Best audiobooks to listen to before bed

Soothing Audiobooks are the best sleep companions – you can drift off into a peaceful sleep to the sound of a lilting, lyrical, lolling audiobook. There are several factors that could make an audiobook a great lullaby. Maybe the narrator’s voice is soothing or enchanting. Maybe the story itself is dreamlike and lyrical. Or perhaps it’s the familiarity of the book – it’s a comfort read. Or maybe it’s just that books can transport you to a magical place! Anyway, today, we’ve got a list of the 10 audiobooks to listen while sleeping, with their narrators mentioned in brackets.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (Neil Gaiman)

Neil Gaiman’s wonderful knack for writing horror in an endearing way is evident in this novel, which follows Bod, or Nobody Owens as his real name is. He is an otherwise normal boy, except for the fact that he lives in the graveyard and has been raised by ghosts. The story takes unexpected twists and turns as witches, ghoulish lands and vampires. This book has a glassy, dreamlike feel to it which will lull you to sleep.

A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson (Bill Bryson)

There’s something about books narrated by authors themselves that’s extra pleasant – maybe it’s the passion they pour into it. In either case, this is a wildly interesting and humorous account of the scientific history of mankind. This book is sensitive and informative, and Bill Bryson’s narration makes the book easier to read.

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison (Toni Morrison)

This is one of Toni’s most acclaimed novels, telling the poignant story of adolescent Black experience in America. She does this through the protagonist, who wishes for blue eyes like her fellow fair skinned Americans, just so that she can be perceived as pretty. Toni’s voice is enchanting and reflective, which is great for audiobooks to go to sleep to.

Conversations With Friends by Sally Rooney (Aoife McMahon)

As the title rightly suggests, this book has a light, conversational tone to it, which makes it great to adapt to an audiobook. The story follows two ex lovers who perform spoken poetry in Dublin, a woman who recognizes their spark and her husband, a misogynist actor. Their relationships and dynamic make up most of the story, with intelligent insights and artistic reflections make it even more beautiful.

Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman (Armie Hammer)

This is a beautiful romance between a young boy and a pay in guest who comes to stay with him. With beautifully melancholic poetry like prose and the idyllic Italy setting, this book will break your heart and lull you to sleep simultaneously.

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett (Tom Hanks)

This is the story of two siblings, Maeve and Danny, who are exiled from their beautiful and luxurious home, and thrown into poverty. The only thing that gets them through is their mutual bond. The narrative is brilliant and poignant, and Tom Hanks of course has a dazzling yet soothing voice.

The Comfort Book by Matt Haig (Matt Haig)

As the title suggests, this book is a bundle of comfort wrapped in three hour five minutes of timeless beauty. This book is a collection of reflections on inspirational figures, offering solace to those grieving and reiterating lessons to provide consolation. This book will put your mind at ease before you go to sleep.

The Spire by William Golding (Benedict Cumberbatch)

This timeless classic by the Nobel laureate follows Dean Jocelin, whom God instructs to make a towering spire on a cathedral without architectural foundations. This is a moving story about will and grit, but also a beautiful rendition by the all time favourite Cumberbatch, in his classic British accent.

Time Stops at Shamli by Ruskin Bond (Paul Thottam)

Written in Bond’s characteristic idyllic, simple, nostalgic style, these are a collection of Bond’s poetry and prose works about India. These stories have both humoristic and sentimental elements, both equally evocative. Listening to this will teleport you to the rustic Himalayas with time stands still and natural beauty abounds.

Gitanjali by Rabindranath Tagore (Michael Fitzpatrick)

This collection of poetry comprises song offerings to God, and won Tagore the Nobel Prize. The words themselves are comforting and soothing, and listening to them while falling asleep feels as if you’re being transported to heaven. The best audiobooks are poetry audiobooks, and this is the finest poetry that could ever be written.

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