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

As the perfect addition to your audiobook routine I have a Lush Little Sleepy Bear Gift Set to giveaway to help you relax and unwind.

All you need to do is follow the options on the gleam widget below.

Please note there is no mandatory entry option in this giveaway, however, the more options you enter via the more entries you will have in the final draw.

Good Luck!

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