Can you hear me now?🎧

Audiobooks.

Do you love them or hate them?

I have thoughts.

So, while I 100% stand in the camp that audiobooks count as “real” reading and I admire people who listen to them, I find that I have a difficult time focusing while listening to fiction. I tend to listen to non-fiction (business and self-improvement being my go-to) so that my mind can wander a bit and I don’t lose the plot. I’ve just always dismissed them as not really for me.

Also, can we talk about how hard it can be to find a narrator you don’t mind listen to for 13+ hours. Soooo hard!

I’ve found myself getting a bit of audio-envy though seeing everyone talking about the audiobooks they have been enjoying. I think it was all those end of the year reading wrap ups that got to me.

I’ve been thinking I need to give them another try. And then, I saw it! The universe sent me my sign in the form of an email from Libro.fm.

The Libro.fm Love Audiobooks Challenge is starting and I knew it was the incentive I needed to give it another try.

And what does any self-respecting Substacker do when they feel a bit of creative inspiration bubbling to the surface? They dm someone who inspires them to join them.

My person is

Kolina Cicero

. Seriously, if you haven’t read her post on that fact that you won’t find her reaching for the classics you need to go check it out. Also, I really felt she was a kindred sprit when she wrote her reflective analysis on a holiday romcom.

Well, she said yes to joining the audiobook challenge and jumped in with me.

I ❤️ this community.

In her post, she talked about not jumping to read Jane Austen and so many other classics. (She does guide you to who to check out for reading them with a bit of hand-holding) And while I can get down with not spending my evening hanging out with Moby Dick. I couldn’t let that Austen comment go unchecked.

So what’s the challenge?

For the Love of Audiobooks Reading Challenge🎧❤️📖

Read 10+ hours of audiobooks between February 5-14 and you’ll earn a free Libro.fm audiobook credit!

They even have a cute tracking card for you! You can check out the challenge HERE.

You can read whatever you like, from wherever you like. This is a great time to see what you’ve maybe purchased and never listened to (I’m calling myself out on this one), grab something from the library, or even check YouTube for some free audiobooks you can find on there.

Why Should You Give Audiobooks A Try?

I’m probably the only one here who hasn’t been listening to books on the regular. But in case you need a little added motivation, here are 5 reasons why listening to audiobooks is good for you.

1️⃣ Enhances Comprehension & Retention 🧠
Listening activates different parts of your brain, helping you absorb and remember information in a new way—especially for complex stories or nonfiction topics.

2️⃣ Multitasking Made Easy ⏳
Unlike traditional reading, audiobooks let you enjoy stories while driving, exercising, or doing chores, making it easier to fit more books into your busy life. Note to self - get exercising more and listen to books.

3️⃣ Brings Stories to Life 🎭
With narrated performances, character voices, and immersive sound, audiobooks can add a whole new dimension to storytelling, making it feel even more engaging.

4️⃣ Reduces Eye Strain & Fatigue 👀
Perfect for when you’re tired of staring at screens or print—just close your eyes, relax, and let the story unfold effortlessly. This is why I grab my paperwhite a lot, but audiobooks seem like they could also be a great option.

5️⃣ Improves Pronunciation & Listening Skills 🎙️
Great for language learners or anyone looking to strengthen their listening skills, audiobooks expose you to proper pronunciation, tone, and pacing. With my Michigan/Canadian accent, I can use some help with this. 😂

What Am I Listening To?

I know after saying I don’t love audiobooks, you are wondering what am I going to be listening to. Well, I checked my virtual audiobook shelf and discovered that I have a copy of Northanger Abbey that I haven’t listen to yet. Perfect!

Btw… I purchased this in October of 2020 and I never listen to it. Note to self to check with what I have first before purchasing or heading to the library.

After reading Kolina’s post, it has me thinking… have I been too dismissive of the classics. Maybe I’m missing out on something. Am I not reaching for them, besides Austen, but I should be…?

See, this is why Substack is bad. It influences you to get all philosophical about your reading habits. Ugh. (please tell me you do the same)

Kolina will be sharing her audiobook choices and some recommendations with you so make sure you head over to her posts to check it out HERE.

If you are in the mood for some audiobook exploring, I have a few recommendations below.

Anything by Alison Larkin is a delight to listen to! A few of her narrations are on sale right now over at Libro.fm. Persuasion is perfect if you are in the mood for a second-chance romance. Check it out HERE.

Becoming was the first audiobook I ever listened to. It kept me occupied shoveling heaps of snow our first winter in Minnesota… when we stupidly thought we wouldn’t need to get a snowblower. I had plenty of time to listen while shoveling away in the brutal cold that year.

For the little experience I have with audiobook listening, I do enjoy when the author is the narrator.

Speaking of narrators, Harry Frost is the go-to for Jane Austen Fan Fiction. Harry has the perfect voice for these stories. If you haven’t heard any of his narrations yet, at least listen to a sample! Check it out HERE.

Do you plan on joining in the challenge?

I would love to hear your thought on audiobooks. Do you listen on the regular? Or are you like me and just dabble a bit. Maybe this is the year I’m going to enjoy listening to more books.

Give me all your listening tips!

Until next time.

Happy reading. 🫶

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