Audiobooks are in vogue these days, as people of all ages – right from children to adults are using them for pleasure and business. Four years ago, I picked up an Audiobook as part of a prompt for my Book Reading Challenge. I was reluctant initially but I quite liked the experience and there’s no looking back since then.
Audiobook, as you know is a digitally recorded version of the printed paper book being read out aloud by a narrator.
If you are skeptical about listening to audiobooks, here are ten reasons to love audiobooks…
1. Listening while engaged in another activity
Audiobooks can be listened to while folding laundry, cleaning, cooking, gardening, traveling or just plain lounging… I am sure you can think of even more occasions and places when audiobooks can be enjoyed. Ok, it didn’t work for me while eating, because I missed a few words amidst the crunch of the salad.
2. More time to ‘read’
A crowded place may be a bit distractive to read a paper-book or eBook, but it is easier to listen to an audiobook even in a noisy place. Also you can listen to an audiobook when there’s no light or lights out time. And you can listen to an audiobook when you don’t want to strain your eyes. So, you have more time for ‘reading books’.
3. Convenience
Audiobooks are really convenient. You can have them on your phone, iPod, computer/laptop or tablet and even Amazon Echo. Just like eBooks, the audio version is easy to sync on multiple devices.
4. Better listening skills
“I remind myself every morning : Nothing I say this day will teach me anything. So if I am going to learn, I must do it by listening. – Larry King” Audiobooks help in learning to listen and concentrate on verbal messages as you hear every little detail in audiobook. Listening to audiobooks makes you a better listener!
5. Accents and pronunciation
Listening to audiobooks makes you familiar with accents and pronunciation of words. I like comparing the American way of saying words to that of the British. Offhand I remember pondering over these words… civilization, harassment, example, can’t, mobile etc.
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6. Storytelling
You can listen to sample of an audiobook before buying and that introduced me to the style of narrator. I realized that a narrator actually sets the tone of the book and makes the story come to life. This made me aware of the art of storytelling. As listeners, you hear the variations in the tone, different voices for different characters and actually think of the characters speaking to you. And all this makes the experience more vivid for the listener. Also, a voice communicates more than reading the words in the book and the best example of that is sarcasm and humor!
7. Great way to fall asleep
I listen to audiobooks before going to bed and it helps me fall asleep better. Yeah, no kidding!
8. Speed of ‘Reading”
It doesn’t take as long to listen to a book as it would to read it. Yes, you listen to a book much faster than reading one. Additionally the feature to increase the speed at which the narration is read, allows you to cut down the reading time of a 2 hour book to 1 hour!
9. Better medium to read certain genres/ books
Books with concepts or autobiographies or books which have great content but hard to read, make for good listening. I listened to Seriously… I’m Kidding by Ellen DeGeneres which has life lessons narrated by Ellen herself. I think, I found the book more interesting while listening to it because I am sure that some of the jokes shared in the book would not have translated well on paper.
10. Greener option
Audio books help you to go green. Yes, you save trees when you choose audiobooks.
I am still a fan of paper books though the scales are have tilted towards eBooks now, but I find that audiobooks are a great addition to my reading life!
Have you ever tried audiobooks? What’s your take on this? Which audiobooks would you recommend?
46 Responses
Nope! Nope! Nope! I still don’t understand how people actually read/listen to audiobooks. You can find me snoring away to glory while doing so. I tried everything – fiction, fantasy, non-fiction. I even tried listening while reading a book. Meh. Not for me.
But kudos to you! It is an amazing skill and definitely a good thing to get more reading done. 🙂
I completely agree with you Shilpa, audio books are really great options and it is convenient too, with recent busy lifestyle. though I had not tried this yet, after reading your post, feeling inspired to give it a try. great post and perfect starting of the series.
I was about to tell how it was a disadvantage to fall asleep when listening to them but you have that in your list as well, haha. Yes audiobooks are great. I finally decided to listen to them when my eyes started to hurt with all the late night screen time but I still badly wanted to read. Audio books were a saviour! Great start to the challenge. Happy blogging!
I love listening to audiobooks at work. It is so nice to have something to occupy my mind.
I have never tried audio books before. I always thought it would be boring and I’d simply get lost. But eyes and posture are two things of utmost concern to me these days. So I guess i’ll try
I need to try listening to audiobooks soon. Maybe I will start with an autobiography as you recommended.
I agree with your post completely, as I myself am in the middle of an audiobook recording and so love the feel as it will be helpful to many who maybe can’t read or don’t have time.
I can’t agree more. I am a big fan of audio books. Infact, audio books are my first introduction with anything audio related. it inspired me to start my podcast. there advantages are many.
I got into audiobooks very recently. And I totally agree the beauty of audiobook depends on the narrator. I mostly choose audiobooks for non-fiction reads. I lose track while listening to fiction
Aptly said Shilpa. I started audiobooks last year and somehow have been hooked on those since then. They are such time saviour for me.
I’m a better reader than a listener. Reading is a different pleasure for me. But I do agree that audio books have their own merits and advantages.
key question – where do you ‘procure” the audiobooks from? Is it Audible or are there other places you recommend… i seriously want to give it a shot
I have tried out audiobooks and it was fine. I somehow like reading from a book, ebooks are also okay. Sometimes I used to fall asleep while listening to audiobooks!. Congratulations on the first post of A to Z. Looking forward to more.
I haven’t yet jumped on the audiobook bandwagon because I’m a visual learner/ reader. But it does seem the way forward as our lives continue to get busier.
I have actually struggled with the concept of audiobooks partly because I was comfortable with reading and partly because once when I tried listening to audiobooks I tuned out completely after the first 2 lines. But this makes sense. I should improve my listening skills. Thank you Shilpa 🙂
I love audio books as company during my walks. They require strong attention and that isn’t every one’s cup of tea or coffee.
I actually did listen to an audio book but found that it was quite tedious. Firstly I didn’t have headphones so the ENTIRE house had to listen. And secondly, when I stopped, it was very difficult to get back to where I left off. It is a good option for people who can’t read ( like my mom who is almost blind). And of course it is a great way to read more books while you are doing mundane jobs like folding clothes!
I agree with you when you say that audio books are better when it comes to certain genres of books. For me the challenge is to stay focused as I sometimes tune out after a bit. 😛
I haven’t tried audiobooks but your points make a good case for them. Will have to think about this. Thanks for sharing.
I have tried 2 Audiobooks and have failed miserably but taking cue from your post, I am all charged to give another try.
I have yet to try audiobooks. I don’t know why, but I could not bring myself to listen to them. But going to pin your posts so that I can read it whenever I want to try audiobooks next time
I have been pondering over audiobooks for ages. So many people are vouching for audiobooks. However, I am not able to find a suitable app for the same. Which ones would be your recommendation?
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I haven’t read any audio books! It definitely is very convenient. Will definitely start soon.
The reasons suggested by you are great but I would still prefer a paperback book rather than an audiobook.
Oh yes. I do . But i am selective about my reads in audio format. For example I prefer to listen to non fiction more. And I do agree with you on the time factor. I am able to read more and better. Plus it did improve my listening skills
I prefer a paperback book any day. I love the feel of paper below my fingertips as I hold it and flip pages. It’s a connection that I have learnt to make from the very start. I like the process of gradually conjuring up characters as the eyes scan the page. I’m not a fan for audiobooks though I would definitely turn to them if I was left in the darkness for the longest time. I agree however that they are a great green option, help in better listening skills, aid in pronunciation and are fabulous while multi-tasking. I enjoyed the post, Shilpa.
I am yet to get a hang of audio books. I doze off listening to them.but until a few months ago, I said the same about my aversion towards ebooks. Now I love them like the paperbacks. So, hopefully this should be something that I want to explore in the future.
I am a big fan of audiobooks and love to listen to them. I dont like the too dramatised ones.. I love to hear them.
I love audiobooks. Took me some time to warm up to them, but they are a lifesaver now. They are great for multitasking.
Nope! this is not my cup of tea. I have a couple of subscriptions for daughter and she enjoys it. But for me books means the feeling of a paperback, bookmarks, smell of old paper and physical reading. That’s the only reason I never invested in kindle too.
I stumbled upon the audible books a week back, courtesy lockdown. And I loved it from the word go.
Listening to the story was a luxury that I enjoyed abundantly while growing up. It was not a surprise then I found instant liking to it.
Lately I have also developed the love for audiobooks and so agree with your. points buddy. Quite an insightful post
Never considered audiobooks in my life. After reading your post, I am thinking of listening to one. I am not sure if I will be able to retain everything I hear. Its a different approach, very different from what I have been used to for so many years.
Thank you for writing this post. Looking forward to walking the #BlogchatterA2Z journey with you.
Audio books can have many advantages. Writing developed later. Earlier knowledge was passed on through oral medium. Hence hearing is more natural than reading.
The best part of audiobooks for me is the synchronization of Alexa with Kindle. When my eyes get tired, I switch to Alexa, and it picks up where I leave in the Kindle & vice versa.
I have just started listening to audiobooks 15 day ago. I was very reluctant to do. I agree with few points that it’s easy to listen while doing daily chores or other activities. But I need to focus a lot, otherwise I cannot understand properly. For me, its fine for short books or non-fiction.
You’ve reminded me of a storytime activity I do once in awhile with the children. I have them each lie down while a story on cd plays. It’s a great experience for them. Looking forward to more good stuff from you!
I totally agree, audio books are a big boon these days.
I haven’t tried audiobooks but I think they are a great way to start for non readers. Plus all the benefits you’ve enlisted. Though I’m not sure I would enjoy them but I do recommend them to people who don’t read much.
Still haven’t ventured into audio books. Somehow I never enjoyed being read out to. But i do agree it must be pleasant to be able to do something else while listening to the book – and can’t dispute the greener option reason.
Music yes, I love it and always have a playlist on. But audio books….hmm. Yet to try them out.
A big no-till now can you suggest reliable ways to listening to a audiobook. Thanks for writing
Hello Shilpa Ji. You have mentioned some of the great benefit’s of audiobooks. Some years ago i was addicted to read audio-books before going to bed.
I have still not opened myself to the concept of Audio books! Love the feel of a book in my hand! And get lost into it ; its my refuge from the rest of the World. However your blog got me thinking, so guess what giving it a shot! Lovely post btw.
This is a good list, but I strongly disagree with #8 – at least in my case. I read about three times faster than the average speaker speaks, and audiobooks are usually narrated in a more painstakingly slow, clear voice.
I absolutely DO agree that you can use audiobooks to develop better listening skills, but you cannot do that if you’re also using them to multitask or to fall asleep. (If you are in a habit of using them as a sleep aid, do NOT listen to them while driving! I cannot stress this enough.)
Good list, though. It’s always interesting to hear why people choose hardcopy vs. audio and vice versa.