Do U use audio books? Why or why not? Any recommendations?

[Ashley]

Hi all,

I know I'm jumping into this a bit late, but couldn't resist because I am a big fan of audio books. I started listening to them regularly when I had an interminable commute some years ago and have been hooked ever since.

I particularly love them when I'm cleaning the house, driving, or running. Some people say they can't work out while listening to a book, but I have trouble working out without a book. It also really increases the amount of books that I'm able to absorb since my time for pleasure reading is very limited.

I do frequently have to rewind passages. Sometimes, even with a good book, I'll find myself rewinding the same spot over and over again. Usually I'll take that as a sign that there's something on my mind and it's time to turn off the book for a little while.

I wanted to recommend Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. It's a lovely audio production with a great narrator, and the book itself is a classic. I think it could be categorized as science fiction, and is easily accessible for younger readers, but great for any age.

It was interesting because I enjoyed the narrator, and the story so thoroughly, and listened to a Q&A session(included on the recording) with the author after the book ended. He revealed that he felt that the audio presentation of the book was actually the way that he preferred readers to experience it. I thought that was really interesting.

[Joy H., Group Founder]

Ashley wrote: "Hi all, I know I'm jumping into this a bit late, but couldn't resist because I am a big fan of audio books. I started listening to them regularly when I had an interminable commute some years ago..."

Hi Ashley. Welcome to the group! Thanks for the audio-book recommendation. I see that Ender's Game won the Hugo Award for Best Novel (1986) and the Nebula Award for Best Novel (1985) as well. Sounds like a good one. I'll keep it in mind.

[Katherine]

I tried on audio book a long while ago. It was Tom "Clancy's Patriot Games". Although Martin Sheen did a good job with the narration, I had a difficult time following the story. I also like to have my books in my hands, the feel of them and the pleasure turning pages brings. Just old fashioned, I guess.

[Joy H., Group Founder]

Katherine wrote: "I tried on audio book a long while ago. It was Tom "Clancy's Patriot Games". Although Martin Sheen did a good job with the narration, I had a difficult time following the story. I also like to have..."

I go through stages with audio books. My main problem is keeping my mind from wandering away from the recording.

I am currently in the midst of intermittently listening to an audio version of the following autobiography: The Other Side of Me by Sidney Sheldon. He tells about how he got his start as a screenplay writer in Hollywood. (Eventually, he was given an award for his writing of the movie, "Easter Parade".)

This autobiography is tremendoously interesting to me because I enjoy hearing about things which have gone on behind the scenes. This audio book is read by Mike O'Malley (who plays "Jim" on the TV series "Yes, Dear"). He does a good job with the reading, giving dramatic tone to the quotes of different people who Sydney Sheldon mentions.

PS-With autobiographies, one's mind can wander a bit without losing too much of the storyline, as one would with a story which has an intricate plot. That's why I often listen to this type of audio.

[Ashley]

In response to Katherine, I do agree that there is something special about reading a book "in hand". Although the audio books offer a convenient, and sometimes unique or fun way to experience a book, I often save certain books to read rather than listen to. I particularly enjoy the smell of books--like that which you experience when walking into a bookstore or library.

Joy, have you read many of Sidney Sheldon's books? I listened to The Other Side of Midnight, which I loved--it's a really nice audiobook. Soon after I listened to two others, The Sky Is Falling and Are You Afraid of the Dark?. Neither were particularly good, though The Sky is Falling had some redeeming qualities. Are You Afraid of the Dark was really awful, Sheldon's writing was full of cliches and the story line was contrived and completely unbelievable. I'm a little afraid to pick up another of his books, but I am curious if there are any others that are worthwhile. If anyone has any thoughts or opinions on this I would love to hear them.

[Katherine]

Ashley wrote: "In response to Katherine, I do agree that there is something special about reading a book "in hand". Although the audio books offer a convenient, and sometimes unique or fun way to experience a bo..."
"The Other Side of Midnight". Is that the one where the woman is trapped in the bat cave? If so, I loved this book when I read it way back in the early 70's. I wonder if I should read it again.

[Joy H., Group Founder]

Katherine and Ashley:
I read Sydney Sheldon's Windmills of the Gods (which my notes say I didn't like) and Bloodline (which I can't remember anything about since I read it a long time ago; have no notes on it).

I'll keep his _Other Side of Midnight_ in mind. Thanks!

I'm still enjoying Sheldon's autobiography (audio). It's amazing how he made his way up the ladder in Hollywood.

[Joy H., Group Founder]

See my topic about the audio version of the book, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society at:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/2...

I highly recommend it!

[Ashley]

Katherine wrote: ""The Other Side of Midnight". Is that the one where the woman is trapped in the bat cave? If so, I loved this book when I read it way back in the early 70's. I wonder if I should read it again. "

Yes there is definitely such a scene in it. My mom had always told me that it was one of her favorite books--I believe she also read it when it first came out in the 70's. My mother and I sometimes have similar taste, but not always. I was surprised by this book, and excited that she and I both had strong positive feelings about it.

I just finished another audio book today The Falls: A Novel by Joyce Carol Oates. It was pretty good. I am planning on writing a review as soon as I get a chance. I love Oates' characters, they are so rich. Even when they story line is kind of unbelievable, she always keeps me drawn in with her characters. I didn't love this narrator as much as the one who did The Gravedigger's Daughter, but she still did an excellent job.

I also started The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd. Jenni had already mentioned, The Secret Life of Bees, which is a superb audio book.

I've added "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie" Society to my audio list based on Joy's and Jenni's suggestions. Thank you!

[Joy H., Group Founder]

Ashley wrote: "... I've added "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie" Society to my audio list based on Joy's and Jenni's suggestions. Thank you!"

Ashley, please let us know what you thought of the audio version of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I loved it.

Even though so many others enjoyed _The Secret Life of Bees_, I was left unimpressed. I just couldn't relate to the characters. I read the book and also saw the movie. _The Mermaid Chair_ did nothing for me either. I don't know why.

PS-Perhaps the following GR review by Leah reveals the reasons why:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Ashley]

Joy Wrote: "Katherine wrote: "Even though so many others enjoyed _The Secret Life of Bees_, I was left unimpressed. I just couldn't relate to the characters. I read the book and also saw the movie. _The Mermaid Chair_ did nothing for me either. I don't know why.

PS-Perhaps the following GR review by Leah reveals the reasons why: ..."

Joy,

I actually agree with a lot of things that Leah said, and am now wondering if part of the reason that I enjoyed the book as much as I did, and was able to look past its flaws, might have had something to do with the narrator of the audiobook. The woman who narrated the book, Jenna Lamia, has won awards for her work on other books and was nominated for this one.

I guess that's part of the danger in listening to a book instead of reading it. There can be emotion and imagery portrayed by the narrator, in either a good or bad way, that wouldn't otherwise be there.

I am already enjoying _The Mermaid Chair_ but can see some similar hackneyed characters and descriptions in it. I am going to try and reserve judgement until I'm done with it.

I often get nervous about reading realistic fiction written in the modern day. It seems that some authors, in that genre, struggle to make their story profound, or interesting, and end up with unbelievable or hackneyed characters/storylines.

I also really don't like it when authors(or television, or movies) portray love as it is often shown in sensational media as being very dramatic, like lightning striking. While that may be the case in some cases, or in the beginning, I think that long term romantic relationships are rarely like that for their duration. Often these portrayals create unrealistic expectations for people in our society. I am nervous that's where the Mermaid Chair is going, but I'm going to try and reserve judgment until I'm done with it.

[Joy H., Group Founder]

Ashley, I agree that the narrator/reader of an audio book can strongly influence our like or dislike for the book. Please see the following review I wrote:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
In it I mention a reader who really turned me off. I'm currently listening to another audio book, read by the same reader. I recognized her voice and tone instantly and it's affecting my enjoyment of the audio book in a negative way.

I enjoyed reading your thoughts and observations.

Yes, sometimes, if we are enjoying a book, we can easily overlook the flaws.

And yes, stories can foster unrealistic expectations regarding love and relationships. As an example, the "happily ever after" endings in fairy tales have been with us for centuries. Soothing, but not realistic.

I've have several related quotes in my files:
==================================================
"At the end of the what is called the 'sexual life', the only love which has lasted is the love which has everything, every disappointment, every failure and every betrayal, which has accepted even the sad fact that in the end there is no desire so deep as the simple desire for companionship." -Graham Greene

"We are told that people stay in love because of chemistry, or because they remain intrigued with each other, because of many kindnesses, because of luck . . . But part of it has got to be forgiveness and gratefulness." -Ellen Goodman, US journalist

"It's not till sex has died out between a man and a woman that they can really love. And now I mean affection. Now I mean to be fond of (as one is fond of oneself), to hope, to be disappointed, to live inside the other heart. When I look back on the pain of sex, the love like a wild fox so ready to bite, the antagonism that sits like a twin beside love, and contrast it with affection, so deeply unrepeatable, of two people who have lived a life together (and of whom one must die) it's the affection I find richer. It's that I would have again. Not all those doubtful rainbow colours. (But then she's old, one must say)" -Enid Bagnold, Autobiography

"Love at first sight is easy to understand; it's when two people have been looking at each other for a lifetime that it becomes a miracle." -Sam Levenson

ON THE OTHER HAND:
"It is wrong to think that love comes from long companionship and persevering courtship. Love is the offspring of spiritual affinity and unless that affinity is created in a moment, it will not be created for years or even generations." -Khalil Gibran
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[Nina]

I'm back! I have no idea what caused the not being able to reply problem and neither did the goodreads people who were kind enough to try. It somehow came back on it's own; something was obviously wrong with the way the web site was directed toward mine. Anyway, I so enjoyed your quotes Joy, especially the Gibran and Ellen Goodman. I agreed with both. I sort of liked, the BEE book but didn't like the Mermaid at all. Too strange for me. I am presently reading for the third time, "The Moonflower Vine," and actually liking it better than the first two. It's my book club selection this month. Have any of you read it? It has had a revival from when it was first published. nina

[Joy H., Group Founder]

Nina wrote: "I'm back! I have no idea what caused the not being able to reply problem and neither did the goodreads people who were kind enough to try. It somehow came back on it's own; something was obviousl..."

Hi Nina. It's so good to see you back! Glad to see that the problem you had connecting to Goodreads has cleared up.

Thanks for mentioning Moonflower Vine by Jetta Carleton. I haven't read it. I see that it was first published in 1901. The GR description starts out: "On a farm in western Missouri during the first half of the twentieth century, Matthew and Callie Soames create a life for themselves and raise four headstrong daughters." GR calls it "A timeless American classic".

[Nina]

The writing is outstanding in Moonflower. There has been a huge resurgence in interest so the publishers re-issued it recently. Try it. nina

[Joy H., Group Founder]

Nina wrote: "The writing is outstanding in Moonflower. There has been a huge resurgence in interest so the publishers re-issued it recently. Try it. nina"

I do appreciate good writing, Nina. Thanks for the recommendation.

[Ashley]

Hi all.

Joy, your quotes were great, and really emodied exactly what I was talking about above.

I also wanted to let you know that I definitely agree with your assessment of The Mermaid Chair. I finished the it last week, and wow, it was really disappointing.

There was very little substance to the book. It almost seemed as if Sue Monk Kidd was emulating a real story, and failed to put in a lot of the aspects necessary to make The Mermaid Chair real itself. The whole thing--plot, characters, character motivations, setting-- felt very hollow and cliched.

The only real positive thing that I can say is that at times, Kidd seems to have a knack for prose and can be quite eloquent. Some of her descriptions of feelings and things are wonderful.

But despite that, I am mostly left with the impression of her failure in this book to create believable characters or a realistic storyline.

[Joy H., Group Founder]

Ashley wrote: "...I also wanted to let you know that I definitely agree with your assessment of The Mermaid Chair. I finished the it last week, and wow, it was really disappointing. ..."

Yes, Ashley, you're not alone in your assessment of The Mermaid Chair. If you look at the ratings given by the Goodreads members, you'll see that many readers gave it only one or two stars out of five.

[Joy H., Group Founder]

There is an audio version of The Magnificent Ambersons (by Booth Tarkington)
free online at:
http://www.archive.org/details/magnif...