Audiobooks: Not just for commuters!

I have developed a real fondness for audiobooks over the last year.

Doubtless, they are great for commuters, but they are also wonderful to listen to while doing crafts, household chores, or just doing nothing. Last summer, I spent many a happy hour in my backyard lounge chair listening to "The Help" isolated from the sounds of lawn mowers and central vacuum motors.

I am impressed by the quality of the readings - the voices and accents can be quite compelling. The peppy Southern waitress Sookie Stackhouse and the rich Botswana accent of Mma Ramotswe add an interesting texture to the story. Malcolm Gladwell's popular books, Tipping Point, Blink, and Outliers are even more engaging when read by the author.

Until the Library started subscribing to online audiobook services (Overdrive and iTunes) , I was spending quite a lot of money on this new habit. Occasionally, I will have to place a hold and wait for a bestselling audiobook (I am 16th in line for Dear John on Overdrive!), but the overall savings is substantial.

Happy Listening!