I couldn’t image listening to an audiobook. I didn’t want someone else’s voice in my head. When I read, I like to imagine how the characters’ voices sound and I didn’t want someone else altering that experience. I figured that hearing someone else read would completely ruin the fantasy of the book. I love to get lost in the author’s words. I didn’t want any distractions.
But then I found myself entrenched in those pesky times of the day when I had to tear myself away from a good book and actually clean the house, do laundry, make dinner, etc.
A few days ago, I finally decided that I would try an audio book. I chose a book by a well known author that I adore. I downloaded the book and put in my ear buds. I set very low expectations and pressed play. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel the urge to cut-off the voice.
It didn’t take long until I was hooked. Even when I had time to return to my traditional book, I wanted to finish the audiobook. Yes, I found a new love for audiobooks.
After I finished my first audiobook, I quickly downloaded another. Eager to start another book, I began it immediately. Whoa! There it was. An annoying voice that grated on my nerves. The inflections and accent were all wrong. After five minutes, I couldn’t bare another minute. There was no way that I could endure listening to that voice for an entire novel. I’m not usually one to abandon a book but this was dreadful.
I considered whether or not I should give up on audiobooks completely. I decided I would give it another shot. The quality of the audio of the third book was not as good as the first but still very enjoying.
What do I think of audiobooks? Well, just like all books, some are good and some are not. They definitely fill a gap in my day when I have to do mundane chores. Even sorting laundry doesn’t seem so terrible when I’m listening to a book. Also, after spending an entire day working at the computer, my eyes are sometimes too tired to focus on a traditional book. An audiobook is a nice substitute. Of course, there are limitations. I read much more quickly than an audiobook. So when I’m listening to an audiobook and I’m desperate for the happily-ever-after, I have to dig deep for a little extra patience.
I guess I’m a traditional girl at heart and prefer a book that I can hold in my hands and turn the pages, be it a paperback or an ebook.
In the end, the format of the book doesn’t really matter. All that matters is the quality and enjoyment of the story.
Nice post!
Like I said, I think audiobooks are a great thing but some are really annoying. I have to admit tho, that I love British accent. So listening to an audiobook that features a British accent is pure joy to my ears.
Wherever you are located, you might want to check Spotify for audiobooks. 🙂
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I had no idea that Spotify had audiobooks. I’ll have to have my teenage daughter show me how to access them.
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