Best Audiobooks by Black Authors (That You Need to Listen To)
As an audiobook girlie, I will always support a reader's choice when it comes to how they read. Physical books. E-books. Audiobooks. It all counts.
...Unless we're talking about certain books.
In that case, I must... must insist that you listen.
An immersive read is acceptable. But the listening experience for these books is so incredible that you're genuinely missing part of the story if you don't open your ears.
These aren't just great books.
These are books where the audiobook elevated an already incredible story.
Judge Stone by Viola Davis & James Patterson
This is the newest addition to my list.
Judge Stone follows Judge Mary Stone, a Black judge in Alabama presiding over one of the most controversial, divisive, emotionally charged cases to hit her small town in a long time.
As compelling as the subject matter already is, Viola Davis delivers an absolute masterclass in voice acting. Every moment of this book, I could picture Queen Viola in her black robe, gavel in hand, trying to balance her own personal feelings with her obligation to remain impartial as a judge.
When I tell you...
Chills.
Sistah Samurai by Tatiana Obey
Now this one surprised me.
When I first read Sistah Samurai, the audiobook wasn't available. And I would've argued you down if you had told me a narrator could elevate what I already thought was a perfect story.
Let's just say I was wrong.
During my physical read, I connected with the story. I chuckled. I rooted for my sistah.
When the audiobook dropped, I did all of that... but I also choked up a few times, replayed scenes, and choked up all over again.
Aure Nash perfectly captures my favorite fictional character, flaws and all.
The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson
Maddy is a timid girl in a small town who would be perfectly happy if everybody would just leave her alone.
Unfortunately, we all know those are often the people who become the target of bullying. In Maddy's case, it's racially motivated.
When a Carrie-style event leaves the town's teenagers dead, everyone has a story about what happened. Most agree on one thing...
Maddy did it.
What they don't mention is...
Did they deserve it?
Tiffany D. Jackson tells this story like you're listening to a true crime podcast, complete with interviews from multiple characters piecing together what happened. The audiobook leans all the way into that format.
The production quality, the full cast of voice actors, and an already phenomenal story make you feel like you're listening to an episode of Dateline instead of a work of fiction.
This is one of those audiobooks where the narration doesn't just tell the story. It becomes part of the experience.
The Hollywood Renaissance Series by Kennedy Ryan
Kennedy Ryan has created one of the most
unique audiobook experiences I've ever listened to.
The Hollywood Renaissance series follows a group of filmmakers creating a movie about Harlem Renaissance icon Dessi Blue. So you're getting two stories at once.
You get the present-day love stories of the people making the film, while also experiencing a sweeping historical story filled with love, loss, music, ambition, and sacrifice.
Reel
In Reel, we get a story of forbidden love, chronic illness, forgiveness, and multiple insanely talented narrators.
And when I tell you...
They sing.
Not a little either.
They sing.
OMG. All. The. Feels.
Score
Score is a beautiful second-chance romance that perfectly captures what it looks like to live with mental illness and what it looks like to love someone through it.
The scenes that explore mental illness absolutely stole my heart. You may shed a tear or two, but more than anything, I think you'll walk away with a deeper compassion for people living with these conditions every single day.
No notes for this audiobook.
None at all.
Zeal by Morgan Jerkins
Zeal is a post-emancipation historical fiction novel about two soulmates.
But baby...
This ain't The Notebook.
These lovers don't get the happily ever after we're used to, which means the narrators have to carry an emotional, raw story filled with heartbreak, impossible choices, risk-taking, and figuring out how to keep going after everything falls apart.
And I honestly don't have the words to describe just how beautifully they deliver.
More than a year after the ending credits rolled, I still think about these characters.
Their lives.
Their love.
Their sacrifices.
That's the mark of an unforgettable audiobook.
Wings of Ebony & Ashes of Gold by J. Elle
Wings of Ebony and Ashes of Gold are a duology about an inner-city teenage girl who, after a tragedy, discovers she's a descendant of magical royalty in another world.
And when I realized the narrator was the incomparable Bahni Turpin...
Baby.
I already knew I was about to be SAT.
Because here's the thing about the voice-acting GOAT. Every character has such a distinct voice, personality, and vibe that you don't need to hear, "and then Rue said..." You already know exactly who's speaking.
That's how talented Bahni Turpin is.
Her performance was so powerful that there were moments I literally screamed.
I applauded.
And no... I'm not exaggerating.
Then I remembered I was in public, quickly gathered myself, and kept it moving.
Honorable Mentions
Not every amazing audiobook needs a full review. These are the ones that absolutely deserve a spot on your TBR.
The Parachutes Trilogy by Takira Allen — Mark my words. As more people discover this series, the audiobooks are going to blow up. The performances perfectly match the emotional highs and lows of the story, and the narration only gets better with each book.
Definitely Not a Thing by Christina C. Jones — If you're looking for a funny, relatable romance, this is it. The dual narration brings so much personality to these characters that you'll find yourself grinning through entire scenes.
Before the Streetlights Come On by Ashley Antoinette — This audiobook sneaks up on you. You think you're settling into a coming-of-age story, and before you know it, you're emotionally invested in every single character. The narration makes those emotional moments hit even harder.
The Legendborn Cycle by Tracy Deonn — As if this magical world wasn't immersive enough on the page, the audiobook somehow raises the bar even higher. The narration adds depth, emotion, and atmosphere to an already unforgettable fantasy series.
Final Thoughts
If you've made it this far, you've probably noticed a pattern.
I'm not recommending these because they're simply great books.
I'm recommending them because the audiobook becomes part of the storytelling.
Whether it's Viola Davis commanding a courtroom, Bahni Turpin bringing an entire cast to life, a full-cast production that feels like Dateline, or narrators who leave you sitting in silence after the ending credits roll, these are the books that remind me why I'll always be an audiobook girlie.
So yes... read however you want.
Except these.
For these?
Open your ears.
