The Next Best Book Club discussion
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To audio or not? That is the question.
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JG (Introverted Reader)
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Sep 17, 2008 06:43PM
Laura, I've heard a lot about Eat, Pray, Love, but I'd sort of forgotten about it. I'm placing a hold on it at my library right now. Thanks!
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Eat, Pray, Love totally made me want to go to Italy. I'm sure you'll enjoy it (or at least that part of it) if you're going there.
JG- If you like John Grisham but are looking for something different than courtroom drama, read Playing for Pizza. Also, I loved Maeve Binchy's Evening Class. I listened to them both on audio. They will definitely get you in the mood for Italy. I'm so jealous!
Would you like GoodReads to have a rating for the narrators?Do GoodReads really listen to what you want? Go to message #443
Make your feelings heard ... read. Let them know if it is important to you.
Angela, I don't actually care for John Grisham's courtroom drama. Is Playing for Pizza different enough that I should give it a chance? I used to read Maeve Binchy a lot, but I caught up on all of her books at my library and then lost track of her. I'll have to look for Evening Class also. Thanks for the recommendations!
Has anyone like a narrator so much that they read other books read by that person? I'm getting ready to do that with the narrator of Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell.
Laura, just think if the narrators where listed on GoodReads you could search and check out other titles of a specific narrator like you can with authors. Would be great?
Playing for Pizza is completely different than his courtroom dramas. It is about a quarterback who blows a playoff game. Afterward, he can't get a football job in the U.S. As a result, he ends up as a quarterback for an Italian league team (in northern Italy).
I love audio books! While they are not the same as actually reading the books on paper, they are a great way to get more books into a busy life. I used to be a bit of a book snob about audio books because it seemed like I was cheating myself of the experience of reading if I didn't actually sit down and read the book. But after I read a book called "The Little Guide to Your Well-Read Life", I changed my opinion. I was especially appreciative of books on cd when I had to drive 1 hour an 25 minutes each way to work every day. I "read" a lot of books that semester, and they actually made the drive enjoyable.
I'm not sure why it took me so long to "discover" books on CD. I have an hour commute each way to work and I love being able to "read" two books at once. I actually listened to The Road on my way to and from work one week and felt like a complete idiot crying in the middle of traffic. I wonder what people thought of me. Note to self - no more sad stories in the car. :)
I think that if I lived in a plac where I commuted I would love audio books in the car. But I live on a tiny island and mostly I can be anywhere within 20 minutes. I can't imagine being able to concentrate on audio books in any other situation.
I never tried them and in some way I hope I want either. Like so many I wander how it will be, if it will be as good in the end as reading it yourself, what if the voice is really awful, or read to fast or to slow. And in the end, what is more special than holding the book, having it around you, touching it, feeling it and reading it in your own way....
I will always prefer the printed page, but I have discovered how great the audio book (CDs) are to pursue my reading addiction while in the car. It seems to work so much better than reading from the printed page while driving. Ha, ha. I usually don't indulge in listening to books unless the trip is at least 45 minutes or longer. A good reader reading a good novel is wonderful. I usually check out about 4 or 5 books on CD from our public library before I go on a road trip. I like to have a choice in case one doesn't interest me. I found that listening to a book in the car is a great way to see if I'm interested in reading a book. If I don't finish the book on CD (the trip wasn't long enough), I very often switch to the printed version if I like the book.
I really would love to use audio books but I find I drift off and totally miss what was said. I have tried it multiple times but I just can't stay focused which is weird because I blast my iPod when I read most of the time.
I like audio books, they come in handy when driving or working. If I don't feel like listening to music or podcasts I will throw on an audio book.
There was a discussion, Does listening count as reading? on the Audiobook group. I find it strange when someone say they don't even want to try an audiobook.
S.G., I find the question "does listening count as reading" a strange question to even be asked by this group. Most avid readers, myself included, are far more open-minded than that. Storytelling began as an oral tradition. Printing hasn't always been around and was largely limited to religious items when it finally did appear (thanks Guttenberg). Then we had to go through it not being available to the common folk, such as we. We read to our children, where they usually first learn to love storytelling and books. Does that not count? Oral storytelling and books are just naturally entwined, so there really shouldn't be any such question as to whether or not listening counts. The only problem with audio books is the choice of reader. Sadly, not all are created equal. I would venture to say that authors do no always make good readers (after some discussions with authors on this topic). An exception to this thought is one of the best audio books I've ever READ, which is Amy Tan reading Saving Fish From Drowning. I highly recommend it. Although I have previously stated in this discussion that I prefer the printed page and don't often have the opportunity to listen as much as I'd like, I consider audio books just another form of reading.
Kathy: Apparently there is some that are not so "open minded" even in this group as stated in earlier postings. Not to begrudge their opinion. I just thought Grumpus thread & link to the NY Times article may be of interest for the discussion?
Well, S.G., I probably sounded a little harsh in my response in regards to those unwilling to try audio. All of us at one point had to dip our toe into the water and see if we wanted to jump in. I must confess that I, too, wasn't as trusting as I should have been in audio versions when I first tried them. And, I am happiest when I can feel the book in my hands. I guess I just want people to realize that the audio format can be a nice alternative when holding a book isn't possible. Of course, I was reminded last night that I'm not completely evolved in the open-mindedness department, as I was in a German restaurant with some of my family and I stated that I couldn't stand sauerkraut. My son-in-law asked when the last time I tried it was, and I responded that it was in elementary school. He gave me the look, and I said, "OK, let me have a bite."
Kathy,very interesting post on audio books.Helped me to see audio books in a new light. Still prefer a book, though if I was a commuter I could see me giving it a try.
I prefer the written word as well but do listen to audios when driving to and from work, exercising or cleaning house. It helps me pass the time and I'm still "reading". I know I get more out of reading as my mind does wander at times while listening but overall I do enjoy it.
Printed books's fatal flaw is that it is incredibly wasteful by any environmental measure.... shouldn't it be allowed to croak to save the planet? why not take poll #2 so here I am holding in the corner of my hand a tiny little Mp3 chip with one of the greatest novel of human kind...
When I started listening to audiobooks (commuting), I was very skeptical, but so bored w/commercial radio that I decided to try it. Now I'm pretty much an addict.I started with, of all things, a Sandra Brown novel (I had never read her before) read by Tom Wopat - the Dukes of Hazzard guy - turns out, he's a terrific performer and I really enjoyed it. Been hooked ever since.
Kathy- I enjoyed reading your posts about audiobooks. You took the words right out of my mouth (or my typing fingers).
Kathy, what a great post on audio. I've been listening to audios for years. In fact, many say the next great wave for reading is eBooks and I always argue that it's audio. In a world of multi-tasking, audio can follow you anywhere. I also love your reminder about the oral tradition. When my youngest was resisting reading, I tried to get her to listen to some books because much of the skill that goes with reading isn't necessarily deciphering the written word--although yes, that is critical--but it is also critical to be able to picture the story in your head just by words alone.I recently went to speak at my kids' high school for career day. I'm an author and so I was already odd man out in the sea of business suits. One of the kids asked me if there were pictures in my books. When I explained that the mark of a good writer is the ability to paint the pictures with words, I got terrifying blank looks. Made me want to cry.
I used to listen to audio books while I walked, but I'm trying really hard to not multi-task (gasp! I know that's practically un-American these days)and enjoy being in the moment with whatever I am doing at the moment. So now when I walk, I just try to enjoy the walk. But I did enjoy the audio version of books, though not as much as a hard copy. I do refuse to listen to abridged versions, though.
Liesl- I agree about refusing to listen to an abridged version. I always check the back of the case and make sure that it is not an abridged version. I used to listen to audio books while I walked also. Now, I listen to them in the car on my commute to and from work. However, today, I had off from school, so I was able to meet a friend for lunch. I was so engrossed in the story that I missed the exit and had to turn around. Then, I chuckled because I felt so silly. What can you do?
I'm with you both 100% on the abridged. I've noticed more and more that the recorded books are not abridged--but almost all of the older ones are. I guess it's the tape vs cd factor. I really love that they've put so many of the classics on audio as well.
Have you ever chosen an audiobook just based on a specific narrator? If so -Who Are Your Favorite Narrators?
I just bought Neil Gaiman's latest, "The Graveyard Book," on CD because I absolutely LOVED his reading of his collection of short stories, "Fragile Things." He is fantastic -- does all the voices and the accents, and who could know better than the author how much emphasis and feeling to put into what he's reading? He really acts the stories out with his voice.
Liesl, I, too, am adamant about the version being an unabridged one. I am just not interested in hearing an abridged version. I mean really, leaving out any of a story just seems so wrong.
I use audiobooks occasionally, but I prefer an actual book. I get audiobooks for my MP3 player to use while walking or cleaning, but I usually pick those that I'm not too excited about. For those that I'm really interested in, I don't want to miss a word, so I will get the actual book. I've also found that finding a good narrator is hit or miss. I'm listening to Playing for Pizza right now, for example, and I think the narration is a bit boring. On the other hand, the narrators for Ella Enchanted and Harry Potter are great. I agree with you, too, regarding getting unabridged books. I'll never get an abridged book - why miss out on anything?
I prefer books with one exception, and that's when I fly. I find the activity in the aisle on a plane visually distracting, but if I have downloaded a book onto my iPod, I can listen to the story without distraction.The main things I don't like about audio books are (1)it's difficult to go back and reread or check on something and (2)you can't tell how near you are to the end. I also find that at times the narrator's voice and/or inflection colors my own understanding and interpretation of the book.
Anyone listened to The Other Boleyn Girl? It's much longer than what I usually get (19 discs), but if it's well done I'll pick it up. My sis recommended I listen to this one (she's read it), but at 19 discs I'll be listening for almost a month!!!!!!!!!
The "disk" problem will soon resolve itself when the publishers realize all they have to do is to use the Mp3 format and fit it all on one disk/chip. and Jeanie, iPod's problem is many and you just described another. There is several Mp3 players that can do just what you asked for. Oh no you say, not another gadget...
I have never ever listened to an audio book but after reading this thread I am going to give it a try. I dont honestly know why I never have before and I have ordered a couple from my local library and will see how it goes. I am only expecting to listen to them on the way to and from work but am quite excited about it.
I audio about 15% of the time and thank goodness for it because I can download free from my library, saves me tons on not having to buy the books and helps me when I am out and about whether exercising or driving long distances to keep my mind active and feel like I am accomplishing something. Granted, some narrators are better than others, but all in all, really enjoy it.
Hi Melody - Can I suggest an audiobook for you, if you haven't read it?The Thirteenth Tale
this is a terrific book, period, but a particularly good audiobook. Hopefully, your library has multiple copies.
I'm looking over all this postings and find that many of you are having doubts about listening to an audiobooks for multitude of reasons. If you come with an preconceived negative attitude that this might not be for you, then you will never learn. Because it is a learning curve of sort. Next time someone is telling you a story, will you turn to them and say, sorry, stop, I can't concentrate on you? Well, with an audiobook you can. You are in full control and don't forget it.
I constantly try to get friends to start listening to audiobooks loaned from the library for free. Some that I coached have profusely thanked me and others that became addicts I hate myself for leading them on. It can lead to an addiction, where you end up shutting out the whole of your family for the world of fiction.
But for the first timer the most important issue is to find the right narrator. He/she will be the right/wrong friend to help you absorb the story. Don't like the narrator and you might close the "book" on audiobooks forever and what a shame that would be.
It is therefore the narrator is of so crucial importance for the audiobook listener. Simply put if you don't like someone telling you the story, it doesn't really matter how good the story is, does it?
So my recommendation for a first timer is this. Try a "safe" narrator and with that I mean a popular one, never mind the story, cause you will soon find that the most popular narrators have the pick of the litter and can choose the better work to "perform".
Anyway to make a long story short, in the group Audiobooks here is a thought.
Books that are better heard than read.
Thanks Laura for the tip. I've added it to my list.
I for one don't feel any doubt.I just don't feel any interest.I prefer the experience of reading to be just that.Reading.I willingly (sort of)share my books and will frequently reread books that I have loved.
That brings to point why bother re-reading an old book when there is sooo many other works one better than the next?
I'm not sure I understand your question S.G. Are you inferring that to reread a book indicates insecurity in trying something new? I personally don't have a problem with trying new genres and new authors and in fact since coming onto GRs I'd say I've been more willing to step out of my comfort zone and read more challenging reads and have enjoyed the experience.I'm pretty open minded as to what I'll try. I don't think that I'm insecure or afraid to try new things if I choose to re-read something I found extraordinary or if I want to take a trip down memory lane. It's interesting to see how my perspective may have changed over the years. In a nutshell,I love all my books,the ones I've read and the ones I've yet to read. That is why I like to reread,or rather revisit a book.
I can't speak for why others may choose to re-read a book. I dislike making generalities about why other people do the things they do as I know I dislike having that done to me.
Nothing personal S.G. and no offense meant or taken. :)
Mod
Audiobooks.... Plah! Double Plah!
When I was a kid, I used to love those read-a-long books. You know, the ones that came with a cassette, and it would beep when it was time to turn the page. Those were heaven to me as a child.
As an adult, I find I no longer have the attention span to be "read to". Does narrator play a part? Why, sure. But is that the whole of it? Of course not. I like being able to read at my own pace, I can go back a paragraph when I need to reread something, or catch something I might have missed. With an audio book, I have to back the disc up, and try to locate the spot I want... Yeck! And like I said, attention span is wanting... I would end up zoning out or taking a mental trip down a grocery list, or something, and then realise I missed a chunk of story.
Just not for me.
Rereading a novel. Wow, SG. That was a pretty strange statement to make. That rereading means insecurity and/or fear of new things. Where is this coming from? Havent you ever read a book that you loved, and found yourself a year or two or ten later, wanting to reread it, to fall back in love with it? I am not a huge re-reader, but I do, now and then. Some great novels to reread... Hottest State by Ethan Hawke. Eyes of the Dragon by Steven King. Book of Lost Things by John Connolly. Just love falling back into those novels. Its a great feeling.
It has nothing to do with fear or insecurity. I, for one, have a wide range of favorite novels, authors, genres... just ask any TNBBC 'oldtimer', and they can vouch for that.
I really dont see why you felt the need to make a statement like that. To each thier own, SG. Everyone has different tastes, and opinions. If you dont like what they have to say, well, dont put them down for that. That would be a-kin to me asking you if you like audio books so much because you have a hard time with the written word. Or are insecure in your reading comprehension skills. Isnt that a silly assumption?
You're welcome, Melody. Hope you enjoy it! As to audiobooks, to each his own. I have become addicted to them - I have one going all the time - and never thought I'd like them. I can't believe that I love them so much, because it took me years to even try one, thinking I would hate it.
But as in everything else - to each his own.
My two cents.
Mom, I agree with what you said about disliking people making generalities as to why people do the things they do. I'm not as big a booker reader as you, though there are books that I would re-read over and over. The same thing goes with movies as well. Just because one may choose to re-read a book several times, does not mean they are insecure or afraid to try new things. I also agree with Lori that to say that would be like asking if reading audio books might mean that you're insecure in your reading comprehension skills. I personally have never and would never use an audio book. I prefer the feel of a book in my hands, the sense of accomplishment once I've completed the book... I even love to create the voices in my head for each character which you cannot do with an audio book. To not be able to go at my own pace would drive me nuts and after a while I would zone out and start day dreaming and then be frustrated that I would have to rewind the disc and fight with it to get it to where I was before I zoned out.
Sherry:I do not feel I have the time to completely re-read a book, but I look up in them to refresh myself, because sometimes I am afraid to loose the memory of a specific story, and you are absolute right in, “It's interesting to see how my perspective may have changed over the years”. Especially, I think as you continue to explore new work. It is therefore I constantly prowling around old bookstores, thrift stores and hit any library sale I can to try to find a paper copy of the work that I once found such a pleasure in listening to so that I can have this option which is for me a form of feeling secure.
And now for our moderator Lori,
Was this a Sarah Palin moment on your part?
“Audiobooks .... Plah! Double Plah! “
“Yeck! And like I said, attention span is wanting... I would end up zoning out or taking a mental trip down a grocery list, or something,”
This is a total insult to all of us that have learned to enjoy audiobooks.
So there is nothing to fear but fear itself when stepping into the world of audiobooks.
This is a total insult to all of us that have learned to enjoy audiobooks. Not sure that was warranted, everyone's entitled to their own opinion right. I doubt very much that Lori is the type of person to go around insulting people so hopefully all of you who have learned to enjoy audiobooks do not feel insulted.
Each to their own, people.
Hey audio book pusher - some people just don't like them. Why are you insulted that other people don't??? Probably insulting the moderator by comparing her to Sarah Palin won't help much!
The Next Best Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
Eat, Pray, Love (other topics)The Road (other topics)
Gone for Good (other topics)
Home to Big Stone Gap (other topics)
Rebecca (other topics)
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