Incorporating audiobooks into our everyday lives is not just a great way to help meet a variety of new year’s intentions or goals, but to find enjoyment in our daily routines.
Whether you’re hoping to just read more in 2025, planning to join a book club (and actually read the books), or taking care of your mental health, audiobooks make it super easy to dive into new stories. They can be read while on the go—such as commuting, working out, or going for walks— while doing chores around the house, or while doing absolutely nothing else.
We’ve compiled some of the best books focusing on renewal, love, and self-improvement. Some are bestsellers, others are favorites of our partner booksellers. Regardless, if you’re looking to add a little more inspiration and enjoyment to your routine this year, give these must-read audiobooks a try on Libro.fm. Every audiobook purchase supports an indie bookshop of your choice.
Want even more motivation to read this year? Checkout our 2025 Audiobook Listening Challenge!
Scroll down to find the perfect books to kickstart your year!
#1
Quarterlife
“I was told to read this book a few times and am glad I did. I really enjoyed the exploration of a new definition of the period between adolescence and midlife and this divide of stability seekers versus meaning seekers and how the paths converge and differ. I highly recommend this for twenty and thirty somethings who feel a little lost (or as a gift to those who may feel a little stuck/lost in their careers and what their future may look like)”
— Kimi L • The Silver Unicorn Bookstore
#2
Oona Out of Order
“Oona Out of Order is the mind- bending, time travelling story of a young woman, Oona Lockhart, who is turning 19 on New Year’s Eve, 1982, only to wake up 32 years in the future as a 19 year old in the body of her 51-year old self. Each year, Oona ages one year internally, but in her altered reality, she bounces around from age to age, not knowing what year of her life will come next. At its heart, Oona Out of Order is about the quest to fully know oneself, the enduring power of love, and the lasting bond of family.”
— Jessica • Main Street Books Davidson
#3
Four Thousand Weeks
“This isn’t the book you think it is, and that’s great news. Rather than offering cheap productivity hacks, this philosophical work instead will help you face two important (albeit uncomfortable) truths: (1) In the 4,000 weeks or so you have to live, you won’t be able to get everything you want done, and (2) accepting that will help you redirect your limited time to the things that matter most to you. I hope the message in these pages is as liberating and life-changing for you as it was for me.”
— Gabrielle • Page 1 Books
#4
What I Ate in One Year
“Stanley Tucci reads you his food diary and it’s a dreamy and delicious experience. This is an easy read, perfect for when you’re cleaning the house, relaxing with a cup of tea, or maybe for a long car ride. At the end of Tucci’s year all I can think is what a marvel it would be to sit at his dinner table surrounded by people who love food, each other, and love life.”
— Kim • Read It & Eat Bookshop
#5
There’s Always This Year
“You need not be a basketball aficionado to have your heart profoundly captured by this incredible work of nonfiction. Part cultural commentary and part memoir, Abdurraqib’s writing is poetic and distinct, making you feel like you are watching a cherished friend perform spoken word. Structured like the four quarters of a basketball game, complete with a countdown clock adding urgency that keeps the pages flying.”
— Jess P. • Dreamland Books & Yarn
#6
Feel-Good Productivity
In this audiobook, Dr. Ali Abdaal suggested that joy, not discipline, is the key to true productivity. He provides actionable insights and inspiring stories to help readers achieve success and fulfillment through enjoyable work. AudioFile says: “Abdaal’s enthusiastic narration resonates, inspiring listeners to become amateur productivity scientists. Informative, motivational, and entertaining, this audiobook delivers an enlightening perspective on productivity.”
#7
The Book of (More) Delights
Ross Gay crafts a collection of lyrical mini-essays to celebrate everyday moments. Through intimate, poetic reflections, he explores joy, connection, and the small wonders that give life meaning, inviting readers to rediscover delight in the world around them.
“Oh, to have delights again! No one writes about the dearness of our human frailty with the generosity and good humor of Ross Gay. I can’t wait to wear these delights out to the same degree as the first, and become more present in doing so.”
— Abbey Paxton • Storyhouse Bookpub
#8
Atomic Habits
“This was a very helpful text, summarizing the gains of habit-forming through social science research, wellness approaches, and practical wisdom. I listened to the book in the mornings as a way to start my day with more intention. […] I would recommend this book for anyone seeking to better structure their lives to align with their values, their stated priorities, and their goals.”
— Ashley • Leaves Bakery and Books
#9
The Light We Carry
“Michelle Obama is back with more words of wisdom, pillars of humility, and just simply Michelle. The Light We Carry is an uplifting book that will help you deal with the emotions and isolation that we have had to deal with during and after the pandemic. But more than that, she has compiled questions that she has been asked again and again, and acknowledges each with personal stories, anecdotes, wisdom, and love. This book feels like you are sitting down with an old friend when you have had a bad day and just need some love and a hot drink.”
— Gretchen • Fiction Addiction
#10
Set Boundaries, Find Peace
Nedra Glover Tawwab offers practical guidance on establishing healthy boundaries in this audiobook. Rooted in the latest research and best practices used in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Tawwab teaches readers to express needs clearly, say “no” assertively, and address issues like codependency and burnout, promoting overall well-being and authentic self-expression. This new year, let go of the struggle, advocate for your needs, and embrace the freedom of being your authentic self.
“Enjoyed listening to these tips and tricks to setting boundaries within family and work relationships. Learning about all the ways I could be taking better care of myself is always a welcome experience.”
— Alecia • Wallflower Bookshop
Find more audiobooks to inspire your 2025
What are you going to read in the New Year?
Share your list with us in the comments!
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