Spotify has a massive and rapidly growing library of audiobooks. With so many options to choose from across genres like fiction, non-fiction, thriller, history, inspirational, and memoirs, it can be overwhelming to find the best audiobooks to listen to. This list covers some of the most popular and highly-rated audiobooks available on Spotify across these key genres.
You need a lot of context and parameters to prepare a comprehensive list of the best audiobooks available on Spotify. But if you are new to audiobooks and just want wholesome recommendations, I am here to help.
Best Audiobooks on Spotify for Different Genres
There is a vast selection of audiobooks on Spotify across many genres. With so many great options to pick from, personal preferences will steer you toward different books. This list highlights several hugely popular audiobook titles on Spotify that have been loved by many listeners.
Though one person may be drawn to an inspirational memoir while another prefers an engaging thriller, these audiobooks have collectively found enthusiastic audiences spanning tastes and interests
1. Fiction:
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, narrated by Jake Gyllenhaal. This classic novel set in the roaring 20s is brought to life through Gyllenhaal’s masterful narration.
2. Non-Fiction:
Getting Things Done by David Allen. Allen’s productivity system for reducing stress by organizing and prioritizing is presented clearly in his narration.
3. Thriller:
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins, narrated by an ensemble cast. This psychological thriller with twists and turns is made even more immersive thanks to the tense, emotional narration.
4. History:
A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn, narrated by an ensemble cast. America’s history told from the perspective of marginalized groups challenges traditional historical narratives.
5. Inspirational:
The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. Elrod’s narration brings authenticity as he unveils his life-changing morning routine for success.
6. Memoir:
Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry. Perry movingly narrates his battles with addiction along with behind-the-scenes stories from Friends.
In-Detail Recommadations
Every year, thousands of audiobooks are released and Spotify is one of the first few platforms to host them. The following audiobooks are popular and also my personal favorites. Note that these books are not mentioned in any particular order.
1. Me
- Author/Narrator: Elton John
- Genre: Memoir
Synopsis
In his deeply candid memoir “Me,” legendary musician Elton John narrates his incredible life story in his distinctive voice. From his humble beginnings in England to struggling with depression, addiction and sexuality, to finally achieving global superstardom, John shares his most personal battles and triumphs with raw emotional honesty.
Review
While his celebrity status often put his struggles in glaring public view, this audiobook reveals the resilient grace behind the headlines. With natural wit and wisdom, John’s storytelling gifts shine, making this an utterly delightful and insightful listening experience. Ultimately, “Me” reaffirms how both John’s soaring talent and humanity equally define his icon status.
2. The Great Gatsby
- Author/Narrator: F. Scott Fitzgerald/Jake Gyllenhaal
- Genre: Fiction
Synopsis
Set during the lavish Jazz Age, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s acclaimed novel “The Great Gatsby” follows the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby as he throws extravagant parties to try to reconnect with his long-lost love, Daisy Buchanan. Through the lens of Gatsby’s tragic romance, the novel explores wealth, idealism, and the elusive American Dream.
Review Jake Gyllenhaal’s masterful narration breathes vivid new life into this beloved classic novel. He compellingly captures the essence of Fitzgerald’s lyrical prose and intricate characters. For both longtime fans and first-time listeners, this audiobook makes experiencing the grandeur, wit, and existential longing of “The Great Gatsby” a profoundly immersive audio delight.
3. Getting Things Done
- Author/Narrator: David Allen
- Genre: Inspirational
Synopsis
World-renowned productivity expert David Allen shares his acclaimed “Getting Things Done” system to help listeners reduce stress and increase efficiency in their personal and professional lives. Through his signature clear instructional style, Allen walks through implementable organizational habits focused on decluttering, prioritizing tasks, and achieving work-life balance.
Review
Allen’s neat and engaging narration makes this audiobook version the definitive guide to mastering his transformative productivity methods. From young professionals to entire companies, his step-by-step organizational approach has resonated widely.
Listeners will find immense value in Allen’s practical wisdom outlining how simple shifts in routine can yield massive dividends in performance, focus, and overall well-being.
4. The Miracle Morning
- Author/Narrator: Hal Elrod
- Genre: Inspirational
Synopsis
In “The Miracle Morning,” author Hal Elrod details his life-changing daily routine system that helps people maximize their potential and build positive habits. Blending key practices like silence, affirmations, visualization, exercise, reading and journaling into a morning routine, Elrod’s SAVERS method provides a transformational framework for taking control of one’s day and, ultimately, one’s life direction.
Review
Powerfully narrated by Elrod himself, The Miracle Morning audiobook brings contagious enthusiasm and personal authenticity to the simple but impactful SAVERS routine Elrod outlines. With inspiring real-life transformation stories and actionable advice, Elrod convinces listeners that small morning habit adjustments can catalyze vast positive change.
5. Almost Autumn
- Author/Narrator: Marianne Kaurin/ Justine Eyre
- Genre: Fiction
Synopsis
Synopsis Set in Nazi-occupied Norway during WWII, “Almost Autumn” conveys a stirring tale of two young lovers fighting to survive war-torn tragedy. Though intensely somber, Marianne Kaurin’s novel unflinchingly explores the depths of human endurance, love’s perseverance and finding flecks of hope amidst unspeakable darkness.
Review
Kaurin’s masterful first-person narration transports listeners inside the emotional gravity of “Almost Autumn” and the lives upended by the war’s horrific fallout. The audiobook’s stark authenticity coupled with raw, poetic intimacy makes falling deeply into this heart-rending story inevitable. A lyrical ode to the human capacity to sustain light against inconceivable odds.
6. Little Women
- Author/Narrator: Louisa May Alcott/ Laura Dern
- Genre: Fiction
Synopsis
Louisa May Alcott’s enduring classic “Little Women” depicts the coming-of-age of the charming March sisters, as narrated by Laura Dern. Follow independent Jo, gentle Beth, romantic Meg and ambitious Amy as they traverse love, loss and self-discovery while coming together as a close-knit family to overcome difficult societal limitations.
Review
Dern pays homage to this literary gem with her emotional and earnest performance. Contemporary listeners now can connect to the universal themes of female adolescence and relationships at the heart of this novel through Dern’s accessible, enthusiasm-filled narration.
Breathing vivid new life into an adored text, this first-class audiobook production welcomes an expansive 21st-century audience into the March sisters’ world.
7. Slaughterhouse Five
- Author/Narrator: Kurt Vonnegut/James Franco
- Genre: Science Fiction
Synopsis
Synopsis Kurt Vonnegut’s satirical, nonlinear anti-war classic “Slaughterhouse-Five” follows WWII soldier Billy Pilgrim, who becomes unstuck in time. James Franco narrates Pilgrim’s surreal experience of bouncing across moments in his life, from surviving wartime trauma to mundane middle-age. Though often darkly funny, Vonnegut’s novel is a poignant exploration of fate and free will.
Review
Franco’s muted, honest delivery perfectly complements Vonnegut’s trademark gallows humor and the story’s structural eccentricities. With calm stoicism punctuated by emotional gravitas, Franco grounds the fantastical narrative in raw humanity. His reliable voice guides listeners through the darkness, ultimately highlighting the precious light we seek to sustain.
8. The Girl on the Train
- Author/Narrator: Paula Hawkins/Ensemble
- Genre: Thriller
Synopsis
Paula Hawkins’ twisting psychological thriller revolves around three women connected by a missing persons case, witnessed by an unreliable female alcoholic. As the witnesses’ fragmented memories slowly resurface, the story descends into a tense, gripping series of twists before the shocking truth finally unravels.
Review
Hawkins masterfully sustains suspense through fragmented narratives and complex characterization. Matching the novel’s intensity, Clare Danes’ ensemble cast audiobook heightens the tension tenfold through emotional performances.
Distinct narrators embody each voice, drawing out complexity. With sound engineering maximizing the novel’s shocking reveals the audio adaptation becomes a white-knuckle immersive feat.
- Author/Narrator: Matthew Perry
- Genre: Memoir
Synopsis
“Friends” sitcom legend Matthew Perry candidly narrates his inspiring memoir, outlining his unbelievable rise coupled with tumultuous battles against drug addiction and deteriorating health behind the scenes. Perry infuses his incredible story with self-effacing humor and wit.
Review
Authentically narrated by Perry himself, this audiobook offers fans nostalgic laughs alongside cathartic hope about overcoming life’s low points. Perry’s charm and comedic timing persist, his signature voice bringing hilarious personability. Candidly detailing his struggles, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing” ultimately shares an uplifting redemption story.
10. A People’s History of the United States
- Author/Narrator: Howard Zinn/ Ensemble
- Genre: History
Synopsis
Howard Zinn’s “A People’s History of the United States” narrates the evolution of America from the perspective of ordinary working-class citizens. It challenges commonly known parts of history and expresses the marginalization of certain communities.
Review
The audiobook quickly connects with listeners by telling the story from their viewpoint. The diverse narrators do justice to Zinn’s writing. It shows America’s history from a different lens, covering topics like diversity, social injustice, and nationalism from a balanced perspective.
The brilliant narration makes it appealing even for those not into historical narratives. It sheds light on the hard work of ordinary people that shaped the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Spotify offers some free audiobooks. You can find classic titles and snippets from newer releases available without a premium subscription.
No, you cannot listen to unlimited audiobooks on Spotify. The free tier only provides access to a limited selection of audiobooks. To get full access to Spotify’s audiobook catalog, you need a paid Spotify Premium subscription. Even with Premium, the audiobook selection is still limited compared to dedicated audiobook platforms
I would recommend Girl, Wash Your Face” by Rachel Hollis, “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero, “The Power of Now” and”How to Win Friends and Influence People”
Verdict
What kind of audiobook one would want to listen to depends a lot on the surroundings. Unlike reading, listening to an audiobook could be quite a passive experience as many people like to listen to audiobooks on their way home from work or on a road trip.
You can choose the genre depending on your mood or other circumstances. As iterated earlier, our list does not claim any order and each audiobook is rated very high by us. So whether it is a thrilling mystery that you want to unravel or a motivational session you need in your personal life or career, we got it all covered for you. Happy listening!
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