I’m usually a “book in hand” person, but I’d like to make better use of the time when I can’t sit down and read, like walking my dogs or going to the gym.
The thing is, my default is always to read, so I’m not sure what kinds of books I should switch to audio. For me, smut in audiobook form feels cringy, so I’d always rather read that.
I’m curious how you decide what belongs on your audiobook list vs your reading list. Do you go by genre, narrator, mood, or something else? For those of you into romance or romantic fantasy, are there certain types of books you feel just work better as audiobooks?
by One_Fisherman6398
13 Comments
I’ve just gotten into the habit of substituting any idle brain time with an audio book
Driving, cooking, walking, etc
This habit compounds and really makes a difference
I still set aside time to read a physical book throughout the week but this allows you to digest a lot of info rapidly
I am a physical book person too. But there is value in audio books. They are great for multi tasking.
The Dresden Files audiobooks really changed my mind on them James Marsters really added to the story with his acting.
If I’m busy I audiobook. If I’m not I read. I like crafting, laundry, baking, cleaning to a good book. If I read as often as I wanted I would never get anything done.
I don’t really have a preference for format. When I started listening to audiobooks, I could really only do something fast paced or very interesting so it would hold my attention. Now I can pretty much listen to anything via audiobook. I generally tend to keep the same format for books from the same authors/series, but other than that I pretty much just go for what’s available/when my holds are ready. This past year I’ve listened to mostly romance, but last year I listened to mostly thrillers.
I listen to tons of audiobooks because I have a long commute. Certain narrators are far superior to others. They can bring a story to life. Jim Dale did a fantastic job narrating the Harry Potter books. I believe there’s a full cast version out now. I don’t care for that type of narration, but it seems like something that’s a bit of a bridge between a typical audiobook and a tv series or perhaps a podcast. Some people prefer a cast.
I don’t usually pick audiobooks that are too deep or require 100% of my attention unless I can listen without distraction. I also have to stop and replay parts sometimes. It really depends on the person. You could try an audiobook of something you’ve previously read. That’s actually what I did with Harry Potter. I had a newborn and needed something to listen to. Now I listen to all genres.
Also, if it is a complex book or with a lot of characters Ill go for paper.
In Audio it becomes a nightmare to follow properly.
This might not make sense, but if it’s written in the first person, I’m ok with the audiobook; otherwise, I have to read it. So, most of the time, I listen to memoirs and leadership books, and I read everything else.
I use audiobooks to sleep.
The ideal for me is the functionality of Whispersync that synchronizes your audio and e-book reading. Unfortunately, you have to purchase the book in both formats…and from Amazon.
Love auto-biographies, especially ones narrated by the author.
I do both for any book I’m reading. I usually borrow from the library and will start the read on my kindle. When I can’t sit and read, I switch to the audiobook version of that book. Helps me finish them faster too.
I live listening to biographies narrated by the author – something quite special hearing a person tell their story
I listen to autobiographies. For some reason fiction just doesn’t click for me when I am not reading the words. My most recent one was Tiffany Jenkins.