Caffeinated Confessions: I Have Become an Audiobook Junkie

November 15th, 2014 Kimberly Feature 98 Comments

15th Nov

Caffeinated Confessions

I wanted a forum where we could talk about bookish subjects from swoon-worthy covers to the price of eBooks. I hope to share my thoughts on a different subject each month. So that we can all chat and share opinions. In the process I hope we get to know each other a little better. I made a pot of peppermint mocha coffee and have some lovely peppermint tea so grab a cup and let’s chat:

I Have Become An Audiobook Junkie Have You?

If you asked last year for my opinion of audio books I would have said, “They aren’t for me, and I cannot concentrate. Maybe if I had a long commute to work but I do not listen to them. I prefer to read.” Honestly I thought to myself why would I listen for 15 hours when I could read the gosh darn book in 4 hours. I will explain why later in this post.

As a reader, I am constantly evolving and trying new things. Just as genres, authors and formats have evolved. I did not read YA until my kids were teens, and could not believe how good the fantasy, dystopian and science fiction novels in this age group had become. I dismissed the erotic genres after trying them in the early eighties. They had zero plot, and I use to say, “If I want to read smut I can borrow my hubby’s Playboys.” I recently picked one up, and no folks it was not Fifty Shades (I have not read them). This novel was compelling and actually had a plot along with all the hot and steamy sex scenes. The characters had depth and so I tried another. You get the picture. We change as readers.

In the past Bloggers, I love such as Loupe & Melliane @Hot Listens, Carmel @ Rabid Reads and Felicia @ Geeky Book Blogger have encouraged me to listen and so I did. In September of 2013, thanks to Overdrives’ Summer Free Audio program, I listened to and enjoyed Enchanted by Alethea Kontis. The narrator Katherine Kellgren offered a perfect introduction to listening. Her voice was delightfully animated and I had fun. Than in December, I tried a Christmas novella, but it was not until I listened to Anne Bishop’s urban fantasy, Written in Red  in February of this year that my love of audios blossomed.

Written in Red on audio was a brilliant listen, thanks in part to Alexandra Harris’s engaging narration and Anne Bishop’s breathtaking world building. After listening, I knew I wanted more and signed up for an Audible membership. I had nothing to lose as you can cancel at any time.

Listening to audios takes some getting used to. At first, I sat with my ear buds, closed my eyes and just listened, but gradually I learned that I could follow along and do mundane chores. Suddenly all that wasted time during the day where reading was not possible I could listen! It made chores like laundry, cleaning floors, gardening and grocery shopping enjoyable. In fact, if an audio is good I will look for excuses to listen. My closets all sparkle!

Remember I questioned, “Why would I listen for 15 hours when I could read it in four?” The answer turned out to be simple. I can listen, when it is impossible to read. One cannot hold a paperback while scrubbing toilets or cutting the lawn. I also discovered that the more I listened the faster I could increase the audio speed as my brain learned to fine-tune my listening skills. I began on the slowest setting and now listen at 1.75x. It decreases the length of the overall audio.

audio-books

At this time, my listening choices are limited to Urban Fantasy, Mystery, and thrillers with the occasion literary fiction. I have dabbled in romance a little with Ugly Love and my personal favorites, Lord Of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase and Outlander by Diana Gabolden. I am not quite ready to tackle overly steamy reads. The idea of listening to someone articulate the act makes me a tad uncomfortable, but I imagine I will pop that cherry eventually. For now, I am content listening to Kate Daniels, The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, Horror, Urban Fantasy, The Others, mysteries and more.

At the beginning of the year I listened to one audio a month and now listen to three or four each month. I encourage you to try them. There are several apps you can use on your smartphone or iPod to make listening mobile. My favorite is the Smart Audio Book Player. There is a free version to try and you can upgrade for $2.00. It is a onetime fee and offers additional features. I upgraded since it allows me to add covers, set a sleep timer and see how far I have progressed. Audible is fantastic. They offer several program. There basic offers one book a month (1 credit) for 14.99 a month. They offer a free book or reduce fee when you join and you can cancel at any time. You can learn more about it here: Audible.com

I hope you will try a few audios. Your local library rents them. It takes a few minutes to warm up to the narrator and than before you know it you become lost within the story. A good narrator can make or break a book, so pay attention to reviews from other listeners. You will eventually find favorite narrators you adore and ones to avoid.  For me I often find the narration enhances the story for me and adds an extra element to the story.

So yes, I have become an Audiobook Junkie and I am delighted. How about you? Have you tried audios? Are you an addict or just a dabbler?

 

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

98 Responses to “Caffeinated Confessions: I Have Become an Audiobook Junkie”

  1. Sandy

    I love audiobooks too. And like you, I really got pulled into them for a couple of the same reasons you did–being able to listen during times when I wouldn’t normally be able to read and increased number of books “read”. I love the Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich–Lorelai King narrates them. I don’t think she did the earlier books in the series, but she seriously makes that series even better. Even if I were to go back to reading this series over listening to them I’d hear the characters in her voice. Great post. I really wish more people would give audiobooks a chance. I haven’t been able to listen as much lately as I’d like because work has gotten busier.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I wish they would too, and more than one as it does take time to learn to listen

  2. Olivia

    Now this is something I have thought a lot about! I see so many advantages to listening to audiobooks, because then you can listen while you travel (I cycle, so it would be handy) and you can multi task and still be technically “reading.” The only problem is that if I am not doing something myself, I really fall asleep because I have a focus problem (and never quite get enough sleep.)

    So as much as I like the idea of audio books, I have never managed to pick up on them myself. But I am glad you enjoyed them! And you are right, as a reader we are constantly changing.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thanks Olivia. I do a lot of tasks alone like cleaning, cooking, walking and grocery shopping so listening works. I would think cycling would be perfect for listening

  3. Olgia

    I too, am an audiobook junkie. I listen on my commute to work every day (which is a ridiculous 45 minutes, by the way) and LOVE it. Currently listening to The Night Circus and LOVING every second of it. I think this may be my favorite narrator.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Wow 45 minutes..yes I would think a good audio would make the time fly!

  4. Christine

    Yes, I am a total junkie too! Like you, I used to think audio wasn’t for me, but once I figured out which genres work for me (non-fiction, humor, re-reads, and fiction that isn’t too complex) I was hooked. I generally only listen while doing chores, going for a walk, or going on a long car ride, but it’s really incredible how much extra reading I can now fit into times that were previously considered impossible to read. My number of books read in a year has grown exponentially since I started doing audio 🙂

  5. Lorna

    I joined Audible this past summer and have gotten several to listen to. I have only listened to two or three since then, but then I don’t work so no commute. However twice a year I have a over 9 hour drive there and 9 hours back drive, so they do come in handy for that. Now I have way too many so will have to start listening more while NOT in the car. So far, I don’t think I will be an addict but you never know!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Audio is fantastic for travel, but I have just as much fun listening while folding laundry 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am still reading more, but these have become a huge part of my reading experience.

  6. Tanya

    Those gals got me with the audiobook bug too. Now I have to have one on the go always. I was getting pissed that people were calling during my commute and interrupting my books, so I discovered my block feature on my Samsung, so now I have that go on automatically during commute times so no interruptions! I also love Whispersync so I can go back and forth.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I love that you block calls. It must make the ride delightful.

  7. Nereyda

    Oh man, I’m a junkie too. Now I listen to 4-5 audiobooks a week and read only one. I’m a stay at home mom now so I have more ‘mom’ things to do so I pretty much have my earphones on all day.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      That is fantastic. It is amazing how much listening you can get done when you are running around.

  8. Lark

    Great post, Kimba! I’m glad you’ve discovered the joys of audiobooks. I listen for the same reasons you do – so I can “read” while my hands and eyes are otherwise occupied.

  9. Red Iza

    I’d love to listen to more audiobooks, but at home, I’m surrounded by my family ; in the train, I’m surrounded by noise – so, not easy. When I have more tranquillity, I’ll definitely try. I used to love the BBC radio plays when I didn’t have children !

  10. Lily B

    I tried audiobooks, I just couldn’t get into them at all. But I am glad you find yourself enjoying them. I bet they really would be good for long car rides, I would have to try one then!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Awe, I hope you try them again Lily and yes a road trip would be perfect for it

  11. Sheila (Book Journey)

    Hello fellow audiobook junkie! I was like you about 4 years ago… audio to me was that awful stuff my aunt and uncle listened to in their rv. Then I started listening while driving… and then while mowing, gardening, folding laundry, cooking dinner… yup. I love audible too.

  12. Amber Elise

    I’m getting into audio books as well, but I think I’m a bit picky! Since most of the books I read are narrated by women, I really picky about how the narrator does the male voices. My ideal situation is multiple narrators for one book! 🙂

    I love audible for making audiobooks so easy and convenient, I just wish I got more credits each month! I hate spending my LAST credit, so I always wait til I have 3 or 4 so I can go on a mini shopping spree!

    Great post!

    Amber Elise @ Du Livre

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh now I love a male narrator,it is just a matter of finding the right ones.

  13. Nicole

    I’m just like you – I never used to listen to audiobooks until I figured out that it’s a great way to pass the time when I’m doing random things like folding laundry or driving around running errands. Your comment about listening to erotic novels made me laugh – I think I have to agree with you there – it would just seem a little strange. But, like you say, we’re always changing our opinions on things as we go through life, so who knows?

  14. Candace

    I’ve started listening to them much more as well. We listened a lot when I lived at home as we traveled quite a bit and we’d listen in the car. Now, like you, I like them for when I’m unable to read. So when I clean, walk the dog or drive in the car. I listen to 2 or 3 a month but only get one audible credit a month. Fortunately this works great because I find some really good ones on sale or get whisper sinc deals when I buy the kindle books. So I really only need one a month and get by fine. I’ve been cruising through them this year, more so than previous years.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I only get one too, but I do receive audio arcs and look for bargains

  15. Kristin T.

    I love audiobooks and always have at least 1 if not 2 going! I used to only get them from the library and listen to them in the car and then bring them into the house to listen to while cleaning/baking, etc. But then I got an audible account and now I can listen while I’m walking, out grocery shopping, – the possibilities are endless!!! And I love that with audible you can adjust the speed. I wish I could do that with the cds! I have actually listened to whole series on audio – Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series, Tess Gerritsen’s Rizzoli & Isles series, Kathy Reichs’ Temperance Brennan series. So many good audios…and a great way to get to some books faster! But like you said, the narrator can definitely make or break the whole experience.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Hehe I am so glad I am not the only one who listens while food shopping. I hate the crowds and enjoy shopping with a book!

  16. Trish

    I have used those exact same excuses in the past but then I decided to just give audio a proper shot. I signed up for Audible and that was it, there was no going back! I love audio now but I do find I can only listen on normal speed. If I speed it up, I feel like I lose some of the narrators expression and feeling but I don’t mind listening at normal speed anyway. Audiobooks are yet another reason why I love my smartphone though and I love that I can be going about my business but my head is far, far away listening to a book play out for me.

  17. alreem

    I felt the same, i wasn’t i huge fan of audiobooks I preferred printed book still love printed books more than audiobooks but One of my friends give me the harry potter series in audiobooks as a gift and seriously it was a good way to kill time while driving and now i’m in my second series of audiobooks 🙂 … I’m starting to love it

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Wahoo. That is all it takes one magical listen and you find yourself hooked

  18. Christy

    I do like audiobooks, but my attention span is terrible. Even if I’m doing something while listening, my mind starts going other places. Reading has always helped me focus. But yeah, when I do listen, I speed them up and that helps.

  19. Amber

    I’ve been wanting to try out audio books but I worried I wouldn’t be able to focus on it or remember anything when it came to reviewing. It’s great that you’ve broadened your horizons to audiobooks! I can definitely see the benefit of audiobooks, like you said, you can listen to them when you can’t read. I think I’ll definitely give audiobooks a try though, I know my library has some. Great feature and discussion. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am glad you are going to try them. Start by just listening with your eyes closed and once the story hooks you..make the bed.

  20. Berls

    I’m a total audiobook junkee! I read them faster than regular books really – I’m not that fast of a reader and like you said, all that time I can’t physically hold a book but can listen to one! I need to check out that app you mentioned though – I’m not familiar with it yet.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Now I cannot say I listen to them faster, but I am glad you love them as much as I do.

  21. Jess

    I love a good audio book. I like listening for many of the same reasons you listed- I can read/listen to a book when I am doing chores, which is awesome. I also like that it forces me to slow down. I read pretty fast, but audios go at a slower pace and it makes me really think about everything that is happening in the story. I read HP 5 and always thought it was very dark. When I listened to it, it still had dark moments, but because I spent more time with it I realized it wasn’t nearly as dark as I first thought because all the moments had a chance to stand out. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

  22. Stephanie Faris

    That’s definitely it–audiobooks are for when you can’t sit down with a book and read. Exercising, housecleaning, driving… When I worked for the state, my job was to set up 35 laptops almost every day for meetings. SO mundane and boring. I had an Audible.com membership and listened to Gone Girl and a bunch of Harlan Coben mysteries. That was the “fun reading” I did, when I read grown-up stuff instead of reading middle grade books to study up for my writing!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am glad you enjoy them too and yes they make mundane chores a little easier 🙂

  23. Sophia Rose

    It’s funny you should post this right now. I hadn’t listened to an audio book at all mostly b/c I couldn’t see the point when I didn’t have long commutes and I read fast. Then just this Sept, I used my free book at Audible and found myself listening during my chores coming to the same conclusion you did- new way to occupy my mind when I couldn’t actually hold a book.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Exactly…now I can read 24-7 . Well not when I am sleeping but wouldn’t it be bomb if we could? I might actually read all of my books on my tbr pile!

  24. Karla

    I’m addicted to audiobooks too! I listened to my first book about 3 years ago and never turned back. They can make the most mundane chore enjoyable, the horrible commute bearable, and I can’t wait to walk myself out the door and get lost in a good listen as I pound the pavement! I converted to many non-believers and am thrilled that they love audiobooks as much as I do. Yes, I will admit there are times it’s better to read than to listen, but for the most part my experience has been a positive one and many times enhances the story. Some of my favorite series/books on audio are JD Robb’s In Death, Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander, Brandon Sanderon’s Mistborn and Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden and all of Molly Harper’s book. Thanks for the great post, loved reading everyone’s comments and Happy Listening!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      So glad you are enjoying them too Karla..and yep that is exactly what I do when listening:) I loved Outlander on audio.

  25. Katherine

    I’m still a dabbler but I definitely “get” them now where I didn’t before. I kind of thought the same thing you did. I was never in the car for long stretches and I can’t just sit and listen but I’ve been adding them in little by little and really enjoying them. My library has a ton on Overdrive so I just download them onto my phone. I’m definitely looking forward to trying more!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Overdrive is fantastic, and I am glad you are dabbling. I have a little speaker enhancer and I plug my smartphone into it and listen while baking.

  26. Sharon - Obsession with Books

    I am not a huge fan of audiobooks but I do find myself listening when I am ironing or in the car but they don’t really hold my attention and it seems to take me weeks to get through just the one, I also find it hard to connect a story with the narrator if that makes sense, if I’m reading a YA book and the narrator doesn’t fit it just won’t work for me unfortunately.

    I’m pleased you are enjoying them Kimba 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes a narrator can make or break a story. I would keep trying. I love listening while doing chores and I found the more I did it the better I got at focusing.

  27. Emma

    I guess I am an addict as well, as I always NEED to have 1 audio going on. But I can’t just sit and listen – if I sit, I read. so I listen to audiobooks while cleaning the house, ironing, yeah, I still do, cooking, doing the dishes, the marvel of not having a dish-washer, and when I paint – I do hand-painted rocks. When the audiobook is awesome, the house tends to be cleaner, lol, because I want any opportunity to keep listening. so right now it’s The Innovators, by Walter Isaacson. Great nonfiction, though I have experienced mysteries to be the best genre for me as audiobooks. In fact, I have noticed that for some boks, the audio form works even better than the written word.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      That is me Emma..I have an audiobook on my smartphone at all times. I listen when cleaning, grocery shopping, doing yard work, laundry, cooking, dusting …you name it. I like to listen at night too. The apps I have use a timer and I love it. I agree the audio at times enhances the experience

  28. Linnae

    I would love audio but they cost too much for this reader. My dh and I used to listen to the mysteries on Sirius Radio when we traveled and it made the drive fly by. The sound effects were my favorite part. Do the audio books have sound effects?

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Sometimes there are but for the most part it is the narrator(s) reading and creating voices. Your local library has a ton of free lendable audio books. You can use the Overdrive App on your smartphone or laptop to listen to them

  29. Angela Adams

    I’ve often thought of trying audiobooks, but for me, there’s something exciting about turning the page to see what happens next. Thanks for the post!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I agree, but it is so nice to listen at times when I cannot possibly read. It also keeps me from ignoring chores in favor of a book..LOL

  30. Carmel

    Welcome to the audiobook junkie club, Kimberly!! I started off slowly, same as you, listening to maybe one a month, then I became addicted to Lauren Fortgang’s narration of Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassin series & inhaled 7 installments in 2 months. Things kinda spiraled from there, and now I listen almost as much as I read, it’s nearly a 50/50 split right down the middle. We’ll chat about this topic again in March when Vision in Silver comes out. 😀

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I cannot wait. I have the arc of Vision in Silver since I am such a fan that I both listen and read the series. At this point I always have an audio going, and a book.

  31. Stormi

    Oh my I am such a audio freak! I started out a few years ago with one here and one there, but now it’s more like 15-20 or more a year! I love thrillers, mysteries, paranormal and romance (though some times a bit too steamy for my liking to listen too..lol). It is all about the narrator! I will let you listen to Outlander and then see what you think before I try tackling that long of audio..lol. Stephen King is another one that makes me cringe looking at how many hours it might take to listen to one..lol. 🙂 I heart audio!! 🙂

  32. Sarah (Sarah's Book Shelves)

    I am right where you described yourself in the first paragraph! I never listened to them until the last 6 months when I started half marathon training – and I only listened while running. But, it just didn’t work out. In fact, I recently did a post where I “retired” from reviewing audiobooks because I couldn’t concentrate well enough to write a fair review (http://www.sarahsbookshelves.com/fiction/reading-vs-listening-is-it-fair-for-a-visual-person-to-review-audiobooks/). I still listen to them while running, but don’t review them anymore.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I remember. I know a lot of folks suffer from retention so I feel for you. I am glad you still listen for enjoyment though.

  33. Jennifer

    I’m a total audio book junkie!! I’m currently listening to my 102nd audio for this year. LOL I’m lucky that I can listen at work so I can get 2-3 audios done in a week depending on their length and what I’m working on a work.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Very nice. I am managed 2-4 a month at the moment. I only work 12 hrs a week and cannot listen there.

  34. kindlemom1

    I love that these are working for you so much because it is awesome to be able to listen to a book while doing something else productive. I really wish these worked a little more for me than they do or I would definitely buy more of them.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It took a while Ali but I am able to really focus so that helps. It may help that I can read in a crowded room and not hear a thing..LOL So when I listen, I can do mundane activities and still focus.

  35. Joyce Novacek

    I haven’t listened to audiobooks since I was a kid! My family of six would pile in the minivan and drive cross country. Our favorite? Naturally Jim Dale’s rendition of the Harry Potters (we had the first few books on tape!)

    These apps sound incredible – I love the idea of listening when you can’t read. And I need all the encouragement I can get to tidy up 🙂

    Thanks for the idea!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      We read them aloud to our children and than as they aged we would take turns reading them. I have such fond memories of the books that are woven into our family. I bet those road trips were even more memorable thanks to those audios.

  36. Melliane

    Ah audibooks… I tried one, only one. It was good but it took 2 months for me to finish it ecause 10hours is soooooooo long! I don’t have the time to be concentrated like that. because if I don’t do nothing or almost nothing my mind goes somewhere else.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Ah, it takes practice, but I know some folks cannot focus on more than one task or their mind wanders.

  37. Laurel-Rain Snow

    I have held out against audio for a long time, with the same argument you had earlier: if I can read it faster, why listen?

    But I can imagine it would be great for walks, and I need to walk more. Housework…I don’t know. Do I need to do more housework? LOL

    Actually, I must confess that I am afraid I won’t catch something (when I watch TV, it is turned up to high volume!), but I guess you can go back?

    I don’t even have an iPod! What a poor Geek am I!

    But I like your post and what you had to say….something to ponder.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I do not have an iPod, but have the apps on my smartphone. It does make housework a heck of a lot more fun..LOL

  38. Jonetta (Ejaygirl)

    I’ve listened to audiobooks for years, primarily mysteries while on road trips. However, when I discovered my library had a wealth of audiobooks in every genre available for download, I found that I had many other listening opportunities (cooking, cleaning, driving) and am never without an audiobook in play from every genre. My husband bought me high quality headphones last Christmas and I’m now in heaven. I listen whenever I can’t hold a book to read so I always have two going.

    I COMPLETELY understand how you’ve become an audiobook junkie, especially with Lupdilup, Felicia and Carmel cheering you on!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Ah that is fantastic and it sounds like you enjoy them the way that I do. My hubby laughs because if I am not reading a book I am listening to one..LOL

  39. Tammy

    I am so embarrassed to admit I have never even tried to listen to an audiobook…and I know so many bloggers who love it. My dilemma is this: if I’m listening in order to write a review about it, how do I take notes? Do I carry around a notebook? Do I just hope I remember all the details? I’d love to hear your method:-)

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I have an insanely good memory Tammy. My suggestion would be that each time you stop listening to briefly write a few notes. I generally never take notes unless I want to remember a quote. I also write my reviews within the first 24-48 hours and schedule them. Right before it publishes I re-read it, make additional corrections and look to see if I still feel the same way about it. If I need additional details I go back to chapter and re-listen.

  40. Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf

    I’ve been listening to audio books for years…both via audible and library loans via overdrive. But I only listen while commuting…so about 1-1.5 hr a day. It takes me 1-2 weeks per book at that rate. I really need to develop the habit of listening while doing tasks around the house. I have tried increasing the speed on my iphone but I found that it negated whatever the narrator was adding to the story. I felt I was missing out on the intonation, humor, voice distinctions etc…so I stopped. I might give that another shot because it is certainly tempting to be able to devour more faster!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Sometimes upping the speed doesn’t work, but I am finding 1.5x let’s me have it all. Oh and I love putting my phone in my back pocket, sticking the ear-buds in and doing activities from cleaning to walking.

    • Terri M.

      Melissa, I listen during my commute as well. I really took advantage of the SYNC program this year and have exhausted the handful of books I downloaded. My favorite by far, this summer, was Code Name Verity.

      My commute is a total of 40 minutes so it takes me close to a month to finish most books.

  41. Kim

    I am a full-on audiobook addict. I’ve had good and bad audiobook experiences, but I’ve only once stopped listening to one because I didn’t like the narrator. I got used to listening to audiobooks when I had a 20-45 minute commute each way to work, but now my commute isn’t as long so I’m not getting as much quality audiobook time as I’d like. I don’t care for sitting around the house, listening to an audiobook, but I do listen to them at work quite a bit. Unless, of course, I’m writing something and then it’s impossible. 🙂 I do listen to them at the gym or while I’m out for a walk, too. I’m a big fan. I wasn’t sure I would ever be able to get behind listening to steamier reads on audiobook, but after reading a couple of Tessa Bailey’s books that way, I’m a convert. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I agree, unless the scene is intense..I prefer to move around when listening. Which is why my house is all shiny clean. LOL I imagine the time will come for those steamer listens..LOL

  42. Melanie Simmons

    I love that I helped convert another audio junkie. I know I started off my listening to books that I had already read instead of doing re-reads. Then I started expanding into new to me books. Now many books, I go straight to audio and can’t read anymore because the narrators add so much.

    Mostly, I listen to the same genre that I read, but I have found that I really enjoy autobiographies read by that person are great on audio. I listened to As You Wish (the making of the Princess Bride, read by Westley with some of the others making cameos), and autobiographies by Kevin Smith and Carrie Fisher. It is like listening to them tell you their story. That is the newest genre that I’ve added to my audiobook list.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I have series that are strictly audio now. I keep the same format once I start, and there are a few favs like Charley Davidson that I plan to eventually re-read on audio.

  43. verushka

    I have been wondering about whether to give audio books a try. I did in fact try to listen to 1 recently but realised i was listening to it with such fierce concentration i had the weirdest expfession on my face. Idid get to wondering if i was starting with fhe wrong thing though. I’m a work in progress I guess. Lol i mighttry Ministry of peculiar occurences that you mentioned above–i love that series and its abt time i reread it

    • kimbacaffeinate

      The narrator for Ministry is fantastic. Yes..my first audio listens I probably looked similar. I laid down with the ear-buds in and just concentrated.

  44. Jennifer Bielman

    No, I don’t buy audio books, but I do often listen to my text to speech feature of my kindle and get things done while listening to a book. I love it. I get so much done. I do it while doing my makeup, driving, and so on. I might start buying audiobooks soon.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh the text to speech is nice. I also like that you can get the audio for reduced price if you own the book on kindle.

  45. Maja (The Nocturnal Library)

    I’m so glad you started enjoying audiobooks! I am absolutely addicted too! I spend many hours in my car and audiobooks save me from feeling like I’m losing precious time. Also, like you, I tend to do MORE around the house when I become engrossed like that. I constantly look for more things to do.
    I’m glad written in red was one of those books that made you fall in love with listening. It’s one of my favorites too. And The Bone Season was another one that was brilliantly read.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I loved Bone Season but actually read that one. I am really enjoying Kate Daniels on audio right now.

  46. blodeuedd

    I wish I could listen more but, short way to work, do not listen when working out, can’t work when cleaning…I have isseus

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It took some practice, but I love listening while cleaning, walking and cooking.

  47. Kathryn

    Fantastic post/discussion. I have loved audiobooks for years and been a long time customer at Audible – imagine my love for the internet when here in little old New Zealand at the bottom of the world I can easily access most of their books. I am a slower listener though- mainly listen when I walk only. I also love listening when my brain is really too tired to focus on the printed page. I sit back in a comfy chair and get read to! I agree that narrators make or break the book. In fact a good narrator can make the book even better, and one I may have thought ‘meh’ if reading the printed page, becomes something good. I haven’t tried successfully to speed up the rate – my iPod doesn’t do a good job of that. Must get the app you mention on my phone and see what happens.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I agree about listening when eyes are tired of print. I read about 3 hours a day and the break on my eyes is nice. I also like to listen for about 30 mins before bed.

  48. Lupdilup

    That’s my girl!!! I couldn’t have explained better myself. It’s all about finding the book that clicks, and before you know it you’re lost in the story while you’re doing laundry…lol
    Let me extend a big welcome to the club! I’m thrilled 🙂