Welcome to our curated list of best audiobooks 2020! As the year comes to a close, we wanted to celebrate some of the most captivating and unforgettable stories that graced our ears in the past 12 months. From heartwarming memoirs to chilling thrillers, these audiobooks have entertained and enlightened listeners throughout the year.
With so many great audiobooks released in 2020, it can be overwhelming to choose which ones to listen to. That’s where we come in – we’ve scoured the year’s releases to bring you a diverse selection of top-rated audiobooks that are sure to satisfy a range of tastes and preferences.
So sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the best audiobooks of 2020. Whether you’re a seasoned audiobook listener or new to the format, we guarantee you’ll find something to love in our selection.
Top 2020 Audio Stories
As the year comes to a close, we can reflect on the books that have made an impact on us through the power of storytelling. Here are the top 2020 audio stories that have left a lasting impression on us:
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The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half takes us on a journey through the lives of identical twin sisters who grow up in a small black community but go on to live vastly different lives due to their racial identities. The audiobook is narrated by Shayna Small, whose voice brings the characters to life and immerses listeners in the story.
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The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue
Set during the height of the Spanish flu pandemic in 1918, The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue follows the life of a nurse working in a maternity ward. Donoghue’s vivid descriptions and the captivating performance by author and narrator are some of the reasons why this audiobook is a must-listen.
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The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel
The Glass Hotel tells the story of a Ponzi scheme that falls apart and the lives it impacts. With exceptional writing and an intricate plot, Emily St. John Mandel’s latest work keeps listeners engaged until the last word. The audiobook is narrated by Dylan Moore, whose voice is perfect for this haunting story.
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The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin
N.K. Jemisin’s audiobook The City We Became is a thrilling urban fantasy tale set in New York City, where each borough has a soul and personality of its own. With Jemisin’s incredible world-building and Robin Miles’ narration, listeners will be transported to a vividly imagined version of the Big Apple.
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The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
The Only Good Indians is a horror novel that tells the story of four Native American men haunted by their past experiences while hunting elk. Stephen Graham Jones’ writing and Shaun Taylor-Corbett’s narration work together to create a chilling and unforgettable experience that will leave listeners on the edge of their seats.
These top 2020 audio stories are just a few of the many exceptional audiobooks that have been released this year. Stay tuned as we continue to explore the best audiobooks of 2020.
Year’s Audio Highlights
As we reflect on the year 2020, we can’t help but acknowledge the incredible audio productions that graced our ears. From heartwarming stories to pulse-pounding dramas, there was never a shortage of captivating content to enjoy.
One of the standout releases of the year was Celeste Ng’s Little Fires Everywhere, narrated by Jennifer Lim. The emotional depth of the story was intensified by Lim’s narration, drawing us into the intricacies of the relationships between the characters and the societal issues they faced.
Another remarkable release in 2020 was The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, narrated by Shayna Small. Small’s performance brought to life the poignant story of two sisters who take vastly different paths in life, exploring themes of race, identity, and the complexities of family relationships.
We also cannot forget the spellbinding narration of Santino Fontana in The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune. His masterful performance enhanced the already whimsical and enchanting story, making it a standout in the fantasy genre.
And let’s not overlook the heartwarming and humorous memoir Born a Crime by Trevor Noah, narrated by the author himself. Noah’s impeccable comedic timing and performance made this audiobook a standout, providing a glimpse into his upbringing in South Africa under apartheid.
These are just a few of the exceptional releases from 2020 that we believe deserve recognition in the year’s audio highlights. Whether you’re a fan of nonfiction, fiction, or a little bit of everything, there was something for every listener to enjoy in 2020.
Best Narrative Audio 2020
If you’re looking for an immersive audiobook experience with captivating storytelling, you’re in the right place. Our curated list of the best narrative audio of 2020 showcases the exceptional talent and creativity of authors and narrators alike. These are the audiobooks that kept us hooked from the first word to the last, with unforgettable characters, vivid settings, and gripping plots.
| Title | Author | Narrator |
|---|---|---|
| The Vanishing Half | Brit Bennett | Bahni Turpin |
| The Guest List | Lucy Foley | Jot Davies, Chloe Massey, Olivia Dowd, Aoife McMahon, Sarah Ovens |
| The City We Became | N.K. Jemisin | Robin Miles |
| If I Had Your Face | Frances Cha | Sue Jean Kim |
These four audiobooks stood out in 2020 for their exceptional writing and outstanding performances by their narrators. Bahni Turpin brings Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half to life with her masterful interpretation of the characters’ voices and emotions. In The Guest List, the ensemble cast of Jot Davies, Chloe Massey, Olivia Dowd, Aoife McMahon, and Sarah Ovens creates a thrilling and suspenseful atmosphere that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats. Robin Miles’s narration of N.K. Jemisin’s The City We Became captures the full scope and depth of this epic urban fantasy, while Sue Jean Kim imbues Frances Cha’s If I Had Your Face with sensitivity and depth.
Each of these audiobooks is a gem in its own right, showcasing the power of storytelling and the art of narration. If you haven’t listened to them yet, we highly recommend adding them to your “must-listen” list.
Audiobook Gems of 2020
Welcome back to our curated selection of the best audiobooks of 2020! In this section, we’re highlighting the hidden gems among this year’s releases that deserve recognition for their exceptional writing and performances. These stories may not have received as much attention as some of the blockbuster titles, but they’re definitely worth a listen.
“The City We Became” by N.K. Jemisin
First on our list is “The City We Became” by N.K. Jemisin, a fantasy novel like no other. Set in New York City, the story follows the city’s five boroughs as they come to life and battle a malevolent force that threatens to destroy their home. Narrated by Robin Miles, this audiobook brings the characters and settings to life with stunning clarity.
“The Shadow King” by Maaza Mengiste
“The Shadow King” by Maaza Mengiste is a powerful historical novel set during Italy’s invasion of Ethiopia in 1935. The story centers around Hirut, a servant who becomes a soldier and fights alongside other women to defend their country. Narrated by Robin Miles and Bahni Turpin, this audiobook is a tour-de-force of storytelling that tackles themes of war, power, and identity.
“Piranesi” by Susanna Clarke
“Piranesi” by Susanna Clarke is a masterful work of speculative fiction that explores themes of memory, identity, and reality. Set in a mysterious house with endless rooms and corridors, the story follows the eponymous Piranesi as he tries to unravel the secrets of his existence. Narrated by Chiwetel Ejiofor, this audiobook is a haunting and unforgettable journey into the unknown.
“The Only Good Indians” by Stephen Graham Jones
Last but not least is “The Only Good Indians” by Stephen Graham Jones, a horror novel that blends traditional Native American folklore with modern-day scares. The story follows four friends who are haunted by a vengeful spirit after breaking the rules of their tribal hunting ground. Narrated by Shaun Taylor-Corbett, this audiobook is a chilling and thought-provoking exploration of guilt, redemption, and the consequences of our actions.
These are just a few of the audiobook gems of 2020 that we recommend checking out. Stay tuned for more recommendations in our next section!
Unforgettable 2020 Listens
As we wrap up our list of the best audiobooks from 2020, we couldn’t help but reflect on the unforgettable listens that left a lasting impression on us. These are the stories that we found ourselves thinking about long after we finished listening, the ones that touched our hearts and minds in unexpected ways.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
One such audiobook is The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, a captivating story of two identical twins who choose to live separate lives, one as a black woman and the other as a white woman. Narrated by Shayna Small, this audiobook tackles themes of racial identity, family dynamics, and the consequences of our choices. Small’s nuanced performance brings the characters to life, making it easy to get lost in the story.
All Adults Here by Emma Straub
All Adults Here by Emma Straub is another unforgettable listen from 2020. Narrated by Emily Rankin, this audiobook follows the lives of a dysfunctional family in a small town as they grapple with love, loss, and personal growth. Rankin’s expert narration adds depth and humor to the characters, making it a joy to listen to.
The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin
For fans of sci-fi and fantasy, The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin is a must-listen. Narrated by Robin Miles, this audiobook transports listeners to a world where cities come alive and fight for their survival. Miles’ masterful performance brings Jemisin’s vivid and imaginative world to life, creating an immersive listening experience that is hard to forget.
The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel
Finally, we can’t forget about The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel. Narrated by Dylan Moore, this audiobook is a haunting tale of greed, guilt, and the interconnectedness of our actions. Moore’s mesmerizing voice draws listeners in, creating a sense of tension and unease that builds throughout the story.
These four audiobooks represent just a fraction of the unforgettable listens from 2020. We highly recommend giving them a listen and experiencing the magic for yourself.
Year’s Best Audiobook Titles
As we come to the end of 2020, we take a look back at the audiobooks that stood out and left a lasting impression on listeners. These are the year’s best audiobook titles that showcased exceptional writing, incredible performances, and captivating narratives.
| Title | Author | Narrator | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Promised Land | Barack Obama | Barack Obama | Nonfiction/Memoir |
| The City We Became | N.K. Jemisin | Robin Miles | Fantasy/Science Fiction |
| The Dutch House | Ann Patchett | Tom Hanks | Literary Fiction |
| The Guest List | Lucy Foley | Jot Davies, Chloe Massey, Olivia Dowd, Aoife McMahon, Sarah Ovens, Rich Keeble | Mystery/Thriller |
| Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You | Ibram X. Kendi, Jason Reynolds | Jason Reynolds | Nonfiction/History |
| Such a Fun Age | Kiley Reid | Nicole Lewis | Literary Fiction |
| The Vanishing Half | Brit Bennett | Shayna Small | Literary Fiction |
These audiobooks represent a diverse range of genres and themes, showcasing the best of what 2020 had to offer. From the powerful memoir of Barack Obama in “A Promised Land” to the imaginative world-building of N.K. Jemisin’s “The City We Became,” these audiobooks transported us to different worlds and made us feel deeply.
Tom Hanks’ soothing voice in “The Dutch House” and Jason Reynolds’ powerful narration in “Stamped” brought these stories to life in ways that only audiobooks can. The ensemble cast of “The Guest List” kept us on the edge of our seats, while Nicole Lewis’ nuanced performance in “Such a Fun Age” and Shayna Small’s emotional narration in “The Vanishing Half” left us in awe.
Overall, the year’s best audiobook titles left an indelible mark on us. They made us laugh, cry, and think deeply about the world around us. We can’t wait to see what the world of audiobooks has in store for us in the years to come.
Best Audiobook Selection from 2020
Welcome back to our curated list of the best audiobooks from 2020. In this section, we will cover the additional keyword “best audiobooks 2020” and dive into the top picks for the year. We guarantee you’ll find something to suit your listening preferences from this handpicked selection of audiobooks.
Top 2020 Audio Stories
Let’s start with the most popular and critically acclaimed audiobooks of the year, those that topped the charts with their compelling narratives, memorable characters, or groundbreaking performances. We have selected these audiobooks based on the feedback from listeners and critics alike:
| Title | Author | Narrator |
|---|---|---|
| The Vanishing Half | Brit Bennett | Shayna Small |
| The Guest List | Lucy Foley | Jot Davies, Chloe Massey |
| Nothing to See Here | Kevin Wilson | Marin Ireland |
| The City We Became | N.K. Jemisin | Robin Miles |
| The Glass Hotel | Emily St. John Mandel | Dion Graham |
These audiobooks cover a broad range of themes, from family dramas to mysteries and science fiction. We highly recommend each and every one of them.
Year’s Audio Highlights
Now let’s take a look at the highlights of the audio world. These audiobooks are not necessarily the most popular or the highest-rated, but they are the ones that stood out for their unique qualities and exceptional performances. Here are some of our favorites:
- The Sound of the Mountain by Yasunari Kawabata, narrated by Brian Nishii
- The Living Dead by George A. Romero and Daniel Kraus, narrated by Bruce Davison, Lori Cardille, and a full cast
- Narrative Economics by Robert J. Shiller, narrated by Susan Osman and Robert J. Shiller
- The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones, narrated by Shaun Taylor-Corbett
- Deacon King Kong by James McBride, narrated by Dominic Hoffman
These audiobooks showcase the diversity and range of the audio medium, from literary classics to contemporary horror and economics. Each one is a gem in its own right and deserves recognition for its exceptional writing and performances.
Best Narrative Audio 2020
If you’re a fan of compelling storytelling and immersive narratives, this section is for you. These audiobooks feature some of the best narratives of the year, delivered by skilled narrators who bring the stories to life:
- The Dutch House by Ann Patchett, narrated by Tom Hanks
- The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson, narrated by Robin Miles
- Homeland Elegies by Ayad Akhtar, narrated by the author
- The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich, narrated by the author
- The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, narrated by Daniel Henning
These audiobooks will transport you to different times and places, taking you on an unforgettable journey through their compelling narratives and memorable characters.
Audiobook Gems of 2020
Now let’s look at the hidden gems among the audiobooks released in 2020. These stories may not have received the spotlight or the acclaim of some of the more popular titles, but they are still true gems in their own right. Here are some of our favorites:
- Made in Saturn by Rita Indiana, narrated by the author
- Big Friendship by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman, narrated by the authors
- The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue, narrated by Emma Lowe
- Memorial Drive by Natasha Trethewey, narrated by the author
- The Book of Eels by Patrik Svensson, narrated by Alex Wyndham
These audiobooks may not have made it to the top of the charts, but they are still worth a listen for their exceptional writing, unique perspectives, and outstanding performances.
Unforgettable 2020 Listens
Finally, let’s wrap up with the unforgettable listens of 2020. These audiobooks left a lasting impression on listeners with their compelling narratives and unforgettable characters:
- Uncanny Valley by Anna Wiener, narrated by Suehyla El-Attar
- The Searcher by Tana French, narrated by Roger Clark
- The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante, narrated by Marisa Tomei
- The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson, narrated by Nicole Lewis
- Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu, narrated by Joel de la Fuente
These audiobooks showcase the power of storytelling and the art of narration, transporting listeners to new worlds and introducing them to unforgettable characters.
We hope you enjoyed our selection of the top audiobooks from 2020. Whether you’re a fan of a gripping thriller, a literary classic, or a thought-provoking non-fiction title, there’s something for everyone on this list. Happy listening!
Best Audiobook Titles of 2020
As we wrap up our curated selection of the best audiobooks of 2020, we cannot forget to mention some of the standout titles that truly captured our hearts and minds. From heartwarming romances to gripping thrillers, these audiobooks left an indelible impression on us and kept us engaged from start to finish.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
This critically-acclaimed novel tells the story of twin sisters who grow up in a small, southern black community, but ultimately choose to live in two very different worlds. With stunning prose and a deeply moving narrative, The Vanishing Half is a must-listen for fans of literary fiction.
The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin
New York City comes to life in N.K. Jemisin’s fantastical novel, where the city itself becomes a character. With themes of identity, community, and gentrification, The City We Became is a thought-provoking and thrilling listen.
The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel
The author of the best-selling novel Station Eleven returns with another gripping tale of interconnected lives and unexpected consequences. The Glass Hotel explores the repercussions of a massive Ponzi scheme and the ways in which our choices reverberate throughout the world.
Deacon King Kong by James McBride
Set in Brooklyn in the late 1960s, Deacon King Kong is a humorous and heartfelt novel about a shooting in a public housing project and the colorful characters whose lives intersect in the aftermath. This audiobook is a masterful exploration of community, forgiveness, and the power of redemption.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
This imaginative novel tells the story of a young woman who finds herself at a crossroads in life and discovers a magical library that offers her a chance to explore the infinite possibilities of her existence. With beautiful writing and a thought-provoking premise, The Midnight Library is a captivating listen.
These are just a few of the outstanding audiobooks that dominated the literary world this year. Whether you’re a fan of fiction, non-fiction, or anything in between, 2020 had something for every listener. We hope our curated list has helped you discover your next favorite listen and brought you hours of enjoyment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 2020 was a remarkable year for audiobooks, as we witnessed the release of some truly exceptional titles. Our handpicked selection of the best audiobooks from 2020 represents the cream of the crop, with captivating storytelling, immersive narration, and unforgettable characters.
We hope you enjoyed our list and found some new audiobooks to add to your listening queue. From thought-provoking non-fiction to heartwarming fiction, there’s something for every taste and interest. Whether you’re a long-time audiobook aficionado or a newcomer to the medium, we’re confident that these titles will entertain, enlighten, and engross you.
Experience the Best Audiobooks of 2020
If you’re looking for the best audiobooks of 2020, look no further than our curated selection. With our expertly crafted list, you can dive into the top audio stories of the year, explore the year’s audio highlights, uncover the hidden gems, and experience unforgettable listens.
So why not treat yourself to one of the best audiobooks of 2020 today? With so many great titles to choose from, you’re sure to find your next favorite listen.
Join Us for More Audiobook Recommendations
Thank you for reading our article on the best audiobooks of 2020. We hope you found it informative and enjoyable. If you’re looking for more audiobook recommendations, be sure to check out our website for reviews, insights, and more curated lists.
From all of us here, happy listening!
