by Teresa Burrell
Author of The Advocate Series
Here’s my secret. I spend so much time on the road that if I
didn’t listen to books I would get to read very little. As it is, I manage to
complete a novel at least once a week. I do it all from my iPhone through
Audible, and it’s affordable. I remember when I use to spend $40 for the CDs
for audio books. I couldn’t afford too many at that rate. I love technology!
Two weeks ago, I read (listened to) “Defending Jacob” by
William Landay. Great book by the way. The ending was predictable, but the book
was well written and kept me on the edge. Last week, it was “The Confession” by
John Grisham. Again, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Now, I’m listening to “Innocent” by Scott
Turow. Love those legal suspense novels.
I’m thrilled to be able to read as I travel (or when I take
my walks) but I have to admit it’s not quite the same as reading it
myself. I’m not even quite sure what it
is, but maybe it’s because I can’t put the voice I want with the character. It’s
also more difficult to look back at something if I need clarification. The
other thing that bothers me is that there are so many authors whose books are
not in audio form (including mine.) I still manage to read a few of those, but
I have to be very selective just because time doesn’t permit it.
A while back, I started to read the Stieg Larrson trilogy and
then changed to the tapes. That was one set of books that I preferred to have
on tape because I didn’t have to concern myself with how to pronounce the
names.
What is your experience? Do you ever listen to books? If so,
do you receive the same satisfaction from listening as you do reading?
I love listening to audio books on the road. I've tried to listen to them at home, but they don't hold my attention. I always find myself doing something else and then I lose focus.
ReplyDeleteNarrators are obviously key to creating as good of a listening experience as possible. I've received two auditions through ACX and neither one of them is quite right.
I have yet to listen to an audiobook, including my own. I keep thinking I will, but it just may not be in my DNA. I can't even listen to the radio if someone's talking. I also don't spend much time in my car...or sitting still for that matter. :)
ReplyDeleteI've never listened to an audio book and probably won't. I'm much more visual than auditory and kind of HDAD so my mind wanders when I'm listening to stuff. I focus much better when I'm reading.
ReplyDeleteI like listening to audiobooks when I drive, too, but it takes me a long time to get through them because I don't drive that much.
ReplyDeleteInteresting remarks. I was a little surprised at how few of you read audio books. Thanks for your input.
ReplyDeleteWhen we lived in Florida, I was never more than 5 minutes from anywhere I needed to be. Up here in the mountains, the shortest drive is 15 minutes, but most are longer. I thought I'd try audiobooks for those drives down the mountain, but I haven't yet. I'm very easily distracted when I hear things. I'd be afraid my mind would wander (the way it does when I listen to speakers) and I'd miss chunks of the story. I still may give it a try.
ReplyDeleteI'm really getting into audio, T. I've started listening and reviewing audio for the New York Journal Of books along with the regular books, and I'm close to the release of the first audio production on one of my own titles. I love the freedom it gives me to do other things while I listen, and a good narrator brings the story alive in a way paper can't. I'm all for it.
ReplyDelete