August 2009

Reading Audio Books for Academic Projects – Is This Cheating?

by DorothyD on August 31, 2009

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 [...]

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Audio Book Author Spotlight: Kathy Reichs

by DorothyD on August 29, 2009

K athy Reichs is a forensic anthropologist who has taken her experiences on the job and translated them into a series of bestselling novels and a hit television show. Her twelve titles featuring Temperance Brennan are available in audiobook format in abridged and unabridged versions. Forensic Anthropologist: Kathy Reichs is a forensic anthropologist for the [...]

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New Titles From Bestselling Audio Books Authors

by DorothyD on August 27, 2009

This week, three authors who are regulars on the NY Times Best Seller List have new releases. James Patterson is a former chairman of an advertising company and is known for his thrillers and mysteries. Kathy Reichs, an American crime writer is also a professor of anthropology. Dick Francis has to date written 41 international bestsellers [...]

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Electronic Readers Battle: Will Audio Books Be Included?

by DorothyD on August 26, 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 Kindleis the gold standard for eReaders. With a paper-like display, 1/3 inch [...]

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Celebrate Ray Bradbury’s Birthday with One of His Classic Audio Books

by DorothyD on August 25, 2009

I remember when I first read Fahrenheit 451. I was in high school and dreading another horrible selection from my teacher. When she handed out the novel, I rolled my eyes with an “Oh, no… not science fiction” murmur. 25 years later, as I listen to the audiobook again, I am still a little ashamed [...]

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Unabridged Audiobooks vs. Abridged

by DorothyD on August 24, 2009

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: [...]

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Audio Book Author Spotlight: James Patterson

by DorothyD on August 21, 2009

I usually use my Audiobook Author Spotlight to highlight authors that I am enthusiastic about. In the case of James Patterson, I am torn. I love some of his novels, but am disappointed in many recent titles. Here’s my take on what’s worth reading from James Patterson. The Good Old Days: There was a time [...]

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