Have you ever found yourself completely absorbed in the life of someone you’ve never met, never will meet, and honestly have very little in common with?
It’s okay, this is a safe space.
Whether we like to admit it or not, humans LOVE obsessing over other humans and biographies are a great way to scratch that itch. There’s the obvious draws of course–the glamour, the drama, and the behind-the-scenes glimpses into a life much larger than our own–but why else do we love reading about complete strangers so much?
Because, even though silver screen stars, royal family members, and other legendary figures may not seem to be “just like us,” their stories prove the exact opposite.
You see, biographies have a quiet super power we don’t talk about enough. They shrink the distance between our world and the seemingly untouchable worlds of those we look up to and prove that no one is born fully-formed. Like you, these notable figures had to pick themselves up after failing and navigated hurtles they may have initially thought impossible to overcome. Biographies remind us that nobody is perfect and that’s kind of the point.
That’s not just inspiring, it’s useful.
So whether you’re a longtime bio bookworm or just looking for another perspective on life, you’re in the right place. The recommendations we’ve shared below are more than just fun listens, they’re tools to learn more about yourself and what matters to you. Discover something new about someone you’ve never met and who could also, ironically, be the person pushing play.
Keep reading for biographical audiobooks to add to your playlist!
COMING SOON
William and Catherine
The Monarchy’s New Era: The Inside Story
Written and narrated by Russell Myers
Releases March 10!
This captivating biography by acclaimed royal journalist Russell Myers intimately traces the story of William and Catherine’s relationship from their earliest meeting at St Andrews University to the present day.
LEARN MORE >
Explore another era of the British monarchy with THE MAKING OF A KING >
Project Tiger
The Birth of Genius and the Price of Greatness
Written and narrated by Gavin Newsham
Releases March 17!
Veteran golf journalist Gavin Newsham gives the inside story of young Tiger Woods’ training for greatness, developing the unique traits that would not only help him achieve the pinnacle of success but also ingrain the personal flaws that brought him crashing down.
OUT NOW
Mickey & Billy
The Glory and Tragedy of a Yankee Friendship
Written by Tony Castro, narrated by Matt Godfrey
Through meticulous research and exclusive interviews with the late Mickey Mantle and Billy Martin, journalist and historian Tony Castro poignantly reveals the double–edged sword of their friendship: how the New York Yankees legends—an inseparable duo—epitomized the larger-than-life spirit of their era, along with the repercussions.
LEARN MORE >
Read the story of baseball legend, Dot Wilkinson, with OUT AT THE PLATE >
The Windsor Legacy
A Royal Dynasty of Secrets, Scandal, and Survival
Written by Robert Jobson, narrated by Charles Armstrong
Penned by Robert Jobson, a Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author and a front–line royal correspondent for over three decades, this extraordinary work will take listeners deep into the heart of royal history as well as through the secrets that plague it to this day.
The Autobiography of H. Lan Thao Lam
Written by Lana Lin, narrated by Rebecca Lam
In her 1933 The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas, Gertrude Stein invented a new literary form by narrating her own story from the perspective of her partner, blurring the lines between portrait and self–portrait. Almost a century later, experimental filmmaker and artist Lana Lin has resurrected Stein’s project to tell a different story of queer love, life, and artistic collaboration.
Year of the Water Horse
A Memoir
Written and narrated by Janice Page
A warm and witty memoir about the ever-changing relationships between mothers, mothers-in-law, and daughters that traverses two continents and multiple generations of two very different yet connected families.
The Rembrandt Heist
The Story of a Criminal Genius, a Stolen Masterpiece, and an Enigmatic Friendship
Written by Anthony Amore, narrated by Paul Heitsch
A true crime tale of unbelievable friendship, loyalty, criminal genius, and a staggeringly audacious plot to steal one of the world’s most valuable paintings—and return it.
Restaurant Kid
A Memoir of Family and Belonging
Written and narrated by Rachel Phan
A warm and poignant narrative about finding one’s self amidst the grind of restaurant life, the cross–generational immigrant experience, and a daughter’s attempts to connect with parents who have always been just out of reach.
Heartbeats
A Memoir
Written by Björn Borg, narrated by Julian Elfer
After all these years of silence, Borg is ready to share everything. In this candid memoir, Borg takes us through all the major moments in his career, shares insights into his rivalry with John McEnroe and their legendary 1980 Wimbledon final, and explains his shock retirement.
Chief Rondo
Securing Justice for the Murder of George Floyd
Written and narrated by Medaria Arradondo
On May 25, 2020, at a neighborhood convenience store, George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police. In the weeks that followed, the city and the entire nation erupted with the most destructive and costly civil unrest in the United States since the Los Angeles riots 28 years earlier. Standing steadfast in the middle was Medaria “Rondo” Arradondo, the first Black police chief in the 152-year history of the Minneapolis Police Department.
Looking for more nonfiction audiobook recs?
Check out our other recent blogs below:
Q&A with Tsikki Thau, Author of ATTRACT IT ALL
New Year, New Nonfiction Audiobooks to Explore!
