Next month I have TWO — count ’em, TWO — trips to Kentucky and some genius (I honestly cannot remember who or I’d give linkage credit) suggested I listen to an audio book to pass the time.
(You know, I’m thinking it was AB. Thanks AB!)
Anyways, I’ve never listened to an audio book before and while I know they’re quite popular with the iPod set (is that who listens to them? I don’t really know what I’m talking about…), I don’t even know where to begin. There are a couple things I’d like to read, but I love holding my precious books so I think I my maiden voyage, so to speak, should be with something a little different.
Here’s where you come in. I need suggestions. Preferably for something that won’t put me to sleep nor make me bawl my eyes out. If it’s sad, I’ll cry. Period. Can’t have that while driving 80mph. Nuh-uh.
I’m not a big fantasy person and horror scares me more than is really healthy for an individual, but I’m open to most anything else. Something like a Chelsea Handler biography would rock.
Hmm… maybe I’ll just do that…
Nah, I really could use your suggestions!
Most of my spoken-word audio collection is made up of old radio shows and radio plays, and even though they aren’t what you asked for I suggest you give them consideration. The rousing orchestra intros, the OTT dialogue, distilled film noir without the restrictions placed on visual representations. The Green Hornet or Shadow radio shows are particularly fun.
For proper audiobooks… Umm… Yeah, it turns out that the majority of the ones I’ve listened to are probably not what you want to be listening to. Julie Burchill’s Ambition? Yeesh. It was only because it was on sale, I swear.
I’m no help here, but have fun on your trip…
awp
Sorry, Love. Twasn’t I. Good luck w/ your quest. Sounds like a great idea!
Anything by David Sedaris is great to listen to in the car. I also enjoyed listening to Obama read his first book “Dreams About My Father”. It’s pretty entertaining b/c he does the different voices of the different characters. He won a Grammy for it.
I second the David Sedaris reco. Love him.
*Poke poke poke*
Audible.com 😉
First book is free!
Adam, who’s never used ’em either.
Audio books are great for sitting in traffic. I am usually buying Mr. Turkey one or two for his daily commutes. (He likes sports and sci-fis and thrillers.) I think audio books that are similar to ‘beach reading’ would work best. Perhaps something by Sophie Kinsella. (I know its fantasy, but Potter is worth checking out.) Also, since you have a fancy phone, you could download a bunch of podcasts and plug the phone to your stereo. (Something else Mr. Turkey does.) Have a great trip!
Audible.com is awesome. 🙂 And I LOVE the Stephanie Plum series in audiobook. I’ve read it on paper, but Glenn and I listen to it in the car, over and over. We DIE laughing, tears rolling down our face. I’d say it’s a MUCH better listen than read.
I’ve had mixed results with the audio book thing… but one that has always stayed with me, since my days driving up to Michigan, was one read by Steve Matin. Shopaholic I think? Ask BB… she will definitely know. I in fact own it on disc. I would tell you, that it really REALLY makes a difference who is doing the reading. Maybe i just really like Steve Martin so anything by him would be good.
I have to agree with kreyfish. It makes a huge difference who is doing the reading.
That was going to be my comment as well. You have to jive with the narrator, otherwise the experience will drive you crazy.
I love audio books. I listen to them on my ipod when I’m doing laundry, the dishes, or when trying to fall asleep (stops my mind from wandering).
I usually grab a bunch from the library and then copy them onto my computer, then ipod.
I just started Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book and it’s narrated by Neil himself and he has a lovely English accent.
I also enjoyed the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime.
And the David Sedaris ones were good too.
Let me know if you have any questions cause I listen to audio books all the time.
Not a big fantasy person? *pouts* Well, if I’d known earlier about how you feel about us fantasy people… ; )
I’ve only done one audiobook, and that was The Virgin Suicides. I was unsure how I’d like the whole being-read-to thing, but found it surprisingly fun. It’s kind of nice puttering around and having someone tell you a story.
Sorry I can’t recommend any other than the one above (it wasn’t sad to me). Hope you find a good one.
I love audiobooks! I used to drive 5 hrs from So. Oregon to Portland twice a month while dating my husband so logged in a ton of audio miles. I listened to the classics (Pride & Prejudice, Jane Eyre), travelogues of different countries where they told the history of the place while you supposedly drive through it, and a lot of Anne Rice. Nowadays, I’d get the entire Plum selection!
maybe you could get brooke to give up her copy of the devil wears prada?
Thanks for the suggestions everyone! I’ll respond more fully when I come up for air…
I really like all these ideas. That’s a great point about the narrator — I hadn’t really thought much about that. I guess that’s the difference between gramma or the creepy next-door neighbor reading you a bedtime story.
Yes! Audible.com is awesome. It will load it onto your itunes, and then you plug your ipod into the computer and drag the book from itunes into your ipod.
I listen to books constantly. Any David Sedaris book is great. He narrates them himself, and he is wonderful. I really liked “Envy” by Sandra Brown as an audio. “Bel Canto” by Anne Pratchett was wonderful.
I was the one who suggested audio books. I listen to audio books frequently.
🙂
Especially on long trips.
The reader makes a huge different. I’d avoid anything by Brilliance Audio – they happen to have some really cheesy readers.
Also, don’t listen to Scott Brick read anything. He drives me insane. I’ve had to stop listening to what I thought would be good stories because him reading them made me cringe so badly I could have wrecked my car.
Thaaaaaat’s right.