June is Audiobook Month! We’re celebrating the ever-growing storytelling medium by sharing a curated list of audiobooks recommended by our team. But first, let’s take a look at how the annual tradition started.
The History of Audiobook Month
In this article
- The History of Audiobook Month
- Audiobook Month Recommendations from Our Team
- Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
- Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
- The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz
- The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
- The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
- Get Honest or Die Lying: Why Small Talk Sucks by Charlamagne tha God
- Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life by Arnold Schwarzenegger
- The Storyteller by Dave Grohl
- Final Thoughts to Celebrate Audiobook Month
The first National Audiobook Appreciation Month was launched in 1998 by the Audio Publishers Association (APA). Designed to highlight the audiobook format and its storytelling contributions, the tradition has continued each June, recognizing the depth of recorded narratives and the audiobook industry’s innovative advancements. Audiobooks have grown beyond cassette tapes and CDs, with digital formats allowing the industry to blossom into a vibrant field, connecting listeners with an array of voices and stories.
Our 2024 Audio Trends Report stated, “With audiobook sales seeing double-digit growth each year, and with the growing number of users on audio streaming platforms, it’s clear that there is still significant untapped potential in the realm of audio content.”
Audiobook Month Recommendations from Our Team
Audiobooks are a convenient, portable, and entertaining way to make your way through your “to read” pile. Listening to audiobooks can enhance your daily commute or add excitement to your evening walk by providing a captivating and immersive experience. You can also enjoy the audio version of your favorite books on the go. In our Audiobook Listening Trends Report, we found that “67% of audiobook listeners say they ‘read’ more with audiobooks compared to if they were to only read books in traditional text format.”
Whether it’s a memoir narrated by the author or a sweeping fantasy epic, here are eight excellent audiobook picks from our staff.
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
When it comes to understanding success, Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell turns conventional wisdom on its head. Recommended by Marketing team member Keaton, Gladwell’s voice brings an intimate dimension to the audiobook, allowing listeners to engage directly with the author’s ideas. The book delves into the stories of exceptional individuals and uncovers the layered factors that have paved their paths to prominence — from the idiosyncrasies of their upbringing to the serendipity of their birthdates.
More than just a compelling read, it’s an invitation to consider how family, culture and even historical moments can converge to create rapid growth and success. Through Gladwell’s narration, each insight resonates with a personal touch, making Outliers a compelling listen for those eager to uncover the hidden dynamics of extraordinary lives. It might just become your next favorite book, offering a unique way to unwind and escape from daily life.
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano, masterfully narrated by Golden Globe-winning actor Maura Tierney, is a tapestry of human connection and resilience. Phoebe on our People Operations team was moved by the authenticity with which the story portrays the intertwined lives of two families. Through moments of tenderness and trials, the narrator’s performance captures the essence of each character, bringing depth to their experiences.
This audiobook is an invitation to reflect on the complexities of love and the strength that emerges from hardship. As you listen, you’ll find yourself enveloped in the lives of characters so real, they could be neighbors or friends. It’s a perfect summer listen, one that reaffirms the power of storytelling to reveal the beauty and fragility of the human spirit.
The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz
Envision a book proposing a new language for life, a code deceptively simple yet capable of revolutionizing your world. The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz is that book. Tara, an avid reader on our Marketing team, praises it for its straightforward principles that have profoundly reshaped her approach to life. “It shares four straightforward ways to live life that make a huge difference in how you show up and think,’ she said.
Narrated by actor Peter Coyote (who made our list of the Best Documentary Narrators of All Time), Ruiz’s work is a powerful testament to the strength of words and the freedom that comes with self-awareness. Each agreement serves as a stepping stone towards a life of increased authenticity and diminished burdens. By embracing these tenets, you begin a journey of shedding old patterns and embracing a new course of personal liberation. Whether you’re seeking a guide for growth or a companion for contemplation, this audiobook is a gateway to a deeper understanding of self and a renewed faith in the power of personal commitments.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
Step into the mind of Rick Rubin, one of our era’s most influential music producers, with The Creative Act: A Way of Being. Recommended by Alex from our Marketing team, this audiobook is a treasure trove of insights into the creative process and its profound impact on personal expression and growth. Rubin’s wisdom goes beyond music, touching on universal themes that resonate with anyone seeking to tap into their creative potential.
In the book, Rubin invites you to explore the idea that the act of creation is not just about producing art — it’s a way of engaging with the world. It’s a sense of being that can transform your life and memory, offering a new perspective on how we connect with our ideas and each other.
The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
For those who yearn to escape into other worlds, The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson is a gateway to an epic fantasy adventure. The first in the Mistborn series, the book introduces readers to a world where the struggle for power and the fight for freedom unfold with gripping intensity. Patrice, a member of our Marketing team, is currently on her second journey through this audiobook, a testament to its allure.
Sanderson’s creation is rich with detail, painting a universe where the stakes are as high as the royal institution that governs it. The narration brings to life a cast of complex characters, each with their own story woven into the fabric of this intricate tapestry.
Get Honest or Die Lying: Why Small Talk Sucks by Charlamagne tha God
Charlamagne tha God confronts our era’s uncomfortable truths in Get Honest or Die Lying: Why Small Talk Sucks. Recommended by Ann from our People Operations team, she found the audiobook to be a catalyst for reflection and personal growth. “I enjoyed his honest, authentic and vulnerable perspective on many of these topics that we are talking about in society, and more importantly, what we aren’t talking about, but perhaps should be,” Ann explained.
His raw and vulnerable perspective peels back the layers of societal dialogues, challenging listeners to engage with issues that often go unspoken. It’s a call to start listening with intention, to embrace the uncomfortable and to grow from it. Charlamagne’s voice resonates with authenticity, urging us to consider the unspoken dimensions of our conversations and the importance of honesty in our interactions. For those seeking a thought-provoking listen, this book offers a unique perspective that can ignite change.
Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life by Arnold Schwarzenegger
Take a look into the life of an icon with Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Michael from our team describes it as an inspiring audiobook that imparts wisdom gleaned from a life of extraordinary achievements. “It pushes you to be your best self, to not compromise on anything you do, and to be the ultimate example of a compassionate human being,” Michael pointed out.
Schwarzenegger’s narration not only lends authenticity to his story but also delivers a powerful call to action — to strive for excellence and embody compassion in all facets of life. Far from being just another celebrity memoir, this serves as a guidebook for purposeful living. Through each of the seven tools, Schwarzenegger shares how to harness your potential and navigate life’s challenges. It’s a good book for those seeking motivation, a reminder that with the right mindset and principles, you can overcome obstacles and make a meaningful impact.
The Storyteller by Dave Grohl
Embark on a musical road trip with Dave Grohl’s voice guiding you through The Storyteller, the audiobook of the Foo Fighters frontman and Nirvana drummer’s best-selling memoir. It is a collection of lively anecdotes from a life lived at the intersection of music for Grohl, both as a performer and as a fan. Grohl’s narration is a masterclass in storytelling, filled with humor, heart and the kind of tales that make you feel like you’re sitting with a friend reminiscing about the good old days.
“As a music lover and long-time Dave Grohl fan, it was a story from early in his career that cemented this audiobook as one of my all-time faves,” Melissa shared. When he was just a teen and touring with the band Scream, he was recruited at the last minute to play drums for Iggy Pop during an industry showcase in Toronto. Melissa added, “Grohl describes it in a visceral way that makes you feel like you were right beside him as it was happening.”
Whether recounting a memorable moment in his career or sharing insights into the world of music in general, Grohl’s voice brings warmth and intimacy to each tale. This audiobook is more than just a collection of ego-centric stories; it’s about connecting with Grohl and the people who shaped both his life and career. He is the kind of narrator who turns a long drive into an enjoyable journey, making it a must-have for your next adventure. For anyone seeking one of the best audiobook experiences, The Storyteller is a top choice.
Final Thoughts to Celebrate Audiobook Month
As we reflect on Audiobook Month, it is evident that audiobooks hold a cherished spot in many hearts. These recordings do more than tell stories; they create a shared experience that can bring listeners from all walks of life together. The voices that fill our ears are not just narrators; they’re companions on a journey through the pages of books that come to life in our imaginations.
Now that we’ve shared our list of audiobook recommendations, it’s time to tell us about yours. Comment below with the audiobooks that have captivated you over the years and why you think everyone should listen to them.
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