6 Amazing Audiobook Picks to Listen to This Month

Updated on 6/28/2016 at 1:30 PM

June is Audiobook Month, and if you're not convinced listening to a book can be as fulfilling as reading one, let an industry insider tell you! Here are six audiobooks handpicked by Sarah Lieberman, VP and director of marketing at Simon & Schuster Audio, and our friends at Off the Shelf, a daily blog that connects great books with great readers.

I LOVE books but with young children, work, a marriage, and a house, most days are a juggling act with no downtime to sit and read for fun. I have worked in audiobook publishing for years and listened sporadically but never embraced the format completely until recently. Now I listen anytime, anywhere: on the train, the bus, getting groceries or coffee, cooking, cleaning, walking and even going to bed. Through audiobooks I regained my "me time" without taking away from other priorities. To celebrate Audiobook Month, here are some of the books I could not stop listening to — enjoy!

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

What a story. What an adventure. What an inspiration. Hearing Eat, Pray, Love in Elizabeth Gilbert's own voice was such an intimate way to experience her personal journey.

Narrated by Elizabeth Gilbert

The White Princess by Philippa Gregory

Historical fiction. Check. Fantastic narrator. Check. Engaging series. Check. Take your pick, you really can't go wrong with Philippa Gregory's The White Princess.

Narrated by Bianca Amato

The Time of My Life by Patrick Swayze

Patrick Swayze was my first crush. I will still watch Dirty Dancing every single time it's on TV. This recording of The Time of My Life is Swayze's very final performance and it's as moving and beautiful as you might hope.

Narrated by Patrick Swayze

Just Kids by Patti Smith

I grew up in NYC loving rock 'n' roll. Listening to Patti read Just Kids is about as good as it gets.

Narrated by Patti Smith

You by Caroline Kepnes

If you're a parent, you might know Santino Fontana as the voice of that devil Hans in the film Frozen. Now, meet him as Joe, bookseller/stalker/very bad boy. Ask anyone who has heard it. You is seriously compelling listening.

Narrated by Santino Fontana

The Program by Suzanne Young

Great YA gets me every time and this terrific story has it all! A rash of teen suicides leads the government to establish a treatment called The Program, but those who go in don't come out the same; they lose a part of their identity. And the love triangle in this story is one of the best. The Program is truly one of my favorite recordings.

Narrated by Joy Osmanski

Here are more great book recommendations from our friends at Off the Shelf: