I discovered this tag at Angel’s Guilty Pleasures and thought it would be fun to do for this month’s celebration of audiobooks.
Have you always listened to audiobooks or when did you begin?
My first introduction came with books on records when I was about 7 or 8 years old. I got hooked on audio storytelling then and resumed listening to books on cassette tape as soon as I got a car with a tape player. Many thanks to the restaurant chain Cracker Barrel and their audiobook borrowing program as that sourced my road trip listening when I was dating my husband (three years!) long distance…10 hours round trip.
What is your favorite audiobook?
There’s no way I can pick one so I’ll just list the first three that pop into my head that I’ve listened to recently.
1. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (Cassandra Campbell, narrator)
2. Unraveling Oliver by Liz Nugent (8 narrators)
3. Jane Doe by Victoria Helen Stone (Nicol Zanzarella, narrator)
What is my least favorite thing about audiobooks?
Occasionally, I’ll listen to an audiobook I failed to first sample and discover it’s narrated by someone who isn’t a good storyteller and fails to capture the essence of the story or distinguish the characters very well. Those kind of performances can ruin what might be a great story.
What do you think is the difference in experience between physically reading a book and listening to it?
I like doing both, reading and listening. However! I have a bias towards listening to mysteries and thrillers, especially with favorite narrators. And, if I’m on a road trip? Thriller audiobooks make those miles and hours dissolve into nothing. I’ve been known to drive around after I’ve reached my destination just to hear more before I stop listening.
How and when do you listen?
I listen just about whenever I can’t hold a book to read. My best opportunities are when I’m doing mindless household chores, grocery shopping and anytime I’m in my car.
What style/genre do you prefer?
I much prefer listening to mysteries & thrillers versus reading them. Add in an outstanding narrator and I’m in book heaven. I also prefer listening to books in the fantasy genre as those books are outside my comfort zone and I seem to enjoy them better and get the world building in audio format. I’m comfortable listening to any genre but those two get priority.
What are some audiobook/narrator recommendations?
I highly recommend those audiobooks that use multiple narrators where there are multiple points of view presented in the story. It makes a big difference and that’s why Unraveling Oliver is listed above as one of my favorite audiobooks. It helps distinguish transitions between points of view and the publishers/authors seem to take care in matching performers with the “voices” of the characters. There are also some narrators who are so good they make the difference when I’m considering adding a book to my shelf. Two of my favorites are Robert Petkoff (master storyteller and utter perfection at character distinctions) and January LaVoy (sultry voice and great storyteller). I’ve listed more in my June is Audiobook Month post so be sure to check that out for a great list of performers.
What are your thoughts about audiobooks?
Feel free to do your own version of this tag!
I love this tag. Great responses. I never thought about books on records s my first taste of audiobooks. I am going to do this later today.
Thanks, Carla! As soon as I saw the tag I knew I wanted to include it here.
I just recently started audiobooks and can’t believe I had never listened to them in the past. Shame on me! Loved reading this post, Jonetta!
Thanks, Marialyce! I’m so glad you’ve had a positive introduction to the world of audiobooks💜
Great answers…and they work for me too 🙂
The three audios that spring to my mind are An Acre of Fools by Aden James, narrated by MacLeod Andrews, The Cherringham Cosies narrated by Neil Dudgeon and The City Blues series by Ray Celestin narrated by Christopher Ragland.
Thanks, Cathy! I’m a fan of MacLeod Andrews, too. Not heard of the other two narrators.
Brilliant tag, love your answers! I’m definitely going to join in! 😀🎧
Thanks, Nicki! Can’t wait to see your responses.
Just posted it! https://thesecretlibrarysite.wordpress.com/2019/06/18/audiobook-tag/
I already had Where the Crawdads Sing on my audiobooks list and I will for sure add the other two.
8 narrators for Unraveling Oliver! Wow! I am intrigued.
I totally agree, there is nothing better than a great mystery/thriller to speed up a long car ride or flight 😉
Tina, I can say with almost 100% certainty you will like Unraveling Oliver. Hope you do give it a try.
Oh my goodness, you have me very curious about this book!
What a brilliant tag! I’m totally stealing it 😀
That’s funny, I’m the opposite! I find it hard to listen to thrillers! I prefer lighter reads so I can miss a thing without losing the plot, haha! It’s probably because I walk the dogs when listening, and I am focused on keeping both babies out of the road!!
Steal away, Meggy! It’s because I only listen when I’m not distracted that I can keep up with mysteries and thrillers on audio. I’m enthralled💜
So fun to read this, Jonetta! I love that you listen to books at the grocery store! I should try that! It would be much more fun for me! You are so right that the narrator can ruin an otherwise wonderful book. Wonderful share, my friend!
Thanks, Jennifer! I hate grocery shopping so I tried it with my headphones and that did it! Now I look forward to it (can’t believe I’m saying this😬).
I am going to join this one too Jonetta. You know I love audio books
That’s great, Ezi! Looking forward to your post.
You’re my go-to on all things audio, if I want to know what’s a good read, or narrator! 😀
Alexandra, that’s a BIG compliment and thank you for that💜
You’re welcome, Sweetie. I love that you cover all different aspects, plus, you do really great reviews and talk about the narrators as well, so who better? 😀
You know how much I love audios. Great answers. I really should do this tag. Probably should’ve done it for Audiobook Month, but I really slacked this month. Oh well. Have a great week.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
Thanks, Melanie! It’s not too late.