June is Audiobook Month, and we’re increasing the volume on one of the fastest-growing ways people engage with books. Whether you’re on a walk, stuck in traffic, or avoiding folding laundry (again), audiobooks bring stories to life in a way that fits seamlessly into daily life. Despite their popularity, some folks still ask: Do audiobooks really “count” as reading? Spoiler alert: Yes, they absolutely do.
Audiobooks Are Reading—Period.
Let’s clear up any confusion: audiobooks are a valid and valuable form of reading. Listening to books activates many of the same brain regions as reading print, especially those tied to comprehension, memory, and language development. Audiobooks also support fluency, vocabulary growth, and a lifelong love of stories. They’re the real deal.
Need a little extra validation? Author and educator John Green delivers the ultimate mic drop in this short video, championing audiobooks as inclusive, joyful, and just as legitimate as any other reading format. Watch it—you’ll want to cheer (and maybe forward it to that one skeptical friend).
A Format on the Rise
Audiobooks aren’t just for long car rides anymore. They’ve been one of the fastest-growing publishing formats for over a decade. With more dynamic narrators, full-cast productions, and exclusive content, it’s no surprise that readers of all ages are hitting "play" more than ever.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to jump in, either. Audiobooks are more accessible than ever through your local public library (check out Libby or Hoopla), and you’ll even find audiobooks popping up on platforms like Spotify. Yes, the same app you use for Taylor Swift marathons also has Treasure Island.
Why Audiobooks Appeal to All Ages
Audiobooks meet you where you are, regardless of age or reading style.
- Young readers love hearing characters come to life—plus, it helps build listening and literacy skills.
- Teens can crush their TBR list during screen-free time or chores.
- Adults squeeze in extra “reading” while commuting, working out, or pretending to organize the garage.
- Older adults and folks with visual impairments or reading differences benefit from a format that brings books to life in new and enjoyable ways.
Beanstack Team Audiobook Picks
Need recs? Here are a few audiobooks our team couldn’t stop listening to, described in their own words.
- The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley: If you love a good mystery with a side of drama, this one’s for you. The full-cast narration made the story even more immersive, with each voice actor bringing the characters to life in a way that had me completely hooked. It felt like I was right there at the (increasingly suspicious) summer solstice celebration.
- The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo: Anything written by and performed by Elizabeth Acevedo is always at the top of my audiobook recommendations list, but The Poet X is my favorite. The raw emotion and beautiful storytelling are captivating, and I could listen to this book over and over.
- A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson: This audiobook will get you hooked from the jump. A fast-paced mystery that sounds just like you’re listening to a podcast. Will Pippa find out who murdered Andie Bell, or will her search for the truth make her the center of her own mystery?
- Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto: When Vera Wong discovers a dead body in her tea shop, she decides to take the investigation into her own hands. A mix of dumplings, tea, unconventional sleuthing, and humor, this isn’t your typical murder mystery novel. From the second you press play, you get hooked on the characters and their stories; you won’t want to stop!
- The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins: If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated with where you are, the problem isn't you. The problem is the power you give to other people. Two simple words—Let Them—will set you free. Free from the opinions, drama, and judgments of others. Free from the exhausting cycle of managing everything and everyone around you. The Let Them Theory puts the power to create a life you love back in your hands—and this book will show you exactly how to do it.
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas: Feyre, a young huntress, is taken to the faerie realm of Prythian after accidentally killing a faerie wolf. She is then forced to live with a High Fae named Tamlin, the Lord of the Spring Court. Feyre's initial distrust of the fae and her strong will eventually lead her to discover a darker side to the faerie realm and the power of love.
- Society of Lies by Lauren Ling Brown: A Reese’s Book Club Pick, Maya returns to Princeton for her sister Naomi's graduation, only to discover Naomi's death. Maya, who had also attended Princeton, suspects foul play and begins investigating, uncovering secrets about the campus's exclusive clubs and a secret society that Naomi joined. The story unfolds through alternating perspectives, revealing Naomi's life leading up to her death and Maya's experiences in the past, as she uncovers a dark history surrounding the society.
- Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid: Ideal for fans of VH1's 'Behind the Music' or Rolling Stone-style oral histories. This historical fiction audiobook, presented as an oral history, chronicles a 1970s band's ascent and subsequent breakup through the recollections of each member two decades later. By presenting every perspective, Reid explores the subjectivity of truth, leaving the listener to question the reality of events. The story feels so real, you might be itching to listen to the soundtrack - the audiobook does end with one song!
- Born A Crime by Trevor Noah: My son has been reading this book for high school, so I listened to the audiobook to keep pace. After also seeing Trevor Noah perform live, hearing this story in his own voice helped me connect with it even more. At the same time, the story is unexpected and more than I imagined.
The Bottom Line
Reading isn’t about the format—it’s about the experience. Whether you're flipping pages, swiping screens, or pressing play, you’re connecting with stories in a meaningful way. So go ahead and listen guilt-free. Listen proudly.
And don’t forget to log your audiobook time in Beanstack! Like any book, you can track your progress, earn badges, and show off your reading streak, no headphones required.