Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy Addicts discussion

How many of you like to listen to Audio books?

What do you like or dislike about them?

Any worth mentioning? Post them here.

I've listened to audiobooks a few times in my life, exclusively on long drives... and they've saved my sanity! Loved-loved-loved "In a Sunburned Country" by Bill Bryson. The process is different - I don't access the same part of my brain exactly as when I'm reading words on a page; but it does do some sort of trick I like. I think it reminds me of being read to by my dad when I was little, which is a lovely reference.

I still prefer 'page reading,' although I'm sure I'll listen again. It's so popular these days... which is why I had both of my own books produced in audio, too. I guess I think it's another dimension to the whole experience, so I'm for it. And I very much think it's worth trying.

Audio books are great to listen to when I'm doing something relatively mindless that requires some of my attention. I often listen to books while I'm working on a beaded piece or on my knitting.

I didn't think audio books would be my thing, but once I tried it I've not looked back. I agree with Sandra its great for doing mindless tasks i.e. walking to the bus stop, going around the supermarket, doing housework etc.

I love audiobooks! At least 2/3 of my monthly reading is on audio nowadays, since I started falling asleep every time I pick up an actual book or my kindle in the last year or so.

I will never pass up the audio format if the book is narrated by Jorjeana Maria, Emma Galvin, Cassandra Morris, Erin Spencer, Phoebe Strole, or Brittany Pressley either. They're the best!

Kiersten wrote: "How many of you like to listen to Audio books?

What do you like or dislike about them?

Any worth mentioning? Post them here."

I've only recently gotten into them, and that's because I have one of my own out in audio. I had a nightmare finding a voice to go with it though, I find some are too theatrical. They are handy when you are doing other things though...

J.F. wrote: "Kiersten wrote: "How many of you like to listen to Audio books?

Right?!? You described the conundrum perfectly when you said "theatrical." I ended up choosing a narrator who read in his own voice instead of trying to match whatever character is talking. It just comes across as strange...

Errin wrote: "J.F. wrote: "Kiersten wrote: "How many of you like to listen to Audio books?

Right?!? You described the conundrum perfectly when you said "theatrical." I ended up choosing a narrator who read in h..."

My first book... let's just say there was a lot of back and forth before I was happy. In the end I said, 'Hey, it's not Othello, just relax, he's an average working class bloke.' lol

For those who enjoy feeling like they're at something similar to a story hour, it's great; I don't knock it. For me good old paper print is the best choice.

With printed books I don't need batteries, devices, headphones or even electricity! A candle, a sunbeam or even moonbeam will do. Plus, personally, my mind wanders more when I'm listening to something--particularly if the narrator is a droner. I can focus better, imagine better with print, and, where E-books are concerned, I don't have to worry about blue light disturbing my eyes. For my money, old-school ink and paper is still the best format for literature.

The Stephen Fry versions of Harry Potter are amazing. :)

Holly wrote: "The Stephen Fry versions of Harry Potter are amazing. :)"

I actually don't like those at all, but I have been checking out the Jim Dale ones from my library. I also like how Andrew Lincoln narrates the Quiddich book, but I don't really have any interest in reading it.

i love audiobooks. I have a long commute and I get tired of the same music or talk radio. I generally listen to JD Robb's Death Series and Longmire. The narrator really makes the book. I've come across a few books where I don't care for the narrator...they've got about about an hour to impress me or i stop listening. Amazon kindle unlimited has audio books \books that can be checked out. I'm almost to the end of jd robb death series and I'm looking for a similar genre..mystery\thriller\romance. Any suggestions?

Tawna wrote: "i love audiobooks. I have a long commute and I get tired of the same music or talk radio. I generally listen to JD Robb's Death Series and Longmire. The narrator really makes the book. I've come ac..."

I haven't tried them personally, but I've heard good things about Gillian Flynn's books? Good luck!

I am really loving audio books! I spend a lot of quiet time with my private duty patients, and I can knit and “read” at the same time. Sometmes the narrator sounds awful and I have to stop though; mary calmes book “change of heart” has the narrator making an important character sound like Yoda! I have an auible subscription; etween that and the library downloads I can get pretty much any book I want

Anna wrote: "I can knit and “read” at the same time. Sometmes the narrator sounds awful and I have to stop though; ..."

It's sad when bad narrators ruin a good story.

Tawna wrote: "i love audiobooks. I have a long commute and I get tired of the same music or talk radio. I generally listen to JD Robb's Death Series and Longmire. The narrator really makes the book. I've come ac..."

Kelley Armstrong has some great books out in audio. the Nadia Stafford Exit Strategy series and the Casey Duncan City of the Lost series are incredible, and the narrators are great.