(Collaborative post) Isn’t it great to lose yourself in a story? Reading is a great way to help us unwind and relieve stress. It can also be a great way to distract from everything else going on or even something we do on the train to work. It’s so easy to get lost in a story with audiobooks, e-readers and physical books. With the number of books available there is a wealth of choice available to us all no matter our age.
Get Lost In A Story with Audiobooks
Modern Reading Options
Thanks to what we call digital technology, there are now more ways than ever for us to enjoy a story. In recent decades the book has appeared in alternative forms. As an electronic (e-book) – in digital format for reading on a computer or other electronic device. It has also been available in audiobook form which is audio reading of the text. Talking or audiobooks and recorded book readings, initially popular with the visually impaired, are experiencing a new boom. They have become a brand new online trend for all ages.
The Move Away from Physical Books
With an mp3, an iPod or a mobile phone, anyone can listen to their favourite short story, poem, or even magazine at any time. The Economist, for example, presents all its audio content on the Internet. You can hear a whole range of narrators including celebrities read you your favourite book wherever you are. You can find such narrators if you visit sites like Voquent’s voice-over agency online, with hundreds of professionals and a massive range of languages. Many of us much all around the world prefer to hear the stories rather than read them ourselves.
Why are Audiobooks so Popular?
Compared to printed books, audiobooks have a more extensive functionality. Many people listen to them to relax or before going to bed. They’re also great to listen to when travelling by car or public transport instead of music. It can be combined with activities like cleaning, gardening, going for a walk or to work. You take an audiobook with you on a trip, while eating, or exercising in the gym. You have a sense of companionship, and you have a new motivation to go for a run!
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Environmental, Practical and Financial Positives
By using an audiobook, you save paper, and it can cost you less depending on how much you read. You’ll also find plenty of free audiobooks available. Audiobooks are easily downloaded to our phones or tablets which we tend to have with us all the time. They can be taken everywhere, they don’t take up space and they allow you to rest your eyes from damaging light from screens. You hear every little detail as you listen and won’t accidentally missing any important parts. You can often listen to your favourite books or excerpts. There are even talking books, where the narration is available in 2 or 3 speeds, to choose the speed that suits you while reading the printed text.
Regardless of vision, physical or mental ability, a wider audience now has access to anything in audiobook form. They help even the most reluctant readers to engage with books. Their role in facilitating learning is invaluable. You can also listen to more books faster. They are also one of the most effective ways to learn foreign languages, become familiar with new vocabulary, dialects, and accents.
Of course, many complain that they can not concentrate when listening to a book. They feel detached much more quickly than if they were reading a physical book. We should remember, not everyone assimilates sound just as easily (e.g. people with learning difficulties or hearing disabilities).
Negatives of Audiobooks
An argument against audiobooks is that the person reading can influence the listener with the tone of their voice. In other words, the narrator interprets the text and influences the reader, excluding him from forming his own opinion.
Some people simply prefer audio to reading text. If you do not like reading, it might be an idea to experiment with audiobooks! You might find a newfound love for this popular past time.
Do you enjoy reading? Have you ever used Audiobooks before?
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I have heard about audiobooks but I haven’t tried them yet. I just love holding onto an actual book, but one day I might listen to an audiobook while driving.
They can be a great way to listen to a book. I listened to loads of classics years back but in a slightly different way as it was before these were available.
I love audio books for traveling. These are ones that I need to check out.
They can be handy to pass the time.
I’ve been tempted to start listening to audiobooks but I like reading books with practical takeaways and I like to underline them and fold the pages to mark the spot. I can’t do this with an audiobook so that’s why I am hesitant.
I suppose it depends on the type of book which would work well as an audiobook and what would work for you as a physical book.
I love listening to audiobooks, it’s such a great way to start or conclude any day.
It does seem to be a good way to help you relax.
I just recently started getting into audio books, though I still love to read a book the old fashioned way.
I’m planning on downloading a few for the school run. They can be really good to keep you distracted whilst sitting in the car on wet days waiting for the schools to let the kids out.
I haven’t tried listening to an audiobook yet but I’m curious. It might be just as good as reading.
It is a great option especially when you want to relax your eyes or don’t want to have loads of physical books.
I enjoyed audio books especially when I don’t feel like reading.
They can be really handy and more relaxing than reading.
I love audio books as well as the traditional books. It can both puts me to a deep sleep.
They are great to help you relax before you go to sleep at night x
I have never tried audio books before as always opted for physical books, I did think about them for C when she became ill as she went from a book worm to not having the energy or concentration to read
They can be handy and you can download new books easily rather than hunting around for a physical copy of a book you would like to read.
You know, I can’t get into audiobooks so much unless it’s like a personal development book. I like to read them and make up the character’s voices and intonations in my mind. Good post! Got me thinking. 🙂
I have quite a few friends who listen to books on audio and love it. I’m more of a kindle-reader person (still saves on paper since I only download from the library). But, I don’t have a long commute or good time to just listen as my friends do. My boys have listened to Harry Potter audiobooks in their rooms before, though.
I haven’t tried audiobooks and I think it would be great for travel and while driving long distances. Definitely want to try!
They would be amazing to keep you entertained on long journeys.
I love audiobooks! It’s so great to be able to listen to a book while doing things around the house or exercising.
I love reading but I’ve never thought about trying an audio book as I don’t have a lot of free time to listen to them.
It’s just as relaxing as reading a book and you can close your eyes and really get into the story.
My attention span causes me to have to use audiobooks. I love them. I love hearing them before bed too. I have always wanted to be a voice on a book too lol x
I’m sure you could if you enquired. You never know with these things.
I much prefer a proper physical book but I do see the appeal with audiobooks and have one on the go just for when I’m driving x
It’s a great way to be entertained whilst travelling.
I find audiobooks are a great way to read a book especially when I am busy and driving long distance. It lets me get involved in the story when I have no time to read the book.
They really are a great idea.
Audio books are so popular these days, but I haven’t tried it yet! I like traditional books. But I feel it will be great for travelling, will try one soon.
Honestly, when travelling audiobooks are sooooo much easier!!!
I haven’t done audiobooks before and it would be neat to check these out. Great way to pass the time!
They can be and great to relax your eyes if you use screens daily for long hours.
Wow! This audio book will be perfect for my quiet slow mornings.. those first 2-3 hours when i wake up, meditate, get me some coffee to kick off my day!
I love books but haven’t try my hand at audiobooks. Gotta give it a shot after reading your post.
I love using audio books as they take up less space and you can carry around loads of books all on one device. It’s just more practical for me.
Audiobooks are a great option for when I go on walks, working out and deep cleaning. Otherwise, I prefer hard copy
I enjoy reading a book more but we do listen to a lot of audiobooks especially when we are travelling as it’s so easy to just listen and relax.
They can be convenient so often work very well when travelling.
Audiobooks are such a great way to read books while also being able to multitask with other things in life. I know I’m a big fan of them.
They are such a great idea and so convenient.
I do love the convenience of listening to audio books from my phone when I just want to relax my eyes or when driving for long hours. A great way to read a book by just listening
I have never listened to an audio book ever!. But I’ve started using the treadmill at the gym and think an audio book would be great for this
I haven’t tried any audiobooks yet but these are really great ideas since I don’t have time to read books these days.
It’s so much easier. I’m doing it once I finish the one I’m on.
I love audiobooks. I actually listen to them whenever I am on a long drive or when I am about to sleep but our lights are off already. It’s a nice way to rest our eyes and still continue doing something we love. 🙂
I mean audio books can be so cool to listen to especially when the reader is a natural storyteller. It’s not something just anybody can do but it can be learned too.
Thanks for sharing! I need to get more into audiobooks.
They are a great alternative to reading.