Audiobooks discussion
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Read vs. Listen - How do you decide?
I decide whether to read or listen BEFORE I'm actually ready to read/listen to the book. I like to have books on my iPad-iPod ready to go for the time when I feel like reading/listening it.When deciding whether to read or listen, the genre and narrator are the most important thing for me. My thought process goes like this:
1. As I said in the other topic, I rarely listen to romance so if I feel like reading a romance, then I will go directly to print. For all other genres, I check first to see if they have an audio available because most of the time, I prefer audio over print.
2. Then I listen to the sample and figure out if I like the narrator. I can usually tell in a few minutes whether I'll like the narrator or not. If I don't like him/her, then I switch to print.
This only happens with books that are first in a series or standalones or new narrators. If I like the narrator, then I'll probably pick the audio.
Also, if I start a series in audio, then I'll continue in audio and the same with print. UNLESS, I read the books a long time ago, then I like to do re-reads in audio because it gives you a different perspective and you are far enough from your own experience that you are not constantly thinking: I thought this character should sound younger, or angrier, etc.
ETA: Sorry for the long response. Hope this is what Otis wanted to know.
For me it is all about timing. I have so many books I want to read, if I can find it in audio book so it won't mess up my print reading schedule, then I will listen. I have found some narrators/authors have great narrations and I will go them to listen first. And some of my most favorite books, I will re-read by audio. I don't really have a system.
"When choosing a book, do you tend to look at titles thinking that you want to find a book to listen to or do you just look at books overall and then decide to read or listen to it based on the content? ."Both - most often I'll feel like a good listen and will check audios for a detective or crime novel - maybe business/economics. Other times I know I want to read a certain book and then I think how would I like to read this? Then it's usually a paper book.
I almost never get history books in audio because I want to study them more - look at maps, sources, etc. This is true of classics and other literary fiction, too - if I want to go back and reread a sentence or get more than the plot line, I want a print text - ebook or paper. (That said, I've listened to probably 4 - 6 books a month for years.)
I find a book that I'm interested in and then typically decide by first looking at the length of the book. I'm an Audible guy, so if I can get a thousand-page book like "The Pillars of the Earth" read to me for a single credit, that's a good value. I like to get through a printed book (sense of accomplishment) so the longer the book, the more likely it is that I listen to it so I don't get overwhelmed by seeing how much of the book is left.The second factor (and nearly as important) is the narrator. I'll check Goodreads reviews in helping decide if I should read/listen to it but then check out Audible's reviews for more specific narrator comments if I'm not aware of the narrator through discussion in our group.
The third factor I consider is if there are names and places I cannot figure out on my own. I know many in this group are frustrated when a narrator says a place name incorrectly but if I don't know, their attempt is probably better than mine. For example, if I'm reading about Egyptian history, stories involving Native Americans, or China, I don't know how to say those names, so I would prefer that someone read it to me so I don't get frustrated at trying to figure it out.
I like reading long books in audio too, Grumpus. Funny because I know Regina is the opposite! :)
Generally, I go through Audible, and my library Overdrive selection's new additions list, adding interesting-sounding titles to my To Be Read pile (mountain!). For fiction, often I'll hear of the title first, and then see if an audio version is available. Lengthy "classics" (Dickens, Trollope, etc.) I can only listen to, as the weighty print tomes are too daunting, especially as there's often context that I might miss, which a skilled reader brings out.I've been burned (out) a bit on listening to long non-fiction, so am opting to read those in print these days.
I agree with what John said plus with my decision making I decide by narrator if a book has a narrator I enjoy I will pick the the audio instead of print. I have bought books from my TBR list on my nook then found out that a favorite narrator is reading it and will get it on audio instead.I also agree with DG if I have started a series on audio and have enjoyed the narration I will continue on audio.
Non-fiction is hit or miss for me as to whether I like it. Sometimes, it is definitely written to be read rather than narrated. But some books can come off well in narration.
I don't have any set preferences as to whether I select a dead tree book or an audiobook.I check audible every Tuesday for the new releases. Anything of interest goes into my wishlist. Towards the end of the month, I review my wishlist and select one book. I get 12 credits a year, but I am reluctant to spend them all at one shot. Heaven help me if I spend them all and something I have to have comes along!
I check out the sales on audible and if something on my wishlist is on sale (and under $9), I'll purchase it outright.
Generally, books that I want to read immediately or quickly, I will get them in either ebook or dead tree book format.
A lot of times, my decision is based purely on impulse.
Titles and covers do make a difference for me. That is what attracts me to a book in the first place.
I don't have a long commute and don't really have anymore listening time than I do reading time. So for me it's a toss up between print and audio. I always have some of each lined up ready to go..... my kindle is always loaded and my audible account has at least a few (or more!) new books ready and waiting for me. The deciding factor for me to choose audio over print is usually based on reviews of the narration. I always keep an eye out for recommendations from other audio listeners and add those to my wishlist if they interest me. I hold out for sales at audible to make the most use of my credits and pay cash for audiobooks less than $10 and utilize my library whenever possible.
I don't choose print or audio books by browsing titles or genre. I have an extensive To Be Read List and when choosing something from my list - I will check audio reviews before deciding to go audio or print.
I've also found that I really like rereading with audio after I've read the print books (but rereading is not something I do very often).
I find all my tbr books here on Goodreads and I always check first to see if my library has it on audiobook before print. If it is not on audio I read the print version.
Grumpus wrote: I know many in this group are frustrated when a narrator says a place name incorrectly but if I don't know, their attempt is probably better than mine. For example, if I'm reading about Egyptian history, stories involving Native Americans, or China, I don't know how to say those names, so I would prefer that someone read it to me so I don't get frustrated at trying to figure it out. " ..."Relatedly if a work of fiction uses an unfamiliar dialect I often get it in audio form (Audible). Some examples are "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston and "Cloud Atlas" (the South Pacific scenes) by David Mitchell. Sometimes classic works are written in a way that's very difficult for the 21st century reader to translate - "The Wings of the Dove" by Henry James - and a narrator can do marvelous things to bring out the meaning.
Also, there are some books I love so much that I want to listen and read, both. So I've got a paper version going along with the audio. This happened with Cloud Atlas (which reminded me) and with Against the Day by Thomas Pynchon - several others, too - The Recognitions by William Gaddis.
Finally (whew!) I do have favorite narrators - Will Patton, Simon Vance, Simon Prebble - I look for them. I'd probably use a Goodreads type of rating system for this.
I also should have said that I always have an audio and print book going at the same time. I listen to the audio when I cannot read (I'm walking in the streets, standing in the subway, doing something boring/mindless, exercising etc.) so I don't necessarily have to choose audio over print.
I look at all books and based on pricing decide print or audio.
Grumpus wrote: "...When choosing a book, do you tend to look at titles thinking that you want to find a book to listen to or do you just look at books overall and then decide to read or listen to it based on the content? "I have a 16 page long wishlist at various booksellers websites. If I can find any of my wishlist books in
fiction section in audio format, it goes on my wishlist for audio, either to be downloaded with my next credit at Audible, or through my library, or through other means. I know the books I want to read, either from recommendations or bibliographies, and wishlist them, rather than generally browsing sites.
For several years, I did virtually all of my "reading" through audiobooks. I love em. But last year I discovered the joys of ebooks, and ever since then I usually have an ebook and an audiobook going at the same time.I have several different criteria for deciding whether to read or listen. If I think it's likely to be a good book, then I will usually prefer audio. However, that's not 100% consistent; for instance, I am currently reading a series that I just LOVE, even though it's available in audio, mostly because I'm already listening to an audiobook that I want to get through in a reasonable time without getting distracted by trying to listen to the other series at the same time.
If I think a book is likely to be bad, but I still want to read it, I usually read instead of listen -- because I can get through it faster that way. Also, I have found that I don't like to listen to romances -- listening gives me too much time to focus on all the bad writing and the general sappitude, while it's easier to gloss over the flaws when I'm reading (quickly).
Also, narrator will have *some* effect on my decision -- but it isn't really a deciding factor.
Also, if I really really like a book in either format, I'm likely to obtain that same book in the other format in order to experience it anew. I own entire favorite series in both formats, so that I can reread or relisten as strikes my fancy. :)
My first criteria is availability in audio. Second is the narrator. A bad narration will veto my purchase of the book in audio. Price won't stop me from buying a book in audio, but Audible sales have caused me to buy a large number of books I wouldn't have ordinarily purchased.I do follow some narrators and have read/listened because of them--I might not have read "The Night circus" if Jim Dale hadn't been the reader, but I'm so glad I did.
I do quite a bit of investigating to find books I want to "read". From those I start the second wave of detecting; reading reviews, listening to samples and making sure it is a good narration. Obviously, joining this audible discussion thread (which was a brilliant idea - whoever started it) helps me to decide also. I spend spurts of time in the car, so I try to have a couple books lined up just in case. Thank you to everyone who posts on the tread - it helps me decide!
I do most all of my reading in audio, and when I'm picking something to read I assume that's the way I'll do it (so I guess that's more option A in Otis' question). That said there are occasions when I will go to print/ebooks instead:1) It's not available in audio. This happens occasionally with a book club read, though less and less often these days.
2) I don't like the narrator.
3) Certain kinds of more academic reading. For instance, I'm taking a class right now, and although it's not a "serious" academic subject, I wanted to be able to take accurate notes with citations for the reading.
That said, I do have a Kindle and a library full of books there, too.
Jeanie wrote: "My first criteria is availability in audio. Second is the narrator. A bad narration will veto my purchase of the book in audio. Price won't stop me from buying a book in audio, but Audible sales..."So glad to hear this Jeanie...Night Circus is on my TBR list and I was thinking of using a credit on the audiobook. :)
My initial decision to listen to somethign on audio is availability. If it's a series, I tend to stay within the medium that I started. I love the narrator for the Eve Dallas series...I tried to read one and it bothered me b/c I wanted to hear the story, like I had with all the others. I don't think I could enjoy it now without listening.
To answer Otis' question, I check to see if it's on my TBR list (or, if Audible is having a big sale, I will look through those as well). If it's on my list and available on audio, I look at the narrator. Narrator is KEY for me. If it's an unknown narrator, I listen to the sample and can tell almost immediately if I can listen to him/her for hours on end. If it's EVER more than one credit...it's a deal breaker.
I do both. Most all my reading materials come from my local library. Every week I check their "New Titles" on their web page, and look for new selections in both print and audio format; and I also check their "downloads" page. I also look for the recommendations here, in this group, and sometimes request the library acquire an audio version of a book that is highly recommended here. Nonfiction is for the most part better for me in paper copy; I often go back to read specific parts over, when things said seem inconsistent, or I realize I have missed something important. And more literary fiction I most often read in print, although some recently I have really enjoyed in audio. I love series, and most of those I do in audio, especially if I have associated the narrator with the books! And there are some narrators that I really love to hear, and will listen to most anything they have recorded.When I drop by the library, I peruse the shelves for audio books that I would like to listen to, as well as the print shelves. I am always delighted to find something on audio that I thought was only available in print, and pick up many books that way. And , lastly, very long books I almost always do in audio; I get through them much faster that way, and don't feel so overwhelmed by them.
I always have to have an audiobook going, for the car, for workouts, for chores around the house. So I'm in the habit of picking up audiobooks wherever I can find them free, and supplementing with Audible purchases. And there are many books where I could go either way, print or audio. So given a choice I usually go audio just to make sure I have something in the pipeline.That said, there are books/series I always go for on audio because the listening adds to the experience. [this maybe belongs in the other thread but I'm on a roll here.] For example, the aforementioned books featuring foreign accents, like the Louise Penny or James Lee Burke series. I also find that if there is a humorous element to a book, I prefer the listening experience. I read mostly mysteries and thrillers so this does not come up a lot, but I have to mention the two John Sandford series, featuring Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers. The characters have a repartee going that just cracks me up, and I love hearing the extra punch that audio delivery gives it.
I always have an audiobook and a kindle book going at the same time. (Not the same book)
My decision is made by what is available from Audible.com.
Dick Cavett once commented on his show to William F. Buckley that we all should read more slowly. Buckley responded, "I can't read any more slowly without moving my lips." I choose audiobooks because I too "read aloud" in my head when I read and find it's better when a professional does it for me--especially with accents I can't hear in my head, even if I do move my lips. ;D
I always have 2 books going and one audiobook - usually one book from the Library, one on my IPAD that I have found at a good price on Amazon and one audiobook from Audible.com. The Audible books are always from my to read list that are available through Audible. I like to listen to non fiction rather than read it for some odd reason. I just finish To End All Wars that was excellent to listen to and learn from. I think I learn more auditorily???? I just downloaded Birdseye because I loved Salt and Cod. I just started Red Mist by Cornwall and the first have is excellent. In other words I have too many books on my to read list so I can cross some off if I listen to them while doing housework, yardwork and traveling which I do a lot of!!!!
Like others have mentioned, I like to reread on audio. If for any reason I find myself coming back to a book I've already read in print (a new book in the series is coming out, it's gotten awards buzz, I just really loved it), I tend to try to find an audio version. I like getting a variation on the story, plus the familiarity comes in handy if I get distracted while listening. I go through print books faster than audio, so print tends to be my default. Exceptions are if I see the audio is narrated by a favorite of mine, if I read a glowing review of the audiobook (I order children's audio for my library), or if it's part of a series I started on audio.
In general, I choose a book and then choose a format, rather than looking specifically for audiobooks. This might change if I went through audiobooks more quickly.
Awesome stuff here - thanks so much - and keep it coming! I will make sure to share the slides (or the talk if they record it).Otis
ps If you are curious about the conference: http://audiopub.org/events-apac-speak...
For me ther decission is easy ....I just dont have the time to read books , so audio is fantastic , I love listening to books,whilst doing chores , walking the dogs, or whilst working. I'll normally get through several a week.The couple of books I have given up on , would probably have been ok on paper , it's just the narrator thar ruined them.
Otis wrote: "Awesome stuff here - thanks so much - and keep it coming! I will make sure to share the slides (or the talk if they record it).Otis
ps If you are curious about the conference: http://audiopub.o..."
Thanks for sharing, Otis!
Since I belong to 4 book clubs, I try to read the recommended books...plus my own personal choices. Then it depends on audio availability and the reader. I always have an audio and print book going on.
One other reason for me is I listen to far more books than I read in paper, this past spring life got in the way of some of my early review copies so I ended up getting 3 of them on audio just to get caught up!
I am a book girl, audio is secondary to me. I will listen to the audio version if I want to reread a book, it gives me a different prespective on the book and it is faster.If I want to check out a new author, it is a toss up, it depends on how much time I have, but I may listen to the audio.
For my favorite authors, I will read the book because I want to savor it.
1st: If it's available from "OneClick" digital2nd: What have I just finished. I like to mix it up. If I just finished a historical fiction, then I might read a western. After that I will read a murder mystery.
3rd: Reviews and comments on Goodreads.
When I was a long commuter I enjoyed having an audio book to give me a break from the radio and current cd rotation. But now I live a lot closer to work... but I still enjoy listening to audiobooks, at my desk mostly, since I am primarily just working on spreadsheets - it makes the day go quicker (in my opinion).If someone recommends a book or author to me and I'm not sure if I will like the story I will search for an audio version because it will take me forever to actually pick up the book and attempt to read it when I already have many authors I am familiar with and love. I also will just browse certain authors or genres for audiobooks to keep me entertained while at work. So I'm glad I found this group because I can get recommendations here instead of searching and hoping to find something good to listen to =).
Natasha wrote: "When I was a long commuter I enjoyed having an audio book to give me a break from the radio and current cd rotation. But now I live a lot closer to work... but I still enjoy listening to audiobook..."I'm working on a volunteer project that involves cropping a lot of individual photos, no batch processing - an audiobook in the background works out quite well.
For me too often it depends on the bookstore's pathetic selection. Gonna start ordering audiobooks online. I drive a lot so they really help pass time.
These days because of my schedule it is primarily "listen" however while I was on vacation I did start a book that I am enjoying and will have to find time to finish "reading" Good Enough to Eat
Kyle wrote: "1st: If it's available from "OneClick" digital2nd: What have I just finished. I like to mix it up. If I just finished a historical fiction, then I might read a western. After that I will read ..."
Never heard of OneClick is it expensive? I just joined Audiobooks.com
I always have an audiobook going along with one or more print books. I listen ti audiobooks on my daily walk or while doing chores. Sometimes, if I'm really into the story, I'll listen in the car as I run errands. (Thank heavens for the bookmarking feature on my Creative Zen. If my phone is so smart, how come it can't remember where I stopped my audio?) I will pick audio based on the narrator. I am leery of any book narrated by the author unless I have some knowledge of them. Someone else mentioned in this group the Neil Gaiman is a wonderful narrator; so is Barbara Kingsolver. But I stopped Sarah Vowell's narration of her Assassination Vacation after about 15 minutes because the woman just grated on my ears.
Chris wrote: "I am leery of any book narrated by the author unless I have some knowledge of them."Word! Just because you wrote the book doesn't mean you'll make a good narrator. I usually stay away from those unless I've heard really good things about them.
a lot of my reading/listening is based on what reading challenges I am doing here on GR. I do one big one that re-starts every 3 months - the week before it starts, the tasks for it are posted - I look through the tasks, fine potential books that fit and then check my library and see which if any are available on audiobook - i check the length of them and the narrators before I make any decisions. I typically have 2 going at once - 1 on my ipod in the car (typically an audible purchase or overdrive download) and then 1 at work (either a CD upload to amazon cloud, or one of those digital audio player things) - i can't have an ipod/CD player at work because of security issues/secure spaces
Chris wrote: "I always have an audiobook going along with one or more print books. I listen ti audiobooks on my daily walk or while doing chores. Sometimes, if I'm really into the story, I'll listen in the car a..."FYI on Audiobooks.com it does remember where you stopped listening.
D.G. ~Shameless Hussy~ wrote: "Chris wrote: "I am leery of any book narrated by the author unless I have some knowledge of them."Word! Just because you wrote the book doesn't mean you'll make a good narrator. I usually stay aw..."
My concerns with audiobooks are:
- does the narrator put life into it or just read the text flatly
- do they say "he said" "i said" just like it is in the book or do they work around that.
Dee wrote: "a lot of my reading/listening is based on what reading challenges I am doing here on GR. I do one big one that re-starts every 3 months - the week before it starts, the tasks for it are posted - I..."so I am nosey - what is the big "challenge"
its called the SRC - seasonal reading challenge here on GR, so it re-starts each "season" - its a points based challenge with tasks ranging from 5 points to 50 points (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 50 point groups)...the 5-15 points are developed by the mods - the 20-50 by group members (20 are random draw, 25 and 30 pointers by people who finish the previous challenge, 50 pointer by the leader at the mid-point of the challenge) - this is the task list for the current one - http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/8...
Ruth wrote: "Never heard of OneClick is it expensive? I just joined Audiobooks.com "OneClick is a software/cataloging program for audiobooks used by public libraries. The other system they use is Overdrive. Many libraries use both. Some posters here tend to refer to them as if they're something you can access directly. You can't. You access it through your public library and libraries pick and choose from each system's catalog what they will offer to patrons. Your library doesn't necessarily offer access to the entire OneClick or Overdrive catalog.
Go to your public library's website as see what they offer. You may need to be able to sign in online and if you haven't used your library that way before you may need to contact them to get set up, get a password, etc.
Audiobooks
Books mentioned in this topic
Thankless in Death (other topics)Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption (other topics)
A Game of Thrones (other topics)
Gone Girl (other topics)
Sandry's Book (other topics)
More...
Otis is "listening" / reading your responses so let him know how you feel about the following question:
When choosing a book, do you tend to look at titles thinking that you want to find a book to listen to or do you just look at books overall and then decide to read or listen to it based on the content?