eBooks and Audiobooks

While no sound compares to the crack of a spine when a new book is opened, or the soft pages of an old favorite, alternate formats are increasing access to books in immeasurable ways. Audio and eBooks, for example, can provide access to readers with visual impairments or processing issues, but they also have a lot to offer to readers of all types.

Overall, I am a huge fan of eBooks. I love their portability, the fact that the fonts can be adjusted, and that the backlight on my Kindle allows me to read in bed without disturbing my husband.  If I need a new book in the middle of the night, I can log into my library account and check one out. When it comes to eBooks, I would say the main difficulty, for me, is that I can’t tell as easily how much of the book is left. Otherwise, it’s exactly the same as reading a print book. I can’t discern a difference in pacing or tone.

Audiobooks are new for me. I never even considered listening to audiobooks myself (though my eldest fell asleep listening to the Harry Potter series every night for 3 years). Over the course of the last year, however, I’ve found it nearly impossible to focus on reading books. It’s been a struggle - I’ve picked up and put down more books than I can count. But on my first post for this course, a classmate suggested that I try audiobooks, and it has been a lifesaver in more ways than one. 

Every book I’ve annotated for this class is one I’ve listened to. I am so impressed by the variety of engaging narrators! The way a single narrator can adjust their voice to represent the various characters - and do so consistently - is astounding, and has kept me interested in books that I most certainly would have put down. 

The format has also enabled me to listen while doing other things. I purchased an inexpensive pair of Bluetooth (thank you, Hedy Lamarr!) earbuds just for this reason. We recently performed an inventory at our library. I volunteered to scan nearly every shift I was there, just so I could listen to my books while I worked. I suspect I’m near the top of the ‘total items scanned’ list for our branch. I can listen while I’m walking my dog, or walking to work, or falling asleep, but possibly the most significant change has been that I listen while I’m cooking dinner.

For years I listened to the news while I was preparing dinner, and quite honestly, it stressed me out a lot of the time. I enjoyed the human interest pieces, but the overall tone of the news had been really distressing. The events of January 6 magnified this issue. I was GLUED to the news. I could not tear my eyes away from the video feed. It was devastating and terrifying to see what was happening, and the coverage went on and on and on. I was so surprised at how easily I replaced that stressor with something that was beneficial. So, thank you, Daniel, for suggesting I give them a try!