If you’ve ever thought about trying audiobooks but weren’t sure where to begin, this is the list I always recommend.

Audiobooks can feel intimidating at first — narration style, pacing, whether you’ll actually stay engaged — so I put together a short, beginner friendly playlist of audiobooks that are easy to follow, genuinely engaging, and excellent on audio.

These are the ones that made me think, oh… I get the hype now.

What you’ll find here:

• A full cast favorite that pulls you in immediately

• A celebrity memoir that feels conversational and familiar

• A few fiction picks with exceptional narration

• One accessible thriller for listeners who want something twisty but not overwhelming

If you’re new to audiobooks — or trying to get back into them — start with any of these. You really can’t go wrong.

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

If you’ve never listened to an audiobook before, this is one of the easiest and most addictive places to start. The full cast narration turns the story into something that feels more like a behind the scenes music documentary than a traditional novel, with each character voiced distinctly and naturally. It’s immersive without being confusing, incredibly engaging, and often the audiobook people credit with making them “get” the format instantly.

Check it out here

Open Book by Jessica Simpson

A great gateway audiobook if you’ve never tried the format before. Hearing Jessica tell her own story adds an intimacy that doesn’t always come through on the page, and the familiar celebrity voice makes easing into audiobooks feel natural rather than intimidating.

Check it out here

Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore

Brittany Pressley’s narration is a masterclass in keeping a high concept story grounded and easy to follow. With time jumps that could feel confusing in print, the audio actually enhances the experience and helps listeners stay oriented while enjoying the emotional depth.

Check it out here

Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan

Written and narrated by one of the most beloved voices in audiobooks, this is a meta pick that’s perfect for beginners. It’s charming, accessible, and gives listeners a sense of what great narration can add to a story.

How to Walk Away by Katherine Center

Warm, emotional, and comforting, this is the kind of audiobook that feels like a companion. The narration is clear and steady, making it ideal for multitasking or listening during everyday routines while still delivering heartfelt moments.

Check it out here

The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins

This is a great starter audiobook for anyone curious about thrillers on audio but not ready for something overly dark or complicated. The narration is clear and easy to follow, the pacing stays tight, and the story pulls you along without requiring intense focus. It’s the kind of audiobook that works just as well while driving, cleaning, or walking—perfect for easing into the habit of listening.

If you’ve been audiobook-curious but a little unsure, think of this list as an easy place to begin. These are the kinds of listens that fit into real life—ones you can press play on during a walk, a drive, or a quiet evening at home and quickly get lost in. There’s no right or wrong way to listen, just finding the stories and voices that make it feel enjoyable from the very first chapter.

🎧 Listen via my Libro.fm playlist here. You can also join Libro.fm using my code GOSSIP this link and it gets you 3 for 1!

(Affiliate links — shopping through Libro.fm supports independent bookstores and my work.)