9 Best Audiobooks for Long Commutes

It's been entirely too long since I've written a reading-related post. Sadly, because not much reading has happened in the last few months as I've been juggling multiple side projects. However, as I'm going through and trying to clean up my blog, I'm getting so much new post inspiration and one topic that I haven't covered is audiobooks!

Before I quit my job in November, I traveled frequently for work. My commute was an hour one-way and then on top of that, I usually had to conduct at least 2 site visits per week; some of which were on the other side of the state. This made for a ton of driving and thankfully I discovered the magic that is audiobooks. I've never tried an Audible Membership or other audiobook subscription service. I just stopped by the magical world of Narnia my local library and utilized their inter-library loan to get whatever I wanted! The Ohio Digital Library also carries audiobooks, in addition to e-books so I've never wanted for an audiobook.

Whichever way you choose to listed, here are my 9 best audiobooks for long commutes:
(Disclaimer: The Harry Potter series is a no-brainer, so I've opted not to include it. Also, it's a driving hazard. Sobbing after Dobby dies while you're driving down the highway is not a great idea. Believe me.)

 

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) makes long drives feel not so lonely. It feels like Mindy is in the passenger seat filling you in on her latest gossip and neuroses. It's fun, humorous, and smart- just like Mindy.

Have a Little Faith completely lifted my spirits and restored my faith in humanity (which is totally necessary when dealing with jerks who refuse to use their blinkers!). The story is his memoir of an eight-year span of his life where he built relationships with his rabbi and an inner-city Christian pastor. He talks about how the men shaped his understanding of Judaism and Christianity, as well as his own faith.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society for fans of The Nightingale and Pride and Prejudice. If you like historical fiction, this is a terrific take on WWII, focusing on the German occupation of a small, British island and the lives of its inhabitants. There's also a love story buried in there, which never hurts.

  

The Night Circus was recommended to me by my librarian friend because Jim Dale also narrates the Harry Potter series. I like listening to fantasy in the car because it manages to keep my attention, where I might get bored or drowsy with other genres. If you like Harry Potter or Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, this would be right up your alley.

The Boston Girl is unique in that it's not very plot-driven. The main character is an old woman telling her life's story of growing up in Boston to her grandchildren. I'm not doing a great job of selling it, but trust me that it's amazingly well-written. It makes for the perfect audiobook because it genuinely feels like you're sitting down for a conversation with your own grandmother and fills you with nostalgia.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is my go-to book recommendation whenever anyone asks me. I cannot begin to describe how good the writing is and the twist at the end will sucker punch you right in the feels. It is so freaking melancholy, but absolutely beautiful. 

  

The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy is the sequel to The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. It's technically not really a sequel. It's the same story, but told from another character's perspective and if possible, is even better than the original. Like it's predecessor, this book will hit you right in the feels.

Undeniable: Evolution and the Science of Creation is for every kid who loved Bill Nye the Science Guy. I am not a science-y person by any means, but Bill Nye's book about evolution (as well as a range of other scientific topics) not only kept me engaged and taught me so much about biology and the natural world, but it totally blew my mind. Seriously, this book is amazing if you're someone like me who wants to know more about evolution, GMOs, and climate change but is completely out of your element.

The Graveyard Book is unlike any book you've ever read. No offense to Neil Gaiman, because this book truly is terrific; but my favorite part of the audiobook is the transitional music in between chapters. It was so cool and spooky and fit in perfectly with the tone of the book. I was so impressed with it, that I looked up the musician behind it and it was none other than Béla Fleck! Chuck listens to Bela Fleck all the time and I didn't even realize it was him, but if you've never heard him before, he's outstanding. 

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Do you have suggestions for audiobooks perfect for lengthy drives? Please share!