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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[–] bundes_sheep@lemmy.one 2 points 2 years ago (3 children)

I originally thought I would like them, but I apparently don't multitask very well. I lose the thread if I'm doing something else and I also apparently read much faster than people speak and I can't as easily skip passages like I can when I'm reading. Because of this, it just seems strange to sit still and listen to a book for hours straight. It should probably also feel weird to just sit still and read a book for hours at a time, but I guess I've normalized that.

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[–] sebinspace@lemmy.world 2 points 2 years ago

I know he isn’t supposed to be likable, but whoever chose the VA for Paul Atredes needs to find a different line of work

[–] OhmsLawn@lemmy.world 2 points 2 years ago

With the right narrator, I absolutely love them. The lady and I listen to them after work most nights. It lets us both do our own thing, but also have some shared experience. Better than TV, anyway.

[–] Fedegenerate@lemmynsfw.com 2 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

I love audiobooks. They're easy to fit into found time, mostly as bed time reading, I just set it going and fall asleep. It's a win-win, if I'm constantly re-reading the same chapter it's because I'm getting lots of sleep. If I can't sleep, at least I'm getting through the book.

Reading a physical/e book means I'm awake with energy and willingness to do something, sure I could read, but I could be doing something else. I read a lot more as a kid, but I also had fewer responsibilities. Also less access to motorcycles, games consoles, bars etc.

[–] marcos@lemmy.world 1 points 2 years ago (5 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.

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[–] Fredselfish@lemmy.world 1 points 2 years ago

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

[–] newtraditionalists@kbin.social 1 points 2 years ago

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

[–] PseudoSpock@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 2 years ago

Requires it be both a good book and an awesome narrator. No fricking Wil Wheaton!!! Just shut up Wesley!!!

[–] rufus@discuss.tchncs.de 1 points 2 years 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.

[–] reverendsteveii@lemm.ee 1 points 2 years 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.

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

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

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

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

[–] elephantium@lemmy.world 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

You've heard of sleepwalking. Why not sleepreading?

[–] KrakBamKrak@lemm.ee 1 points 2 years ago

I like you...your humor sounds as twisted as mine! Don't ever change!

[–] Arthur_Leywin@lemmy.world 1 points 2 years 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 2 years 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.

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