It’s Audiobook Week!!! Envisioned and implemented last year by Jen from Devourer of Books, it is a time to celebrate our love of audiobooks and share it with others. Jen has some exciting events planned this week, along with a fabulous list of prizes, so you definitely need to head on over and check out all the fun. In the meantime, I’ll be gushing about them all week, sharing some of the things I have learned over the past year and trying to get you all to try them.
Last year, during the first Audiobook Week, I was a relative newbie to this particular medium. I had only listened to two or three and liked them a lot but had not become too fanatic about listening. That has definitely changed. Whether it is due to the novels to which I have been listening, the narrators, my openness to find new ways to enjoy novels or a combination of all three, I am completely in love with audiobooks. I listen to them at work and while driving alone, and that has made all the difference in whether I have a good day or not. It also is a great way to speed through the chunksters that are the Outlander series. A 48-hour audiobook is suddenly a lot more tolerable when one listens for five or six hours a day.
In the past year, I have found which novels work well for me on audio (those that do not require much effort or thinking) and those that don’t (those that require too much concentration). I have my favorite narrators – hello Bronson Pinchot and James Marsters! I have even felt comfortable putting aside an audiobook that does not work well for me. While I will never set aside a novel in print, I am not about to spend my day listening to a book where the narrator drives me insane. I did that once last year and realized that my irritation over the narrator was making me cranky. I vowed never to put myself through that again; it just isn’t worth it.
My favorite audio in the past year has to be Tina Fey’s Bossypants. I laughed until I cried, and since I was at work, it was all done silently. Choking down laughter and tears hurts quite a bit, but it was so worth it. Ms. Fey is an effortless narrator, and the memoir itself is absolutely hilarious. I highly recommend it to anyone who may be concerned about trying an audio.
I have found that I am sticking with series when it comes to audiobooks. The Harry Dresden series, the Thursday Next series, and the Outlander series are series I am working my way through via audio. James Marsters, as the narrator for the Harry Dresden novels, is amazing and pure auditory bliss. Davina Porter makes the 800 to 1,000+ page Outlander novels worthwhile with her mastery of the various accents. A good narrator makes all the difference, as can the right story when it comes to being able to concentrate and enjoy listening versus reading. When you get the right combination, it is a wonderful way to fill the silence while working.
Do you listen to audiobooks? What are your impressions? Any must-listen novels topping your list right now?
I have heard absolutely wonderful things about both the HP series and The Graveyard Book. I am definitely intrigued by the possibility of a re-read of both via audio.
Thank you so much! I'm getting ready to start book three in the Dresden series this week. I want to savor them but yet enjoy them so much that I want to listen to them all. I'm trying to give my readers a break though as well! LOL!
She is the ideal narrator for that series, isn't she?
Yes, the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde has three different narrators before they settle on the final one. I've like two out of the three, but my least favorite is the one who was selected to read the rest of the series. I adore the series but am totally hesitant about continuing via audio.
I need A FIERY CROSS to be released on Audible in an unabridged version. I'm stuck there until it is, as I enjoy listening to this series more than I did reading it.
Really good, actually. Davina Porter is an excellent narrator with an amazing capacity to adopt the nuances of all of the different accents throughout the British isles. I know some people don't like her for young Claire in the first novel, but as the rest of the series takes place when she is older, I think her voice perfect. I need A FIERY CROSS to be released in an unabridged version so that I can continue the series!
Did you love it? It's so engrossing; I was disappointed it ended so quickly. I definitely want Tina Fey to write more memoirs.
I read ROOM and loved it. I can only imagine how heartbreaking it is on audio though, actually listening to the story with such a young narrator. It has definitely garnered attention during the various audiobook awards though, so it must be excellent!
Deservedly so. It definitely warrants one of my favorite listens this year.
Oh, when you listen to the first Harry Dresden, let me know what you think!
I actually get upset if my husband wants to carpool into work because it means that I can't listen to my latest audio! Isn't that pathetic?
Not the only one by a long shot! They make the mundane so much more palatable, don't they?
Absolutely! I can't wait until you start listening to them!
The Harry Dresden series by Jim Butcher. Superb!
I listened to the entire Dresden series last year (except for Side Jobs which I read in 2011). Ever since completing Changes I have been banging my head waiting for the next novel.
Thanks for all your audiobook reviews. I always check them out when I see them on Audiobook Jukebox.
I love, love Davina Porter too!! She made me fall in love all over again with the Outlander series.
I love Davina Porter! I've read Outlander now through Voyager. I need to pick that back up. I agree with you that series are wonderful on audio, so long as the narrator doesn't change. I say "Boo!" to that!
Oooh how is the Outlander series on audio?
My recent post Shaken- Not Stirred Audio Book Challenge
I'm so glad that you liked Bossypants! I just started listening to it today for audiobook week.
Must check out Bossypants…it's been mentioned several times today!
My recent post Weekend Cooking at Lakeside Kitchen
I love series on audio. I will go and find the Dressden books! *James Marsters* Thanks! I've heard several people say that Bossypants is hilarious, I'm glad that you enjoyed it.
I just started listening to audio books last November and now find that I have to have one while in the car…unless my hubby is with me!
My intro post can be found here.
This year was the year I became addicted to audiobooks! Looks like I'm not the only one.
My recent post The Paris Wife by Paula McClain audiobook- Review
I *really* need to listen to the Dresden books. I'm with Michelle, Must. Have. James. Marsters.
My recent post 2010-2011 My Audiobook Year – Audiobook Week Discussion
Which book does James Marsters narrate? Must. Have. Immediately.
I'm like you. I was relatively new at the point last year but now I am completely addicted. Happy Audiobook week!