Best 6 Audiobooks of All Time To Listen On The Commute In 2024
There are very few people who actually enjoy their commute to work. It can be full of stress or boredom being stuck in the car or having to sit next to stranger on the bus for what feels like hours. So how do you pass the time? How can you make the commute to work more bearable? What about listening to some audiobooks? In this article we are going to cover what we feel are the best audiobooks of all time to listen to on the commute to work. Read on and see what we’ve picked.
Audiobooks explained
If you’re an avid reader but just can’t find the time to sit down with a book, then you might be looking for more ingenious ways to get your daily dose of fiction in. Thankfully audiobooks can fill that criteria and now, thanks to digital audiobooks being available on most devices, you can listen to your favourite book when you are on the move. Narrated by a wide collection of celebrities, you’ll soon find you will be immersed in the story while still being able to go about your daily business.
Where to Get Your Audiobooks
If you are unsure where to get your audiobooks from then don’t panic, we’re here to help. Many subscription services give you access to downloadable digital audiobooks including classic titles and brand new titles. These services often have a free trial period so you can see what titles they have in their catalog. Alternatively, other services such as library-linked apps like Borrow Box allow you to borrow an audiobook for a few weeks. But which books should you choose?
Best Audiobooks To Listen While Commuting
1. The Subtle Art of Not Giving A ….- Mark Manson
Looking for something to lift your spirits and brighten your morning commute? Then this book is for you. The Subtle Art of Not Giving A …. is a no nonsense self help book that gives you realistic advice with a side order of good humour. Blasting the currently “mollycoddled” generation, this book uses medical research and scientific study to help prove that a positive mindset and a well thought out 5 year plan is not the goal to true fulfilment.
Audible rating 4.5 (126,152 ratings) Length: 5 hrs and 17 mins
Audiobooks.com Rating 4.6 out of 5 stars (3,023) Length: 5 hrs and 18 mins
Scribd Rating 4.5 out of 5 stars (7,026 ratings) Length: 5 hrs and 00 mins
2. The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
This modern classic is one for the literary lovers out there. Having sold millions of copies worldwide, it is a fabulous story of Santiago who wants to travel the world in search of life’s treasures. As the story unfolds, he gains more than he ever imagined. With themes running through this book such as opportunity, gut instinct and following dreams, this book will put a smile on your face just in time to hit the office.
Audible rating 4.7 (47,807 ratings) Length: 4 hrs and 01 mins
Audiobooks.com Rating 4.2 out of 5 stars (2,237) Length: 4 hrs and 01 mins
Scribd Rating 4.5 out of 5 stars (3,330 ratings) Length: 4 hrs and 00 mins
Read our Scribd Review and see the comparison to audible.
3. The Other Woman – Daniel Silva
Daniel Silva is a best-selling author who has been on the New York Best seller list several times. His book The Other Woman is a fascinating thriller mystery that will make you very suspicious of anyone you sit next to on the bus!
Set in the mountains of Andalusia, it begins with a woman compiling the memoirs of her life. Filled with danger, love and a child snatched from her after an accusation of treason, it becomes clear that this woman is linked to the KGB and is being used as a weapon.
The story unfolds as Gabriel Allon, art restorer and assassin, investigates the conspiracy and falls foul of the leaders of new Russia. This story is a gripping listen which might make you late for work as you listen for “just a few more minutes”.
Audible rating 4.4 (4,613 ratings) Length: 10 hrs and 45 mins
Audiobooks.com Rating 4.2 out of 5 stars (105) Length: 10 hrs and 47 mins
Scribd Rating 4.1 out of 5 stars (187 ratings) Length: 10 hrs and 00 mins
4. Upstairs at The White House – J.B West & Mary Lynn Kotz
Listed on the New York Times bestseller, this story will either make you want to change jobs or be grateful for the one you are travelling to! J.B. West was the chief usher of the White House for 28 years. In this story, he retells us with tales from his time directing operations in the White House. From organizing funerals to interacting with first ladies, you will learn more about what goes on behind closed doors than you ever imagined. A great easy listen for those with shorter commutes.
Audible rating 4.6 (1,175 ratings) Length: 13 hrs and 26 mins
5. Screwtape Letters – C.S Lewis
Celebrating its 70th anniversary, the Screwtape Letters are a humorous but profound take on a conversation between Screwtape and his nephew Wormwood. Screwtape, a senior-level devil sends letters to his nephew (a mere junior devil) to help him on his current project, to secure the damnation of a young man who has just become a Christian on earth. While light-hearted, it will make you think about theology and God in a more reflective light. This classic is well worth a listen.
Audible rating 4.7 (4,136 ratings) Length: 3 hrs and 59 mins
Audiobooks.com Rating 4.6 out of 5 stars (105) Length: 4 hrs and 0 mins
Scribd Rating 4.1 out of 5 stars (2,508 ratings) Length: 3 hrs and 58 mins
6. The Help – Katherine Stockett
You may have seen the film already, but this book is well worth a listen on the commute too. Set in the depths of high society in Mississippi in 1962, a young maid Aibileen finally snaps after years of quietly taking orders. Her loud mouthed friend Minny has a new boss and has secrets that she must keep. Skeeter, a socialite that has just graduated college has no intention of becoming a wife and wants to pursue her career as a writer. Together these three women write a tell-all book that uncovers what it’s like to be a black maid in the South. This story is so well written and is a lovely, humorous yet saddening tale to listen to on the way to work.
So, whether your tastes are for a bit of chick lit or whether you want to scare yourself silly with a murder thriller on your way to work, we think one of these books will be just right. Make your commute a bit more bearable and fit your love of literary classics into your day more easily by selecting one of the best audiobooks of all time to listen to on your commute.
Audible rating 4.8 out of 5 stars(39,856 ratings) Length: 18 hrs and 16 mins
Audiobooks.com Rating 4.7 out of 5 stars (1022) Length: 18 hrs and 00 mins
Scribd Rating 4.5 out of 5 stars (9,939 ratings) Length: 18 hrs and 16 mins