Every month, we share our list of books by Black authors we can’t wait to read. But if you just can’t seem to find the time to read them, we forgive you and want to offer you a pretty damn good alternative.
Whether you’re cleaning house, working out or stuck in traffic, audiobooks are a great way to pass the time – and check out some of the titles on the bestseller list. And if the actor and writer’s strikes keep going much longer, you might find yourself running out of options for entertainment.
If you’re not sure where to start, check out a few of our favorite Black audiobooks read by Black narrators.
“Nightcrawling” – Written by Leila Mottley, Narrated by Joniece Abbott-Pratt
Lelila Mottley’s “Nightcrawling” was an Oprah’s Book Club pick. And the audio version, read by Joniece Abbott-Pratt, is the perfect way to bring this beautifully-written novel to life. The story is told from the perspective of Kiara, a teenager who is struggling to get by in East Oakland, CA after she and her brother have dropped out of high school. Without family, Kiara stumbles into nightcrawling to pay the bills.
“God-Level Knowledge Darts: Life Lessons From The Bronx” – Written and Narrated by Desus & Mero
“God-Level Knowledge Darts” is a hilarious guide to life from the Bodega Boys, Desus & Mero. This is one time we’ll recommend the audiobook over the hardcover version. You’ll laugh out loud when you hear these guys explain how you talk to your kids about drugs when you do them.
“Gentleman of Jazz: A Life in Music” Written by Ramsey Lewis and Aaron Cohen, Narrated by Dion Graham
“Gentleman of Jazz” tells the story of acclaimed jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis. Narrated by actor Dion Graham, the audiobook shares Lewis’ journey from a childhood in Chicago’s notorious Cabrini Green housing projects to becoming a GRAMMY award-winning musician with over 80 recorded albums to his name.
“The Hate U Give” – Written by Angie Thomas, Narrated by Bahni Turpin
“The Hate U Give” is a bestselling YA novel and a frequent target of conservative book bans. This ripped from the headlines story follows a teenaged girl who witnesses the death of her unarmed childhood friend at the hands of police. If you haven’t had a chance to dive into the novel, check out the audiobook version, read by acclaimed narrator Bahni Turpin.
If her voice leaves you wanting more (and we’re sure it will), check out her narration of “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” and James Baldwin’s “If Beale Street Could Talk.”
“Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood” Written and Narrated by Trevor Noah
If you’re suffering from Trevor Noah withdrawal, check out the audiobook version of “Born a Crime,” the award-winning memoir from the comedian and former The Daily Show host. The audio version brings the story of his childhood in South Africa during a time when his parent’s interracial relationship was considered a crime to life. Besides, who doesn’t love listening to Trevor’s voice?
“Shuri: A Black Panther Novel: Book 1″ – Written by Nic Stone, Narrated by Anika Noni Rose
If you loved actress Anika Noni Rose as the voice of Tiana in Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog,” check out her narration of “Shuri: A Black Panther Novel,” a middle grade novel written by bestselling author Nic Stone. The story follows T’Challa’s little sister as she tries to find out what’s killing the plants the people of Wakanda need to survive.
“Devil in a Blue Dress” Written by Walter Mosley, Narrated by Michael Boatman
Set in 1948 Los Angeles, “Devil in a Blue Dress” is one of renowned crime fiction writer Walter Mosley’s best and the inspiration for the 1995 film starring Denzel Washington. The story follows a Black war veteran whose financial prayers are answered when a white man offers to pay him to help find a missing white woman known to hang out in Black jazz clubs. The gripping audiobook version is narrated by Spin City and The Good Wife actor Michael Boatman.
“The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley” – Written by Malcolm X, Alex Haley, Narrated by Laurence Fishburne
“The Autobiography of Malcolm X” is one of the most important books of our time, telling the story of his rise to become one of the most important figures in the civil rights movement. And while we can no longer hear his voice, award-winning actor Lawrence Fishburne’s narration is the next best thing.
“My Vanishing Country: A Memoir” – Written and Narrated by Bakari Sellers
“My Vanishing Country” is more than former South Carolina State Representative Bakari Sellers’ memoir, it’s a classic commentary on race relations and social justice. You’ll be immediately drawn in hearing in the political analyst’s and attorney’s own words how being raised by legendary activists in a small South Carolina town shaped his perspective.
“The Mother of Black Hollywood: A Memoir” – Written and Narrated by Jenifer Lewis
In “The Mother of Black Hollywood,” legendary actress Jenifer Lewis tells the story of her journey from growing up in the midwest to becoming a star on stage and screen. Lewis keeps it real in this amazing audiobook version, sharing deeply personal details of her struggles with mental illness and sex addiction in the voice we all know and love.
“You Can’t Touch My Hair: And Other Things I Still Have to Explain” – Written and Narrated by Phoebe Robinson
“You Can’t Touch My Hair” is a seriously funny collection of essays from comedian and 2 Dope Queens podcaster Phoebe Robinson. You’ll love her hilarious take on being a Black woman in America, including having to explain to people why they absolutely cannot touch her hair.
“I Am The New Black”
In “I Am the New Black,” comedian and actor Tracy Morgan breaks down his rise from the projects of Bed-Stuy Brooklyn to comedy fame. Although some of the details of his journey are pretty heavy, you won’t be able to stop laughing when you hear the story in his voice.
“Meaty: Essays” – Written and Narrated by Samantha Irby
If you’re looking for a laugh, check out “Meaty,” a collection of essays from Samantha Irby. She holds nothing back, sharing details of everything from bad relationships to inflammatory bowel disease in a smart and hilariously raunchy voice.
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