What are the best audiobooks read by celebrities? We’ve compiled a list of 10 audiobooks narrated by A-list celebs. Read on to take a closer look.

The 10 best audiobooks read by celebrities

Listening to audiobooks is great, but listening to audiobooks narrated by your favorite celebrities is even better. Let’s look at the best audiobooks and short stories read by Hollywood celebs that you can find on your favorite audiobook platform, including Audible.

The best audiobooks read by celebrities

The following New York Times best-selling audiobooks narrated by celebrities guarantee an immersive listening experience:

Heartburn by Meryl Streep

“Heartburn” is Nora Ephron’s debut novel. It follows Rachel Samstat, a pregnant woman who discovers her husband has a lover. She teeters between trying to win him back and wishing him dead. The only constant is her love for food and the belief that good recipes can solve any problem.

Meryl Streep takes this hilarious book to the next level with her endearing narration. She delivers a stunning performance that exudes agony, self-deprecation, and heartbreak.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Claire Danes

“The Handmaid’s Tale” revolves around the story of Offred. She’s been stripped of her identity and acts as a concubine for wealthy couples in a dystopian nation called the Republic of Gilead. The book explores various themes, including morality, totalitarianism, and misogyny.

The author, Margaret Atwood, showcases her masterful storytelling and the ability to turn any story into a thriller. It gets even better when you consider the narrator – Claire Danes.

She breathes new life into this award-winning classic with an exceptional performance.

Go Set a Watchman by Reese Witherspoon

Harper Lee’s most famous novel is “To Kill a Mockingbird.” The long-awaited sequel “Go Set a Watchman” is another compelling read.

Reese Witherspoon’s southern accent complements the novel perfectly. Her retelling of the racial tensions evokes powerful emotions and grips you from the get-go.

Dutch House by Tom Hanks

“Dutch House” is a must-read bestseller by Ann Patchett set at the end of WWI. Cyril Conroy, an emotionally distant man, starts a real estate empire to lift his family out of poverty. He purchases the titular Dutch House, which triggers the undoing of his loved ones.

The story is told by Danny, Cyril’s son. Tom Hanks effortlessly captures Danny’s emotional state as the plot unfolds.

The Order of Time by Benedict Cumberbatch

Carlo Rovelli is the author of “The Order of Time.” This Italian physicist is the mastermind of several quantum theories. He uses this novel to ask philosophers and fellow physicists several questions:

• What does time flow mean?
• Why don’t people remember the future instead of the past?
• Do we exist in time or is it the other way around?

Once you hear Benedict Cumberbatch tackle the questions aloud, you’ll embark on a mesmerizing adventure of discovery.

Ready Player One by Wil Wheaton

“Ready Player One” by Ernest Client is set in a dystopian future about 20 years from now. Trapped in a menacing, lifeless existence, the characters escape into another world that lets them experience life in fictional realms.

Only this new world turns into a nightmare for Wade Watts. Wil Wheaton narrates the novel and portrays Wade’s anxiety as he spirals into a never-ending virtual universe.

Lincoln in the Bardo by Multiple

“Lincoln in the Bardo” is a book by George Saunders. It’s set one year after the Civil War and the death of Willie Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln’s son.

Willie finds himself in an unusual purgatory populated by ghosts. He performs bizarre acts of atonement and goes through bardo – a transitional state from the Tibetan tradition.

The full cast includes more than 15 people. Here are some of the most famous names:

• Don Cheadle
• Lena Dunham
• Ben Stiller
• Nick Offerman
• Bill Hader
• Susan Sarandon

Sense and Sensibility by Rosamund Pike

“Pride and Prejudice” is the most popular novel (and Oscar-winning movie adaptation) by Jane Austen. However, her first published book “Sense and Sensibility” is also captivating.

It follows two sisters who want to meet society’s expectations by marrying “worthy” men. However, as they become increasingly disillusioned, they’re convinced they’ll never know true love.

Rosamund Pike is the perfect narrator for this work. She delivers Austen’s words in an understanding tone to craft a stunning performance.

The Great Gatsby by Jake Gyllenhaal

“The Great Gatsby” is a classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It’s told from the perspective of Nick Carraway, an average person who steps into a lavish world of larger-than-life characters.

Jay Gatsby, a rich war veteran, seeks to win back his childhood sweetheart – Daisy Buchanan. Nick accompanies him on this journey and helps the two reunite briefly in this love story.

Nick also frequents the legendary parties of West Egg, which were beautifully depicted in the film adaptation.

Jake Gyllenhaal steps into Nick’s shoes in this audiobook. While he doesn’t tell a classic coming-of-age story, he establishes Nick as an adult through his experiences.

Matilda by Kate Winslet

“Matilda” was written by Roald Dahl. It tells the heartwarming story of Matilda Wormwood, an avid reader who started reading at the age of three.

Kate Winslet is the voice actor of this novel. She presents Matilda’s extraordinary intellect and strong bond with her teacher – Jennifer Honey.

6 benefits of listening to audiobooks

Audiobooks have surged in popularity, and it's not just because of the star-studded narrations we've highlighted above. With famous audiobook narrators like Anne Hathaway and Maggie Gyllenhaal lending their voices to classic tales, and platforms like Amazon's Audible offering a vast collection, it's no wonder people are tuning in. Let's delve into six benefits of choosing audiobooks:

1. Enhanced Engagement: Celebrity audiobook narrators, such as the Tony Award-winning star of "Hamilton," can bring a story to life in ways that simple text might not. The emotion, tone, and pacing set by these famous narrators can make the narrative more engaging and immersive. It's akin to having a personal storyteller recounting a tale just for you.
2. Multitasking Opportunity: One of the most practical benefits of audiobooks is the ability to multitask. Whether you're driving, cooking, or even studying for a high school exam, you can immerse yourself in a story without needing to focus solely on the act of reading. This makes it easier to incorporate books into a busy lifestyle.
3. Improved Comprehension: For many, listening can aid in understanding and retaining information. The auditory experience can help with the comprehension of complex plots or unfamiliar terms. Moreover, the right intonation and emphasis by famous audiobook narrators can clarify the meaning of sentences or highlight important details.
4. Accessibility: Audiobooks can be a boon for those with visual impairments, dyslexia, or other reading challenges. They make literature accessible to everyone, ensuring that no one misses out on the joy of a good story or the knowledge within a non-fiction piece.
5. Language Learning: For those looking to learn a new language or improve their language skills, audiobooks can be an invaluable resource. Listening to the language being naturally spoken, especially in the context of a story, can enhance pronunciation, vocabulary, and understanding of sentence structure.
6. Portability: In today's digital age, carrying an entire library in your pocket is not a fantasy. With apps and platforms like Amazon's Audible, you can have a vast collection of audiobooks on your smartphone or tablet. Whether you're on a long flight, waiting in a queue, or on a road trip, your favorite books, narrated by celebrity audiobook narrators, are just a tap away.

Incorporating audiobooks into your routine, especially those narrated by beloved celebrities, can transform your reading experience. Not only do you get to enjoy the depth and nuance of the story, but you also reap the myriad benefits that come with auditory learning.

Speechify

Speechify is a cutting-edge text to speech (TTS) platform. One of the most gripping voices on Speechify is Gwyneth Paltrow. She can read content from any source, including book club websites, news articles, emails, social media posts, and more. You can also adjust her reading speed to keep up more easily.

If you want to learn more about Gwyneth Paltrow’s voice on Speechify, try the software for free today.

FAQ

Who is the most famous audiobook narrator?

The most famous audiobook narrators include Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael C. Hall, Kate Winslet, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Meryl Streep.

What is the most listened to audiobook?

“Dune,” “Circe,” and “Mexican Gothic” are among the most widely sold audiobooks in the world.

What is the most popular audiobook right now?

One of the most popular audiobooks in 2022 is “The Handmaid’s Tale.”

What is the best audiobook of all time?

“The Dutch House” is widely regarded as the best audiobook ever.

Which audiobook is a must-listen for all Americans?

Every American should listen to the “Go Set a Watchman” audiobook due to its account of racial struggles. Also, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” is one of the best books for children, as it follows Dorothy on an incredible adventure.

What are some popular audiobooks?

“Becoming,” “Untamed,” and “A Promised Land” are highly popular audiobooks.

What are the best audiobook series?

Many people consider “The Dark Tower” by Stephen King the best audiobook series of all time.

What is the most popular genre to listen to audiobooks?

The top five genres for audiobooks are thriller, mystery, romance, fantasy, and nonfiction.