Is there anything more blissful than lying in the sunshine by a pool, a million miles away from real life? Well, yes, actually – lying in the sun by that pool, while also listening to the perfect audiobook. Summer holidays were made for devouring audiobooks by the earful. But why do we still think of it as a guilty pleasure?
Do we really need an excuse for treating ourselves? Do we really have to feel bad about doing something purely for us? There’s nothing wrong with a little escapism. In fact, it’s vital for mental health and wellbeing to set aside time to relax and shut off. And just because you’d rather have a little binge-listen to something light than plough through the Complete Works of Shakespeare during your downtime, doesn’t mean you should feel guilty.
To that end, here’s the definitive top eight audiobooks to help you relax by the pool this summer. Get your downloading finger ready, because this is Netflix for your ears …
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine
Written by Gail Honeyman, narrated by Cathleen McCarron
If you’ve so far missed this beautiful tale of human connection, now is the time to rectify matters. There’s a reason this moving story has been in and out of the bestseller lists for a solid year now – and that reason is the central character, Eleanor Oliphant. Her life is fine – just fine – and she moves from work to frozen pizza through a lonely, careful timetable. That is, until she meets Raymond and Sammy, and the three of them save each other from a life of quiet desperation. It’s already set to become a major film, produced by Reese Witherspoon, so get your listening ears on.
Everything I know about Love
Written and narrated by Dolly Alderton
Wildly funny and real, journalist Alderton describes a life growing up surrounded by love stories, in this heart-warming memoir. From chatting to boys online as a teenager, to meeting men on Tinder in her 20s, Dolly shares her journey towards adulthood in her own distinctive voice. Her stories are hilarious, insightful and oh-so familiar as she gets drunk, high and dumped – and discovers that her own love story might actually be with her closest friends. There is nothing not to love about this audiobook.
The President Is Missing
Written by Bill Clinton and James Patterson, narrated by Dennis Quaid, January LaVoy, Peter Ganim, Jeremy Davidson, Mozhan Marnò and Bill Clinton
It’s quite the author combo: one of the most prolific writers of the 21st century, and an actual former president of the United States. Together they’ve come up with a pulse-racing action thriller, set across three days in a presidency, when the impossible becomes possible. Has the leader of the free world been kidnapped? Or is the truth much worse than that? With insider knowledge from Clinton and mad word skills from Patterson, fast-paced is too inadequate a description for this dark, suspense-filled tale.
The Last Romeo
Written by Justin Myers, narrated by Joe Jameson
If you’ve heard of hilarious blog The Guyliner from Justin Myers – or even if you haven’t – you’ll love his sassy, sharp audio-novel about looking for love in an app-based world. Our hero, James is newly single after a six-year relationship goes wrong. He’s looking for a happily ever after in the wrong places – all the while blogging about his experience and crashing from one familiar, and horrendous, dating experience to the next. As funny and easy to listen to as it is scarily relatable.
One in a Million
Written and narrated by Lindsey Kelk
Fans of the prolific and wonderful Lindsey Kelk will have added this to their Audible pre-order list long ago. The rest of you: get it now. In her latest warm, sweet and funny novel, our hero Annie Higgins has given up on love after watching her ex get engaged live on TV. To distract herself, she accepts a bet from the ad agency in the office next door. Annie has to make a random stranger “Instagram famous” in just one month. It’s the perfect audiobook to listen to on the beach – while ignoring your own social media.
Notes on a Nervous Planet
Written and narrated by Matt Haig
If you’ve read anything by Matt Haig before, you’ll be aware that this is a man who knows how to reach deep inside people and open them up. In his latest audiobook, the author explores his own personal journey with anxiety and mental health, and why rates of stress are rising across the planet. Haig offers up both questions and answers as he investigates how and why we’ve ended up living in a world that is more connected than ever, and yet growing apart in so many damaging ways. Compelling and touching, you won’t be able to stop listening.
Forever and a Day: A James Bond novel
Written by Anthony Horowitz, narrated by Matthew Goode
The super spy is back, with a fresh injection from novelist and screenwriter extraordinaire, Anthony Horowitz. The expert in suspense takes us back to the beginning of James Bond’s story, showing us how 007 got his licence to kill (and flirt). Set in the French Riviera, the story rips along with plenty of familiar Bond staples: evil villains, fast cars and women falling for young Bond’s charms. Ian Fleming would be proud.
The Girlfriend
Written by Michelle Frances, narrated by Antonia Beamish
Prepare to be on the edge of your sun lounger as this relentless and gripping psychological thriller washes over you. Not since Girl on the Train have listeners been left so twisted up in knots trying to work out who to trust, as rich, successful, happy Laura goes head-to-head with her son’s new girlfriend, Cherry. The characters are chilling and the pace taut as these charged relationships – and the lies underpinning their lives – are exposed. Utterly compelling listening.
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