings of his books, especially A Walk in the Woods and I’m a Stranger Here Myself. Nobody does it better!
I love Bill Bryson’s writing, but cannot abide his readings of his own books. On the other hand, as soon as I read the title of this post, I immediately thought of Neil Gaimon. And since we are talking audio books, Jim Dale is the best. Not only is his work on the Harry Potter series outstanding, but The Night Circus is a great adult book by him.
LOVE Jim Dale. 🙂
I loved his reading of A Walk in the Woods. I’m a Stranger Here Myself is on my TBR list—I should do that one on audio.
I loved this post. I’ve recently been listening to a lot of audiobooks, as they’re a great way to spend my time on the morning bus commute. I haven’t stumbled upon any that have been read by the author, but now I’m definitely going to try.
I’ve also thought listening to comedians read their biographies might be fun, but I had never thought about the special touch it might add to a novel!
I am currently listening to Dick van Dyke read his autobiography “My Lucky Life.” I am not even a big fan of old TV or movies, but I am loving the behind the scenes look at showbiz 50+ years ago.
I listened to that one, too!
Oh! I bet he’s fabulous as a narrator.
One of the best audio books I’ve read yet…The Good House by Anne Leary and narrated by Mary Beth Hurt. Loved the story. It was like watching a movie.
Thanks for sharing these!
I’m a huge JJ fan! Thank you for sharing the list!
I second any book by Anne Lamott. I read Help, Thanks, Wow and it was fantastic as well. One I would argue to stay away from would be Still Alice.
I love audiobooks, though I only really listen to non-fiction (except when I listen to books with my kids). My favorites read by the authors are Donald Miller’s ‘A Million Miles in a Thousand Years’ (you can practically hear him smiling as he reads certain parts) and David McCullough’s “1776”.
Thanks for sharing these.
Not My Father’s Son, by Alan Cumming was excellent! I highly recommend it!
This is on my wish list- that accent!! ??
Love this list – was talking to a friend last night about good audiobooks. Can’t wait to give them a try – thanks!
I absolutely *loved* listening to Neil Gaiman’s narration of The Graveyard Book. So good!
I’ll have to check out I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings in audio book form. I’ve been meaning to read it, but had no idea that there was a version narrated by the author herself.
As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales From the Making of the Princess Bride is read by Cary Elwes with tons of cameos from other people involved in the movie. So much fun to hear their voices talking about what a great time they had making the movie.
Oh yes! Thanks for reminding me about this one. I haven’t read it yet but audio sounds like the way to go when I do.
i listened to “Ocean at the End of the Lane” read by Gaiman. Lovely. Spooky.
i also love listening to Brene Brown read her books. i recently finished “Rising Strong” and listening to her tell her own stories and laugh at herself and exaggerate her Texas accent is delightful.
I’m glad you pointed that out, because the only audio I have of hers is Daring Greatly and she isn’t the narrator!
Neil Gaiman reads all of his and they are wonderful. We leave “Unfortunately, The Milk” on in the car at all times.
Yes, that one was excellent!
Each Neil Gaiman book I listen to leaves me wanting more. I have not been disappointed yet.
I have heard Bird By Bird recommended many, many times and I’m so glad you mentioned the audiobook; I just ordered it from the library.
I recently listened to the unabridged version of World War Z read by Max Brooks and a full cast. It is the first horror novel I have ever read/heard (I also avoid all scary movies), and it was fascinating. I wrote a blog post on it: http://www.mebondbooks.com/2015/09/23/world-war-z-me/
Thanks for sharing!
I’ve always avoided audiobooks because I’m not a fan of walking around with headphones in…but this is convincing me that certain books might be enhanced by a really good reader, especially autobiographies. I always hear the author’s voice in my head while I read books like Yes, Please and Bossypants anyways.
Definitely concur with the recommendations for Yes Please and Angela’s Ashes. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson was read by the author, which was good since it was both a memoir and written in verse.
Recently I started Positive by Paige Rawl, which is great so far and has outstanding reviews, but I don’t know why they had the author narrate the audiobook. She is too young and inexperienced, and her reading is stilted and awkward. I had to switch to the ebook format after the first 5 or 6 chapters.
Thanks for the recommendations (and, equally as valuable, anti-recommendations).
I loved Malcolm Gladwell’s reading of his book “David and Goliath”–it added so much to my enjoyment of the book.
I forgot he read his own work! Thanks for adding it to the list.
One More Thing (Stories and Other Stories) by BJ Novak was absolutely hilarious. I don’t think I would’ve appreciated the book if I read it, but listening to it was an unforgettable experience. I loved hearing Mindy Kaling’s voice pop up at times, too!
I’ve heard that one is fabulous on audio! I only tried a couple of stories in the hardback, but I can see how the audio format would serve it well.
As a fan of historical fiction, I thoroughly enjoyed “The All-Girl’s Filling Station’s Last Reunion” read by the author, Fannie Flagg.
Thanks for the recommendation!
Someday, Someday Maybe by Lauren Graham. So charming!
I read the hardback but didn’t realize she narrated her own audiobook. That sounds fun!
I, too, was going to suggest David McCullough reading “The Wright Brothers.” Excellent. Bossy pants by Tina fey and dad is fat by jim gaffigan are also hilarious.
Thanks for the recommendations—I enjoyed the latter two you mentioned but McCullough’s latest is on my TBR list.
I love this list! I am always looking for good audiobooks because I am super picky about the narrators. I’ll definitely be looking for some of these!
For the Love by Jen Hatmaker read by her is inspiring. Everyone should read it.
These are not read by the author but I have been listening to them while I’m at work and they are quite enjoyable. The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith and narrated by Lisette Lecat. Also The Little Paris Book Shop was an enjoyable listen.
Thanks for the recommendations: I keep meaning to try The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency series!
Oh I llllove audiobooks. You can “read” one book in one day, just by hear the book on your way to work, at work and so on. Thanks for your tips!!! 🙂 Emmi
I’m soooo glad you included Angela’s Ashes. I listened to that on while reading the print version. (I was in high school, I believe, and working on my concentration skills.) 😉 I absolutely agree with what you said the author’s reading added to the story. It filled my senses. Again, I’m so glad you included it in this list.
I started listening to Stephen Colbert’s “I am America and so can you.” But he’s too intense for an audiobook. I felt like I was being yelled at to and from work. I guess the charm of watching him is seeing him crack up occasionally and realize he is joking, whereas the audiobook is just a constant ream of intense loud satire.
I love listening to authors read their autobiographies though. The combination of their story plus their passions is my favorite.
One of my favorites audio book was “The Help”. It wasn’t read by the author, but some of the cast were the actors in the movie. Each different voice brought each part of the book to life: emotions, character etc. Loved it!
Yes! I was scanning the comments looking to see if anyone mentioned “The Help”. The characters came alive with each narrator. I listen to a lot of audiobooks & that is an all time favorite.
Others I loved not mentioned are “Big Little Lies” (her Australian accent!) & “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” (proper pronunciation of those names!). I get them from my library straight to my phone.
I loved listening to “What Remains” by Carole Radziwill. Her story is so poignant. I agree about “Angela’s Ashes” and “Born Standing Up.” They are both great audiobooks. Thank you to everyone who recommended “Stories I Only Tell My Friends.” I’m really enjoying it!
I have such a thing for listening to memoirs that are narrated by their authors. My favorite of late is Alan Cumming’s “Not My Father’s Son.” Wonderful storytelling, and Alan has a melodious, classically-trained voice.
Neil Gaiman’s The Ocean at the End of the Lane! He has said it is his most autobiographical book, and his reading is just wonderful. I didn’t realize he had done other narrations, I will have to pick up Fortunately, The Milk for my kids 🙂
I’ve read this one (on paper), but hadn’t heard the “most autobiographical” bit. Thanks for sharing!
Agreed. This was the first Neil Gaiman book I listened to -awesome!
Highly recommend anything Orlagh Cassidy reads. I never thought I’d be an audio book fan, but I have been using overdrive and love it so very much! This summer, I “read” The Shoemaker’s Wife by Adriana Trigiani and she narrates. I’m now reading The Kitchen House, which is another book that she narrates and I didn’t realize it until i started listening and knew right away it was her! her accents are spot on and she is captivating.
love that you can search overdrive for a particular narrator! https://www.overdrive.com/creators/380731/orlagh-cassidy
I love to discover great narrators! Thanks for sharing.
Anything written and read by Toni Morrison is magical – her voice is made for audio books.
I strongly recommend Jenny Lawson. She is raw,hilarious and insightful. “Let’s pretend this Never Happened” was good. But “Furiously Happy” may be my new favorite book. It provides deep insight into the truths of mental illness. I recommend this book to everyone I know.
I loved these books too.
I could never get into audiobooks until I heard Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan. It’s read by several narrators (to follow the several stories that intertwine), and it also includes music. It’s such a treat!
Thanks for sharing! I never listened to an audiobook before and I was hestiant at first. I think will will check some of these books (I read many of these) and since they are narrated by the author I will try them out.
The Uncommon Reader ny Alan Bennett. I highly recommend this little book – about reading!
I’m listening to WE WERE THE KENNEDY’S by Monica Wood — and she is the reader. The book includes singing and French and as the author I feel she brings that to life.
I can’t believe you left out As You Wish by Carey Elwes! He’s hilarious and does voices! It’s his book about the making of the Princess Bride movie.
Bossypants written and read by Tina Fey is excellent! I’m sort of surprised that it didn’t make the original list.
I’m also a huge fan of Niel Gaiman audiobooks. “Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains” is amazing. But it’s dark story, so be cautious if you’re a sensitive soul.
That is such a wonderful title for that Gaiman book!
Born a Crime written and narrated by Trevor Noah. A great book, engaging, laugh out loud even while feeling the impossible to imagine contradictions of his life. Hard to put down, hard to find a book to listen to after that one! Stories of his childhood as a mixed race person in South Africa.
If you can get your hands on it listen to the Harry Potter books read by Stephen Frey. He reads the British version of the books and it is magical. The American audio versions by Jim Dale are just not as good.
Also Neil Gaiman reads his “The Ocean at the End of the Lane” beautifully!
My 2 favorites are The Year of Yes by Shonda Rimes and How to Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran.
I have got to listen to one of Joshilyn Jackson’s on audio!
A more recent one I loved was The Road Back to You read by Ian Cron.
Frank McCourt?! I am definitely using a credit. Thanks, Anne.
Best audiobook I’ve listened to is Becoming by Michelle Obama. I LOVED this book so much I bought a copy and sent it to my brother and called my daughter and told her she HAD to get it on Audible. It is terrific insight into how to remain normal and sane while campaigning and then being the First Lady.
I read many of your recommendations, Anne, and have told several reader friends about your blog. I always enjoy your thoughts on books and other things.