I have never listened to an audiobook. Am I the only one? What am I missing?
I have never listened to an audiobook. Am I the only one? What am I missing?
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I have never listened to an audiobook. Am I the only one? What am I missing?
I listen to them while at work. It helps to pass time and drown out the drama.
I really like them for autobiographies when they’re read by the subject! Or light reading that I can already tell I’m not going to want to take back. I don’t feel like I’m “reading” but it’s a nice break from music or my wonky podcasts.
It’s a rage-saver in my commutes and passes the time on the treadmill well. I like to listen while I’m filing or crafting too, if the work isn’t complicated. Rescues hours I’d rather be reading but for life getting in the way!
Makes car drives go by so quickly. Can’t wait to drive tomorrow to finish a book!!
Me too – 20 minutes left and it’s not family friendly so I had to wait for the holiday weekend to be over
I started listening to them while walking, enjoyed it so much I now listen to them while driving, gardening, and various other activities. For me, it is important the narrator is good at telling a story. I have run across a couple I did not enjoy listening to so put the book on my TBR list to read instead. It took me a couple to get used to listening instead of reading.
Nothing! I attempted on an 11 hr ride to listen to water for elephants and for about two hrs in a decided it wasn’t moving fast enough. I switch to the radio and put the book on hold
Audio books are, overall, awesome.
That said, some audio books suck.
I listen to many (I drive a lot during my work day and love road trips, so always have at least a couple audiobooks in my car; I also like them while gardening, or doing something where I want to be entertained but can’t read – like crocheting or something).
I tryed once could not stay with it….
I haven’t either.
With all due respect you should try it. It is the only way I can read.
@Nettie Maybe I will!
The exact same book you can read, but read to you.
I don’t know how I ever did housework before audiobooks.
It depends on if you can stay focused. Especially if your driving for a long time or have the kind of job that allows you to work and listen. I love them.
Try one! You won’t be sorry!
I commute and LUV audiobooks! They keep me sane!
Me neither. I love my books too much. I refuse to do e-readers too. ?
I love E-readers! I was a hardcore paper book woman too but then lighting and word size and white pages started hurting my eyes. Plus, while I’m in the bed and it’s dark and I’m all nice and cozy, I can buy a book right there! yay!
@Pamela I like to be able to adjust the print size, too. So many of the “real” books I order have such small print!
I know. You’re right @Pamela. I’m just being stubborn!! ?
Don’t get me wrong. I still buy the paper version of everything I read on an E-reader because I have an irrational fear of electronic book burning. paper books are as good as gold bars to me.
I am hooked. Some are better than others. I love the Harry Bosch books read by Titus Welliver who plays him on the TV series.
Books while doing chores.. walking the dog, laundry, shopping…sometimes, I just don’t have the time to sit and just read.
I haven’t either.
Me neither
I’m a visual learner. I don’t comprehend as well if I just listen. I stick to books
This may be me, too. Just like some people will only read tangible books, I might have to read the words to stay focused.
You gotta do what works for you
They’re great for commuting, working out, working in the garden, crafting… I love them!
Started them this year, love it!
I can’t. I’d fall asleep.
My mind wanders too much.
I love the audio books. Especially when it’s written well and you have a narrator that can create enough inflection to seperate the characters. It creates a visual JUST LIKE reading. But let’s you do other things. Chores or I use it at work for repetitive number projects. But, I also love physical books. But I usually do audio so I can work or craft at the same time.
Me too on the crafting! As I listen I really need to have something to do with my hands! There are some really great voices reading books for audio!
Thanks everyone for your thoughtful responses. I don’t commute. I am retired, but I was a teacher so I couldn’t have listened there. I do crafts, and housework, so I think that’s when I could give it a try. I’ll check out the library’s collection!
I love them while crocheting, walking, driving, cleaning–you name it.
See if your library offers apps like Hoopla or Libby. Libby has a lot of the newer books.
Love them. I do prefer physical books but with the amount of books I want to read audio books are a necessity. Perfect for chores, walking etc. though the narrator is key.
Agree!!! If the narration sucks, I can’t do it! It’s definitely dependent on the narration!
I haven’t either. I’ve never really thought trying them, I’m definitely not against it.
Audible is amazing!
Agreed! Do you listen to samples to be sure of the reader?
I can’t do audible books. I zone out and can’t pay attention. Reading the words I stay focused.
I’ve never listened to one either
Me neither
My family loves them on long road trips. That is the only time I listen to them.
I listened to The Revenant because it was slow to get into, I loved being able to listen in the car and working out
i adore them. 20 years ago i bought books on tape to listen to on road trips … my dad bought them too and we’d trade cause they were expensive……. and now i ADORE listening to books …. during exercise, showers, chores….
I haven’t either. I don’t like the monotone of it all.
Try a different narrator; makes all the difference!
@Sandra thank you for the tip! ?
You’re welcome! Do you like memoirs? I found that some read by their own authors are particularly engaging.
@Sandra you know I did hear that. I didn’t know they were called memoirs. I’ll check those out.
I read faster than people talk so i find audio books annoying.
I do speed up narration from time to time. Since I usually listen while driving, I’m still ahead of the game since those are hours I couldn’t visually read a book anyway.
My commute is like five minutes or I would totally listen while driving. During the school year I only get to read for ten or fifteen minutes before bed.
Yeah, five minutes wouldn’t work out for me either! I’ve got 45 to 55 one way. I also read a lot for my job so my reading time would be seriously curtailed without audiobooks to tide me over. If I had those driving hours back I’d read at twice the speed but I’m grateful to have something to give me back at least part of that time.
I have 2 Audible credits that I tried to use today, and I really couldn’t stand listening to the samples. It was awful hearing this voice reading to me. I don’t think it’s for me.
I felt the same way the first book I tried to listen to was The Power of Now read by the author. It was awful. Then I listened to This is Me by Chrissy Metz and Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis. They were awesome
I just finished reading Girl, Wash Your Face!
@Dyanne I love Rachel Hollis. I follow all of her social media. She has helped me to see past a lot of crap life has thrown my way.
I wish this book had been around when I was younger, raising my kids!
I listen to those and they are pretty awesome
I can’t stand it. Podcast are so much better
Not my cup of tea.
It seems fine for descriptive writing, but a narrator reading dialogue seems problematic. Tone and inflection can give a character’s words meaning and create an impression that might not have been the same had I read them myself.
I love them! You can drive, workout, sleep, shop!!!
Books are my safety, my security blanket, my self medication, what soothes my anxiety and now I can have one constantly!
I’ve even checked out digital and audio simultaneously from my library and gone back and forth. I find that physically reading is more comforting and immersive, but audiobooks are the next best thing.
You can check them out free from the library, so there’s nothing to lose in trying them.
I live in two cities (Tulsa and Sydney) so I have two libraries to check out digital and audiobooks!
They are wonderful in the car, all that time driving is not wasted. Instead of being annoyed at constant ads on radio stations I listen to great books. It slows me down, I don’t rush around bc I want to hear more of the book.
It absolutely depends on the book and the reader for me and I know within 5 minutes. There are some people who have a gift for reading audiobooks
I listened to a Thomas Hardy novel on audiobook ONLY because it was read by Alan Rickman. Otherwise, I just can’t concentrate on them enough, so I choose paper over audio.
Now I have to go find that!
Yeah, I could listen to him read the phone book. ?
I miss him. ?
Me too. I was devastated when he died.
I listen in the car, when traveling, when cooking and knitting.i like both
I’ve only listened to one because a friend gave it to me since she knew I have a 30 minute one way drive to work. To Kill A Mockingbird read by Sissy Spacek. It was so good I haven’t tried another because nothing could measure up to that!!
You will find yourself finishing books at an unprecedented rate. Also, you’re more likely to remember and recite portions of what you have heard.
I would say you’re not missing anything. But good to give them a try to see if its something you like. I like physical books compared to audio books. But I always try out something new and different to know if I want to use them.
Can’t do it. Can’t focus
I’m like that, too.
Nope
I haven’t either.
They tend to put me to sleep. Not good when driving.
I like it because I can listen in the car or waiting room, garden or hammock.
I’ve listened to many books that I would’ve never had the time to read. I go into withdrawal if I don’t have one. Great on trips etc.
No you aren’t, I always hated having some read to me. When I’m driving, it is music.
I never have.
We like to listen to them on road trips!
I love them but i nod off. Best cure for insomnia.
I love listening to the classics on audio as I find them much easier to follow that way. Sometimes the language is unfamiliar and having a reader really helps. I think it’s a great way to read.
I thought I’d hate them because I truly enjoy the reading experience. However, I do really enjoy them, but only for certain types of books. It makes it so much easier to cover more books because I can actually multitask and listen while cooking, cleaning, driving, etc. I have suddenly grown to love it! I still have my books that I actually read before bed or in my down time, but I use audiobooks every single day now too!
Love them
A lot!
I haven’t either. I do intend to try one soon though!
I havent either.
I just can’t get into them
Nothing?? I personally hate them ormaybe I just havent found the right onr
They’re great for road trips.
I don’t think you’re missing much.
I don’t care for them because I’m a visual and tactile person.
I love listening to audiobooks when im doing the housework and gardening. It makes time fly!
Depends on the accent of the reader, I found out. Cannot listen to American English (even books by my favourite USA authors :-(), love when it is a slightly Irish accent. (And same in Dutch – in French I seem to be more tolerant toward regional variations in accents and would be more sensitive to pitch and tone, but it is my mother tongue)
I would have trouble listening to books spoken by my favorite Indian authors; the accents are too hard for me.
I only listen to books after trying to read them. My reading comprehension isn’t the best, especially for “old English” like Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, etc. So I usually end up listening to books like that because I understand them better that way. Also, I bought a book of Maya Angelou poems on audiobook because they were read by her, and I love that woman’s voice! If Morgan Freeman ever does a reading, let me know. I don’t care about the subject; I could listen to that man read the phone book! LOL!
I have a hard time sitting down and listening, haha, to audio books too. I do enjoy it when I do it, but somehow just picking up a book is easier.
I haven’t either i would just miss my book to much.
I cannot just listen to and enjoy any book as an audio book. I tend to either only like non-fiction books read by the author or younger audience books. I only listen while doing other things and so I do not want something I have to be super attentive to in order to enjoy it. I am not an audible learner. I learn by reading or writing. With that being said I do not like silence and so audio books are a great option for me for background noise.
I love them. Especially when there are foreign words included. Also you hear accents and dialects.
I started listening to audio books as I drive back and forth to work,, about 3 months ago. Totally hooked!
I enjoy them in the car when I have a long drive ahead of me.
No worries, you are not alone. I have never listened to an audio book either. ^^
Audiobooks are wonderful. Try one or two.
No … me either …. not missing anything imo … if it appeals to you great …. if it doesn’t that’s great too!
Nor me!
Me neither , tried once , but couldn’t get into it
Things to consider:
Voice of reader.
Unabridged
Books that talk to you….main character telling you story
The reader most definitely makes a difference. I just began listening to audio books this year after having a bad experience several years back, trying a couple of books that had annoying readers. One reader’s grated my nerves and the other spoke with this “Pollyanna” lilt that drove me nuts. Look for Blackstone Audio books. I’ve found a consistency of excellent readers with their productions. I appreciate the audiobooks SO much because I love reading but finding the right time to hold a book and read at home is difficult. I’ve become addicted to listening during my drive to and from work. As much as I love music, I don’t even miss the radio! ? Can’t believe I just wrote that.
PS If you really love reading, you should explore the audio world to find what works for you. As you age and begin to have vision issues – or hand /finger issues with holding a book – you will be glad you did as you will not have to waste time figuring it out then.
I managed to get through one, in ten minute intervals while driving to work. They don’t work for me, I have tried.
I’ve never tried audio books so this is an uneducated opinion. I really, really dislike being read to. I read fairly rapidly and find others reading aloud to be much too slow.
Exactly. I agree. BUT I do listen to books when I’m painting “bathroom” “chores” or at work when I’m dusting
You can change the speed of the reader…. I adjust the speed based on the reader’s voice.
I couldn’t get into audio…….
When I have to drive long distances, audio books make the trip go much faster. It is all about the reader. Some are fantastic and there are others, very rarely, who do not do the book justice. I especially like Grisham audio books.
Agree! When I used to commute an hour each way listening to audio books actually lowered my blood pressure in the traffic!
I read appx 4 books a week on my commute to and from work. It is so much better than dead air or the same music over and over again. The narrator is key imo.
Good for long car trips
They definitely have a place in my reading life. I am a daily walker and listen there and also great in the car. I almost have an audible book going as well as a print book at all times. Give them a try. Most of the readers are excellent!!
The only one I’ve ever tried listening to was Life of Pi about 15 odd years ago, I kept going to sleep. Cant do it.
As long as my old self is able, I will stick with the real thing. When I am no longer able, then I may resort to audio.
I never got into them until I started spending more time in the car. Now I am hooked. The car ride is much more enjoyable and it feels productive too.
I only listened to one, but on the flip side, it’s the only way my husband reads books, all from the library, and he reads circles around me. But he’s not very selective, takes whatever they have and rarely seeks out a really good book. So I gave him some recommendations recently, books he should request so he can read them.
I also listen to books while walking…couldn’t do it without them. Also got my husband hooked. He doesn’t enjoy walking but will add a couple extra miles to get to the end of a chapter.?
Me either.
I haven’t either.
I don’t think I’d be able to concentrate long enough.
Great for long commutes or road trips
I don’t always concentrate when I’m reading a regular book either, my mind might wander and I might have to read a paragraph over. With an audiobook if I realize I’m not paying attention I just back it up and listen again.
I like them when I have things to do. When I’m cleaning house or working in my classroom, I’ve started listening to audio-books rather than music.
Me either
Love listening to audio books as I’m walking….
@Dyanne, I listen to them when I’m driving. Helps me pass the time on long drives better than music.
I tried. Couldn’t get into it. Was to distracted by looking around.
The last one on CD…lol… I’m want to start….there’s no way to read all the great books out there. Maybe they are some that are narrated so well that-listening is a good way to go.?
Beloved is wonderful on audio, read by Toni Morrison, it is a performance. I listened to each cd twice bc it is a little confusing at first but mostly bc her reading is so wonderful.
I only started about 3 months ago and I am really enjoying it. It allows to me to listen while walking, doing laundry, cooking, driving, etc so I get through more books and there are so many books to consume. I found that thrillers are good for audiobooks. They keep my attention. I also found that non-fiction is good because I can zone out for a few seconds and it doesn’t ruin ‘the story’. Finally I found when I start I need to spend about 10 minutes really listening at a slower speed 1 to 1.25 until I get what is going on, then I slowly crank up the speed to 1.5, then 1.75 and if no accent then even to 2 so I can listen to it faster. The slow speed would allow my brain to disengage. The faster speed makes me listen more. Hope that helps.
Thanks for the tips!
I agree that thrillers and nonfiction are both good. Literary fiction, for me, is better read.
If one can keep a device with WiFi on besides the other for regular use, listening audio books of ur choice will be easier if u have a slot of time for the listening.
Same here ??♀️ every time I plan on giving it a shot , I get sidetracked ??♀️
I’m in the same camp: Podcasts yes, audio book not yet.
It took me a long time to get to it but now I love it. That is thanks to Audible though because it allows you to send back a book if you didn’t like it and pick a new one. I really need that option a lot since audiobooks are a lot more personal and subjective.
I listen at work or in the car. A way to get books in and fill my time. I can’t sit in silence
Escape from boredom in road trips. Escape from the daily grind of bad news on the way to and from work. When music needs a break. I actually haven’t listened to one for many years, the last time I had a 4 hour drive and had just learned of my mother’s final illness..stressful and was glad for The Prince of Tides.
I’ve tried with no success
I think audio books are dependent on how good the narrator is. The way they read can make or break a great book. They can also make an okay book seem really good.
Agreed! One of my favorite actors narrated one of my favorite books; I figured I’d love it. I was wrong! He’s a terrible book narrator (Lukas Haas)
I listen to them on long road trips. It makes the time go so much faster.
When I was bed fast with flu, they really helped to pass the time.
I don’t like audio books. You are not the only one. 🙂
I love them for trips driving in the car
I never have either
I hadn’t either until a month or so ago. I found that I could borrow free audio and ebooks on the Libby app and it’s been great, especially when I’m working on the computer or doing dishes
I haven’t!
I don’t really care for them.
The last time I tried, I was in bed & fell asleep! I want to try it again as I have to have cataract surgery in a few months & was told I can’t read for 2 days each time! No way I cannot read! I’d go into literal withdrawal! So I just have to find the right audio book.
If you’re going to try your first audiobook I recommend ‘the absolutely true diary of a part time Indian’
I have never laughed so hard in my life and he read it so much better than I would have read it to myself.
I’ve listened to a few, though I prefer reading print. But they’re very nice to knit or do housework too, or while driving.
Good for long drives, but I would get frustrated by not being able to skim when I wanted.
Oh man I love audio books! I probably listen to two or three a week. When I’m in the car, when I’m walking the dogs, when I’m doing chores or in the shower. It’s like having the ability to read even more than I do now.
I haven’t.
Much more please t car trips
Never listened to one either.
Great for road trips!
I really focus on what I’m reading and tend to shut everything else out. I could never listen to one while driving. Would be unsafe for me. But to each their own.
Remember story time as a kid when someone read stories to you? It’s like that, but the stories are as sophisticated as you want.
Neither have I.
I haven’t either
I like them because I have a long commute to work so it gives me an opportunity to get through books fairly quickly
I love audiobooks!! When you listen to a talented reader narrating a book it’s an incredible experience. I even have a list of my favorite audio narrators. I listen when cooking, doing other household chores, driving, while taking a walk. I hope you’ll consider trying it.
I did one time and then returned to my beloved printed books!
It honestly depends on the voice actor. Audio “books” with a full cast, or read by David Suchet or other actors are generally the best.
I love them, especially when it’s a good narrator
Best on very long car trips.
I haven’t either, have listened to the sample for audio and have never liked the voices of the narrators.
I have. I love audiobooks. It’s a different experience. I especially enjoy listening to a favorite book to gain a new flavor or insight. Also, I like amazon/audible’s ability to sync up a kindle book with the audio version so I can flip back and forth. I like the books when I’m driving. I just plain old like audiobooks.
I have pretty much decided to try one. Got the trial of audible. If I don’t like it, nothing lost. I don’t take long car trips, and don’t like chopping books up into small segments. Everyone’s opinion was read and appreciated and I thank you for sharing.
I just listened to an American marriage and each character was read by someone different. It was really well done
Good to know.
I don’t use audio books.
No. I’m afraid I would fall asleep
Not my thing. The pleasure for me is in the reading.
Nope, I haven’t either. I have a nostalgic love for paperbacks
Great for when you are out walking, knitting, weaving.
Just discussed this at lunch today…I was the only one in the group who hasn’t listened to one. You are not alone! ?
I started listening to books when my kids were lil and my commute was hour long by train. Love them on long drives, commute or walks… the narrators voice makes the biggest difference.. have also listened to the movie style version of the Narnia series .. excellent for younger kids n long drives…
I tried, started with Dave Cullen’s Columbine. It works better if you’re on the road and it’s too bumpy to read. Or if you’re flying and the cabin is too dry to read…
The really long trips I take are 5 hours on a train to visit my daughters!
I listen on my way to and from work