I, too, just can't get into audio books. My mind wanders when I listen to fiction, even though I listen to a ton of podcasts. You're right, though, good narrators and immersive sound helps tremendously. I've found that I can listen to and enjoy some of the old classics when I find the right narrator and accompanying effects that augment the story.
This is great, I too am trying to make a serious effort to get into audiobooks this year and I will try to do that challenge, though 10 hours is asking a lot of a novice like me. My few attempts so far have been all non-fiction, I can't imagine it with fiction/classics but let's give it a go.
One more big reason to add to your list of 5 - only is it less eye strain, but it forces me to sit less and move around more. Consider it multi-tasking - I can listen while walking around my kitchen to get the blood flowing, or do some stretching, etc. Right now I'm listening to Meditations for Mortals (Oliver Burkeman) which is a ideal for audiobooks - he also narrates it himself, which is a bonus. Like you, there are some narrators that I can't imagine listening to for an extended amount of time.
Glad you are going to join in the fun! Yes, such a great point. As someone who stares at a computer and phone for work all day, my eyes will appreciate the rest.
There is something extra special when the author narrates their own work. It's their words and only they truly know how they meant to express them.
I listen to audiobooks in the car on my to and from work every day, and often when I go for a walk, either outside or on my treadmill. I don't have as much time as I'd like to read in general so this helps me get to the stories I've been waiting for.
I know people love audiobooks, and if that's you, then enjoy. But physically, they don't work for me, just because of how my life is. I listened to a podcast once, and it was good, but a little difficult for me to arrange.
I am also not a fiction audiobook reader. Audiobooks for me are a great way to free up my brain while doing mundane tasks - cleaning, laundry, driving, exercise. It's why I love and pretty much only listen to non-fiction on an audiobook, because it's like a podcast where a part of my brain does switch off and I don't have to focus on the nuances of writing as much like when I've tried fiction. I have read precisely three fiction audiobooks and they were all by the same author, and I only listened to them while I was hiking for 6+ hours at a time, so I knew I could have that focus.
I'm participating in the challenge, I love that they do one every year!
Being a history guy, I always find it interesting how old ideas get repackaged by new technology, and are resurrected in an even more powerful form. Decades ago, before and during the early years of television (even before my time!) there used to be "radio plays", which in some cases were one -offs, like a novel, or in others, a serial, very much like precursors to the later "soap operas". And in this case, video did kill the radio star, as the radio plays disappeared entirely, as far as I know.
The "soaps", in their turn, were precursors to the more "serious" serial dramas that we have today, and thanks to technology, can binge at our convenience. But the first shows that really paved the way for "Game of Thrones" and "Walking Dead" and "Breaking Bad" were "Sex and the City" and, of course, "The Sopranos"
Then along came, for readers, audiobooks. And not just the classics, but new pieces actually designed from the beginning to be listened to rather than read. And here I am talking about narrated non-fiction podcasts on subjects like science or history.
I myself am big into SF/F, and the Warhammer 40,000 universe. There is a Discord site called Cold Open Stories that features fanfiction from that universe (some of which is VERY good - and yes, I have a story published in one of their collections), and most weeks puts out a new short (5 - 10 minute listening) audiobook that is completely free to anyone who is on that site - which is also 100% free to join. It is a huge, immersive universe that has a wide range of story types, plus a special section of of non- WH40K speculative fiction, some of which is also turned into audiobooks. Ireally recommend checking it out!
That sounds fun! My family used to listen to the "Old Time" radio shows on cassette when we were on road trips. You could rent them at Cracker Barrel and then change them out at your next stop.
They want something thrilling about listening to the shows and not being able to see what was happening.
I'm still ambivalent - the speaker is usually slower than I read. I really enjoy some; others, not so much - the narrator makes all the difference. That said, there are a couple of narrators whom I love. If I listen to a sample and the voice annoys, I'm not likely to purchase - even if I liked the book, so I am more deliberate about listening to samples now.
I have a OC personality, so they're good if I'm multitasking or traveling. To just listen (and maybe read along), I zone out - totally focused, just like reading.
In most apps, you can speed it up. I mostly listen at 1:15 speed. My teenage daughter tends to listen at 1:50 or higher, but I think all readers sound like The Chipmunks at that speed, so it wouldn’t work for me. I agree the 1:00 speed is often too slow!
Thank you. I read this suggestion a while ago and tried speeding up some of the narrators. It's a mixed call; the rhythm was off for some, others were ok.
It's it weird how you can like a book but then it's a nope when read by a voice that doesn't resonate with you? OMG. I couldn't never just sit there any listen. My brain is freaking out just thinking about it!
A recommendation that aligns with your preferred genre: try the Outlander series audiobooks, by Diana Gabaldon and read by Davina Porter. Davina is absolutely brilliant and has done all 9 books so far. Another excellent reader is Kobna Holdbrook-Smith; I like his reading of Ben Aaronovitch’s The Rivers of London series, a super fun series although not your usual bailiwick
I listen to probably 40 hours of audiobooks a month. I spend a lot of time in the car (alone) plus listen while ironing, sorting and folding laundry, cooking, and doing dishes. Love them! I think the classics are GREAT as audiobooks. On Libby, which is where I mostly listen (US public library’s system), for classics there often are several versions so you can see which narrator you like better. I feel like I would start skimming through the often flowery, descriptive language if I read on paper, so audio is perfect.
I love audiobooks so much and libro as well! With fiction, it helps to listen to dramatisation or full cast audiobooks because the voices change and it’s easier to stay engaged! Good luck with the challenge!
Daisy Jones and the Six is a full cast! And The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society has multiple narrators and it's a book of letters- so good on audio!
Yes, that's my problem with them. Something that is straight narration can be done by somebody with the right voice. But really, I think that if there are a lot of characters, and a lot of dialogue, it might be better done as almost a play, with the addition of a narrator to tie it together.
I’ve tried one or two books with an ensemble of readers and have found it too distracting. I guess it’s good there are multiple approaches, as “readers” have different preferences!
I 1000% agree that audiobook counts as reading. It’s just a different way of consuming content. I love the collaboration by the way♥️ I really hope there are more projects like this to promote reading and bring readers together!!!!
Thanks for the info on the challenge! Audiobooks are working so well for me in this time when I have little kids, and especially at bedtime or coping with a midnight wake up! Listening to books or a podcast is perfect when I need the lights low while they fall asleep.
I will say, Juliet Stevenson is not my favorite Austen narrator. I loved your post on how Austen would have read her writings to her family, and Stevenson’s energy level just does not evoke that feel for me. Tried listening to her reading of Mansfield Park, and I had to give it up and turn back to reading the text. Just finished listening to Persuasion by Nadia May, and it was excellent! Much better comedic awareness.
So far she is going a decent job with Northanger Abbey, but I do think Alison Larkin puts so much more spirit behind her narrations.
Oooo! Sending you love as you get through the little kids phase... They didn't have all the fancy wireless headphones when my son was little so I never would have thought of listening to an audiobook, but I can see how it would be the perfect time!
I love listening to audiobooks, especially romance! It helps me read 2x a much in a year. I'm currently listening to The Favorites by Layne Fargo through Libro.fm!
I listen to them constantly now. I will always have one on the go. Narrators make a HUGE difference. Anything read by Julia Whelan is a SUCH a treat, and Saskia Maarleveld is amazing as well. And if you're able to purchase audiobooks, Libro is THE BEST way to do it! Get an audiobook, support your favourite indie bookstore! Otherwise, don't forget to see what digital options your local library has!
I strongly recommend listening to Collin Firth’s reading of
The End of the Affair.
It is magical.
It’s also so very sexy.
They couldn’t have found a better narrator.
I’ve listened to it more than one time; I will not say how many times ;-)
Ok... sold!
I, too, just can't get into audio books. My mind wanders when I listen to fiction, even though I listen to a ton of podcasts. You're right, though, good narrators and immersive sound helps tremendously. I've found that I can listen to and enjoy some of the old classics when I find the right narrator and accompanying effects that augment the story.
Glad to know I'm not the only one. I am going to give it a try though!
The first audiobook this decade was an experiment for me. I enjoyed the audio option in my Bible app, and used to do the occasional cd.
This is great, I too am trying to make a serious effort to get into audiobooks this year and I will try to do that challenge, though 10 hours is asking a lot of a novice like me. My few attempts so far have been all non-fiction, I can't imagine it with fiction/classics but let's give it a go.
One more big reason to add to your list of 5 - only is it less eye strain, but it forces me to sit less and move around more. Consider it multi-tasking - I can listen while walking around my kitchen to get the blood flowing, or do some stretching, etc. Right now I'm listening to Meditations for Mortals (Oliver Burkeman) which is a ideal for audiobooks - he also narrates it himself, which is a bonus. Like you, there are some narrators that I can't imagine listening to for an extended amount of time.
Glad you are going to join in the fun! Yes, such a great point. As someone who stares at a computer and phone for work all day, my eyes will appreciate the rest.
There is something extra special when the author narrates their own work. It's their words and only they truly know how they meant to express them.
Happy listening!
I listen to audiobooks in the car on my to and from work every day, and often when I go for a walk, either outside or on my treadmill. I don't have as much time as I'd like to read in general so this helps me get to the stories I've been waiting for.
Love it! What are you currently listening to?
The Eagle and the Hart by Helen Castor (read by the author)
I know people love audiobooks, and if that's you, then enjoy. But physically, they don't work for me, just because of how my life is. I listened to a podcast once, and it was good, but a little difficult for me to arrange.
I can 100% sympathize. They certainly aren't for everyone.
I am also not a fiction audiobook reader. Audiobooks for me are a great way to free up my brain while doing mundane tasks - cleaning, laundry, driving, exercise. It's why I love and pretty much only listen to non-fiction on an audiobook, because it's like a podcast where a part of my brain does switch off and I don't have to focus on the nuances of writing as much like when I've tried fiction. I have read precisely three fiction audiobooks and they were all by the same author, and I only listened to them while I was hiking for 6+ hours at a time, so I knew I could have that focus.
I'm participating in the challenge, I love that they do one every year!
Yay! I had no idea they do it every year. That's so exciting. What's your favorite non-fiction audiobook?
Being a history guy, I always find it interesting how old ideas get repackaged by new technology, and are resurrected in an even more powerful form. Decades ago, before and during the early years of television (even before my time!) there used to be "radio plays", which in some cases were one -offs, like a novel, or in others, a serial, very much like precursors to the later "soap operas". And in this case, video did kill the radio star, as the radio plays disappeared entirely, as far as I know.
The "soaps", in their turn, were precursors to the more "serious" serial dramas that we have today, and thanks to technology, can binge at our convenience. But the first shows that really paved the way for "Game of Thrones" and "Walking Dead" and "Breaking Bad" were "Sex and the City" and, of course, "The Sopranos"
Then along came, for readers, audiobooks. And not just the classics, but new pieces actually designed from the beginning to be listened to rather than read. And here I am talking about narrated non-fiction podcasts on subjects like science or history.
I myself am big into SF/F, and the Warhammer 40,000 universe. There is a Discord site called Cold Open Stories that features fanfiction from that universe (some of which is VERY good - and yes, I have a story published in one of their collections), and most weeks puts out a new short (5 - 10 minute listening) audiobook that is completely free to anyone who is on that site - which is also 100% free to join. It is a huge, immersive universe that has a wide range of story types, plus a special section of of non- WH40K speculative fiction, some of which is also turned into audiobooks. Ireally recommend checking it out!
That sounds fun! My family used to listen to the "Old Time" radio shows on cassette when we were on road trips. You could rent them at Cracker Barrel and then change them out at your next stop.
They want something thrilling about listening to the shows and not being able to see what was happening.
First, I did the challenge.
Re: audiobooks
I'm still ambivalent - the speaker is usually slower than I read. I really enjoy some; others, not so much - the narrator makes all the difference. That said, there are a couple of narrators whom I love. If I listen to a sample and the voice annoys, I'm not likely to purchase - even if I liked the book, so I am more deliberate about listening to samples now.
I have a OC personality, so they're good if I'm multitasking or traveling. To just listen (and maybe read along), I zone out - totally focused, just like reading.
In most apps, you can speed it up. I mostly listen at 1:15 speed. My teenage daughter tends to listen at 1:50 or higher, but I think all readers sound like The Chipmunks at that speed, so it wouldn’t work for me. I agree the 1:00 speed is often too slow!
Thank you. I read this suggestion a while ago and tried speeding up some of the narrators. It's a mixed call; the rhythm was off for some, others were ok.
It's it weird how you can like a book but then it's a nope when read by a voice that doesn't resonate with you? OMG. I couldn't never just sit there any listen. My brain is freaking out just thinking about it!
A recommendation that aligns with your preferred genre: try the Outlander series audiobooks, by Diana Gabaldon and read by Davina Porter. Davina is absolutely brilliant and has done all 9 books so far. Another excellent reader is Kobna Holdbrook-Smith; I like his reading of Ben Aaronovitch’s The Rivers of London series, a super fun series although not your usual bailiwick
I listen to probably 40 hours of audiobooks a month. I spend a lot of time in the car (alone) plus listen while ironing, sorting and folding laundry, cooking, and doing dishes. Love them! I think the classics are GREAT as audiobooks. On Libby, which is where I mostly listen (US public library’s system), for classics there often are several versions so you can see which narrator you like better. I feel like I would start skimming through the often flowery, descriptive language if I read on paper, so audio is perfect.
Thank you for the recommendation to Libby. I haven't used the library system for years, as though forgetting that option when I began KU and Audible.
You are amazing!!!!!! I can only hope to achieve you level of audiobook listening one day!
Not a contest. 😉 If paper or ebooks work better for you, those are good too. 😃
I love audiobooks so much and libro as well! With fiction, it helps to listen to dramatisation or full cast audiobooks because the voices change and it’s easier to stay engaged! Good luck with the challenge!
Thank you! I'm really enjoying listening to Northanger Abbey. Do you have any recommendations for audiobooks with a full cast?
Daisy Jones and the Six is a full cast! And The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society has multiple narrators and it's a book of letters- so good on audio!
A lot of good narrators change voices for every character
Yes, that's my problem with them. Something that is straight narration can be done by somebody with the right voice. But really, I think that if there are a lot of characters, and a lot of dialogue, it might be better done as almost a play, with the addition of a narrator to tie it together.
I’ve tried one or two books with an ensemble of readers and have found it too distracting. I guess it’s good there are multiple approaches, as “readers” have different preferences!
Woohoo! What a fab list! I'm so grateful you invited me to do this. It was a fun exercise to think hard about audiobooks. I, too, ♥️ this community!
Thank YOU for joining in on the fun!
I 1000% agree that audiobook counts as reading. It’s just a different way of consuming content. I love the collaboration by the way♥️ I really hope there are more projects like this to promote reading and bring readers together!!!!
Currently Listening🎧: Cruel King by Rina Kent
Oooo! How is it? Did you finish it yet?
I’m about halfway through. I’ll let you know when I finish🙃
Thanks for the info on the challenge! Audiobooks are working so well for me in this time when I have little kids, and especially at bedtime or coping with a midnight wake up! Listening to books or a podcast is perfect when I need the lights low while they fall asleep.
I will say, Juliet Stevenson is not my favorite Austen narrator. I loved your post on how Austen would have read her writings to her family, and Stevenson’s energy level just does not evoke that feel for me. Tried listening to her reading of Mansfield Park, and I had to give it up and turn back to reading the text. Just finished listening to Persuasion by Nadia May, and it was excellent! Much better comedic awareness.
So far she is going a decent job with Northanger Abbey, but I do think Alison Larkin puts so much more spirit behind her narrations.
Oooo! Sending you love as you get through the little kids phase... They didn't have all the fancy wireless headphones when my son was little so I never would have thought of listening to an audiobook, but I can see how it would be the perfect time!
I love listening to audiobooks, especially romance! It helps me read 2x a much in a year. I'm currently listening to The Favorites by Layne Fargo through Libro.fm!
Just looked it up! What a great cover. Are you enjoying it?
It was engaging on audio!
I listen to them constantly now. I will always have one on the go. Narrators make a HUGE difference. Anything read by Julia Whelan is a SUCH a treat, and Saskia Maarleveld is amazing as well. And if you're able to purchase audiobooks, Libro is THE BEST way to do it! Get an audiobook, support your favourite indie bookstore! Otherwise, don't forget to see what digital options your local library has!