I’m very late to this revelation and I have no idea why I waited so long. I constantly see ads for popular audio book companies on YouTube, and I know how many people enjoy reading them, but for some reason I thought I wouldn’t enjoy it.
I think this is because I have always preferred reading physical books to eBooks, I assumed audio books would be similar. But, I have loved listening to my first couple of audio books because I’m able to actually do things while I read. I’m so late to this game, but I for some reason never considered that I could jog while consuming a book, it’s been a revelation…
My only “issue” I’ve encountered is I don’t know if I should say that I “read” or “listened” to a book. I don’t think there is an appreciable difference in how I’ve come to know the plot of a book between these two methods, I just don’t know which term is more common when speaking about audio books.
So far, I’ve only been listening to classic books, which is to say free books in the public domain. which has been wonderful. I’m sure there are a number of websites to find audio books that are in the public domain but the one I have been using is LibriVox, and I have no complaints. So, I plan to gleefully look at all the books in their catalogue and will be adding many books to my “to be listened to” list.
Within the last two months or so I’ve listened to: Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, Age of Innocence, The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde, Frankenstein, and now Villette. It has been so much fun, and entirely free. If you’re like me and you have never attempted to listen to an audio book, I’d really recommend giving one a try at least once!
Also, if anyone wants to recommend their favourite books in the public domain that I should listen to next I’d really appreciate it! Also if anyone has used Audible or any other site for audio books I’d also love to hear if they’re worth it eventually!
Welcome to the world of audiobooks! I’m an on and off audible subscriber (I usually suscribe when there is an offer on) and I love them. My favourites are autobiographies read by the author, but i do dabble in other nonfiction as there are free books available too. I recently listened to the dramatisation of HG wells ‘War of the Worlds’ with Micheal Sheen, it was amazing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I’m glad other people like Audible, I may have to join soon!
LikeLike
The one time I attempted an audio book it was for one of my favorites that I’ve read multiple times. I absolutely hated it. I think that was because it was one of my favorites and I discovered I’d been pronouncing certain names incorrectly. That and I was attempting to follow along reading while listening and the pace was way slower than I read. When I attempted to speed it up, I was pushing chipmunk territory. I’m sure my not so great experience with it was because of what I chose and how I attempted to “read” it. I’m thinking of trying it again with something new in the future when I have other things I need to do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah yeah I can see why that woulden’t be the best. I’ve only listened to new books to me, so I have yet to deal with that particular issue.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not unwilling to try again, but I’ll have to figure out which book might work best for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve been enjoying LibriVox as I knit too:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds so relaxing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is rather nice:$
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really like the books narrated by Elizabeth Klett
LikeLiked by 1 person
Same here! So far she is my favorite narrator!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Mine too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never experienced audio books before as I have preferred the idea of reading them myself. However, because of your blog post, I might give it a try!
Molicia xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you enjoy the experience! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve listen to 3 so far this year and I’m still not sure I’m into them. The last one was from audiobooksync. (Audiobooksync.com has two new audiobooks free to download every week this summer provided by publishers)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fair enough, I can understand why they wouldn’t be the best fit for everyone!
LikeLike
I use Audible too, it’s quite good in the fact that you can sample the narrators voice/style before you buy.
If you aren’t enjoying a book you can return for a credit refund and you can also pause membership if you need to.
I listen to books whilst walking the dog and cooking.
Plus your first book is free 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so tempted to get it now! 🙂 I think I’m going to finish my free classics binge and then check audible out!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just finished The Binding by Bridget Collins, love the narrator Carl Prekopp, def recommend it 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I actually gave up on any new audiobooks about a year ago. I was finding that none of the books I wanted to hear had narration that I could tolerate…I think Stephen Fry and Patrick Tull ruined me for anyone else.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can absolutely understand how Stephen Fry would do that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never listening to an audiobook before but I think I might give it a go – is there a particular audiobook site you use to listen to them?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have read Villette and Jekyll and Mr Hyde this year for a Victorian course I took at uni. Being able to listen to them as well was really a help! The best thing with audio books is defiantly that you can do things simultaneously. ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was skeptical as well when it came to audiobooks but I must say they’re amazing! What are the next ones on your TBR or listened to hahaha?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I first tried them years ago, did not like it. Got into them while blogging, a great book can be so bad with some narrators. When you get a good narrator, it makes the biggest difference. I always refer to it as read. Glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know what you mean about narrators, it’s shocking what an effect they can have on the overall experience!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, I’m new to your site, but your title caught my eye. I love Audio books! I have a twenty minute drive to work, and I get a lot of reading done during that time. It sounds like we like the same kind of books – You read Villette? Great choice. But my favorites have to be by Gerogette Heyer. The audios are excellent with good readers, and as soon as I hear that cozy British accent I know I’m in for a great experience.
LikeLike
Well then welcome! I really do think audio books are perfect for commutes, I always feel slightly more accomplished once I arrive to my destination.
I’m still currently listening to Villette, but I’m really enjoying it so far, just slowly!
I’ll have to check out some books by her soon, thank you for the recommendation!
LikeLike