I recently ran across an article debating whether completing school reading via audiobook is cheating. The basic question is this: Must one actually physically read the written word for the activity to count as “reading”? There are strong arguments for both sides. No Way! There are those who believe that sitting down and reading each [...]
From the monthly archives:
August 2009
Amazon’s Kindle has dominated the eReader marketplace for the past year or so. Several companies are developing competing products to be released within the next year. My big question is: When are these eReaders going to perfect the integration of audiobooks? Amazon’s Kindle: Amazon’s Kindle is the gold standard for eReaders. With a paper-like display, 1/3 [...]
Many audiobooks are provided in both abridged and unabridged formats. Unabridged audiobooks are narrated word-for-word from the text of the written book. Abridged versions are shortened, sometimes significantly, by editing the content to appeal to readers who want to read the content, but do not want to invest the time. So my question is this: [...]
The fact is Audiobook recordings can be expensive. Rental and library options are great, but sometimes I like to own books. I loan them to family and friends and sometimes keep them to listen to repeatedly. Purchasing used audiobook CDs or tapes saves money and stocks your library! EBay: eBay is an obvious choice when looking for [...]
Philippa Gregory takes on a new queen, Terry Goodkind brings a chilling thriller to audio, Joseph Finder introduces a Special Forces investigator and much more this week in new audiobook releases. Royal Historical Fiction: Philippa Gregroy is best known for her vivid tales involving Anne Boleyn and her sister Mary. In her latest outing, The White [...]
Audiobooks Offer Students an Easy Way to Study On-the-Go I’ve been thinking about taking some classes lately. I love to learn new things. I began wondering about textbook availability in audio format. RFB&D (Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic) offers the largest library of textbooks on audio for those with disabilities. Surprisingly, Audible.com also offers several [...]
Over the next few months, several new movies based on books will debut. I generally try to listen to the audiobook before seeing a movie. How will the latest books-to-screen adaptations fare? Will you read before viewing? Now Playing: Julie & Julia based on Julie and Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously (written and read [...]
In a move appreciated by audiobook listeners everywhere, Audible.com has a new collection: Audible Modern Vanguard. The collection, released this week, includes 34 titles and will continue to expand. A New Look at Innovative Authors: Audible Modern Vanguard is offering works by 20th century literary innovators like Kurt Vonnegut, Philip Roth, and Betty Friedan. Many [...]
There’s something for everyone in this week’s list of new audiobooks. For Middle Grade Children: My son is addicted to The 39 Clues series by a variety of authors (each installment is written by a different children’s writer). The fifth installment, The Black Circle, is written by Patrick Carman and read by David Pitto. The addictive [...]
I am a huge reader. While I tend towards literary and mystery/suspense, I am open to pretty much any kind of book. Lately, I have been looking for lighter fare. With that in mind, I went on a search for humorous title in audiobooks. Looking for the Funny: After just a click or two on [...]
I have only thrown away one book in my life. It was a freebie offered by a publisher for my reading group. They sent it with $200 worth of Alaskan seafood for our meeting. If they hadn’t sent the salmon, we may have raided their offices. That book was absolutely horrible. I wouldn’t wish that [...]
Recently, TheBookSeller.com reported that British actor Stephen Fry’s comments about loving audiobooks on BBC2’s Top Gear have increased audiobook sales. Do celebrity endorsements and readings entice readers to purchase audiobooks? Let’s take a look… Mr Fry: On June 28th, Stephen Fry offered to viewers of Top Gear that he has been enjoying audiobooks while exercising. [...]
Looking for a new audiobook to read this week? Summer is half over already so grab your book and head outside! Here are some selections from this week’s audiobook releases! Politically Minded In the President’s Secret Service by Ronald Kessler (narrated by Alan Sklar), the author details an inside look at the agents assigned to protect [...]
The can be no doubt that Podcasts are a fantastic tool. I subscribe to several, ranging from Grammar Girl to The Official LOST podcast. Audiobook podcasts offer a variety of subject matter including free audiobooks. Let’s look at a few currently available podcasts. Podcasts of Audiobooks: There are several podcasts that consist of chapters of [...]
I have discussed the benefits of OverDrive, available through many public libraries, as well as Project Gutenberg for free audiobook access. There are obvious limitations to these free services. I have also written about various audiobook rental services, some of which can be expensive. I began to wonder about other avenues for purchasing titles. Are [...]
