Audio books have been around since the 1930s, at which time they were recorded by amateur volunteers and distributed to people who were blind. Then in the 1970s Books on Tape gained popularity. Now, the industry has moved from volunteers to professional readers and actors, who bring the characters to life.
With the advent of CDs, audio books leaped into popularity. Now you can download your favorite book to Ipod or MP3 players, sales have increased dramatically.
How to Choose the Right Book?
All recorded books are not equal nor do they all appeal to all listeners. Most dedicated listeners prefer unabridged versions, which means the entire book, word for word, has been recorded, nothing has been omitted. Sometimes an abridged version not only leaves out words, but characters and storylines as well.
A book, such as a hefty classic, (War and Peace perhaps) seems daunting to sit and read. But becomes more inviting when read to you by a skilled performer. Veteran audio book lovers not only recommend their favorite books, but also their favorite readers. An online site, Audible.com, offers a dating service for audio book lovers. Customers can pre-listen to an excerpt to see if the book, reader and listener are compatible. Audio File Magazine offers reviews as well as excerpts.
Book Reader Recommendations
Over the years several narrators or readers have gained a following and garnered several Audi awards, the Academy Award of the audio publishing world, awarded by the Audio Publishers Association.
Online Carla Hufstedler compiled a list of best narrators which began with Scott Brick. She defines ‘best’ as one who’s voice offers the “best inflection, best cadence, best passion. The words being read mean more than the paycheck, by far, and the difference is heard.”
Also on her list are several authors who read their own work such as David Sedaris and Stephen King.
Dedicated readers and audio book listeners freely offered suggestions. One recommended Barbara Kingsolver reading her own works. (Poisonwood Bible, etc.) Another, who can only listen to nonfiction, gladly suggested Devil in the White City by Erik Larson and read by Scott Brick. Scott has gotten rave reviews by several listeners.
When thoughts turn to the holidays, perhaps include a new tradition: Charles Dicken’s classic A Christmas Carol, read by Orson Welles.
Popular Mystery Book Readers
Recommendations from members of the popular mystery list: DorothyL resulted in an interesting discussion of readers as well as suggested listening. Someone offered the Ian Rankin Rebus series, read by James Macpherson.
Joe Mantegna’s reading of the Spenser series written by Robert. B. Parker received several positive comments. One member mentioned that, “ Mantegna captures the poetic rhythm that Parker writes into his dialogue.”
Also anything read by Barbara Rosenblatt got a thumbs up. She reads among other things the Lisa Scottoline, Linda Fairstein, Sarah Graves and Diane Mott Davidson mysteries.
Other recommended readers:
Dick Hill
Phil Gigante (reads Karen Moning’s Beyond the Highland Mist)
Jeff Woodman
John McDonough who reads Jan Karon’s Mitford series.
Most public libraries have a healthy collection of audio books to borrow or you can purchase audio books at bookstores and online. Recorded Books offers some inviting discounts through their online site and direct mail order. You can also download rather than purchase outright. Audio books fit neatly into this fast paced lifestyle, offering an oasis of entertainment or maybe escape, and leave your hands free for other tasks.
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