Audiobooks For Your Holiday Road Trip

Heading home for the holidays safely by car? It’s the ideal time to immerse yourself in an audiobook, especially ones that will transport you far away—likely further away than you’ve been this year!

Whether the snow is falling or the sun is shining, cozy up in your car and tune in to these audiobooks that are perfect for road trips. In fact, these bestsellers may leave you wishing you had more time to drive.

While the audiobooks below are available for purchase (and we love supporting authors), you can also check out your local library for free audiobooks through the Libby app. (We love supporting libraries, too!) This will save you on money and show your community leaders that access to libraries is an essential service for all, at a time when many are struggling.

If your drive is shorter, or want bite-sized stories to listen to at home, head here for our favorite fiction and storytelling podcasts.

Safe travels!

1. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

Narrator | Shayna Small
Genre | Fiction
Listen On | Chirp, Libro.fm

Brit Bennett, often compared to Toni Morrison, offers a brilliant perspective on self-identity, race, and family in her latest novel, “The Vanishing Half.” The narrative centers around two Black women whose paths diverge, and it follows the trajectory of their lives, as one marries the Blackest man she can find while the other passes for white and erases all connections to her family. Run time is 11.5 hours.

Review | “Shayna Small’s affecting performance brings listeners into the complex world of African-American identical twins. [Her] soft voice and measured delivery allow listeners the space to absorb the many consequences of the twins’ choices.” – Audiobook review

Price | Starting at $17 (or free with an audio membership)


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2. The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Narrator | Joe Morton
Genre | Historical fiction
Listen On | Chirp, Libro.fm

National Book Award-winning author Ta-Nehisi Coates has written an exceptional story that blends magical realism and historical fiction all at once. This unforgettable listen follows Hiram, a Black man with special powers, as he’s recruited to support the Underground Railroad. Run time is just over 14 hours.

Review | “Joe Morton doesn’t just give a stellar performance of Coates’s audiobook. He embodies its characters completely, making the listening experience cinematic.” – Audiobook review

Price | Starting at $20 (or free with an audio membership)


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3. Memorial by Bryan Washington

Narrator | Bryan Washington & Akie Kotabe
Genre | Novel, LGBTQ+ Literature
Listen On | Chirp, Libro.fm

In his debut novel, acclaimed writer Bryan Washington explores a range of topics, including modern family dynamics, love, culture, and race. Following the relationship of two young men as they learn to navigate their very different worlds together, the story is equally powerful and sweet. Run time is just over 8 hours. 

Review | “Author Bryan Washington takes the lead in narrating his second audiobook, ably complemented by Akie Kotabe’s winning performance.” – Audiobook review

Price | Starting at $24.50 (or free with an audio membership)


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4. Big Friendship by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman

Narrators | Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman
Genre | Relationships (Nonfiction)
Listen On | Chirp, Libro.fm

Hosts of the popular “Call Your Girlfriend” podcast came together to write and narrate this recently released book in which they recount their shared experiences around connection, alienation, commitment, and ultimately, what it takes to make a friendship thrive. In the audiobook, listeners also hear bonus content from experts on topics like relationships and technology. Run time is 5.5 hours.

Review | “Sounding comfortable and natural behind the mic… [Aminatou and Ann] prove to be warm, open, and matter-of-fact as they share personal details about the path their friendship has taken.” – Audiobook review

Price | Starting at $16 (or free with an audio membership)


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5. On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

Narrator | Ocean Vuong
Genre | Fiction
Listen On | Chirp, Libro.fm

Written and narrated by Ocean Vuong himself, “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous” is staged as a letter from a son grappling with his identity to his Vietnamese mother, who cannot read. This audiobook touches on sensitive topics, including violence, masculinity, and what it means to be silenced, as well as the power of reclaiming one’s story. Run time is 7 hours, 20 minutes.

Review | “As both author and narrator, Vuong is in the perfect position to narrate the audiobook just as it was intended. His delivery gives even more power to the captivating prose, keeping the listener hooked.” – Audiobook review

Price | Starting at $13 (or free with an audio membership)


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6. Eat a Peach by David Chang

Narrator | David Chang
Genre | Memoir/Cooking
Listen On | Chirp, Libro.fm

Aspiring foodies, mental health advocates, and entrepreneurs alike will enjoy chef David Chang’s “Eat A Peach,” as he shares the trials and tribulations he faced while building the now-legendary Momofuku empire. This memoir is a raw and honest look at what success and self-care both entail in a particularly tough industry. Run time is just over 9 hours.

Review | “His narration, much like his story, is brash, fast-paced, and in-your-face… Chang’s infectious passion for cooking comes through loud and clear.” – Audiobook review

Price | Starting at $18 (or free with an audio membership)


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7. The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd

Narrators | Mozhan Marnò and Sue Monk Kidd
Genre | Fiction
Listen On | Chirp, Libro.fm

What if Jesus had been married? That’s the question behind this compelling novel which reimagines the New Testament, following protagonist Ana, the wife of Jesus, as she discovers her voice and her destiny, her power, and her potential. Run time is just under 13.5 hours.

Review | “Mozhan Marnò inhabits the inner life of this poised, mature young woman from days gone by, giving her a measured, believable persona. Listeners who are looking for a unique take on oft-told stories will enjoy this listening experience.” – Audiobook review

Price | Starting at $20 (or free with an audio membership)


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8. Calypso by David Sedaris

Narrator | David Sedaris
Genre | Essays/Memoir
Listen On | Chirp, Libro.fm

Renowned author David Sedaris will have you laughing out loud and tearing up while listening to “Calypso.” His latest collection of personal essays are powerful as ever and include plenty of dark humor about middle age and mortality. As the blurb succinctly puts it, “This is beach reading for people who detest beaches.” Run time is just over 6.5 hours.

Review | “This meditation on aging is narrated by Sedaris himself in his quintessential tongue-in-cheek fashion. It’s a good thing he does, because the listener gets the sense that only [he] could balance the witty observations alongside the heartrending sadness of life.” – Audiobook review

Price | Starting at $18 (or free with an audio membership)


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9. A Burning by Megha Majumdar

Narrator | Ulka Mohanty, Vikas Adam, Priya Ayyar, Deepti Gupta, Soneela Nankani and Neil Shah
Genre | Fiction
Listen On | Chirp, Libro.fm

When protagonist Jivan carelessly posts a Facebook comment after a terrorist attack in India, what happens next ripples throughout the country. In her first novel, debut author Megha Majumdar looks at oppression within India’s caste system from the perspectives of three main characters living at the margins of society. Run time is just under 7.5 hours.

Review | “With their accurate Indian accents and adept pacing, the narrators bring listeners into the slums of India. Their multifaceted voices harmoniously blend to bring out a consistent storytelling experience.” – Audiobook review

Price | Starting at $16 (or free with an audio membership)


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10. Circe by Madeline Miller

Narrator | Perdita Weeks
Genre | Historical fiction
Listen On | Chirp, Libro.fm

For fans of Greek mythology and strong female leads, “Circe” is an enthralling listen. As the daughter of Helios, Circle is born with the power of witchcraft. Dismayed, her father sends her away to a deserted island, where she then lives with mortals and hones her special skills—which she’ll need as she fights off countless rivals and threats. Run time is just over 12 hours.

Review | “Weeks’s cool British intonations and attuned performance capture Circe’s evolution… Her first-person perspective creates intimacy as she engages fabled figures and grapples with the pleasures and dangers of everyday life..” – Audiobook review

Price | Starting at $17 (or free with an audio membership)


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11. All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson

Narrator | George M. Johnson
Genre | Nonfiction, LGBTQ+ Literature
Listen On | Chirp, Libro.fm

LGBTQIA+ activist George M. Johnson is the writer and narrator behind “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” a bittersweet memoir about growing up as a Black queer boy learning to fight for acceptance and love in the world. Johnson shares an eye-opening perspective around his sexual firsts, toxic masculinity, and Black joy. Run time is just over 5 hours.

Review | “Johnson’s easygoing pace and conversational language lend themselves to a deeper understanding of the queer experience. This memoir offers explorations of societal expectations of Black men that will leave listeners thinking long after the audiobook finishes.” – Audiobook review

Price | Starting at $18 (or free with an audio membership)


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What are your favorite audiobooks for car travel? Share your recommendations below! 👇 

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