Welcome to our curated list of the best audiobooks 2014 had to offer. From spine-tingling mysteries to heartwarming memoirs, this selection of captivating narratives will transport you to new worlds and leave you captivated from start to finish. As avid audiobook listeners ourselves, we’ve handpicked the most enthralling and gripping stories of the year for your listening pleasure.
Whether you’re a seasoned audiobook fan or new to the medium, this list has something for everyone. With a focus on diversity across genres and authors, we’re excited to share with you the standout titles that made 2014 such a memorable year for audiobook lovers. Join us on a literary journey through the year’s finest tales brought to life through the artistry of talented narrators.
Uncovering the Year’s Top Audio Stories
Welcome to our journey through the best audiobook narratives of 2014. In this section, we will explore the year’s top audio stories, each unique and captivating in their own way.
Memoirs That Moved Us
From the poignant to the hilarious, memoirs dominated the Audiobook charts in 2014. Notable mentions include Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, narrated by the legendary Edward Herrmann, and Lena Dunham’s uber-popular Not That Kind of Girl. The raw emotion and honesty of these memoirs left a lasting impact on listeners, and their narrators’ performances only added to their resonance.
Bestselling Novels That Came to Life
Some of the year’s most beloved novels were brought to life through audiobooks, elevating the experience and taking readers to new heights. The bone-chilling suspense of Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn was amplified through its audio version’s dual narrative, while Jojo Moyes’ heartwarming Me Before You became even more moving through the voice of its skilled narrator.
Award-Winning Performances
2014 saw incredible performances from talented narrators who brought their A-game to audiobooks. Katharine Lee McEwan’s beautiful narration of The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt earned the audiobook an Audie Award for Best Fiction, while Jim Dale’s spellbinding narration of Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix made it our top pick for children’s audiobooks of the year.
Outstanding Non-Fiction
The year was also full of compelling and informative non-fiction audiobooks. The powerful and thought-provoking stories in Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, narrated by the author himself, exposed the ugly realities of the American criminal justice system. Meanwhile, the fascinating history of modern medicine was explored in The Emperor of All Maladies, narrated by Stephen Hoye.
Timeless Classics Reimagined
2014 also saw the release of audiobook adaptations of timeless literary classics. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald was brought to life by Jake Gyllenhaal’s resonant narration, while Anne Hathaway’s enchanting performance of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz breathed new life into L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale.
This concludes our tour of the year’s top audio stories. Stay tuned for more enthralling narratives in the following sections!
Thrilling Mysteries That Kept Us Hooked
Welcome to the world of thrilling mysteries! In this section, we will explore the mystery audiobooks of 2014 that captivated our attention with their suspenseful plots, unexpected twists, and unforgettable characters. These audiobooks kept us on the edge of our seats, guessing until the very end. Let’s dive in and discover the best audiobook narratives of the year!
| Book Title | Author | Narrator | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Girl on the Train | Paula Hawkins | Clare Corbett, Louise Brealey, India Fisher | A psychological thriller that follows the life of Rachel Watson, who becomes entangled in a mystery involving a missing woman. |
| The Silkworm | Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling) | Robert Glenister | When a controversial author goes missing, private detective Cormoran Strike becomes embroiled in a murder case that centers around the publishing industry. |
| Invisible | James Patterson, David Ellis | January LaVoy, Kevin Collins | FBI researcher Emmy Dockery is convinced that a string of seemingly unrelated fires is actually the work of a single arsonist, but no one believes her until it’s too late. |
These three books are just a taste of the enthralling mystery audiobooks that made waves in 2014. From page-turning thrillers to cozy mysteries, there was no shortage of suspenseful stories to keep listeners engaged. The best audiobook narratives kept us guessing until the very end, and we can’t wait to share more with you in the upcoming sections.
Epic Tales That Transported Us to New Worlds
2014 was a year of enthralling epics that took us on unforgettable journeys to new and fantastical worlds. From the depths of space to the heart of ancient empires, the audiobook narrators brought these stories to life with incredible depth and skill.
At the top of our list is the epic fantasy series, “The Stormlight Archive” by Brandon Sanderson. This sweeping saga tells the story of a world torn apart by war, where magic and politics collide. With over 45 hours of listening time, this audiobook is a true tour-de-force that will captivate any fantasy fan.
Another standout epic is “The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August” by Claire North. This mesmerizing time-travel story features a protagonist who lives his life over and over again, with each iteration bringing new challenges and discoveries. The audiobook narration is so riveting that you’ll be swept away in the tale.
For fans of science fiction, “The Three-Body Problem” by Liu Cixin is a must-listen. This Hugo Award-winning novel is set during China’s Cultural Revolution and tells the story of a desperate battle to save Earth from alien invaders. The audiobook is a masterful blend of science, history, and philosophy that will leave you contemplating the nature of the universe.
The Best Audiobook Narratives of 2014 – Epic Tales
| Title | Author | Narrator |
|---|---|---|
| The Stormlight Archive | Brandon Sanderson | Michael Kramer, Kate Reading |
| The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August | Claire North | Peter Kenny |
| The Three-Body Problem | Liu Cixin | Luke Daniels |
These epic tales are just a few examples of the incredible stories that graced the audiobook scene in 2014. With their unforgettable characters, sweeping landscapes, and masterful performances, they are sure to transport you to new and exciting realms.
Unearthing Unique Audiobook Finds
In this section, we want to share with you some of the hidden gems of 2014 that you may have missed. These are the unique and lesser-known audiobooks that we think are worth your time.
First on our list is “The Bees” by Laline Paull. This is a thrilling and imaginative tale that takes place in a beehive. The story follows Flora 717, a lowly worker bee who defies the rigid hierarchy of the hive and embarks on a dangerous adventure. The narration by Orlagh Cassidy is exceptional, bringing the world of the bees to life.
| Title | Author | Narrator |
|---|---|---|
| The Bees | Laline Paull | Orlagh Cassidy |
| The Miniaturist | Jessie Burton | Humaira Arshad |
| The Golem and the Jinni | Helene Wecker | George Guidall |
Another unique find is “The Miniaturist” by Jessie Burton. Set in 17th century Amsterdam, this novel tells the story of a young bride who receives a mysterious and intricate dollhouse as a wedding gift. The narration by Humaira Arshad is engaging and brings the characters to life.
We also recommend “The Golem and the Jinni” by Helene Wecker. This is a magical and immersive tale that follows the lives of a golem and a jinni who find themselves in 19th century New York City. The narration by George Guidall is exceptional, capturing the essence of the story’s mystical elements.
- The Bees by Laline Paull, narrated by Orlagh Cassidy
- The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton, narrated by Humaira Arshad
- The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker, narrated by George Guidall
These unique audiobook finds offer a fresh and captivating experience for listeners. They showcase the talent of their authors and narrators and are sure to leave a lasting impression.
A Listener’s 2014 Guide to Audiobooks
If you’re new to the world of audiobooks, or are looking to enhance your listening experience, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our comprehensive guide to navigating the best audiobook narratives of 2014:
How to Choose the Right Audiobook for You
The first step in finding the perfect audiobook is to consider your personal tastes and interests. Are you a fan of classic literature, or do you prefer contemporary stories? Do you enjoy fast-paced thrillers, or do you prefer slow-burning mysteries? Take a moment to think about what genres and styles appeal to you, and use that as a starting point for your search.
Another factor to consider is the narrator. A skilled narrator can bring an audiobook to life and elevate the listening experience. Be sure to listen to a sample of the book to get a sense of the narrator’s style and delivery before making your decision.
Where to Find Audiobooks
There are several ways to access audiobooks in 2014. Here are a few options:
- Audible: This popular audiobook platform offers a vast selection of titles, as well as a free trial for new users.
- Libraries: Many local libraries offer audiobooks for loan, either physically or through digital platforms.
- Retailers: Bookstores and online retailers like Amazon also offer a wide selection of audiobooks for purchase.
Our Top Picks for 2014
Without further ado, here are our top picks for the best audiobook narratives of 2014:
| Title | Author | Narrator |
|---|---|---|
| The Goldfinch | Donna Tartt | David Pittu |
| Gone Girl | Gillian Flynn | Julia Whelan and Kirby Heyborne |
| The Martian | Andy Weir | R.C. Bray |
| Yes Please | Amy Poehler | Amy Poehler |
| Unbroken | Laura Hillenbrand | Edward Herrmann |
These titles span multiple genres and are narrated by some of the best voices in the industry. Whether you’re looking for a heartwarming memoir or a pulse-pounding thriller, these audiobooks are sure to deliver.
Chart-Topping Audiobooks That Dominated the Year
If you’re looking for the best audiobook narratives that enthralled listeners in 2014, this section is for you. These audio gems became 2014’s audio bestsellers, and we’ve highlighted some of the most gripping and entertaining stories that captivated audiences.
From Gillian Flynn’s “Gone Girl” to Stephen King’s “Revival,” these popular titles were not only bestsellers but also well-received by critics. Narrators such as Julia Whelan and John Lee brought these novels to life, making them engaging and unforgettable experiences.
| Book Title | Author | Narrator |
|---|---|---|
| Gone Girl | Gillian Flynn | Julia Whelan, Kirby Heyborne |
| The Goldfinch | Donna Tartt | David Pittu |
| All the Light We Cannot See | Anthony Doerr | Zach Appelman |
| The Fault in Our Stars | John Green | Kate Rudd |
| Revival | Stephen King | David Morse |
These titles are just a handful of the fantastic audiobooks that entranced us in 2014. With their dynamic plots and exceptional narration, these selections continue to be some of the best audiobooks available today. So why not give them a listen and see for yourself why they are 2014’s audio bestsellers?
Exploring the Variety of Audiobook Genres
If you’re like us, you probably enjoy a wide range of genres when it comes to audiobooks. In 2014, the audiobook scene offered an impressive selection of genres that catered to all kinds of listeners. From romance to fantasy, crime to historical fiction, there was no shortage of options for us to choose from. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout audiobook genres of 2014!
Romance
Romance audiobooks have always been a favorite among readers, and it was no different in 2014. In fact, some of the best audiobook narratives of the year came from this genre. Titles like Outlander by Diana Gabaldon and The Fault in Our Stars by John Green captivated audiences with their heartwarming love stories and memorable characters.
Fantasy
Fantasy audiobooks took us on some of the most exciting adventures of the year. From George R. R. Martin’s A Game of Thrones to Patrick Rothfuss’ The Name of the Wind, these enthralling epics transported us to new worlds and kept us hooked until the very end.
Crime and Mystery
Thrilling mysteries were also a big hit in 2014. Audiobooks like Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn and The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith (a.k.a. J.K. Rowling) kept us on the edge of our seats with their suspenseful plots and unforgettable twists.
Historical Fiction
Historical fiction audiobooks allowed us to travel back in time and experience life in another era. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr and The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd were just a few of the standout titles that brought the past to life and left us with a greater understanding of history.
As you can see, there was no shortage of variety when it came to audiobook genres in 2014. Whether you’re a fan of romance or fantasy, crime or historical fiction, there’s an audiobook out there for you. So why not dive into a new genre and discover your next favorite read?
Unforgettable Narrators Behind the Audiobooks
In this section, we want to recognize the audio gems of 2014 – the narrators whose voices brought the stories to life. These talented performers added depth and emotion to the audiobooks, making the experience even more immersive and unforgettable.
| Narrator | Audiobook Title | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Julia Whelan | Gone Girl | Gillian Flynn |
| Jesse Eisenberg | The Double | Fyodor Dostoevsky |
| Jim Dale | Lockwood & Co. The Screaming Staircase | Jonathan Stroud |
| Neil Gaiman | The Graveyard Book | Neil Gaiman |
These are just a few examples of the exceptional narrators we had the pleasure of listening to in 2014. Each one brought a unique perspective and interpretation to the stories they read, making them even more compelling. We commend their talent and dedication to the craft of audiobook narration.
The Impact of Audiobooks on Literature in 2014
In 2014, audiobooks made a significant impact in the literary world. This digital medium influenced storytelling, reading habits, and even the audiobook industry itself. Let’s take a closer look at how audiobooks changed the way we experience literature.
The Rise of Audiobook Narrators
The popularity of audiobooks brought attention to the art of narration, and many talented performers emerged as prominent voices in the industry. Narrators like Jim Dale, who brought the Harry Potter series to life, and George Guidall, who lent his voice to classics like Crime and Punishment and Moby Dick, gained recognition for their exceptional performances. The rise of audiobook narrators highlighted the significance of voice acting and introduced new opportunities for actors to showcase their skills.
Accessibility for All
Audiobooks have made literature more accessible to a broader audience, including those with visual impairments or reading difficulties. The availability of audiobooks through digital platforms like Audible and iTunes has made it easier for people to access these works anytime, anywhere. This increased accessibility has made literature more inclusive and opened up new opportunities for those who may have struggled with traditional reading methods.
Embracing New Technologies
The audiobook industry has always been at the forefront of utilizing new technologies, and 2014 was no exception. Advances in recording and publishing technologies made it easier to produce high-quality audiobooks in a shorter amount of time. The introduction of subscription services like Scribd and Oyster also provided an innovative way for listeners to access audiobooks. These new technologies significantly impacted the production, distribution, and consumption of audiobooks, highlighting the importance of embracing new developments in the industry.
Changing Reading Habits
The rise of audiobooks has also influenced the way people read and consume literature. Audiobooks allow listeners to multitask while enjoying a book, whether it be while driving, exercising, or doing household chores. This convenience has led to more people opting for audiobooks over traditional reading methods. Additionally, the audiobook industry’s focus on producing shorter works has led to a rise in novellas and short stories, catering to those looking for more bite-sized literary experiences.
Conclusion
Looking back at the year 2014, we are reminded of the incredible audiobooks that graced our ears. From bestsellers to hidden gems, mysteries to epics, the range of stories available was truly impressive.
These audiobooks transported us to new worlds, kept us on the edge of our seats, and left us with unforgettable characters and stories. The narrators behind these audiobooks were also outstanding, adding depth and emotion to the already captivating tales.
The impact of audiobooks on literature during 2014 was significant. Audiobooks offered a new way to experience storytelling, transforming reading habits and making literature more accessible to audiences.
As we conclude our journey through the best audiobooks of 2014, we encourage you to rediscover these outstanding narratives and embark on an incredible literary journey. Whether you’re searching for enthralling epics or thrilling mysteries, there’s something for everyone in this curated list of the best audiobooks of 2014.
