If you’re stuck in a reading rut, audiobooks are a great way to immerse yourself in a good story while going about your day. The staffers share their favourites.
Dominique McMullan, Editorial Director, IMAGE.ie
I listen to the majority of my books as I spend a lot of time in the car (thanks schoolrun), and honestly the people who say audiobooks don’t count can get in the sea. I can’t get enough of them. There is also a certain intimacy achieved when you listen to an author read their own book, especially when they are autobiographical. A few of my favourites are: A Different Kind Of Power by Jacinda Ardern; Poor by Katriona O’Sullivan; Down The Drain by Julia Fox; Windswept and Interesting by Billy Connolly and Pageboy by Elliot Page. Two that are not autobiographies but that get a special mention and are read by their authors are Mating In Captivity by Esther Perel and Topographia Hibernica by Blindboy Boatclub.
Helen Conway, Event Manager
Dolly Alderton’s Everything I Know About Love is the perfect listening companion. I love my physical copy, but nothing beats a confessional memoir read aloud by the author herself. Each line is drenched in Dolly’s own memory, emotion and humour.
I’m a huge Nora Ephron fan, and her iconic autobiographical novel Heartburn is perfectly captured by her close friend, the one and only Meryl Streep. It is a wonderfully funny, cosy listen – perfect as we come into the winter months!
Sarah Gill, Deputy Editor, IMAGE.ie
Anthony Bourdain’s uncensored ‘sex, drugs, bad behaviour and haute cuisine’ account of life as a professional chef in Kitchen Confidential is exceptional. It was the first audiobook I ever listened to, and remains my firm favourite. His narration is so fluid, it’s like these perfectly formed sentences are just flying off the top of his head, and that glimpse of the fast paced underbelly of the food business is exciting. It has made me despise brunch as a concept.
Another memoir I loved listening to was from Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, Acid for the Children. It charts his life from his origins in Melbourne, Los Angeles in the ‘70s, and meeting fellow outcast Anthony Kiedis at Fairfax High School. He’s got a beautiful approach to life and living, and emotion bubbles through regularly.
Finally, Nesting, by Roisin O’Donnell. Utterly incredible, poignant and urgent, this is a story of one woman making the decision to leave her abusive marriage and start over with her two small children. It’s tense and deeply moving, but ultimately uplifting. It’s life-affirming and hopeful, and Louisa Harland (Orla from Derry Girls) reads it beautifully.
Shayna (Sappington) Healy, Branded Content Editor & Wedding Content Writer
Poor by Katriona O’Sullivan and I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy are hands-down the best non-fiction audiobooks I listened to this year. They’re raw, emotional and compelling – both women have had to overcome horrendous circumstances to be the successes they are today. And, both are voiced by the author, adding another layer of authenticity. I couldn’t stop listening!
The Red Rising saga is probably my favourite sci-fi/fantasy series of all time. Think Hunger Games meets Star Wars! And narrator Tim Gerard Reynolds’ smooth, lilted voice captures the nuances of each character perfectly. I’ve never been more invested in fictional characters!
Described as ‘a delicious contemporary fable of prodigal return’, Scenes of Graphic Nature by Caroline O’Donoghue follows a half-Irish protagonist who visits Ireland for the first time. I thought I knew exactly where the plot was going, but the entire story flips on itself and begins to unravel at breakneck pace. I highly recommend this one! It Should Have Been You by Andrea Mara was another brilliant read! A case of mistaken identity leads to murder – or was it mistaken after all? You’ll be hooked five minutes in.
Doireann Murray, Chief Revenue Officer
One of the best books I’ve ever read and listened to is The Let Them Theory. The message is so simple but powerful: it reminds you not to waste energy trying to control others and instead focus on your own peace. Mel’s voice is calm and easy to listen to. I love that it’s not overly complicated; it’s practical advice you can actually use in real life. By the end, I felt more relaxed and motivated to let go of things that don’t serve me and focus on what’s important in life!
I also loved the Atomic Habits audiobook because it makes building good habits feel simple and doable. The way James Clear explains things is so clear (no pun intended!) and practical that I found myself wanting to put the ideas into practice right away.
This article was originally published in September 2025.
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