Finally Gave In. Audiobooks

[Daverisimo]

I know it sounds judgmental, but I used to think that other than dyslexics, blind people, and people driving long distance, the only people who had any reason to listen to audiobooks were people too lazy to actually crack open a real book, and instead wanted everything spoonfed to them. That said, I wound up having to resort to downloading a few audiobooks when I couldn't find a few books I wanted to read at the bookstore or library (reading an entire book on the computer or on my phone is a complete non-starter for me. Absolute murder for my eyes).

I now take back everything bad I ever said about audiobooks. I went through both books yesterday (Reform or Revolution by Rosa Luxemburg and The Concept of the Political by Carl Schmitt), and I don't feel like there was that much of a dropoff in terms of retention compared to if I had read them. The difference is that I got through the material quicker since I could take notes as I listened, rather than taking a break from reading to jot something down and lose my place (this also helped keep my mind from drifting). I wish I'd figured this out in college tbh. Would've made my life much easier. It's like that scene in The Matrix (which I have to reiterate is a terrible movie, but I digress) where Neo learns kung fu.

Granted, it's not without its limitations. I don't think I'd rely on it for anything technical, since I need visuals for that. I also don't think it could ever replace kicking back with a novel and a drink when it comes to reading strictly for pleasure. But otherwise, it's a great option. And better still, I can usually find them on youtube, then just rip the audio onto mp3 (I now have several gigs of books on my phone from doing so).

Any other converts?

 

[21 Savage]

u a nerd lol get a life

 

[Daverisimo]

u a nerd

 

[Hans Gercmiov]

I’ve had a subscription to audible for years. It’s the best.

 

[bufetadanacara]

I know it sounds judgmental, but I used to think that other than dyslexics, blind people, and people driving long distance, the only people who had any reason to listen to audiobooks were people too lazy to actually crack open a real book, and instead wanted everything spoonfed to them. That said, I wound up having to resort to downloading a few audiobooks when I couldn't find a few books I wanted to read at the bookstore or library (reading an entire book on the computer or on my phone is a complete non-starter for me. Absolute murder for my eyes).

I now take back everything bad I ever said about audiobooks. I went through both books yesterday (Reform or Revolution by Rosa Luxemburg and The Concept of the Political by Carl Schmitt), and I don't feel like there was that much of a dropoff in terms of retention compared to if I had read them. The difference is that I got through the material quicker since I could take notes as I listened, rather than taking a break from reading to jot something down and lose my place (this also helped keep my mind from drifting). I wish I'd figured this out in college tbh. Would've made my life much easier. It's like that scene in The Matrix (which I have to reiterate is a terrible movie, but I digress) where Neo learns kung fu.

Granted, it's not without its limitations. I don't think I'd rely on it for anything technical, since I need visuals for that. I also don't think it could ever replace kicking back with a novel and a drink when it comes to reading strictly for pleasure. But otherwise, it's a great option. And better still, I can usually find them on youtube, then just rip the audio onto mp3 (I now have several gigs of books on my phone from doing so).

Any other converts?

You sound lazy, dyslexic, and blind.

 

[MarloStanfield]

i tried it, listened to "Great Expectations", thought it was going to be better

 

[Daverisimo]

I’ve had a subscription to audible for years. It’s the best.

I might give that a try.

I prefer not paying for shit though

 

[Loiosh]

I have tinnitus. I listen to audio-books every night so I can sleep.

I prefer actually reading books, but the tinnitus makes that difficult. It's hard to concentrate with a persistent whine in your ear (feel free to insert marriage jokes here).

 

[Hans Gercmiov]

I might give that a try.

I prefer not paying for shit though

You can find a lot of free audiobooks online. I only use my credits for ones you can’t.

 

[squeezewax]

All the Harry Potter books i heard on audio, they're really good. Lots of good sci fi too.

 

[EARLOBE]

It's great for driving. I go through a couple every month.

If you are worried about eye strain from reading on a phone or tablet, a kindle is great. I find that there's less strain on my eyes than reading some books as you're able to change the font to suit you, and as they're front lit there won't be any additional strain on your eyes compared to a phone or tablet, and you can read at night without disturbing your partner with a book light. My kindles have been some of the best purchases I've ever made, I am reading about 60 books a year now, up from about 10 when I was reading real books.

 

[Deleted member 220895]

A great narrator could make a novel a million times better. The voices of characters come to life and you can actually hear their relationship develop. I don't mind them at all.

 

[Milgrim]

All the Harry Potter books i heard on audio, they're really good. Lots of good sci fi too.

 

[pv3Hpv3p]

There are many books I've listened to multiple times... Most of the Mitch Rapp series, the Dresden files, recently listening to Red Rising trilogy (inspired by a thread on here a week ago)...

Audible is great, I have a couple hundred books in my library... And completely agree with a couple posts above, that a great narrator can add a completely new layer and make a great book even better.

 

[KreamPuff]

I had an hour commute each way, so I decided to try listening to the game of throne series. Each book was ridiculously long (30+ hours), but without a long commute, I doubt I would have actually read books 4 & 5 otherwise.

Now that I have a much shorter commute, I don't have the patience to listen to a 20 hour book in 20 minute increments.

 

[loyalyolayal]

I want copies of war and peace and the brothers karamazov to be read by zed.

 

[BEER]

When I used to drive 8 hours a day, I gave audio books a try, but I have focus issues and I my mind would wander and I'd lose track.

An actual book doesn't present that problem to me.

 

[sh1tehawke]

When I used to drive 8 hours a day, I gave audio books a try, but I have focus issues and I my mind would wander and I'd lose track.

An actual book doesn't present that problem to me.

This is my issue with audio books, they dont hold my attention as well as reading an actual book. Also I find I don't hold on to anywhere near as much information as i would from a book for some reason, even if I am holding my focus.