Is this an audiobook or a karaoke session?
Books in which the audiobook narrator serenades you by singing an in story song.
created by MadHoney
last updated January, 2026
Comments
I am listening to The Hobbit and Serkis really seems to be having a blast singing all the songs.
MadHoneyOP
I know some people probably don't like it, but I love when narrators sing, I think it's so fun and brings the story to life! Its even better when they seem like they are enjoying narrating.
I suspect it would be really case-specific for me, but in this case, there are so many factors that make it work:
- Serkis has a great and versatile voice
- As mentioned, he's clearly having a good time
- It really contributes to the overall vibe of "someone is telling me a story" vs "someone is reading a book to me" that Tolkien's narrative style creates.
MadHoneyOP
I can totally understand that. I wouldn't want it to make the experience less immersive if it didn't feel right. I think maybe I have gotten lucky when experiencing this.
The Maid and the Crocodile's narrator, Adetinpo Thomas, sings songs throughout the book. Nice list!
Loooooved this book and the narration. I know Jordan Ifueko posted a few reels about how psyched to was to have found a narrator who actually sang, since that's a huge part of the story.
MadHoneyOP
Woah I’ve never heard of this book, adding it here and to my interested list! Thanks for the recommendation. ☺️
Saved this list so fast!!
MadHoneyOP
Thanks! Come back and let me know if you come across anything that should be added. 😊
From what I recall there’s songs in each of the audiobooks for A Series of Unfortunate Events! The one that I remember the most was from The Reptile Room
Love this!! The Butcher’s Masquerade has singing towards the end, I'm pretty sure! (I'm not an audiobook girly, but I've heard the song is great!)
MadHoneyOP
Thank you! I am looking forward to this series even more now. I secretly love when narrators do this. Adding it to the list!
Currently reading The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood and so far the even chapters have been kind of songlike performances, it’s pretty neat and might fit this list!
wait nvm i realized it’s less singing and it’s more so like a scene from a greek play where the chorus is a character so it’s a bunch of people talking at the same time. since im listening to the audiobook it kind of sounded like singing at first but when i went back i realized what was going on. sorry for the confusion lol!
MadHoneyOP
All good! This actually sounds so interesting, I’m saving it to my interested list! ☺️
oh i love this list! i remember hearing the narrator sing in raybearer and it got stuck in my head for so long (and also made me cry for the 2nd book)
MadHoneyOP
Thank you! If you have any rec, please share I am always looking for additions. ☺️ I think I am going to have to add Raybearer to my TBR, I’ve only heard good things.
