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This text from my dear buddy, Annie, prompted this post. Annie is a voracious reader, and her masterful needlepoint skills would put most stitchers to shame. I sent her an audiobook, and I guess she liked it.
That didn't last long.
I soon realized that listening to a good book could make the most menial tasks enjoyable. Emptying the dishwasher, folding laundry, seasonal closet turnovers? A cinch when I am listening to a good book.
Here are some guidelines that have worked for me.
Audiobooks can be mood elevators.
When we lived in Massachusetts, the Mister had an hour commute to Boston. He would walk in the door with a big ol' scowl on his face. I suggested listening to a book. This is the first and only time he has taken my advice. A week later, the big ol' scowl was replaced with a big ol' smile and a recap of the book he listened to.
It's all about the speed
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I listen to the books at a 1.25 speed. If the narrator is a slow reader, I take it up to 1.5.
My Five-Character Limit
If a book has more than five characters, I will read it rather than listen to it. I can't keep track of too many characters.
That's why I only have two kids and one husband.
A narrator can make or break a book.
I tend to stay away from authors who read their own books. Just because a person is a wonderful writer does not mean they are a good narrator. Sometimes it helps to increase the speed.
Ruth must have read her reviews because she hired a professional narrator for her later books.
There is an exception to this rule. If the author is an actor, it generally adds color to the book.
Audible ain't the only game in town
Audible costs either $7.95 per month (Audible Plus) for unlimited catalog streaming or $14.95 per month (Audible Premium Plus) for one monthly credit to keep a best-selling title, plus access to the Plus catalog.
Audible offers 30% off retail and Daily and Monthly Deals.
Chirp offers no Subscription Fee and lots of titles. I have used this several times and have had no problems.
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Audiobooks.com is $14.95/month for one Subscription Audiobook plus one VIP book every month.
Libby allows you to borrow ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and more for free from your local library. My fellow readers are very happy with this site.
I would love to hear your thoughts on audiobooks.
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I agree with you, the narrator makes or breaks the book.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite audiobook with a great narrator is The Reckoning by John Grisham.
Another reading choice I use it Rakuten Kobo. It is $9.95 a month.
Adore your blog! And your Irish wit☘️
I totally agree with all of these. I listen at 1.5 most of the time, and too many characters or time shifts can definitely tank an audio experience. I love Libby! I think about 90% of my reading is audio these days, and I'm trying to add some paper and Kindle to the mix!
ReplyDeleteExcellent tips! I have not explored Audible (yet!), but really appreciate these pointers.
ReplyDeleteI loved listening to Theo of Golden. I can't imagine reading it now that I listened to David Morse's narration. Libby and I are becoming so well acquainted. Thank you so much. xoxox Annie
ReplyDeleteI love Audible! I am able to keep up with books I want to read or have someone read them to me. 😉 I listen while gardening and driving. I agree. I have stopped a book if the reader annoys me. Haha. But that has only happened about 3-4 times since 2010 when I started making Audible a part of my life.
ReplyDeleteI was happy to hear that you and some of your readers listen to the faster speeds. I've never tried that. I always imagined it would sound like one of the Chipmonks reading the book.
After reading your accounts I tried audio books and love them for workouts, walks and chores. I cannot, however, listen to them while driving. I became so engrossed and was laughing so much listening to John Cleese read The Screwtape Letters I realized I was probably like an impaired driver! 😬
ReplyDeleteKatie! I have been a BIG FAN of audio books for years! It's a wonderful way to pass the day...house tasks , walking etc. Your list has great points.... especially about the narrator. Who does the reading can make or break the experience . Agree that too many characters can be I hard to follow for plot lines. I utilize LIBBY as a resource for audios. Wonderful options and free! Cheers for ears as a mode of " reading". Hugs, Your Sudbury Sweet heart
ReplyDeleteThere are tons of current audio books on Spotify. Pretty sure you need a premium plan and are the plan administrator. You get upto 15 hours per month. Good to know if you’re already a subscriber. Use it all the time.
ReplyDeleteSuch a timely post for me since 2026 was the year I started audio books. Enjoying driving more than ever! Curious as to what level of Audible you have? Going to download Libby later today. Appreciate your suggestion of listening to books while I walk, drive, and exercise. Thank you! Melissa B
ReplyDeleteKatie you were the one that got me going on audio books and I’m forever grateful! Yes, speed is key as is the narrator. When you say listen to this book or that… I don’t need to be told twice! Definitely a game changer when working on house projects. Didn’t realize there were so many options for listening to books, as always I learn something new every time you post. Thanks Katie. KTG
ReplyDeleteSharing this on the Weekend Edit. Happy Day friend! xo laura
ReplyDeleteI saw Solo Mio - I liked Housemaid and Song Sung Blue a lot more. I listen to podcasts to make household chores and walks more enjoyable and fly by. I have so many podcasts in the queue that I never think of listening to a book.
ReplyDeleteAs a writer, I can give you some insight as to why some like to read their own books - honestly, it comes down to control, and sometimes even budget. I tried having someone else read one of my books and the fake Southern accent just about tipped me over. HOWEVER - I’m working on a children’s book and will hand the reading over to another author who is also a performer and I’m happy to do it because he’ll be awesome. It’s harder than you think, but sometimes your own voice fits, and other times you realize you need to hand it over. But get this - some authors are starting to use AI voices and NO ONE can tell the difference! That’s scary and weird and wild.
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