That title makes me chuckle. The fact that I used it as a title is slightly ironic. The line actually drives me nuts. I hear it often. “Suz, listen to this. Listen to this.” Or even worse, the urgent, “Suz, come quick. You should see this. Quick. Hurry up.”
And when I hurry into the livingroom, or out onto the deck, or into the backyard, I will have just missed the sound of the white-throated sparrow, its “Oh sweet Can-na-da, Can-na-da, Can-na-da” which reminds us so much of canoeing in Algonquin Park. Or the eagle which occasionally lands on the tree on our waterfront will have, that second, flown off. Or the tiny wood duck that Hubby heard peeping on the river will have dived, or sailed away, or whatever. Not to be heard or seen by moi.
And despite the fact that most of the time I’m too late to hear or to see whatever it is that prompted Hubby’s cry, I still respond every, every time. Because next time I might actually hear or see something amazing. And even though these calls to action drive me nuts because they usually come when I’m finally, finally getting that reluctant fitted sheet to stretch over the mattress corner, or I’ve just shed my clothes and am about to step into the bath, or my nose is buried in a really good book, I love that he gets so enthusiastic about small things. I mean, how boring life would be if we didn’t get at least a little excited by small things around us.
Meanwhile spring has been unfolding around here. I’ve been walking the trail and marvelling at the carpet of dogtooth violets under the trees, followed by an equally lush carpet of trilliums. Or I’ve been sipping my tea on the deck and watching our maple tree bud up, and its shiny new leaves unfurl. And this week the apple trees in our backyard have burst into luxurious bloom. It’s been a wonderful spring for blossoms.
I’ve been trying hard not to expostulate when I’m walking the trail alone, and I see such beauty everywhere. Expostulating to oneself on the trail where there are other walkers can get embarrassing, especially if one has one’s headphones in and is listening to an audio book and inadvertently expostulates out loud. Of course exclaiming to the maple tree next to our deck that she is looking lovely is okay. There being no one else around to hear me except Hubby.
Which leads me to my point. Finally, finally, I imagine you are thinking.
While I’ve been walking and admiring, or sitting on the deck, or cooking, or whatever I’m doing that does not requite me to talk or to listen to others, I’ve been listening to audiobooks. So many good audio books. Now, listen, my friends, listen…. if you’ve not started listening to books as well as reading them, you’re missing out on a treat.
I have been an audio book fan for many years. At first I signed out audio tapes or CDs from the library and listened while I was on my exercise bike, or I’d pop them into my Walkman to take on my run. Then in 2003, my friend Eunice showed me how I could listen to books on my i-pod, and I signed up for an Audible.com subscription. Soon that morphed into listening on my phone. And many, many books later, I’m still listening.
If you’re interested, let me explain how an Audible subscription works. You subscribe and you get credits which you use to buy books. If you live in the States, you can sign up for an Audible membership here. I just learned that if you already have a Prime membership you can listen to lots of books for free. You can check that out here. Or you can purchase a “Kindle Unlimited” membership here, and have unlimited access to books and audiobooks. For those of us who live in Canada, you need to subscribe to Audible.ca which you can find here.
Once you have an Audible subscription you are issued a credit each month. You can use that credit to buy any audible book you want. I’m quite judicious about only using my credit for books I know, or am pretty sure I will like. And the longer the better. One reason I love listening to the newest Robert Galbraith books, they are really good, but also really long. More listening for my buck, you might say. Lately I’ve taken advantage of a special which allows me to buy a year’s worth of credits at a lower price.
I alternate my Audible books with library audio books. If an audio book comes into the library that I want to listen to I always get in the queue. In the past few months I also discovered the “free with my subscription” books on Audible. If you scroll on your phone to the very bottom of the screen on the Audible site, there will be a list of “recommended for you, free with your subscription” books. This means you don’t have to spend your credits on these books. The list often has older books on it, sometimes the first and second books in an established series, usually similar to the books you have listened to in the past. I discovered several new series that I’ve enjoyed this way. I listen to the first one or two books in a series for free, and then purchase the later books with my credits.
I think I mentioned in my last book post that I had lots of new books to suggest to you. Not books I’ve read, but books I’ve listened to. Before I tell you about them, I want to explain what makes a good audio book for me.
Of course a great story is key. I prefer a book that is plot oriented. Poetic, wonderfully stylistic books do not usually make good audible books for me. I’d rather read those myself and savour the beauty of the language. Sometimes I will listen to a classic novel by a favourite author; Jane Austen and Barbara Pym are two examples. But mostly I like to listen to a good murder mystery. And I am as interested in a great narrator as I am in a great story.
Reading a book out loud so that the listener feels engaged, is drawn into the story, can tell the characters apart, and feels almost as if they are reading the book themselves is not easy. In fact I think it’s an exceptional skill. I guess that’s why so many good actors are great narrators.
I may have spoken before about listening to Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility read by Rosamund Pike. What a delight. I saw these much-loved novels in a whole new light. The witty lines were wittier, the dialogue more real, the stories more engaging than when I read them myself. Over the years I’ve tried to listen to other Austen novels read by other narrators but had to stop. It was painful.
Similarly, listening to the Agatha Christie’s Poirot novels read by Hugh Fraser who plays Hastings in the television series was wonderful. As was listening to Colin Dexter’s Morse series read by Kevin Whately. But I digress. Let’s just say that a good narrator is key. Never buy an audio book without first listening to the sample provided. Some voices will draw you in, and others will definitely put you off. Trust me.
So here’s the list of audio books I’ve been loving this spring.
First, I’ve literally torn through the first five books in the Misty Isle series by J.M. Dalgliesh, narrated by Angus King. These books are set on Skye, in Scotland. The main character is detective Duncan McAdam who, in the first book, returns to Skye after many years working in Glasgow. I love this series. The plots are interesting, I love hearing about the culture on Skye. And Duncan’s backstory of lost love, an ailing mother, an estranged sister, and a family history which reveals itself over several books has kept me listening. Highly recommend. Listen to them in order, though. A Long Time Dead. The Dead Man of Storr. The Tallisker Dead. The Cuillin Dead. The Dead Man on Staffin Beach.
Then there’s the Bridget Hart mysteries by M.S. Morris, narrated by Esther Wane. These are set in Oxford, England. In the first book Bridget Hart is a divorced, single mum, and newly promoted Detective Inspector in charge of her first murder case. The mysteries are interesting, and I like Bridget as a character, as well as her precocious teenage daughter. I enjoyed the first two books in the series. Aspire to Die. Killing By the Numbers.
The last series I will mention is by Mark Dawson and narrated by Simon Vance. I listened to the first two books in this series which feature recently disgraced, ex-police detective, now struggling private detective, Atticus Priest, and his former lover and sometime friend Detective Chief Inspector MacKenzie Jones. Priest is a brilliant detective and his penchant for doing things his own way, as opposed to following procedure, is probably better suited to his new job as private detective. The scenario of the rogue detective private-eye follows classic mystery novel conventions and could, if not handled well, seem a little cliché. But I really enjoyed these two books. The House in the Woods. A Place to Bury Strangers.
So that’s what I’ve been listening to, folks, while spring has been unfolding here. When I’ve not been forced to listen to the construction work next door. Our neighbours are building a new house. It seems as if it will be a noisy summer. We’re enjoying the peace of the weekend today, though. The birdsong. And the rain this morning. There’s just something lovely about the sound of a soft, steady, soaking rain isn’t there? As long as one is not in a leaking tent in Algonquin Park.
This morning when Hubby returned, soaked to the skin from his seasonal hunt for fiddleheads, I read to him the title of this post. “Listen to this. Listen to this,” I said. He waited. “That’s it,” I said, “That’s the title of my new post.”
He laughed. Because he does say that all the time. And it drives me nuts, as I said before. And he knows it. And he still does it. Because, of course, it works. Most of the time.
Except when I have my ear buds in and I’m listening to one of my audio books.
I might be changing the sheets, hunched over the bed, tugging the reluctant fitted sheet over the corner of the mattress, and he comes into the room. He’s wearing an exasperated look on his face. And I know he’s been talking to me from another room, maybe calling me to listen to something or to see something else. And I haven’t heard him because I’m listening to my book. So I pull out an ear bud, “What?” I say, “Did you say something?”
And that, my friends, that totally drives HIM nuts.
So that’s it for me this week, folks. Now it’s your turn. I’m all ears. Any listening or reading recommendations you want to make? Have at it. We’re all listening.
P.S. The links in this post are affiliate links. I have an associate relationship with Amazon. If you make a purchase after clicking my link I will earn a commission which helps to pay for the blog. And if you’d rather not make a purchase but still want to support the blog, you can always buy me a coffee.
73 thoughts on ““Listen to this. Listen to this.””
I have never listened to an audio book. I’m such a visual learner that I’m not sure it would work for me. I think I would be too easily distracted by anything and everything around me. Perhaps I should try it sometime though.
I have the same problem, Elaine, and find myself rewinding constantly because I’m sure I didn’t catch something. My best option has been to listen while chopping veggies or otherwise putting together a recipe that doesn’t require a lot of concentration. When I stop to measure and read a recipe, I always pause the book or I have to rewind for sure. Lol.
Give it a try, Elaine. You might be surprised.
So glad you mentioned Simon Vance as a narrator. He has narrated the entire series of the Aubrey/Maturin novels (Master and Commander) by Patrick O’Brian. He enhances the enjoyment because he can do so many accents but never forgets what the Aubrey or Maturin voices are.
I feel the same about the Elly Griffiths series narrated by Jane MacDowell. The Ruth Galloway series doesn’t disappoint either in plot or the voice reading them.
Thanks for highlighting one of my pleasures in life.
Jane
I like listening to the Elly Griffiths books too, Jane. A great narrator usually can do all the accents. Sometimes it’s interesting to hear them do members of the opposite sex.
I agree with you and adore audiobooks. Best thing ever, enabling me to ‘read’ when time and tiredness preclude normal reading. I listen when I’m driving or doing housework, but would never wear them walking because nature is its own book and needs to be read with all the senses – something we can’t do if we’re not present.
I am so glad you mentioned the narrator’s voice because sometimes, no matter how good a story is, a depthless voice without nuance can kill a story. I’ve passed on many samples because of that. Generally I prefer a male narrator, but am learning to like female voices. I do enjoy autobiographies read by the writer – Judy Dench, Joanna Lumley, Sam Neill, Richard E Grant, Matthew McConaughey, Sheila Hancock etc.
I hadn’t been much into thrillers but Richard Armitage enticed me when he read his own. (He does brilliant Georgette Heyers as well) And Giles Kristian’s Where Blood Runs Cold had me on the edge of my seat. I’ve now found ‘cosy mysteries’ which sound saccharine but are fun.
Thanks for a wonderful post and good suggestions.
I loved listening to Lady Glenconner read her memoir Lady in Waiting. She did a great job.
I’m not a big audio book fan , partly because I don’t like the feel of things in or on my ears & I’ve tried various ones . I’m happy with Bluetooth speakers around the house & use them whilst exercising/ironing etc but not for fiction . Autobiography yes , podcasts yes , factual books yes but I can’t seem to immerse myself in audio fiction . My mind drifts away , I lose track & even fall asleep . One audio book I really enjoyed was The Salt Path read by Anne Reid which was factual . Walks for me are about enjoying my surroundings & passing the time of day with people – murders would interrupt my ‘therapy’ 😁 . But thanks for your recommendations & I’ll look out for them in book form .
We are ‘Quick , look at this /listen to this ‘ people too . Last time was on holiday when I was pulled out of bed at 6am to see otters out of the bedroom window & I didn’t mind at all .
Sometimes I will listen to really light books that I know I probably wouldn’t enjoy reading that much. But I think the J.M. Dalgleish books would be a good read as well as a good listen. I might try listening to The Salt Path too. I love Anne Reid.
Thankfully our otters usually don’t show until around 10 am. Ha.
Someone else who matches my enjoyment and history with audiobooks!! I have been listening for many years— starting with CDs (so many CDs for one book!), ipod, now on my phone. Your discussion of what makes a good audiobook is spot on. Two of my favorites, both set in the US, are ‘The Help’ by Katheryn Stockett, narrated by Jenna Lania, Bahni Turpin, plus 2 more and ‘The Giver of Stars’ by JoJo Moyes, narrated by Julia Whelan.
Oh, gosh I remember getting all those cds from the library.
Please consider shokz or other jaw conduction headphones for safety on walls as well as your dear marriage. They use bone conduction so even if you have hearing disabilities, they transmit sound perfectly. If anyone has ever startled you, you will understand the value of these immediately. They aren’t just for city gals but they are great for those who make calls or listen to audio books.
My ear buds are not noise cancelling. I always hear traffic if I’m walking or even bikes on the trail. I’ve been told the jaw conduction ones are good though.
*walks, not walls, of course
I do like an audio book when I am sitting still but doing something – so when I am sewing or making jewellery, then I can use both parts of my brain quite comfortably. But not when I am moving about because it is like rubbing my tummy and patting my head at the same time – I can’t pay enough attention to walking/running or to the story. The Hugh Fraser audio books are wonderful, beautifully paced and his voice is almost hypnotic so perfect to listen to in bed. I think, overall, I prefer to read hard copy – like Elaine above, I am a visual learner. Nice to have options, though.
It is good to have the option of listening or reading. 🙂
Lovely photos ! I have Audible,for a while now
I multitask too much usually,but reading or listening to books are not in this category,when I walk,I walk,and when I listen to the audiobooks,I listen
So,I prefer reading (one more visual learner here) but, however, there were some books that were available only on Audible,like some of the Dervla Mc Tiernan books,like The Good Turn,(now there is a Kindle version,too,and yay! the fourth one is out!!!)or situations (after my cataract surgery), so I started to listen to the books (and,same as you,I try to find very long books to use my credits every month :))
The narrator is so important as well,so your recommendations are very useful. As I’m more concentrated while reading,I choose more biographies or something similar,currently listening to P. Gregory’s The Constant Princess
I was thinking about J.M. Dalgliesh for some time,so great to know,I’ll try them in books
Dottoressa
The Constant Princess is my favourite Phillippa Gregory book. Mum and I both loved that series. Some books are too good to only listen to though. Like Dervla McTiernan or Tana French. I’ve gone back and listened to old books I already read from Ruth Rendell’s Wexford series. My goodness they were well written.
I’ve been plowing through the Robert Galbraith books – reading, not listening. The books become longer as the series develops – too long, in my opinion. Unnecessarily long. I just finished The Ink Black Heart and it almost convinced me to give up. I didn’t, but I’m taking a break before reading The Running Grave. I’ll read it before the new book is released in September; in the meantime I’ve pivoted to the new Anthony Horowitz “Atticus Pund” book, which is delightful (I listened to the previous book in the series on Audible and the narration was a treat).
Thanks, as always, for the book-focussed posts!
I kind of lost track of the Horowitz books between reading and watching the series with Lesley Manville. We are currently watching the Foyle’s War series starting back at the beginning. They were written by Horowitz. And you’re right the Galbraith books are getting longer and longer. I think that’s why I like to listen to them. It’s a lot of listening for only one credit. 🙂
My hearing aids are bluetooth-enabled, so audiobooks and my library memberships have changed my life. My husband was showing signs of frustration when he would start chatting, and I wouldn’t respond because I was listening to a book. So now, I just tap my ear whenever he walks into the room so he knows that I’m “not here”, as he puts it. My reading life has grown exponentially, thanks to your recommendations. I agree that the narrator makes a big difference.
My husband can’t believe that I can have one book that I’m reading and one that I’m listening to and not get them mixed up. I always say it’s like actors at the Stratford Festival. They are always in more than one play at a time. They might be Juliet in the morning and Lady Macduff in the evening performance, and they almost never get them mixed up apparently.
I just wanted to add that you can get some great audiobooks/ebooks from your local public library branch. Of course, for free. You’ll need to download these two apps: Library Cloud and Hoopla. I’ve used them while I was in Portugal for the winter. No need to purchase books. Easy renewal if you’re not done in time. I also got my husband hooked on these platforms.
Yes, I love the library audiobooks. I am always in the queue for books I want to listen to. Sometimes I will put my name on the list for both the book and the audio, and see which comes in first.
My brother has an Audible subscription and has gifted me a couple books, and I’ve purchased a few myself. Some books seem easier for me to concentrate on than others, but like Elaine above, I’m a visual learner, so I have to be in the right mood to appreciate an audiobook.
I’m always in the mood for an audiobook. But I can’t listen if I have to concentrate on another task. When I need to concentrate on a recipe, or count stitches when I’m knitting I have to stop the audio. But for walking or when doing housework they are wonderful.
So enjoy reading your thoughtful posts. It what I do the first thing every Sunday morning!
Thank you.
Enjoyed your post as always Sue. I have recently started listening to books, so I can knit in the evenings. I download through Libby. This is through BC libraries. I had to return a couple early, .because the narrators voice irritated me! However I listened to The Dutch House by Ann Patchet. It was narrated by Tom Hanks. Absolutley brilliant. Highly reccomend.
Audio books are perfect for knitting. I have trouble looking up and down and up and down when I knit and watch tv at the same time.
Thanks, Judy.
I so appreciate this post. A life long reader now in my 80s it seems time to make the switch to audiobooks. My vision is worsening and audiobooks will be a lifeline! Thank you for the recommendations; good narration is so important!
Good luck, Kate. My friend’s mum began to lose her sight and she was an avid reader. Audio books were a godsend for her.
I have been listening to books for years. First on cassettes then digitally. I don’t use ear buds I use my phone speaker so I can hear what is going on around me. I don’t think I can fall asleep without my audible book. I usually am listening to two. My book club selection and my nighttime one which has to have a great voice and be interesting enough to hold my attention but not keep me awake. I set the time for end of chapter.
Unfortunately I read that most books in the very near future will be narrated by AI. I have listened to samples but they are like just listening to some read aloud. Pitiful. I think that will bring back physical books but they will be so expensive and in the US the future libraries of this regime will only hold propaganda or lose funding.
I use the speaker on my phone too if I’m home alone. I didn’t know you could set a timer on them. I must try that. I can imagine the AI narrated ones will be terrible if the AI on social media is any example. Wrong intonations everywhere.
Je j’apprécie pas les livres audio…
Je n’aime pas me couper du monde qui m’entoure et j’ai du mal à rester concentrée.
C’est très différent en ce qui concerne la musique qui me permet de réfléchir ,de m’évader…
En Provence , c’est presque le début de l’été.
Les rosiers sont en fleurs,les plantes vivaces s’étoffent..
La chaleur oblige déjà a arroser les pelouses.
J’aurais beaucoup aimé partager mon jardin avec vous .
Les jardins racontent tous une histoire ,reflètent une vie …
I imagine your garden is beautiful, Celia. 🙂
This sounds like fun and could be nice to fill time when one is sitting still but with hands busy. I like Rosamund Pike and could enjoy her readings of Jane Austen. That said, I don’t like distraction while walking in nature so don’t even listen to music when out.
Not a criticism of your post at all and I respect others’ preferences, but I have to note that I’m completely against Amazon with their treatment of labour and now Bezos with his capitulation to the administration threatening this country. Absolutely not a dollar of mine is going to them. Haven’t ordered from them in several years. Unfortunately, this is where we are now and I’m boycotting as many American goods and services as I can. Not always easy but it’s a matter of principle and respect. I’m sorry for the small businesses that will suffer in some cases but not for Bezos!
I hear you, Stephanie. I have been wrestling with that idea for months. Amazon is pretty much my main form of renumeration for the blog, now. I have tried twice to become an affiliate of Indigo. You have to apply to the company that manages their affiliate marketing, which is in the states. Both times I applied and never heard back. The second time I found a contact for affiliates on the Indigo website and wrote to ask for their assistance, and never heard back. Not sure what is going on there. 🙁
Ah that’s good to know. Sorry to hear that.
PS Have been struggling myself with a few difficulties in avoiding American hosted services and also own a Mac….not easy in many cases to extract oneself. Fortunately I have Android phones and deleted most major social media accounts proactively in 2019.
My husband walks with podcasts through the nature trails not far from home. I think it sad that he does not just enjoy the sounds of nature, even if that is the absolute silence. I much prefer to walk, look around, maybe stop to admire a wild flower, listen to the birds, chat briefly with a fellow walker, or get lost in my own thoughts.
Like others have said, audio books lose my attention, unlike a good paper copy. Perhaps, I just haven’t landed on an engaging narrator.
I think it sweet that your hubby still enjoys the little things in life and wants to engage you. I hope you mostly respond because one day you may miss that disruption. Listen to this…
Oh, I always respond when he calls. Mostly anyway. Unless I’m wrangling sheets. Ha.
I’m with Wendy! Bluetooth enabled hearing aids and Ottawa Public library! Also, phone calls and texts – direct to hearing aids! Thanks for all this info, Sue. So much to learn as we go along…
OPL is the best. 🙂
Audiobooks have been a lifeline for my daily walks. I began during COVID as much for my mental as physical health. And though I live in a beautiful area and often cover stretches where I take a listening break to absorb my surroundings, I also cover familiar territory most days, and listening to a compelling book powers me through. A good narrator is key, but I also love an interesting subject matter. I listen to fiction, and also history, memoir, philosophy, psychology, science, travel, you name it. I’ve seen the world, solved a few mysteries, and learned a lot through the magic of audiobooks. They don’t replace the feeling of tracing my fingers over a physical page, but I’m happy to set out in the morning with a great book in my ear, eager to cover some ground while a story or subject matter unfolds.
You’re right, Wendy. The audio books don’t replace the real thing. But they are a lovely companion.
Audiobook recommendations:
James, you will think it’s Slave Jim talking.
The Dutch House
The Covenant of Water- very long but great
The Henna Artist
Thanks for the suggestions, Debbie. 🙂
Good morning, I recently switched listening to podcasts, when I can’t sleep, and decided to try an audiobook. I have just begun My NextBreath: A Memoir. Jeremy Renner’s narrates his story after his near death accident. Incredible story of strength, both physically and mentally.
Thank you for your post which I enjoy reading a lot.
Thanks for the recommendation Lise. 🙂
Audio books are something I just can’t get into, except for lulling me to sleep. Honestly, nothing does a better job than someone reading to me. I guess I am a visual learner. I don’t like the feeling of something in my ears, although I do wear my hearing aids when necessary, like for doctor visits or when mingling with friends. Outside, I just want to enjoy the feeling of digging in the dirt, strolling through nature and enjoying the scenery. I almost envy the people who can listen to someone reading!
I can’t listen in bed, though.
Let’s HEAR it for audiobooks! 🙂 I am a long time listener, and always have an audiobook in progress. I use the Libby app through my public library (and also avoid supporting Amazon as another commenter mentioned). There are an amazing number of available books! I will listen while gardening, walking 4 miles early in the day, running on the treadmill in the afternoon, or while cooking, doing laundry or housecleaning. I also always have a physical book going that is read at other times, especially in bed each evening. (Earbuds and side sleeping don’t mix well.)
Narrators definitely make a difference. I have learned to dig into the library listing to be sure a book is not read by one particular woman. If that’s the case, I’ll put the physical book on hold instead!
Recently, my husband has taken up reading books again, and is now into audiobooks as well. He is frequently extolling the joys of both reading and listening, which I find so amusing after I’ve been doing both for so many years.
Always love a good book post, Sue, and will check out your recommendations, although I do have more than 800 books on my “For Later” list at the library!
Thanks, Julia. Yes, ear buds don’t work for me in bed either.
May I suggest looking into Libro.fm. They allow you to pick any independent bookstore and a small portion of the purchase goes to that bookstore. I switch my store monthly so I can share the wealth.
I’ve switched too Libro.fm because I really try not to support Amazon as much as I use too.
To avoid using Amazon, I’ve been trying to get on as an affiliate with the Canadian bookstore Indigo with no luck. Thanks for suggesting Libro.fm. I just checked them out and they support bookstores all over. the world, including here in Ottawa. They also have an affiliate program.
My husband also likes to ask me to come have a look at things. Frequently it is his paintings, asking for my advice (I am not an artist, but can at least offer an opinion). I am willing to stop whatever I am doing to go offer my 2 cents. It helps us stay connected. He is equally supportive of my sewing efforts, though usually I can bring the project to him for a look.
I am not an audio book fan. I have tried them. They just could not hold my concentration, but I tried them while driving which made me nervous. Perhaps I should give it another go to try with knitting. I love to walk outside with no device. I don’t even take my phone unless absolutely necessary (I walk in neighborhoods, nowhere remote). Thank you for the great suggestions, regardless.
You’re welcome, Mary.
I started listening to audio books when my eyes didn’t want to read at night any more. Audio books have kept my reading world open ~ invaluable to me!!
That’s good to hear, Susan. No pun intended. 🙂
Fun post Sue! Just wanted to share a tip about making the bed that a friend recently suggested and it works well. Start with one corner at the top, then go around to the other side to put the next corner on at the bottom. So you’re working on the diagonal. It’s so much easier to put the last two corners on.
Hope it’s helpful! I’m still recovering from a broken arm, less strength than I had before, and now I can change sheets by myself.
I will try that next time I change the sheets! Thanks, Deanne.
I love listening to audiobooks! I get them through my Library, with Libby. I’m retired, but my husband is still working. That means I’m home by myself often. I’m just as likely to have my phone tucked into my bra, speaker side up, as using my earbuds!
For the visual learners, which I am too, just choose something light and entertaining. It’s sure nice to have a distraction when I’m doing a big housecleaning!
I use Libby too, Lisa. And just use my speaker on the phone when I’m home alone. The pocket in my gardening apron works well for the phone too.
“He waited. ‘That’s it”, I said, ‘That’s the title of my new post.”
I totally laughed out loud at that point!
Thanks for the “how-to’s”. Very helpful. I’m not a very good auditory book listener. Conversations, I’m all in. Books, no. Like another reader, I am constantly replaying in order to not miss anything.
Glad you got a chuckle out of that, Charlene. 🙂
I have listened to audiobooks more and more lately, always while doing something else — knitting, driving, housework, or occasionally when walking on my own (but my normal walking routine is with a friend). I feel as if my listening stamina has increased. At first I listened only to favourite books that were very familiar to me because I knew that if my attention wandered momentarily, I would not have lost the plot. I have gradually added in books that are new to me, and am finding now that my attention seldom wanders significantly.
I still overall much prefer a book in my hands, but when my hands are busy with other things, audiobooks have been a great way to fit more reading into my life.
I may have already mentioned this commenting on a previous post, but Gildart Jackson is an excellent narrator of the Peter Grainger DI Smith series.
I did the same, Denise. I started with books I already knew. Like old Ruth Rendell or Agatha Christie. Now I’m much better able to follow a new story. I must go back to listen to old Peter Grainger books. Thanks for the suggestion. 🙂
The DI Smith series is responsible for both converting me to audiobooks AND converting me to mysteries! I listened to them all, carried on to the Louise Penny series, and on I’ve gone! Thanks for the recommendations!
I love the DC Smith series. I think he is a really good writer. I’m glad you are enjoying being a mystery convert. 🙂
thank you for the audiobook recommendations. i only got into audiobooks a couple of years ago and find they work beautifully for me while i am gardening or embroidering. i cant just sit and listen to an audiobook because i get distracted. i dont get lost in an audiobook the way i do in an actual book. i have tried for years to enjoy ebooks too, especially for travelling when they would be so useful. it just doesnt work for me unfortunately. i completely agree with you that the narrator makes or breaks an audio book.
Ebooks are so good for travel. No more packing books. Everything is on my ipad. I actually hadn’t tried them until I read an article in which Ruth Rendell said there’s nothing better than being on holiday on a small island, finishing your book at midnight, and being able to download a new one instantaneously. And I thought, if it’s good enough for Ruth Rendell, then it’s good enough for me. They did take some getting used to, though.
Have you listened to Raynor Winn read her book ‘’The Salt Path’’? That’s a challenge.
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