I’ve never had any interest in listening to audiobooks, I love the physical act of reading a book! However, I heard Ann Patchett speak (in person!) on Monday and she was really promoting the audio version of Tom Lake with Meryl Streep as narrator. Even though I read Tom Lake, I may give the book a listen - it could be a good first audiobook experience for me!
I've always liked the idea of audio books, in an 'isn't that efficient' kind of way, but just like you my mind starts to wander and I can't concentrate. I also find it hard to recall what I've heard when I take a break too, which I never get with physical books.
I'm a huge fan of audiobooks but recognize they aren't for everyone. If you want to dip your toe back in I *highly* recommend Daisy Jones and the Six. It's a full cast recording so it feels like listening to a movie. I also recommend upping the speed. I listen at 1.35 at this point. "Regular" speed makes my brain wander more.
I feel the same way about fiction audiobooks. Whenever the narrators start doing the character voices I cringe! I’ve found one exception in Tom Lake, but it was narrated by Meryl Streep, and the way she performed it was just different. I suppose she can’t do wrong.
I do always love listening to non fiction on Audible, especially when it’s read by the author. Hearing the nuances and inflections helps me better connect with them and their stories.
Thanks for a great newsletter! Adding some of your recommendations to my list. 😊
It’s definitely not for everyone and that’s okay! I couldn’t eyeball read a book in 5 hours, but I can breeze through an audiobook no problem. Wish I could do both. 😂
I had to find narrators that were compelling when I started. It helps me enjoy the experience and I'm less likely to want to speed it up. There are some amazing narrators out there and BookRiot has articles with recommendations
If I had to pick just one, I would say, start with something by Robin Miles. She crosses lots of genres and is :chefs-kiss:
I find it helps to have a writer who also lends themselves to a type of aural storytelling, for example, I hated reading Terry Pratchett until I read one of his books in audio. I also solve the, I need to do something while listening, by reading while showering/getting ready in the morning. It helps mundane self-care that can be difficult if I'm a little down, be something to look forward to because I can listen to my book.
Finally, I find narrative non-fiction (memoirs, true crime, etc) are, as you noted, more like podcasts than audiobooks in some respects. If the author narrates the book it can feel like an intimate conversation with a friend (Michelle Obama felt like my commute ride along when I read her first memoir). Good luck finding the right fit!
I'm 100% with you on audiobooks. We save celebrity memoirs for long roadtrips and do them on audiobook, but otherwise, I tend to just avoid completely. I did love listening to Rob Lowe's Stories I Tell My Friends and when you speed it up, it sounds just like his character on Parks & Rec.
I can only do audiobooks while I'm driving - any other time and I can't get absorbed and find myself so, so distracted. My boyfriend can listen to books anytime, doing anything, and still understand - I'm so jealous!! I found out I have an auditory processing issue so I think that's why it's harder for me to absorb through sound.
I totally get your take on audio books! I generally prefer reading books to listening to them, but what I’d say is that I really love listening to audio books very selectively. In the case of essays or memoirs, I really adore when the author themselves narrate it. I’m listening to How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair right now and I really think the experience is enriched by Sinclair narrating it.
I’ve never had any interest in listening to audiobooks, I love the physical act of reading a book! However, I heard Ann Patchett speak (in person!) on Monday and she was really promoting the audio version of Tom Lake with Meryl Streep as narrator. Even though I read Tom Lake, I may give the book a listen - it could be a good first audiobook experience for me!
Items 1 and 2 of your audiobook reflections relate to each other, in my view. Most of my audiobook time is while cross stitching!
I've always liked the idea of audio books, in an 'isn't that efficient' kind of way, but just like you my mind starts to wander and I can't concentrate. I also find it hard to recall what I've heard when I take a break too, which I never get with physical books.
I'm a huge fan of audiobooks but recognize they aren't for everyone. If you want to dip your toe back in I *highly* recommend Daisy Jones and the Six. It's a full cast recording so it feels like listening to a movie. I also recommend upping the speed. I listen at 1.35 at this point. "Regular" speed makes my brain wander more.
I feel the same way about fiction audiobooks. Whenever the narrators start doing the character voices I cringe! I’ve found one exception in Tom Lake, but it was narrated by Meryl Streep, and the way she performed it was just different. I suppose she can’t do wrong.
I do always love listening to non fiction on Audible, especially when it’s read by the author. Hearing the nuances and inflections helps me better connect with them and their stories.
Thanks for a great newsletter! Adding some of your recommendations to my list. 😊
It’s definitely not for everyone and that’s okay! I couldn’t eyeball read a book in 5 hours, but I can breeze through an audiobook no problem. Wish I could do both. 😂
i couldn't possibly agree more about the logistics and sound(!) of audiobooks, lol. it's just gonna be a hard pass for me.
I had to find narrators that were compelling when I started. It helps me enjoy the experience and I'm less likely to want to speed it up. There are some amazing narrators out there and BookRiot has articles with recommendations
https://bookriot.com/queer-audiobook-narrators/
https://bookriot.com/prolific-audiobook-narrators/
If I had to pick just one, I would say, start with something by Robin Miles. She crosses lots of genres and is :chefs-kiss:
I find it helps to have a writer who also lends themselves to a type of aural storytelling, for example, I hated reading Terry Pratchett until I read one of his books in audio. I also solve the, I need to do something while listening, by reading while showering/getting ready in the morning. It helps mundane self-care that can be difficult if I'm a little down, be something to look forward to because I can listen to my book.
Finally, I find narrative non-fiction (memoirs, true crime, etc) are, as you noted, more like podcasts than audiobooks in some respects. If the author narrates the book it can feel like an intimate conversation with a friend (Michelle Obama felt like my commute ride along when I read her first memoir). Good luck finding the right fit!
I'm 100% with you on audiobooks. We save celebrity memoirs for long roadtrips and do them on audiobook, but otherwise, I tend to just avoid completely. I did love listening to Rob Lowe's Stories I Tell My Friends and when you speed it up, it sounds just like his character on Parks & Rec.
I can only do audiobooks while I'm driving - any other time and I can't get absorbed and find myself so, so distracted. My boyfriend can listen to books anytime, doing anything, and still understand - I'm so jealous!! I found out I have an auditory processing issue so I think that's why it's harder for me to absorb through sound.
I totally get your take on audio books! I generally prefer reading books to listening to them, but what I’d say is that I really love listening to audio books very selectively. In the case of essays or memoirs, I really adore when the author themselves narrate it. I’m listening to How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair right now and I really think the experience is enriched by Sinclair narrating it.