We’re only halfway through the year, but 2025 has already delivered some standout audiobooks—smart, surprising, and impossible to stop thinking about. Whether it’s fiction that lingers or nonfiction that reframes what you thought you knew, these are the titles that have risen to the top so far.
We built this list with help from Libro.fm and the independent booksellers they work with. Their recommendations add a layer of insight you don’t always get from bestseller charts—and if you haven’t tried Libro.fm yet, it’s a great way to support local bookstores while you listen (read our Libro.fm review).
Everything Is Tuberculosis
By John Green. Narrated by the author.
Bookseller recommendation:
“Probably the most important book you’ll read this year. The propulsive history of how and why we still let people die of a disease we know we how to cure, told in Green’s humane style. I don’t know if everything is TB but the history of TB is everything: science, superstition, racism, class, gender, colonialism, and capitalism. Deeply informative and strangely encouraging — that word will mean more to you when you read this — if you can stick through the tears.” – Perin, Brain Lair Books
Great Big Beautiful Life
By Emily Henry. Narrated by Julia Whelan.
Bookseller recommendation:
“Emily Henry has mastered the art of building tension, and stretching it like taffy. Knowing someone is into you and you are into them is often just an acknowledgement before the main event, and luxuriating in the sensation is truly a treat. This whole book is dessert… Also, Julia Whelan crushed it on the audiobook, my god.” – Nyawire, Page 158 Books
Atmosphere
By Taylor Jenkins Reid. Narrated by Kristen DiMercurio, Julia Whelan & Taylor Jenkins Reid.
Bookseller recommendation:
“A totally immersive story, this is both historical fiction and a love story that captures NASA’s shuttle program in the 80’s as women for the first time are accepted as candidates to become astronauts. Well researched, it’s a thrilling, fast-paced story that was very hard to stop listening to.” – Anne, Newtonville Books
Wild Dark Shore
By Charlotte McConaghy. Narrated by Cooper Mortlock, Katherine Littrell, Saskia Maarleveld & Steve West.
Bookseller recommendation:
“If you love books where the setting feels like a character, this one’s for you. Sweeping landscapes, turbulent seas, and a protagonist searching for answers in a world that seems determined to break her. McConaghy’s prose is lyrical, immersive, and guaranteed to leave you feeling something long after you turn the last page. This book is for the wanderers, the dreamers, and anyone who’s ever stared at the horizon and wondered what comes next. Heart-wrenching, beautifully written, and completely unforgettable.” – Julia, Four Seasons Books
Beautiful Ugly
By Alice Feeney. Narrated by Richard Armitage & Tuppence Middleton.
Bookseller recommendation:
“This mysterious story had me on the edge of my seat wanting more! This book is hauntingly beautiful and full of surprises! Following Grady Green as he struggles to find his ability to write after his wife’s strange disappearance was a journey full of unexpected dark revelations. ” Alex, White Rabbit Books & Gifts
Sunrise on the Reaping
By Suzanne Collins. By Jefferson White.
Bookseller recommendation:
“The fifth instalment in series serves as a powerful exploration of propaganda and censorship, underscoring the Capitol’s relentless efforts to maintain its tyrannical grip on power. It stands as a chilling reminder of the lengths authoritarian regimes will go to preserve the illusion of control over their citizens. Witnessing Haymitch’s transformation into the character we come to know in the original series is both heartbreaking and deeply radicalizing, offering a poignant glimpse into the life he kept so secretive from Katniss and Peeta.” – Sammie, Anderson’s Bookshop
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls
By Grady Hendrix. Narrated by Leslie Howard, Hillary Huber & Sara Morsey.
Bookseller recommendation:
“This book was so good and so insanely timely! If you are feeling feminine rage this is the book for you. It’s a little long but it is so so worth it. These characters and this story are going to stay with for a very long time!” – Tyler, White Rose Books & More
The Favorites
By Layne Fargo. Narrated by a full cast.
Bookseller recommendation:
“This was messy, exhilarating and addicting! This is a modern day Wuthering Heights retelling, written as a documentary, following the turbulent lives of legendary ice dancing champions Katarina Shaw and Heath Rocha. Perfect for fans of Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid and Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry! ” Cari, Books Inc.
From buzzy new releases to under-the-radar gems, these audiobooks are shaping the story of 2025 so far. The narration is as compelling as the writing, and in many cases, it’s what pushes a good book into great territory.
If you’re not already using Libro.fm, it’s worth checking out—especially if you like the idea of supporting independent bookstores while you listen. For a limited time, when you start a new monthly membership with promo code SWITCH, you’ll get two bonus audiobook credits at sign-up.
What are your best listens of 2025 so far? Please let me know in the comments section below.
