What happens when the keepers of stories—KDL's beloved librarians—are asked to name their all-time favorite audiobooks? You get a list rich with captivating voices, unforgettable performances and tales that linger long after the final chapter ends. Ready to press play? Let’s check out their top picks.
The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers
This incredible Newbery winning book is about a dog who lives in an urban park on an island, and whose world suddenly becomes much bigger when strange visitors come to his small home. Ethan Hawke brought Johannes, the free, wild-spirited dog to life in such a beautiful way, I actually wrote him a personal letter thanking him for making this story come alive!
Jenny Savage-Dura, Service Center
The Magic Misfits by Neil Patrick Harris
A captivating audiobook for families to enjoy together. The author narrates the story, breathing life into each character in a most delightful way. There are even magic trick tips included, which I really enjoyed!
-Liz, Amy Van Andel Library
Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters
The narrator, Barbara Rosenblat, perfectly captures the main character's intelligence, wit and no-nonsense attitude in her narration. It's an older book, but still fun. The story follows Amelia Peabody, a spinster in 1884 who sets out to explore Egypt with her BFF. They run into a mystery, a mummy's curse and an archaeologist who can match Ameilia's intelligence and attitude.
-Susan, Plainfield Twp. Branch
The Diviners by Libba Bray
This entire series, set in early 20th Century America is a supernatural, paranormal and spooky love ode to America and the strength and power that comes from its diversity. Filled with a large and unforgettable cast and delivered with powerful and skilled narration.
-Jacob, Krause Memorial Branch (Rockford)
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
You’re going to love this audiobook—Cassandra Campbell’s smooth Southern drawl makes you feel like you’re right there in the North Carolina marshes with Kya. She brings the characters to life with heart and charm, making the mystery and emotion hit even harder. It’s like getting wrapped up in a good story told by a friend who knows just how to keep you hooked.
-Hatka Kecalovic, Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket
This is an awesome audiobook to play on a family road trip. The narrator makes or breaks an audiobook, and Tim Curry narrates the harrowing tale of the Baudelaire children. I enjoyed every minute!
-Liz, Amy Van Andel Library
The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science by Katie McKinnon
This is a fun audiobook for kids ages 6 and up. Written and narrated by Kate McKinnon of SNL fame, this book will have you rolling with laughter!
-Jackie, Wyoming Branch
Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne
I listened to this a long time ago, but it has stuck with me so vividly that, years later, I remember exactly what I was doing when I listened to certain scenes. This novel is told in three parts with a talentless antagonist as the common thread. Boyne seamlessly weaves the story together and is a master of pacing. It is a book about writing, publishing, creativity and the depths one man will plummet in search of acclaim. I am a character reader, and I approach most books with hope for redemption. This book proved to me that I could love a book for an inspirational character but the opposite it also true; I could also love a book because of the unimaginable villainy of a character. Dread, when told well, can compel a reader just as much a hope.
-Nanette, Cascade Twp. Branch
World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks
Max Brooks has gathered the stories of people who have survived the Zombie War and recorded them is this book. Of course, it is all fictional, but in the audiobook the stories come to life as you hear the voices of the people recounting their experiences.
-Caleb, Bookmobile
Immortals Quartet by Tamora Pierce
Each audiobook in the series is narrated by a full cast, which is incredible and adds so much depth and immersion to a story I'd already read and loved before finding the audio version. Each character has a unique voice, and the text description is read by the author herself. A full cast completely elevates the experience in a way only audio can. Book one is titled Wild Magic, followed by Wolf-Speaker, Emperor Mage and The Realms of the Gods.
-Hannah, Alpine Twp. Branch
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
This is one of the best audiobooks I've listened to. The narrator, Daniel Henning, has a different voice for each of the unique magical characters that will make you laugh out loud. It's a beautiful story about young ones who are different from others, and they finally find a place to fit in.
-Amber, Krause Memorial Branch (Rockford)
Listen For the Lie by Amy Tintera
I do most of my reading via audiobooks and, for me, the most pleasant to listen to include multiple voice actors and unique audio elements. One of my recent favorites is Listen for the Lie. The story is about Lucy, who possibly murdered her best friend but has no memory of the event, and Ben, a podcaster who is investigating the murder case. The audiobook version of this book includes a voice actor for both Ben and Lucy and the intro music for each of the episodes of the podcast. A thrilling and engaging read.
-Brittany, Walker Branch
Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan
A female voice actress is physically scarred after an accident and has accepted that she will not become the on-screen actress she had once dreamed of being. Sewanee spends a whirlwind night with a handsome stranger in Vegas, and upon her return home, she finds that a bestselling romance author's dying wish was for Sewanee to narrate her last book with Brock McKnight, the "it" male narrator for romance books. Sewanee and Brock communicate by text and email, and within the comfort of anonymity, they form a real connection breaking the boundaries of platonic colleagues. Julia provides both female main character voices and male main character voices and does such an excellent job I forget I am listening to a single narrator reading her novel!
-Emily, Caledonia Twp. Branch
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