Last week I mentioned my rapidly expanding TBR list.  And I bet a lot of you are like me: you’ve got lots of things to read, and not enough time to read them.

Until now.

I have the solution to your reading dilemma.  (Drum roll here):   Audio books!

Benefits and Drawbacks

With an audio book, you can “read” a new book while you are doing something else- like driving, cleaning, running, etc.  In the past year, I’ve started shuttling my kids to sports practice in another town.  That translates to four-five hours of car time, at least, each week.  I could listen to music, or I could listen to books!  (I love it when I can accomplish two things at once!) 

However, you are at the mercy of the reader.  Most of the performances I’ve heard are excellent (everyone always raves about the Harry Potter audio books), but sometimes a reader can throw you off.  I did NOT like Maximum Ride when I listened to it; my kids swear it’s the narrator.  (I still think it’s the story, more action than characterization.  Sorry James Patterson.)

Also, with an audio book, it’s hard to go back and “reread” key passages.  I wish you could somehow make voice notes, like how you make notes on a Kindle.

Audio Options

Where can you find audio books?  Here are some options: 

• The Library. (The cheapest option).  I first started on the audio kick when I found Artemis Fowl on CD at our public library.   Unfortunately, that was on the only book in the series that my library owns on CD; in general, our branch doesn’t have a huge selection of audio books.
• Overdrive  (Another cheap option).  This system is linked to our public library and allows patrons to borrow e-books and audio books.  However, it doesn’t support all listening devices (you can use an iPod touch but not a Nano, which I have), and, again, it has limited titles.  If your library doesn’t use Overdrive, it probably uses a similar system.  Ask at the circulation desk.
• iTunes  This worked because I own an iPod Nano, and I have lots of iTunes gift cards.  However, for some reason, iTunes doesn’t have Artemis Fowl: The Opal Deception available in audio book, so I had to look elsewhere.
• Audible.com  This site, owned by Amazon (what isn’t anymore?), has the biggest selection of audio books I could find, as well as reasonable prices.  They offer various membership plans.  See below.

Audible Basics

If you want to start listening through that TBR list by using audible.com, there are three simple steps to follow:

1. Choose a plan.  They offer a variety membership options, based on how many books you think you’ll listen to over a month or year.  First time users can benefit from discounts, like the first month free.  I tried Audible in the fall, thought I wouldn’t use it enough, and cancelled my plan without hassle.  Now that I’m back, I’ve signed up for the Gold Annual membership.  That’s twelve credits (one credit = one book) over one year, at about $12 per book.  Most recently published audio books cost $20 or more, so that’s a pretty good deal.  
2. Download the software.  It just takes a few minutes to get the necessary software.  Choose your preferences.  Once you buy and download a book, you have it forever.
3. Start listening! 

I recommend the Artemis Fowl series.  Nathaniel Parker reads the story with style, using Irish, British, Scottish, and American accents to distinguish the characters.  It’s also safe for all the ears in my car.  I’ve also enjoyed The Giver and Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore.  

My friend Leslie wants to try to listen to The Lord of the Rings; I advised that it might put her to sleep.  Don’t get me wrong, I love Tolkien, but it’s dense stuff.  Next on my list: Wonder!

Honestly, Audible is not paying me to publish this post.  I just want to help my fellow word nerds find ways to enjoy great books.

Have you ever used audio books or audible.com?  Can you recommend any similar services or any other great books to listen to?  

Thanks for stopping by!