Audiobooks to the Rescue

September 2, 2020 — Spending more time walking, cooking, taking the dog out, exercising, or gardening during the pandemic? One great way to get double the pleasure out of these activities is to listen to a good book while you are doing them. All you need is your phone and a set of headphones, preferably Bluetooth connected.

Your editor has enjoyed some wonderful books lately. American Dirt, Where the Crawdads Sing, and Half Broke all have female protagonists with strong storylines that will carry you away as you take on your various chores and activities. Educated is an inspiring memoir of a young girl’s struggle to escape her crazy survivalist family in Idaho. Biographies like “Shoe Dog”, the story of how Phil Knight created Nike, is a fascinating listen. The Doll House by Ann Patchett, narrated by Tom Hanks, is great too.

Mrs. Topretirements just had her 10th mystery in her series, and it is available as an audiobook. The Key Lime Crime was published last month by Crooked Lane Books. She thinks it is her best, and I am looking forward to listening to it.

There are several different ways to get audiobooks. Audible.com has various monthly plans, including one at $14.95 a month that gives you a credit for one book a month. If you find you don’t like the book, you can cancel and try another. You can also send a book to a friend at no charge. Your library has ways to download their collections at no cost. Google has an audiobook option. LibbyOverdrive is one of those ways and it is free.

As for headphones/earbuds, you really need to have these to enjoy your book the most. Wireless (Bluetooth) are best, because you have no wires to get tangled up with your tomatoes. I have a pair of Senso earbuds which are inexpensive, effective, and keep their charge for hours. Of course there are fancier ones as well, including the great (but expensive) ones from Apple. Although most people aren’t doing much driving during the pandemic, listening to a book beamed to your car stereo from your phone is a great way to make the miles go by quickly.

What audiobooks have you enjoyed? Please share your suggestions and experiences in the Comments section below.

Caution. Open earbuds are better than closed headphones if you are outside or doing something that requires concentration. Even with open ones, be careful. You might get so wrapped up in the story you walk in front of a car. Don’t ride a bike or operate dangerous tools while listening, those activities require your full concentration. The same goes for listening to your spouse!