20 Great Audiobooks for Your First Listen

Starting audiobooks for the first time can feel a bit uncertain. Maybe you’re not sure if you’ll be able to focus, or you’ve tried one before and it didn’t click. The truth is, the right audiobook can make all the difference—something with a great narrator, a clear storyline, and a style that’s easy to settle into.

Whether you’re into memoirs, mysteries, romance, or something in between, this list features ten audiobooks that are especially great for beginners. They’re well-paced, easy to follow, and, most importantly, genuinely enjoyable to listen to. If you’re looking for a great first pick to help you get into audiobooks, one of these is likely to do the trick.

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Best First Audiobooks

These are some of the most popular and well-loved audiobooks for a reason. Whether you’re in the mood for fiction or nonfiction, each one combines a strong story with excellent narration—making them ideal picks for your first audiobook experience.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, narrated by Andy Serkis

This classic fantasy story is a great place to start, and Andy Serkis—best known as Gollum—makes it even more fun to listen to. His narration is full of energy and personality, giving each character a distinct voice. It’s an easy-to-follow adventure that pulls you in right away.

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

Trevor Noah’s memoir about growing up in South Africa is funny, thoughtful, and full of wild stories. He narrates it himself, which makes it feel even more personal—like he’s telling you the story directly. It’s one of those audiobooks that’s hard to pause once you get into it.

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

This cozy mystery is set in a retirement village, where a group of seniors secretly solve cold cases. It’s light, clever, and easy to follow, with a cast of lovable characters. The narration matches the tone perfectly and makes for a really enjoyable listen.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Eleanor is a socially awkward woman with a very structured life—until everything starts to shift. The narration really brings her voice to life, making her quirks feel relatable and her story feel real. It’s heartfelt and surprisingly funny, with a tone that’s easy to settle into.

Atomic Habits by James Clear

If you’re more into nonfiction, this one’s a great pick. It breaks down how habits work and how to change them, all in a super clear, no-nonsense way. The audiobook is well-paced, easy to understand, and ideal for listening in short bursts while doing something else.

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

This one is pure storytelling. McConaughey reads his own memoir and brings every weird, wild detail to life in his signature voice. It’s part life advice, part entertainment, and all energy—really fun to listen to, even if you’re not usually into celebrity memoirs.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

This sci-fi adventure starts with a man waking up alone on a spaceship, and things only get more interesting from there. The narration is lively and even includes a few subtle sound effects that add to the experience without being distracting. It’s fast-paced, funny, and surprisingly emotional.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, narrated by Rosamund Pike

Classics can be intimidating, but this one is anything but. Rosamund Pike’s narration is smooth and expressive, making the characters and humor feel fresh. If you’ve been meaning to try Austen, this is a great way to do it.

Beach Read by Emily Henry

This romantic comedy has sharp dialogue, great chemistry, and just enough emotional depth to keep things interesting. The audiobook hits the tone perfectly—witty, but grounded. It’s a fun, easy listen that feels like a summer weekend.

I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara

If you’re into true crime, this one is gripping without being over-the-top. It’s a deep, respectful dive into the search for the Golden State Killer, written with real care and curiosity. The narration is steady and serious in a way that draws you in without feeling overwhelming.

11/22/63 by Stephen King

Stephen King’s time-travel novel about stopping the JFK assassination is long but surprisingly easy to fall into, thanks to a strong narrative arc and clear storytelling. Craig Wasson’s narration keeps the pacing smooth and the emotions grounded, making it feel more like historical fiction than horror. It’s a great pick if you’re ready to get pulled into something big.

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

This historical epic about the building of a cathedral in 12th-century England is a classic example of immersive storytelling. John Lee’s narration is steady and expressive, handling the large cast and long runtime with ease. It’s an excellent first listen for anyone who loves big, character-driven novels.

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett, narrated by Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks brings warmth and subtlety to this quiet, reflective family story about two siblings and the house that shaped their lives. His delivery is so natural it barely feels like narration—just storytelling at its finest. A perfect choice if you want something emotional, but not too heavy.

World War Z: The Complete Edition by Max Brooks

Told through a series of interviews after a fictional zombie apocalypse, this audiobook uses a full cast to create a documentary-style experience. The format is broken into short segments, making it easy to follow and great for dipping in and out. It’s a unique, fast-paced listen that shows off what audiobooks can do.

Red Rising by Pierce Brown

This sci-fi dystopian story about rebellion and survival is intense, but highly accessible thanks to fast pacing and strong world-building. Tim Gerard Reynolds delivers a gripping performance that keeps the tension high without getting overwhelming. A great option if you’re looking for something cinematic and addictive.

Educated by Tara Westover, narrated by Julia Whelan

Tara Westover’s memoir about growing up in a survivalist family and eventually earning a PhD is as compelling as any novel. Julia Whelan’s narration is thoughtful and steady, letting the emotional weight of the story land without overdramatizing it. It’s a standout example of memoir done right.

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett, narrated by Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep narrates this story of love, memory, and storytelling with quiet elegance and just the right emotional touch. The novel drifts between past and present with ease, and Streep’s voice makes the transitions feel effortless. It’s a gentle, beautifully performed listen.

Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

This off-the-wall sci-fi comedy follows a man and his cat in a deadly alien game show, and Jeff Hays throws himself into the narration with full dramatic flair. The result is wildly entertaining, with distinct character voices and nonstop energy. It’s a great first listen if you want something completely different.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

This twisty psychological thriller follows a husband and wife through a deeply dysfunctional marriage and a mysterious disappearance. The dual narration adds depth to the story, with Julia Whelan and Kirby Heyborne perfectly capturing each character’s voice and perspective. It’s sharp, suspenseful, and completely absorbing—a great first listen if you enjoy thrillers with unexpected twists.

Bossypants by Tina Fey, narrated by the author

Tina Fey reads her own memoir with the exact tone you’d expect: funny, fast, and totally self-aware. The pacing is tight and the delivery adds to the humor, making it feel like an extended stand-up set. This is a great choice if you want something smart and laugh-out-loud funny.

Conclusion

Starting with the right audiobook can make all the difference. These picks are engaging, easy to follow, and show just how varied and enjoyable audiobooks can be.

Whether you’re into mystery, memoir, romance, or something in between, there’s something here to help you get started—and maybe even get you hooked.

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