Introductions
In the past decade, audiobooks have transformed the way people in the U.S. consume literature. With the rise of smartphones, tablets, and platforms like Audible, Apple Books, and Google Play Books, readers no longer have to set aside quiet hours to sit with a physical book. Instead, they can enjoy stories, memoirs, and even business guides while commuting, exercising, or doing household chores.
2019 was a particularly strong year for audiobooks, with publishers and authors recognizing the power of audio storytelling. Many titles not only featured talented narrators but also incorporated full casts, sound effects, and author-read versions that created a unique listening experience. Below is a comprehensive guide to the must-read audiobooks of 2025, highlighting the works that resonated most with U.S. audiences.
Why Audiobooks Became So Popular in 2025
Before diving into the top selections, it’s important to understand why 2025 was such a significant year for audiobooks in the United States:
- Convenience – Americans increasingly multitask, and audiobooks let them learn and relax without needing to sit still with a physical book.
- Narration Quality – Professional voice actors and even celebrity authors elevated the listening experience. Hearing a memoir read in the author’s own voice added authenticity.
- Diverse Genres – From thrillers and fantasy to business books and self-help, 2025’s audiobook catalog catered to every taste.
Accessibility – Audiobooks helped readers with visual impairments, busy parents, and those who simply preferred listening.
Must-Read Audiobooks of 2025
1. “Becoming” by Michelle Obama
Although released in late 2018, Michelle Obama’s memoir dominated 2025 audiobook charts in the U.S. The personal narration made the experience feel like a one-on-one conversation, which captivated millions of listeners.
2. “The Testaments” by Margaret Atwood
Featuring a full cast of narrators, including Ann Dowd (known for playing Aunt Lydia in the TV adaptation), the story added depth and drama that the printed version could not replicate.
3. “City of Girls” by Elizabeth Gilbert
Best known for Eat, Pray, Love, Gilbert returned in 2025 with a historical fiction set in 1940s New York. The audiobook version, narrated by Blair Brown, captured the vibrancy, humor, and wit of the story, making it a favorite among U.S. listeners who love strong female leads and richly descriptive settings.
4. “Talking to Strangers” by Malcolm Gladwell
Rather than simply narrating the text, he incorporated real interviews, archival audio, and a podcast-like style that kept listeners engaged. For U.S. audiences interested in psychology, culture, and current events, Talking to Strangers became a standout in 2025.
5. “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens
Narrated by Cassandra Campbell, this audiobook brought to life one of the most popular novels of recent years. The combination of southern atmosphere, mystery, and romance made it a favorite on the 2025 charts. For many U.S. listeners, this audiobook became their introduction to modern literary fiction in audio form.
6. “The Institute” by Stephen King
King has long been a staple for American audiobook fans, and The Institute continued the tradition in 2025.
7. “Educated” by Tara Westover
Narrated by Julia Whelan, Educated tells the story of Westover’s upbringing in a strict and isolated household and her pursuit of education against all odds. U.S. audiences found it inspiring, and the audiobook format gave the memoir even more emotional depth.
8. “Normal People” by Sally Rooney
listeners who appreciate literary fiction with strong character development.
9. “The Dutch House” by Ann Patchett
Narrated by none other than Tom Hanks, this audiobook was a highlight of 2025.For many Americans, the narration itself was the main draw.
This memoir by therapist Lori Gottlieb, narrated by Brittany Pressley, was both humorous and deeply moving. It gave the U.S.
Trends in 2025 Audiobooks
Looking back, several trends shaped the audiobook landscape in 2025:
- Memoirs and Personal Narration – Books like Becoming and Educated proved that listeners in the U.S. value authenticity and personal voice.
- Full-Cast Productions – Titles like
- The Testaments showed how audio could be as immersive as a stage play or film.
- Blending of Genres – Nonfiction works such as Talking to Strangers adopted podcast-like elements, creating a hybrid form of entertainment and education.
- Star-Powered Narration – Big names like Tom Hanks elevated certain books, attracting listeners who might not otherwise have chosen the title.
Why These Audiobooks Still Matter Today
Even though these books were released in 2025, they continue to attract U.S. listeners in 2025 and beyond. That’s because they:
- Address universal themes like identity, resilience, and justice.
- Provide a premium audio experience with memorable narrations.
- Offer both entertainment and personal growth opportunities.
For anyone who missed these titles in 2025, they remain excellent starting points for building an audiobook library today.
FAQs About Must-Read Audiobooks of 2025: A Guide for U.S. Listeners
Audiobooks have become a favorite way for U.S. readers to enjoy stories, learn new ideas, and make commutes or workouts more productive. In 2025, publishers released a wide variety of titles that quickly became fan favorites, from gripping memoirs to thought-provoking nonfiction and bestselling novels. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about the must-read (or must-listen!) audiobooks of 2025.
1. Why were audiobooks so popular in 2025?
In 2019, U.S. listeners saw an increase in audiobook availability thanks to services like Audible, Apple Books, Google Play Books, Scribd, and Libro.fm. Strong narration by professional voice actors and even celebrity authors also boosted interest.
2. What were some of the top fiction audiobooks of 2025?
- “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens – Narrated by Cassandra Campbell, this atmospheric novel about resilience and mystery in the marshlands of North Carolina captivated millions of listeners.
“The Testaments” by Margaret Atwood – A sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale, this audiobook featured multiple narrators, including Ann Dowd from the Hulu series, giving listeners a cinematic experience.
3. Which nonfiction audiobooks stood out in 2025?
- “Educated” by Tara Westover – A memoir of resilience, narrated by Julia Whelan, that remained hugely popular in the U.S.
“Talking to Strangers” by Malcolm Gladwell – Unique for its podcast-style format, blending narration, interviews, and archival audio.
4. Were there popular celebrity-narrated memoirs?
Yes. In 2019, celebrity-voiced memoirs were a big hit in the U.S.:
5. What genres were trending among U.S. listeners in 2025?
- Self-help and personal growth titles like James Clear’s Atomic Habits performed strongly.
- Fantasy and young adult audiobooks, including works by Leigh Bardugo and V.E. Schwab, built passionate fan bases.
6. How did narration affect the popularity of 2025audiobooks?
Narration style played a key role. For instance, Michelle Obama’s personal storytelling in Becoming and Malcolm Gladwell’s experimental audio format for Talking to Strangers helped make these books unforgettable. U.S. listeners often cite narration quality as the deciding factor in choosing audiobooks.
7. Where could U.S. listeners access the must-read audiobooks of 2025?
- Audible (Amazon) – The most popular platform in the U.S.
- Apple Books and Google Play Books – Easy to use for iPhone and Android users.
- Public libraries – Apps like Libby by OverDrive made many 2025 bestsellers free to borrow.
8. Were audiobooks in 2025suitable for families?
Yes. Family-friendly titles such as Harry Potter (special editions), Rick Riordan’s mythology series, and classics narrated by skilled actors were among the most listened-to in American households.
9. How can U.S. listeners discover timeless 2025 audiobooks today?
Most major platforms still feature the 2025 bestsellers in their collections. Lists from The New York Times, Goodreads Choice Awards, and Audible Editor’s Picks are great starting points for finding audiobooks that stood out during that year.
10. Why are 2025’s audiobooks still worth listening to today?
Although new titles are released every year, the best 2019 audiobooks offer timeless storytelling, cultural relevance, and outstanding narration that continues to engage listeners in 2025.
Final Thoughts
The audiobook boom in 2025 was more than just a passing trend—it marked a turning point in how Americans experience books. With advances in narration, production quality, and accessibility, the year’s best titles proved that audio can be just as powerful, if not more so, than print.
