On International ASMR day, I thought we might talk about audiobooks — more specifically audiobook narrators. Avid listeners of audiobooks know that a good book can be ruined by a bad narrator, as well as a mediocre book made by a great narrator. I have experienced both. I will probably never listen or read Lord of the Flies again. William Golding (yes, the author) narrates his own work with about as much enthusiasm as I have for a hang nail. On the other hand Davina Porter could read the dictionary to me nightly, and I would hang on every word.

So I thought I would share some of my favorite narrators and the works, I have enjoyed them reading. Please comment if you have a favorite I might have missed.

1. Davina Porter — The work that made me fall in love with her was the Outlander series, and I have to say that these were some of the first audiobooks I listened to after subscribing to audible. She brought Claire to life for me.
2. Ian McKellan — I know an odd choice, but here me out. Ian McKellan reading The Odyssey for me was life changing. For me, Ian McKellan is up there with the voices of James Earl Jones and Morgan Freeman.
3. Maya Angelou — Maya Angelou reading her own works just makes my soul sing. If it wasn’t for her, I would have a rule about never listen to a work read by the author.
4. Edward Hermann — I also love his voice. When I hear it I vision myself being read to by a grandfatherly figure in a den with a fire crackling in the background. Also, I am a huge fan of the Gilmore Girls television show, and he was Rory’s wise grandfather.
5. Cassandra Campbell — I fell in love with her voice when she read Where the Crawdads Sing. I think it is the musicality in her voice that draws me to her works.

That is another question I have for you — Do you ever listen to a book because of the person narrating the work?

I have not as of yet, but I could see it happening in the future.