Audio books are just not the same?!

[JacktomyDaniel]

I’m desperately trying to get into audiobooks. I’m an avid reader and can lose myself for hours (or could if I didn’t have the kids!) in a good book. Recently I’ve been struggling with lack of motivation to do anything and anxiety and a few people recommended this. Lie back, eye mask on and listen. I want to love it but can’t. I feel like a child being read to with all the different voices and the slow pace. Is it worth persevering? Would I be unreasonable just to give up a couple of chapters in?

[GrubbyHipsterBeard]

I hate them too!

[Thebookswereherfriends]

I always find I can’t concentrate on the story. When I’m listening to an audiobook my mind wanders terribly and I realise I’ve missed a chunk of the story. The only time I’ve got on with them was when I was commuting an hour each way for work and I would listen to a cd in the car. I could focus then because my mind couldn’t wander so much.

[Goposie]

I can’t get on with them. I either find them hard to follow or fall asleep!

[Blackcherrylatte]

I love audio books! I used to love books more but I've too many kids and not enough free time to actually read, it takes about 2 months to read a book, and when I get a moment in bed, one page in and I fall asleep.
So for me audio books are perfect, I can get through 2 a week. Connect to headphones and listen while shopping, or walking, or in the kitchen cooking or doing chores round the house, dishes etc.

[rioroller]

They only work for me if I’m driving

In any situation where I COULD be reading.... I’d rather be reading.

[Wellit]

I absolutely love them. I simply do not have the time to read. There are some I can't stomach but most narrators are fantastic. Harry Potter read by Stephen Fry is just magical!!

[fleshmarketclose]

I've always been an avid reader but my eyesight is failing and I really struggle to see to read now. I found the switch to audiobooks quite difficult initially but I persevered and now really enjoy them. Try listening to a book you have already read to start with.

[Justonemorepancake]

I use them only for driving, walking (ie scenarios where I can't read) and to fall asleep. I have insomnia and reading a book will see me still reading it at 3am. Any other time, I read. You do need to get a good narrator though so it's worth listening to samples first.

[CurlyMango]

Audio books are fab. I read loads but also love being read to, it’s so relaxing. Listen to them at work, in the car, in bed or whilst hobbieing

[Myusernameismud]

I still love reading books, and read as much as I can, but I always have an audio book on while I'm doing housework/cooking etc. I've got a really good, small Bluetooth speaker that I connect my phone to and listen to my hearts content. Occasionally if my mind wanders and I miss a bit, I'll just skip back 2 mins or so and re-listen.

I also love the BBC iplayer radio app, for all the Agatha Christie series and assorted other crime radio play thingys. Not a lot on there atm, but every so often there's a glut of really good stuff on there.

[Madcats]

I listen to the radio to fall asleep so I find I need to be active (cooking/in a car etc) to listen to an audiobook.

Some narrators are better than others.

Does your local library hire out audiobooks/downloads? That might be a cheaper way to find your genre.

[JacktomyDaniel]

Hmmm mixed reviews! I’m trying chalk man because of the great ratings but I just can’t take it seriously! I like my head to make the pictures and it’s like I can’t “see” past the voices! I’ll keep going but not sure it’s for me!

[CallipygianFancier]

I always find I can’t concentrate on the story. When I’m listening to an audiobook my mind wanders terribly and I realise I’ve missed a chunk of the story.

Yes, I'm exactly the same. No good for me when driving either, I'm concentrating on driving and tune the book out, same when working. I have a friend who really likes audio books and podcasts when driving or doing repetitive work, but my brain clearly just doesn't work that way.

[lovetheweekends]

I agree with pp, it totally depends on the narrator.
Also you can prob listen at 1.25 or 1.5 speed if it's too slow.

[BlueSkiesLies]

I love audiobooks but I have to enjoy the narrator. Some I don’t get on with.

Also you can adjust the speed - sometimes I have to turn it down and sometimes speed it up.

[Amfeelingfline]

I agree with some pp you have to have a good narrator or it’s rubbish, i’ve Listened to the crackanory series which are fab, even if you’ve seen them, some are more like interviews and I quite like that too, if you have amazon prime you can get a 90 days free trial so you can get an idea of it, and you can “return” the books if there is something you don’t like about them 🙂

[Amfeelingfline]

I meant audible

[Whathappenedtothelego]

I like them, but only when I am doing something with my hands. I can't just lie there and listen.
If I'm doing something repetitive and boring but quiet, like sewing on name labels, ironing, painting/wallpapering - or driving - then they are great.

If you are trying them in order to relax, could you try doing something "mindful" at the same time - adult colouring book? jigsaw?

[theonetowalkinthesun]

I love them as long as the balance is the right: I don't listen to them when I'm just sat down/doing nothing because I'll get bored and impatient, and I don't listen to them when I am concentrating such as replying to a text message because I'll miss chunks.

But what they are PERFECT for is for a long walk (or other commute)- I really enjoy listening to them on my walk home and if I go for an hour's walk or if I'm on the bus somewhere - it's just right.

Would never just sit down to listen to one when I could just actually read a book. They're perfect for walking when you can't actually read the book. As PPs have said. Persevere! For walks!

[Gentlemanwiththistledownhair]

I read very different books to the ones I listen to iyswim. So anything that I'm really interested in, I read. Audio books are for things like crime thrillers and lighter books that listen to whilst doing other things. (Lighter not a derogatory term btw.)

So, I've really enjoyed listening to things like the Robert Galbraith books or Harkness trilogy.

Maybe stopping completely is too much right now. Perhaps rather than just closing your eyes grab a colouring book? Then just try to get absorbed. Eventually you can just listen, but work up to that. I'm guessing the idea is trying to take yourself out of daily life for a while?

[WonkoTheSane42]

Listen while you’re doing something else that requires enough concentration to keep you awake but not enough to make your mind wander. I listen while cross stitching, crocheting, playing a video game without much story interaction, or driving.

[Vitalogy]

I love audio books. Although it needs to be the same narrator all the way through or I find it very distracting. End up focusing on the voices/accents other than the story. I need to like the voice.

[Lostthefairytale]

Audiobooks are my best stress relief tip. I have a really stressful and intense job. I listen in the car to and from work. I focus on the story rather than replaying whatever frustration i’m struggling with at work. If I find myself missing sections I realise quickly and refocus back onstage story. I also listen while i’m cleaning, that’s nothing to do with stress, I just makes a mundane task more interesting.

[Disney2]

Yes try listening when driving or doing a repitivw household task that doesn't require much concentration.

Also try Becoming my Michelle Obama, she reads it herself and is lovely to listen to. I wasn't massively into her beforehand but it's very inspiring and empowering.

[IWantChocolates]

I listened to audiobooks while pregnant and finding it hard to sleep (saved me putting a light on and waking DH). It definitely depends which narrator you get but I found some great ones on YouTube with no adverts that were perfect ('Libravox' recording?). I've listened to some classics that I'd probably never have read otherwise.