About a year ago I decided to try Audible after a friend suggested I listen to it on the ride to and from work. I was so used to listening to the plethora of stations made available by SiriusXM radio. As time went by, I knew every melody of every new song that came out and the lyrics to most of the greatest hits of 1970s-2000s. I changed genres with my moods, or better yet, my moods with every station.
I was skeptical and not sure if I could listen to someone read to me without getting bored. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the experience of being read to. With each book I chose, the characters were narrated in different voices, allowing me to get to know each one as an individual. It made me feel like I was watching a movie, but I was able to imagine the scenes myself.
Since I started a year ago, I have listened to 2-3 books a month, becoming completely addicted to listening in the car. I look forward to my hour ride to and from work. Drinking my coffee and hanging on to every word. I am still able to switch books according to my mood each day. Sometimes I like to listen to autobiographies and learn about people I have always had an interest in but never found the time to look up. Other days, a self-help book will get my mind going and get me ready for work. I have some classics in my favorite list that prior would put me to sleep if I tried to tackle the actual book. I don’t know anyone who can get through reading Faulkner and not fall asleep.
The only downside, is now I am the last to hear the new songs that come out. I actually never get to listen to the radio, unless my 13-year-old is in the car and makes me turn on something he enjoys. Other than that, I found Audible to be the best thing since sliced bread. I recently signed up to the library in my town so I can listen to the books for free. Even better!
I wanted to share some of my recent favorite titles:
Game of Thrones is amazing!! If you are watching the series the book is less confusing. With lots of characters to follow, it does help to already have a basic idea of what is happening. It is also fun to relive some of the greatest scenes of the show. I’m loving it so far.
Islands in the Stream is one of the classics I chose last month. I thought Hemingway did a brilliant job saying so much while using such limited vocabulary. I cried on my way to work one day and had to spend a few minutes getting myself back together before walking into the office.
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles is incredibly touching and makes you evaluate the choices you make daily. It was a wonderful book. A little girly maybe, but one of my favorites.