World Book Day (Thursday 3rd March) is a great time to get into a new book or old classic. Whether it’s a paperback or on e-reader, there’s nothing like reading a great book.
But at the same time, it can be hard to fit reading sessions into our busy lives. And that’s what’s great about audiobooks. You can still enjoy brilliant books but have someone else doing the reading for you.
And it also means you can enjoy a book audio style while you’re doing other things. So, whether you’re on your daily commute, doing chores around the house or even about to go for a run – get one of these brilliant books on your phone, hook up your headphones and get lost in some incredible worlds.
From anything from thought-provoking social issues to bone-chilling crime, here are 5 audiobooks that we think you should download and play right now…
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and now turned into a film, The Hate U Give follows the struggles of Starr Carter. She’s a young, underprivileged black girl who attends a rich, mostly white prep school.
Her world is changed when she witnesses her friend become a victim of police brutality. She’s then forced into a tough dilemma: keep quiet and tow the line or expose the truth? This is definitely one audiobook you’ll be talking about for a long time.
Stone Mattress by Margaret Atwood
If you loved the TV series Handmaid’s Tale and are hungry for more, give this collection of nine short stories a go. You’ll laugh, gasp, hide under the blankets and just about everything in between.
The great thing about short stories in an audiobook form is that each one is like a standalone episode which will neatly fit into a commute. Plus, each tale is read by someone different giving each story a totally different feel - including comedy actor Rob Delaney, actress Lorna Raver and even Margret Attwood herself.
Why Has Nobody Told Me About This? By Dr Julie Smith
Mental health is something that can be difficult to handle and it’s tough to know where to turn for good advice. Fortunately, this audiobook is full of amazing coping techniques from a mental health expert that will help you take on challenges that life can throw at you.
It’s also split into different chapters that give you practical advice from managing anxiety, building self-confidence, or just getting motivated. So relax and enjoy!
Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Sherlock Holmes was possibly the first ever modern detective, and probably still the most famous sleuth ever created. Since the first Sherlock Holmes book was published back in 1887, the character has been played by everyone from Christopher Lee to Benedict Cumberbatch and even Will Ferrell.
So, while cracking into the original 4 books and 5 collections of short stories may feel a bit daunting, they’ve been helpfully put together as an audiobook read by the calming voice of Stephen Fry. Now you can crack the case of The Man With The Twisted Lip or head to Switzerland to fight arch-enemy Moriarty above the Reichenbach Falls.
At Home: A Short History of Private Life by Bill Bryson
Since we’ve all been spending more time at home, you might find yourself wondering about the place you live. Why do we all have salt and pepper shakers when there are so many other spices? Who decided houses should have an upstairs?
At Home explains the history of almost everything around the house in a funny and interesting way. From pillows to paint to pipes, you’ll find a fascinating fact about everything you take for granted with surprising stories you can share with your mates. You’ll never look at your home in the same way again!
Have you heard any of these or listened to any audiobooks you’d love to recommend? Don’t be shy. Comment and tell us all about them below.