Audio books

[Ed62]

I've never tried one, but it seems there would be something lost in the "reading". Am I right?

Ed

[BobSch]

I'm not really a fan of audiobooks, but a nephew listens to them often on his hour-long commute. My mother, who's eyesight was very poor, used to get them from the society for the blind. She said it wasn't the same as reading a "real" book, but better than nothing.

[TB Roye]

I use the books on CD when I travel between Sacramento and Boise Idaho. Most of them are 6-8 hours long and as I have 6 CD changer in my vehicle I don't have constantly change disks. I enjoy them and there has been a few times I have stoped before getting to Boise or Sacramento to listen to end of the book. Currently I am in Boise and listened to Red Rabbit by Tom Clancy on the way out and will listen to a Louie Lamore, book about the Sacket family on the way back. No much Radio out in the middle of Nevada and I get tire of Sirius radio and like books better. LOML has picked out some real good mysteries when she travels with me.

Tom

[Alex Franke]

They're not bad if it's a good reader -- they can be a little slow, though. You obviously have to be willing to subject yourself to the presenter's pace, but you don't have to guess at how names might be pronounced!

I like lectures even better, though: http://www.teach12.com/ ...highly recommended. I've spent a lot of money there. :lol:

[dbhost]

My wife likes Lakewood Church, so I got her that Joel Osteen Audio Book "Become A Better You". It's great for curing insomnia really quick! I'm NOT saying anything one way or another about any particular faith or Mr. Osteen himself or his teachings, just his reading into a microphone is about as interesting as watching paint dry...

[Alex Franke]

BTW, Ed -- after some careful and laborious calculations, I've concluded that I'm never going to catch up to your post count if I merely respond once to each of your posts. So here's another

Just wanted to add -- if you do end up browsing that lecture site, you should probably know that everything eventually goes on sale at really big discounts. I've never paid their regular price for the lecture sets...

[Popeye]

When I was running over the road I listened to 4 to 6 novels a week. Now I listen to them on every trip I make home (875 miles). Best thing since the printed page IMO. Pat

[poolhound]

I would always choose a real book if I can sit and read it but for long car journeys I have been listening to audio books for years. They are great and help make the time race by on those long stretches of boring freeway.

Sometimes when we have had a particularly good book we have intentionally slowed down so we can finish it before getting to our destination.

[Popeye]

Sometimes when we have had a particularly good book we have intentionally slowed down so we can finish it before getting to our destination.[/quote]

I used to have personal rule that I would only listen a book when I was rolling but there were a few that when I got near the end I just had to break the rule and finish it while parked. Pat

[ironhat]

When I was running over the road I listened to 4 to 6 novels a week. Now I listen to them on every trip I make home (875 miles). Best thing since the printed page IMO. Pat

You have let the cat out of the bag, Don. Audio-books are *great*. When the kids were small we would play some old rock 'n' roll and sing. And then, when we got tires of that we broke out the audio-books and enjoyed many.

[Ed62]

It's just about what I expected. If you're enjoying spare time, read a book. If you're on the road, listen to a book. Thanks for the input.

Ed

[Ed62]

BTW, Ed -- after some careful and laborious calculations, I've concluded that I'm never going to catch up to your post count if I merely respond once to each of your posts. So here's another

It's quite likely that you have a lot more years to post than I do. You'll probably pass me before long.

Ed

[os1kne]

Audiobooks are about the only thing that I miss about changing jobs 2 years ago and reducing my daily commuting time from ~ 3 hours to < 1/2 hour per day. They aren't quite as good as reading the actual book, but they're a pretty good substitute. Your local library probably has a decent selection. Be sure to get unabridged versions.

[poolhound]

If you are headed out on a long journey and happen to be a LOTRs fan than find a copy of the original BBC radio version. The BBC produced it as a radio play many years ago and long before Peter Jackson had even a glint in his eye.

As it happens Ian Holm who played Bilbo in the movies had the lead role as Frodo.

While the book would always be my first choice this play was the best example of bringing Tolkien's characters to life - until the movies came along.

[charliex]

Your local library may have audio books to loan. There are cassettes, CDs and a thing called "Playaway" a pre-loaded digital audio book. They are about 3x2x3/8 in size and run on a triple A cell. My wife enjoys listening to them while she's knitting / crochetting. (Tying holes together with string)
Chas