Audiobooks - General

I love reading, but I also listen to audiobooks on a regular basis. Normally, this is when I have to walk somewhere or do some physical work (such as decorating), and I can double up my efforts and enjoy a book at the same time. However, it can also be the case that elderly people will listen to audiobooks because their eyesight has diminished. Audiobooks are all about having a story read to you, and these days generally they are found on CD. There are a few things you have to think about before shelling out on what is undoubtedly an expensive way to cover a text: 1) Is the story abridged? You need to look for unabridged copies, as these contain the ...  Read the complete review

The printed word is an art form adored by millions. Books transcend all manner of language, creed, philosophy and ultimately bridges gaps that, at times, little else can. A tangent of the written word is audio. For the first time, I recently tried an audio book and wanted to draw people's attention to an overlooked form of entertainment. I intend to review the specifics of the audio book involved sometime soon (when the category gets added!) but feel it's worth pointing out some of the pros and cons of my recent experience. Basically, audio books are tapes of stories that can be listened too as opposed to reading. You might be surprised by the ...  Read the complete review

Once upon a time many years ago in a land not to far away I was given my first audio book, it was an abridged version of The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett read to me by Tony Robinson and I found it a joy to listen to. I have since bought many audio books and BBC Radio/TV shows on tape. I found they fitted into my busy lifestyle very easily and I regularly enjoy listen to them on my way to and from work, on the train, to just relax at home with or to gently lull you to sleep. I really like audio books however as with everything there are problems with audio books, mainly it is availability, not all books are put onto tape or if they are they ...  Read the complete review

I travel back and fore from Scotland to Wales which is a long haul but a really good way to pass the time is to listen to a talking book. Even if you are driving, you can still concentrate on the road and get into the story you are hearing. I find that many of the service stations have bargain buckets in their shops. Take a look in them and you may well find some interesting talking books. I think they are a brilliant idea because they open up a new world to people who may be unable, for some reason or another, be able to read and know the joys of 'the novel'. I used to have Macbeth on tape, it wore out in time. I would play ...  Read the complete review

I have to travel over an hour to work each morning and elevate the boredom by listening to audiotapes in my car. There are wide ranges of tapes available to suit all tastes. I particularly enjoy mystery stories such as those written by Agatha Christie. I find audiotapes help me to stay stress free when I’m driving without causing me to lose concentration. There are now thousands of audiotapes available so you should have no problem finding something to your taste. I rarely buy an audiotape, as it is much cheaper to borrow from the library. On average I pay about £2 for 3 weeks hire, not bad when you consider some audiotapes such as Harry Potter can cost ...  Read the complete review