Tips for getting into audio books

[Ethan]

I work a part-time manual labor job and have found that audio books make the time go faster (and I think I prefer them to podcasts). I have an Audible subscription but I've had trouble finding audio books that I enjoy.

So, do you have any tips on audio books? Is Audible worth it? How can I curate a list of good listening options? Are there any genres or styles that are better in the audio format, in your opinion?

For reference, I already read quite a bit between physical books and e-books. I read both fiction and non-fiction, and I'll read pretty much any genre or topic. The only thing I tend to stay away from is fiction with lots of explicit sexual content. If you're especially knowledgeable on audio books, feel free to reach out or check out my profile to get a sense of the books I typically enjoy.

I appreciate your help with this!

[Jessica]

Your local library should have an audiobook/ebook app. I always need to preview the listen because I listen at 1.5-2.0 speed and some accents are difficult for me to understand at that speed. The narrator really makes the book.

[Maia]

you could always reread your favourite books but in an audiobook or if there’s any books on your tbr which you don’t have yet you could try them out aswell

that’s what i usually do but sometimes the narrators voice can be quite annoying

[Gyan]

Libby is awesome and links to your local library, both for audio and ebooks. Audible is excellent if monthly subscription is not an issue. I love it. I have learned that with audiobooks every narrator has their own pace at which they have read the book. Always adjust the speed at which you play the book to your own liking. I end up listening most books at 1.7- 2 x normal play speed.
Some of the best narrators are Steven Pacey for all of his First law universe books, Michael Kramer/Kate Redding for Brandon Sanderson’s Stormloght books, Tim Gerard Reynolds for Michael Sullivan’s Ryira books.

[BeanSchnitzz]

If you have Kindle Unlimited; there are some audio books on there that are free and you don't need credits, none of that. I really like KU; having free books at my disposable and there's a possibility that it has audio enabling is awesome. The downside is that not all books have audio and can still be free to read.

[Madison]

Get an audible subscription and save your free book for the large (long) audio books, and in the down time listen to the free options.

Also Libby offers free options from your local library.

Finally, try this book as it can show how an audiobook can be a completely different experience from reading the book:
Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography

[Wyetha]

I was gifted an Audible subscription which was heaven. I listen to then when I commute, doing house chores, taking walks and during down downtime.

The Libby app is a great way to get started and NetGalley has a few “read now” audio books.

[Sandy]

If you have spotify you can use it for audio books. I have three different apps where I can listen to them and it's too much hahah especially since nearly everything is on spotify.

I actually started with "Gone Girl" and now I can't stop!

[rowan]

start with your favorite book. Listen to the audiobook version and fall in love with the book again. It'll make you fall in love with audiobooks too in my experience