There’s something uniquely satisfying about slipping on my headphones and diving into a great audiobook while on the move. Whether I’m traveling, walking my dog, or going for a run, audiobooks are my constant companions. They make even the most mundane moments feel like an adventure—especially when the narrator’s voice pulls you into the story. It’s not just about the content; the narration can make or break the experience, and I’ve found some incredible audiobooks where the voices elevate the material to another level.

These picks offer not only compelling stories but also narrators who absolutely nail the delivery, making the experience enjoyable from start to finish. Whether you're on a long flight, strolling through the park, or just looking for an escape from your daily routine, these audiobooks will keep you entertained and captivated wherever you are.

And for even more recommendations, you can click over to my roundup on Bookshop.org for more audiobook suggestions.

Just a heads-up: Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links. That means if you click on a product link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. (And I will be most appreciative.) Rest assured, I only share products and brands I genuinely love and think you will too.

Open Book by Jessica Simpson

Before it was published, I don’t think anyone was expecting this to essentially become the gold standard for celebrity memoirs in the current era. And for that we should all be ashamed. Open Book is as raw and unfiltered as they come, diving into the highs, lows, and hangovers of her life in the spotlight. Simpson doesn’t hold back on the personal details, from her struggles with addiction to her heartbreaks and triumphs in love. It’s a refreshingly candid look behind the pop princess facade, filled with humor, self-awareness, and a little bit of Texas sass. You’ll walk away with a newfound respect for her resilience.

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

Finally, Britney gets her voice back, and it’s not through a hit single. It’s raw, vulnerable, and oh-so-juicy. Every pop culture conspiracy theorist’s dream come true, this memoir spills the tea on everything you were too afraid to ask (but secretly wanted to know). You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll wonder how anyone survived 2007. Britney’s long overdue story proves she’s not just a pop princess—she’s a warrior with a killer backstory.

The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher

This was Carrie Fisher’s last book published before she died, and with that, the narrated version (done by Fisher herself) carries so much more weight than expected. This is one of the few celebrity deaths that have really hit me hard. Sure, you came for the behind-the-scenes of Star Wars, but you’ll stay for the unapologetic self-deprecation and brutal honesty about her life. It’s a nostalgic trip with a heavy dose of therapy, wrapped up in galactic glamor.

Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets & Advice for Living Your Best Life by Ali Wong

Wong’s memoir is the literary equivalent of a comedy special you can’t stop quoting at dinner parties. Filled with hilariously inappropriate advice and brutally honest anecdotes, this is the parenting guide no one asked for but everyone needs. Whether she’s tackling motherhood, relationships, or her Netflix special wardrobe, Wong’s sharp tongue cuts through the BS with ease. You’ll laugh so hard you’ll forget the real pain of life—and if you’re lucky, you’ll pick up a life lesson or two in between giggles. Perfect for anyone who wishes self-help books came with a side of snark.

The Chiffon Trenches: A Memoir by André Leon Talley

Fashion’s favorite giant spills the couture tea, and trust me, it’s piping hot. Talley takes you through the trenches of Vogue, with enough name-dropping to fill an entire Met Gala guest list. His insider perspective on fashion’s glamorous (and not-so-glamorous) world is captivating, if not slightly jaw-dropping. You’ll find yourself both horrified and fascinated by the level of fabulousness and dysfunction. Talley’s memoir is more than just about clothes—it’s about survival in an industry that eats its own for breakfast, in a cashmere scarf, of course.

Save Me the Plums: My Gourmet Memoir by Ruth Reichl

The book that Gourmet subscribers have been waiting for since the magazine suddenly shuttered one day without warning. Ever wanted to know what it’s like to run a food magazine while still making it to the farmer’s market on Sundays? Reichl’s memoir offers a deliciously decadent glimpse into the world of Gourmet magazine, where foie gras and deadlines coexist in a delicate balance. With a sharp eye and sharper wit, she takes you through the rise and fall of a culinary institution. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving something fancy halfway through. Bon appétit, indeed—this book’s a feast for the soul, if not the stomach.

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

If you’re waiting for permission to be your most creative, unapologetic self, Gilbert just handed it to you on a glittery, metaphorical platter. Big Magic is part pep talk, part therapy session, with a heavy sprinkle of fairy dust that somehow makes you believe in your own untapped potential. It’s like having an incredibly wise, if slightly eccentric, life coach who keeps telling you to stop worrying about failure and just create already. Fear is officially canceled, and Gilbert’s here to guide you to your next big artistic breakthrough—whether you like it or not.

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

If you thought your life was wild, wait until you read Doyle’s. This book is less a memoir and more a battle cry for women to stop living small. With unapologetic energy, Doyle shares her journey of finding herself, her truth, and, let’s be honest, a whole lot of chaos along the way. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to throw caution to the wind and start living your wildest, most authentic life. Who knew self-discovery could be this riveting—or this messy?

Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci

Stanley Tucci is officially the world’s most charming foodie uncle. In this memoir, Tucci serves up bite-sized anecdotes with the same warmth and wit that made you fall in love with him on-screen. It’s less about Michelin stars and more about the simple joy of eating well, with a side of family nostalgia. Warning: you’ll definitely want pasta afterward. If you’ve ever wanted to take culinary advice from The Devil Wears Prada’s suave sidekick, this book is your (delicious) chance.

A Promised Land by Barack Obama

Obama’s memoir is like a masterclass in how to write about yourself. He somehow manages to detail the intricacies of running a country while keeping you invested in his personal journey. It’s thoughtful, reflective, and more than a little self-aware—qualities you might expect from a former president, but they’re still refreshing to read.

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama’s memoir is the gold standard for anyone looking to tell their life story—sorry, everyone else. With grace, humor, and an uncanny ability to make you feel like her best friend, she reflects on her journey from Chicago to the White House. It’s inspiring without being preachy and personal without oversharing. By the end, you’ll be motivated to not only live your best life but maybe run for office while you’re at it.

Hooked: How Crafting Saved My Life by Sutton Foster

Turns out, Broadway’s brightest star is just as crafty with yarn as she is with a Tony Award-winning performance. Foster’s memoir is a surprisingly candid account of how she found solace in crafting amid the chaos of life. It’s a love letter to creativity in all its forms, with plenty of heartfelt moments to keep you engaged. If you’ve ever found yourself knitting your way through an existential crisis, you’ll find a kindred spirit here. Bonus: this book will inspire you to pick up a crochet hook and get cracking on your next masterpiece.

In the Weeds: Around the World and Behind the Scenes with Anthony Bourdain by Tom Vitale

Anthony Bourdain’s legacy lives on through the eyes of his longtime producer, Tom Vitale, and let’s just say—it’s a wild ride. If you thought Bourdain’s on-camera adventures were intense, wait until you hear what went on behind the scenes. Vitale’s stories are equal parts hilarious and heart-wrenching, capturing the chaos and beauty of working with a man who lived life on the edge. It’s a bittersweet reminder of what we lost when Bourdain left this world, but also a celebration of the incredible journey he took us all on.

Dangerous Women edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois

A collection of stories about women who are as dangerous as they are fascinating? Yes, please. This anthology features work from some of the best writers in the business, and each tale offers a fresh take on what it means to be a “dangerous woman.” Whether they’re wielding swords or subverting societal norms, these heroines will leave you inspired and a little scared. If you’re tired of damsels in distress, this is the literary antidote you’ve been waiting for. My favorite chapters from this anthology are short stories read by actors Sophie Turner and Jonathan Frakes, but if you’re a House of the Dragon fan, you can’t miss Iain Glen narrating The Princess and The Queen.

We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story by Simu Liu

Simu Liu’s memoir is more than just a Hollywood success story—it’s an immigrant superhero origin tale with heart, humor, and a few awkward moments in between. Liu takes you from his humble beginnings to Marvel stardom, sharing the highs, lows, and everything in between. It’s a refreshing reminder that even superheroes have to deal with overbearing parents and cultural identity crises. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll be rooting for Liu long before he picks up a pair of nunchucks.

Making a Scene by Constance Wu

Constance Wu doesn’t just make a scene—she commands it, both on and off the screen. Her memoir is as bold and unapologetic as her performances, with plenty of behind-the-scenes drama to keep you hooked. But it’s more than just a Hollywood tell-all—it’s a raw, personal account of her struggles with mental health, family, and the pressure to succeed in an industry that wasn’t built for her. Wu’s story is as powerful as it is vulnerable, and by the end, you’ll be applauding her for far more than just her acting chops.

Inside Out: A Memoir by Demi Moore

Demi Moore’s memoir is less about Hollywood glitz and more about the gritty, complicated life behind the spotlight. Moore’s candid reflections on fame, addiction, and family make for an engrossing read, with enough personal drama to rival her most famous films. It’s a story of survival, reinvention, and the price of being America’s sweetheart. By the end, you’ll realize Demi’s greatest role isn’t on screen—it’s the one she’s playing in real life, scars and all.

Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly by Anthony Bourdain

Bourdain’s first no-holds-barred memoir is still the ultimate guide to the wild world of professional kitchens, and it’s just as shocking, hilarious, and brutally honest as it was when it first hit the shelves. Whether he’s recounting his wild escapades as a young chef or dropping truth bombs about the restaurant industry, Bourdain’s writing is sharp, raw, and unapologetic. You’ll never look at your dinner plate the same way again—and you might think twice before ordering fish on a Monday.

Favorite Reads: Audiobooks