Audiobooks, what a concept! Turning the pages of a published book into a soundtrack, brought to life with narration by professional voice actors and even sound effects. It is no wonder audiobooks have grown in popularity in recent years. Lay back and listen to the tales of your favorite book. Or listen while making dinner, commuting to work, or working out. This is a multi-taskers dream. YouTube is home to some of the most captivating reads, or more correctly, narrations. Audiobooks in every genre are just a search away.

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With so many titles and genres available on YouTube, we thought it wise to take the guesswork out of searching for your perfect pick. I know that tastes and choices differ across age groups and genres. But I am pretty sure that our list of 12 of the best audiobooks, in no particular order, will provide some insight into what is available on YouTube. So, here is our random selection of 12 of the best books YouTube has to offer:

1. 1984 by George Orwell 

By far a must-read, 1984 is almost a prediction of present-day politics and one of the most renowned novels about dystopia, politics, science fiction, and fantasy. Although George Orwell’s description of a dystopian world can be terrifying, it is a masterpiece. This audiobook is narrated by Steve Parker. The use of sound effects, together with the narrator’s accent, sets the tone beautifully. About 10 hours and 35 minutes long, the audiobook’s narration is well-paced, allowing for a good flow. One of the most iconic phrases, ‘Big Brother is Watching You’, comes from the book’s main character. 

2. Around The World In 80 Days by Jules Verne

This classic appeals to all ages with a sense of adventure. It proves to be entertaining and educational with lots to learn about countries and cultures from around the world.

This audiobook is narrated by Ralph J. Snelson and clocks in at about 7 hours of narrated entertainment. It is easy to follow, with an easy-going pace and style. Around the world in 80 Days is a classic adventure. The story sees the protagonist, Phileas Fogg of London, and his French valet ,Passepartout, accept a wager of £20,000 to travel the world in 80 days. The chapters are time-stamped, which makes finding your place easier.

3. Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare

Romance and tragedy filled the pages of Romeo and Juliet, the story of the eternal star-crossed lovers. The original, a play by William Shakespeare in 1595, unpacks the tragedy. Romeo and Juliet must contend with their opposing families in the background of their love story. The feuding families take center stage when they drive the young couple to desperate and drastic measures.

The Audiobook comes in, at just over 3 hours long. It has an entire cast of narrators reading for each of the characters in the play. The narrators maintain the play’s authenticity with their proficiency in the language and expression that breathes life into each character and this classic tragedy.

4. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

Based on Robert Kiyosaki’s personal experience, ‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad’ introduces his well-known and, might I add, effective financial management model. This book is between a self-help, personal finance management guide and a narrative of personal experience. 

Not only is the book insightful, but it will also give you plenty to think about when it comes to money.  

The audiobook includes an introduction by Robert Kiyosaki. The entire audiobook is just over 3 hours long, and it is time-stamped.

5. Grimm’s Fairy Tales by Brothers Grim

Fairy tales have been reserved for children. However, Grimm’s Fairy Tales is a classic for all ages. The audiobook is just over 11 hours long. The tone and voice quality of the narrator, Bob Neufeld, is that of a grandfather. It is comforting and engaging at the same time. This is well-suited to the timeless and classic tale!

6. Moby Dick by Herman Melville

This is an American Classic about a young man’s adventure. It is somewhere between a fantasy and a true account, rich with symbolism and conflicting themes. The audiobook delivers this classic impressively. 

7. The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells

This science fiction offering has been in existence for 140 years. It borrows from physics and science to tell a fantasy-based story that has relevance and entertains even today.

The audiobook is nearly 5 hours long with outstanding narration.

8. Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup

This historic and moving tale of a black man who was born free, lived free for 30 years, and was forced into slavery for 12 years is a must-read! A story about the heinous facts of slavery and a lack of humanness.

The audiobook is just over 8 hours long but worth every moving minute.

9. The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury

The Martian is a story of survival on Mars. The science fiction story has all the feels and goes down as a masterpiece. This book inspired the movie The Martian.

The audio book is nearly 10 hours long, with some of the best narration and expression I have heard, to date. Amazing!

 10. The Devine Comedy by Dante Alighieri

Not a story or novel but an Italian poem, and one of the most famous at that.

The audiobook is just over 4 hours long. It is translated into English. Indeed, a classic of spiritually ordained versus delivered via poetry.

11. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

This gothic novel uses science fiction and romance to tell the story of Frankenstein. The story is less horror and more a tragedy.

The audiobook is just over 7 hours long. 

12. The Art of War by ‎Sun Tzu

This book documents the aspects of war, military tactics, and strategies in China and East Asia around 771-476 m.Pr.e. It has offered much inspiration to politicians and historians and can be treated as a textbook.

The audiobook clocks in at just over an hour. The narrator’s tone of voice and narration style suits the content perfectly.

And there you have it! 12 impressive YouTube audiobooks that you can easily queue up to play while performing daily tasks, not missing a beat. These audiobooks are absolutely free on YouTube. For a fantastic alternative to reading, expand your knowledge and mind by listening to the words of some of the greatest authors of our time, narrated for your convenience and comfort.