Long flights? Road trips? Laundry that never ends? Audiobooks are one of my favorite ways to make the most of all of it—and to sneak in a little joy or inspiration during the chaos of everyday life. One of the best things I discovered in my 30s was just how much I love them. My sister (a gifted editor and copywriter) and I started tossing recommendations back and forth, and at some point, it turned into our own unofficial book club. You should totally join us.
We put our heads together and made the ultimate audiobook list for moms—the kind of stories that are so good, you might actually look forward to the mundane stuff. Laundry, dishes, long flights, soccer practice carpool. Just maybe wear headphones.
Quick heads up: These picks are mostly for you—the mom who needs something to look forward to while folding socks or stuck in the school pickup line. Many of them include mature content or language, so they’re not necessarily ones to hit play on in the car with your kids. I always recommend doing your own research if you’re sensitive to certain themes. These are just my personal favorites.
Sound off in the comments—I’d love to hear what you’ve loved, what didn’t work for you, or if we need to make a “kid-friendly car ride” edition next!
And if reading this has you dreaming about your next vacation, you might want to stop paying for every trip out of pocket. Here’s my free beginner’s guide to start traveling on points instead of dollars.
Historical Fiction Favorites
This book was written by Taylor Jenkins Reid and is unlike any other book I have read. She has written a lot of popular and best-selling books the last few years, but this is my favorite.
The genre is historical fiction, but sort of? We typically think of historical fiction being from World War II or before, since that seems to be what the majority are written about (there are even some on this list!), but this novel follows the rise and fall of a fictional 1970s rock band.
The book is written like an oral history, and the story unfolds through a series of interviews with band members and those close to them. It’s fascinating to see what it might have been like for a band to rise so quickly and then fall so spectacularly. The audiobook version is amazing. It includes a full cast of narrators, bringing each character’s voice to life. It also really helps you keep the characters straight. It also makes the book feel completely authentic and real instead of a fictionalized account.
Sticking with historical fiction for a bit, we have The Women, written by Kristin Hannah. Arguably, this was one of—if not the—biggest books of 2024. There are some hard themes in this book, but it’s a really important story. It’s gripping, emotional, and incredibly immersive—perfect for listening while driving, walking, or doing chores.
The narrator brings the characters to life in a way that feels like a movie. In fact, they will be making this book into a movie, and we all know that the books are better! This book has a strong and relatable female lead. There was so much research that went into this on real women who served in the Vietnam War that the story seems shockingly real. Even though it’s fiction, it really feels like the author is telling a true-to-life story. This book will stay with you long after it’s finished.
Another book by the author Kristin Hannah. If any author deserves two spots on this list, it’s her. Just trust me, she’s phenomenal. This is one of the most powerful World War II novels in recent memory—and the audiobook is an emotionally immersive experience that stays with you. This is one of my very favorite historical fiction novels of all time.
The story is about two sisters in Nazi-occupied France. They each fight to survive and resist in very different ways. You will be amazed at their bond, their sacrifices, and their choices. I love it because like The Women, it focuses on the often overlooked courage and power of women during incredibly hard circumstances. Love, loss, resilience, and redemption are all main themes that are balanced carefully between heartbreak and hope. It is a truly beautiful book.
This book was written by Mark Sullivan. It’s a gripping World War II novel based on the true story of a forgotten hero—and it’s an absolutely stellar audiobook for both history buffs and casual listeners alike. It follows Pino Lella, a young Italian man swept into espionage, sacrifice, and survival under Nazi occupation.
Knowing it’s based on real events gives every moment more weight. It feels like you are reading a real-life spy thriller, including danger, romance, and daring missions. The audiobook is great because the story is so engaging that you will actually want to keep doing your laundry! Feels more like listening to an unbelievable historical drama rather than reading. The suspense will keep you hooked the whole way through.
Ok I’m sorry, I had to add in another historical fiction. They are just so RICH in depth and story! I know this was an incredible movie, but incredible movies often mean the book was even better! Set in 1960s Mississippi, this story explores the complex relationships between women across race and class, all told through multiple distinct voices.
Multiple narrators bring each character vividly to life, making it feel like you’re listening to real people, not just a book. The Southern accents, emotions, and humor are pitch-perfect, adding depth and authenticity you might miss on the page. You get humor, resilience, and bravery woven into a story that feels both personal and important. The characters are unforgettable—strong, complicated, and so real you’ll swear you’ve met them. It’s the kind of audiobook you’ll think about long after it ends—perfect for those who love character-driven stories with meaning, heart, and voice.
Magical & Fantastical Escapes
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern is pure magic, and the audiobook makes that magic feel real. This isn’t your typical fantasy. It’s beautiful, mysterious, and deeply romantic. The setting is a mysterious circus that appears without warning and opens only at night. Jim Dale narrates, and he is fabulous. He is the same narrator that did the Harry Potter series. His voices and accents make every character totally distinct.
For nonreaders or anyone unsure about fantasy, The Night Circus works because it’s not about dragons or epic battles (but not to worry—there’s a book on this list that does have dragons and epic battles if that’s your thing). This book is all about atmosphere, love, and wonder. It feels more like slipping into a dream than reading a book, and the audiobook turns that dream into an experience you can sink into during a commute, walk, or while winding down. It’s accessible, beautiful, and unforgettable. Just trying to describe the mood of this book to you makes me want to read it all over again.
This book is completely hilarious. The audiobook made me laugh out loud. The performance totally nails the humor. It’s told from multiple points of view, which makes the story easy to follow and even more fun to listen to. This book is a clever and witty reimagining of English history and includes magic and romance too!
This is a playful, not-so-accurate version of Lady Jane Grey’s story—she was a real-life English noblewoman who was queen for just nine days in the 1500s. If you aren’t totally convinced you will like fantasy, and not totally convinced you like historical fiction, this book is a perfect marriage of the two with a whole lot of snark.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is a standout in the fantasy romance genre. It’s controversial; some have really enjoyed it, and some have really not. I, however, thought it was very fun. It’s an entertaining story and keeps you engaged—it’s especially great to do chores to!
Set in the high-stakes world of Basgiath War College, this book follows Violet Sorrengail, a young woman thrust into the perilous path of becoming a dragon rider. There’s high stakes, fighting, poisoning, and a very swoony enemies-to-lovers storyline. You get dual narrators, which really contributes to the entertainment. If you are new to fantasy, Fourth Wing is a great starting point. It’s a bestseller and one of the top audiobooks of 2024.
I was on a road trip when I was listening to this, and it’s the first time I wished the drive was longer. It literally feels like you are listening to an action movie while you’re reading it. This book was written in the 1800s, but don’t let that deter you. The language is so witty and feels fresh, especially when performed on audiobook.
You’ll get:
Rich themes: honor, friendship, justice, and resilience.
Fast-paced adventure: duels, disguises, secret plots, and daring rescues.
Iconic characters: Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and d’Artagnan—each so lovable in totally different ways.
Laugh-Out-Loud Memoirs & Nonfiction
Tina Fey’s Bossypants is the ultimate audiobook for nonreaders—it’s like having your funniest friend tell you her life story. Narrated by Fey herself, this memoir is a personal collection of stories from Fey’s life, including childhood, early career, Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock, and motherhood.
It’s packed with sharp wit, behind-the-scenes comedy insights, and self-deprecating humor paired with hilarious observations that will have you laughing out loud. Because it feels more like a stand-up show or podcast than a book, it’s perfect for anyone who doesn’t usually enjoy reading but loves good storytelling and smart humor. Look, I’m not usually a nonfiction reader, but when it’s this funny, I am happy to make an exception.
Greenlights – Matthew McConaughey
Another memoir and nonfiction book that I thoroughly enjoyed. Again, I promise I usually don’t read nonfiction, but this book is so engaging and unconventional, it totally had me (and my husband) hooked. Matthew McConaughey wrote and narrated the book, and it delivers his life stories with his signature, captivating Texas drawl, infusing each story from his life with authenticity and charm.
The memoir is definitely surprising. Some of the stories from his life were definitely different than I ever expected. His philosophies are interesting and thought-provoking. His stories are humorous and heartfelt. It feels more like a conversation than a book. McConaughey’s narration and the book’s conversational tone make it an excellent choice for those looking to dip their toes into audiobooks.
Emotional Contemporary Fiction
If you need to know one thing, it’s that Julia Whelan narrates this audiobook. I will listen to pretty much anything she narrates. This contemporary novel by the popular author Emily Henry is just so fun. You will fall in love with the two main characters, Nora and Charlie.
The portrayal of Nora’s sarcasm and Charlie’s reserved charm brings the story to life, making the listening experience immersive and emotionally resonant. Emily Henry’s writing is so witty and heartfelt, and the humor and emotional depth are a great counterbalance to each other in this book. Nora and Charlie are portrayed with depth and complexity, making their experiences and emotions accessible to a wide audience. The clever banter between Nora and Charlie is just SO GOOD.
Where the Crawdads Sing – Delia Owens
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens is a beautifully written and engaging story. The audiobook makes it even more powerful. It blends a coming-of-age tale, a love story, and a murder mystery into one unforgettable listen.
The story is told from the life of Kya and her struggles. The setting is the marshes of North Carolina, and the descriptions are haunting in the best way. It also builds tension and questions through dual timelines, which keeps you guessing until the very end. It’s so fun to feel like you are unraveling the mystery, all while becoming more and more attached to the main character. The nice thing about the dual timelines though is it’s done right; you are never left feeling confused or overwhelmed.
Mystery & Thrillers
The Silent Patient – Alex Michaelides
I had to include some sort of thriller on the list. This is the one I have enjoyed most over the last several years. The story centers around a woman who stops speaking after a shocking crime, and the psychotherapist determined to get her to talk. It’s twisty, psychological, and packed with tension—perfect for listeners who love mysteries or true crime.
The writing style is clean and direct, easy to multitask to while you are listening. Dual narrators make it easy to follow along, and the suspense builds gradually, which makes it immersive and intense. Do NOT let anyone talk to you about this book before you read it. The ending is truly spectacular if you can avoid any spoilers.
Bonus Pick I Can’t Wait to Start
This book by Percival Everett is a masterful reimagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, told from the perspective of Jim, the enslaved man. I have heard nothing but good things so far, and I’m excited to dive in. I’ll update as soon as I do!
Critical Acclaim: James has received numerous accolades, including the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, the National Book Award, and the Kirkus Prize, underscoring its literary significance.
Looking for more ways to make the most of your time (or your spending)? I also use these headphones on the plane for every audiobook session. I love my AirPods, but the noise cancelling just cant be beat.
Want to see how I plan trips around points? You might like:
- How We Flew Our Family to Hawaii on Points
- My Favorite Beginner Cards
- How to Book Marriott Stays with Points
- The Mom’s Guide to Capital One Miles
Want more tips like this?
Join my email list, follow me on Instagram, or come hang out in my Facebook group.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
Advertiser Disclosure: The Rewards Mom has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Rewards Mom and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
VIEW THE COMMENTS
My Favorite Audiobooks for Travel, Errands & Chores