Book Nook Cafe discussion
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Audio Books, Podcasts and YouTube ~ 2022
In reading I generally prefer historical fiction but when listening I am open to thrillers. I just started listening to
Salka Valka
which is by an Icelandic author and the names are confusing while reading I am wondering how I will do listening.
Historical fiction would be a good choice for audiobooks. Odd that i didn’t think of that, as it combines fiction with some solid facts. However, the Valka sounds daunting on paper, let alone by ear. At least you’ll know the pronunciation of names. Good luck!
Spotify's New Audiobook Tool Goes LiveAudio streaming subscription platform Spotify, best known for its dominant music and podcast services, has officially launched its audiobook business in the U.S. Beginning today, Spotify listeners will be able to access a new audiobook-specific user interface to purchase audiobooks from an collection of more than 300,000 titles that features entries from major publishers (including Hachette Audio, Penguin Random House Audio, and Simon & Schuster Audio) as well as independents, in a variety of genres, and will include works by such bestselling authors as Colleen Hoover, Stephen King, and Michelle Obama.
In a live-streamed press preview, Nir Zicherman, Spotify’s v-p and global head of audiobooks, called this move the next step in the company’s broader “ambition to become the complete destination for all of people’s listening needs.” Zicherman explained that with Spotify’s entry into podcasts over the past few years, “we made a bet that people would prefer to have a single platform built on user behavior, as in listening, as opposed to content types, as in music or podcasts.” By introducing audiobooks to the lineup, “we see an opportunity to innovate in a substantially untapped market,” he said. “We believe that we have a potential to massively expand the audience for audiobooks.”
To start, Spotify’s audiobooks hub will follow an a la carte business model, through which users purchase individual titles on a linked web page via credit card and save them to their Spotify library. Customers will be able to download audiobooks for offline listening, and the user interface provides speed control options, automatic bookmarking, and a rating feature.
As is the case with other Spotify offerings, audiobook listeners will be able to access their titles across Spotify platforms and compatible devices like smart speakers and cars. “Pricing on the retail side is set by the retailer—in this case, Spotify—which is consistent with industry norms,” Zicherman said. (Each title will be individually priced.)
Spotify has been signaling a foray into audiobooks for a couple of years, most prominently with its acquisition of digital audiobook publisher and distributor Findaway, which was completed in June. According to Zicherman, Spotify’s inaugural audiobook catalog will include titles from the Findaway Voices self-publishing tool for independent audiobook creators and from the Findaway Publishing imprint, and will continue to do so moving forward.
Zicherman stressed that today’s rollout is the merely the first iteration of Spotify’s audiobook program. “In the future, we do intend to apply our knowledge of algorithmic recommendations to deliver relevant content to potential listeners,” he said, noting that there are plans down the line to innovate on the business model and develop new features enabling listeners to interact with creators and other listeners as well. Bestselling romance author Abby Jimenez (Part of Your World), who joined Zicherman in conversation during the Spotify preview, suggested that future interactivity enhancements could potentially link audiobook listeners with a Spotify playlist curated by the author or to a Spotify podcast where reviewers discuss the audiobook.
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/b...
This will be an interesting idea to follow.
madrano wrote: "This will be an interesting idea to follow."It's a hard field to compete, IMO. First you have the library which is free. Then you have Audible that is well established. I guess it might come down to price.
After reading what you shared, i saw another article which said basically what you replied—it will boil down to pricing. Personally, i don’t know anyone who uses Audible but know several with Spotify. Still, i can’t say even one of those read or listen to books.
I know a few who use Audible and like it. I use the Free Spotify for podcasts.
For audiobooks I use the library. If $ wasn't an issue for me right now I would use Audible.
I haven’t heard complains about Audible either, btw.
Recent Releases
------ Husband Material
by Alexis Hall; narrated by Joe Jameson
What it's about: Two years after the events of Boyfriend Material, Luc and Oliver are still happy and in love. But suddenly, it seems like everyone's getting married. Should they tie the knot?
Narration: Joe Jameson returns to narrate this witty 2nd London Calling romance.
------ Complicit
by Winnie M Li; narrated by Katie Leung
What it's about: Sarah Lai, a college lecturer and Hollywood has-been, is offered the chance to air the dirty laundry of the rich and powerful after a journalist comes asking questions about the magnate who ruined her career ambitions.
Narration: Harry Potter actress Katie Leung's empathetic portrayal of Sarah informs this #MeToo-inspired thriller.
------ Raising Lazarus: Hope, Justice, and the Future of America's Overdose Crisis
by Beth Macy; narrated by Beth Macy
What it is: journalist and Carnegie Medal finalist Beth Macy's sobering and richly detailed follow-up to her award-winning Dopesick.
Narration: Macy's measured, well-paced reading invites listeners to reflect on the ongoing issue of opioid addiction.
------ Carrie Soto Is Back
by Taylor Jenkins Reid; narrated by a full cast
What it's about: Before being sidelined by a knee injury, Carrie Soto was known as a record-setting tennis champ. Years after her retirement, an up-and-comer threatens Carrie's legacy, drawing her back to the courts at age 37.
Narration: Led by an impassioned Stacy Gonzalez as Carrie and featuring the voices of real-life former tennis pros Patrick McEnroe and Mary Carillo, a full cast imbues this AudioFile Earphones Award-winning recording with action-packed suspense.
----- Sister Mother Warrior
by Vanessa Riley; narrated by Adjoa Andoh and Robin Miles
What it's about: the unlikely but strong bond between two remarkable women who played critical roles in the Haitian Revolution.
Narration: British actress Adjoa Andoh (Bridgerton) earned an AudioFile Earphones Award for her immersive and intense narration of this historical fiction novel that is based on a true story.
------ The Last Resort: A Chronicle of Paradise, Profit, and Peril at the Beach
by Sarah Stodola; narrated by Ann Marie Gideon
What it's about: Travel writer Sarah Stodola visits beach resorts around the globe, offering an eye-opening, well-researched look at these "sanitized bubbles" and their sometimes troubling aspects, as well as their history and what climate change might mean for their future.
Narration: Ann Marie Gideon offers distinct intonations and voices in this engaging, AudioFile Earphones Award-winning recording.
------ Koshersoul: The Faith and Food Journey of an African American Jew
by Michael W. Twitty; narrated by Michael W. Twitty
What it is: a thought-provoking combination of memoir, cookbook, and exploration of African Jewish cooking.
Narration: Author Michael W. Twitty exudes candor and wit in this conversational recording that feels like listening to stories from a friend.
------ The Swift and the Harrier
by Minette Walters; narrated by Emma Gregory
What it is: a sweeping, thought-provoking story about the dangers of neutrality in divided times, set during the English Civil War.
Narration: Emma Gregory deftly juggles multiple character accents and tones in this AudioFile Earphones Award winner.
Thanks for the synopses and I love the books surrounded by headphones.
Sister Mother Warrior—Vanessa Riley sounds very interesting, even though i would read rather than listen to it. Thanks for sharing, Alias
I listened to an interesting podcast while exercise walking today. Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn
Episode # 277 The one minute sprint workout and the Carol Bike
Dr. Kahn gave really good info on Tabata workouts.
I started to do Tabata on the treadmill. However, recently I found doing it on a bike at the gym easier because I can change to intensity very quickly.
Anyway, I thought I would give a heads up on the podcast. Oh, by the way, I don't really care about the Carol bike he mentions so I just skipped that part. As he notes you can do Tabata on a treadmill, bike, elliptical, rower or even run between 2 telephone polls if you don't belong to a gym or buy a special bike.
I love that practical tip with telephone poles. He’s keeping it real for many folks.
The Tabata work out is new to me. I am going to do some research. It is always good to switch things up for exercise.
Rachel wrote: "The Tabata work out is new to me. I am going to do some research. It is always good to switch things up for exercise."Rachel, in the podcast he mentions the book The One-Minute Workout: Science Shows a Way to Get Fit That's Smarter, Faster, Shorter by Martin Gibala When I got home I immediately got the eBook from the library.
Izumi Tabata was the Japanese physiologist and assistant coach of Japan's Olympic speed-skating team. In 1996 he published a "study in the journal Medicine and Science in sports and exercise. The study helped establish just how potent interval could be in boosting fitness."
I read it today. It's a very quick read. He explains what it is and the many ways it can be done for people of all fitness levels even, cardiac patients.
Then he gives you various types of Tabata programs and explains who should or should not do each program.
Thanks to deb, I took a photo with my phone of each Tabata program. I'll now have it a folder on my iPhone for use at the gym.
:)
I usually follow a classic Tabata program that I downloaded from iTunes years ago. You warm up at an easy pace for 3-5 min. Sprint for 20 seconds very fast. Rest 10 seconds. Repeat for a total of 8 sprints. Then cool down 3-5 min.
At that time I was using it because I wanted to try Spin Class at the Y. I have programs for Spin that I downloaded. iTunes has quite a few programs you can download just as you would a song. I find it helpful to listen to a trainer as I do the Tabata. Well worth the $1 for the iTunes download. Just put Tabata in the search on iTunes.
The book can be a bit repetitive as he cites various studies backing up the Tabata claim. But I found it reassuring to know it's well studied and benefits accrue to people of all fitness levels.
I thought this was a good YouTube episode. For our 100 book challenge one prompt is: 97- Read a fiction and nonfiction book on the same topic
The YouTube channel, abookolive, offers some good book suggestions. Also why in general it's a good idea to try this even if you are not doing a challenge. She explains how doing this will really help enrich your reading experience.
Enjoy !
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS! | Fiction & Nonfiction Pairings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QIOg...
Thanks! I wasn’t pleased with my own options!
I guess i didn’t thank you for the Gibala title, Alias. I immediately checked it out, though. Thank you for that title.
Tabata ITunes to listen to is a great idea.
madrano wrote: "I guess i didn’t thank you for the Gibala title, Alias. I immediately checked it out, though. Thank you for that title."You're welcome. I thought it had some good ideas. I'm sold.
One section told a story of a heart patient. (probably not really true) But a great point. The doctor was talking to a nurse and he wasn't convinced Tabata could be for his patients. She said he was so wrong. Come look out the window. One of the patients would take a few steps then need to stop to catch his breath. Then he would start walking again a few steps then need to stop. She said to the doctor, He was doing Tabata!
The point being your high threshold might not be the same as a younger person, fitter person or athlete. That didn't matter. You do you. It all leads to the same place. Better cardio system.
Also interesting there are many published studies that showed doing Tabata gave the same results and doing longer endurance periods of exercise. (walking, jogging, biking or running for an hour, for example) Personally, I do both. However, for people who don't have hours to exercise daily or dislike exercising, Tabata seemed to be a good solution.
Not related to the book, I saw a doctor I follow on YouTube talk about Inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST). It's a small handheld device that provides resistance as you inhale and exhale. It was originally developed for people with serious lung conditions to strengthen their breathing muscles. Apparently it can also lower blood pressure! Additionally people like singers and athletes can benefit as it strengthens the muscles you use to breath. They recommend doing it for 5 minutes in the morning and 5 at night.
If you know anyone who was in the hospital for any lung issue you probably have seen the devise. You blow into it and try to push the balls in the device to the top. Others look like inhalers. The inhaler type can be used with one hand and can be easy to carry with you during the day. I'm toying with getting one of these on Amazon. There are various types, Here are two for example.
If you don't want a devise you can also try a 4-7-8 breathing.
You inhale for 4 counts, hold for 7 counts, and exhale for 8. I think they recommend 30 breaths.
If you google or go to YouTube search for Inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) so you can find more info. Also google/YouTube search: for 4-7-8 breathing. Some use this type of breathing for meditation.
When i underwent a hernia operation 8 or so years ago, one of the things the staff had me do was blow to raise the ball. I was in hospital only one night but being able to do that was part of the achievements to perform before release. The change in ability from immediately post-procedure to release was remarkable.Mine had only one ball with a gauge along the side. It was mine for life and i used it for months afterward, just to see how i was doing. We must have packed it away before one of our travels, as i haven’t seen it for years. The low blood pressure aid wasn’t mentioned to me, but is good to know.
madrano wrote: "Mine had only one ball with a gauge along the side. ..."
Yes. That is the one my mom had years ago.
A year or so before my sister died she was hospitalized, where she was diagnosed with COPD. At first She couldn’t get the ball to rise at all, so weak were her lungs. In rehab it improved but never as much as a healthy person’s. Of course, she never stopped smoking.
Many people do not or cannot quit smoking no matter the health risks. I wonder why some people can and some people cannot.
madrano wrote: "The low blood pressure aid wasn’t mentioned to me, but is good to know.."Few more videos. Seems worth a shot . Also I think it may help with whatever aerobic exercises you may do.
Study: Breathing exercises can help lower blood pressure
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhzKS...
Reducing Stress Through Deep Breathing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wemm-...
Lowering Blood Pressure in 5 Minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Kuea...
Rachel wrote: "Many people do not or cannot quit smoking no matter the health risks. I wonder why some people can and some people cannot."My cousin claims she's "tried everything" but cannot quit. I mentioned it to another person who replied that's because she doesn't want to.
John, i tend to agree with your friend. Saying one wants to and doing so are vastLy different.
Alias, thanks for providing those links.
I quit a long time ago and it is the most difficult thing I have ever done. Again, I wonder why some people have the strength to do it and other people don't.
I wonder the same thing. My sister and her husband stopped when their baby was born…but not before. Both used the patches.
The hard part for me was not even the nicotine part but the whole thing that you do with your hands and the holding the cigarette. I chewed swizzle sticks and held them as replacements. There were no patches when I quit but am totally in favor of anything that gets people off the treadmill of addiction.
If you enjoy reading memoirs, take a listen to this episode of The Book Olive's podcast.The Best Memoirs You've Never Read | Book
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itu1u...
That’s a nice list of memoirs, most of which are titles i didn’t know. Thank you.
madrano wrote: "That’s a nice list of memoirs, most of which are titles i didn’t know. Thank you."I've put The Magical Language of Others on hold. I need an Asian author for my 2022 Determination list.
Many seem to have magical realism elements and I don't care for that. So far my two favorites are:
Convenience Store Woman--Sayaka Murata
and
Sweet Bean Paste-Durian Sukegawa
If anyone knows of books with similar writing style and themes please let me know.
It sounds like a good one, Alias. I look forward to reading your comments on it.Honestly i don’t always realize that a book has magic realism elements in it because i believe in charmed lives, i guess. Having read the two you listed, i can add more titles, although they may sometimes be called magical by others.
Strange Weather in Tokyo—Hiromi Kawakami. I found this enjoyable, as i recall.
The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World—Laura Imai Messina. This is a look at a Japanese town’s post-tsunami, earthquake and nuclear issue recovery from a few years back. I like it very much.
I cannot recall whether you read Before the Coffee Gets Cold—Toshikazu Kawaguchi but i liked this. There is at least one sequel but you know me, i haven’t read it.
Winter in Sokcho—Elisa Shua Dusapin, set in South Korea and suggested by John here, i liked the style. However i’m not sure it had the same writing style, as it feels less enchanted. Worth a look?
Those are all that come to mind now.
I've read and enjoyed Strange Weather in Tokyo. Only at the very end of the novel did the author decide to throw in a magical realism curve.Before the Coffee Gets Cold is magical realism. (ability to travel back in time)
I have Winter in Sokcho on my TBR list as you and John liked it.
I'll check out phonebooth at the edge of the world.
Thanks ! I appreciate the help.
Deb, I listened to both Before the Coffee Gets Cold and Before the Coffee Gets Cold: Tales from the Café. I enjoyed them both. I'm currently listening to The Rainbow Comes and Goes. I'm really enjoying the correspondence between mother and son.
Petra wrote: I'm currently listening to The Rainbow Comes and Goes. I'm really enjoying the correspondence between mother and son...."I see Anderson also narrates. That's a plus.
Glad to have titles to share, Alias. For me Coffee seemed more sci-fi. Your comment has me wondering about those gentle differences. Had coffee shown more of where people went, i might have a better clue.
I wonder if i would like Rainbow, Petra. I’ve read books written by both mother & son and had no problems. Thanks for reminding me of their book.
madrano wrote: "Glad to have titles to share, Alias. For me Coffee seemed more sci-fi. Your comment has me wondering about those gentle differences. Had coffee shown more of where people went, i might have a bette..."Magical realism & Science fiction. Both are not for me. I know they have big fans. Just like YA Fiction, which I mention elsewhere, I just don't enjoy. So no Harry Potter for me. (ducking the rotten tomatoes)
Alias Reader wrote: "madrano wrote: "That’s a nice list of memoirs, most of which are titles i didn’t know. Thank you."I've put The Magical Language of Others on hold. I need an Asian author for my 20..."
Breasts and Eggs
I read this book and enjoyed it.
Rachel wrote: Breasts and EggsI read this book and enjoyed it..."
I read the author's other book, Heaven
Thank you each for sharing other Mieko Kawakami titles. I wonder how i missed her.Alias, somehow i had the idea you read YA Fiction, so was surprised to read your comment about it on that quiz you posted. Almost every time i read one YA i consider how it fit the category. Some just awe me so much that i am surprised it’s seen as YA. Most i have really liked.
Deb, I'm not a YA fiction fan. However, I do like and read YA non fiction. I sometimes use it to see if I want to explore the topic or person in greater depth. Also many YA nonfiction has features I like such as: photos, maps, timelines etc.
Alias Reader wrote: "Rachel wrote: Breasts and EggsI read this book and enjoyed it..."
I read the author's other book, Heaven"
Thanks for recommending Heaven. Funny that it is about a girl who is bullied for having a lazy eye as I have a lazy eye. I was never bullied for it but can imagine easily that it happens.
Rachel wrote: Thanks for recommending Heaven. Funny that it is about a girl who is bullied for having a lazy eye as I have a lazy eye. I was never bullied for it but can imagine easily that it happens..."
Rachel I read it last November.
This was my short comment then on the book.
Rate: 2/5
It about two teens who are mercilessly bullied. The two teens take solace in each other. The parts where the bulling takes place were hard to read. So if that is a trigger for you, you may want to skip this short novel.
I decided on a 2/5 rating. Mainly because the ending left me a bit confused as I wasn't totally sure what the author ultimate message was.
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How about you, Rachel?