Want book recommendations? First let’s talk Audiobook Appreciation Month. For book lovers, June observes not only events like Pride and Juneteenth but also a celebration of audiobooks.
What does that mean for audiobooks exactly?
It means a celebration of form: an appreciation of properties and benefits, and the promise of what it might become. It includes a range of activities and promotions, such as contests, discounts, and special events. All of it is in appreciation of the unique storytelling magic of audiobooks, where voices bring stories to life.
What is an Audiobook
An audiobook is a recorded book offering a different experience to traditional reading. Basically, it provides a listening alternative, enabling users to multitask and improve productivity. For instance, if I was to convert Done With It into audiobook format, you will be able to enjoy this poem while mopping the floors.
Its initial purpose was to provide reading materials for the visually impaired and wounded veterans. But, it is safe to say that audiobooks have evolved way beyond their initial expectations.
Audiobook Apps
There are several apps that offer audiobooks. These include:
Audible
Some of you may be asking, “Can I use Audible without a subscription?” Well, the answer is no. Amazon owns Audible. Therefore, to use this app, you must have an Amazon account which allows you to buy single audiobooks. However, with a subscription to Audible Plus, you can get access to their huge selection. Audiobooks can cost a lot unless you’re a Audible Plus subscriber but, monthly memberships begin at only $7.95.
Libby
The best part about Libby is that it is easy to use and free once you have a library card. Simply sign in using your library card, search through the collection, and check out titles. Libby also allows you to download audiobooks to your phone.
Spotify
Spotify gives you access to not only audiobooks, but music as well, although there’s a limit on how much you can listen. Similar to Audible, you can purchase audiobooks individually or subscribe for access to Spotify Premium’s audiobook catalog, starting at $11.95 monthly. Premium audiobook subscribers can listen for up to 15 hours.
It is important to note that unused listening hours do not roll over and will expire at the end of each month.
Everand
This subscription is essentially three apps in one: Everand, which offers audiobooks, ebooks, podcasts, and magazines, Scribd with newspapers, research papers, and recipes, and SlideShare presenting presentations and professional content. The library offers free access to all its titles with limitations on monthly checkout. To join, a monthly membership fee of $11.99 is required.
What is Audiobook Appreciation Month?
Audiobook Appreciation Month was founded by the Audio Publishers Association to promote awareness and involvement with this format. It focuses on the fun, convenience, and expanding effect of audiobooks.
Throughout June, this event highlights how audiobooks are educational, entertaining, and inclusive, particularly for people with print disabilities or busy schedules. To honor this, libraries, publishers, and platforms collaborate through events, recommendations, and genre explorations.
Book Recommendations for Audiobook Appreciation Month 2025
Sunrise on the Reaping
Author: Suzanne Collins
Narrator: Jefferson White
Audible release date: March 18, 2025
Listening Length: 12 hours and 48 minutes
Language: English
This is the fifth Hunger Games novel, a prequel, focusing on Haymitch Abernathy 24 years before the original series.
The King of Frost and Shadows: Fated to Darkness, Book 1
Author: Jen L. Grey
Narrator: Willa Jaymes and Walker Williams
Audible release date: September 17, 2024
Listening Length: 10 hours and 26 minutes
Language: English
This romance fantasy features a lost princess, vengeance, and a Fae king’s dilemma of reclaiming what’s lost at the price of his heart.
Never Flinch
Author: Stephen King
Narrator: Stephen King and Jessie Mueller
Audible release date: May 27, 2025
Listening Length: 14 hours and 44 minutes
Language: English
This novel, the most anticipated book of 2025, blends a killer’s revenge mission, a vigilante, and a feminist celebrity speaker into spectacular storytelling.
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil
Author: V.E. Schwab
Narrator: Julia Whelan, Katie Leung, and Marisa Calin
Audible release date: June 10, 2025
Listening Length: 18 hours and 26 minutes
Language: English
A novel that transcends genres, exploring love, rage, and life.
Battle of the Bookstores
Author: Ali Brady
Narrator: Karissa Vacker and Brandon Francis
Audible release date: June 3, 2025
Listening Length: 9 hours and 32 minutes
Language: English
Bookstore managers compete for a promotion, igniting rivalry and romance.
Worth Fighting For: Meant to Be, Book 5
Author: Jesse Q. Sutanto
Narrator: Francesca Ling
Audible release date: June 3, 2025
Listening Length: 9 hours and 26 minutes
Language: English
Disney’s Mulan gets a contemporary romance makeover.
I’m Glad My Mom Died
Author: Jennette McCurdy
Narrator: Jennette McCurdy
Audible release date: August 9, 2022
Listening Length: 6 hours and 26 minutes
Language: English
A former child star’s heartbreaking and hilarious memoir about overcoming adversity.
Source Code: My Beginnings
Author: Bill Gates
Narrator: Bill Gates and Wil Wheaton, Javier Lacroix, and Rodrigo Arijon
Audible release date: February 4, 2025
Listening Length: 11 hours and 41 minutes
Language: English, Spanish, and Portuguese
An autobiographical account of Bill Gates’ early life, tech achievements, and philanthropic work.
King of Ashes
Author: S.A. Cosby
Narrator: Adam Lazarre-White
Audible release date: June 10, 2025
Listening Length: 13 hours and 19 minutes
Language: English
A dazzling family drama that’s also a Southern crime epic.
Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection
Author: John Green
Narrator: John Green
Audible release date: March 18, 2025
Listening Length: 5 hours and 35 minutes
Language: English
John Green weaves Henry’s story with the scientific and social history of tuberculosis, exploring how it’s shaped our past and how our decisions will shape its future.
Conclusion: Celebrating the Event
While initially created for veterans and the visually impaired, audiobooks have expanded, allowing multitasking and productivity. Now, you can find them on multiple apps, sometimes even bundled with other services.
Although Audiobook Appreciation Month sometimes hides in the shadows of more visible June celebrations, libraries, publishers, and platforms are doing their best to ensure this event is celebrated. If you want to try out a few audiobooks this June in honor of Audiobook Appreciation Month, I’ve listed 10 recommendations for me and you.
Enjoy!
“An audiobook is your mind reading a book in a nice voice.”
Piotr Kowalczyk
References
American Library Association. https://www.ala.org/aasl/advocacy/promo/audiobook
Rabinowitz, H. (2020). Where to listen to audiobooks: Our favorite apps and subscriptions. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/audiobooks-guide-how-listen-audiobook-ncna1134076?featureFlagAix=false#anchor-Howtoshopforaudiobooks