Chapter Break #LoveAudioBooks Post

June is Audiobook month. And we at Chapter Break are avid fans of audiobooks. Here’s an interview we pilfered from here and here.

 

1. Have you always listened to audio books or when did you begin?

 

It took many years of me being an avid reader for me to try audiobooks. I started by borrowing some CDs from the library but that was kind of awkward. And I hated having to switch the discs out while driving. Since driving to work is the only time I listen to audiobooks.  I can’t even tell you which book was my first audiobook, since this was before I started keeping track via Goodreads.  It was in my adult life though, sometime in or just before the early 2010s. But eventually I started listening to so many that I got my subscriptions – Audible and Audiobooks.

 

 

I vividly recall the first audiobook. It was Jurassic Park. On a road trip in college. Back in the old days of books on CD’s. And I’ve not looked back! I probably listen to more audiobooks now than when I was younger. I seem to have less free time to sit and read, but still want to actually read books.

 

2. What is your favorite audiobook?

 

This question is not fair in the slightest. So, I don’t re-read. Like hardly ever. So it’s impossible to pick a favorite. But I’ve loved the narrations of the Charley Davidson series, mostly because the narrator herself is a badass voice actor. And I’m super looking forward to the final epic narration.

 

 

This is like picking your favorite book or kid. How am I supposed to pick! I’ll go with Fangirl. Whenever I need some cheering up, I’ll listen to this. I love it!

 

3. What is my least favorite thing about audiobooks?

 

I mostly dislike when the narrator fails to bring the characters to life. A monotone or awkward voice will kill a story that is written with emotion. One book that was ruined for me that I later found out the author considered her most emotional book was: Vampire Mine.

 

 

I always worry that I’m missing some cool charts or drawings listening to audio. I really struggled with the audio vs reading dilemma with the Illuminae Files. The books have super cool drawings! But the audio was full cast recordings! I switched back and forth for Illuminae, listened to Gemina, and read Obsidio. Totally worth it on those decisions. I’d re-listen or re-read these books in a heartbeat.

 

 

4. What do you think is the difference in experience between physically reading a book and listening to it?

 

Physically reading a book requires your full attention. You can’t multitask unless sipping your tea is multitasking. But with listening, you are usually doing something else. Driving. Some people clean while they listen. Sometimes I spreadsheet at work if I really need to finish a book soon.

 

 

Reading for me is not for multi-tasking. It requires me to sit and focus completely. But listening? I can do that and something else at the same time. Total bonus when trying to get those book club books read!

 

5. How and when do you listen?

 

Almost 100% in the car. While commuting to/from work. Sometimes at work if I’m doing something that doesn’t take my attention away from the story.

 

 

I listen when I’m doing menial tasks – work, cleaning, driving, treadmill. Mostly to distract me from tasks I have zero interest in but still need to accomplish.

 

6. What style/genre do you prefer?

 

I prefer to listen to what I would normally read in any format – paranormal. But I agree with Lynn those sexy times audio sections are awkward no matter where you are.

 

 

I listen to all the genres except romance. I can’t do the whole sexy times scenes while I’m sitting at my desk. WAY too embarrassing! (I’ve been caught off-guard on a few books where I never expected the sexy scenes.) I tend to lean towards fantasy or science fiction for my audiobooks.

 

7. What are some audiobook/narrator recommendations?

 

Some of my favorite voices in audio narration: Lorelei King (Charley Davidson series), Tavia Gilbert (Night Huntress series), Davina Porter (Outlander), and Laurel Schroeder (Dragon’s Gift series). These are the narrators I’ve listened to the most, and have enjoyed their performances.

   

 

 

I love Davnia Porter’s work on the Outlander series. And Wil Wheaton’s work on anything, especially Ready Player One and Armada. And I am always up for a full cast recording of any book. The multiple narrators make is so much easier to distinguish characters.

  

 

Over to you: What are your thoughts on audiobooks?

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