Monday, May 18, 2015

Audiobooks: Opinions?

 

 
I have never finished an audiobook. Ever. It's not that I haven't made the effort. I've tried quite a few times, thinking each time was going to be different, only to set my headphones aside each time and go pick up a paper copy.

Why?? It should be easy, right? Just sitting back, relaxing, let the words of a story wash over me, with absolutely no effort on my part. But, no. It's not.

What I lack is patience. I can't wait for that painstakingly slow voice* to tell me the story when I could just read it for myself, my own way.

(*Seriously. Why do they read so slow?)

It always bugged me the way the reader decided to tell the story. When I'm reading to myself I have my own ways of enunciating, my own pace, my own ideas of how the characters must speak. But listening to an audiobook I have to conform my imaginings to fit with what the narrator is presenting. It's stifling, I tell you.

I could give you a far more detailed list of things I've found wrong with audiobooks, but I won't. On the contrary, I've decided to give them another chance. Crazy, I know. It's just that my generous and merciful nature has been prompting me to do so.

So, a few weeks ago, audiobooks and I were reunited. There were tears and laughter; I gave my headphones a stern talking to(sometimes they cut out, which is NOT cool). And so it began. I plugged the headphones into my phone, fixed them over my ears, and pressed play.

And it was weird.

It's a huge transition, the visual to the oral. I'm not saying that I don't like it....yet. In fact, I think I may really grow to enjoy audiobooks. It can be a nice alternative to when you're doing something active(walking, cleaning your room, etc.) and don't feel like listening to music.

So, here's to my newfound relationship with audiobooks.

Source

Wish us luck.

(FUNNY STORY. I finish this post and, shortly after, I give up on the audiobook I was listening to. I PROMISE, however, that had more to do with crummy writing than any annoyance with the narrator. I was actually enjoying that aspect.

So. I need help in the form of RECOMMENDATIONS! Name some audiobooks and their narrators that you've listened to and really enjoyed! I'll check 'em out.)

16 comments:

  1. I'm a very visual person, so when I listen to audiobooks, my mind tends to wander. I had pretty good luck with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in the car once, but it's hard to not pay attention to a favorite. I thought audiobooks would be great to listen to on an airplane a few months ago, but I kept falling asleep during the one book I tried to listen to, so I gave up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's the same with me--listening requires a lot more focus from me. Maybe I should listen to one of my old favorites instead of trying a new book.

      Delete
  2. I rarely listen to audiobooks, unless I am going to a place that's eight hours away and I need something to listen to during the drive. Still, it's good that you're getting into them again! It's always interesting to experience books in a new way. :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is interesting, and I'm glad! I just need to find the right book...

      Delete
  3. Here's a free audiobook novella that I loovvveeeed: http://jointheunaccepted.com/books/red-rain-audiobook It's a Christian Sci-Fi, and absolutely wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooh, thanks Katie! A novella might be perfect to start with, too!

      Delete
  4. I rarely ever listen to audiobooks, but when I do it's usually more for the performance than for the actual book itself. Usually the narrators are really good (especially for Roald Dahl books) and like if you're in the car or something it could be helpful :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah. If the narrator's really good, I'm sure I could be persuaded!

      Delete
  5. I asked this same question a couple of months ago. I listened to an audiobook and couldn't stand it. I will tell you what I was told: Listen to the Harry Potter series narrated by Jim Dale before you write off audiobooks completely. He is very good.

    With that being said, I have a hard time focusing on audiobooks. I find that if I'm washing dishes or something I forget to pay attention to the recording. So I don't think I will stick to old favorites so if I miss something I won't be lost.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've listened to a sample of Jim Dale's narration, and he was awesome! Since it just so happens that I'm currently rereading the HP series, I might go with one of those first. Probably the seventh book, as I've read it so many times and it's nice to get a fresh perspective.

      Delete
  6. I LOVE AUDIO BOOKS. And seriously, if you haven't read Elizabeth Wein's books, go check out Rose Under Fire or Code Name Verity on audio ASAP. The author does ALL the accents!! So like Polish, French, German, English, Scottish, American...*flails and dies* I have a really big love of accents so this is like THE BEST. *hyperventilates* ANYWAY. I love audios. I cannot sit still and listen to them though. xD I have to be out walking or cleaning or just doing something with my hands. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That sounds perfect! I haven't read either, but I've been wanting to read Code Name Verity forever. The accents would just be the icing on the cake :)

      Delete
  7. I rarely listen to audiobooks because, like you, I have my own way of pacing, enunciating, and imagining how each character speaks. I'm a rebel, lol, so I don't like to conform. For me, it's just easier and more enjoyable to read the book myself.
    But, if you have any recommendations, I'm open to give 'em a go. :)


    Alexa
    thessalexa.blogspot.com
    verbositybookreviews.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, it's such a weird transition! You should check out the recommendations above, though!

      Delete
  8. I wasn't going to comment, but then I saw your note about recommendations. One of my favorite audiobooks is The Heist Society by Ally Carter. If you haven't read those books or if you have, the audio version is fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have read them, but a reread would be nice! Thanks for the rec!

      Delete