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The best days of reading may be well behind us. In times like these, Television shows, cinema movies, and Netflix have completely taken over our senses. Whether for informational or entertainment purposes, all instincts lead to the screen.
Unfortunately, this steep dip is far from healthy. Of course, all men want success, but the wealth imbibed in these precious books is lost to those unwilling to flip a page. Fortunately, the advent of audiobooks has duly catered to this problem, and the fight between reading and television is not so huge anymore.
Simply paying attention to the narrator’s voice has helped flip the conniving narrative of boredom around reading books. You can now carry on with driving, exercise, house chores, and more while absorbing the desired knowledge from your best books.
Most genres are available in audiobook form, from business and self-development to mystery thrillers and fantasy novels. It is essential to incorporate these genres into your universe as a well-rounded man.
But we recommend that you read only the best! Thus, we have compiled a list of audiobooks you should own.
Table of Contents
Born a Crime
Authored and Narrated by: Trevor Noah
Trevor relates his coming-of-age story in his award-winning biography, which entails his South African childhood and upbringing experience. He was born into a mixed household with a black father and a white woman as his mother.
Trevor’s tale is majorly set during the final days of the Apartheid era in South Africa. His emphatic tale begins with a nearly fatal clash with gangsters and continues with his journey as a comedian.
In addition to authoring such a masterpiece, Trevor excellently narrates the audio version in a hilarious manner that allows for a laidback hand hands-free experience.
His efforts on the audiobook deservedly won the Audie Best award for the male narrator in 2018.
Be ready to immerse yourself in this audiobook and explore worlds filled with dialects and traditions of English, Xhosa, and Zulu, amongst other things.
Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter
Authored and Narrated by: Curtis Jackson
Curtis “50 Cent” became one of the biggest acts in music after his 2003 debut album, Get Rich or Die Trying, garnered well-deserved commercial and critical acclaim.
Even after rising to such glorious heights, 50 would find himself stuck in a ditch. However, the man turned around his story in a remarkable comeback that has inspired this incredibly personal book.
The book itself revolves around the lessons Curtis learned from his decades in the music business and corporate world – both renowned for their cutthroat nature. But, as a survivor of the ‘crabs in a bucket’ struggle, Curtis makes a big stand on adapting to changes that come in life.
50 Cent himself made a significant pivot from the music to the television industry. Having produced the award-winning STARZ show Power and accruing more cinematic efforts, Curtis truly is the master of this art.
‘Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter’ is an essential masterpiece of personal empowerment that pertains to men seeking success in their business and career.
Curtis’s narration on the audiobook brings his corporate savvy and street-smart moves to life, making it one of the best audiobooks for men.
Know My Name
Authored and Narrated by: Chanel Miller
Once known as “Emily Doe,” Chanel’s victim statement significantly impacted America and the global community. The statement came after Brock Turner sexually assaulted her on Stanford’s campus in January 2015.
Brock Turner was caught raping an unconscious Chloe and was arrested afterward. However, the court only reprimanded him with a six-month jail sentence and two years of probation.
Chanel released her victim statement as an anonymous “Emily Doe” in 2016, which shook the global scene. It was translated into several languages and catalyzed many new introductions into the legal system against sexual assault. Moreso, it would pave the way for one of the decade’s best books.
Her award-winning book is a phenomenon that bears society’s profound challenges, to our cultural nuances and seeks to uproot our stunted beliefs.
Chanel’s impeccable narration on the audiobook, which intertwines humor, trauma, pain, and hope, makes it one of the most personal audiobooks you will ever hear.
A Short History of Nearly Everything
Author: Bill Bryson, Narrated by: Richard Mathews
Bill has never relented in his foray into the befitting knowledge of our world. The best-selling author drives at an unfounded yet necessary wealth of information and brings it to his readers.
In his best books, Bill has put himself at the forefront of providing answers to many of humanity’s questions.
From the universe’s origins to the dawn of ancient civilizations, Bill morphs in and out of different fields to relate the available explanations for such queries.
His success in writing this book came from the aid of archaeologists, anthropologists, mathematicians, and the immense knowledge they possess.
Richard Mathews uses his voice as a befitting platform to duly educate those interested in this quest for knowledge. It is undoubtedly one of the best audiobooks for men who aspire to a greater understanding of the world around us!
Invisible Man
Author: Ralph Ellison, Narrated by: Joe Morton
This masterpiece is widely considered one of the greatest works of literature ever written. Ralph Ellison’s 1952 novel brings his readers to the core of the 20th-century black man.
Although based on the life story of a single hero, the book slides between different phases of the black African reality in the past century.
The distinct settings of high schools, university campuses, and Harlem in New York bare underlying themes about society. As a result, Ralph’s characters are imbued with complexities that mold the hero and his journey.
Joe Morton does a spectacular job of narrating this epic which explores the history of African American societal dynamics. With this classic, it is guaranteed that you will be listening to one of the best audiobooks for men!
The Great Gatsby
Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald, Narrated by: Jake Gyllenhaal
As an epic that has held the reins of many generations of readers, Fitzgerald’s work remains the epitome of classic American literature.
The book’s story bounces between the paces, with the main focus on Gatsby through the eyes of his next-door neighbor, Nick Carraway.
Set in the early 20th century, Gatsby is the man. He seems to possess it all between his lavish parties and fabulous wealth.
However, Nick witnesses Gatsby’s obsession with an old flame, Daisy Buchanan, which consumes him and shapes the story in the most unlikely ways.
While it was published in 1925, the classic has witnessed an immense renaissance over the years with a haul of movies, theatre drama, graphic novels, radio episodes, and even video games.
The good stuff is also available in the audiobook version, which plays host to the immense talent of Oscar-nominated actor Jake Gyllenhaal.
Jake brings life to the voice of Nick Carraway and perfectly relates the story of Gatsby to those listening.
The Handmaid’s Tale
Author: Margaret Atwood, Narrated by: Claire Danes
Margaret’s epic entails a dystopian future that comes to fruition after the current political system falls apart.
Upon the assassination of the president and members of Congress, the pillars of the country’s administration gave way to the Republic of Gilead.
Times have become deviated and upturned with the republic’s iron grip rule.
Offred, a victim of the turmoil, finds herself serving as a handmaid in the household of the republic’s hierarchy. She sets about taking her liberty back by navigating the new life she finds herself living.
Widely touted as one of the best science fiction books, Claire Danes’ sublime narrations deservedly translate the novel into one of the best audiobooks.
How to Stop Feeling So Damn Depressed: The No Bs Guide for Men
Author: Jonas Horwitz, Narrated by: Matthew Boston
Depression is one of the most talked-about sicknesses in the world today. However, this recent surge in relevance is not due to its recent discovery but its current awareness.
This brilliant book serves as an oasis for those seeking to overcome the common woes of depression.
In his masterpiece, Jonas Horwitz stresses the importance of depression and curing it.
Jonas advocates treating your depression as a dangerous foreign invader, The Beast. He details how The Beast infiltrates your brain and senses to fool you into submission.
But more importantly, he devotes his book to guiding you through your fight and eventual success.
Mathew Boston places the crown on the jewel with his excellent narration, making him some improvised life coach. This audiobook is undoubtedly one of the best audiobooks for men, and it is highly recommended you listen to it.
A Promised Land
Authored and Narrated by Barack Obama
Lawyer, Congressman, Senator, and President of the United States of America – Barrack Obama has worn several distinguished hats. Many of which are the common person’s envy.
The exalted renaissance man has added a New York Times Bestseller to his infinity stones.
Unsurprisingly, Obama’s brilliant work is a true story memoir about his equally dazzling life. In addition, he shares his wealth of experience on his journey to and experience in the White House.
Unlike many books by former political leaders, Obama uses his book as a medium to give a much-appreciated insight into the political system. Rather than attempting to explain what he achieved in office, he provides an avenue for a thorough understanding of his circumstances.
Obama willingly takes us through his travails in office at local and international levels; he details the tremendous burden and responsibility of having the last word on America’s impact.
There is no relenting on the exploration of his reach and the limits as president and the dynamics of global affairs in general. His book also covers the impact the white house had on his family.
After the perfectly executed job of capturing his business in the written book, Obama does an outstanding job at the narration.
It indeed sounds good to listen to the former president of the USA relate his stories in your spare time.
Calypso
Authored and Narrated by David Sedaris
Ever since the first of his series, David’s books have been a source of delight for many. There is a delightful aspect to witnessing a person’s life through their humorous perspective.
Perhaps this is because the comedian/author tends to document the laugh-worthy moments of life. David writes about his own life, observations, Greek heritage, neighborhood, drug use, education, jobs, and homosexuality in the most delightful manner.
David lacks no energy in his audiobook without any filter as he relates hilarious experiences. Carefully listen to the Calypso audiobook on public transport as you may burst into fits of uncontrollable laughter.
Better still, have a gathering with your friends and listen to this masterpiece while sharing memories of your own lives!
The Harry Potter series
Author: JK Rowling, Narrated by Stephen Fry
Few of the best books have the cultural impact that J.K. Rowling’s work has accrued over the years.
In 2018, the Novel series became the worldwide highest-selling book series ever. In addition, the book’s eight-part adaptation film franchise, which started in 2001, has morphed into one of the world’s highest-grossing successes.
The classic book focuses on Harry, an eleven-year-old boy at the start of the series, and details his foray into the magical world and the power within.
Like any other hero, he struggles against the forces of darkness, mainly the dark wizard, Lord Voldemort, and the wrath of the hateful Dursleys.
Stephen Fry embodies the magic present in all 12 of the books in the series and delivers an absolute masterpiece of entertaining narration. Each person has a unique tone – each line comes with great gusto. Indeed, his skills bring the audiobook to its outstanding potential.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
Author: Mark Manson, Narrated by: Roger Wayne
Written with the intent to impact his audience’s personal and professional lives, Mark Manson spares no words in his liberating crusade.
It is not uncommon knowledge that people in society tend to care too much and make unnecessary sacrifices at the cost of their well-being.
This masterpiece is one of the best books pertaining to everyone but is especially recommendable to those who make costly compromises in their business, career, and private lives.
Mark maintains an uncompromising tone that injects raw dosages of truth into several situations in our lives.
He advises us to stop evading the uncomfortable limitations of our reality and accept it instead. Once we do this, we certainly find the deserved goodness beneath it.
Although Mark’s blunt approach to the ultimate answer is an uncut gem for those who read books, Roger Wayne’s audiobook narration retains every bit of that energy and its power.
Conclusion
In terms of the brightest inventions, Audiobooks are up there with light bulbs and neon lamps. We hope this article has helped kick-start your love story with hands-free knowledge. Happy learning!
