The Audies, looking back over 30 years

Looking Back: 30 Years of Excellence in Audiobooks over 30 days

For 30 years, the APA has celebrated the best in audiobooks, recognizing titles that have shaped the industry and captivated listeners. While many of these standout works were named Audiobook of the Year, others have earned special commendations, such as induction into the Audiobook Hall of Fame for outstanding sales and influence. From gripping fiction to thought-provoking non-fiction, these audiobooks have redefined the possibilities of the medium, making a lasting impact on audiences and the audiobook landscape. As we look back on three decades of excellence, we honor the titles that have pushed boundaries, set trends, and continue to raise the bar for what audiobooks can achieve. We’ll be posting an audiobook a day for the 30 days leading up to the 2025 gala.

The cool thing about stories? They don’t just tell you stuff— they grow your world 🌍✨ A good audiobook can take your imagination from your room to the moon! #loveaudiobooks #audiobooks #booklovers #readerscommunity #bookish #audiobookcommunity

30 minutes. A warm bed. Just enough time for one more story. What’s your listen? #loveaudiobooks #audiobooks #booklovers #readerscommunity #bookish #audiobookcommunity

Cabin vibes, coffee brewing, birds chirping—what’s the first story you’re pressing play on? #loveaudiobooks #audiobooks #booklovers #readerscommunity #bookish #audiobookcommunity

How to fit audiobooks into your day: (it’s easier than you think). Little moments = big story time. You don’t need hours—just press play. #loveaudiobooks #audiobooks #booklovers #readerscommunity #bookish #audiobookcommunity

🎧 Adventure doesn’t need a passport—just a pair of headphones.

From pirate ships to outer space, the journey always starts with audio. 🌍🚀🏴&zwj;☠️

Where are you off to today?

#loveaudiobooks #audiobooks #booklovers #readerscommunity

🎧 Adventure doesn’t need a passport—just a pair of headphones. From pirate ships to outer space, the journey always starts with audio. 🌍🚀🏴‍☠️ Where are you off to today? #loveaudiobooks #audiobooks #booklovers #readerscommunity #bookish #audiobookcommunity

Unabridged vs. Abridged—what’s the deal? Let’s break it down: 📘 Unabridged = the full story, just as the author wrote it. Nothing cut, nothing skipped. 📗 Abridged = a shorter version. Still the same story, but trimmed for quicker listening. Both are great—it just depends on your mood (or how much time you've got 😉). Which one do you usually go for? #loveaudiobooks #audiobooks #booklovers #readerscommunity #bookish #audiobookcommunity

You’re not just listening—you’re living it. One minute you’re on the couch. The next? You’re chasing clues, casting spells, or standing on a mountaintop with the wind in your face. That’s the magic of audiobooks. Press play and step in.

Meet our sponsor: @VoiceworksAudio ! This award-winning vocal arts production house based in NYC and Westchester specializes in audiobooks, podcasts, and more! High-quality sound and storytelling await! #loveaudiobooks #audiobooks #booklovers #readerscommunity #bookish #audiobookcommunity #booksbooksbooks #narrators #voicetalent

Looking Back: 30 Years of Narration Top Honors

As we mark three decades of audiobooks, we pause to celebrate the exceptional narrators who have brought stories to life, year after year. These voices—honored in categories such as Best Male/Female Solo Narrator, Best Fiction/Non-Fiction Narrator—have set the gold standard for storytelling. From iconic names to emerging stars, these narrators have transformed the audiobook experience, creating worlds that resonate with listeners long after the final chapter.

Katherine Kellgren (2009, 2012, 2014, 2016)