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When time’s an issue, discover the joy of audiobooks
When you just don’t have the time to sit down and read, an audiobook is an excellent alternative. Think about it. You can be doing the gardening, walking or driving a car while absorbing an incredible story at the same time.
Many of the most popular books have serious A-list acting talent to do the readings. We’re talking the likes of Meryl Streep, Morgan Freeman (pictured), Tom Hanks, Helen Mirren, Ian McKellen and Benedict Cumberbatch.
So, audiobooks are a fantastic way to enjoy literature while multi-tasking. Here’s how to get started on your audiobook journey and catch up on the reading that you’ve been missing.
Audiobooks have surged in popularity for several reasons. As mentioned, they are convenient, accessible – a boon for people with visual impairments or reading difficulties – allowing you to enjoy them while doing other tasks, making it easier to fit into a busy schedule, and a narration quality that adds an extra dimension to the storytelling.
Several platforms offer a vast selection of audiobooks. Here are some popular options:
Audible: Owned by Amazon, Audible boasts a massive library and exclusive titles. It offers a subscription model with one credit a month that can be used to buy any audiobook.
Libby: This app connects to your local library, allowing you to borrow audiobooks for free. All you need is a library card.
Google Play Books: Google’s platform offers a pay-as-you-go model with frequent discounts and promotions.
Apple Books: Ideal for Apple users, this platform integrates seamlessly with iOS devices.
Essentially, find an option that best matches your technology. You probably spend most of your time listening to music or podcasts on your phone, so choose the app that you’re most comfortable using on that device.
Another great thing about audiobooks is that they are so easy to get started with. It’s a four-step process that doesn’t take any technical ability. First, choose a platform that suits your needs and sign up. Many of the above options offer free trials, so you can test the waters before committing.
Then, explore the library to select a book that catches your interest. Most platforms offer samples, so you can listen to a snippet before deciding. Once you’ve chosen a book, download it. This allows you to listen offline, perfect for commuting or travelling. Finally, customise the playback speed and set sleep timers to enhance your listening experience.
Once you’ve downloaded an audiobook and got started, you’ll probably want to know how to make the most of your new hobby.
If you’re new to audiobooks, begin with a genre you know. This makes it easier to find books that you know you’ll enjoy from the outset.
Listen to samples because narration style can make or break an audiobook. It’s important the narrator’s voice and style resonate with you.
For the best experience, use headphones, especially in noisy environments. Look for a set with active noise cancelling (often abbreviated as “ANC”) so you can really tune-out of the world around you and enjoy your book. Finally, join a community. Platforms such as Goodreads have audiobook groups where you can share recommendations and reviews.
Still not sure about where to start: why not pick a book that matches your mood? Or even a couple of different books? The audiobook software will save the position of the book that you’re up to, so you can always come back to it in-between other books.
So, here’s some suggestions. For relaxation, try soothing genres such as romance or self-help. Narrators with calming voices can enhance the relaxation experience. For thrills, mystery and thriller audiobooks can be incredibly gripping, especially when narrated by a skilled voice actor. And don’t forget learning with non-fiction audiobooks is great for learning on the go. Topics range from history and science to personal development.
Finally, it can be easy to load up some audiobooks and then forget that the app is there. To help get you into the swing of regularly listening to your audiobooks, try one of these simple routines – the morning commute, while exercising, or bedtime.
Audiobooks offer a flexible way to enjoy literature. You’ll be amazed by the depth and quality that are available these days – almost any popular book that you can imagine probably has an audiobook option. Just watch the number of books you consume each year explode once you start digging into this highly convenient way to “read”.
