Books
6 Audiobooks That Will Make Your Commute Better
I’m originally from Dallas, but now live in Los Angeles, and one of the most asked questions I get from people back home is: OMG TRAFFIC DOES IT SUCK OR WHAT. I thought this was a universal understanding of L.A., but I think there’s something satisfying in them knowing that although we’ve got insanely nice weather, I’m forced to sit in my trusty Corolla in peak traffic hours instead of enjoying it.
But here’s the thing: If you’re committed to L.A. you just accept that traffic is unavoidable. And trust us, we know the sense of dread you feel before taking part in the chaos of your weekly commute to work. This is only made worse by hitting every red light or discovering your overplayed music selection that you keep forgetting to update. Unlike most cities with public transit, we cannot enjoy the luxury of reading a paperback on a subway. But we CAN enjoy storytelling through other means: audiobooks.
If you’re like me, you might be hesitant to try audiobooks. I love ink and paper as much as the next bibliophile. My ultimate goal is to have a library as impressive as Belle’s. For a long time I thought the only narrator I would enjoy was the one I crafted in my head. But let me tell you, there’s something enchanting about an on-point narrator that will make you want to shut out the world for a little while longer.
So where do you start? Never fear. We have you covered. Here are six brilliant audiobook suggestions that will make you want to sit in your car a little longer.
Will Grayson Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan
If you’re someone who turns your nose up at YA, I promise this audiobook won’t disappoint. Winner of the Odyssey Award for Excellence in audiobooks, John Green and David Levithan narrate their respective characters and deliver pointedly beautiful prose and truly LOL-worthy moments.
One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories by B.J. Novak
The majority of this one is narrated by B.J. himself, but it also includes special guest narrations from Mindy Kaling, Katie Perry, Lena Dunham, and more. This audiobook is choked full of well-crafted short stories guaranteed to make you laugh as well as warm your heart.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
This captivating story is read by Jim Dale (who also narrated the Harry Potter audiobooks). With its magical, gripping plot and wonderful prose, you’ll find yourself both enchanted and immersed in the world of this novel.
Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin
This audiobook is much less intimidating than the massive hardcopy. Although there is only one narrator for all the characters, the delivery of the passages and dialogue is sure to keep you hooked from beginning to end.
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
If you enjoyed reading (or watching) Gone Girl, then you won't want to miss out on this gripping mystery. This perfectly paced narration will have you looking forward to your commutes so you can settle in and discover what happens next.
Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris
Fans of witty nonfiction will enjoy David Sedaris’ collection of short stories in this audiobook. Fair warning: You may receive odd looks from your fellow commuters sitting in traffic beside you because this one's guaranteed to have you in stitches. Narrated by the author himself, Sedaris flawlessly captures aspects of holiday hilarity.
