Listening to Audio books

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starshipsaga
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Re: Listening to Audio books

Post by starshipsaga »

I've been so busy lately that if it weren't for audiobooks, I probably wouldn't be finishing as many books these days! Right before bed is usually my prime reading time, but I've been so exhausted these days. It feels so much more relaxing to be able to pop in a couple earbuds, put on an audiobook and let someone else do the reading for me :D
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Shrabastee Chakraborty
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Post by Shrabastee Chakraborty »

I have just started listening to an audiobook. It is just an experiment to see whether I like it or not. I started with one of my all time favourite books- Harry potter and the Philosopher's Stone. And my review is this- at times when it is impossible for me to read a printed book or an ebook (in a dark room for developing photo films, or in a too crowded bus, or when my eyes are simply too tired), an audiobook does great! But otherwise, it can never give you the feel you get from reading books. I have listened to stories narrated by readers in a radio program before, but those were with good sound effects and proper expressions and voice modulaions and I liked those. On the contrary, this audiobook sounds a bit boring. Of course, I can not comment on all the audiobooks in the world on the basis of a single one, and that too my favourite book; I would probably feel very different when I start listening to one with an unknown story. And I am planning on listening to more audiobooks before commenting further.
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Aixa Miller
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Post by Aixa Miller »

I've never tried it before, but I don't think I would get the same satisfaction as actually reading.
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Rumbly
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Post by Rumbly »

I am digging audiobooks, and lately been using a text-to-speech voice reader for novels I read. I am able to multitask and listen to novels as I work so it's really great. Also I have been trying to put less strain on my eyes, so with audiobooks I don't have to sacrifice my eyes to enjoy the stories I want to read.
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valsephine
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Post by valsephine »

I'm glad to see this topic explored in a forum about e-readers. The Kindle vs. paperback debate rages on, while fans of audiobooks just stay in the shadows... :D

As an avid crocheter, I love listening to audiobooks as they allow me to be productive while I listen. I also listen to them often while exercising or driving, and my husband voraciously consumed audiobooks when he had a grocery stocking job.

All that to say: I find the people that have the most success with audiobooks are those that have a relaxing or mindless activity to do while they listen. I have tried playing video games while listening to an audiobook, but even a low-key game like Minecraft proved too distracting for me, and gave me a headache. Your mileage may vary, though; I believe any reader could benefit from experimenting with the medium.
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Post by faceadventure »

I have listened to a lot of audiobooks and I still do sometimes. For me it depends on the person reading it if the audiobook is enjoyable or not. But they mostly are. Audiobooks are good for when you are doing something that doesn't require a lot of brainpower like doing the dishes, folding laundry, taking a walk, colouring in a colouring book or just laying on your bed staring at the ceiling.
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Post by chipmunck »

I get audio books from my local library and so I don't feel bad if a book isn't what I want to hear vs reading. I realize I like non-fiction books the most. Especially if they are fairly easy to listen to. I am most recently on my 3rd audio book that I have listened to. This is fairly new to me, and it is great to listen to in the car when I cannot do anything else but drive. I also listen to them at work when the project I work on is able to not require a lot of focused attention (read: Doing more button pushing on the computer). I did listen to a non-fiction of a true story and it was okay but find more non-fiction books to keep me engaged. I am currently listening to Carrie Fisher's last book read by her. I think I get more out of it than if I read it. I love listening to her tell her story.
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chisom_ikeogu
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Post by chisom_ikeogu »

this is very relatable because I find that audio books help me concentrate more and I can go on for hours listening and digesting every word from the specific book
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oluchi159
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Post by oluchi159 »

I love listening to audio,it's easier understood.
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Post by rave_2 »

I've never listened to an audio book since I prefer ebooks or printed books. I'm sure that it might be a great experience for some people, though.
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Post by BookishCoffeeBlog »

I often listen to audiobooks. I love listening to them while I am doing other, mindless activities like cleaning, driving, and painting. However, I find that I need to listen to light, contemporary reads. I have a hard time connecting with the characters and I don't focus as much on the world-building. I will read the physical book of a story that I want to cherish and stories that will make me emotional.
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Post by Morgan Jones »

I prefer reading the words instead of listening to them because I often get distracted from listening and I'll have to repeat the audio all over again.
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HGreenfield04
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Post by HGreenfield04 »

I love listening to books! First I can change the speed, for some reason at the regular speed my mind wanders so much and I can't focus on the book as well. Second I get so much done while I am listening to a book. Not just boring car rides but just around the house stuff too, like laundry yuck lol. I pop my earbud in and go! (and yes just one earbud I have a three-year-old so I have to be able to hear him as well :D )
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Post by CinWin »

I really enjoy audio books when I am in the car or somewhere that I cannot read an actual book. The only bad thing about audio books is that you can't easily flip back and forth in them as in a paper book or an e-book - mainly because for whatever reason, your hands or otherwise occupied. Besides that, they are great.
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Post by ahmaria »

I don't really enjoy audiobooks as much. Even with talented narrators who do voices and other cool things, there's something a lot more comforting and satisfying about turning pages, physically seeing your progress, closing a book at the end, etc.
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