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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[–] med@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I like the idea, I’m just not willing to pay for it. I’m happy listening to a decent text-to-speech output, and I wish companies would stop making it difficult to do that.

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[–] shortwavesurfer@monero.town 2 points 1 year ago

I have always been an auditory learner. I get more information and can remember details easier by audio than i ever could by reading directly. Trying to physically read a book is a fantastic way for me to never finish it and quickly fall asleep.

[–] cetvrti_magi@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

I prefer reading and having a book in my hands, don't know why but it's just a better experience for me.

[–] iforgotmyinstance@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

I picked up Audible since I would have some long drives at my previous job. Now I use it for falling asleep. I put on a book, set the timer for 45 minutes and then the next night I just back it up to the last thing I recognize and reset the timer.

[–] KrakBamKrak@lemm.ee 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@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

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

[–] KrakBamKrak@lemm.ee 1 points 1 year ago (2 children)

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

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[–] rufus@discuss.tchncs.de 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.

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

[–] Eq0@literature.cafe 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.

[–] Fredselfish@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago

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

[–] reverendsteveii@lemm.ee 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@lemmy.world 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.

[–] Pea666@feddit.nl 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@lemmy.world 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.

[–] Pea666@feddit.nl 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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[–] Arthur_Leywin@lemmy.world 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.

[–] Dave@lemmy.nz 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.

[–] PseudoSpock@lemmy.dbzer0.com 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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