Books on the Nightstand discussion
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Gerald
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Feb 03, 2012 09:59AM
My biggest concern about audio books is the problem of significant parts of the books passing over me while I am busy working(i would never listen to a book while driving)or even when I sit down to just listen to the book.Does this concern anyone else? ger
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Gerald,It's a little bit of a learning curve. When I first started listening to audio I really had to focus but now I have no trouble whatsoever listening and doing something else at the same time. When driving, I usually just get in the slow lane and don't try to pass anyone and I always let anyone in who is trying to get over. I think it's made me a more relaxed and courteous driver. If I feel I've missed something I can always go back and relisten to that CD or certain tracks of the CD. I'm sure you do other things while driving (smoke, listen to music, talk on the phone, converse with a passenger)that may have required some concentration in the beginning but are now second nature.
I love listening to audiobooks (and BOTNS podcasts) while I'm in the kitchen cooking. I enjoy cooking, but I enjoy it even more when I can listen to a good book :)
Gerald wrote: "My biggest concern about audio books is the problem of significant parts of the books passing over me while I am busy working(i would never listen to a book while driving)or even when I sit down tojust listen to the book.Does this concern anyone else? ger"
Maybe it's because I used to listen to political radio stations on my drives around the Beltway; but I've always been able to listen and drive. It seems to have carried over so that I can listen and do other things like, walk, chew gum, etc :-)
I should mention that I never just sit down on the couch or in a chair to listen. That's the fastest way to put me to sleep! I find having my brain or mind engaged in an ingrained task actually helps me to listen better. I can't explain it very well I'm afraid; but I'm not alone. I've heard of painters and knitters describe the same phenomenon to me :-)
Maybe it's because I used to listen to political radio stations on my drives around the Beltway; but I've always been able to listen and drive. It seems to have carried over so that I can listen and do other things like, walk, chew gum, etc :-)
I should mention that I never just sit down on the couch or in a chair to listen. That's the fastest way to put me to sleep! I find having my brain or mind engaged in an ingrained task actually helps me to listen better. I can't explain it very well I'm afraid; but I'm not alone. I've heard of painters and knitters describe the same phenomenon to me :-)
Tanya/dog eared copy wrote: "Gerald wrote: "My biggest concern about audio books is the problem of significant parts of the books passing over me while I am busy working(i would never listen to a book while driving)or even whe..."Yes, audiobooks help me focus when I'm doing something that doesn't hold my attention well. Filing, doing dishes, basic Excel/Powerpoint, laundry - audio is perfect to help me not procrastinate and get those things done without wandering away or surfing the web.
Mod
If you can do Powerpoint and Excel while listening, I need to hire you.
Ann wrote: "Frankie wrote: "Tanya/dog eared copy wrote: "Gerald wrote: "My biggest concern about audio books is the problem of significant parts of the books passing over me while I am busy working(i would nev..."Luck for you, I am a consultant, so my services are for hire ;)
I'm always reading one book and listening to another, but for the most part my selection process is the same. The choice of getting a title in print or on audio is mostly random, although it can be influenced by the availability of either one at the library. I recently listened to a book that I would have preferred to get in print, but I needed it for a book club and was able to get the audiobook right away, while there was a long waiting list for print copies. Also, I sometimes decide to stick with audio (or print) for a series. If I really like the narrator of the first one, I'm likely to choose audio for all the sequels. For instance, I've listened to all of the books in the Number One Ladies Detective Agency series, and when I go back to the Harry Potter books, I'm more likely to choose audio. With some series, though, I can go either way.If I start an audiobook and it seems too confusing because of shifts in time, narrator, or some other aspect of writing style, I'll switch to print, but that doesn't happen too often. One that really threw me off on audio was Toni Morrison's "A Mercy."
I'm more likely to go with print for nonfiction since this type of book often has photos, maps, illustrations, or other material that would enhance my experience. There have been times when I listened to a nonfiction book but also got a print copy as soon as I could if I realized there were illustrations. I continued with the audio but referred to the print copy for the artwork.
How I listen: in the car, on planes, while walking the dog, sometimes while cooking or doing housework or gardening. I can't listen while I'm reading email or doing any other kind of work since I need to concentrate on one or the other.
Tamara wrote: "I second the suggested topic of books set in the era of Downton Abbey (pre-WWI and during) :) I love the series, and Upstairs,Downstairs. Just yesterday, I decided to look for more books set in the..."DYK that Charles Todd is actually a mother and son writing team from my state of Delaware.
Gerald wrote: "Tamara wrote: "I second the suggested topic of books set in the era of Downton Abbey (pre-WWI and during) :) I love the series, and Upstairs,Downstairs. Just yesterday, I decided to look for more b..."I am in the process od listening to Fall of Giants by Ken Follett. It starts just before WW1.
This isn't so much a topic, just a question that I figured you two could answer better than anyone. I have occasionally received ARCs from publishers for review on my blog. What should I do with them when I'm done reading them? The ARC I received for History Of A Pleasure Seeker is an especially weird binding with a plastic cover (until now I've always received the actual hard cover books). Of course I'm not going to sell these books, but what is the proper etiquette for sharing or giving them away?
Mod
Anyway, you can do anything you like with the ARCs except sell them. Share them with friends, donate to your libraries friend sale, donate them somewhere else. I often "age" my ARCs so that I don't donate them until the book has been on sale for awhile, so that I don't take a potential sale away from a bookstore -- but that's because I have so many, and often multiple copies left over.
Why do you think it seems odd? Hey, it's a job just like any other.
I like the idea of talking about audio books. The narrator can make all the difference and it would be good to know some good recommendations on that as well as what books just adapt better to the audiobook listenning experience.
Mod
Hmmm, I'm not certain this is a good idea. Most ARC state on them that they are not for sale. I have always taken this to mean not at Friends booksales either.
I usually give mine away at book group meetings.
?Can someone chime in on this. I could be wrong! and losing postential fundraising money :)
Mod
Hmmm, I'm not certain this is a good idea. Most ARC state on them that they are not for sale. I have always taken this to mean not at Friends b..."
Carol,
I am president of my Friends group and chief of our library book sale. We sell ARCs. I can not sell them to a source we have to take out leftover books, but for the 25¢ we charge for paperback books, we have no trouble.
If there is ever a question, I check with the library employees who keep us honest (we can not sell a book without a cover - often the way stores "destroy" books to get credit from the publishers).
I have purchased ARCs at Half-Price books, a retail chain of stores that purchase used books from anyone and then re-sell them. I'm not sure if they would pay someone for an ARC being brought in. (The ones I go to do not pay for ex-library books, so I don't take ex-library books to them.)
Just my take on your question.
Mod
We rely on Friends Book Sales and support for so much. Good for you for chairing this important group!
Having just finished an audio book, I have a question that I think would make a good podcast topic: Who gets to pick the reader for the books? Does the author or the publisher? What is it that makes for a "good narrator"? I just listened to one where the reader felt the need to try to put on the appropriate accent for every quote from someone famous. So, everyone from Arianna Huffington to Rupert Murdoch to Otto von Bismark got their quotes slaughtered by this guy. It was awful and would have been so much better had he just read the book without feeling the need to put his acting "talents" to work.
Mod
Or to continue this thought, I listened to John Lithgow's and Tina Fey's books. Both were narrated by the author and were wonderful. Next I listened to James Garner's which was narrated by someone else. I missed his voice. I understand he isn't necessarily healthy and that might have had something to do with it, but when it's someone famous…
Or slightly different, how is the decision made whether a book becomes audio or not? My husband is dyslexic, but I have him hooked on audio books. Often I come across a book that I think he would be interested in and then find out there is no audio.
I have made recordings for him, rarely. So I'd be happy to hire out as a narrator. I wouldn't fake accents, but I could put life into a story. Just ask my son. Jim Dale stole my Hagrid voice.
Betsy wrote: "Who gets to pick the reader for the books? Does the author or the publisher? What is it that makes for a "good narrator"?"
Traditionally, each audiobook publisher has a Studio Director who does most of the casting; however, many book titles have author approval (they decide who they want to narrate and/or pick from auditions) and/or publisher approval. A lot of different factors go into the choice of a narrator including, but not limited to: appropriateness, professionalism, past reviews, availability and, cost. A poorly cast audiobook is a relative thing; but without knowing which title you are specifically talking about, it sounds like you got an inexperienced narrator in the non-fiction genre.
Traditionally, each audiobook publisher has a Studio Director who does most of the casting; however, many book titles have author approval (they decide who they want to narrate and/or pick from auditions) and/or publisher approval. A lot of different factors go into the choice of a narrator including, but not limited to: appropriateness, professionalism, past reviews, availability and, cost. A poorly cast audiobook is a relative thing; but without knowing which title you are specifically talking about, it sounds like you got an inexperienced narrator in the non-fiction genre.
Linda wrote: "Betsy wrote: "Having just finished an audio book, I have a question that I think would make a good podcast topic: Who gets to pick the reader for the books? Does the author or the publisher? What i..."
Linda wrote: "Or to continue this thought, I listened to John Lithgow's and Tina Fey's books. Both were narrated by the author and were wonderful. Next I listened to James Garner's which was narrated by someone else. I missed his voice. I understand he isn't necessarily healthy and that might have had something to do with it, but when it's someone famous…
Or slightly different, how is the decision made whether a book becomes audio or not? My husband is dyslexic, but I have him hooked on audio books. Often I come across a book that I think he would be interested in and then find out there is no audio.
I have made recordings for him, rarely. So I'd be happy to hire out as a narrator. I wouldn't fake accents, but I could put life into a story. Just ask my son. Jim Dale stole my Hagrid voice."
It is always preferable to have the author of an autobiography narrate his or her own book; but again, a lot of factors go into the decision as to who narrates. With celebrity and author reads there are also added things to consider like if they can actually narrate (which is a different skill set than acting, storytelling or other voice-over work) and if they can handle narrating the whole book. You'll often see celebrities read an abridged version of their work because they can't go the distance or the time commitment is too much given a busy schedule. Also, if the celebrity used a ghost writer, they sometimes are bewildered by the text that is purportedly "their" story.
As to whether a print book becomes a commercial audiobook, factors include (but are not limited to) sales of the print book, past sales of the author's works, the buzz on a new release, and sometimes basic instinct. There are hundreds of thousands of print titles that have not been made into audio and quite frankly many should be reconciled to the dustbins of history; but every book has its audience. Its up to the audiobook publishers to decide if the book is worth the financial risk (Risk assessment is a completely different topic and the purview of acquisitions agents.)
It's wonderful that you can voice the character of Hagrid! But how about the other 200+ characters in the Harry Potter books? If you ever wanted to audition as a narrator, every audiobook publisher has a venue for that and you can check their web-sites for audition and demo specs.
Linda wrote: "Or to continue this thought, I listened to John Lithgow's and Tina Fey's books. Both were narrated by the author and were wonderful. Next I listened to James Garner's which was narrated by someone else. I missed his voice. I understand he isn't necessarily healthy and that might have had something to do with it, but when it's someone famous…
Or slightly different, how is the decision made whether a book becomes audio or not? My husband is dyslexic, but I have him hooked on audio books. Often I come across a book that I think he would be interested in and then find out there is no audio.
I have made recordings for him, rarely. So I'd be happy to hire out as a narrator. I wouldn't fake accents, but I could put life into a story. Just ask my son. Jim Dale stole my Hagrid voice."
It is always preferable to have the author of an autobiography narrate his or her own book; but again, a lot of factors go into the decision as to who narrates. With celebrity and author reads there are also added things to consider like if they can actually narrate (which is a different skill set than acting, storytelling or other voice-over work) and if they can handle narrating the whole book. You'll often see celebrities read an abridged version of their work because they can't go the distance or the time commitment is too much given a busy schedule. Also, if the celebrity used a ghost writer, they sometimes are bewildered by the text that is purportedly "their" story.
As to whether a print book becomes a commercial audiobook, factors include (but are not limited to) sales of the print book, past sales of the author's works, the buzz on a new release, and sometimes basic instinct. There are hundreds of thousands of print titles that have not been made into audio and quite frankly many should be reconciled to the dustbins of history; but every book has its audience. Its up to the audiobook publishers to decide if the book is worth the financial risk (Risk assessment is a completely different topic and the purview of acquisitions agents.)
It's wonderful that you can voice the character of Hagrid! But how about the other 200+ characters in the Harry Potter books? If you ever wanted to audition as a narrator, every audiobook publisher has a venue for that and you can check their web-sites for audition and demo specs.
Mod
Of course, I did all the voices.
And thanks for the tips for auditioning. It is something I've been thinking about for awhile. You may have given me the kick I needed.
I was wondering if you could explain the terms "trope" and "conceit" as they relate to books. I don't really get them and they are used quite often.
There is a topic that would be of interest to me. What about Books to surprise your teens?
I have a 14 year old girl. She's a good reader. But these days, she's reading girly-girl novel that don't seem to fulfill her.
I'm that kind of mom who likes to drop things here and there, hoping "the fish will bite to the hook". What would be you suggestions of out-of-your-mind teen reading.
P.S. No Fantasy/Potter stuff please!
Mama Julie, from french speaking Quebec.
What about a podcast on "books in translation" where you talk about best books that were not originally written in English but later translated. This could also be a call-in show. A related idea is to focus on books from specific regions.
how much do u spend on books a month do u read on kindle. nook. or a tablets
Tiffani wrote: "What about a podcast on "books in translation" where you talk about best books that were not originally written in English but later translated. This could also be a call-in show. A related idea ..."
I think this is a great idea! I recently read a current translation of
The Tin Drum
A book that is famous for unique technical style, and still has translators trying to capture that style in other languages with new editions.
I think this is a great idea! I recently read a current translation of
The Tin Drum
A book that is famous for unique technical style, and still has translators trying to capture that style in other languages with new editions.
Ann and Michael - so, one of my favorite type of books are those that re-define the family unit. Or even talk about the family unit in a different way. The Corrections by Franzen comes to mind. I also loved This is Where I Leave You by Trooper. I would love if you could do a section about "family" books that you loved. So, that I can add some more to my list. Thanks Russell
Russell wrote: "Ann and Michael - so, one of my favorite type of books are those that re-define the family unit.Russell, have you read The Family Fang? I think it would be in that category.
Have you ever done a podcast about short stories? I always think I don't like them and then I read a collection and realize all over again that I do.Like I really enjoyed Going Away Shoes by Jill McCorkle and Johnny Too Bad by John Dufresne.
Keetha wrote: "Russell wrote: "Ann and Michael - so, one of my favorite type of books are those that re-define the family unit.
Russell, have you read The Family Fang? I think it would be in that category."
I'm reading The Family Fang right now, and I'm conflicted about whether it really does a great job of exploring the family unit. The plot line, which is very entertaining, certainly raises interesting ideas, but it's more plot and funny dialogue than real substance.
Russell, have you read The Family Fang? I think it would be in that category."
I'm reading The Family Fang right now, and I'm conflicted about whether it really does a great job of exploring the family unit. The plot line, which is very entertaining, certainly raises interesting ideas, but it's more plot and funny dialogue than real substance.
since spring break is about to happen, how about quick reads to read over spring break? not necessarily beach reads, but books like Domestic Violets that are well written with an interesting plot.
Elizabeth wrote: "since spring break is about to happen, how about quick reads to read over spring break? not necessarily beach reads, but books like Domestic Violets that are well written with an in..."That's a really good idea...I'm going to take a few days off myself and wouldn't mind some lighter reading that I can easily pick up and put down. I already have a massive TBR though...just need to sort through and find those.
Your interview with the editor of SoHo sparked memories for me. I am a reader and a traveler. And while I enjoy the realism of Paul Thoreaux, I am also transported by international crime and thriller fiction. The SoHo list is chock-a-block with interesting settings of place and time-- Post- Vietnam Laos (Cotteril), just barely post IRA Belfast (Neville), 70's S. Korea (Limon). This is normally the job of historical fiction and yet other genres also cover the territory...with a twist.
I've just begin the Fire & Ice series by George RR Martin. I know I'm in for an epic so I'm trying to read carefully so that I don't lose track of the characters and locations. Which got me thinking of a discussion topic.....These sorts of books often offer a map, genealogy charts and the like. They are helpful but then I find myself checking them too often, which disrupts my reading. Do you look at them or do you just dive into the book?
My husband , daughters (age 12 and 14) and I are driving to Texas for spring break (from Minnesota). I am looking for a good "read aloud" book for the car. I have swamplandia on my shortest "to read" pile - wondering about that one. Other suggestions? My kids have read alot of the recent YA fiction - so looking for something a little different for them.
Mod
Ann wrote: "Beth, my kids, my mother and I were planning on listening to The Night Circus on our recent road trip. We ended up not using audiobooks (kids were having fun with the music that my mom liked from h..."Just as a warning, 99% of the audiobook is ok, but there is an f-word in the first few pages. No other cursing in the whole rest of the book, as I recall, just that one.
Mod
Carol wrote: "I've just begin the Fire & Ice series by George RR Martin. I know I'm in for an epic so I'm trying to read carefully so that I don't lose track of the characters and locations. Which got me thinkin..."I look at the maps and other info all the time, but this has become a problem since reading ebooks on my nook. I guess I could go look at the maps, etc on my PC, but that kinda breaks the flow.
Keetha wrote: "Russell wrote: "Ann and Michael - so, one of my favorite type of books are those that re-define the family unit.Russell, have you read The Family Fang? I think it would be in that category."
Yes Keetha - It was great. Fits right in my wheelhouse. I am thinking from what I have read, that Swamplandia may fit in this group too.
Mod
Ann wrote: "Beth, my kids, my mother and I were planning on listening to The Night Circus on our recent road trip. We ended up not using audiobooks (kids were having fun with the music that my mom liked from h..."I listened to the audioversion. It was very good but I find I have difficulty with time shifts in audiobooks. Unlike the written version, it is difficult to go back and check the timeframe (change in year, month, or "date stamp"). This is, of course, an acknowledgement that I do not always pay attention to chapter titles. To date, this is the only comment I can register against audioversions but it is a consideration in a book like The Night Circus or The Time Traveler's Wife.
Beth wrote: "My husband , daughters (age 12 and 14) and I are driving to Texas for spring break (from Minnesota). I am looking for a good "read aloud" book for the car. I have swamplandia on my shortest "to r..."I love audio books for road trips, and usually get several to try out.
Since you've got kids in the car, here are some suggestions:
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
The Book Thief
Mod
O.k., Beth how about
and this is only the first of the trilogy which now numbers five or six books. It is different, humorous and not too technical for anyone. My son and I loved it and we originally read it when he was about 10 and he still loves the books and we return to them even now that he is 22.(You should be able to understand the humor from the fact that the trilogy is up to five books.)
Beth wrote: "My husband , daughters (age 12 and 14) and I are driving to Texas for spring break (from Minnesota). I am looking for a good "read aloud" book for the car. I have swamplandia on my shortest "to r..."One recommendation is
Miracle in The Andes, I listened to the audio. It's written by one of the survivors of the plane crash of the rugby team in the Andes (the book and film Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors if you recall. The book was AMAZING, totally different since it's written bya survivor and he tries to tell it from his perspective, how he felt. I think it's great for teens, since the survivors were mostly teenagers themselves. utterly gripping and a great narrator as well.
I haven't listened to all the podcasts (happily I have many more to listen to) but I was wondering if you've ever done a podcast about guilty reads. You know, those books that you love and find great solace in but are embarrassed to be caught reading? I'll confess to an addition to J.D. Robb and her "in death" series with Eve Dallas. Can't get enough of it.
I do have a suggestion that I would appreciate though I'm not sure how many other people are interested in hearing it in the podcast. I am totally obsessed with all the election coverage and the democratic process and how campaigns are run. I am looking for suggestions for books that are either fiction or non-fiction related to the election process or politics in general. I don't think I have ever really read anything so I'll take suggestions that are old or new. I just watched Ides of March and found that fascinating as well. If anyone has any suggestions I would love to hear them!
Mod
I'm a political junky, too, Megan. A suggestion that leaps to my mind is
. The movie started on HBO last night (I don't have HBO, so I haven't seen it.) Unlike what I understand the movie is, Game Change: Obama and the Clintons, McCain and Palin, and the Race of a Lifetime gives a behind the scenes of all the candidates in the 2008 election. Not always a pretty picture. I'll brush off some cob webs and get back to you about others.Oh, and I read
shortly after it came out and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Books on the Nightstand
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