In today's fast-paced world, finding time to indulge in a good book can be a challenge. Fortunately, there's a treasure trove of short audiobooks waiting to be explored, each offering a captivating story in under five hours. Whether you're commuting, exercising, or simply craving a quick escape, these compact literary treats offer an ideal way to complete a book within a single day.
AUDIOBOOKS UNDER FIVE HOURS
Lie With Me by Philippe Besson
Length: 3 hrs and 35 minutes
Narrator: Jacques Roy
Set in 1984, this story revolves around the passionate yet clandestine relationship between two teenage boys in a small French town.
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
Length: 1 hr and 57 minutes
Narrator: Aidan Kelly
In the Irish town of 1985, Bill Furlong, a coal merchant, experiences the bustling holiday season. However, during a routine delivery to the local convent, he uncovers a revelation that forces him to confront his past and the silent complicity of a community dominated by the church.
Address Unknown by Kathrine Kressmann
Length: 1 hr and 8 minutes
Narrator: Rob Shapiro, George Newbern
This collection of fictional letters exchanged between a Jewish art dealer in San Francisco and his business partner in Germany became a literary sensation, earning widespread acclaim across the United States and Europe. A haunting narrative with profound and lasting significance, it continues to resonate as a timeless classic.
Pure Colour by Sheila Heti
Length: 3 hrs 49 minutes
Narrator: Sheila Heti
In her journey, Mira encounters Annie, whose extraordinary abilities spark a profound transformation within her. However, as Mira grapples with the complexities of existence, including the loss of her father and the monotony of life, she must ultimately decide whether to reengage with the human world, including her connection with Annie.
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
Length: 5 hrs and 5 Minutes
Narrator: Barbara Caruso
In the midst of a harrowing medical crisis involving their daughter, Quintana, John Gregory Dunne suddenly succumbs to a fatal heart attack, leaving Joan Didion grappling with profound loss. Didion reflects on the turbulent aftermath of these events, delving into themes of mortality, family, and the fragile nature of life itself.
Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
Length: Mohsin Hamid
Narrator: 4 hrs and 42 minutes
In a tumultuous city on the verge of civil war, Nadia and Saeed form a clandestine relationship, their lives upended by violence and chaos. Faced with no other option, they seek escape through mysterious doors, navigating an uncertain future while clinging to their love and identity.
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Length: 4 hrs and 15 minutes
Narrator: Adepero Oduye
When Korede's sister, Ayoola, calls her for help after another deadly encounter with a boyfriend, Korede faces a moral dilemma between loyalty to family and her conscience. As Ayoola's relationship with the man Korede secretly loves puts him in danger, Korede must confront the consequences of her sister's actions and decide where her loyalties truly lie.
The Deep by Rivers Solomon
Length: 4 hrs and 1 minute
Narrator: Daveed Diggs
Yetu, burdened with holding the memories of her water-dwelling people's traumatic past, struggles under the weight of their collective pain. Fleeing to the surface, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting her people's history to secure their survival and reclaim their identity.
Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
Length: 3 hrs and 52 minutes
Narrators: Jacqueline Woodson,Quincy Tyler Bernstine,Peter Francis James,,,Shayna Small and,Bahni Turpin
Jacqueline Woodson's novel delves into the interconnected lives of families, exploring the impact of history and community on their experiences and relationships, particularly through the lens of a pivotal coming-of-age ceremony. Set in 2001 but reaching back sixteen years prior, the narrative unravels the poignant backstory behind a custom-made dress, revealing the complexities of ambition, identity, and parenthood as characters navigate the challenges of their past and present.
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
Length: 3 hrs and 21 minutes
Narrator: Nancy Wu
"Convenience Store Woman" follows Keiko as she discovers solace and identity in the routine of working at Smile Mart, where she mimics societal norms to fit in. However, as societal pressures mount, Keiko faces the dilemma of conforming to expectations or staying true to herself, offering a poignant commentary on contemporary work culture and the quest for acceptance.
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Length: 3 hrs and 35 minutes
Narrator: Ta-Nehisi Coates
This book explores the weight of American history on black bodies and offers a poignant reflection on the experience of inhabiting a black body in contemporary America. Through a personal letter to his son, Coates shares his journey of awakening to this reality, weaving together personal narrative, historical insight, and emotional reportage to illuminate the past, confront the present, and envision a path toward healing and liberation.
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
Length: 1 hr and 43 minutes
Narrator: Jason Reynolds
Fifteen-year-old Will grapples with grief and revenge after his brother's murder, carrying a gun with one bullet missing. As he descends in an elevator, encountering individuals connected to his brother, Will is forced to confront the complexities of his emotions and the cycle of violence, questioning the course of his actions and the possibility of breaking free from the cycle.
Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke
Length: 1 hr and 37 minutes
Narrator: Trevor White
In a series of letters exchanged in 1903 between Rainer Maria Rilke and a young military academy student seeking feedback on his poetry, Rilke offers profound insights into the essence of artistic creation.
The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw
Length: 4 hrs and 6 minutes
Narrator: Janina Edwards
"The Secret Lives of Church Ladies" delves into the hidden desires of Black women and girls, navigating the tension between societal expectations and personal fulfillment across generations. From teenage crushes to midlife self-discovery, the characters grapple with longing, love, and the complexities of faith in nine poignant stories that celebrate freedom and vulnerability.
Binti by Nnedi Okorafor
Length: 2 hrs and 30 minutes
Narrator: Robin Miles
Binti, the first of the Himba people to be accepted into Oomza University, faces a difficult choice: pursue knowledge and leave her family behind or remain with her community. Her journey into the stars is fraught with danger as she navigates ancient conflicts and seeks to bridge the divide between her people and the Meduse, risking her life for a chance at understanding and peace.
Nothing but the Rain by Naomi Salman
Length: 2 hrs and 29 minutes
Narrator: Soneela Nankani
A never-ending rain plagues the town of Aloisville, washing away memories with each drop, leaving its residents struggling to retain their identities. As Laverne grapples with the town's mysterious affliction, she finds herself torn between survival and the growing call for rebellion.
Little Weirds by Jenny Slate
Length: 4hrs and 19 minutes
Narrator: Jenny Slate
"Little Weirds" by Jenny Slate is a collection of quirky and intimate essays that explore love, loss, and the whimsical complexities of life with humor and heart.
Evidence of the Affair by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Length: 1 hr and 19 minutes
Narrators: Julia Whelan, George Newbern, James Daniels, Dara Rosenberg
This novella unfolds through a series of letters exchanged between two individuals who discover their spouses are having an affair. As they navigate the emotional turmoil of betrayal, they find solace and connection in each other's correspondence, ultimately redefining their understanding of love and fidelity.
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
Length: 3 hrs and 17 minutes
Narrator: Kevin R. Free
"All Systems Red" by Martha Wells follows a self-aware android named Murderbot who works as a security unit for a group of humans on a distant planet. When unforeseen dangers threaten their mission, Murderbot must navigate its own identity and autonomy while protecting its human clients from imminent danger.
A Psalm for the Wild Built by Becky Chambers
Length: 4 hrs and 8 minutes
Narrator: Em Grosland
In a distant past, self-aware robots vanished into myth after abandoning their duties in Panga. Now, a tea monk's routine is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of a robot tasked with fulfilling an old promise, sparking a profound exploration of human desires and needs in Chambers' thought-provoking series.
This is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone
Length: 4 hrs and 16 minutes
Narrators: Cynthia Farrell, Emily Woo Zeller
In a desolate world, two rival agents engage in a clandestine correspondence, driven by a desire to shape the fate of their factions. As their relationship deepens into something epic and romantic, they grapple with the risk of discovery and the ongoing war threatening their existence.
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
Length: 2 hrs and 25 minutes
Narrator: Jesse L. Martin
"The Fire Next Time" is a searing examination of race relations in America, written by James Baldwin in the form of two letters. Baldwin reflects on the enduring legacy of racism and offers a passionate call to action for racial justice and understanding.
The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid
Length: 4 hrs and 15 minutes
Narrator: Mohsin Hamid
"The Reluctant Fundamentalist" follows the journey of a Pakistani man named Changez, who becomes disillusioned with America after the September 11 attacks and returns to Pakistan. Through a conversation with an American stranger in Lahore, Changez reflects on his experiences in the United States and grapples with questions of identity, belonging, and cultural conflict.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Length: 4 hrs and 49 minutes
Narrator: Ron Rifkin
"The Giver" is a dystopian novel set in a society where emotions and memories are suppressed in the name of maintaining order and stability. When Jonas, a young boy, is selected to receive the memories of the past, he begins to question the truth behind his seemingly perfect world.
A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park
Length: 3 hrs and 12 minutes
Narrator: Graeme Malcolm
Tree-ear, an orphan in a village known for its pottery, dreams of mastering the craft. Despite facing obstacles and challenges, he is determined to prove himself by embarking on a solitary journey to present the work of master potter Min, even if it means arriving with only a single celadon shard as evidence of his journey.
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
Length: 3 hrs and 30 minutes
Narrator: Elizabeth Acevedo
Xiomara Batista, feeling silenced by her neighborhood and her own body, channels her frustrations into poetry written in a leather notebook. Despite her mother's strict religious expectations, Xiomara finds solace and empowerment in slam poetry, refusing to remain silent in a world that often overlooks her voice.
Dear Martin by Nic Stone
Length: 4 hrs and 32 minutes
Narrator: Dion Graham
Justyce McAllister, a top student bound for the Ivy League, faces racial injustice and scrutiny from both law enforcement and peers despite his achievements. Seeking guidance from the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he grapples with the reality of systemic racism and confronts violence that threatens his future.
Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom
Length: 3 hrs and 51 minutes
Narrator: Mitch Albom
Mitch Albom reflects on his bond with Morrie Schwartz, his former college professor who becomes a guiding light in his life. Despite losing touch, Albom reconnects with Morrie during his final days, sharing profound conversations that offer invaluable lessons on living.
84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
Length: 1 hr and 55 minutes
Narrators: Barbara Rosenblat, John Franklyn-Robbins
"84, Charing Cross Road" documents the endearing and enduring friendship between Helene Hanff, a New York writer, and a London bookseller over two decades of correspondence. Their bond, built on a mutual passion for literature, transcends geographical and cultural barriers, showcasing the power of connection through shared interests.
We Should all be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Length: 51 minutes
Narrator: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie presents a contemporary definition of feminism rooted in inclusivity and awareness, drawing on her personal experiences from the U.S., Nigeria, and beyond. With humor and insight, Adichie highlights the insidious institutional behaviors that perpetuate gender discrimination and advocates for a gender-equal world, offering a compelling rallying cry for feminism in the twenty-first century.
Elevation by Stephen King
Length: 3 hrs and 46 minutes
Narrator: Stephen King
Scott Carey struggles with a mysterious condition that causes him to lose weight without physical changes, all while navigating tensions with his new neighbors in Castle Rock. As he seeks to understand his affliction and bridge divides in the community, unexpected alliances form, revealing deeper themes of acceptance and unity.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Length: 1 hr and 4 minutes
Narrator: Scott Brick
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" follows the life of Benjamin Button, who is born elderly and ages backward, experiencing life in reverse. As he grows younger, he encounters the challenges of aging in reverse, leading to a poignant exploration of life, love, and the passage of time, reflecting F. Scott Fitzgerald's keen social commentary.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint- Exupéry
Length: 1 hr and 59 minutes
Narrator: Humphrey Bower
In "The Little Prince," a pilot encounters a mysterious young boy in the desert who asks him to draw a sheep, leading to a profound journey of discovery about the essence of life's meaning. Through whimsical encounters and poignant lessons, the story imparts timeless wisdom, inviting readers to contemplate the true significance of love, friendship, and human connections.
Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
Length: 3 hrs and 23 minutes
Narrator: Susan Vinciotti Bonito
A woman grapples with conflicting emotions of connection and detachment while navigating the vibrant city that serves as both companion and witness to her life's journey. As she moves through the urban landscape, from familiar haunts to poignant encounters, her year-long odyssey culminates in a transformative moment by the sea, offering a new perspective on her relationships and her sense of self.
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby
Length: 2 hrs and 9 minutes
Narrator: René Auberjonois
In December 1995, Jean-Dominique Bauby, struck by a massive stroke, became paralyzed and speechless but remained conscious, ultimately dictating his poignant memoir by blinking his left eyelid. His remarkable narrative provides a poignant glimpse into the confines of locked-in syndrome while serving as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Zorrie by Laird Hunt
Length: 4 hrs and 34 minutes
Narrator: Holly Palance
Zorrie Underwood's journey from a hardscrabble upbringing in Depression-era Indiana to a life of odd jobs and hardship leads her to a radium processing plant, where she finds both danger and camaraderie. Returning home brings a sense of love and community, but challenges persist, shaping her life against the backdrop of 20th-century America in Laird Hunt's evocative and timeless novel.
Of Mice and Men by John Stenbeck
Length: 3 hrs and 11 minutes
Narrator: Gary Sinise
George and Lennie, bound by an unlikely friendship, cling to dreams of owning their own land amidst the hardships of Depression-era California. Steinbeck's poignant narrative zooms in on their struggles, offering a universal exploration of friendship, dreams, and the human condition.
And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Backman
Length: 1 hr and 9 minutes
Narrator: David Morse
A profoundly touching depiction of an aged man's endeavor to preserve his cherished memories, alongside his family's endeavors to support him while reconciling with the inevitability of parting ways.
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