Audiobooks: A game changer

Okay so I’m probably super late to the game but wow, I am totally hooked on audiobooks.

I have always been the type of person who needs the physical book in my hands. I can’t read a book on a tablet or a kindle or on my phone. I cannot stand reading on a screen. Even all my college papers – I had to print them to proofread them. So it just never occurred to me that I would like listening to a book. However, I’ve been super into podcasts lately (specifically Crime Junkie and Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard) so I think that helped cure my audiobook skepticism.

My friend and I recently realized we have The Bachelor/Bachelorette in common. She told me I had to read Bachelor Nation by Amy Kaufman and that it’s a must for all bach fans. In the midst of moving and getting a new job and reading my book club book, I told her I just didn’t have the time. Then she suggested Audible! I explained to her my hesitation but she insisted that I’d love it.

A few days later, I was off to Jersey and decided to give listening to Bachelor Nation a try during my three hour drive. I was immediately hooked. I couldn’t believe how fast my drive felt and how into the book I was. I really didn’t think I would like not having the physical book in my hand but boy was I wrong. It was just like listening to my podcasts but better because it lasted way longer. I also liked that I still felt myself getting giddy for the next chapter just like I do with my usual books. I couldn’t want for the narrator to “flip the page” and continue.

I finished Bachelor Nation in just over seven hours so it took my trip to Jersey and then some. Once I was finished and went back to listening to the radio while driving, I realized it was time to download my next audiobook. Last month, I had rented Gone to Dust by Matt Goldman from the library but never had the chance to read it because I have been so busy. But it sounded so good and I was sad about returning it so I decided to use an old iTunes gift card and buy it for iBooks.

With my hour commute to work both ways, I finished the book in less than a week! At work I would find myself so excited to leave just so I could listen to my book which is the same exact way I feel when I’m reading a really good book. Gone to Dust? 10/10! It was so good and kept me hooked the entire time. I love a good mystery.

Now, I’m reading my book club’s book of the month All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin. I’m not thrilled about the people they chose to narrate but thankfully the story is keeping me interested. I normally avoid books that alternate character points of view each chapter but this format is less annoying while listening instead of reading.

I’m taking another trip to Jersey tomorrow and I hope this book lasts me my whole trip! However, once I get on the beach you bet I’ll have a physical book in my hand. My friend lended me One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus. She said it was really good and I’m excited to physically flip some pages under the sun with my toes in the sand.

So for those of you who keep saying “I really want to starting reading” but don’t have the time, start listening!! I promise you’ll love it.