Hitting the road soon and looking for a good Audible book to keep you entertained (and focused) during the drive? We have 18 suggestions for you – something for everyone! They cover a variety of genres, so whether you want light or heavier, hopefully you’ll find something that fits your taste. And we still love all our recs from last year as well, so check them out too.
Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan
Joanne just listened to this on a 13 hour road trip to visit me in California, and LOVED it (she got upset when people called her to chat as she just wanted to listen to the book!). By the author of Crazy Rich Asians, it’s anther deep dive peek into the lives of the rich and famous, this time set in England, Hawaii, Morocco, LA and Venice. Such fun witty banter, brand-dropping, drama, and intrigue about a family who’s about to lose everything looks for a way to save their name and fortune.
All the Glimmering Stars by Mark Sullivan
The author’s book Beneath a Scarlet Sky (one of my all-time favorites which I highly recommend if you haven’t read it) was on our list last year, and his latest book is a new favorite. Based on the true story of two teens kidnapped by African warlord Joseph Kony in the 1990’s, the book is an incredible true story of courage and survival.
The Women by Kristin Hannah
The Women is a novel that tells the story of a young nurse from Southern California who finds herself serving in the middle of the Vietnam War. She then must also deal with the treatment she receives upon her return to the US. A wonderful tribute to all the women who served ‘invisibly’ in the Vietnam War, amongst others. A wonderful read.
Daughters of Shandong by Eve J. Chung
Loosely based on the author’s family history, the book follows a woman in China at the dawn of the Cultural Revolution as her husband and his family abandon her and her children and she must figure out how to survive. An inspiring story!
The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
If you’re in the mood for a ‘romantacy’ that involves dragons, a bit of romance, special powers, and students at a war college, this is for you! My husband and I loved it for long road trip, and we are now onto the second in the series. 1.7MM readers on Goodreads have rated it 4.5/5.
Thursday Murder Club Series by Richard Osman
What a fun series this is! It follows a charming group of octogenarians living in an English senior retirement village who begin solving murders. Read them in order, starting with The Thursday Murder Club, which Steven Spielberg is making it into a movie.
The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin
This true story follows the author’s journey in Santa Cruz, CA from soccer mom to heroin addict to felon….to Oprah endorsed best selling author. An amazing story of resilience.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
A wonderful story about the relationship between an octopus and the woman who cleans the aquarium he lives in, and many other characters as well, all of whom are so endearing. Just a great heartwarming read/listen.
Freckled: A Memoir of Growing Up Wild in Hawaii by TW Neal
For those who like autobiographies of women who made it through tough upbringings (as I do as can be seen from this list!), this one is about the author’s childhood in which grew up the child of hippy surfer parents living off the grid in Hawaii, while her grandparents were back in upper crust Southern California. Super interesting, both about a unique time in Hawaii and the very ‘alternative’ way she grew up.
Me by Elton John
We know him, we love him. Athough it’s not a new book ME is a great road trip book as Elton John takes us through his entire life.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
If you are road-tripping with teens or young adults (or video game enthusiasts) this is a great choice that focuses on a relationship between video game developers over the course of their lives.
The Guncle by Steven Rowley
A fun, witty read about a Palm Springs-based gay uncle (aka Gunkle) who takes in his niece and nephew for a bit after the death of their mom. It’s ‘light’, but meaningful. The second in the series, The Gunkle Abroad, is also good if you have a longer road trip and want more!
Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce
This book was somewhat under-the-radar when it came out but I really enjoyed it and think it’d be a terrific road trip book as it’s entertaining and well-written. Set in the 1950’s it’s about a down-on-her-luck older British woman who abandons her current life, finds a travel companion and sets out to the other side of the world to hunt down a perhaps fictional ‘Golden Beetle’. Heartwarming and fun.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
This book follows the story of a woman who is allowed to see different life paths (as her current one is full of regrets) she could have, as she has the ability to ‘pick’ them out of a ‘library’. Great for teens as well as older listeners.
Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal
A young Indian woman in West London teaches a writing course to Punjabi women and the friendships and stories that come out of the class make for a terrific book of sisterhood. Fun read!
Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come: An Introvert’s Year of Living Dangerously by Jessica Pan
The author, an introvert, dedicates a year to putting herself ‘out there’ by learning about how to be an extrovert and putting herself in situations way outside of her comfort zone. Funny and endearing – a great read/listen.
The Maid by Nita Prose
I loved the two Molly the Maid books (not to be confused with the book Maid!). Molly is neuro diverse and sees life and people in a special and wonderful way. She lives with her grandmother and has her dream job of being a maid in a high end hotel. When a murder occurs things get interesting! If you finish it and want more the follow-up book is The Mystery Guest.
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
Rom-com witty summer read that would be a fun road trip option. About a writer for an SNL type show who falls for a top star hosting an episode. Great writing and a fun read/listen.
