Wednesday, September 15, 2010

2010 BBAW - New Discovery


Today, we've been asked to come up with something new that we've tried as a result of fellow book bloggers' recommendations!

Unexpected Treasure
We invite you to share with us a book or genre you tried due to the influence of another blogger.  What made you cave in to try something new and what was the experience like?

This one is easy for me because what I've "discovered" is relatively recent. Just a few days ago, I finished listening to my first audio book -- DARKLY DREAMING DEXTER (my review.)

So many of my good book blogger friends as well as my friends on Twitter have been telling me that I need to give audio books a try. I must say that they have never really appealed to me because I love holding a book in my hands and turning the pages. However, I do see the appeal of audio books for travel (although I always seem to have my children with me in the car so it's not exactly feasible at this point in my life.)

I finally took advantage of a free audio book and decided to listen to it while I walk/run in the mornings. I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to workout without music, but I eventually got used to hearing just words. I must admit that it took me awhile to get back up to my three mile a day run without music, but I am now able to listen to a book every morning while I get my workout in. I love that I get some extra reading time!

I'm still not sure that I love audio books in the same way that I love physically holding a book, but I will say that I liked the experience enough to start book 2 in the Dexter series right after I finished the first one!

What about you? Is there anything new that you've tried as a result of book bloggers?

Also, what are some of your "must-read" audio books?

10 comments:

Nicole (Linus's Blanket) said...

I agree completely about holding a book in your hands That's why I have not yet purchased an e-reader. But I do find a good audiobook does wonders for chores around the house.

Sandy Nawrot said...

It makes my heart sing when someone discovers the beauty of audio! Tana French's audios are fabulous with their Irish accents. Harry Potter series is incredible. The Stieg Larsson trilogy is most excellent as it is narrated by my man Simon Vance. I could go on and on and on.

bermudaonion said...

Peer pressure's not always a bad thing! Read by the right person, an audiobook can be a wonderful experience.

Anonymous said...

I don't normally listen to audiobooks either but so many people seem to love it. I think I listened to a free CD with extracts once and I found it soothing and easy to listen to. So maybe I should try it. I also avoid running (because I'm so slow and find it difficult) but maybe if I listened to a book instead of music I can kill two birds with one stone:)

Alyce said...

I didn't listen to audiobooks prior to blogging either, and now I've got one in the car and one on my MP3 player. We listen to Harry Potter a lot in the car so I don't have to worry about the kids hearing something they shouldn't. I listen to my MP3 player with headphones while I'm cleaning the house or working in the kitchen.

I've also tried Steampunk and graphic novels as a result of blogging.

Heather J. @ TLC Book Tours said...

So glad you gave audiobooks a try - I think you already know that I'm a huge fan of them. :)

Nise' said...

I love audiobooks for walking too! I tried music when my iPod needed charging and took my son's with music, just was not the same!

Lydia said...

I have some of the same reservations about audio books.

One of the biggest problems is I tend to start thinking and tune the words out - but I want to try to give them a try again (just signed up for Audible) to see if it'll help with my workouts! I get bored just listening to music and think it will help.

Anonymous said...

I gave audiobooks a shot after the influence of other bloggers, especially Jen from Devourer of Books. Unfortunately, they weren't for me.

Sheila (Bookjourney) said...

The Help on audio is FANTASTIC! I also would recommend The Kite Runner. I love audio and listen to it when I get ready in the morning, in the kitchen and in my car.