I sooo wanted to like audio books. I mean all the cool kids are doing it. I go on sooo many road trips so I thought they would be perfect for me. I listened to Under the Dome by Stephen King this summer and it was a pretty amazing adventure. I loved listening to it the road trip went by so fast. Then I listening to American Gods by Neil Gaiman... and well... ZZZZzzzzzz. I fought my way through listening to that one.
My road trips are typically long. I drive about 40 hours by the time everything is done. So I like to pick long audio books. This time around I picked The Passage by Justin Cronin. This book is interesting, but I did turn it off after a few hours and then just jammed out to some music for a few more hours. I am going to try it again tomorrow for my 6 hour haul. Maybe if I am more awake. the problem with audio books for me is I can't figure out if it is the reading of the book, or if the book it's self stinks. Mine you I have only done the two so far. One was fab the other not so much. I think after this trip though this might be it for audios.
I would rather listen to some Adam Levine!
I totally agree with you. Every so often I want to listen to something and it clicks. Then I pick up another one and it sucks. Even in the same author's backlist give different experiences. I tried the Nora Roberts Bride Quartet in audio and hated (and I mean hated) the woman reading the first book. Then I went to the Inn Boonsboro series and loved (and I mean loved) the guy reading all three.
ReplyDeleteI also sometimes just get tired in the middle and have to listen to music or a podcast or something.
Totally agree!
This is totally what happens to me!
DeleteI keep meaning to try... I feel like I can't pay attention, though... I don't know haha
ReplyDeleteI struggle with audiobooks, too. I think I'm just waaaaay too picky about the narrator's voice and like Pamela, I kind of have trouble paying attention. ;)
ReplyDeleteIn the car I pay attention because there is nothing else to pay attention to. But if I was in my house I would never even listen at all!
DeleteMe too...I just can't figure out if it's just the way it's read that I can't get into or the the actual book...so I find it harder to judge the book the book in the end.
ReplyDeleteRead Books and Blog | Addicted to Films
I know.. and this annoys me. Was it a bad book, a bad reader? What is going on!
DeleteI tend to zone out a little if I try to listen to an audio book. I guess that just says I'm a bad listener. lol
ReplyDeleteMegan @ Books i View
Road trips are the best, but I agree, audio books are not. The last time I went on a road trip, I listened to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I'm convinced that's the only audio book I can turn on without dozing off and spacing out. I honestly don't know how so many people can listen to audio books for long! I'd much rather read the book.
ReplyDeleteI would rather read a book too I decided
DeleteHaha, I love audiobooks (I agree, Under the Dome was pretty amazing), but The Passage put me to sleep too :) Zzzzz~ And I don't think it was because it was an audiobook. And I LOVE NG, but I don't think his books are meant to listen on audio, to be honest.
ReplyDeleteSo don't give up on audibooks yet. There are some pretty amazing ones out there *cough*The Rook by Daniel O'Malley*cough :)
Humm... might have to take your suggestion!
DeleteI tried two different ones while on a trial with Audible and I just couldn't concentrate. My mind was wandering all over the place. Just not for me I guess (or you!).
ReplyDeleteI tend to have my mind wandering a little too. And you can't think about anything but the book when listening!
DeleteI really need to try an audiobook before I die. I just think I'm gonna fall asleep!
ReplyDeleteI am glad I tried them... yes I discovered I don't like them.. but at least I can say I listened to one. So just do it!
DeleteI've tried a few audiobooks but I find that I tune out and miss whole chunks of story. I know I'm going to keep trying, maybe one day it'll click.
ReplyDeleteI think I am done trying... too much of a waste of time.
DeleteAudiobooks don't work for me. It doesn't matter which book (I even tried Harry Potter and it failed, so that means something!) I just can't concentrate. It goes far too slow and most of the times I don't like the voice. I just gave up on it :)
ReplyDeleteMel@thedailyprophecy.
OK that is bad... I hear everyone just loves the Harry Potter ones!
DeleteI listen to a lot of audiobooks, but not as many as I used to. A good narrator is as important as a good book. If I don't like the narrator, I can't finish listening to the book. I don't review audiobooks because I know I zone out on occasion and miss things.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that you don't review them!
DeleteI've never tried, so I suppose I should reserve judgment... but they just aren't my thing. Listening to a book - even if it's an option between listening to it or not reading it at all - just doesn't appeal to me. That's not the way my brain works.
ReplyDeleteI've only really started to listen to audiobooks in the past couple years. I think narrators can really make or break an audiobook. If you get a boring narrator, you just aren't going to be as into the book!
ReplyDeleteOne day I hope to have the attention span to listen to the audio books - you're definitely not alone, not to worry!
ReplyDelete