For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved reading. It’s the hobby I default to whenever someone asks what I do for fun, and the one I always wish I had more time for. But after becoming a mom, the time for any solo activity has scaled down quite a bit.
After my son was born, I quickly found myself with a growing stack of books I wanted to read and barely any time to sit down and open one. Then, almost by accident, I found my way into audiobooks.
At first, it was during a weekly drive that I timed with my son’s car nap after visiting my parents every Sunday. It was an hour of driving that quickly became something I looked forward to. One hour, one audiobook, one drive-thru latte. Bliss, really. Now, with a 3-month-old in the mix and a toddler who doesn’t need the daytime sleep, I still find time to press play and listen on the way home from preschool drop-off, during a baby nap, or on a long dog walk.
I’m pretty convinced audiobooks are one of the best things to happen to reading, especially for moms. At this point, I don’t know how I’d get any reading in without them.
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Why audiobooks work so well for moms
If you’re a mom of young kids, you know this season of motherhood doesn’t exactly lend itself to lots of uninterrupted time. And if you love reading, you’ve probably had a similar experience where you finally climb into bed, open your book … and get through maybe a page or two before falling asleep (guilty).
Audiobooks offer a different approach while still delivering that same satisfying feeling you get when you reach the end of a great story. Instead of needing copious amounts of quiet, alone time to sit and read, you can listen while you’re already doing something else, like feeding the baby, settling in for a contact nap, or heading out for a walk with little ones in the stroller. It makes it possible to dig into a story you’ve been wanting to read, even when your days feel full with a million other things.
There’s also something about hearing a story that feels a little more immersive. A good narrator pulls you in so quickly and makes even short pockets of time feel like a true escape. In a stage of life that can sometimes feel repetitive or isolating, having something engaging to listen to can be a lifeline. It turns the in-between mom moments into something you look forward to. You can listen through the best audiobook apps like Hoopla, Audible, or Libby, which makes it even easier to fit into your day.
The underrated magic of stacking your time
If you’ve ever felt like there’s no time for yourself, you’re probably not wrong. But you might have more overlapping time than you think. This is where audiobooks come in as the real MVP.
There’s a concept often referred to as habit stacking, which simply means pairing something you want to do with something you’re already doing. For moms, that can look like layering an audiobook into parts of your day that are already spoken for. Research shows that habits are more likely to stick when they’re tied to an existing routine, rather than started from scratch. This means finishing that book and enjoying a story just for you is more likely to happen again and again.
So when does this happen?
Time spent folding laundry and packing lunchboxes can mean a few chapters. A round-trip drive for grocery pickup becomes solo book time and something you look forward to. Your weekend nap trap turns into time to sink deep into a story.
Over time, it adds up. A chapter here, a chapter there, and suddenly you’ve finished a book that you’re recommending in your group text. Then, you’re already lining up your next listen.
Best contemporary fiction audiobooks
If your day-to-day feels jam-packed with all the things for all the people and you’re craving something just for you, this list has you covered. Audiobooks make it possible to still enjoy a wonderful story, even with a full schedule. And some of these are arguably even better in audio form.
1. Tom Lake
Set on a cherry orchard in Michigan during the spring of 2020, Lara recounts to her three daughters a past romance with a now-famous actor during a summer at a theater called Tom Lake.
Meryl Streep narrates, so that alone is reason enough to press play. Her voice brings an extra layer of warmth and depth to an already beautiful, quietly compelling story. Expect themes of young love, marriage, and building a life. If you’re in the mood for something cozy to settle into, like when you’re snuggled up with a baby perhaps, this is a lovely place to start.
2. The Guncle
Patrick, a once-famous sitcom actor, suddenly becomes the guardian to his young niece and nephew after a family tragedy. As he adjusts to grief, caregiving, and a completely new version of his life, he leans on humor, honesty, and a few unconventional life lessons.
Written and narrated by Steven Rowley, this book has so many genuinely laugh-out-loud moments, and his narration makes it even better. The audio format adds so much personality and joy to the story. It’s equal parts funny and heartfelt, with characters you’ll quickly grow attached to. If you want something that will make you laugh, but still make you feel all the things, this is such a good one to add to your TBR list.
3. Where the Crawdads Sing
Set in the marshes of North Carolina, Kya, known as the “Marsh Girl,” grows up isolated from her community and becomes the center of a local mystery. You’ll be engrossed in a story all about coming-of-age, love, and a touch of mystery.
The narration in this one for the books (pun intended). The narrator’s voice is exactly how you imagine the main character, Kya, to sound. She brings each of the other characters to life just as vividly.
This was the book everyone was reading when it came out, and for good reason. If you already read and loved it, the audiobook adds a whole new dimension through the narration. And if you never picked it up the first time, you’re in for such a memorable listening experience. Since it carries a slow, Southern, summer-night feel, it’s a true match for a long stroller walk on a warm night or rocking the baby to sleep with a breeze coming through the window.
4. Wild Dark Shore
On a remote island off the coast of Antarctica, a father and his three children purposefully live on the edge of isolation when they encounter a mysterious outsider, unraveling secrets tied to their past and the world around them.
This one almost feels like a must-listen rather than a traditional read. With multiple narrators and distinct accents, the audio brings so much depth to each perspective and really enhances the storytelling. It explores some emotional topics and isn’t a light listen, but it’s incredibly compelling. If you’re in the mood for something more intense and thought-provoking, this is one that you’ll be thinking about long after you’ve finished listening to it.
5. Atmosphere
Set in the 1980s during the early days of the space shuttle program, Joan Goodwin, a physics professor, is selected to join NASA’s astronaut training program. As she forms close bonds with her fellow trainees, she finds herself caught between ambition and an unexpected relationship that complicates everything she thought she wanted.
If you’ve loved anything by Taylor Jenkins Reid, you know her stories are known for strong characters and emotional depth. The narration in this audiobook is engaging and emotionally driven, and would be just the right pick for longer walks or drives. Or those small windows of time when the house is finally quiet, and you want something that holds your attention. Just keep a few tissues nearby.
6. The House in the Cerulean Sea
You’re brought into the world of Linus Baker, a caseworker sent to evaluate an orphanage for magical children. There, he meets a group of kids who are anything but ordinary and a caretaker who challenges everything he thought he knew.
Warm, whimsical, and a little bit magical, this story is such a comforting listen. The narration leans into the charm and humor, and you’ll feel settled into the story right away. There’s a gentle, uplifting quality to it that makes it especially enjoyable during quieter moments. If you have older kids, parts of it could absolutely work to listen to together. But you may find yourself wanting to keep it as something just for you.
7. The Correspondent
Told through letters, the story follows Sybil, a woman in her seventies reflecting on her life, from early love and marriage to motherhood, loss, and many of the relationships that have shaped her over time.
Just so, so good. This is another one that really shines in audio form, with an ensemble cast that brings each character to life. Some of the voices feel instantly familiar and comforting, making you feel wrapped up in the story in the best way.
It feels like a natural company for night wakings and those early-morning feeds before the house is fully up. It does explore some heavier themes, including grief and loss. It’s worth noting going in, but it’s handled with so much care and depth.
Best romance and romantasy audiobooks
8. Funny Story
In this book, Daphne finds herself unexpectedly living with her ex-fiancé’s new partner’s ex (yep) after both of their relationships fall apart. What starts as an unlikely living situation turns into a slow-burn, opposites-attract romance.
If you’re looking for a light, witty romance that still has a bit of heart to it, Emily Henry is always a safe bet. She has a whole lineup of beloved books, so once you finish and love this one, you’ll have plenty more to queue up next.
Funny Story is narrated by Julia Whelan, who’s basically the gold standard when it comes to contemporary romance audiobooks. She brings stories to life in such an engaging, easy-to-listen-to way. It’s witty, charming, and just the right amount of emotional, making it a solid pick for stretches of time when you want something uncomplicated to get lost in.
9. Quicksilver
Saeris is a young woman unexpectedly pulled into a dangerous, otherworldly realm, where she must quickly learn who to trust and how to survive. As she crosses paths with Kingfisher, a guarded and commanding character, their connection builds alongside hidden agendas and shifting alliances that keep the stakes high.
The term “romantasy” is certainly having a moment, making the blend of romance and fantasy one of the most talked-about genres. And Quicksilver is just the one to try in audio form. The dual narration of this audiobook adds so much dimension to the characters, and Anthony Palmini’s performance as Kingfisher in particular has earned a lot of praise for bringing a distinct intensity to the role.
Read More: If romance is your favorite genre, check out more of the best romance audiobooks here!
Best audiobook mysteries you won’t want to pause
10. First Lie Wins
The main character, Evie Porter, seems to have the perfect life, until she realizes her identity is entirely fabricated. As her past starts to catch up with her, secrets unravel and tension builds quickly.
This is a book that feels absolutely made for audio. The narrator’s southern drawl grabs your attention right away. The only issue with this choice is that it’s a little hard to stop once you start. It’s fast-paced and engaging. Save it for when you want something that will keep you fully hooked, like when you’re getting your steps in on a long walk or when you have a lengthy car nap on the schedule.
11. The Night We Lost Him
We meet Nora, who is forced to confront the sudden death of her estranged father and the secrets he left behind. As she begins to piece together what really happened, she’s drawn into a layered family story filled with unanswered questions, complicated relationships, and emotional twists.
Another Julia Whelan–narrated audiobook (told you, she’s the gold standard), and once again, she delivers. It’s equal parts mystery and family drama, with just enough suspense to not keep you up at night (an unlikely problem as a parent of little ones, but still). If you liked The Last Thing He Told Me, this has a similar feel with steady momentum that keeps you hooked and listening.
12. The Frozen River
Set in 18th-century Maine, midwife Martha Ballard becomes entangled in a murder investigation after a man is found dead in the frozen river. As she continues documenting her daily life in her diary, her entries begin to serve as key evidence, bringing long-held secrets within the community to the surface.
What an incredible story. Based on true events, this historical fiction book is rich and completely absorbing from the start. You might want to save this for a cozy, wintery time when you can really settle into it. But if you can’t wait, I don’t blame you. This one will stay with you long after you finish listening.
Best classics to try as audiobooks
13. Harry Potter
One of the most beloved book series of all time, 11-year old Harry Potter is whisked away into a world of wands, mystical spells, and magical creatures as he attends his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. What follows is six more books of pure adventure.
If you haven’t listened to the full-cast Audible version of Harry Potter yet, it’s truly an experience. There’s a full ensemble bringing the story to life (you’ll hear Hugh Laurie, Keira Knightley, and Kit Harrington, to name a few). With layered sound effects like the Hogwarts Express humming in the background, it feels less like a book and more like stepping into the Wizarding World itself.
Whether you’re revisiting the series or diving in for the first time, it’s an effortless one to get completely immersed in. And with the new series adaptation on HBO set to release next Christmas, there’s really no better time to listen or re-listen.
14. Sense and Sensibility
This classic centers on sisters Elinor and Marianne as they navigate love, heartbreak, and societal expectations, balancing logic and emotions in very different ways.
If you’re already familiar with the story, it’s a great one to have on while doing things like folding laundry, prepping dinner, or doing a quick evening reset around the house. There’s something about it that makes even the most routine tasks feel a little more romantic.
Delightful audiobook memoirs
15. Becoming
The former First Lady shares her journey from childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years in the White House, offering honest reflections on themes of identity, motherhood, career, and life in the public eye.
With nearly 200,000 ratings on Audible, this memoir is as beloved in audio form as it is in print. Narrated by Michelle Obama herself, her voice adds such a personal, intimate touch to the story. It feels like she’s speaking directly to you. It’s thoughtful, inspiring, and straightforward enough to listen to in shorter stretches. Try it for those everyday moments where you want to squeeze in some time for yourself.
16. Taste: My Life Through Food
In this memoir, Tucci reflects on his life through the lens of food, sharing stories from childhood meals to his career in film and his deep love of cooking and gathering around the table.
Delightful and delicious are the first two words that come to mind here. Narrated by none other than Stanley Tucci, his storytelling makes every moment feel rich and personal. You’ve been warned—this is not one to listen to on an empty stomach. If you’re nap-trapped, bring snacks.
Danielle Bouchard, Contributing Writer
Danielle is a New England–based freelance writer and editor whose work focuses on motherhood, family, education, and lifestyle content. As a toddler mom with another baby on the way, she loves exploring the everyday moments that shape modern motherhood. When she’s not outside playing with her son, she’s most likely searching for her next great read or walking their very enthusiastic dog.
