Talking Books: Why Audiobooks Belong in Your Daily Routine
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I always used to adore reading, however for many reasons I’ve struggled to read books for a number of years now and while it took me a while to get used to the change to audiobook (and the realisation I needed to listen at 2-2.5x speed) I thought today I would share with you why audiobooks are a great addition to your life.
Imagine escaping into a world of stories without lifting a book. That’s the magic of audiobooks. No matter if you are on your commute, tidying the house, or unwinding at the end of the day, audiobooks bring your favourite authors into your life when books just isn’t possible.
Thanks to convenience and accessibility driving their popularity, audiobooks are redefining how we read. So I’ve put together some of the years why audio books belong in your daily routine
The Evolution of Audiobooks
While there has been talk of recording literature since the invention of the phonograph, it wasn’t until the 1930s the first full length novels were recorded. They were initially called “talking books” and made for visually impaired readers. With up to 25 minutes of speech being able to be captured on LP records the average novel took 10 records to full record.
Over the decades, technology evolved alongside them. The 1980s brought portable cassette tapes into homes, and CDs in the early 2000s boosted quality. Fast forward to today, and audiobooks have gone fully digital. Platforms like Audible and apps like Borrowbox, offer vast libraries at the tap of a button.
Thankfully audiobooks are becoming more common place within the publishing industry, although sadly I still do come across books which haven’t been published in this format I would have loved to read. As I mentioned in the introduction features like adjustable playback speeds and device syncing have made customised listening seamless. While the inclusivity factor is vital too, for those with dyslexia or visual impairments, audiobooks open literature’s door, making stories accessible to everyone.
Why Audiobooks Are Perfect for Modern Lives
Multitasking: Optimise Your Time
With audiobooks, you can enjoy stories while cooking, exercising, or driving. They take idle time and turn it productive. Imagine using your washing-up time to explore a new novel or learn from self-help books.
For commuters, audiobooks are the answer to long journeys or traffic jams. Swap repetitive playlists for riveting tales or educational insights. According to Forbes, audiobooks align perfectly with busy lifestyles, giving readers more time to engage with books.
Accessibility: Level the Playing Field
Audiobooks shine as a tool for inclusivity. Dyslexia, vision challenges, or other conditions shouldn’t hold anyone back from the worlds within books. Platforms like Learning Ally provide narrated books as tools for learning and enjoyment and show how they are great for people with dyslexia. Smart devices, screen readers, and dedicated apps have also empowered individuals to dive into stories without barriers.
Emotional & Educational Benefits
Skilled narrators bring characters and emotions to life through their voices. This heightened experience can help you feel the emotions straight from the page, adding depth you might miss when reading text. A great narrator makes suspense gripping, jokes funnier, and reflections more poignant. (However I will note that if you listen at a high speed this may not come across so well).
Audiobooks can boost literacy as well. Studies show adults and children alike improve comprehension, vocabulary, and listening skills by engaging with narrations. While if you are trying to learn another language listening to a book in it may help to enhance grammar and pronunciation.
Choosing the Right Audiobook for Every Moment
The best audiobook for you often depends on when and how you’re listening. Here’s how to match your choices to your activities:
- Workouts: Action-packed genres like thrillers or adventures fuel energy levels and motivation.
- Relaxation: Select calming narrations; think soothing classics or meditative non-fiction.
- Housework: Light-hearted memoirs or humorous audiobooks make mundane tasks enjoyable.
Experiment with pairing genres and activities, you might find for instance you don’t want to be listening to the latest crime drama before bed like I do.
Popular Audiobook Platforms
The right platform elevates your audiobook experience. Here are some great options to explore:
- Audible: Known for its exclusives and wide availability.
- Everand (part of Scribd): Unlimited audiobook streaming at a flat fee also includes e-books and magazines.
- Library Apps (e.g., Borrowbox): Cost-free access to thousands of titles tied to local public libraries.
Common Misconceptions About Audiobooks
Some dismiss audiobooks as “not real reading.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. Listening to audiobooks engages the brain in a similar way to reading and helps to fostering comprehension, imagination, and vocabulary growth. Listening is equally valid after all stories reach the brain through words regardless of format.
Conclusion
Audiobooks don’t have to be an alternative, they can be a new addition to how you experience and enjoy reading. No matter if you are looking to learn, relax, or overcome a challenge, they’ve become essential in modern life. So why not press play today and add the magic of audiobooks to your daily life?
Competition
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All you need to do is follow the options on the gleam widget below.
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I love audiobooks and listen to them all the time. There’s nothing better than relaxing in the bath while listening or falling asleep to a story but they’re also good for making mundane tasks like cleaning the house more enjoyable.
I think they would be good for when I am driving, especially if I can get books I need for studying, it would save me lots of time.
I have never listened to audiobooks, I never seem to find time to sit and listen. It is something I would love the luxury of being able to find time to do before I go to bed.
I love audiobooks – they have been an enormous part of my life. When I was little I had a cassette player that I used to listen to every single night at bed time (borrowing many tapes from the library, and owning own). I then “grew out of it” briefly before going back to the same system which I did every night until BorrowBox was launched – now I still listen to audiobooks every night but borrow from there and do it digitally via the iPad!
I think audio books are wonderful
I think it’s a great idea I should listen to more
Love the idea, especially for when I’m on holiday sat back relaxing or when I’m struggling to sleep and can just pop my earbuds in.
I love audiobooks for holidays because I can lie in the sun with my eyes closed and listen but they have to be completely unabridged
I’ve never thought of using them and the moment, maybe in the future
I love listening to an audiobook when I am cleaning, it’s perfect to take you away rom the boringness of these routine jobs around the house!
I love audiobooks, I listen every day on my commute to work. Borrowbox from the library is amazing for free audiobooks.
audiobooks are fantastic. I don’t always have the time to sit and read a physical book, so putting on an audiobook in the car is a great alternative
Lovely whilst I’m cooking
Audiobooks are great when driving or commuting on bus/train
I’m an avid reader/collector/hoarder of books lol Im not going to lie but there is nothing netter than the feel and smell of a real book.
You have reminded me how much I used to love listening to cassettes when doing housework or decorating. Those days are long gone but I will look into the modern alternatives. Thanks again for yet another inspirational post.
great read. I will be signing up to our local library today. I plan to listen whilst crafting.
Great for in the car or relaxing in bed with eyes closed.
I haven’t tried an audio book yet, but as I enjoy podcasts and reading, I might give them a try!
I couldn’t get on with audio books,but might give them a go again
I think they are a great idea – my sight is quite poor and I find it difficult to read normal books
not a fan of readers ie kindle etc
I’d love to try them
I love audiobooks! Being a busy mum means it’s not often I get to sit down throughout the day. I love dinner time because that’s when I Stick on an audio book and cook
I like the idea but I still really enjoy reading more. I have tried an audiobook once and it made me fall asleep!
I love Audiobooks, and I hardly read properly anymore, whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing I’m not sure……
I am really hit and miss with audiobooks. It depends on their reading speed, their accent and things like that. Otherwise if they are too slow or I don’t get their accent I just can’t get into the book. I’m picky but autistic too.
I like the idea of an audio book when I’m in the car or on public transport
I think that audio books are a good idea especially for those that struggle to read or stay focused. I do however prefer a real book to audio.
I like them, it’s a great way to enjoy a story when you don’t have the time to sit and read
I’m not a fan – I tend to drift when I’m listening to them & miss huge chunks. I much prefer to read a real book.
I like audiobooks for when im out and about walking or in the car but i prefer “normal” books for “reading”
I’ve found audiobooks really helpful for my night time routine. I like to listen to them to fall asleep, especially when I feel too tired to read a physical book. I do I have to use an automatic timer though so I don’t lose my place 😀
I love a good Audio book but it doesn’t beat a physical copy of a book .
I think audiobooks are a great idea. I took up knitting in 2020 which has meant I now read less books as I don’t have time to do both as much as I would like so I now listen to audiobooks at the same time
I prefer to read a book
I have not tried an audio book. I must get around to it.
I love audiobooks and always listen to one when I’m walking the dog!
I think audio books are a good way to end your evening before going to sleep.
I love the idea of it, but, without an actual book, I’m to distracted and cant get into it.
Have you tried listening at a higher speed? I found that until I turned the speed up, I had to listen at the same rate I would read myself.
I love audiobooks. I generally don’t get much time to read physical books, so whilst I’m out and about I keep my headphones on and can listen as I get on with my day!
It’s so nice to just be able to get on with your day and have a bit of an escape with them.
I adore audio books, i listen to one while doing a jigsaw and really is great mindfullness
Couldn’t agree more…audiobooks are great!
I like the idea of audio books but to date I still haven’t tried them
Love a good audio book as well as a relaxing drink
I’ve never tried Audiobooks but my son is often recommending them to me
I think audiobooks are a great alternative to reading. I have only just discovered audio books and I’m enjoying using them to reread books I have already read and you have the freedom to do other things during your day whilst listening.
I keep trying to listen to more audiobooks but for some reason I am not great at taking in information audibly.
Not a fan, I prefer turning over pages with a book in my hand
I love audio books, especially when I’m on the train, they are relaxing and listening to the voices is very soothing.
I actually quite like the idea of audiobooks as I wouldn’t pick a physical book up in person. I’m too distracted.