I can’t remember when I first encountered audiobooks. I remember being a very small child and there was a telephone number you could dial to get a story read. Then later there were books on tape that my grandma got when her sight deteriorated. It was probably in my early twenties that I realised that audiobooks were not just for children or the elderly but for anybody.
These days I am an unrepentant audiobook addict. In fact, there are some weeks when I get through more audiobooks than ebooks or paperbacks. I tend to go through 5-6 a month, mostly from Audible, sometimes from BBC Go. Like many who struggle to sleep, I’ve found the early hours can be a lonely time. There’s something disheartening about giving up the quest for slumber, putting on the light and grabbing a book. Turning to an audiobook is much more satisfying. You can while away the early hours and still have the possibility of drifting off.
A few times I’ve drifted off listening to a thriller. I’ve had some very odd dreams as a result. I’ve learned that sleep timer is a early-hours-audiobook-listener’s best friend!
Audiobooks are also the perfect tonic for tired eyes. There are some days when I am almost glued to a computer screen from dawn until dusk. Being able to close my eyes and absorb a wonderful story as I rest my weary peepers is, frankly, bliss.
I shy away from those audiobooks that are like a performance but, nonetheless, there are some books that I feel have been enhanced by the audio experience. Skippy Dies, The Other Hand (known as Little Bee in the US, I believe) and Turn Up for the Book – these were all great stories but their narration added a whole new dimension.
I even have a favourite narrator these days! Sean Barrett is so adept at the role that I have been known to choose books on the basis of him being the narrator! He must pick his roles well because I’ve enjoyed them all so far.
Of course, I delight in paperbacks and love ebooks nearly as much but my audiobook heaven has made the world of literature even more joyous for me.
(Photo credit: yum9me)
What are your thoughts about audiobooks?
- Audiobook Events for June Is Audiobook Month (karenwhiteaudiobooks.com)
- AUDIOBOOK WEEK: What Makes a Good Narrator (readinginwinter.wordpress.com)
- Bardowl iPhone app wants to be ‘Spotify for audiobooks’ (guardian.co.uk)
**Please note that guest posts and columns reflect the opinions of the individual author and not The Indie Exchange as a whole. Also note, The Indie Exchange uses affiliate links to offset the costs of hosting etc.**
Latest posts by Donna Brown (see all)
- Join our social network! - May 19, 2013
- The Great Gatsby Infographic - May 13, 2013
- Christine Nolfi: Launch Your Book with Great Reviews - January 31, 2013
I love to listen to audio books when traveling in the car, other than that I can't pay attention to things I'm listening very well. hehe I've ONLY read Sue Grafton's novels on audio book and I love it when I find a good voice actor. Do they ever list all the books a voice actor has read?
On Audible you can now see 'By the same author' and 'By the same narrator', which I love!
I used to listen to audiobooks in the car when I was working. I find that for some reason that is the only time I can fully hear the story – even though I am doing something that requires my complete attention! If I'm cleaning the house or just trying to relax I will realize that I've missed a good chunk of the story.
There are some series that I did prefer on audio though. I really like The No. 1 Ladies Detection Agency books by Alexander McCall Smith because I loved the accent and I had no clue how to pronounce the names when I was reading. Hearing it really added a lot to the experience.
I've heard people rave about those books – I really must read them one day!
I should get into audiobooks :) Would get through a lot more books.
It's disheartening knowing you'd rather listen to your beloved Sean narrate a book than me with my beautiful Yorkshire accent :)
I'll listen to you until the cows come home Yorkshire boy!
I should seriously consider finding the time to listen to my audiobooks intently, I agree that this is such a relaxing way to end a stressful day! Thanks for your insights.