Written by 
Last week on Crokes we discussed the best books to help you relax and calm down before bed. But sometimes you need the opposite from your reading. Sometimes, you need a book that is going to keep you alert and awake. Whether you’re on a long road trip, enduring a night shift at work, or just struggling to keep your eyes open during a dull task, audiobooks can be a lifesaver. But not all audiobooks are created equal when it comes to keeping you awake. You need something that will captivate your attention and keep you engaged.
The best audiobooks for staying awake will have a few key elements. Look for audiobooks with suspenseful plots, action-packed sequences, fast pacing, and compelling storytelling. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best audiobooks to keep you awake, both in fiction and non-fiction genres.
Best Fiction Audiobooks to Keep You Awake
There are certain fiction genres that are well suited for staying up late. Action, suspense and thriller stories are often best. You want engaging plots with exciting events and compelling mysteries. Ideally the book will leave you wondering what’s going to happen next. This keeps you engaged and your mind active. Our action-packed reccomendations include:
“Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn
“Gone Girl” is a gripping psychological thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. As the story unfolds and reveals its secrets, you’ll find yourself unable to hit the pause button. With its unpredictable twists and turns, we guarantee this book will keep you awake well into the night.
“The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins
This gripping tale of psychological suspense follows the lives of three women whose paths become intertwined in unexpected ways. With its intricate plot and unreliable narrators, “The Girl on the Train” will have you guessing until the very end.
“The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides
In this gripping psychological thriller, a famous painter stops speaking after shooting her husband five times in the face. As a psychotherapist unravels the mystery behind her silence, dark secrets come to light. With its shocking twists and turns, “The Silent Patient” is one of the best audiobooks to keep you awake.
“The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown
“The Da Vinci Code” is a fast-paced thriller that combines art, history, and religion into a pulse-pounding adventure. As Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon races to uncover the truth behind a centuries-old conspiracy, you’ll be hooked from the very first chapter.
“The Martian” by Andy Weir
Stranded alone on Mars, astronaut Mark Watney must use his ingenuity and resourcefulness to survive. “The Martian” is a gripping sci-fi thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat as Watney battles against the odds to stay alive.
Best Non-Fiction Audiobooks to Keep You Awake
Non-fiction audiobooks can be good for staying up, but ensure the book is intriguing. Memoirs of death-defying extremes and true crime mysteries are often best for this purpose. This is because these stories are compelling and draw you in. Our suggestions include:
“Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption” by Laura Hillenbrand
This harrowing true story follows the incredible journey of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic athlete turned WWII bombardier who survives a plane crash only to end up adrift at sea for weeks before being captured by the Japanese. “Unbroken” is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and will keep you riveted from start to finish.
“I’ll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman’s Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer” by Michelle McNamara
Michelle McNamara’s gripping true-crime account of her hunt for the elusive Golden State Killer is both chilling and captivating. As she meticulously pieces together clues and profiles the killer, you’ll find yourself unable to stop listening.
“Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster” by Jon Krakauer
In this gripping memoir, Jon Krakauer recounts his harrowing experience as a member of a doomed expedition to summit Mount Everest. As tragedy unfolds high in the Himalayas, Krakauer’s vivid storytelling will keep you on the edge of your seat.
“Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders” by Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry
In this chilling true-crime classic, prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi provides a detailed account of the infamous Manson Family murders and the trial that followed. With its shocking revelations and courtroom drama, “Helter Skelter” is a gripping listen from start to finish.
“Educated” by Tara Westover
Tara Westover’s memoir of growing up in a strict and abusive household before breaking free to pursue education is both inspiring and harrowing. As she recounts her journey from ignorance to enlightenment, her resilience and determination will captivate you.
What Do You Think are the Best AudioBooks to Keep You Awake?
Now that we’ve explored some of the best audiobooks to keep you awake, we want to hear from you! What are your favorite audiobooks for staying alert during long drives or late nights? Join the conversation on Crokes!
Crokes is a fantastic platform for book lovers to connect, share recommendations, and discuss their favorite reads. Head over to Crokes and let the community know which audiobooks have kept you awake during those long hours. Your insights could help others discover their next favorite listen.