Unwind and Escape: The Best Audiobooks for Seniors

If you’re looking for a wonderful way to be entertained and keep your mind active, audiobooks are a fantastic choice! They offer a chance to escape into a great story, spark your imagination, and expand your world.

Read on to discover 26 audiobooks for seniors, including some of Sandhill Cove book club’s favorites, where you’ll find heartwarming stories, thought-provoking reads, adventures with animals and nature, and so much more.

Heartwarming and Thought-Provoking Audiobooks for Seniors

  1. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman: A curmudgeonly yet lovable older man finds his life turned around by unexpected friendships and a stray cat. This heartwarming story offers humor and a gentle look at life and loss.
  2. The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune: This fantasy novel is pure, cozy delight. A social worker investigates a home for magical children, finding warmth, humor, and an unexpected sense of belonging.
  3. The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa: This touching novel, told from a cat’s perspective, follows a cross-country journey in Japan with his human companion and explores themes of love and friendship.
  4. Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes: A top pick by our book club, the Sandhill Cove Bookworms, this novel focuses on two women from different backgrounds whose lives intersect unexpectedly, exploring their struggles, friendships and personal growth.
  5. The Dutch House by Ann Patchett: Read by Tom Hanks, this is a beautiful and bittersweet novel about family and a house that holds generations of memories.

Mystery and Thrillers

  1. The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman: A group of feisty friends in a retirement village take it upon themselves to investigate a local murder. Full of British wit and charm with a delightful cast of characters.
  2. A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle: The very first Sherlock Holmes adventure! The iconic detective meets the ever-loyal Dr. Watson, and together they solve a most baffling case.
  3. The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett: Hard-boiled detective Sam Spade gets tangled up in a quest for a priceless statue – noir atmosphere and compelling characters abound.
  4. The Dog Who Knew Too Much by Spencer Quinn: The first in a series of delightful mystery novels narrated by Chet the dog, who helps his private investigator human crack cases.
  5. The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner: An upcoming selection for our community book club, this novel delves into the lives of 18th century women and the practice of apothecary. It revolves around a discovery that unravels a centuries-old mystery with suspenseful twists and turns.

senior woman in her living room drinking coffee and listening to music with headphonesHistorical Fiction and Nonfiction

  1. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr: A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel set in World War II France. It follows a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths intertwine in unexpected ways.
  2. Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry: A Pulitzer Prize-winning classic Western novel, perfect for those who love sweeping sagas, history and adventure.
  3. The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown: A top read for the Sandhill Cove Bookworms, this is an inspiring true story of a team of American rowers and their quest for gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
  4. The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson: A gripping, meticulously researched account of Winston Churchill’s leadership during the Blitz of World War II.
  5. Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen: The Boss himself narrates this powerful autobiography, weaving music, social commentary, and his own personal journey.
  6. Daisy Jones & The Six: by Taylor Jenkins Reid: This oral history-style novel about a fictional ‘70s rock band comes alive with multiple voices, including Jennifer Beals and Benjamin Bratt.

Literary Fiction and Fantasy

  1. Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke: Set during the Napoleonic Wars, this novel restores magic to England through the tale of two very different magicians and the paths they take
  2. The “Discworld” Series by Terry Pratchett: These books are hilarious and full of heart, with magic, witches, oddball characters, and satire galore. Great for listeners who enjoy witty, lighthearted fantasy.
  3. Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard: Dillard’s poetic prose captures the intricate wonders of the natural world around her Virginia home. A philosophical and contemplative listen.
  4. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame: Listen with your grandkids and follow the adventures of Mole, Ratty, Badger, and the irrepressible Mr. Toad in this charming story about friendship and the riverside.
  5. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin: This is also a Bookworms top pick! It explores complex themes of friendship, love, loss, creativity, ambition, and the passage of time, all while delving into the inner lives of its characters with depth and nuance.

Animals and Nature

  1. The Genius of Birds by Jennifer Ackerman: This engaging exploration dives into the surprising intelligence, problem-solving abilities, and complex social lives of birds.
  2. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson: A hilarious and insightful account of Bryson’s attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail. Perfect for armchair adventurers who enjoy a touch of humor.
  3. The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben: Discover the interconnectedness of trees and forests for a deeper appreciation of the environment.
  4. Other Minds: The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness by Peter Godfrey-Smith: Journey into the world of octopuses, their surprisingly advanced intelligence, and what they teach us about consciousness and alien life.
  5. Wilding: Returning Nature to a British Farm by Isabella Tree: An inspiring story about the rewilding of a 3,500-acre farm in England and the astonishing resurgence of biodiversity.

Where To Find Audiobooks

Now that you have a few exciting audiobook ideas, explore where you can find them and many more listening adventures:

Subscription Services:

  • Audible (Amazon):This is one of the biggest audiobook collections around. You’ll find all the latest bestsellers and old favorites. They offer a monthly subscription where you get credits to spend on audiobooks.
  • Audiobooks.com: Another great choice with a wide selection. Their subscription works similarly to Audible.
  • Scribd: This service offers audiobooks along with ebooks, magazines and more – a real variety pack for those who enjoy reading in different ways.

Free Options:

  • Local Library: Did you know most libraries offer audiobooks for free? You can borrow physical CDs or even download them right to your smartphone or tablet. Ask a friendly librarian for help on this and other library services.
  • Librivox: This website has volunteers reading classic books that are now out of copyright. You’ll find a treasure trove of timeless stories.
  • Project Gutenberg: Another source of ebooks and audiobooks for classic, public domain literature.

Senior Woman Enjoying Coffee and Listening to Music with Headphones at the BeachTurn the Page on Your Next Chapter at Sandhill Cove

Imagine the possibilities – shared interests, lively conversations, and a true sense of belonging. Our community is more than a place to live; it’s a place to connect with those who share your passions. The Sandhill Cove Bookworms meet at 2:00 p.m. in our library the first Monday of every month, and we’re always delighted to welcome new members.

Contact our team online or call 772-419-9598 to schedule a visit and discover your best chapter yet at Sandhill Cove, where friendship and a love of learning flourish.