Audio Obsession #5. Audiobook recs.

Audio Obsession

Audio Obsession is a feature where I spread my love for audiobooks around blogosphere. Here you’ll see all things audio related.

Lately several of my friends were looking for a good audiobook to listen and asked my help. I realized that it’s not that easy to make a choice. So today I and lovely Arlene from Waves of Fiction want to tell you about several audiobooks that we’ve enjoyed this year.

Arlene’s picks

	Sebastian York narrated Owen Gentry's POV in Confess by Colleen Hoover and Elizabeth Louise narrated Auburn Reed in that same novel. Their voices commanded the stage in this novel, and it made it easy to fall into their story and believe their romance. I gave this novel 5 stars, and I attribute it to the narration of these brilliant voice actors.
	I also have to commend Polly Stone who narrated The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. I absolutely adored this novel for many reasons…. one being the passionate narration of Stone as she took us through the horrific events of World War I.

Ksenia’s picks

	I loved The Distance Between Us by Kasie West narrated by Jorjeana Marie. She is one of my favorite female narrators, and she did such an amazing job here. She really brought to life the heroine of this book Caymen.
	I highly recommend the audiobook The One Plus One by Jojo Moyes. Some readers complain that they have difficulties when one narrator performs both male and female voices. You won’t have such problem here. We have four narrators here: Elizabeth Bower, Ben Elliot, Nicola Stanton, Steven France. And their performance is very good.

What about you? Have you listened to any good audiobooks this year? Hit us with your recommendations!

Audio Obsession #4. To read or to listen?

Audio Obsession

Audio Obsession is a feature where I spread my love for audiobooks around blogosphere. Here you’ll see all things audio related.

To read or to listen?

I love reading and I love listening to audiobooks. So I often have to choose between the book and the audio. It looks like I have a pattern. Books I prefer in audio:

Beautiful prose

In my opinion audio format helps to appreciate author’s writing style. While listening I pay more attention to the beauty of the words. So authors with gorgeous writing is on my “to listen” list.

One of the authors I prefer in audio is Maggie Stiefvater. I’ve listened to The Scorpio Races and The Wolves of Mercy Falls series, and I highly recommend the audiobooks, narration was really good. I plan to listen The Raven Cycle series too.

The other “audio-author” for me is Gayle Forman. This year I’ve listened to three audiobooks: If I Stay, Where She Went and I Was Here. If I Stay and Where She Went ended on my “true-book-love” shelf, both for the stories and for the narration. While I Was Here wasn’t a total winner for me, the narrator Jorjeana Marie was amazing. I definitely plan to check out her backlist, because I was very impressed with her performance.

Earlier this year I’ve read Once Upon a Rose by Laura Florand. Her writing is gorgeous, I have a feeling I would love her stories in audio. I want to listen to her Amour et Chocolat series.

The author I’m eyeing audio-wise is Laini Taylor. I haven’t read anything by her yet, but I’ve heard a lot about her beautiful flourish writing. I think I would try her Daughter of Smoke & Bone series in audio format.

Romantic Suspense

I think it all started with Sandra Brown. Long time ago I’ve listened to several audiobooks and became a fan of her thrillers. Since then I’ve “read” her books only in audio. I don’t have a good explanation for this. I guess it’s partly a habit, partly my love for Victor Slezak (he is one of my favorite male narrators, and he performed in many Sandra Brown’s audiobooks). So I prefer Sandra Brown in audio.

Since then my audio preferences spread to whole Romantic Suspense genre. I’ve listened Linda Howard’s books in audio. I plan to listen to I-Team series by Pamela Clare and Killer Instincts series by Elle Kennedy.

Audiobooks narrated by my favorite narrators

When I find a narrator whom I love, I check out his or her backlist and listen to practically everything. For example, Dan Bittner. I fell in love with his narration in The Wolves of Mercy Falls series by Maggie Stiefvater. Then I went through his backlist and listened to Where She Went by Gayle Forman (which I absolutely loved).

Friends recs

When my friend gushes about an amazing audiobook, I can’t pass it. This happened with After the Night by Linda Howard. Rachel from Readers Den said that Natalie Ross’ narration was excellent and I went for the audiobook.

What about you? What books do you prefer in audio?

Audio Obsession #3. Favorite audiobooks

Audio Obsession

Audio Obsession is a feature where I spread my love for audiobooks around blogosphere. Here you’ll see all things audio related.

Today I want to share with you my favorite audiobooks. I also asked my blogger friends and fellow audiobook lovers to share their favorite titles.

Rachel from Reader's Den

	One Plus One by Jojo Moyes narrated by: Elizabeth Bower, Ben Elliot, Nicola Stanton, and Steven France The story is beyond amazing, and I think the narration only enhanced this beautiful story. There are four narrators all with English accents, one for each of the main characters. This is a rarity with audiobooks; most only have one narrator, so it was a treat to have one for each POV. All sounded age appropriate and just right for the character.
	The Iron Druid Chronicles (the whole series) by Kevin Hearne narrated by Luke Daniels The story is out of my comfort zone, because at first there is no romance. BUT the series is soooo good it doesn't need it. Romance junkies fear not, I did say at first. Luke Daniels nails the humor and accents and I dare you not to laugh throughout.
	Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs narrated by Lorelei King One of my favorite urban fantasy series and one of my favorite narrators. I love this series even more with every book I "read". Lorelei King is another narrator who has a gift with comedic timing. She also narrates the Charley Davidson series which is a laugh a minute!

It's very difficult to narrow down to three favorites because I have so many. The Others by Anne Bishop is also one of my favorite series. The best fantasy I've read, and narration is top notch. The Fever series by Karen Marie Moning. After book three we get Natalie Ross and Phil Gigante. Mac and Barrons are brought to life by these talented performers! Kate Daniels by Ilona Andrews narrated by Renee Raudman. I could go on, and on and on!

Arlene from Waves of Fiction

Here are some of my favorite titles I’ve enjoyed these past few months that are worth checking out!

	The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah narrated by Polly Stone The Nightingale was absolutely AMAZING! Kristin Hannah is a master storyteller that knows how to weave time, people, places and events in a way that creates an adventure that is hard to let go and forget. Couple that with the amazing narration of Polly Stone, and there’s no doubt that The Nightingale will remain one of my top picks for this year.
	I Was Here by Gayle Forman narrated by Jorjeana Marie This was one of the first audiobooks I downloaded from Overdrive. I was extremely excited to dive into this one because I had the chance to meet the narrator, Jorjeana Marie, at the book signing for I Was Here. She read a caption from the book to the audience, and I was absolutely hooked!! Her narration of this story makes it even more compelling and spellbinding. I believe I finished this audiobook in just two days. Definitely one that I highly recommend!
	Things We Know by Heart by Jessi Kirby narrated by Amanda Wallace If I had to choose one final audio book to recommend, Things We Know by Heart would have to make the top three. This story was perfect for me because the narration, plot, and characters equally captured my attention and took me on an emotional roll-a-coater. Kirby’s novel has staying power with me because she knows how to tell an amazing story, and the narrator Amanda Wallace knew how to bring it to life. I really enjoyed this one!!

Jeanne

	Breakable by Tammara Webber narrated by Zachary Webber The narrator had a sexy voice and sounded just like Lucas
	Angelfall by Susan Ee narrated by Caitlin Davies

Me

It’s hard for me to choose, because I love audiobooks and there so many amazing ones. But if I have to narrow down to three, here they are:

	The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater narrated by Steve West, Fiona Hardingham It was my first book by Maggie Stiefvater and it is my favorite one. I love everything about this book: original idea behind it, unique setting, amazing characters and of course beautiful writing. Narrators Steve West and Fiona Hardingham perfectly captured mood of this story and brought to life main characters Puck and Sean.
	Where She Went by Gayle Forman narrator Dan Bittner I’ve read my first book by Gayle Forman only this year and became an instant fan. Where She Went is a beautiful heartbreaking and emotional story. Adam is one of the most genuine male voices I’ve come across. This book resonated with me on such deep level. The audiobook is narrated by my favorite male narrator Dan Bittner. His performance is amazing and he added so much to the story.
	Fever series by Karen Marie Moning Urban Fantasy is not actually my genre since I’m a contemporary girl. I’ll choose mundane problems and feelings of imperfect people over action packed paranormal book every time. But I loved this series! The author created a fascinating world full of dangerous creatures, weaved intriguing plot with mysteries, twists and turns on every page. She added to the mix alluring and sensual romance. The result was imputable. I binge listened to the whole series last year. First three books were narrated by Joyce Bean and she did a great job. But the audio version began to really shine from the forth book when we have a dual narration by Phil Gigante and Natalie Ross. Their performance of Mac and Baron is perfect.

What are you favorite audiobooks? Tell me in comments.

Audio Obsession #2. What stops you from listening to audiobooks? (Part 2)

Audio Obsession

Audio Obsession is a feature where I spread my love for audiobooks around blogosphere. Here you’ll see all things audio related.

What stops you from listening to audiobooks?

Today I continue discussion that I started in this post. I love audiobooks, but many readers don’t listen to audio. What stops people? I’ve come across several reasons and today I continue to discuss them.

I don’t listen to audiobooks, because I’m easily distracted. My mind wonders, and I don’t remember, what I’ve just listened.

My advice: find a book you are dying to read. A book with engaging plot, interesting characters, a book that makes you feel and think. Believe me you wouldn’t get distracted in this case.

I can’t highlight and make bookmarks.

It’s really a big issue for me. As a reader I like to highlight my favorite quotes, so I can later reread them. As a reviewer I want to be able to bookmark important scenes, so when I’m writing my review I can quickly find information. And I love to put quotes in my reviews. So if I really loved an audiobook, there are big chances that I would buy a book.

I can’t get into the audiobook, because I don’t like how male narrator performs female voices and vice versa?

Well sometimes I have this issue too. It’s especially difficult for a male narrator to pull off believable and natural female voices. I don’t like when male narrators go for a high-pitched voices in this case. I admit I had problems on several occasions. More often this happens with narrators with low, deep, masculine voices.

So my advice to you: go for a dual or multiple narrations. My latest audiobook with multiple narrations was One Plus One by Jojo Moyes. I also highly recommend audiobooks of The Wolves of Mercy Falls series by Maggie Stiefvater and Fever series by Karen Marie Moning (note: first three books were narrated by Joyce Bean, after that there was amazing dual narration).

I don’t have many opportunities to listen; my commute is ten minutes long.

I agree that if you only have ten minutes a day to listen it’s hard to enjoy audiobooks. To listen in small portions with long periods of not-listening is very frustrating. But ask yourself: Do you really have only ten minutes a day for audiobooks? You see, when I first started my audio journey I had a feeling that I had no time to listen. Gradually I began to find more and more opportunities to put my ear buds in. Nowadays I listen to audiobooks while I’m cleaning, cooking, ironing, even applying make-up, when I’m shopping or sitting in line to get somewhere.

So tell me, do you listen to audiobooks? If not, what stops you? Have I convinced you to pick up an audiobook?

Audio Obsession #1. What stops you from listening to audiobooks? (Part 1)

Audio Obsession

Audio Obsession is a feature where I spread my love for audiobooks around blogosphere. Here you’ll see all things audio related.

What stops you from listening to audiobooks?

I love audio format. So it really pains me to know that many of my fellow booklovers don’t listen to audiobooks. What stops people? I’ve come across several reasons; today I’m going to discuss them. On Wednesday I plan to post Part 2, where we’ll continue this discussion.

Audiobooks are so long, I don’t have time.

I agree audiobooks are long. An average length of an audiobook is about twelve hours. You can read a book faster. But look at this from another angle. You can listen on those occasions, when you don’t have an opportunity to read. You can listen while driving, cleaning, cooking, working-out, etc. Audiobooks help to make even dreadful choirs bearable and maybe even enjoyable.

Example from my real life.

I hate ironing. So much so, that while choosing clothes to buy I ask myself if it would be easy to iron this garment. If not I wouldn’t buy it. Here is my story: I needed to iron a big pile of clothes and my mood wasn’t cheerful. Then I put my ear buds in and started Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. The story was so engaging, that I finished ironing in no time.

I know some people speed-up, so they can get through the audiobook quicker. I don’t do this. I feel like I would lose something special if I increase the speed. I LISTEN. I like to hear different intonations, pauses. I want to absorb emotions in narrator’s voice. It’s hard to do if you speed up.

I’ve listened to one audiobook, it was awful. I think audiobooks are not for me.

I hear this phrase a lot. It’s funny really, because people don’t say “reading is not for me” after they’ve read one or two bad books. My advice: if you’ve listened one or two audiobooks and didn’t like them, pick up another one. Just be pickier in your choice. Choose a book you are really interested in. Not some random audiobook that you can borrow from your friend or a family member or a book that happened to be available in your local library. It should be a book you want to read. Then make your research: read reviews about audio version of this book; find information about the narrator, is he or she good; listen to an audio sample. This way you increase chances to find an audiobook that would work for you.

Audiobooks are expensive.

This is true. Audiobooks are expensive. I’m fortunate that I can afford to buy them, but I understand that it can be an issue for many readers. There are ways to purchase audiobooks for low prices or even listen them for free.

Lovely Rachel from Reader’s Den is my guest today. Here her tips how to safe your money.

1. Borrow and download audio books for free through your library. Use your library card to sign into the Overdrive application on your phone or iPad. You can also borrow e-books as well, and have them delivered to your electronic reading device. You usually only have 14-21 days to complete the book.

2. Subscribe to the Audible Daily Deal. Every day they have a book discounted from the normal price. Usually $3.95 or $4.95 compared to $14.95 and higher. Audible also runs sales from time to time so it's good to be part of their mailing list.

3. Look for e-book/audiobook sale combos on Amazon. A lot of times if there is an audio version of the book you can buy the e-copy and get the audio version with it for a highly reduced rate.

Example:
The Yellow Rose Beauty Shop by Carolyn Brown is $4.99 for the e-copy and for an additional $1.99 you can add the audio version. This is nice when you want to switch back and forth from e-copy and audio version. I've done this with a lot of the Kate Daniels and Mercy Thompson series.

So tell me, do you listen to audiobooks? If not, what stops you? Have I convinced you to pick up an audiobook?