I’m a big fan of audiobooks: they let me “read” while I’m driving, or running, or folding the laundry. They let me get through more pages, more quickly, than I ever could if I was confined to paper and screens.
When it came to audio, I used to subscribe to the-longer-the-better philosophy. If I spent my cash or Audible credit on an audiobook, I wanted to get as much listening enjoyment out of that purchase as possible. But lately, I’ve been looking for shorter reads, on purpose. By deliberately choosing titles that are on the shorter side, I can experience the satisfaction of crossing more books off my To Be Read list, more often.
These 15 audiobooks deliver great reading experiences in 6-ish hours or less—even faster if you listen at 1.25 or 1.5 speed like I sometimes do. And they’re not just good books; they’re also wonderful listening experiences. I hope you enjoy them, and I can’t wait to hear about your favorite shorter audiobooks in comments.
Sourdough
We Have Always Lived in the Castle
Heartburn
News of the World: A Novel
Interpreter of Maladies
Who Thought This Was a Good Idea? And Other Questions You Should Have Answers to When You Work in the White House
Reading People: How Seeing the World through the Lens of Personality Changes Everything
Stella by Starlight
Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone
Letters to a Young Poet
And Then There Were None
Every Heart a Doorway
Their Eyes Were Watching God
Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy
Between the World and Me
What are your favorite short audiobooks? What would YOU add to this list?
P.S. 10 engaging audiobooks read by their authors, and 40 favorite audiobooks for kids.
49 comments
Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick is my fav celebrity memoir and is 6 hours and 49 seconds. Anna speaks at a normal tempo – don’t speed this up. I was pretty excited when Gretchen mentioned the book on the podcast yesterday.
Hamilton: The Revolution was wonderful. Just over 6 hours and 2 mins.
Most of my audio listens are in the mid-range 8-12 hrs.
I’ll be a dissenting opinion on the audio version of Between the World and Me. I listened to this one in my car, and for me, it came across as one long run-on sentence. Unfortunately, I got nothing from it which was quite disappointing as it has been widely lauded. I actually kept it on my TBR because I am hoping that I will get more out the printed book.
I thought the book felt like one long run-on sentence so I was hoping the audio would make it clearer. There were so many important things that the author was saying, but I’d agree that it was hard to follow.
I love (love, LOVE) these lists, Anne! Thank you! Sourdough had been one of my favorites this year but I read in print. I’ll definitely put it on my ‘to listen’ list. Right now I’m listening to ‘Dear Fahrenheit 451’. It’s amazing! I think it clocks in at about 8 hours, so a little longer but not much. It’s on Hoopla for those that have access through their libraries. I’m buying it for all the Bibliophiles in my life.
I’m listening to And Then There Were None right now. Loooove it. I actually discovered Dan Stevens’s audiobook narration through his recent recording of Murder on the Orient Express. I was blown away! I hadn’t read any of Christie’s work before but quickly saw why she’s the queen of mysteries. I knew I’d be listening to And Then There Were None next and I’m intrigued so far. Great stories made so much better by Dan Stevens’s narration, as you said! He’s truly a master.
I had no desire to read any of Agatha Christie’s books, but I noticed this weekend that they were narrated by Dan Stevens and that might me a tipping point.
That was my tipping point too and it was definitely worth it! He does so many different voices so seamlessly. Really amazing to listen to.
In the middle of TC Boyle’s “The Reliving Box and Other Stories.” Quirky and oh, so well narrated. And here’s a shout out to public libraries – you can read FREE audiobooks. Yep, won’t cost you a penny. Many libraries offer the traditional CD disks, but also have options for downloading e-audiobooks to your phone for playing in the car.
This is a great list! Option B was so good! I didn’t listen to it on audiobook, but I could see it being great. I’d love a list of “best audiobooks for a road trip” (if you haven’t done that already). We’ve got a lot of holiday travel coming up, and I’m trying to find something my non-reader husband would like too!
There are a lot of amazing audiobooks available. Many are very low cost (classics from amazon) or free from your library. It largely depends on what you/your husband is interested in, and if you have young kids in the car listening also. A lot of celebrities have recently narrated books that are really amazing. There’s a great version of Dracula with Alan Cumming (not great for kids perhaps), and Nick Offerman narrates Tom Sawyer. There’s a wonderful version of Treasure Island narrated by Alfred Molena. Non fiction there are some really funny things, but again maybe not for young ones within earshot. Not bad perse, just not G-rated.
What a great list! Thank you for sharing—I’ve recently discovered the world of audio books and have been on the hunt for more. I just went onto audible to purchase Stella by Starlight—as this is the second time it’s come up for me today (the first was when I was listening to your latest podcast episode)—AND IT’S ON SALE! For $3.95. Audiobooks can be so pricey so this experience has just made my day. Thanks, Anne!
My FAVORITE celebrity audiobook to date is Mindy Kaling’s “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? And Other concerns.” It’s laugh-out-loud funny, and was the perfect short listen for a Sunday afternoon of meal preps (with prep dish!) and cleaning.
I’m currently listening to “The Graveyard Book” by Neal Gaiman per the recommendation of you and some other podcasters. It’s ideal spooky for Halloween!
As far as listens with my kids – A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd was hands down, the best audio book I’ve heard in years (and I do a LOT of audiobooks!) At first the reader’s southern accent threw me, but 15 minutes in, I realized it was perfect. You will never look at words the same again. Michael Crichton’s The Great Train Robbery is another favorite, not just for the fabulous historical detail, but the reader, actor Michael Kitchen, was the star of Foyle’s War, another fabulous BBC series for all you Dan Stevens fans out there.
Thanks for this list. Lately, 100% of my reading has been audiobooks because I’ve been in my car a lot. I listened to your book on my drive to a weekend with my sisters! I left the print version for them to read, but would like to have it back so I can revisit a few sections.
Now I’m listening, as a companion to The Woman in Cabin 10, to And Then There Were None. I accidentally checked out the BBC production of the play, which is only about 90 minutes long. So, I finished that and now am listening to the Dan Stevens narration of the book.
I love audiobook recommendations, especially when you (and the commenters) tell me which narrators are the best, since I’m pretty new to listening. Keep them coming!
Anne has several posts about audiobooks. If you search the site you can find them. They were VERY helpful to me when I first started listening to audiobooks. In the comments people always share their favorites. It’s an awesome way to get recommendations from fellow ‘book peeps’!
Thanks, Michelle!
Stella by Starlight on audio was SO GOOD! Right now I’m listening to Lauren Graham’s memoir “Talking as Fast as I can” that she narrates herself. It clocks in at less than 5 hours and it’s been very entertaining thus far. Plus – Gilmore Girls!
Pro-tip for audio book listeners that don’t want to pay for audible – my local library has quite a selection of audio books available for digital download through the Overdrive app. I get almost all of my audio books this way. (I save the Audible credits for really long books I don’t think I’ll be able to finish in the loan period for the library.)
I just remembered “Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamott is also really good, clocking in at 6 hours, 19 minutes. She doesn’t narrate it herself, but I enjoyed the narration all the same.
Overdrive is a GREAT suggestion! I’ve browsed through this incredible tool, but haven’t yet made the choice to try renting something (why?!). Thanks for the reminder!
Also Lauren Graham’s memoir is, I think, absolutely perfect for audio. Enjoy! I might have listened to the whole thing in one go…
So glad to hear others using their library for audiobooks. I cringe when I hear home much people spend while I get mine free from the library. And, if you listen to the books you get on Overdrive with your regular music app or with the Smart audiobook app I found on the Google Play Store (rather than the overdrive app), they never expire. I have recently enjoyed a few young adult books on Audio – The Hate U Give was great and quick (not sure the length) and I’m currently listening to The Sun is Also a Star, which I was thrilled to find one of the narrators is the same women who read The Hate U Give.
Always looking for books to read so thank you for sharing this! I will definitely be checking these out!
xo Caroline
http://www.calijae.com
Heartburn wasn’t my favorite thing Nora Ephron’s ever written but Meryl’s reading of it IS truly great. <3
Agreed!
I loved I Feel Bad About My Neck on audiobook by Nora Ephron and I think that was under 4 hours. (But full disclosure, I am currently listening to Dragonfly in Amber after listening to Outlander. Lots of long audiobooks at the moment!)
I have enjoyed a few audio books this year, and most are in the shorter range. Here are some good ones:
– Born a Crime by Trevor Noah. I think this was around 8h, but OH MY WORD one of the best books I’ve heard in a long time. Get it in audio, the accents and timing by the author are amazing.
– Talking as Fast as I can by Lauren Graham
– The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander
Currently listening to The Home Front narrated by Martin Sheen and others. It is a great audio production.
Oh, and also listened to a full-cast performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson is short (2 hours, 45 minutes) and was a beautiful listening experience. I also really loved the narrator for The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and that one is just over 6 hours.
On the flip side, I just got Stephen King’s The Stand as my monthly Audible selection so I can “get my money’s worth”–it’s almost 48 hours, eek!
Their Eyes Were Watching God was amazing on audio!
These were all short and fun: The Middle Place, Murder on the Orient Express (Dan Stevens), The Bookshop on the Corner (Scottish accent!), The Quiche of Death, Of Mess and Moxie, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Born Standing Up (Steve Martin), Austenland
Kids’ books can be fabulous (and short) on audio: Matilda, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mary Poppins, 101 Dalmatians
And also, Sh*t My Dad Says and Jim Gaffigan’s books-Dad is Fat and Food: A love story (well, that one is 7 hours)
I love these lists! Thanks, Anne! A short audiobook I absolutely loved was A Monster Calls, by Patrick Ness. It packs such a punch for a book that is supposed to be for children and is only 3h59 long. I also loved Bird by Bird, by Anne Lammot (6h19, narrated by the author) and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (3h52, narrated by Anne Heathaway). Coraline, by Neil Gaiman is also only 3h36 long!
Anything by Sherman Alexie.
My favorite is the funny, touching, deceptively simple The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.
The author reads his own work and his tone is just right.
I listen to a lot of audiobooks and many titles come to mind. So I thought I would recommend a few titles that suit the season without being too scary. The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic (6 hrs 30 mins) was absolutely enchanting! A must read if you like folk tales, fairy tales or myths. Northanger Abbey (6 hrs 6 mins) by Jane Austen – need I say more? And then there is Neil Gaiman’s Ocean at the End of the Lane (5 hrs 48 mins) or Stardust (6 hrs 27 mins). I’d listen to Gaiman read the phone book! I love, love, love when he narrates his own books. And finally Steven King’s The Dark Tower, although it is closer to 7 hours (7hrs and 20 mins) but it is so worth it.
The Sweet Potato Queens’ Book Of Love by Jill Conner Browne (and read by the author) clocks in under 5 hours and is an old-fashioned (think 1980’s Southern) hoot and a half.
And it’s just the start of a multiple book series if it turns out to tickle your funny bone.
I loved Who Thought This Was a Good Idea on audio! Thought Option B was just OK. Maybe would resonate more if I’d gone through a big loss like she did, but thankfully that hasn’t happened to me yet, though I know it will at some point.
Adding Heartburn to my audio TBR!
I’ve gotten into audiobooks more this year than ever. I love that they let me get more reading in while I’m in the car or walking my dogs!!
I still have trouble finding fiction I like on audio but non fiction and memoirs are my jam!
I will definitely give this some on this list a try.
I would also like to recommend My Fight/Your Fight by Ronda Rousey. She narrates and I was engaged the entire time!
I’ve discovered the joy of audiobooks in the last year, and wow, the narrator makes or breaks (even a beloved) book! With that said, I highly recommend any novels narrated by Zara Ramm. If you’re looking for a new series as well, try ‘The Chronicles of Saint Mary’s’ read by her. Also, Stephanie Daniels is a wonderful narrator. Sadly, she has since died, but her work on the Phryne Fisher series is glorious.
My faves on Audio I’ve listened to this year were:
~ Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal, (Narrated by: Amy Ryan & Michael Stuhlbarg)
~ Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue (Narrated by: Prentice Onayemi)
~ The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon (Narrated by: Jeff Woodman)
I think the narrator makes a difference!
LFPL has downloadable audiobooks! There’s not a ton of options, but there are a few good ones.
I have fallen in love with audiobooks this year, I had not listened to one since I was a tween. I wholeheartedly agree with your selection of the audio version of Between the World and Me, I thought it was amazing. A few of the books you listed I read the traditional way and highly recommend people check them out in any way possible. Interpreter of Maladies was one of my favourite reads from las year and I also loved the slow, charming pace of News of the World. I have only one suggestion to add to your list which would be the audio version of A Monster Calls, this is narrated by Jason Isaacs and it is riveting. I freely admit I balled like a baby while listening to this book. Reading People is my current read and I am really enjoying it so far, I have also been obsessed with personality types and it is great to read about your own experiences diving into this type of research.
Just started Murder on the Orient Express read by Dan Stevens. 6.5 hours
So good! Gotta “read” the book before I can see the movie. 🙂
I just found your blog after listening to READING PEOPLE (fascinating)! I am an avid listener and in search of other enthusiasts! I would add Anne Tyler’s VINEGER GIRL off the top of my head, not sure how long it is, but I think it was short
Thanks, Anne! I was searching your blog for this exact list a few days ago, you are indeed the Book Whisperer! I’ve been listening to a lot of 14 hour audiobooks lately and wanted something shorter. I settled on Amy Poehler’s Yes Please.
This post has inspired me to finally create a goodreads shelf of audiobooks on my tbr list, because I want to keep track of which books are known for being great listening experiences, and experience them that way.
Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman, 6.5hrs, amazing listen/read!
Loved both “Every Heart a Doorway” and “Sourdough”. I am hooked on The Wayward Children series now and can’t wait for the next book. I used all my audible credits on the 2nd and 3rd books after “Every Heart” and now I’m waiting for the next one. Sigh….
The Complete Sherlock Holmes stories as narrated by Stephen Fry! It’s around 60 hours of amazing narration. This got me through the first part of the pandemic.
A few that I have enjoyed as audiobooks that are under 6 hours are:
Why Fish Don’t Exist by Lulu Miller,
My Name Is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout,
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
Sea of Tranquility was fantastic!
I love Wishin’ and Hopin’ by Wally Lamb. He reads it himself, and it’s the perfect combination of funny and touching. I listen to it almost every single year right before Christmas.
The audiobook of “Their Eyes Were Watching God” performed by Ruby Dee was one of my reading highlights of 2023. It is fabulous!