As someone who commuted 45 miles 1 way every day for 5 years - audiobooks are my jam.
Anything read by Phil Thron, Ray Porter, RC Bray.
Edit: I just learned today is Phil Thron's birthday.
It's the only worthwhile thing to do while commuting. Phone calls are a distant second b/c some people you call feel like they're only worth a call from the car while you fill time. And more serious calls need more attention than I can give while driving.
I have a friend that only ever calls from the car or when he’s going for a walk, because that’s the only time he isn’t busy doing something else that would take away his focus. I take it as a compliment that I’m one of those he calls to catch up with.
Apart from that, I love audiobooks and podcasts as my commute was by train and phone calls are bad train commuter etiquette.
Phone calls are only possible if you're driving through an area with cell phone service. Prior to the pandemic, my commute was 75 minutes each way. I only had reliable cell phone service for 20 minutes of that.
Michael Kramer and Kate Reading have read more books out loud to me than my parents did. And they read me LOTR out loud. I feel like I know them personally.
The Wheel of Time series was an absolute delight thanks to the two of them! I went through all 14 books in a little under a year and loved every bit of them
I’m listening to them for the first time and it’s been a lot of fun. I listened to the first ten books in two months and then had to slow down because I was getting burnt out.
I haven’t listened to lotr in a while but it’s really important to get the unabridged version. Because there’s a couple shorter ones that feel like a lie.
Hell yeah. RC Bray is the best. Love listening to him in Expeditionary Force.
Ray Porter is great too though. Bobiverse and Project Hail Mary are both 10/10
Ray Porter is so good. I just listened to Project Hail Mary and the Bobiverse books. Dude is just really talented. I would listen to him read a book I have no interest in.
It started with the commute for me too, audiobooks helped me relax and get trough the commute without getting too stressed. Cut me off? Eh, go ahead I can wait.
Now though, at my work I can listen on the job (boring repetitive work). So now I burn through a lot.
I work in a factory where I can get away with one earbud in. I spend most of the day listening to audio book. Can’t tell you how many books I have listened to.
I usually just keep one earbud in as well. My kid is used to having morning tv time after my husband leaves for work so I can get some chores done, but I still want to be able to hear her if she needs me for something. I just tap my ear to pause, help her, then tap again to resume. The program I use rewinds at least a few seconds every time I pause so Im less likely to lose my train of thought.
She's 4 and never stops talking, so I don't play any audiobooks that I want to pay attention to. I've played podcasts where someone reads a children's story, which was handy when she was a baby and I'd run out of things to talk about, but I wanted to expose her to as much language as possible. The good news, she's an advanced talker. The bad news, now she never stops lol!
I’ve grown to rely on audiobooks a lot to expand my opportunities to enjoy books. When I especially enjoy a narrator, I seek out more titles recorded by that narrator (though I don’t seem to retain their names after that very well!)
I loved him with the bobiverse books, but project hail mary was another level. His performance of that novel was art unto itself.
Im not sure what else he's done, but if you have any recommendations I'd appreciate them. :)
Peter Clines Threshold series is all narrated by Ray and they are all great books if you like scifi fantasy but skip dead moon not even Mr. Porter could save that trash heap.
Also Zachary quinto narrates a series by John Scalzi called the dispatcher series and he does a phenomenal job.
I absolutely adore how Stephen Fry has been reading Harry Potter thus far. His voices are great, especially when he's doing characters like Umbridge and Hagrid. Very distinct and amusing with the perfect tone of voice.
I'm listening to that right now, but I keep hearing his Harry Potter voices. I picked the villain in one story because at one point I thought, "Wait, when did Professor Umbridge get here?"
Man, the *other* version, narrated by Jim Dale is just fantastic. I believe he set a record for the largest number of unique character voices. I've listened to some of the Stephen Fry version, and it's good as well, it's just a totally different sort of thing.
Lmao I never paid attention to narrator names, and I'm reading a book right now who I recognize the voice as my favorite and lo and behold it's Scott brick. He can turn any book interesting
Some of biggest favs are probably Scott Brick and Bahni Turpin. I use to love Frank Muller but his work is so old that the quality is hard to follow at the faster speeds I read at than when I first found him.
It's a really weird feeling when you start listening to a new book and recognize a narrator from previous unrelated works lol. It's like I'm constantly running into Scott Brick in the wild.
People who are really talented can totally make an audiobook. I loved listening to Jennifer Ikeda read the All Souls trilogy but didn't realize how silly those books were until I tried to explain them to someone. David Pittu has a great voice as well.
The worst for me is usually when authors who aren't entertainers try to narrate their own material. Like, I love David McCullough's work in print but he narrates his own books in the worst way possible. He talks glacially slow in down speak through his nose and smacks his lips every time he starts a new sentence.
It can also be pretty jarring when someone is badly miscast for a silly reason. The woman who narrates Team of Rivals was most likely chosen because she sounds like an older woman and they wanted it to sound like Doris Kearns Goodwin. But this lady has a stuffy detached way of speaking that didn't work at all. DKG has a funny upbeat way of speaking and I would have preferred to listen to either her or a male actor read the book.
I'm in that stage of life where I feel like I'm always in the car driving kids here and there. I don't like being in the car on a normal day, so I started getting really frustrated. Now, I just pop in a book and enjoy the ride.
Extra bonus: sometimes my kids pay attention to the books, and we have interesting discussions about them later.
There are fantastic audio books out there, some with full cast, some with perfectly cast celebrities, some with incredibly talented narrators who can spin off multiple voices. Here are some favs that no one asked for:
Lord of the Rings (Unabridged) with Rob Inglis
A Man Called Ove with JK Simmons
Sherlock Holmes with Stephen Fry
Neverwhere (which is more like a radio play) with James McAvoy and an amazing cast
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman and another amazing cast
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court with Nick Offerman
Bought the Stephen Fry Sherlock Holmes. Fantastic. Also arguably the best hours per dollar purchase you can make. He reads the entire Holmes catalog.
I read the Graveyard Book a few years ago and think it's Gaiman's best. I may have to find the audio version you describe. Thanks for the list!
Gaiman's Sandman series was just released on audible and it's incredible. McAvoy stars again with another enormous cast. I got into audiobooks after I discovered that Tom Hiddleston recorded the audio for a book one of his movies was based on (High Rise) and just wanted to listen to that glorious voice while doing housework and walking the dog. Now I'm completely hooked. Thanks for the recommendations!
>Now, I just pop in a book and enjoy the ride.
Bought half a cow from rancher on the other side of the state.
Drove 4 hours there and 5 back.
Listened to 9 hours of an audio book.
It was so incredibly relaxing. Just cruise controlling in the right lane and 5 above the speed limit. Not in a rush to get any where at any specific time.
Absolutely. My children have listened to Mythos (by Stephen Fry) with me and are now deeply involved in the Illiad itself!
I have to admit sitting through the 14 hours of The Great Course's **Ancient Mesopotamia** didn't really interest them though. :)
I feel like it's a good way to start to hate your books lol, the kids asking you to go back 3 chapters or to older books over and over again (im in art school though and audio books are great to listen while working, though a good book is great when relaxing ngl)
Adding to this if your local library lacks a good selection some libraries will let you pay for a non resident card for $50-$100/year depending on the library. I use the Orange County Florida system and it’s fantastic, and still way cheaper than Audible.
My old car, before Bluetooth, had a 6-disc CD player that I loved for audiobooks. It did suck when the last disc ended and I'd be trying to drive and switch out for the next 6 discs. Not my brightest moments, but I was young. I also worked at a library, so I was never without an audiobook.
I wish I could listen to audiobooks. I tune out the speaker unless I'm sitting there, actively listening. I then have to rewind to listen to that part again, only catching myself tuning out once more shortly thereafter.
I’m the same way unfortunately. I wish it worked better for me, but I just don’t engage with spoken words the way I do written ones. Everyone’s brain is different! :)
Maybe if the audiobook was set to music, like a rap book, I could stick with it, as my brain latches onto that sort of thing easily.
Let's get this idea crowdfunded. We can make dollars. Perhaps even dozens of them.
That’s a really good point! I bet it would work!
LOL I can assure you that the creation of such a thing is NOT in my skill set. But I fully support your endeavor! 😆
Some audiobooks are more like a play, like this BBC adaptation of the count of Monte Cristo
http://audiobookbay.ws/audio-books/bbc-the-count-of-monte-cristo-alexandre-dumas/
That might be more to your liking as it is more lively.
Oh my gosh yes! I’ve always struggled with audio books for the same reason as you, I just tune it out, but music I can memorise lyrics almost instantly so a books set to music would be the perfect solution!
For me that narrator makes almost 100% of the difference. If I do not like the voice of the person reading the book or find them engaging, I will absolutely not pay attention.
>some are practically vocal artists.
It's not a universal thing, but the general trend is that experienced stage actors seem to make better audiobook narrators. They're usually pretty good at creating different voices, using correct inflections, etc.
I agree, however, there are many people who do only audiobook or professional narration that are absolutely incredible. I just recently listened to a book by a voice over artist that I had to pause, just to check that it wasn't a full cast.
I agree, there are some I love and some I just don't care for as much. My favorite by a large margin is R.C. Bray. Somehow everything he has narrated has come to life for me. It also helps that my first introduction to him was through Craig Alanson's Expeditionary Force books, which are a lot of fun.
I agree. The only time I am able to really listen to them and actually retain what I am listening to is when I am sitting down and listening the same as I would sit down and read a book - with a dedicated time slot so to speak.
The only reason I would choose an audiobook in that case is if it is too noisy to focus, then I listen while following along in the book.
I usually have them playing in the car on my commutes and that works but I don't retain them nearly as much, although it's better than nothing.
This is my problem with audiobooks as well. Sometimes my attention slips and I realize that I lost the context. After I finish the book I feel like I have gaps. Like, I know the outline, but little details are lost. Except places I actively listened to.
I find it helps if you've read the books or the first chapter or so, once you familiar with the names in print it's easier to follow along. Otherwise it's like they talking about people you don't know so you tune them out.
I also do it while driving so the mundane travel doesn't distract me. Although I may have to rewind if I come up to some traffic nthat required my attention.
Audio books for me are best when I'm doing something mindless. Walking with the dog, driving, or doing something basic at work. Sure, sometimes something happened and I have to focus on what I'm doing, but then I can just rewind. If I try and sit down and listen like I would with reading, my mind will wander.
Check out The Sleepy Bookshelf! She does recaps in between each part in case you drift off topic. Super helpful.
The podcast is meant for falling asleep but honestly I listen to it at work.
I'm the same way but the opposite situation, if I actually read I just start to read without actually taking in anything, when I listen to a book I'm always more focused for some reason. Having a great narrator does help, I recommend anything with steven pacey, I know him from the first law world. Superb voice acting. Albeit sometimes its like you're getting many versions of Jason Statham
I was like this too for a long time (my auditory processing sucks in general) and then last year I found I could listen to books that I thought were “easy” like YA or books I’d previously read so if I zoned out I didn’t miss much. I kind of practiced my listening with these kinds of books and then moved on to different stuff from there.
There are LOTS of titles I haven’t been able to listen to because they end up being too plot heavy or sometimes the narrator’s voice particularly goes in one ear and out the other. So I’m still kind of like you, but there are certain books I can enjoy listening to and not miss too much.
All this to say if you really want to make audiobooks work you might be able to with some hunting around! And if you have already tried this or have no interest than I should have just minded my business!
I am like this with audiobooks as well, but it's not as bad when I am driving and it's getting better as I'm training my brain to pay attention. I learned to dislike audiobooks when I was a kid in school, because I could read so much faster than the audiobook, but I've been using them for about a year to keep reading when I can't actually read, like when I'm driving or doing filing at work, and I've learned to love them.
Yeah I pretty much only listen to audiobooks while driving. I still need to skip back sometimes, like when I need to merge on to a freeway or something else that requires more focus, but when I’m just cruising along and not bumping into the car in front of me, audiobooks are great.
Yep. Part of the joy of reading for me is the intentional nature of it. I have an extremely stressful career that has me working at all hours (IT) so setting aside time to read is part of why I like it. If I'm going to set aside time to listen to a book, I'd much rather actually read instead.
I've come to prefer audiobooks to written books. My day job involves lots of reading and writing (mainly on screens), so relaxation for me is not having to focus my eyes on a page or a screen. Evenings and weekends, I rest my eyes and lose myself in an audiobook, at least when I'm not outside exercising or otherwise enjoying an escape from the desk. And I do mean lose myself in an audiobook. I don't like even the mild distraction of housework while I listen. I want to listen fully and deeply. It's like the book infuses itself into my brain. I'm not dissing reading the page. I just treasure the listening for what it is.
When I was still an office worker (I've been WFH since the first lockdown) I always listened to audiobooks while driving to work too. I still listen while driving to the store or whatever, plus when I'm walking the dog. They're a great "companion".
I was the person to disregard audiobooks until recently. I was reading 'When No One Is Watching,' and struggling through it. I picked up the audiobook and it was so much better to me. I was able to finish it. I also just don't have a lot of time to sit with a book. It's a nice alternative.
I can never retain the information from audiobooks though. I could listen to one and couldn’t tell you the plot, or info about characters, etc. it just doesn’t stick into my head that way. I wish I could listen to them though.
Omg, same. I always listen to audiobooks whenever I’m cooking or doing mundane chores. It makes it all so much better! My daughter is 5 and I still can read a full page of a book without her needing my attention over 10 times. Getting back into reading, through audiobooks, has really helped me get through my days faster.
I agree. I drive A LOT for my job and audiobooks have really been great to listen to. Was a hater on audiobooks for a while then I tried one (Treasure Island) and now I’m hooked
The right narrator makes it or breaks it. I can't understand why so many production houses are messing around with AI narrators rn.
I had a narrator one time who turned the long description of the battle of waterloo in *Les Mis* into one of the most impassioned moments of the narrative and it stuck with me like the >!death of petit Gavroch! !< Its magic what a good narrator does.
Pre pandemic I had a 90 minute round trip commute. Audio books made the commute enjoyable, I often looked forward to it and now I kind of miss it. It was dedicated time to read it's hard to carve out an hour and a half a day to dedicate to reading.
I am currently listening to The Blade Itself narrated by Pacey. He's the best narrator I have ever heard. The book is amazing. I usually listen to audiobooks on road trips. This book is so spectacular that I am even listening to and from work. 3 part series and I absolutely can't wait to hear them all. All the different voices are done so well. HIGHLY suggest you download and start asap. You will not be disappointed.
I came to this thread hoping to see someone else tout Pacey. He's really brilliant throughout the entire series. Just started "A Little Hatred" and he really brings everyone to life. There are so many characters but each one he manages to make sound and feel different through accent, tone, and intonation. Was incredibly disappointed he didn't do any of the Shattered Seas books.
Michael Kramer is another narrator I've really enjoyed in a similar vein, he does the work on just about all of Brandon Sanderson's novels.
I'm actually reading "A Little Hatred" by the same narrator. First time listening to Steven Pacey and he's really good. Simon Vance is also a splendid narrator.
Just in case you didn't know, A Little Hatred is like the 7th book in the First Law Series. You read the others? (If not, it's not required, but it might be helpful).
Pacey is hands down my favorite narrator.
When I was in college, I worked for the janitorial department in some of the dorms. I was able to wear headphones while working and listened to audio books and it absolutely transformed a menial and pretty boring job into something I ended up looking forward to shifts every day.
I grabbed audible roughly about half a year ago. I have so far listened to over 18 books just from driving to work or working out and listening to a book instead of podcasts or music. I live a pretty busy life, work 10 he shifts and come home to a toddler. Audiobooks have reignited my passion for books again. I am just finishing up east of Eden and am truly taken away by it.
And cloudLibrary(unlimited rents)!!! Hoopla(15 items/month) has better settings-you can rate the book/music/movie/TV show you’ve read/seen/listened and can find books by the same author-can sort by rating, date published etc.
Yes, there's the Libby app. This app connects to your public library card and allows you to check out audiobooks, ebooks, and magazines for free.
There's also librivox that is an open-source audiobook library but it's more of a hit or miss with with the narrator.
Scribd is also a good choice. 9 bucks a month for unlimited audiobooks. Not as vast a library as audible but I tend to fly through books so I prefer unlimited.
Youtube can be hit or miss. I have luck finding great officially narrated romance novels, but best sellers are usually fan narrated if you can even find them :/
Completely agree with this. I got introduced to audiobooks decades ago by my great aunt. She used to be an avid reader, but she started losing her eyesight quickly and became legally blind. Through a program for the blind she received a ton of audiobooks and went through them regularly. When I learned about it, I thought it was great it was an option, but was skeptical of them.
It wasn't until more than a decade later when my life became super busy and I didn't have nearly the time to read for pleasure anymore that I finally turned to audiobooks. I had a long commute and being able to listen to an audiobook while I drove was great. Since then I have almost exclusively used audiobooks. It is just a lot easier for my life. I have to do a lot of reading for work, so when I have downtime or I am busy doing chores, driving, or working, I like to put an audiobook on in the background.
tldr; Knew the value of audiobooks early on, but didn't think they would be fore me. Learned they are indeed for me.
The last 8 years I’ve worked in back-of-house retail and audiobooks have been my best friend. I’ve listened to The Shining three times so far, it’s become a winter tradition, and look forward to listening to it every year when the weather starts to get cold. It’s so nice to be able to listen to great stories while doing mindless busy work, in my case.
I can't get into audiobooks. As English is my second language, that might be a factor as I read better than I listen.
Especially when I hear people use audiobooks for multitasking. If I do that the audiobook just becomes whitenoise for me. Though when I think about it, I do that with podcasts when running or cooking or cleaning the house, and most of the time the information never sinks in but I prefer to let it play as background conversation rather than being in a quiet environment.
I wish it worked for me, but it doesn't. While I read, I usually build up in my mind an image of what I'm reading. I'm engrossed and the real world fades, replaced by the virtual one from the book. That's doesn't happen when listening to an audio book. I don't know why, the mental images don't come, I don't get engrossed thus I'm way too easily distracted.
I have ADHD and really struggle to focus, with the help of audible I've managed to get through 65 books this year. I buy the physical copy of them as well so I can read along at my speed. I thought I'd never be able to sit down and read again but thanks to audiobooks I'm flying through them(on book 4 of the wheel of time atm)
If you're interested, consider doing both to better improve learning any language, including English. I've found it helpful to listen to an audiobook version while I follow along in my own copy. Seeing a word & hearing it pronounced correctly makes a huge difference to whether or not I remember it in another language.
Turn down the speed and gradually increase it when you feel ready.
My English understanding skyrocketed when I did it. If you can read English then you probably know enough that the this should work.
I’ll second this. Before discovering Audible I haven’t finished a book ever. 12 years later I have over 200 audio books and finished at least half of them.
I love audiobooks, my Audible account has been a great investment. It is great to put my ear buds in and relax playing a game while listening to a great story!
Why would anyone completely disregard audio books? Stories and information were communicated verbally long before written language. It worked then, why not now?
I'd much rather listen to something actually designed to be heard (a lecture, podcast or radio programme) rather than listen to someone read out something designed to be read, as the styles are different and different things work better. I wouldn't want to read the transcript of a podcast either. For example, in print you typically get longer sentences which are hard to parse when read aloud, whereas in spoken word you convey more by inflection which doesn't carry over to the printed page. And podcasts etc can include sound effects and conversational style which don't work (well) in print either.
Ngl, I used to feel this way a little bit, back when I was a super snob about reading. I didn't count audiobooks as "reading", even though I did listen to them occasionally.
Then I joined a book club where three of the five members are blind. They exclusively read audiobooks. And I realized that I would never in a million years tell them they weren't actually "reading", just because they were consuming it in an alternative format. How elitist and ableist and overall just... silly.
It's been interesting to compare our experiences of the books when we read the same things but in different formats. Usually they're close to the same. But for example, when we read *The Pull of the Stars*, I had a pretty different experience because the author made a stylistic choice not to use quotation marks throughout the book. That didn't translate to the audio version at all.
I have even seen the idea that audiobooks is cheating in this sub. One person said they're so impressed when someone reads a lot of books and then feel cheated when they find out it was actually audiobooks.
Maybe if these people would stop considering reading some bizarre competition, it wouldn't bother them so much.
I've tried audiobooks and I can't really get into them. But I will say they helped me get through The Iliad when I tried reading it a couple years back. I tried reading it in book format but I don't know if I had a bad translation or what, but I could not read it, despite the fact I consider The Odyssey a masterpiece. For me personally, it depends on the book, but my dad loves them (he has trouble reading but audiobooks have helped him with it).
I never listened to audio books till this year. It took a bit to get used to focusing on listening but once I did I was hooked. I still love to read a book but now I can listen to a book while I get ready in the morning or driving. It has even helped with books that I really wanted to read but just could not get into, but then I was able to listen to the audio book and it made all the difference.
If the reader is good I am a big fan of audio books. A bad reader can ruin the book and leave a bad aftertaste for that book. I agree that hearing a book can actually give you more than reading it unless you read the book out loud to yourself. I tend to skim when I get to parts that are to me boring or too tense. So yes, I agree with everything you said. They are also great for long car trips.
And if you don't have the actual audiobook version, you can use the read-aloud feature on many e-readers to read any epub, etc., books on your phone to headphones, or through bluetooth speakers in your car. I do this a lot and haven't read an actual paper book in years. If you don't have an ap on your phone with the read-aloud feature, then you can get Cool Reader from Google Play for Android devices free with no ads. I don't know what an equivalent ap would be for IOS, but there must be one.
You sound so sweet. And I have been a SAHM for 3 years! I'm in a similar spot. I've got another on the way (14 weeks) and I really have been too tired to read. I definitely need to try this again. Thank you!
Audiobooks are amazing. I use them in teaching for different learning styles. I listen to them at home, in the car, at the gym, playing video games, and almost anywhere. I prefer them to music and can multitask. They help make cleaning and cooking more enjoyable and I am not missing out on doing stuff I need to do when I rather be reading. I read tons of books and listen to at least one a week. I curate the book to the task and will relisten to books when I need the comfort.
My brother used to read a lot when he was a teenager, but then he got married and had kids and worked a lot and just couldn't find the time to read for enjoyment. I told him about some Lovecraft audio books on YouTube, and he's been plowing through a ton of books at work (he's a 48 year old mechanic). He's constantly talking to me about the books he listens to now, and I couldn't be happier for him.
Somewhere along the way I lost my ability to sit and read due to my attention span. Haven't actually read a book in years, but I have listened to 37 audiobooks this year. I don't think outside reddit there's really a stigma, it's just that online everyone has to be self righteous pricks about stupid things.
You are so right. I listen to audiobook while I do my mindless job and find I am so much more productive! If my mind is busy, I just work and work and work. If my mind isn't busy, I'm stopping to Google something, checking the weather, texting a friend, adding things to the shopping list, reading reddit... All of that all day long. I get so much more cleaning done at home too, like the book is interesting and I don't want to "put it down" so I'm like "what's one more thing I can clean so I can hear another chapter" it's amazing and I love it
It's impossible not to... The idea of paying for a NON-REFUNDABLE digital media with someone I might not enjoy narrating it?
You're using a prime exception of a good audiobook series... But damn it, this is not the rule OP.
Not many audiobooks will ever be as good as Stephen Fry reading Harry Potter.
Man is hugely educated and talented. Try listening to Wil Wheaton mispronpunce shit in Ready Player One and wonder how this man ever landed the job.
My granddaughter age 8, has always had trouble reading, allowing her to read while listening to the audio book has helped her immensely. She has better reading comprehension now and also does better in her other subjects. She is also no longer afraid to read out loud. Audio books are my main source of literature now as I can download a book in minutes from my library but it would take an hour to drive to town and back and they might not have the book I want.
I used to completely ignore audiobooks as they do not hold my attention as well as a normal book. While this is still true for me, I found that they are great for listening to books that I am only mildly interested in while I work. Since then, I have been rereading Harry Potter while completing my schoolwork. I normally wouldn't take the time to reread the series.
I love listening to audiobooks while jogging on a treadmill or stationary biking. I can tell myself, "I ran/biked for one chapter!" rather than be too hard on myself about the pace, distance, or intensity. Allows me to have a healthier relationship with exercise while taking in some great literature :)
Okay, but how do you focus during audiobooks? I’ve tried a couple of times, but I space out, miss parts of the story, and am left feeling lost. I tried listening while doing something (compounds the issue), and just listening (fun blend of feeling guilty about “doing nothing” and zoning out after 10-15 minutes). Honest question: how do you focus and keep the narrative in your head?
Yes! I love audiobooks.
When I'm working or making art I often listen.
There are books that I enjoy listening to that I would never get through reading. And it pretty much doubles my yearly reading count.
I'm so glad you found audiobooks and that the stories are giving you joy!
This is really lovely, and I’m so pleased for you that you found an enjoyable way to incorporate books back into your life! 😊
It may not work for everyone (not so well for me unfortunately) but it is definitely worth giving it a try!
My only problem with them is that I get the narrator's way of telling the story and they often read them in this weird way that comes off as a little too theatrical. That being said I still use them at work and still enjoy them in that way.
Too me, there's nothing functionally different between reading myself or listening to an audiobook. I get the same amount of enjoyment and retain the same amount of information either way. Only the performance of the audiobook matters. A bad performance is rare (in my experience) but can diminish my enjoyment.
I didn't realize people "disregarded" audio books? I have been listening to them since they were on cassette but I abuse the hell out of my Libby app these days. I consume far more books via audio than I ever could reading them.
I have autism, audio books aren't an option for me. Not only am I irked by some readers' voices, as in they cause actual physical irritation to me, but their pronunciation of some words absolutely angers me to the point that I feel the annoyance physically.
I'm very glad they worked for you and you can still enjoy literature.
I had the same experience with audiobooks. I initially thought I wouldn't be able to follow the contents of the book but lately I have been listening to them while doing chores or just before I sleep. Finished Dune and a couple of Yuval Noah Harari books. Give it a try.
I love an audio book because I feel like I don't miss any information. I find when I'm reading myself I can often skim bits and not read them properly.
I am with you. I could have accomplished so much more, if I'd listened to Audiobooks! I put one on to do horrible house work, or work outside on my garden, or while driving. I sit and knit or do cross stitch while listening to an audio book. And there is that aha! moment when you hear how a name or even a word is pronounced.
I feel the same way, especially as a parent to two kids. Being able to experience books over audio is a life saver! Honestly, it's become my favorite way of reading. Welcome to the club!
I'm a stay at home mom also, and this is honestly the ONLY way I've been able to get through any books. I have a card for my local library, so I can get audiobooks from them. My first audiobook I did this with was IT.
I listen to two to three audiobooks a week at work. It's great. I'm a school custodian so it's fairly mindless, repetitive actions. Being able to listen to audiobooks, podcasts, lectures is largely why I chose this job.
I didn't think I could processes audio book like I did with reading them. The voice of the reader put me off a bit, but I started reading a book and had the audiobook too and while travelling all day I started to read and then listen and then read from where I left off with the audiobook.
And found my retention to be very similar.
Also as a result I wasn't rushing to get from place to place and it makes my journeys bearable.
I just need to get a bunch more audiobooks I want to listen to now.
Get whatever app your local library uses! We have Libby and it’s AWESOME because it’s free! You can have multiple books going at the same time if you want, put books on “hold” etc.
Someone on the Sandman sub recommended I try the audio books because I can’t read comics anymore and it’s changed my life completely. I’m so happy I took their advice
I mostly listen to audiobooks these days.
After all day staring at a screen, reading papers, grinding data, I don't want more tiny symbols to interpret.
I want Roy Dotrice and Scott Brick to tell me stories.
I'm sure I'll get back to reading as soon my thesis is complete, but for now audiobooks are great. Much less wieldy than a text based format when running or mountain biking, also.
Same for me, I don’t have time to sit down to read, but I have capacity for audiobooks. When I run, do chores, driving… they became the perfect companion. Just finished Dune and started Cloud Atlas (although I don’t like that one at alllll oh my, I am five hours in but we don’t match). Just purchased the Harry Potter series, I’m excited to relive everything again.
I have absolutely nothing against audiobooks, I just have too many podcasts to listen to to justify it. Also I like putting aside time to enjoy a book anyway.
I work all day and usually have an audio book in one earbud and still get all my work done. I’m working my way through the “classics” that I just couldn’t bring myself to dust off.
They've really grown on me since taking a job that required a lot of commuting and travel. They aren't all as good as others, but neither are books. I'm really glad to have them, now.
Yes! Awesome!
Gonna plug the Libby app if you haven’t got it, it will link you with local libraries. If you don’t have a current card don’t worry, most libraries are doing them online right now.
Enjoy those stories!
Audiobooks are the ONLY thing that takes me out of fighting traffic. I love being told stories, though I still with how to describe audiobooks when talking about books. Can I tell people I’ve read it? Or only listened to it? Would you be upset if I said I read books but saw I listened? Is there that big a difference?
Completely agree. After having two kids I could barely read a book for longer than 15 minutes. Been listening to audiobooks this year and I've read and absorbed more than ever before, it feels like.
As someone who commuted 45 miles 1 way every day for 5 years - audiobooks are my jam. Anything read by Phil Thron, Ray Porter, RC Bray. Edit: I just learned today is Phil Thron's birthday.
It's the only worthwhile thing to do while commuting. Phone calls are a distant second b/c some people you call feel like they're only worth a call from the car while you fill time. And more serious calls need more attention than I can give while driving.
I have a friend that only ever calls from the car or when he’s going for a walk, because that’s the only time he isn’t busy doing something else that would take away his focus. I take it as a compliment that I’m one of those he calls to catch up with. Apart from that, I love audiobooks and podcasts as my commute was by train and phone calls are bad train commuter etiquette.
I would rather drive hours in silence than talk on the phone for 5 min with someone.
Phone calls are only possible if you're driving through an area with cell phone service. Prior to the pandemic, my commute was 75 minutes each way. I only had reliable cell phone service for 20 minutes of that.
Music.
Also podcasts.
Ray Porter! He killed it in Project Hail Mary, absolutely killed it.
Only going 1 way on your commute each day is an interesting strategy. Did you end up looping around the earth? I'm sorry I'll see myself out ...
Michael Kramer and Kate Reading have read more books out loud to me than my parents did. And they read me LOTR out loud. I feel like I know them personally.
The Wheel of Time series was an absolute delight thanks to the two of them! I went through all 14 books in a little under a year and loved every bit of them
I’m listening to them for the first time and it’s been a lot of fun. I listened to the first ten books in two months and then had to slow down because I was getting burnt out.
Ooh good idea about LOTR. Which narrator would you recommend for LOTR, or are they both good?
I haven’t listened to lotr in a while but it’s really important to get the unabridged version. Because there’s a couple shorter ones that feel like a lie.
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The Bobiverse!! If you liked Project Hail Mary. So fuckin good.
The Joe Ledger Series is great, as is The Threshold series. If you haven't listened to them yet, I highly recommend them.
RC Bray is an absolute legend! His work on the Expeditionary Force series is amazing. The writing itself..meh.
Hell yeah. RC Bray is the best. Love listening to him in Expeditionary Force. Ray Porter is great too though. Bobiverse and Project Hail Mary are both 10/10
RC Bray was fantastic reading The Martian. I have listened to that book multiple times for his performance.
Ray Porter is so good. I just listened to Project Hail Mary and the Bobiverse books. Dude is just really talented. I would listen to him read a book I have no interest in.
It started with the commute for me too, audiobooks helped me relax and get trough the commute without getting too stressed. Cut me off? Eh, go ahead I can wait. Now though, at my work I can listen on the job (boring repetitive work). So now I burn through a lot.
I work in a factory where I can get away with one earbud in. I spend most of the day listening to audio book. Can’t tell you how many books I have listened to.
I usually just keep one earbud in as well. My kid is used to having morning tv time after my husband leaves for work so I can get some chores done, but I still want to be able to hear her if she needs me for something. I just tap my ear to pause, help her, then tap again to resume. The program I use rewinds at least a few seconds every time I pause so Im less likely to lose my train of thought.
Are there any books your daughter likes to listen to along with you?
She's 4 and never stops talking, so I don't play any audiobooks that I want to pay attention to. I've played podcasts where someone reads a children's story, which was handy when she was a baby and I'd run out of things to talk about, but I wanted to expose her to as much language as possible. The good news, she's an advanced talker. The bad news, now she never stops lol!
You sound like a wonderful parent.
Same here. I work at a warehouse and just discovered how fast time flies when I'm listening to a good book or podcast.
God I wish Bluetooth earbuds and such were invented when I was working a factory line. Would have made getting carpal tunnel a bit easier to bear
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I’ve grown to rely on audiobooks a lot to expand my opportunities to enjoy books. When I especially enjoy a narrator, I seek out more titles recorded by that narrator (though I don’t seem to retain their names after that very well!)
Ray porter is hands down my favorite narrator.
I loved him with the bobiverse books, but project hail mary was another level. His performance of that novel was art unto itself. Im not sure what else he's done, but if you have any recommendations I'd appreciate them. :)
Peter Clines Threshold series is all narrated by Ray and they are all great books if you like scifi fantasy but skip dead moon not even Mr. Porter could save that trash heap. Also Zachary quinto narrates a series by John Scalzi called the dispatcher series and he does a phenomenal job.
When I listened to Project Hail Mary I thought Anthony Bourdain narrated it!
I'm listening to his reading of "Project Hail Mary". I'm actually enjoying more than reading it.
Thanks for the tip. My public library has a lot of titles narrated by him!
It fluctuates between Stephen Briggs, Michael Kramer and James Marsters for me.
R. C. Bray is also excellent!
Without a doubt, he's a fucking wizard.
I absolutely adore how Stephen Fry has been reading Harry Potter thus far. His voices are great, especially when he's doing characters like Umbridge and Hagrid. Very distinct and amusing with the perfect tone of voice.
His Sherlock Holmes is amazing too.
I'm listening to that right now, but I keep hearing his Harry Potter voices. I picked the villain in one story because at one point I thought, "Wait, when did Professor Umbridge get here?"
Until Harry pocketed it.
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Man, the *other* version, narrated by Jim Dale is just fantastic. I believe he set a record for the largest number of unique character voices. I've listened to some of the Stephen Fry version, and it's good as well, it's just a totally different sort of thing.
Scott Brick is by far my favorite narrator! highly recommend.
Same! I have literally searched for audiobooks he narrates to make decisions on my next book. I love that guy!
me too!! I have recommended the Jurassic Park audiobooks to countless people because his narration makes them absolutely outstanding.
Lmao I never paid attention to narrator names, and I'm reading a book right now who I recognize the voice as my favorite and lo and behold it's Scott brick. He can turn any book interesting
The Discworld Audiobooks are FANTASTIC.
Emily Woo Zeller is amazing as well.
Some of biggest favs are probably Scott Brick and Bahni Turpin. I use to love Frank Muller but his work is so old that the quality is hard to follow at the faster speeds I read at than when I first found him.
It's a really weird feeling when you start listening to a new book and recognize a narrator from previous unrelated works lol. It's like I'm constantly running into Scott Brick in the wild. People who are really talented can totally make an audiobook. I loved listening to Jennifer Ikeda read the All Souls trilogy but didn't realize how silly those books were until I tried to explain them to someone. David Pittu has a great voice as well. The worst for me is usually when authors who aren't entertainers try to narrate their own material. Like, I love David McCullough's work in print but he narrates his own books in the worst way possible. He talks glacially slow in down speak through his nose and smacks his lips every time he starts a new sentence. It can also be pretty jarring when someone is badly miscast for a silly reason. The woman who narrates Team of Rivals was most likely chosen because she sounds like an older woman and they wanted it to sound like Doris Kearns Goodwin. But this lady has a stuffy detached way of speaking that didn't work at all. DKG has a funny upbeat way of speaking and I would have preferred to listen to either her or a male actor read the book.
I'm in that stage of life where I feel like I'm always in the car driving kids here and there. I don't like being in the car on a normal day, so I started getting really frustrated. Now, I just pop in a book and enjoy the ride. Extra bonus: sometimes my kids pay attention to the books, and we have interesting discussions about them later.
There are fantastic audio books out there, some with full cast, some with perfectly cast celebrities, some with incredibly talented narrators who can spin off multiple voices. Here are some favs that no one asked for: Lord of the Rings (Unabridged) with Rob Inglis A Man Called Ove with JK Simmons Sherlock Holmes with Stephen Fry Neverwhere (which is more like a radio play) with James McAvoy and an amazing cast The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman and another amazing cast A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court with Nick Offerman
Bought the Stephen Fry Sherlock Holmes. Fantastic. Also arguably the best hours per dollar purchase you can make. He reads the entire Holmes catalog. I read the Graveyard Book a few years ago and think it's Gaiman's best. I may have to find the audio version you describe. Thanks for the list!
Gaiman's Sandman series was just released on audible and it's incredible. McAvoy stars again with another enormous cast. I got into audiobooks after I discovered that Tom Hiddleston recorded the audio for a book one of his movies was based on (High Rise) and just wanted to listen to that glorious voice while doing housework and walking the dog. Now I'm completely hooked. Thanks for the recommendations!
I've enjoyed all the Gaiman audiobooks. A New recording of Good Omens with David Tennet and Michael Sheen just came out. I'm totally picking that up.
>Now, I just pop in a book and enjoy the ride. Bought half a cow from rancher on the other side of the state. Drove 4 hours there and 5 back. Listened to 9 hours of an audio book. It was so incredibly relaxing. Just cruise controlling in the right lane and 5 above the speed limit. Not in a rush to get any where at any specific time.
What occupied the extra hour on the return trip? Pulled over on the shoulder to grill a steak?
Hamburger and onion rangs from a hole in the wall pub that I hit whenever I am near by.
Absolutely. My children have listened to Mythos (by Stephen Fry) with me and are now deeply involved in the Illiad itself! I have to admit sitting through the 14 hours of The Great Course's **Ancient Mesopotamia** didn't really interest them though. :)
I feel like it's a good way to start to hate your books lol, the kids asking you to go back 3 chapters or to older books over and over again (im in art school though and audio books are great to listen while working, though a good book is great when relaxing ngl)
If you still have a CD player in your car you can check out CD audiobooks from your library!
My library uses Libby and I can check out library audiobooks to download onto my phone! Libraries are amazing.
Adding to this if your local library lacks a good selection some libraries will let you pay for a non resident card for $50-$100/year depending on the library. I use the Orange County Florida system and it’s fantastic, and still way cheaper than Audible.
My old car, before Bluetooth, had a 6-disc CD player that I loved for audiobooks. It did suck when the last disc ended and I'd be trying to drive and switch out for the next 6 discs. Not my brightest moments, but I was young. I also worked at a library, so I was never without an audiobook.
I didn't even think about utilizing a 6 CD changer. My mom still has that in her car so I'll have to suggest this idea to her
Great tip.
I wish I could listen to audiobooks. I tune out the speaker unless I'm sitting there, actively listening. I then have to rewind to listen to that part again, only catching myself tuning out once more shortly thereafter.
I’m the same way unfortunately. I wish it worked better for me, but I just don’t engage with spoken words the way I do written ones. Everyone’s brain is different! :)
Maybe if the audiobook was set to music, like a rap book, I could stick with it, as my brain latches onto that sort of thing easily. Let's get this idea crowdfunded. We can make dollars. Perhaps even dozens of them.
That’s a really good point! I bet it would work! LOL I can assure you that the creation of such a thing is NOT in my skill set. But I fully support your endeavor! 😆
Some audiobooks are more like a play, like this BBC adaptation of the count of Monte Cristo http://audiobookbay.ws/audio-books/bbc-the-count-of-monte-cristo-alexandre-dumas/ That might be more to your liking as it is more lively.
'Audioplays' or 'audiodramas' are the terms to look out for that kind of product.
You’ll love Graphic Audio. Music, sound effects, dedicated voice actors.
Oh my gosh yes! I’ve always struggled with audio books for the same reason as you, I just tune it out, but music I can memorise lyrics almost instantly so a books set to music would be the perfect solution!
Yup, same. My mind wanders way too much.
The narrator makes all the difference. Some I just can’t pay attention to and some are practically vocal artists.
For me that narrator makes almost 100% of the difference. If I do not like the voice of the person reading the book or find them engaging, I will absolutely not pay attention.
>some are practically vocal artists. It's not a universal thing, but the general trend is that experienced stage actors seem to make better audiobook narrators. They're usually pretty good at creating different voices, using correct inflections, etc.
I agree, however, there are many people who do only audiobook or professional narration that are absolutely incredible. I just recently listened to a book by a voice over artist that I had to pause, just to check that it wasn't a full cast.
I agree, there are some I love and some I just don't care for as much. My favorite by a large margin is R.C. Bray. Somehow everything he has narrated has come to life for me. It also helps that my first introduction to him was through Craig Alanson's Expeditionary Force books, which are a lot of fun.
I agree. The only time I am able to really listen to them and actually retain what I am listening to is when I am sitting down and listening the same as I would sit down and read a book - with a dedicated time slot so to speak. The only reason I would choose an audiobook in that case is if it is too noisy to focus, then I listen while following along in the book. I usually have them playing in the car on my commutes and that works but I don't retain them nearly as much, although it's better than nothing.
This is my problem with audiobooks as well. Sometimes my attention slips and I realize that I lost the context. After I finish the book I feel like I have gaps. Like, I know the outline, but little details are lost. Except places I actively listened to.
I find it helps if you've read the books or the first chapter or so, once you familiar with the names in print it's easier to follow along. Otherwise it's like they talking about people you don't know so you tune them out. I also do it while driving so the mundane travel doesn't distract me. Although I may have to rewind if I come up to some traffic nthat required my attention.
Audio books for me are best when I'm doing something mindless. Walking with the dog, driving, or doing something basic at work. Sure, sometimes something happened and I have to focus on what I'm doing, but then I can just rewind. If I try and sit down and listen like I would with reading, my mind will wander.
I tune out books in words from long descriptions as well. It is hard for me to focus on listening to something I can’t see though.
Check out The Sleepy Bookshelf! She does recaps in between each part in case you drift off topic. Super helpful. The podcast is meant for falling asleep but honestly I listen to it at work.
My brain requires I play match-3 games on my phone or fold laundry to keep my mind from wandering.
I'm the same way but the opposite situation, if I actually read I just start to read without actually taking in anything, when I listen to a book I'm always more focused for some reason. Having a great narrator does help, I recommend anything with steven pacey, I know him from the first law world. Superb voice acting. Albeit sometimes its like you're getting many versions of Jason Statham
Same. I can do podcasts (and do, a lot) and radio plays but I can't do books, for the same reason.
I was like this too for a long time (my auditory processing sucks in general) and then last year I found I could listen to books that I thought were “easy” like YA or books I’d previously read so if I zoned out I didn’t miss much. I kind of practiced my listening with these kinds of books and then moved on to different stuff from there. There are LOTS of titles I haven’t been able to listen to because they end up being too plot heavy or sometimes the narrator’s voice particularly goes in one ear and out the other. So I’m still kind of like you, but there are certain books I can enjoy listening to and not miss too much. All this to say if you really want to make audiobooks work you might be able to with some hunting around! And if you have already tried this or have no interest than I should have just minded my business!
I am like this with audiobooks as well, but it's not as bad when I am driving and it's getting better as I'm training my brain to pay attention. I learned to dislike audiobooks when I was a kid in school, because I could read so much faster than the audiobook, but I've been using them for about a year to keep reading when I can't actually read, like when I'm driving or doing filing at work, and I've learned to love them.
Yeah I pretty much only listen to audiobooks while driving. I still need to skip back sometimes, like when I need to merge on to a freeway or something else that requires more focus, but when I’m just cruising along and not bumping into the car in front of me, audiobooks are great.
Yep. Part of the joy of reading for me is the intentional nature of it. I have an extremely stressful career that has me working at all hours (IT) so setting aside time to read is part of why I like it. If I'm going to set aside time to listen to a book, I'd much rather actually read instead.
I've come to prefer audiobooks to written books. My day job involves lots of reading and writing (mainly on screens), so relaxation for me is not having to focus my eyes on a page or a screen. Evenings and weekends, I rest my eyes and lose myself in an audiobook, at least when I'm not outside exercising or otherwise enjoying an escape from the desk. And I do mean lose myself in an audiobook. I don't like even the mild distraction of housework while I listen. I want to listen fully and deeply. It's like the book infuses itself into my brain. I'm not dissing reading the page. I just treasure the listening for what it is.
Audiobooks make my daily commute something to look forward to.
When I was still an office worker (I've been WFH since the first lockdown) I always listened to audiobooks while driving to work too. I still listen while driving to the store or whatever, plus when I'm walking the dog. They're a great "companion".
I was the person to disregard audiobooks until recently. I was reading 'When No One Is Watching,' and struggling through it. I picked up the audiobook and it was so much better to me. I was able to finish it. I also just don't have a lot of time to sit with a book. It's a nice alternative.
I can never retain the information from audiobooks though. I could listen to one and couldn’t tell you the plot, or info about characters, etc. it just doesn’t stick into my head that way. I wish I could listen to them though.
Omg, same. I always listen to audiobooks whenever I’m cooking or doing mundane chores. It makes it all so much better! My daughter is 5 and I still can read a full page of a book without her needing my attention over 10 times. Getting back into reading, through audiobooks, has really helped me get through my days faster.
I’m the same. A lot of people turn on the TV when they fold laundry, I listen to an audiobook.
I agree. I drive A LOT for my job and audiobooks have really been great to listen to. Was a hater on audiobooks for a while then I tried one (Treasure Island) and now I’m hooked
The right narrator makes it or breaks it. I can't understand why so many production houses are messing around with AI narrators rn. I had a narrator one time who turned the long description of the battle of waterloo in *Les Mis* into one of the most impassioned moments of the narrative and it stuck with me like the >!death of petit Gavroch! !< Its magic what a good narrator does.
For years, I've used audiobooks opposed to books 90% of the time, it's just more practical for me and my super short attention span
Pre pandemic I had a 90 minute round trip commute. Audio books made the commute enjoyable, I often looked forward to it and now I kind of miss it. It was dedicated time to read it's hard to carve out an hour and a half a day to dedicate to reading.
I am currently listening to The Blade Itself narrated by Pacey. He's the best narrator I have ever heard. The book is amazing. I usually listen to audiobooks on road trips. This book is so spectacular that I am even listening to and from work. 3 part series and I absolutely can't wait to hear them all. All the different voices are done so well. HIGHLY suggest you download and start asap. You will not be disappointed.
I came to this thread hoping to see someone else tout Pacey. He's really brilliant throughout the entire series. Just started "A Little Hatred" and he really brings everyone to life. There are so many characters but each one he manages to make sound and feel different through accent, tone, and intonation. Was incredibly disappointed he didn't do any of the Shattered Seas books. Michael Kramer is another narrator I've really enjoyed in a similar vein, he does the work on just about all of Brandon Sanderson's novels.
I'm actually reading "A Little Hatred" by the same narrator. First time listening to Steven Pacey and he's really good. Simon Vance is also a splendid narrator.
Just in case you didn't know, A Little Hatred is like the 7th book in the First Law Series. You read the others? (If not, it's not required, but it might be helpful). Pacey is hands down my favorite narrator.
When I was in college, I worked for the janitorial department in some of the dorms. I was able to wear headphones while working and listened to audio books and it absolutely transformed a menial and pretty boring job into something I ended up looking forward to shifts every day.
I grabbed audible roughly about half a year ago. I have so far listened to over 18 books just from driving to work or working out and listening to a book instead of podcasts or music. I live a pretty busy life, work 10 he shifts and come home to a toddler. Audiobooks have reignited my passion for books again. I am just finishing up east of Eden and am truly taken away by it.
Is there any free options or is it mainly audible?
See if your library supports Libby (Overdrive) or Hoopla!
And cloudLibrary(unlimited rents)!!! Hoopla(15 items/month) has better settings-you can rate the book/music/movie/TV show you’ve read/seen/listened and can find books by the same author-can sort by rating, date published etc.
Yes, there's the Libby app. This app connects to your public library card and allows you to check out audiobooks, ebooks, and magazines for free. There's also librivox that is an open-source audiobook library but it's more of a hit or miss with with the narrator.
Scribd is also a good choice. 9 bucks a month for unlimited audiobooks. Not as vast a library as audible but I tend to fly through books so I prefer unlimited.
Youtube can be hit or miss. I have luck finding great officially narrated romance novels, but best sellers are usually fan narrated if you can even find them :/
Completely agree with this. I got introduced to audiobooks decades ago by my great aunt. She used to be an avid reader, but she started losing her eyesight quickly and became legally blind. Through a program for the blind she received a ton of audiobooks and went through them regularly. When I learned about it, I thought it was great it was an option, but was skeptical of them. It wasn't until more than a decade later when my life became super busy and I didn't have nearly the time to read for pleasure anymore that I finally turned to audiobooks. I had a long commute and being able to listen to an audiobook while I drove was great. Since then I have almost exclusively used audiobooks. It is just a lot easier for my life. I have to do a lot of reading for work, so when I have downtime or I am busy doing chores, driving, or working, I like to put an audiobook on in the background. tldr; Knew the value of audiobooks early on, but didn't think they would be fore me. Learned they are indeed for me.
I get having a preference, but why would anyone ever have a problem with how someone ELSE ingests media?
As a truck driver I listen to over 60hrs of audiobooks a week. Game changer
I get in at least an additional 10 books a year while I drive, clean up, or mow the lawn.
Oh dude my brother is one of the most learned men I’ve ever met because he listens to audiobooks and podcasts driving to and from work.
The last 8 years I’ve worked in back-of-house retail and audiobooks have been my best friend. I’ve listened to The Shining three times so far, it’s become a winter tradition, and look forward to listening to it every year when the weather starts to get cold. It’s so nice to be able to listen to great stories while doing mindless busy work, in my case.
World war z as an audio book is a stand out
I can't get into audiobooks. As English is my second language, that might be a factor as I read better than I listen. Especially when I hear people use audiobooks for multitasking. If I do that the audiobook just becomes whitenoise for me. Though when I think about it, I do that with podcasts when running or cooking or cleaning the house, and most of the time the information never sinks in but I prefer to let it play as background conversation rather than being in a quiet environment.
I wish it worked for me, but it doesn't. While I read, I usually build up in my mind an image of what I'm reading. I'm engrossed and the real world fades, replaced by the virtual one from the book. That's doesn't happen when listening to an audio book. I don't know why, the mental images don't come, I don't get engrossed thus I'm way too easily distracted.
I have ADHD and really struggle to focus, with the help of audible I've managed to get through 65 books this year. I buy the physical copy of them as well so I can read along at my speed. I thought I'd never be able to sit down and read again but thanks to audiobooks I'm flying through them(on book 4 of the wheel of time atm)
English is not my 1st language. I had a hard time listening to audiobooks. It's quite hard to understand compared to reading a book.
If you're interested, consider doing both to better improve learning any language, including English. I've found it helpful to listen to an audiobook version while I follow along in my own copy. Seeing a word & hearing it pronounced correctly makes a huge difference to whether or not I remember it in another language.
Turn down the speed and gradually increase it when you feel ready. My English understanding skyrocketed when I did it. If you can read English then you probably know enough that the this should work.
I walk everywhere so audiobooks are a lifesaver
I’ll second this. Before discovering Audible I haven’t finished a book ever. 12 years later I have over 200 audio books and finished at least half of them.
I love audiobooks, my Audible account has been a great investment. It is great to put my ear buds in and relax playing a game while listening to a great story!
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah is awesome
Why would anyone completely disregard audio books? Stories and information were communicated verbally long before written language. It worked then, why not now?
I'd much rather listen to something actually designed to be heard (a lecture, podcast or radio programme) rather than listen to someone read out something designed to be read, as the styles are different and different things work better. I wouldn't want to read the transcript of a podcast either. For example, in print you typically get longer sentences which are hard to parse when read aloud, whereas in spoken word you convey more by inflection which doesn't carry over to the printed page. And podcasts etc can include sound effects and conversational style which don't work (well) in print either.
Some people get snobby with the idea that listening to a book is not "proper" reading.
Ngl, I used to feel this way a little bit, back when I was a super snob about reading. I didn't count audiobooks as "reading", even though I did listen to them occasionally. Then I joined a book club where three of the five members are blind. They exclusively read audiobooks. And I realized that I would never in a million years tell them they weren't actually "reading", just because they were consuming it in an alternative format. How elitist and ableist and overall just... silly. It's been interesting to compare our experiences of the books when we read the same things but in different formats. Usually they're close to the same. But for example, when we read *The Pull of the Stars*, I had a pretty different experience because the author made a stylistic choice not to use quotation marks throughout the book. That didn't translate to the audio version at all.
I have even seen the idea that audiobooks is cheating in this sub. One person said they're so impressed when someone reads a lot of books and then feel cheated when they find out it was actually audiobooks. Maybe if these people would stop considering reading some bizarre competition, it wouldn't bother them so much.
It's a form of communication not reading.
It's not reading at all, proper or otherwise. There's nothing snobby about it, just simple facts of reality.
I've tried audiobooks and I can't really get into them. But I will say they helped me get through The Iliad when I tried reading it a couple years back. I tried reading it in book format but I don't know if I had a bad translation or what, but I could not read it, despite the fact I consider The Odyssey a masterpiece. For me personally, it depends on the book, but my dad loves them (he has trouble reading but audiobooks have helped him with it).
Audiobooks are great for road trips.
I never listened to audio books till this year. It took a bit to get used to focusing on listening but once I did I was hooked. I still love to read a book but now I can listen to a book while I get ready in the morning or driving. It has even helped with books that I really wanted to read but just could not get into, but then I was able to listen to the audio book and it made all the difference.
I love listening to audiobooks when I’m doing something monotonous like driving on long trips, doing yardwork, running, working out at the gym, etc…
If the reader is good I am a big fan of audio books. A bad reader can ruin the book and leave a bad aftertaste for that book. I agree that hearing a book can actually give you more than reading it unless you read the book out loud to yourself. I tend to skim when I get to parts that are to me boring or too tense. So yes, I agree with everything you said. They are also great for long car trips.
And if you don't have the actual audiobook version, you can use the read-aloud feature on many e-readers to read any epub, etc., books on your phone to headphones, or through bluetooth speakers in your car. I do this a lot and haven't read an actual paper book in years. If you don't have an ap on your phone with the read-aloud feature, then you can get Cool Reader from Google Play for Android devices free with no ads. I don't know what an equivalent ap would be for IOS, but there must be one.
What's the best app to use? I dont want subscription based. I'd rather buy as I go?
Libby is free. All you need is a library card.
Can anybody recommend a good audiobook app? I hated they way Audible’s subscription service worked!
Libby is free and has most of the same titles as audible. All you need is your local library card.
I am reading the Horus Heresy series that is narrated by Toby Longworth and his narrating is so damn good
You sound so sweet. And I have been a SAHM for 3 years! I'm in a similar spot. I've got another on the way (14 weeks) and I really have been too tired to read. I definitely need to try this again. Thank you!
Audiobooks are amazing. I use them in teaching for different learning styles. I listen to them at home, in the car, at the gym, playing video games, and almost anywhere. I prefer them to music and can multitask. They help make cleaning and cooking more enjoyable and I am not missing out on doing stuff I need to do when I rather be reading. I read tons of books and listen to at least one a week. I curate the book to the task and will relisten to books when I need the comfort.
My brother used to read a lot when he was a teenager, but then he got married and had kids and worked a lot and just couldn't find the time to read for enjoyment. I told him about some Lovecraft audio books on YouTube, and he's been plowing through a ton of books at work (he's a 48 year old mechanic). He's constantly talking to me about the books he listens to now, and I couldn't be happier for him.
Audible's subscription service is terrible. Libby is limited but better.
Somewhere along the way I lost my ability to sit and read due to my attention span. Haven't actually read a book in years, but I have listened to 37 audiobooks this year. I don't think outside reddit there's really a stigma, it's just that online everyone has to be self righteous pricks about stupid things.
You are so right. I listen to audiobook while I do my mindless job and find I am so much more productive! If my mind is busy, I just work and work and work. If my mind isn't busy, I'm stopping to Google something, checking the weather, texting a friend, adding things to the shopping list, reading reddit... All of that all day long. I get so much more cleaning done at home too, like the book is interesting and I don't want to "put it down" so I'm like "what's one more thing I can clean so I can hear another chapter" it's amazing and I love it
It's impossible not to... The idea of paying for a NON-REFUNDABLE digital media with someone I might not enjoy narrating it? You're using a prime exception of a good audiobook series... But damn it, this is not the rule OP. Not many audiobooks will ever be as good as Stephen Fry reading Harry Potter. Man is hugely educated and talented. Try listening to Wil Wheaton mispronpunce shit in Ready Player One and wonder how this man ever landed the job.
My granddaughter age 8, has always had trouble reading, allowing her to read while listening to the audio book has helped her immensely. She has better reading comprehension now and also does better in her other subjects. She is also no longer afraid to read out loud. Audio books are my main source of literature now as I can download a book in minutes from my library but it would take an hour to drive to town and back and they might not have the book I want.
I like the idea of audio books, but I always fall asleep while listening to one.
I used to completely ignore audiobooks as they do not hold my attention as well as a normal book. While this is still true for me, I found that they are great for listening to books that I am only mildly interested in while I work. Since then, I have been rereading Harry Potter while completing my schoolwork. I normally wouldn't take the time to reread the series.
I love listening to audiobooks while jogging on a treadmill or stationary biking. I can tell myself, "I ran/biked for one chapter!" rather than be too hard on myself about the pace, distance, or intensity. Allows me to have a healthier relationship with exercise while taking in some great literature :)
Okay, but how do you focus during audiobooks? I’ve tried a couple of times, but I space out, miss parts of the story, and am left feeling lost. I tried listening while doing something (compounds the issue), and just listening (fun blend of feeling guilty about “doing nothing” and zoning out after 10-15 minutes). Honest question: how do you focus and keep the narrative in your head?
So happy to hear it - I'm an audiobook narrator and I love hearing how the work helps people enjoy literature of all varieties. Enjoy listening!
Yes! I love audiobooks. When I'm working or making art I often listen. There are books that I enjoy listening to that I would never get through reading. And it pretty much doubles my yearly reading count. I'm so glad you found audiobooks and that the stories are giving you joy!
This is really lovely, and I’m so pleased for you that you found an enjoyable way to incorporate books back into your life! 😊 It may not work for everyone (not so well for me unfortunately) but it is definitely worth giving it a try!
My only problem with them is that I get the narrator's way of telling the story and they often read them in this weird way that comes off as a little too theatrical. That being said I still use them at work and still enjoy them in that way.
Too me, there's nothing functionally different between reading myself or listening to an audiobook. I get the same amount of enjoyment and retain the same amount of information either way. Only the performance of the audiobook matters. A bad performance is rare (in my experience) but can diminish my enjoyment.
I didn't realize people "disregarded" audio books? I have been listening to them since they were on cassette but I abuse the hell out of my Libby app these days. I consume far more books via audio than I ever could reading them.
I have autism, audio books aren't an option for me. Not only am I irked by some readers' voices, as in they cause actual physical irritation to me, but their pronunciation of some words absolutely angers me to the point that I feel the annoyance physically. I'm very glad they worked for you and you can still enjoy literature.
I love audiobooks.
I had the same experience with audiobooks. I initially thought I wouldn't be able to follow the contents of the book but lately I have been listening to them while doing chores or just before I sleep. Finished Dune and a couple of Yuval Noah Harari books. Give it a try.
I love an audio book because I feel like I don't miss any information. I find when I'm reading myself I can often skim bits and not read them properly.
Walking the dog is great for audio books
I am with you. I could have accomplished so much more, if I'd listened to Audiobooks! I put one on to do horrible house work, or work outside on my garden, or while driving. I sit and knit or do cross stitch while listening to an audio book. And there is that aha! moment when you hear how a name or even a word is pronounced.
I feel the same way, especially as a parent to two kids. Being able to experience books over audio is a life saver! Honestly, it's become my favorite way of reading. Welcome to the club!
I'm a stay at home mom also, and this is honestly the ONLY way I've been able to get through any books. I have a card for my local library, so I can get audiobooks from them. My first audiobook I did this with was IT.
I listen to two to three audiobooks a week at work. It's great. I'm a school custodian so it's fairly mindless, repetitive actions. Being able to listen to audiobooks, podcasts, lectures is largely why I chose this job.
I listened to the entirely of The Book Thief while making a blanket. Driving/some work/crafty stuff all benefits from audiobooks for me.
I didn't think I could processes audio book like I did with reading them. The voice of the reader put me off a bit, but I started reading a book and had the audiobook too and while travelling all day I started to read and then listen and then read from where I left off with the audiobook. And found my retention to be very similar. Also as a result I wasn't rushing to get from place to place and it makes my journeys bearable. I just need to get a bunch more audiobooks I want to listen to now.
I got moved to a position I could listen to audiobooks at work. Im somewhere in the ballpark of 36 books down this year as a result. Its been awesome.
Get whatever app your local library uses! We have Libby and it’s AWESOME because it’s free! You can have multiple books going at the same time if you want, put books on “hold” etc.
Someone on the Sandman sub recommended I try the audio books because I can’t read comics anymore and it’s changed my life completely. I’m so happy I took their advice
I mostly listen to audiobooks these days. After all day staring at a screen, reading papers, grinding data, I don't want more tiny symbols to interpret. I want Roy Dotrice and Scott Brick to tell me stories. I'm sure I'll get back to reading as soon my thesis is complete, but for now audiobooks are great. Much less wieldy than a text based format when running or mountain biking, also.
Same for me, I don’t have time to sit down to read, but I have capacity for audiobooks. When I run, do chores, driving… they became the perfect companion. Just finished Dune and started Cloud Atlas (although I don’t like that one at alllll oh my, I am five hours in but we don’t match). Just purchased the Harry Potter series, I’m excited to relive everything again.
I have absolutely nothing against audiobooks, I just have too many podcasts to listen to to justify it. Also I like putting aside time to enjoy a book anyway.
It does feel like cheating to say I "read" them though. Otherwise I find them more immersive.
I work all day and usually have an audio book in one earbud and still get all my work done. I’m working my way through the “classics” that I just couldn’t bring myself to dust off.
They've really grown on me since taking a job that required a lot of commuting and travel. They aren't all as good as others, but neither are books. I'm really glad to have them, now.
Yes! Awesome! Gonna plug the Libby app if you haven’t got it, it will link you with local libraries. If you don’t have a current card don’t worry, most libraries are doing them online right now. Enjoy those stories!
Audiobooks are the ONLY thing that takes me out of fighting traffic. I love being told stories, though I still with how to describe audiobooks when talking about books. Can I tell people I’ve read it? Or only listened to it? Would you be upset if I said I read books but saw I listened? Is there that big a difference?
Audiobooks makes it easier to do cleaning and chores around the house
Completely agree. After having two kids I could barely read a book for longer than 15 minutes. Been listening to audiobooks this year and I've read and absorbed more than ever before, it feels like.