We've talked some about reading books with ereaders like Sony, Kindle--even cell phones. But lately, I've discovered that I really enjoy audiobooks too.
My first foray into the audio world was a Georgette Heyer, SYLVESTER, narrated by Richard Armitage. I am a fan of his acting and he has one of those great voices with a low timbre and, of course, a British accent. I was a little skeptical still--would I be restless during the story? I'm a fast reader, sometimes too fast, and tend to skim once in awhile. Would I get antsy?
No. I didn't.
I really liked it.
So, I tried another. Jennifer Cruisie's, BET ME, my fave by her and always a comfort read. This had a female narrator, once I didn't know already. I wondered if I would like a contemporary story in the audio format. And yes, I did. I actually loved it and wanted to listen to it again the minute I was done.
Right now, I'm dividing my time between HUNGER GAMES, which I like--but it's a fairly heavy book and I need breaks, and STORM FRONT by Jim Butcher, narrated by James Marsters.
Dude, Spike from Buffy is narrating it. I LOVE it.
I think I may like audiobooks better than movies right now. I know I like audiobooks better than books turned into movies, which are never the same. Save for GONE WITH THE WIND and THE PRINCESS BRIDE.
I knit while I listen, or file if I'm a work. I still fall deep into the rich world of the author like I'm reading, but to be told a story is a treat I'd forgotten how much I loved since I'm not...six years old anymore.
I think it's also helped my writing cadence. I notice that I write a little slower now, not so rushed. It feels more detailed and complete to me.
Do you have any favorite audiobooks? A great website for the best downloads? Or do you not like them?
I've never tried them, but you may have convinced me.
ReplyDeleteIf you're in the mood for classics, then Librivox.org has free podcast downloads for books that are public domain (think classics like Austen, Dickens, etc.). The only oddity is that they're read by volunteers, so you'll get a few chapters from one reader, a few chapters from another, etc. It can be jarring. My library has iPod friendly downloads available, too, but their fiction section is sadly lacking, so I haven't delved into it yet.
ReplyDeleteDuring knitting, I find that dialogue-heavy reruns (think Gilmore Girls) are excellent; you get all the information you need from listening, so you can watch your knitting and still get what's going on.
I have noticed that they are a huge hit with teens. Like you, I have dodged trying them because I don't think I will enjoy them... but now I'm wondering.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE audiobooks. I discovered them a few years ago when moving and needed something to keep me interested on the long car ride. Now I'm addicted. Jim Dale is amazing and narrates the Harry Potter audiobooks-they are worth listening to. And the Skulduggery Pleasant audiobooks are fantastic. I really like Meg Cabot's books on audio because they translate well to the format. And Graceling on audio was wonderful-it has a full cast.
ReplyDeleteI totally love audiobooks. I listen to them in the car, when I can find them on tape. Because my car is ghetto. LOL
ReplyDeleteI swore off audiobooks after my Dad made us listen to Mark Twain's greatest hits on tape during a cross-country drive (I seriously thought the narrator was going to croak during a scene). But recently, I went to a Scholastic Warehouse Book sale and picked up Hunger Games on audiobook for $10. I loved it! I listened on my daily commute and the narrator did a great job portraying different voices for characters. I might pick up another one since it was such a nice change to let someone else do all the reading!
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