Audiobooks are changing the way we consume books along with our definition of "reading." They are an alternative to traditional reading but there are many more reasons why you should listen to audiobooks.
I've been listening to audiobooks regularly for about a year and they are now embedded in my routine. It started because I wanted to "read" while commuting but they are helpful even when I'm at home all day. I've read so many audiobooks in the past year and some of them have become my favourites.
So today, I want to push the audiobook agenda on y'all.
reasons why you should listen to audiobooks
There are several reasons to pick up audiobooks but I want to highlight how they improve our reading and lifestyle.
1. they allow multitasking
Previously, I always had to choose between reading and other activities. With audiobooks, the amount of possible time for consuming books has drastically increased.
Now I listen to audiobooks when going through my morning routine, doing illustrations, and even while doing chores at home. Audiobooks actually make me want to do boring activities because they are not so boring anymore.
2. audiobooks help when reading regular books is hard
There are some books that are just hard to read or your attention span may not be great. At those times, audiobooks can greatly help.
A ton of readers also listen to audiobooks and read at the same. They swear by it saying that it improves listening comprehension and helps keep their attention on the book.
Audiobooks make books accessible to everybody too. People who find reading hard due to any reason can now consume books without having to read.
3. they elevate the reading experience
Audiobooks with the right narrators just hit differently. I've listened to some audiobooks that I know I would have enjoyed lesser as print copies or ebooks. Some audiobooks also have audio effects to amplify the feeling.
Audiobooks also help with the pronunciation of characters names and other words.
4. audiobooks are convenient
All you have to do is press play, anywhere and anytime. There is nothing extra to carry around or fit in your bag.
Audiobooks are also very easy to get into. Once you play the audiobook, within minutes you're fully immersed in the book no matter what genre.
There are several audiobook services around the world with different kinds of systems. At least one of them will work for your preferences and routine.
5. audiobooks give your eyes a break
This is the biggest benefit for me and it should be considered as a big benefit by everyone. We spend so much time looking at screens, especially nowadays, and strain them. All of us need to give our eyes a break.
Audiobooks help reduce strain on the eyes because they don't need you to actually read. You can just listen. Your eyes get breaks even as you smash your reading goals.
how to incorporate audiobooks into your routine
When starting out with audiobooks, it will take some time to get used to them and make them a part of your day. You can be thinking "when can I listen to audiobooks? I'm so busy!"
But there are several opportunities to listen to audiobooks even when one is at home.
The easiest way is to replace music with audiobooks. If you listen to music when doing chores or when doing other mindless tasks, replace it with an audiobook!
Here are some more specific times when you can listen to audiobooks:
- When you're on a walk or are doing an exercise routine.
- While doing chores at home.
- In gaps of time between two schedules. I like to pick up audiobooks in between other scheduled events that have a small time gap.
- When you're bored or tired. If you're taking a break or resting by lying down, play an audiobook and close your eyes!
- During self-care routines. If you maintain proper skincare or other forms of self-care routines every day, these times are perfect for audiobooks.
- While pursuing another hobby like drawing, cooking, or photography.
- Right after waking up. If you need a little extra kick to wake up in the mornings, audiobooks can be good for that.
- Before going to bed. Calming books can help you wind down and relax before sleeping.
This is a limited list. Based on your lifestyle, there will be multiple times where you can easily incorporate audiobooks without compromising anything.
5 amazing audiobooks to start with
First impressions are highly important and that goes for audiobooks as well. Your first audiobook pick is quite important because it can get you instantly obsessed or can turn you away from audiobooks.
So here are some great audiobooks to start with that are guaranteed to get you obsessed with the medium.
The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai
The Right Swipe is an adult rivals-to-lovers romance between high-profile people of two companies in the dating industry. The story is amazing, the characters are amazing, and the writing is easy to get into.
I listened to this as an audiobook and LOVED IT. The book is one of my favourites in the romance genre. You can check out my review for detailed thoughts.
Love From A to Z by S. K. Ali
This book is about Zayneb and Adam who cross paths when they travel to Doha, Qatar and life brings them together more often. They have very different lives but grow closer to each other and get through obstacles together.
I absolutely loved this book and recommend it to anyone who has not read it. Besides the romance, the book deals with racism and chronic illness. It is a book that will pull on your heartstrings and remain in your thoughts for a long time.
The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi
This is a historical fiction set in Jaipur, India that will completely absorb you. It follows Lakshmi who ran away from an abusive marriage and lives as a henna artist with a dream of owning her own home. The book deals with casteism, abuse, sexism, and more.
The audiobook narrator has done such a good job of bringing Lakshmi and Jaipur to life. Every time I listened to this audiobook, I was transported into the scene and was entranced by the story.
The City of Brass by S. A. Chakraborty
If you're a fantasy fan, The City of Brass is an AMAZING pick. It follows Nahri, a girl who lived a normal life, as she gets entangled in the world of the djinn and has to learn to survive under a legacy she wasn't aware of.
The audiobook is magical, immersive, thrilling, and engaging. The world-building is top-notch and the characters are brilliant. It is slightly longer than the average book but is so worth it.
The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee
This book follows five girls from very different backgrounds whose lives intersect in a stunning dystopian world where technology is highly advanced. It is a thrilling book that will raise the stakes and will not let you go until the end.
This was my first 5-star audiobook and I'm sure that I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much if I had read it as an ebook or paperback. The narration just takes everything to the next level, especially the adrenaline.
For more audiobook recommendations, check out 21 books to read in 2021.
let's chat
Are you an audiobook fan? Why do you like listening to audiobooks?
What are your favourite audiobooks so far? Have you listened to any of the books that I mentioned? Tell me in the comments!
This post is FANTASTIC!!!! ? I wish everyone would read this haha ? I love audiobooks for when I'm in a reading slump and have a hard time picking up a physical book! I agree that audiobooks elevate the reading experience, especially if the narrators are very good! Getting to hear the tone behind the dialogue is priceless. I'm also writing down your lists and adding them to my audiobook TBR! ?
Thank you, Karla! Narrators can do so much to a book by using emotions in their voice. It takes books to another level itself. I hope you enjoy the books! ?
Totally agree with the reasons you listed! Listening to audiobooks makes you do something else other than reading a book and it doesn’t hurt your eyes from too much screen time. Although I haven’t tried an audiobook yet, I’ve been fascinated by the perks of it. Plus, the voiceover is so soothing. Love this! Thanks for sharing!
http://www.lifebeginsattwenty.com
Do try audiobooks sometime! They'll help a lot ?
Audiobooks totally changed my life! I read so much more and it’s so much easier as I have one eye that suffers from a scarred cornea. Great post and I’d never heard of storytel.
Thank you! I'm glad that audiobooks help you as well. Storytel is a newer service which came up only a few years back and is picking up steam ?
I really need to listen to some more audio books. I love the multitasking idea. For me It’d be when I’m out walking the dog. Thank you for sharing your recommendations too!
Claire.x
http://www.clairemac.co.uk
That would be a perfect time to listen to audiobooks! Do try them ?
This is a phenomenal post ? audiobooks are such a blessing and are especially helpful in reading more when super busy.
I started listening to audiobooks back in 2017, it was a little difficult to get into and hard since back then audible was the only source but it was expensive af but ever since audible reduced its prices y audiobook listening when way up
Over the course of last year I didn’t read as many audiobooks but this year since I’ve started using Storytel I’ve been listening to way more audiobooks again and it’s been fun ?
Thank you! I agree, audiobooks are a blessing. And it's a good thing we have an alternative to audible ?
It really is ??
I used to listen to audio books loads when I was travelling lots for work and training for my half marathon! Really helped me feel better about those long commutes hah!
They're the best for such times! ?
ooh such a nice post i should really try audio books now ?
Thank you, Gauri! Do try them, they're very nice and addicting ?
I love listening to audiobooks because they’re so convenient. Although, I’m a little bit picky with the narrator’s voice haha! I also switch to audiobooks when I know I’m about to hit a reading slump and it totally works for me.
They do help with slumps and hard books! Glad to hear that you enjoy audiobooks as well ?
Can you believe I've never actually listened to an audiobook? I really need to give them a try! As there's so many benefits 🙂
You definitely should try them! They're very nice.
Audiobooks have turned into one of my favourite ways to read, I think 90% of my reading this year so far has been through audiobooks! ? And I swear, you're gonna make me a romance reader one of these days, both The Right Swipe and Love From A to Z sound fantastic!
Watch me push romance books on you even more! They deserve more readers!