Celebrity-Narrated Audiobooks Worth a Listen

“It’s an eenie, meenie, miny, mo game of luck, relationships, chance, how long you’ve been out there, and sometimes talent,” says Davis when pressed to describe her professional triumphs. While the EGOT winner remains modest, her emotional memoir, narrated by the author and actress herself, chronicles her journey from growing up in a rat-infested apartment to attending Julliard and beyond — truly an uplifting story of hard work and dedication.

When Jess Hadley’s brother ends up missing, she asks the tenants of his creepy, once-elegant apartment building about his whereabouts, but each one deflects her questions. She soon finds out the building tenants are members of the same family who share a dark secret. Masterfully narrated by a spectacular cast including Clare Corbett, Charlie Anson, and Julia Winwood, Foley sweeps readers away on an exciting thrill ride through Paris with plenty of unexpected twists and turns.

Savage, best known for his role as co-host on “Mythbusters,” makes his authorial debut with “Every Tool’s a Hammer.” Part memoir, part self-help, Savage combines stories and lessons from his 40-plus year career, along with words of wisdom from fellow makers such as Nick Offerman, Guellermo del Toro, and Jamie Hyneman.

Buckle up for a wild, twisting ride led by the fiercest mama bears around. The “May Mothers” — a friend group of moms with May-born babies — leave the kids with a sitter for a night out, but the party comes to a halt when Winnie’s son, Midas, is stolen from his crib. Together, and in opposition of the media and law enforcement, they’ll do whatever it takes to bring Midas home. “The Perfect Mother” shines a light on how society holds mothers to near-impossible standards, and how mothers nonetheless rise to the challenge. Aptly narrated by Christin Milioti, the titular “Mother” in “How I Met Your Mother.”

Fisher grew up Hollywood royalty (her parents are stars Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher) and shot to fame early in life as America’s most beloved princess. But growing up in a dysfunctional celebrity family was far from a fairy tale. Witty, self-deprecating, and above all hilarious, Fisher’s memoir will make readers fall in love all over again with the woman who gave us Princess Leia.

Applegate’s sequel to “The One and Only Ivan” reunites Bob the puppy, Ivan the gorilla, and Ruby the elephant. This middle-grade tale of friendship and adventure sees the unlikely trio team up against the chaos of a natural disaster. An adorable and entertaining story narrated by Danny DeVito.

John’s “Me” takes you through the extreme highs and deep lows of his upbringing and career. How can you not be entertained by the firsthand retelling of the life of one of music’s biggest divas? Yes, he really did call his office once to ask if they could do something about the wind. But that’s just the tip of the anecdotal iceberg. Narrated by the Rocket Man himself and Taron Egerton, who portrayed John in the 2019 biopic.

Listen to the first book of this wonderfully weird, impressively imaginative, sprawling series by master wordsmith Snicket before moving onto the others. His spellbinding prose is all the more captivating when narrated by a full cast — including the talented Tim Curry. Tune in as every whimsical, woeful, and wanton character stokes your imagination and sense of adventure.

Right now we could all use a refresher on how to be a good neighbor in spite of our differences. Who better to teach us than the man who united generations of viewers through his lessons on kindness and inclusion? Let this biography of Fred Rogers (aka, Mister Rogers) — narrated by actor and fellow children’s TV host LeVar Burton — inspire you to reach out and ask, “Won’t you be my neighbor?”

Foster your sense of childlike wonder with a classic story written (and read) by Gaiman. When Nobody Owens (or Bod, as he’s called) toddles into a graveyard after his parents are murdered, the ghostly inhabitants decide to care for him. What follows is a story of growth, learning, and suspense with a supernatural twist. Gaiman’s talent for bringing his characters to life makes this audiobook that much more magical.

Green, smelly, and packing a heart of gold: Shrek isn’t just the star of the DreamWorks blockbuster hit movies. He’s also the protagonist of an imaginative children’s book. Listen to the original tale about your favorite ogre, plus five other equally entertaining stories by author and cartoonist Steig, narrated by award-winning actors Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci.

Rebecca Buckfast breaks new ground at St. Oswald’s school, both as the first woman headmaster and the first to open enrollment to female students. When a body is discovered on school grounds, Rebecca is hesitant to investigate and dig up old mysteries that may overshadow her achievements. This fast-paced thriller plays with your psyche and is brought to life by Alex Kingston (“Dr. Who”) and Steven Pacey (“Blake’s 7”).

The book behind the hit TV series, “Life on Earth” is a classic. Attenborough’s masterpiece tells the story of our planet from the first flicker of life. This escape into the natural world is narrated by Attenborough himself. Naturally.

In an iconic adventure story that inspired the blockbuster film series, the unassuming Frodo Baggins journeys through Middle Earth to destroy a ring that possesses all-consuming power. Tolkien's remarkably imaginative classic is always worth a read (or a re-read) for those who love stories of good triumphing over evil. If the words “my precious” sound all too familiar, it’s because Andy Serkis — the actor who played Gollum — narrates this title.

Actor Dan Stevens of “Downton Abbey” brings one of the best mysteries ever written to life. Christie’s tale follows 10 characters — all strangers — who are lured to a mansion on a private island. Each person has a criminal history. They share their secrets, and one by one, they die. Obviously the killer is among them. But who can it be?

Narrated by musical theater star Megan Hilty, this novel details the deep, sustaining bonds of friendship and love when your world turns upside down. Protagonist Dannie Cohan has a perfectly curated answer to the popular interview question, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” Until one night she has a dream — or is it a vision? — where she’s with a man who isn’t her present fiancé.

In arguably one of the greatest novels ever written, Nick Carraway moves to West Egg, New York and lives next to wealthy and mysterious Jay Gatsby. Gatsby throws wild parties, building his reputation as he pines for his lost love. This is a story of intrigue and deceit, set against the extravagance of America’s Jazz Age. Sean Astin (best known as Samwise from “The Lord of the Rings” film series) narrates.

Get swept up in Patchett’s touching story about the beautiful relationship between a brother and sister navigating the disintegration of their family. This novel feels at once like a modern fairy tale — there’s even a wicked stepmother — and a Victorian work of familial greed and cruelty of circumstance. The wonderful Tom Hanks enhances Patchett’s signature wit and incisive descriptions, making this the perfect audiobook to escape into.

There’s likely never been a member of Congress as empathetic, as gracious, and as willing to “reach across the aisle” as the late Representative Cummings. “We’re Better Than This” is a memoir that inspires change, addressing congressional hearings both famous and unknown plus Cummings’ never-ending quest to protect U.S. democracy. His experiences and words are all the more compelling when narrated by his wife, politician Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, and actor Laurence Fishburne. Foreword written and narrated by Nancy Pelosi.

“Island Queen” by famed Regency author Riley is the reconstructed story of the remarkable Dorothy “Doll” Kirwan Thomas’ rise from enslavement to the storied balls and castles of England. Think “Bridgerton” told through a Black Caribbean gaze (Adjoa Andoh, who plays Lady Danbury in “Bridgerton,” narrates). This was one of the most anticipated books of 2021.

The bestseller behind the creepy Netflix hit, “You,” takes listeners into the mind of a stalker and killer. When Beck walks into Joe’s bookstore, he’s determined to possess her (or, in his delusional mind, love her). Their relationship spirals into deceit and violence in this page-turning, twisted thriller narrated by Tony Award-winner Santino Fontana (“Frozen”).

Two teenagers in love have budding futures ahead of them — until one is convicted of murder and sent to prison. Though their lives follow vastly different trajectories, they experience mutual pain, struggle, and loneliness. “Upstate” is the story of Natasha and Antonio’s relationship, told through letters written over a span of 10 years. In this audio production, actress Heather Sims brings Natasha’s letters to life, while the late (and beloved) Chadwick Boseman reads for Antonio.

You may think you know horror, but Hill always ups the ante on tried-and-true tropes. Charles Talent Manx drives children to Christmasland, but it’s not as fun as one would imagine. Good thing certifiable badass (and protagonist) Victoria McQueen is determined to defeat this demon from her past and protect her child. “NOS4A2” is narrated by Kate Mulgrew of Netflix’s “Orange is the New Black.”

Show up for the intense, unruly passion — stay for Lin-Manuel Miranda’s irresistible voice. Sáenz’s stunning novel is a delicate and beautifully written portrayal of first love. Aristotle (Ari) and Dante meet when they are 15. Despite being complete opposites, they strike up an instant friendship. As the story unfolds, Ari and Dante confront the challenges of family, culture, and sexuality.

Actress Claire Danes narrates the story of two brothers in Bushwick: One turns to religion after an unexplained night-sky sighting, the other to substance abuse to cope with grief and disappointment. Cunningham’s signature lyricism shines in this story of struggle, loss, and the quest for transcendence. Cunningham is best known for his novel “The Hours,” which won a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and a Faulkner Award.

With narrators like Wil Wheaton and Neil Gaiman, “Full Throttle” won the Audie Award for Best Short Stories/Collections. It includes the story “In the Tall Grass,” which Hill co-wrote with his father Stephen King and Netflix adapted into a film.

You can’t read “The Bell Jar” without drawing parallels between protagonist Esther and author Plath: Both are talented women who slowly unravel as they battle unnamed mental illness. This classic is as dreadful as it is fascinating, with Oscar-nominated actress Maggie Gyllenhaal (“The Dark Knight,” “Stranger Than Fiction”) successfully capturing Esther’s despair and desperation.

Read the novel that the King of Horror himself found so terrifying he nearly didn’t publish it. “Pet Sematary” brings all of our worst fears to life in a shocking combination of family trauma and loss, the dead and undead. Perhaps Michael C. Hall draws on his experiences from the dark and devious “Dexter” as he narrates this frightening ordeal.

Shakespeare’s iconic tale of jealousy, revenge, treachery, and regret is even more mesmerizing when narrated by a full cast from the Folger Theater. These talented actors bring Othello, Desdemona, and Iago to life, verse after dramatic verse.

In keeping with his debut novel, “Lord of the Flies,” Golding utilizes themes of struggle and desperation in his 1964 novel, “The Spire.” This story unfolds from the perspective of Dean Jocelin, a bishop convinced that God instructed him to build an impossibly tall tower. Benedict Cumberbatch’s powerful voice and Golding’s stream-of-consciousness style make listeners feel like they are accompanying Jocelin on his spiral into madness.

After years in a coma, Johnny Smith wakes with a newfound ability to see people’s pasts and futures. After a politician shakes his hand, Johnny must decide if he should interfere with an impending disaster. Plenty of psychological thrills with a fantasy twist. Actor and filmmaker James Franco (“127 Hours,” “Pineapple Express”) narrates this spooky story — King’s first bestseller.

In a long-awaited sequel to his 1998 novel “Election,” Perrotta’s Tracy Flick (brought to life by Reese Witherspoon in the popular ’90s film adaptation) returns, as complex as ever. Now, Vice Principal Flick has her ambitious sights set on a promotion to principal, but a problematic “Hall of Fame'' project may ruin her chances. It more than lives up to its prequel, featuring Perrotta’s signature flawed but relatable characters and timeless themes of misogyny, harassment, revenge, and forgiveness. Lucy Liu, Dennis Boutsikaris, and many other talented performers narrate this satirical, coming-of-age novel.

Jesmyn Ward draws on Morrison, Faulkner, and Greek myths to play with the classic American road novel, weaving magical realism into the modern, rural South. Narrated by Kevlin Harrison, Jr., Chris Chalk, and Rutina Wesley, sentences rise together to form a penetrating story that lingers like fog on the Mississippi bayou where the novel is set.

See London through the eyes of the titular Queenie, a 20-something Jamaican British woman. Smart and funny, this debut novel uses witty charm to fearlessly lay bare the messiness of race and dating, family and mental health, and the struggle to keep it together. Timely and lively, it’s “Bridget Jones” meets “Americanah.” Narrated by actress and voice over artist Shvorne Marks.

There’s nothing quite like “The House in the Cerulean Sea” — wonderfully weird, quietly romantic, and full of magic and queerness. Caseworker Linus Baker doesn’t push boundaries; he meticulously reports about orphanages taking care of children with supernatural powers. But his worldview is taken for a spin when he’s assigned to work at Marsyas Island Orphanage, where the children are particularly monstrous and the caretaker extremely mysterious. Daniel Henning, director and founder of the Blank Theater, lends his theatrical talents for accents and nuanced voices to the audiobook.