20 Best Nonfiction Audiobooks to Enjoy

20 Best Nonfiction Audiobooks to Enjoy


March 20, 2021
The best nonfiction audiobooks take involved, often intimidating subjects and reinvigorate them with sharp narration so you can stay focused and on track. In this list, we’ll share our picks for some of the best nonfiction audio experience out there, encompassing a wide array of topics—from the entire history of humanity to astrophysics to British colonialism in India. No matter your preference, our list will keep you engaged with some of the most fascinating, deeply human real-life stories our catalogue has to offer. Here are our picks for the 20 best nonfiction audiobooks.
Product List
  • Sapiens cover art

    • Sapiens

    • Written by: Yuval Noah Harari
    • Narrated by: Derek Perkins
    • Series: Sapiens
    • Length: 15 hrs and 18 mins
    • Release Date: 30-04-15
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 6,703 ratings
    • Tracking humankind from its origin, more than 70,000 years ago, is no easy feat, but it’s exactly what writer Yuval Noah Harari does with deft precision in Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. Focusing on the appearance of modern cognition, Harari tracks the evolution of humans and why five other species went extinct. He breaks up our history into four key areas: the evolution of imagination, the introduction of agriculture, the emergence of politics and organisations, and the rise of science. With the help of Audie Award winner Derek Perkins’s clear and authoritative narration, this listen’s wide scope remains easy to digest in a way that stays engaging and thoughtful throughout.
  • Ikigai cover art

    • Ikigai

    • The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
    • Written by: Héctor García, Francesc Miralles
    • Narrated by: Naoko Mori
    • Length: 3 hrs and 23 mins
    • Release Date: 18-09-17
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 8,473 ratings
    • This international bestseller by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles introduces the Japanese concept of Ikigai; meaning ‘a reason to live’. Your Ikigai is a place where your needs, desires, ambitions and satisfactions meet, achieving balance in your life. This audiobook takes the listener on a spiritual journey of finding their Ikigai; taking into account their skills, interests, desires and history to give the listener a reason to jump out of bed in the morning and achieve their full purpose. With finding your Ikigai being closely linked to living a longer life, this listen empowers the audience to live a fuller and more satisfying life and gives them the power of finding their destiny with the help of Japanese wisdom.
  • Life's Amazing Secrets cover art

    • Life's Amazing Secrets

    • How to Find Balance and Purpose in Your Life
    • Written by: Gaur Gopal Das
    • Narrated by: Gaur Gopal Das
    • Length: 6 hrs and 25 mins
    • Release Date: 10-12-19
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 5,437 ratings
    • Life’s Amazing Secrets encompasses the wisdom and lessons from one of the most sought-after monks and life coaches in the world. By recalling a conversation with his friend whilst navigating the chaotic traffic of Mumbai, Gaur Gopal Das delves into a narrative exploring the human condition, finding purpose in life, and the key to happiness. The listener is taken on a journey of self-discovery, exploring ways of strengthening relationships, discovering their true potential, improving their performance at work, and how they can give back to the world. This wisdom-packed and light-hearted audiobook is the ideal life coach for the listener.
  • Becoming cover art

    • Becoming

    • Written by: Michelle Obama
    • Narrated by: Michelle Obama
    • Length: 19 hrs and 3 mins
    • Release Date: 13-11-18
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 3,139 ratings
    • Becoming tells us the making of one of the most iconic women of our era - Michelle Obama. As the first African American First Lady of the United States, she made the White House the most inclusive it has ever been, and passionately advocated for women’s empowerment and healthy family lifestyles. Becoming takes the listener on Michelle’s life journey, from her upbringing in the South Side of Chicago to balancing family life with an executive role, to serving beside her husband in the most influential house in history. Becoming is a profound narrative on the triumphs and disappointments of an influential and powerful woman, and how these experiences shape who you are. This memoir is a raw and authentic testimony of female success and empowerment, inspiring the listener to defy expectations as Obama did herself.
  • My Gita cover art

    • My Gita

    • Written by: Devdutt Pattanaik
    • Narrated by: Vivek Madan
    • Length: 6 hrs and 15 mins
    • Release Date: 01-01-17
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,155 ratings
    • Mythologist Devdutt Pattanik provides a refreshing thematic demystification of The Bhagavad Gita, making this ancient scripture accessible for a modern listener. Instead of focusing on the argument over dialogue and vi-vaad over sam-vadd, Pattanik shines a spotlight on how Krishna urges Arjuna to understand his relationships instead of judging them - a powerful idea that still has relevance today. In a world with an increasing fixation with the self, with our indulgence in self-improvement, self-actualization and endless selfies, this audiobook reminds us that we can nourish and support others even when we are in conflict.
  • Inglorious Empire cover art

    • Inglorious Empire

    • What the British Did to India
    • Written by: Shashi Tharoor
    • Narrated by: Shashi Tharoor
    • Length: 10 hrs and 33 mins
    • Release Date: 17-05-18
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,170 ratings
    • Shashi Tharoor explores the devastating effects of British imperialism in this insightful and startling account of how Britain colonised India for their own personal gain. Disputing the common misconception that Britain’s ‘gifts’ were intended for the benefit of India, Tharoor exposes how these were designed solely for the interests of Britain. As India’s share of the world economy decreased sixfold after two decades of British rule, Indian people were subjected to the massacre of unarmed protesters, deep-rooted institutional racism, and the deaths of millions due to starvation. Tharoor’s masterpiece exposes the dark history of British colonial rule and reminds the listener how imperialism is a cruel regime under a facade of benevolence.
  • Astrophysics for People in a Hurry cover art

    • Astrophysics for People in a Hurry

    • Written by: Neil deGrasse Tyson
    • Narrated by: Neil deGrasse Tyson
    • Length: 3 hrs and 41 mins
    • Release Date: 02-05-17
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 576 ratings
    • Astrophysics is not typically considered a light or easy topic you can learn on your way to work, but Astrophysics for People in a Hurry changes that. Perfect for fans of Cosmos by Carl Sagan (a man who was also known for making difficult scientific concepts digestible), Neil deGrasse Tyson’s work takes complex questions about our universe and answers them in an equally easy-to-understand way. Discussing topics like gravity, speed and light travel, and dark matter, Tyson’s genial, chatty tone takes away the intimidation and makes you feel like a friend is explaining everything to you, making this the perfect listen for stolen moments amidst a busy listener’s daily routine.
  • Educated cover art

    • Educated

    • Written by: Tara Westover
    • Narrated by: Julia Whelan
    • Length: 12 hrs and 10 mins
    • Release Date: 20-02-18
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 774 ratings
    • This multi-million bestseller and book of the year winner for The New York Times, The Guardian and many more, Tara Westover’s Educated tells the unique upbringing of the writer, who grew up isolated from society and preparing for the End of Days. Without a birth certificate, school records, or any medical records, Westover did not exist in the eyes of the government. When her father became more radical and her brother more violent, Westover made the brave decision to escape at the young age of 16. This audiobook tells the extraordinary story of a young woman escaping adverse circumstances and shows the transformative power of education, something that many take for granted, and the price that Westover, like many others, had to pay for it.
  • Let's Talk Money cover art

    • Let's Talk Money

    • You've Worked Hard for It, Now Make It Work for You
    • Written by: Monika Halan
    • Narrated by: Veena Fansalkar
    • Length: 5 hrs and 56 mins
    • Release Date: 05-02-20
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,337 ratings
    • In a world where we are constantly plagued with money worries; fretting about bills, rent, medical costs and more, India’s favourite financial planner Monika Halan offers relief in the form of a feet-on-the-ground system to build financial security. This audiobook provides the listener with accessible, jargon-free plans to help them get more value from their money, keeping the Indian context in mind. This listen is perfect for those who want their money to work as hard for them as they work for it, and want to take the financial pressure off their shoulders and feel more optimistic about their future.
  • Wings of Fire cover art

    • Wings of Fire

    • Written by: APJ Abdul Kalam, Arun Tiwari
    • Narrated by: Girish Karnad
    • Length: 1 hr and 15 mins
    • Release Date: 01-04-20
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 3,240 ratings
    • This inspiring autobiography of the esteemed President Kalam has inspired people all over the world. This audiobook narrates his humble beginnings in a small village in Tamil Nadu, to holding one of the most powerful leadership positions in the world. Wings of Fire shares an inspiring account of how even people born into the most humble of circumstances can follow their dreams of becoming driving forces in the world.
  • Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master cover art

    • Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master

    • A Yogi's Autobiography
    • Written by: Sri M.
    • Narrated by: Gaurav Sajjanhar
    • Length: 10 hrs and 15 mins
    • Release Date: 18-01-19
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 883 ratings
    • This audiobook tells the extraordinary story of the metamorphosis of Mumtaz Ali Khan, who transformed into the yogi Sri M. Coming from a non-Hindu background, he made the ambitious decision at the age of 19 to travel to the Himalayas to live with a real-time yogi. Today, Sri M is indistinguishable from a mere civilian, leading a normal life, married with two children, and not wearing any special robes. This listen shows the audience how even the most ordinary of people can lead a life of peace and tranquility.
  • The Tatas cover art

    • The Tatas

    • How a Family Built a Business and a Nation
    • Written by: Girish Kuber, Vikrant Pande - translator
    • Narrated by: Rajiv Dadia
    • Length: 9 hrs and 41 mins
    • Release Date: 17-03-20
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 775 ratings
    • Today, The Tata group is a $110 billion empire, but it’s beginnings can be traced to Young Nusserwanji in Gujarat’s Navsari village. With no high education or knowledge of business, Nusserwanji headed to Bombay to follow his burning passion to start a business. Starting with a cotton trading venture, his son later grew this into a multifaceted business, including textile mills, iron and steel companies, and a world-class hotel. This audiobook details the extraordinary success of The Tatas, inspiring others and proving that great success can come from humble origins.
  • The Four Agreements cover art

    • The Four Agreements

    • Written by: don Miguel Ruiz
    • Narrated by: Peter Coyote
    • Length: 2 hrs and 31 mins
    • Release Date: 27-01-05
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 529 ratings
    • A best seller for more than a decade, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz uses Toltec wisdom to teach us how to be happier and remove the negative forces in our lives. With just four simple agreements, Ruiz offers an easy code for us to live by - say what you mean, don’t take things personally, don’t make assumptions, and always try to do your best. Actor Peter Coyote’s passionate delivery makes each ancient gem of wisdom accessible and understandable. His performance feels like a friend offering advice, a warm delivery that ensures the staying power of each agreement.
  • The Ride of a Lifetime cover art

    • The Ride of a Lifetime

    • Lessons in Creative Leadership from the CEO of the Walt Disney Company
    • Written by: Robert Iger
    • Narrated by: Robert Iger, Jim Frangione
    • Length: 8 hrs and 45 mins
    • Release Date: 23-09-19
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 980 ratings
    • The Ride of a Lifetime is the inspiring account of how Robert Iger, the CEO of the Walt Disney Company, successfully reinvented one of the most beloved companies during a highly-challenging time. Appointed as CEO in 2005, Iger’s vision consisted of three ideas; recommit to the concept that quality matters, embrace technology, and think global and make Disney into a stronger brand. Fourteen years later, Disney is the largest and most respected media company in the world, with its value being nearly five times what it was when Iger took over. In Iger’s account of his success, he shares the lessons he’s learned and stresses the importance of the principles for true leadership; optimism, courage, decisiveness and fairness. This listen is an inspiring tale which proves how relentless passion and hard work are the foundations of success.
  • The Bhagavad Gita cover art

    • The Bhagavad Gita

    • Written by: Eknath Easwaran
    • Narrated by: Paul Bazely
    • Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins
    • Release Date: 28-12-14
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 440 ratings
    • The Bhagavad Gita, or The Song of the Lord, is the best known of all Indian scriptures, and Easwaran’s accessible version has been a consistent, best-selling translation, bringing the scripture to a wide audience. Easwaran places the Gita in its historical setting and emphasises the universality and timelessness of its teachings. With clear chapter introductions and explanations of key concepts, this audiobook is a great tool for helping the listener understand the relevance of the scripture. Easwaran helps the listener understand that the subject is not just the physical battlefield, but the battle within, with the struggle for self-mastery that every human being must wage, to live a life that is meaningful, fulfilling, and worthwhile. Narrated by Paul Bazely, an actor with Indian heritage and a longtime student of Easwaran, who brings passion and authenticity to the recording.
  • Satya Ke Sath Mere Prayog [My Experiment with Truth] cover art

    • Satya Ke Sath Mere Prayog [My Experiment with Truth]

    • Meri Atmakatha [My Autobiography]
    • Written by: M. K. Gandhi
    • Narrated by: Babla Kochhar
    • Length: 22 hrs and 54 mins
    • Release Date: 25-06-19
    • Language: Hindi
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 248 ratings
    • In this autobiography, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi recounts the whole story of his life, encompassing memories of his childhood, marriage, his time in South Africa, and his later involvement with the freedom moment and his struggle to attain absolute truth and his quest to finally be at one with God. Narrated in simplistic Hindi prose, Satya ke Saath Mere Prayog is the accessible story of an extraordinary man, providing the listener with a glimpse into the life and mind of the man who would lead his country to freedom. This listen describes the story of an exceptional man who is now hailed as the greatest figure of the 20th century and still stands as an inspiration to millions today.
  • Elon Musk cover art

    • Elon Musk

    • Written by: Ashlee Vance
    • Narrated by: Fred Sanders
    • Length: 13 hrs and 23 mins
    • Release Date: 28-04-16
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,422 ratings
    • Tech reporter Ashlee Vance shadowed renowned entrepreneur Elon Musk for an entire year to bring the listener this deeply personal account of the man at the forefront of space travel. The innovator behind PayPal, SpaceX, Tesla and SolarCity, Musk now has his mind on saving our planet by sending people into space and forming a colony on Mars; all whilst making a profit. Musk did not have an easy childhood, being a bright kid who was bullied at school and abused by his father, all whilst living amid apartheid South Africa. However, Musk later paid his way through school and started a pair of huge dot-com businesses. After facing more struggles after being forced out as CEO, he later sprung back by investing his fortune in rockets and electric cars. Elon Musk provides a raw, authentic glimpse into the life and career of one of the most influential and innovative entrepreneurs of our time, acting as an inspiration to many budding businessmen.
  • Can't Hurt Me cover art

    • Can't Hurt Me

    • Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds
    • Written by: David Goggins
    • Narrated by: David Goggins, Adam Skolnick
    • Length: 13 hrs and 37 mins
    • Release Date: 28-11-18
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 3,583 ratings
    • David Goggins did not have easy beginnings, having grown up with poverty, prejudice and physical abuse. But he showed strength through self-discipline, mental toughness and hard work. From being a depressed and overweight young man with no future, Goggins defeated the odds to become a US armed forces icon and one of the world’s top endurance athletes. With his achievements including completing training as a Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, and Air Force Tactical Air Controller, he later went on to set records in endurance events and was declared The Fittest (Real) Man in America by Outside Magazine. Can’t Hurt Me is an inspirational story which shows the listener how one can push past pain and fear to reach their full potential.
  • The Power of Now cover art

    • The Power of Now

    • A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment
    • Written by: Eckhart Tolle
    • Narrated by: Eckhart Tolle
    • Length: 7 hrs and 37 mins
    • Release Date: 31-12-00
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 960 ratings
    • The Power of Now takes the listener on a spiritual journey in which your analytic mind and ego are left behind, and access to the Now is achieved everywhere - in the body, the silence, and the space all around you. Using simple and accessible language in a question and answer format, writer Eckhart Tolle provides the listener with a clear guide on their journey. The listener will make discoveries, finding ways out of psychological pain and finding power by surrendering to the Now. This self-help style audiobook will help the listener on their way to finding inner peace, as they learn about the transforming power of the Now.