Staff Picks: Our First Listens of 2026
The beginning of a new year holds so much promise: there are new leaves to turn over, new routines to stick to, and new audiobooks to add to the year’s to-listen-list.
We asked the PRH audio staff which audiobooks they’d be pressing play on first in 2026–read on to find out what’s gracing their #1 spots. Then, let us know: what will you be listening to?
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
“A great way to star the year: in reflection and contemplation. So many great narrators; I know I’m going to savor this one.”– Linda Leah Korn, Senior Executive Producer
Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
“My first audiobook of the year is going to be Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. In 2026, Twilight celebrates its twentieth anniversary. I remember reading it when it first came out, alongside my little sister. This year, we’ve decided to buddy read it again for fun. I can’t wait to listen to the audiobook edition this time around.” —Alex Hernandez, Publicist
The Moon Without Stars by Chanel Miller
“My first audiobook of the new year will be The Moon Without Stars by Chanel Miller, narrated by Sunny Lu with an afterword read by Chanel, herself. I absolutely adore Chanel and her writing (and drawings!) and am excited to dive into her new story for middle schoolers. She captures the intense awkwardness and all the big feelings that encompass our middle school years so well and never fails to bring me to tears with her truly heartfelt stories. Which, to me, feels like a great way to ring in the new year.” — Dakota Cohen, Marketing Manager
The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett
“My first listen of the year will be The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett. January can feel like a bit of a drag after the fun and joy of the holiday season, so I like to turn to audiobooks that feel like a warm hug. This cozy audiobook is about an old man’s roadtrip across the country to reunite with his high school crush. He brings along his adult daughter, two orphaned kids, and a cat who can predict death. What better hook can there be than a clairvoyant cat?” — Marissa Secreto, Associate Marketing Manager
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar
“My first listen of 2026 is Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar. I know, I know! I feel incredibly behind. So many friends have told me it tops the list of their favorite books in recent years. I know this one is going to be special, so I wanted to make sure I carved out the perfect time to sit with it. The beginning of the year is just that.” — Erin Murphy, Associate Marketing Manager
I Was Feeling Epic by Samantha Highfill
“My first listen was I Was Feeling Epic by Samantha Highfill. I’m a huge fan of vampire shows (like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and True Blood), so when I found out this audiobook was a behind-the-scenes, interview-style look at the making of The Vampire Diaries, I was immediately hooked. The audiobook features a full cast narration which makes for a fun and engaging listening experience, starting with the show’s original concept and casting process and continuing all the way through to the series finale with a little drama sprinkled in along the way.” — Juliette DeSena, Assistant Director, Social Media
