But this past year, I've started incorporating them into my reading. I
especially love them on long trips or when I'm cleaning up the kitchen
after putting the kids to bed. I've had the pleasure this year of
listening to Cinnamon and Gunpowder, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, The Signature of All Things, Shadowshaper, and The Book of Unknown Americans. I
confess to picking several of the books because they were immediately
available from my library or because I adore the narrator (Lin-Manuel
Miranda or Anika Noni Rose, anyone?).
With almost every audiobook, I find myself having an adjustment period. It takes longer for me to hit my groove than it does when I read a paper book. When reading a paper book, I can tell within a few chapters if this book will work for me. With an audiobook, I've had several times where I almost set it aside and then found myself happy I stuck with it. But once I hit that point, I am sneaking in a chapter or two any time I find a few quiet moments.
With almost every audiobook, I find myself having an adjustment period. It takes longer for me to hit my groove than it does when I read a paper book. When reading a paper book, I can tell within a few chapters if this book will work for me. With an audiobook, I've had several times where I almost set it aside and then found myself happy I stuck with it. But once I hit that point, I am sneaking in a chapter or two any time I find a few quiet moments.
Is this true for you too? Does it take you a longer time to really get invested in an audiobook?
I'm not a big audiobook fan. I find it difficult to focus on the story when doing something else, even something which doesn't require much intellectual stimulation. It probably doesn't help that I have hearing loss- it tends to mean I need to pay more attention when people are talking, and I find it easier if I can see a person's lips. We used to listen in the car when I was a kid though, so I could probably do that as a passenger- but then I can read as normal
ReplyDeleteThat's lucky! I get carsick if I try to read, so audiobooks would be great for me in the car (if it wasn't for those little ears I tend to have in the car with me).
DeleteI never used to listen to audiobooks either, but I've discovered I can get a lot more books in this way, especially when I'm cleaning up the house during my little guy's naptime. I still don't prefer reading that way - I'll always like an actual paper book better, but there have been a few audiobooks I've really enjoyed. The thing that drives me the craziest, though, is not knowing how the names are spelled. When I'm reading, I don't mind making up my own pronunciation. But when I'm listening, I still like to be able to picture the name in my head. Not so easy with an audiobook! :)
ReplyDeleteYes! I do a lot of audiobook/podcast listening while making dinner or doing the dishes.
DeleteThat's so interesting. I guess I don't think that much about spelling, at least until I sit down to write the review and realize I have no idea!
I've never really listened to audiobooks before. For ages, the idea just didn't appeal to me, and I didn't think I'd be able to pay enough attention whilst listening to them, but as I've gotten really into listening to podcasts recently and can always manage to pay attention to them, I may give them a go after all! I make a few long car journeys a week, so it would be a good way to fit in some extra reading.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! :)
Thanks Laura! I think if you do well with podcasts, audiobooks would work really well for you. :)
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