Yes, this is what I am hooked on today, well except for the roses, whiskers and mittens part. We’re here to talk about downloadable audiobooks, my new favorite thing, and that which I am hooked on this Friday for Julia’s Hooked on Fridays party. Head on over there to see everybody else’s current obsession.
I love to read and always wish I had more time to curl up with a good book. When I discovered audiobooks that I could listen to on my ipod, my world became a better place – my reading time has increased exponentially. I read while I drive, I read while I clean, I read while I walk the dog. Come on, Smooch, one more chapter and then we’ll turn around and head for home. We’re both getting alot more exercise these days.
Downloadable audiobooks are available from many places; I like the prices and features at audible.com. It’s set up similarly to Netflix, with a searchable database and user reviews and ratings.
The production values of the audiobooks astonish me; the readers don’t simply read - they become the characters.
When Smooch and I return from our evening constitutional, the boys are always interested in what I’m listening to, and I’m only too happy to share. I’m currently about half way through the epic World Without End, by Ken Follett, the sequel to his best-selling Pillars of the Earth, which kept me entertained most of December.
George can’t seem to grasp my recent fascination with
the middle ages.
I LOVE audible; my Mom turned me on to it a year or so ago, and I'm always listening to something (or, several somethings, as I often listen to a book while I fall asleep). And World Without End is great; a wonderful follow-up to Pillars of the Earth. (Actually, I may just go listen to it again, now that you've got me thinking about it!) Happy listening!
ReplyDeleteOh what a great photo! You sound like a very fun person :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to have something like this! I'm always renting audio books from the library to listen to in the car.
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining my blog party. I always enjoy your posts! :-)
P.S. The comment about Rush Limbaugh at the top of your blog made me laugh out loud. Anyone who wants the President to fail needs SOMEthing. I hadn't considered a hug. Ha.
I learn SO many things from your blog~! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the referral. I do like the feel of a book with pages in my hands though. I may yet check this out, although it will require that I get on the bandwagon of technology a little sooner than I'm normally wont to do...
ReplyDeleteBTW, the photo of George with the headphones on is way too adorable!
I love your idea...I do it for the kids, but I forget myself!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Julia about your comment at the top! I can't believe he would talk about failure as he gets started....We are all Americans. One for all and all for one????
OK...I love George! He's too cute!
-Kim
Audible is incredible. Have you learned to read the listener comments on the site to find out who the best narrators are? Once you find one you like, you start to be a groupie and "read" any books he/she narrates.
ReplyDeleteOh, and Rush? He just needs more Oxycontin. Like the fistfuls he was taking at a time before he got busted. For making his maid do his drug smuggling for him.
I am so tech illiterate, no iPod here. But I could handle audio books.
ReplyDeleteiPods are just so versatile. Burros can't live without them and neither can I.
ReplyDeleteI've got to check out audible.com. Thanks.
I love my iPod with the earbuds tucked under the flaps of my cap as I shovel frozen poop. Hope George is enjoying listening to the book. I haven't gotten into the books on tape, but audible has some really great talks and lectures by some of my favorite people. It's so amazing that we have all this information available to us now through a few clicks on our keyboards.
ReplyDeleteI haven't quite taken the step into audio; I think I'm more of a visual person, is why. But take George; it looks like as long as YOU like it, he's willing to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteAh, Lonesome Dove. I see that there on the wish list. That book is awesome. I will have to go check this site out. Love the picture of George listening. My horse always needs to check out my ipod (shuffle actually) and earphones. He finds it fascinating.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a really good idea. I read quite a lot and this would help to get me through books alot faster while I got some chores accomplished. Great idea. I like Pillars of the Earth and will have to check out this other book you're reading now.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your weekend and your books.
Judging by the angle of George's ears it seems he is listening very intently to your audio books. Maybe you should get some of the Winnie the Pooh books for him so he can listen to Eeyore!!
ReplyDeleteI love to read and have never tried audio ... I'm afraid I'd still sit down to listen OR wouldn't be paying attention while walking and smack into a tree! HA! Actually, snuggling up with a book is about the only down time I get and it's always my reward at the end of the day.
ReplyDeleteGeorge Rocks!
ReplyDeleteIt just fascinates me that just over a year ago, you adopted two rescue burros and now you've got them so tame that they'll let you climb on gates while they're eating and listen to books on tape. Good work, Linda! Sure wish I could have some donks of my own. I'll just have to admire yours from afar.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely going to have to check out that link. I never seem to have time to just sit down with a good book anymore!! I think George would like a bigger set of headphones for one....and maybe some more donkey-friendly topics! :)
ReplyDeleteI love audio books, mostly for long drives in the car. I used to go to Virginia for long weekend 2 or 3 times/year. It's a 9 1/2 drive and the audio books were life savers.
ReplyDeleteI have not gotten in to the whole iPod, MP3 player thing. When I'm walking the dogs or outside doing chores, I consider it a form of meditation--I try to be in the moment. I guess I'm just weird, as everyone else is walking around with these things now.