Audiobooks or the real thing?

cam_gold · Post by **cam_gold** » 07 Mar 2014, 08:39

I have only listened to a few audio books, and I do not like them. I prefer to do my own reading. Hard copy version is the best for me, but I don't really mind ebooks.

JenniferBoyce · Post by **JenniferBoyce** » 07 Mar 2014, 13:09

Both! I love reading normal books but when I'm busy doing other things (laundry, cooking, driving, etc) I love to listen to audiobooks!

TylerAudio · Post by **TylerAudio** » 07 Mar 2014, 15:48

As I am just being introduced to the world of audiobooks, and it has taken time to get used to audiobooks. I would have to say "the real thing". I love the voices and personality I make for the characters in the books I read. Listening to audiobooks however, is a way to get our current high speed ways of life to actually take in a book.

Going Social · Post by **Going Social** » 07 Mar 2014, 16:54

As life gets more demanding, more and more people will rely on audio books for quick learning. But I think non fictional may continue to be best enjoyed curled up with the comfort of a book in one hand and a snack in the other.

JenniferBoyce · Post by **JenniferBoyce** » 08 Mar 2014, 08:13

Going Social wrote:As life gets more demanding, more and more people will rely on audio books for quick learning. But I think non fictional may continue to be best enjoyed curled up with the comfort of a book in one hand and a snack in the other.

Amen to that!

plefkowitzx · Post by **plefkowitzx** » 08 Mar 2014, 15:36

I enjoy reading the physical book myself, I enjoy doing voices in my mind to make the book more personal and easier to relate to. However when having to study the book, like I did in my literature course. Audiobooks were faster than reading alone as well as easier to remember quotes and the overall storyline.

Bookworm313 · Post by **Bookworm313** » 08 Mar 2014, 21:18

I'm not a fan of audiobooks. I think that most people who read the audiobooks have voices I can't stand. I do however like how Jim Dale portrayed the Harry Potter series. It was amazing. He won an award for it I heard, which is totally deserved.

ops_143 · Post by **ops_143** » 09 Mar 2014, 12:34

Audio books have become my friend while driving more recently. However, I can only seem to stay in tuned and focused when the speakers change from chapter to chapter. I really like it when audio books switch characters every chapter, and a new voice begins to read. I listened to Shiver by Maggie Stievfater in my car and loved the female, then male voices and change in narrator every chapter.

sybil1reader · Post by **sybil1reader** » 09 Mar 2014, 13:44

Excelent question. I downloaded an audiobook on my Kindle a while back and once I listen to it I will decide if I like someone else to read to me. If the voice is pleasant, I may be able to get into it and I will post and give my opinion.

MaureenT · Post by **MaureenT** » 09 Mar 2014, 14:35

I get really distracted by sound if I'm trying to pay attention to words, so an audiobook basically requires me to sit still and listen to someone read much slower than I usually do... so nah, I don't usually use them.

LoveMusic_AK · Post by **LoveMusic_AK** » 09 Mar 2014, 15:01

I would say the real thing. This is because when you listen to a book you won't get the intensity. When you have the book in your hand and your reading it with your eyes it becomes more intimate. You feel like your a character in the book. When your just listening your mind starts to wonder more easily. When your reading the book its harder for you to get distracted because you have to give your full attention. So definitely the real thing!

ladyvzhang · Post by **ladyvzhang** » 09 Mar 2014, 16:45

Frobertson wrote:If authors record their own books, it can add a whole new dimension of depth to the way a piece of literature is perceived.

Neil Gaiman purportedly records his own audiobooks, and amazing at it. Not to mention he has a slight accent that makes his readings even more fun to listen to.

Shellby85 · Post by **Shellby85** » 09 Mar 2014, 18:08

I've never tried audio books
What one would anyone suggest for a try?

ladyvzhang · Post by **ladyvzhang** » 09 Mar 2014, 19:40

Shellby85 wrote:I've never tried audio books
What one would anyone suggest for a try?

I liked Girl with the Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier and voiced by Jenna Lamia. She does a great job with all the characters' voices, who range from about ages 5 to 75. Another one I enjoyed was Zel by Donna Jo Napoli, voiced by Alexandra O'Karma.

I don't think I would have read these books on my own, but I really enjoyed listening to them!

jfobbe · Post by **jfobbe** » 09 Mar 2014, 21:42

Audiobooks are good, but I find the information and details don't quite stick in my head as well. I do find audiobooks to be very helpful though when I am tired. I use the audiobook as well as follow along in my own copy! I like this because I can still catch the details with my eyes but it's also a little easier when I am tired.