this post was submitted on 06 Sep 2023
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Lemmy World Rules

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A pretty vague question I know, but I'm not looking for any specific answer. I'm just curious what peoples thoughts are on audiobooks. Perhaps how you think they compare to paper books or how listening compares to reading. Any thoughts you have on the subject is welcome.

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[–] sebinspace 2 points 1 year ago

I know he isn’t supposed to be likable, but whoever chose the VA for Paul Atredes needs to find a different line of work

[–] OhmsLawn 2 points 1 year ago

With the right narrator, I absolutely love them. The lady and I listen to them after work most nights. It lets us both do our own thing, but also have some shared experience. Better than TV, anyway.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I love audiobooks. They're easy to fit into found time, mostly as bed time reading, I just set it going and fall asleep. It's a win-win, if I'm constantly re-reading the same chapter it's because I'm getting lots of sleep. If I can't sleep, at least I'm getting through the book.

Reading a physical/e book means I'm awake with energy and willingness to do something, sure I could read, but I could be doing something else. I read a lot more as a kid, but I also had fewer responsibilities. Also less access to motorcycles, games consoles, bars etc.

[–] Fredselfish 1 points 1 year ago

Love them have one going anytime I am in the car comuting to work.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

In general, I don't like people talking at me as entertainment, so audio books and podcasts are not my thing.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

I think listening to a book is inherently different than reading. With paper-reading, jumping back is easy, as is slowing down and speeding up. But that’s close to impossible for audiobooks. Thus books that work well with audiobooks are books that are written too be read at a constant pace and not require going back on. I think novels for that description, but I struggled to listen to non-fiction and I wouldn’t try to listen to “hard” books either.

Personally, I can only listen to audiobooks when I am performing a repetitive task (mainly driving around). Otherwise I get distracted, either by the task or by my own thoughts. So I don’t use audiobooks much.

[–] Arthur_Leywin 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Useless since I don't remember what the narrator says a minute after he said something. Plus I take notes when reading so I tend to copy paste.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

When I'm reading a book I can't remember what I read a minute after I read it, so it's much if a muchness to me, audio or reading.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Apparently I got old enough to require reading glasses now (FML) - so reading before bed isn't as easy an option.

So I found audiobooks via my local library (in the U.S.) that I can just download - w00t!

I still PREFER the old "dead-tree" format, but audiobooks have become a replacement.

And don't forget - you can increase the speed of the narrator if you feel like their speaking-cadence is too slow.

[–] elephantium 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

For me, keeping my glasses on my bedside table while I'm sleeping works well.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

But...but...if your glasses are on the bedside table WHILE you're sleeping - how to you get any reading accomplished?!? ;)

[–] elephantium 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

You've heard of sleepwalking. Why not sleepreading?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

I like you...your humor sounds as twisted as mine! Don't ever change!

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Depends on what you like. Obviously they're easier to consume during commute and doing chores. And from being little kids, people like someone to read a book to them.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

They're an every day thing for me. Doing housework, walking the dog, gardening, all wonderful times to take in a book when I'm doing things with my hands but not really my brain. I also keep a library of comfort books, podcasts, YouTube videos and other things it's okay to phase in and out of and listen to them as I'm drifting off to sleep.

[–] marcos 1 points 1 year ago (3 children)

I always wonder what exactly people like on them. (And I can't empathize with the experiences they describe.)

For me they are annoying, in that I need an empty room or headphones; way too slow; non-responsive in that I need to follow their rithym. They need as much concentration as reading (maybe more, depends on the narrator), specialized equipment (the headphones), and a lot more time.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Did you like being read to as a kid? I loved it and it’s a bit like that for me. With a good narrator at least.

When I listen to audiobooks it’s usually while driving or doing chores. I have my car stereo and my earbuds anyway so there’s no additional investment on that end.

I do thing some books and some narrators are more suitable than others but for me it’s a great way to enjoy books where I normally wouldn’t.

[–] marcos 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Did you like being read to as a kid?

For as long as I can remember, not a lot. Usually because of the rithym. Maybe I'm just weird.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Everybody’s a little weird.

If this is your particular brand of weirdness its a hell of a lot better than what some people have.

Keep on trucking you magnificent weirdo!

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Requires it be both a good book and an awesome narrator. No fricking Wil Wheaton!!! Just shut up Wesley!!!

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