9 Best Audiobooks for Men
Let’s face facts: you don’t read as much as you used to. And to be fair, none of us do. Reading for pleasure is down for every demographic — losing out to movies, TV, video games, and social media.
But books are an important part of every well-rounded man’s life. They provide insight into the world and information about how things work. Unfortunately, there is only so much time in the day, and very little is left over to sit down with a book.
If you are still wondering “Are audiobooks worth it?” consider this: audiobooks give you back your reading time without taking away from all the other things you need to get done. Audiobooks allow you to read while grocery shopping, driving to the doctor’s office, and doing all the other things that fill up your busy life.
So we’ve put together some of the best audiobooks for men, covering the wide range of available titles. These should get you started on your new favorite pastime.
48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
This enormous book covers all the ways to establish and maintain power. While the rules are not always ethical, they are always intriguing. And each law is accompanied by an anecdote from history.
48 Laws of Power is a sweeping tome, both entertaining and informative. The sternness of the outlook makes you feel like you’re in The Godfather, and it is perfect listening while you plot your path to world domination.
Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkein
This fantasy epic trilogy has delighted generations of readers and almost single-handedly spawned an entire genre of fiction. Philosophical, imaginative, and exciting — Lord of the Rings is truly a masterpiece.
You might have read the books in high school or seen the movies, but it’s time to listen to the story again. It’s a great audiobook for carrying you off to a different world.
The Stranger by Albert Camus
Hailed as a dark, existential classic, this short but affecting French novel delivers tragic and absurd insights into human life. The book follows an odd fellow who finds himself at the center of a shocking event, and Camus uses the dramatic plot to investigate exactly what existence is.
This is one book that every man should read throughout their lives. It is bleak, but that’s part of life, isn’t it?
Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
This enormous book sits unread on millions of bookshelves. And that’s a shame, because it is a sprawling work of hilarious and bitter criticism. Taking aim at our collective addiction to entertainment, Wallace glimpses the technologies that would come to dominate our lives decades after he wrote Infinite Jest.
As an audiobook, you can get through it a lot easier than on the page because this is a long one, but it is worth every second.
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
Published in 1952, this examination of being Black in America is still relevant today. Hailed as one of the best English language novels of the 20th century, it cuts through to the heart of the Black experience.
This audiobook invites you into a diverse tapestry of humanity, with a scope that few novelists would dare. Controversial at release, the book is still explosive today.
All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy
Cowboys, horses, and a tale of revenge. Sounds good, right? But McCarthy doesn’t just rest on the compelling setting and exciting events. He uses his talent for prose to paint an elaborate vision of masculinity out on the range.
Traversing the Mexican-US border, this tale will spur the adventurer inside you, all while making you laugh and cry as you listen.
The Things They Carried by Tom O’Brien
This collection of short stories follows a group of US soldiers through their harrowing experiences during the Vietnam War. The book does not fall into cliches, instead choosing to bravely depict the reality of the war that O’Brien himself fought in.
The short story collection makes for a good listen, allowing you to reach a little closure every time you fire it up.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig
This semi-autobiographical account of a long motorcycle ride is a unique view on the masculine experience. Pirsig is a philosopher by training and disposition, and he allows himself to wax intellectual about every detail of his trip.
The book is thought-provoking but contains a real emotional core. A great audiobook while going on a road trip of your own.
Dracula by Bram Stoker
An absolute classic of gothic fiction, Dracula can still terrify us today. The romantic language, spooky setting, and convoluted plot make for big chills.
When looking for an audiobook version, try getting one that uses multiple voice actors. The novel is created out of letters and journal entries from the characters, and hearing the different voices brings the novel to life.
These are just a few audiobooks that you might enjoy while taking a long ride in your car or simply while building something at home. Do you have a favorite audiobook? If so, we would love to know what it is.