I have been hearing more and more about Audio Books. And it would appear that more titles are being made available in Audio Book formats. But what's the big deal? I know for me, personally, listening to a book is like listening to talk radio - which (to the chagrin of my hubby) I HATE!!! I have tried to listen to several books and I just can't do it. Sometimes it is the voice of the person that is reading the book. Sometimes it is the pace at which the person reads. Or sometimes I feel like I miss the subtle nuances and innuendos of the story because the reader doesn't have inflection at the right part of the story. But mostly it is the fact that my kids jabber too much and I miss things, then I have to try to rewind and it's just frustrating.
I do see and understand the benefits of Audio Books. If you have a long commute, you can listen to a book while you are driving. You can listen to a book while you are doing something else like cleaning you house or weeding your garden. It can save you money, if you download it on your MP3 player. But then I get back to the fact that I do not have a commute, I can't pay attention to talking when I am doing something else, and I have budgeted book money every month. So where does that leave me? With a strong aversion to Audio Books.
What do you think about Audio Books? Yay or Nay??
I tried it once and just couldn't get into it. I take the train to work, and I listen to my ipod on the train and at work so I figured let me try listening to a book instead. But, I found that I couldn't pay attention. On the train, I either stand or sit there, but I couldn't pay attention. And, at work, I deal with tons of paperwork so I figured I'd be able to listen while looking through the paperwork. But, I couldn't. So, I prefer to read on my own.
ReplyDeleteJackie - I probably would have tried the same things and to the same end. I just can't seem to get the hang of listening to my books. I don't even like to read aloud myself. But I know some people only listen to their books, but what are the reasons? Really, I want to know.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I, too, can't get myself to listen to audiotapes for more than 10minutes. I feel as if it's story telling time, and I want the reader to hurry up because I want to know what happens next!
ReplyDeleteI do understand though, that audiobooks can be very convenient to those that are in a hurry or simply have no time to sit and read. We're all busy people, but I think most of us are lucky enough to at least get 30mins-an hour of reading time. If I were the like the other people who don't have that luxury (aka my mother) I'd probably give in and stick to the annoying "radio" talk as well. This is a great post by the way :)
I'm with you, no audiobooks. I don't think it's reading if you're listening to it!
ReplyDeleteI am in the same place you are....I don't commute, I have too much going on in my house to pay good attention - they just don't fit into my lifestyle. Also, I can probably finish a book in less than half the time it would take for them to read it to me!
ReplyDeleteI just love the feel of the paper in my hands. Turning the page, marking out how far I want to read that night. I also like that I can start to skim when it gets redundant. You can't do that with an audio book!
ReplyDeleteThat said, when I was to read in university for my English degree, it was very helpful to listen to a few novels that I didn't get to read when cramming for exams (and cleaning up my room!).
I've never tried an audio book, it has never appealed to me. I really like to hold a book or my Kindle. My husbands very old grandmother (in her 90's) liked the audios because her eyesight is not what it used to be. Maybe when I can't see anymore I'll give it a try for now I'm not interested.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind audiobooks. Granted I prefer to have a book in my hand but sometimes, depending on the book and the reader on the audio, I have been drawn to the story where I don't want to get out of my car or stop listening to my iPod because it's at a point where it's getting intense. Like I said, it depends on the story and the reader
ReplyDeleteHi. I love audio books. I spend a lot of time in my car but I also like to have an audio book on in my home when I'm stretching or doing the dishes. I sometimes think I can't do without them. Cheers.
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