I first started listening to audio books several years ago when I had a longer commute to a job I really didn’t like. I listened to the Stephanie Plum bounty hunter series on CD and it brought joy to an otherwise dreadful drive each day. I no longer have a long commute (these days it’s no commute at all while I’m still working at home), and I don’t use CDs anymore, but I still love to listen to audiobooks.
In the past few years, audiobooks have become a staple in my reading life, and most days I at least spend a little time listening to one. If you’re curious about why I enjoy them so much, here are 5 reasons why you should listen to audiobooks.
ONE – Audiobooks help you read more
While I always have a physical, paper book (or sometimes eBook) I’m reading (usually fiction), I also almost always have an audiobook I’m in the middle of as well (usually nonfiction or memoir). Even though obviously I’m not reading both at the same time, having both of those types of books does somehow help me read more.
I think one of the reasons is that audiobooks are amazing for multitasking. I love listening to a book when I do mindless chores like cleaning, folding laundry, doing my evening skincare routine, listening to my 7-year-old talk about Minecraft, and even cooking dinner. I know it’s a really good audiobook when I find myself looking forward to those tasks!
TWO – Audiobooks help you read faster
Did you know you can change the speed of audiobooks? You probably did, but it took me a while to figure that out—but I’m so glad I finally did. Dialing up the speed a little helps you literally read more in less time. I started by changing the speed to 1.25, which is only a subtle difference, and now listen to audiobooks at 1.5 speed.
While it’s certainly not a race, nor is it about quantity over quality, for some reason I’m able to listen better when the speed is a little faster. My mind is more prone to wander when I’m listening to an audiobook vs reading a physical book, but that speed, for some reason, helps me stay more focused.
THREE – Audiobooks allow you to listen to authors
My very favorite audiobooks to listen to are memoirs that are narrated by the author. There is just nothing like listening to someone’s fascinating life and hearing them tell it themselves. Not all authors read their own memoirs, but usually it is audiobook gold when they do. It’s not just memoirs either, there are many authors (for example Jason Reynolds—a fantastic author AND narrator) who read their own fiction or nonfiction work. When you’re able to listen to the author themselves tell the story, it really helps you feel like part of it. (The audiobook in my photo is Cicely Tyson’s memoir, some of which is read by her, and it is excellent so far.)
FOUR – You can support local bookstores for less
I get many from my library, but I also use Libro.fm for my audiobooks. With Libro.fm, you can either buy the books individually or pay $14.99 a month and get a credit for an audiobook every month. They have an amazing selection, and the credits roll over, so you don’t lose it if you don’t use the credit that month. Also, any books you buy (rather than use the credit) are offered at a discount if you’re a member. The best part is that purchases with Libro.fm go towards local bookstores. You can even choose which one you’d like to support! When I shop through Libro I’m supporting Bliss Books & Wine, my local bookstore.
FIVE – Audiobooks are excellent entertainment for family road trips
Audiobooks are great for helping pass the time during long car trips. While kids may not necessarily pick out the same types of books if they’re given a choice, being stuck in a car together has a way of making any kind of entertainment seem appealing, and usually everyone gets sucked into the story if it’s a good audiobook.
A few we’ve enjoyed have been the Little House on the Prairie series, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Sideways Stories from Wayside School, and James and the Giant Peach.
I hope at least one of these reasons why you should listen to audiobooks has convinced you to give them a try! Come back on Wednesday for a round-up of a few of my favorite audiobooks.
