Books
I’m a complete audiobook addict. Long commutes are the perfect time to listen to books, and whether I’m stuck in traffic, taking along walk, or working out at the gym, I’m probably listening to a book. It’s a great way to read more, and so many narrators have soothing voices that will transport you into the world of the novel. Plus, if you have a difficult time getting into classics or denser books, audiobooks can be an excellent entry point.
However, as amazing as it is to listen to audiobooks, they have their drawbacks. If you’re listening to them for hours a day, you can burn through books pretty quickly. Unlike cheap paperbacks or free Kindle classics, audiobooks can be pricy, and you don’t get the thrill of putting them on your beautiful bookshelf at the end of your read. For the audiobook addict, it may be difficult to justify shopping sprees. Also, if you’re a speed reader, you may find that listening to books takes much longer than flipping the pages of your own accord.
Luckily, there are plenty of hacks that can help you make the most of your audiobook experience. Here are some ways you can enhance your time listening to books on books.
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Audible Discounts
If you download the Kindle version of a book, you can get a discount on the Audible version. If you love both listening and reading, and like to do a mixture of both, this is a great way to save a little money. Plus, many classics are already available for free on the Kindle, which means that you can get a discount on the audiobook just for downloading the $0 Kindle version.
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Listen On Double Speed
Many LibriVox recordings are available on YouTube, which means you can listen to them at a faster speed. I read at a very fast pace, so my main complaint about audiobooks is that they take too long (especially if I'm listening to a thriller – I need to know what's going to happen!). If you feel the same way, you can solve this by selecting 1.5x speed or even 2x on YouTube. This option is also available if you're listening on Audible.
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Listen In The Shower
Wireless Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker, $17, Amazon
Take advantage of your time in the shower by investing in some Bluetooth speakers, so you can listen to your books and wash your hair at the same time.
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Sync Across Devices
If you often switch between audiobooks and reading an eBook, the one drawback is that it can be difficult to find your place. I know I'm always fast forwarding my audiobook, or searching through my eBook, to try and find where I left off. With the help of whispersync for Kindle, or Overdrive for other devices, you can sync everything, so you never lose your place.
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Graphic Audio
If you love fantasy, sci-fi, comics, and westerns, you'll love the audiobooks offered at Graphic Audio. Described as "a movie in your mind," graphic audio offers audiobooks with sound effects, music, and a full cast of actors performing the stories.
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Audiobooks.com
Audiobooks.com is similar to Audible — you pay a fee each month for a credit to use on an audiobook. They also give you your first book free!
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Your Library
You can rent audiobooks from your public library for free — all you have to do is look into your library's options for eBook and audiobook downloads. If you're an avid listener, you can rent books to put on your device, without breaking the bank. All you need is a library card.
