BY: Thorine Turenne and Georgia Davis

Audiobooks have a certain intriguing quality to them. They bring out favorite books to life in unimaginable ways that allow us to hear and feel our favorite passages in inviting new ways. It can transport us to new worlds and force us to escape on adventures with our favorite characters. Sometimes our favorite celebrities even come along for the journey. Here are the best audiobook reads from the most talented A-listers and voices in the industry:

Meryl Streep reading “Heartburn” by Norah Efron

Stepping into the shoes of the narrator, Rachel, Meryl Streep creates a highly authentic atmosphere with her tone. Undoubtedly, this is for those who revel/marvel at getting lost in the monologue-like tone that she sets for the reader. It is realistic as it can get.

Samuel Jackson reading “A Rage in Harlem” by Chester Himes

With a voice as bold as his acting, Jackson’s reading of this novel is, indeed, fitting for what we know to be the grit and grime of urban living. Jackson’s easy, ever-flowing cadence is the result of years of acting, and that is on full display in the audiobook for A Rage in Harlem. You will be enticed by the plot from the get-go, but it’s Jackson’s voice that will have you listening to the 5-hour and 26-minute read in one sitting.

Claire Danes reads “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood

The calm, yet subtle authority in Danes’ voice has a way of exuding confidence in the introspections of its leading character Offred, formerly June before Gilead developed. One could wonder, at the sound of her voice, whether Atwoods’ intent in narrating is to harbor the unbothered emotion. That will make for the silent, yet serious suspense. Her delivery? Self-affirming.

“Born a Crime” read and written by Trevor Noah

Trevor Noah displays one-half of his duality when presenting to us his serious, rather than comedic self. There is no better way for Noah to contribute the narrative of his own life by exhibiting a sober, more humorless side. The guttural reading will make you appreciate the vulnerability of not only writing about your life, but reading it too.

Kirby Heyborne and Julia May Whelan reading “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn

Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl is one of the most compelling thrillers of the decade. Its two narrators, Nick and Amy Dunne, are brought to life by Kirby Heyborne and Julia May Whelan. The dueling narrations are constantly at odds, with Heyborne’s “dude-like” voice capturing Nick’s personality well. But it’s Whelan who comes out the star, just like the character she’s narrating. If you’ve already read the book, trust us when we say you want to listen to it as well.

Ruby Dee reading “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston

A seasoned, strong, and powerful voice as Ruby Dee’s can only amplify human emotion in this novel. It is matchless to the feel for which the film by the same title also gives.

“The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” read and written by Lin-Manuel Miranda

There is something about the romantic language of Spanish that even Miranda brings to life with his mellow energy of the reading. It is impeccable, and it lures us into the Dominican culture in a genuine way. It will prompt the reader to become appreciative the language and of Miranda, who we already adore.

Jim Dale reading “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling

It would be believable that Rowling’s idea of narration of this (or any Harry Potter’s series) is accurately portrayed in the fluctuation of pitch and realistic flavor of Dale’s narration. Emphasis of sound, and speed of voice where need be, makes for an enjoyable read, and may otherwise prompt the reader to take a listen, rather than read.