Audiobooks Thoughts

So over the last couple of months, I have been getting into Audiobooks (got an Audible subscription to cut to the chase).

In the past I have been hesitant for audiobooks. I think prior to this I bought Game of Thrones on CD years ago (and I don't think I ever actually listened to it, maybe the first disc, my plan was to on some long drives, but there were so many discs it just got too complicated, and I just read it). And, as a kid had some books on tape for car rides (couldn't tell you which ones).

But, now it is becoming almost an addiction, I much prefer to listen to books. I do enjoy reading, but audiobooks allow you to listen to books while driving or doing almost anything else. The one issue with audiobooks, is some (especially longer fiction books) tend to be abridged (large parts edited out), so you have to be diligent to get an unabridged version. Also, the narrator can really make or break the experience.

But, even nonfiction is great on audiobooks. I have been listening to a lot of memoirs from random people in history, not famous people (highly recommend "The Recollections of Rifleman Harris, 1848 " https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27251317-the-recollections-of-rifleman-harris for people who are interested in the Napoleonic Wars and the use of rifling tech)

Anyone have thoughts on Audiobooks? Better or worse than other methods to consumer literature? As somebody who has long been skeptical, I highly recommend trying them out.

They only worked for me when I had lots of commute time. But even then I more just did podcasts. In fact I think "Atlas Shrugged" was the only one I did and it was just the first part. The problem is the reader usually goes too slow for my tastes.

Quote: AZDuffman

They only worked for me when I had lots of commute time. But even then I more just did podcasts. In fact I think "Atlas Shrugged" was the only one I did and it was just the first part. The problem is the reader usually goes too slow for my tastes.

That is what I love about audible, you can choose reading speed (up to 3.5X or as slow as 0.5X).
So, if the narrator is on the slow side, just bump it it up to 1.25X or 1.5X.

Quote: Gandler

That is what I love about audible, you can choose reading speed (up to 3.5X or as slow as 0.5X).
So, if the narrator is on the slow side, just bump it it up to 1.25X or 1.5X.

That doesn't do it for me, sounds too weird.

The idea sounds reasonable.


The only audio format I use is a free podcast through Rumble.


When driving, I don't even listen to music.

I like it quiet.

I like it quiet everywhere too, though.


I suppose I am more of a thinker.



Are you a Taurus, because Taurus rules the ears?

Venus rules Taurus.

Quote: DoubleGold

The idea sounds reasonable.


The only audio format I use is a free podcast through Rumble.


When driving, I don't even listen to music.

I like it quiet.

I like it quiet everywhere too, though.


I suppose I am more of a thinker.



Are you a Taurus, because Taurus rules the ears?

Venus rules Taurus.

No, I am a Leo.

In high school the vehicle I was allowed to use regularly had a broken radio. I was completely OK with that, but my friends were beside themselves, just couldn't bear the idea of driving around with no music ... so yes, I too, just often just still drive places with no music, just my thoughts, and I'm fine with that

audio books may be in my future , as my vision is going to hell. In the past I liked some of them, but they were expensive, I thought

Quote: odiousgambit

In high school the vehicle I was allowed to use regularly had a broken radio. I was completely OK with that, but my friends were beside themselves, just couldn't bear the idea of driving around with no music ... so yes, I too, just often just still drive places with no music, just my thoughts, and I'm fine with that

audio books may be in my future , as my vision is going to hell. In the past I liked some of them, but they were expensive, I thought

In the past it was also a paid because you had to get multiple CDs (or tapes if you are going back), and play them in the right order. Much more complicated in a car. It is much more convenient being able to just stream cover to cover without having to worry about that.

They can still be pricey, but are becoming more affordable (also you can often get many for free from your local library if they have an audiobook app -libby is a big one-).