I discovered the marvels of audiobooks back in 2011 with Richelle Mead’s GEORGINA KINCAID series, and from there started listening to roughly one title a month. I didn’t take an immediate liking to them, struggled with my fair share of crappy narrators, and learned the hard way that anything over 20 hours caused me to lose interest. So, if you’re thinking that they aren’t for you, trust me when I say that I get it. However, after four years of trial & error they now make up close to 50% of my annual consumption of novels, and I’m constantly seeking out new excuses to listen.
The most obvious being household chores; #1 does all of the cooking (lucky me!) which means that I’m the designated dish washer, and I’m totally fine with that, especially when I have a wonderful narrator to keep me company. Laundry and cleaning are two other tasks that suck a whole lot less when I have my earbuds in. We live in the country where hard water is a fact of life, so if I want a white bathtub I have to dedicate several hours to scrubbing that bitch, and listening to an Urban Fantasy heroine kick baddie butt motivates me to do the same to my tub. I’m also seriously contemplating investing in a pair of noise cancelling headphones because I cut A LOT of grass in the summer, and my lawn tractor doesn’t have a cupholder which makes drinking beer tricky. I’m in desperate need of another source of entertainment. #firstworldproblems
Audiobooks are equally awesome for long work commutes, ignoring coworkers during your lunch break, and tackling menial responsibilities such as filing, and data entry. My iPhone is usually at my side whenever I’m drafting tedious blog posts such as my Fresh Meat feature, updating the Kindle Deals page, and doing maintenance stuff like adding review links to the archive or cleaning up the sidebar. I listen when I go for walks with my dogs, play Candy Crush—my current Facebook gaming addiction—and when my eyes are too tired to read after a long day of staring at a monitor. As you can probably tell, I’m doing alright with finding reasons to plug in, but I welcome more suggestions! 😀
Have a bookish question you’d like Rabid Reads to weigh-in on? E-mail me, and be sure you include your blog URL (if you have one), so we can give you credit!
Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
Most of the things you mentioned above apply to me also but I don’t mow the grass. I do however have a couple of small flower beds and when I’m planting or weeding, I sit on my little stool and listen to books. I don’t listen to very many during the months I can’t be outside but there are a few that the narration is just so much better than reading.
My other reasons/excuses for listening is when my guy and sons watch a movie I’m not interested in so I just plug in and shut them out.
What really got me started on audio books was one of my favorite series was starting to drag for me. I just couldn’t get into it after years of getting one book a year. I listened to the book I was having trouble with and got excited about the series all over again!! I highly recommend audio books for this reason.
Ooh, yes, I forgot about sports! Audiobooks have kept me entertaining through many a football game, and every evening when #1 has to watch PTI. Mind you, he listens to ’em all full volume, so I really need to crank ‘er up. That’s it, I’m making noise cancelling headphones a top priority.
I’ve also listened to audiobooks while putting together a puzzle — though you have to like doing puzzles for that, I suppose. 😉 But I like listening to audiobooks during my commute or during work for the menial tasks (which is most of the day for me now, ha).
Amanda recently posted…Naked in Death by JD Robb {Beth’s Review}
I can’t remember when was the last time that I did a puzzle which is sad cuz I love ’em. You’ve given me the urge to pull one out of the closet. There goes my plans for today. Hehe!
I just can’t get into audio books due to me not being able to picture the story in my head as I do when I am reading a well written book. However, I am looking to adapt my books to audio in the near future. Could you recommend a narrator?
J.L McFadden recently posted…The Guardian Series
That really depends on what type of story you are publishing. I’m sure your agent can help you out with that.
I do! Which sadly is also why that more often than not I miss something or I have to rewind to get back to where I last was paying attention. 🙁 I wish I could relax more while listening to them and just enjoy the story.
kindlemom1 recently posted…Review: The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord
I fall asleep a lot while listening because I find that they are a great way to relax before bed. Thank goodness for sleep timers!
I’ve only just started listening to audios, and wow! I’m finally on track (or thereabouts) on my reading challenge. And, like you, I use the books to lighten the load of menial tasks (hate’em, hate’em, hate’em!) which have to get done (cleaning, cooking, etc). As soon as the weather improves I shall enjoy taking my new hobby out in the garden while I’ll tend to my flowers and trees 🙂 Yeah, I invested into some decent headphones already, as I find the buds uncomfortable and unable to block out other noises. I live with two boys so the house is never really quiet! 🙂
Ramona recently posted…Book Buying Habits
I don’t mind the earbuds because you can hide that you’re listening when you pull out your audiobook in boring situations. Hehe! I’ve been killing my GoodReads challenge too ever since I added ’em into my regular routine.
I listen on my commute and while cleaning (you can tell how good my audio is by how clean my house is, true story). A large part of the work I do at my job allows me to listen as well, reporting or coding emails. #1 does the majority of the mowing, but if he is out of town for the weekend or something, I will do it and listen. I even listen while riding my horse.
55% of my books in 2014 were audio (really, that’s it?). I think it is safe to say that I’m a junkie.
Melanie recently posted…Review: Seeker by Arwen Elys Dayton
My ratio of audiobooks to reading wasn’t quite that high in 2014, but I’m nearing the halfway mark, so this year might be when my listening takes control of my TBR. I do a lot of coding and VA work with my iPhone. It’s great!
Does telling hubs how to drive count? I listened to my first audiobook last summer while on a vacation. I thought it was a great idea to listen while we drove around 3 states but turned out not to be as hubs kept interrupting me wanting to talk. :/ My next venture into audio was on a long solo drive…again across 3 states. So the only multi-tasking I’ve done while listening has been 1) keeping my hubs front running over something/someone and 2) keeping myself from doing the same. I had thought of doing some listening while knitting, but haven’t tried it yet. I hadn’t thought of cleaning while listening. I’ll give that a shot…TODAY.
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…#2015HW, #ShelfLove Review ~ Breathe ~ Abbi Glines
Getting interrupted while reading is annoying enough as it is, but at least it’s easy to backtrack. My husband talks to me all of the time while I’m listening, and I just tune him out. Again, noise cancelling headphones. Hehe!
I only started listening to audiobooks by the end of 2012 and like you, I struggled with a few narrators too. Nowadays I pretty much listen to audiobooks more than I read since I commute to work/school and it does help the time fly by so much faster. So I definitely do multitask even though I have times when I have to rewind a certain part because my mind got preoccupied with something else lol. I love the fact that you can literally be reading anytime, anywhere though! It’s awesome! Makes mundane tasks fun 😉 awesome question Carmel!
Amir recently posted…Gushing and Ravings #5: If Not for You, Bloggers
The narrator can make a HUGE difference which is why listening to samples before-hand is a lifesaver, plus Audible is great with returns if you’re not feeling a particular title. I miss parts too, but most apps make it easy to pick up where you left off.
I’m always looking for excuses to listen! The only thing you mentioned that I don’t do is lawn mowing – we live in an apartment so now lawn (one of the few benefits). But I can add to your list! In addition to everything you listed…
I listen while I knit.
I listen while I shower (thank you wireless, Bluetooth speaker).
I listen while I get ready for the day.
And, my most recent addition, I listen while doing laps at the pool! I found this pool-proof mp3 headset and its great! It has special ear buds so you can keep water out of your ears while swimming laps. And I just load my audiobook on there and listen. I have paid some money getting good devices for making it so I can pretty much ALWAYS listen to my audio books 🙂
Berls recently posted…Life of a Blogger | Concerts
Count your lucky starts that you don’t have 3+ hours of weekly grass cutting on your to-do list. I can’t wait for winter to bite it; however if the lawn wants to just not grow, that’d be great. I remember you telling me about your waterproof listening habits. You’re hardcore!
I don’t listen to many audiobooks, but I often multitask and will wash dishes, do laundry, etc. when I’m talking on the phone with my friends/family. It helps me get up from the computer and move around. I like multitasking. LOL.
Jennifer Estep recently posted…To pre-order or not to pre-order …
The majority of women are multi-taskers extraordinaire! We have to be otherwise stuff would quickly pile up. You should listen to your Gin Blanco series; Lauren Fortgang is the BOMB!
Yes! I’m listening right now at work. I listen at work, walking, cleaning and during blog maintenance stuff too.
Audio books make up about 80% of my annual reading these days because I’m great at multitasking while listening.
I’m not even going to try to compete with your listening stats. You, Felicia & Loupe put me to shame!
Any time I can put the earbuds in and listen to an audiobook I do it, chores, playing on the computer, taking walks, on the way to work. 🙂 So far the longest one I have listened to is the one I am listening to now which is Shadowfever by KMM and oh my I think I could listen to it even if it went over the almost 20hrs! It’s so cool! 🙂
Stormi recently posted…Audioreview of Carrots
I did Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon, and it was 45 hours. That was an exception for me, but I was planning a wedding at the time, and Davina Porter’s narration helped me unwind.
Audiobooks already don’t work for me and I don’t think I could multitask while reading. I don’t seem to be able to focus/concentrate enough on them, so if I would do something else while reading it wouldn’t do anything for me. Such a shame, because it’s a great way to have some extra reading hours.
Mel recently posted…Review 216. Mira Grant – Feed.
They aren’t for everyone unfortunately. Try listening to a book that you’ve already read, that way if you miss parts it’s no big deal, plus it’s a great way to re-visit an old favourite.
My drive to work is almost two-hours long. Audiobooks have made it bliss. Other than that, I don’t multitask while listening. Often, at home, I’ll just listen to a great book and sail away into that imaginary land.
With a commute like that you don’t really need any more listening time. Is that one way, or both? Regardless, two hours a day is plenty!
That’s one way, Carmel. But it’s also only twice a week. I sure couldn’t do it daily!
Eeeesh, ok 2 days isn’t too bad. It takes me an hour-ish one-way (depending on traffic, and weather) to get to the city, and I hate it.
Hmmm…noise cancelling headphones would actually make it possible to listen to books while vacuuming the house. That would be awesome!
E.J. Stevens recently posted…February is for Paranormal Romance: Q+A with Leigh Goff + Giveaway
#1 does all of the vacuuming in our house, but yes, the more I think about it, the more tempted I am to splurge on a pair.
I really only get a change to read them while driving. I tried to use them at the gym and they work in a pinch but usually are too slow to keep me going.
But I completely understand the 20 hour thing, I am closer to fifteen as a max so I mostly listen to YA on audio.
Nathan ( recently posted…Tough Travels – Chess Masters
12 is my average, but I’ll stick it out to 20 if it’s a title that I’m interested it. Anything longer than that though, and it takes me WEEKS to finish.
I still haven’t gotten into audios. I’ve only listened to a romance and keep wondering if I would enjoy UF or just regular fantasy better. Will eventually give one a try
Kristina D recently posted…Some Thursday Randomness
For sure! Sample a couple of different genres & author / narrator combos until you find something that works for you.
I listen to audiobooks a lot. On the way to work, anytime I’m in the car without the kidlets. I also listen when I run. It makes the workout go by way faster. I listen when I’m crafting also. And at work. If I’m doing mind numbing things I throw in my ear buds and it seems to get done much quicker.
Katrina recently posted…Cover Reveal: Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Nice! I ALWAYS have an audiobook on the go; ever since I’ve given myself permission to not review every novel my reading habits have improved exponentially.
That makes things so much easier. I don’t review every book I read anymore either. Especially when it comes to audiobooks.
Katrina recently posted…Review: Calling California by J.P. Grider
Mmm hmm, otherwise getting caught-up on series that you’ve been putting off forever is mission impossible. Much less daunting when you listen for pleasure.
Audiobooks are a way for me to squeeze more books into driving time, sewing, housework, or whatever else. They are definitely a multi-task deal for me.
Zen DiPietro recently posted…Author Sophia Kimble’s Top Ten Badass Women
My reading would have taken a serious hit over the past couple of years if it weren’t for audios. I rarely have the time to sit down for hours on end, but listening can be done anywhere.
Hi Carmel!
I never thought about audiobooks at the same time as laundry, cleaning, and cooking but it sounds like listening in would be a good companion! I’ve started to listen to audiobooks while driving on my commute and so far it’s been great for me but I’ve got to add that to my household routines, too 🙂
You don’t realize how many opportunities there are in a day to listen until you start getting creative. Now, my first thought before I start anything is “Can I do it with earbuds in?”
I’ve actually never tried and audiobook. *hangs head* I think it’s the length of them that’s intimidating for me – I can read the book so much faster than I can listen to it. I know a great narrator can really bring the story to the next level though, so I’m going to give one a try one of these days:)
That used to be a bone of contention for me as well, but if you can squeeze in a book when you normally wouldn’t have been able to because you’re on the go, why not!?
I keep saying that I will give audiobooks a chance and this is exactly what worries me if I do, oh the multi-tasking! Then I feel I would get so caught up in what I’m doing that I’d worry that I wouldn’t truly be getting lost in the story! :/
Cristina recently posted…Sea of Stars (Kricket #2) by Amy A. Bartol
I think it comes with practice. I struggled with this when I first started listening, but now I have no problem doing several things at once while never losing track of where I am in the story.
I listen to audiobooks in all the ways you do, too. Pretty much anytime I can’t hold a book to read, I figure out how to listen. I recently had my earbuds in while grocery shopping, a task I hate. Was at the checkout line, checked out before I knew it.
Audiobooks have helped me cook more, keep my house, the kitchen always spotless and my sanity when on long road trips or in long lines. Who cares about this stuff anymore when you’re listening to a book:)
Jonetta (Ejaygirl) recently posted…The Best Man’s Baby by Victoria James
I ran to the store the other day while plugged in without even realizing it. Before you knew it I was home, and had finished a chapter. I wish I could claim that they have helped keep my house clean, but it’s as messy as ever. LOL!
I’m discovering that I have a very picky ear for narrators but my listen-and-read chore is folding laundry. It’s one of the only chores where I can hide in my room so no one is interrupting the read with inane questions every 5 minutes. lol
A little OT but we have crazy hard water here in MT and I found an awesome pin on pinterest that changed my bath scrubbing routine like crazy. If you want to cut your scrubbing down let me know, I’ll hook you up. 😉
Rhianna recently posted…Blog Tour: HER FALLEN PROTECTOR by Nichole Severn [#Playlist + #giveaway!]
Hehe! I wasn’t expecting to exchange hard water tips via this week’s question post, but YES, send away! I’ve tried everything, and the only solution seems to be arm power. Urgh!
Yes–that’s the only reason I do audio books. I did discover, however, that I can’t listen to approve one of my audio books while trying to write another. Like a zombie, I think I need more brains to do that 🙂
Wouldn’t it be great if we could listen AND read at the same time!? That’d be double the books! Too bad that it just wasn’t meant to be.
I just started really listening within the last few months. I am having a hard time finding time to listen-I have been listening to one right now for a couple of months. I have an over 9 hour road trip 4 times a year and they are wonderful for those. I also listened while wrapping Christmas presents and once this week while peeling potatoes.
Lorna recently posted…Review: The Forever Girl by Rebecca Hamilton
When you first get into them, it’s easy to forget that you have one on the go. You need to change the way to think. Mindless tasks = audiobook!
I’ve listened to a total of 1 audio book. And the only reason I listened to it was because it was sent to me for a review. I found out right away that I do not like audio books. I found that if I tried to do anything else, I would stop hearing the audio. I cannot do other things and keep focus on what is going on in the audio book. Plus, in the audio book that I listened to, there was just one narrator and that did not work for me at all since when I’m reading I tend to hear a girls voice in my head when a female is speaking a a male’s voice in my head for male parts.
Mary Kirkland recently posted…Rats 101: Water Bottle Vs Water Dish
There are many audios that feature more than one narrator, especially when they alternate POVs with every chapter. I hope you’ll give ’em a try again one day, but if not, no worries. More for me! 😉
The reason I actually don’t listen to audio books is because I cannot simply “just listen” to them. I’d listen to an audio book if I were to multi task but just that thought of that leaves me head spinning. I wouldn’t be able to focus on the story if I were busy doing something else. My mind would get carried away with me other task. Thus, i’d have to sit on the floor and face a wall to fully invest in the story and that defeats the purpose of audio books. So I cannot listen to audio books.
Lily recently posted…Book Talk: Station Eleven
Fair enough! Your family might start to think that something was wrong with you if they saw you sitting on the floor while staring into space. Best avoid the loonie bin. 😉
Audiobooks are my life saviour! I started listening to them heavily this summer when we started building our kitchen. There is nothing like 4-5 hours of rendering/painting/washing the walls, etc. to force you to get creative. :))) Now I do all the work on the farm with audiobooks. LOVE IT!
kara-karina recently posted…Urban Fantasy Early Review: Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop
Exactly! Audiobooks make life suck less. We all have unpleasant things that we have to tackle, so why not do them while listening to a kick ass narrator.
Short answer- yes, I multitask when I listen to audio books. I like the audio for when I do chores, but I don’t see it replacing my visual reads otherwise. I read superfast and the pace of audios makes me bored. I also like to see and hear voices, emotions, etc in my own mind and not how the narrator interprets them. Though, in all fairness, there are a few narrators that really are good and they are a joy to hear read.
Sophia Rose recently posted…The Great Pick Up Line with Earls Just Want to Have Fun by Shana Galen #TGPUL #Giveaway
I read way faster than I listen too, but you can speed up your audiobook if that’s your main issue with them. Sometimes narrators add an extra level to a character while as other times they don’t. It’s important to vet your titles beforehand to know what you’re getting into.
Well…I walk. That is all I can do
blodeuedd recently posted…A darker shade of magic – V.E.Schwab
Wouldn’t want you to fall down. 😉
I don’t really listen to audiobooks, but I should try it more. I tend to multitask with things in general though, so I’m sure I would!
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…Some Fine Day Launch Giveaway
Sounds like you’d be a natural!
I really don’t listen to audio books but I can imagine the multitask option is nice at times, but also could miss a lot of things
I typically don’t remember every detail of a story, even when I read ’em, so forgetting the odd detail is an acceptable compromise for me.
I’m always multitasking when listening to audiobooks! When I’m doing something and can’t hold an actual book. So cleaning house, driving places, etc. It’s definitely not half of my book consumption but sometimes it gets close to a quarter of it. Especially with spring coming and I’ll be trying to fit in working in the yard. I might end up doing the majority of my ‘reading’ out there since we’re hoping to do a big garden this year.
I will say, now that I’ve gotten hooked on them I can’t imagine not having them!
Candace recently posted…Review & Giveaway: Grave Matters by Lauren M. Roy
There are definitely some months where I listen more than others, but anything that helps me knock novels off my TBR pile is a win/win IMO. My only complaint is that they can get expensive after a while, and it’s more difficult to receive audios for review.
I actually CANNOT multi-task with audiobooks. Weird, I know @_@ I can only listen to audiobooks when I’m not doing anything else… I absolutely need to clean my hands off of anything else before I attempt to try, because otherwise, I’d get SO distracted and I’d end up going back to listen to what I “missed”. Even chores! Even with chores I cannot listen to audiobooks. I wish there were ways to go around this because I’d be missing out on something so cool.
Faye M. recently posted…Review + Interview + PH Giveaway: The Distance Between Lost and Found by Kathryn Holmes
That’s too bad, but at least you recognize that. Like I said, they aren’t for everyone, but some of us don’t have the luxury of getting lost in a book, so it’s a good alternative once you’ve trained your brain to tune-out everything else.
I get antsy when my hands are still so I end up doing something while listening then getting totally absorbed with my task that I lose focus on the book. Hence I don’t do audio books :/
Braine Talk Supe recently posted…Suped Up: Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop
You seem to read super fast though, so time isn’t as big of a deal for you. I get easily distracted with eBooks, so it’s better if my hands are free to begin with.
I can clean or drive when listening but that’s it. Anything else even if mundane I tune out the audiobook and do the endless rewind rewind rewind. Ahhh. lol
anna (herding cats & burning soup) recently posted…Interview w/ Jim Cangany– Popcorn addiction, trains & chatting with a male romance author!
Driving and chores are a good start. Both can be huge time sucks, so whatever works!
I don’t really listen to many audiobooks but I’m thinking that with my move and all the cleaning and assembling and sorting that I will need to do… audiobooks will become my best friends and the easier way to stay up to date with books with all the new house work!
Pili recently posted…The Reader’s Lounge Book Club February: The Boy Next Door by Katie Van Ark!
For sure! I hope you and audiobooks hit it off, and that your move goes smoothly. 🙂
Audiobooks are best when I’m doing chores, hobbies or otherwise doing something busy with my hands but can still focus my attention on something else. So yes, I’m definitely a multitasker audio listener! My favorite things to do while listening to audiobooks – gaming, vacuuming, crocheting, cooking, the list goes on and on and on.
Mogsy recently posted…Sci-Fi Short Story Review Bites
We were neck-and-neck last year with the number of audios we both listened to. Sounds like you’ve got the swing of it to me!
I find it easy to multi-task when I’m listening to audiobooks plus it makes my work day go by faster 😀
Sharonda recently posted…#Audiobook #Review ~ BirthRight ( La Patron Series #1) by Sydney Addae
Anything that helps work fly by is a-ok in my books!
Firstly YES!!!! I am so glad to hear that you love the Georgina Kincaid series, which introduced me to UF! I tried listening to The Scorpio Races on my lunch break at work on audiobook, and I just couldn’t get used to the different narrator voice. I guess with an audiobook the multitasking function sounds great but I’m the type that can’t sit still and would do other things at the same time! Hmmm, maybe I should give it another shot? Great article lovely!
Jeann recently posted…The Ruby Circle by Richelle Mead Review: A Perfect Goodbye
Maggie Stiefvater’s audiobooks have been hit or miss with me. The Wolves of Mercy Falls worked out well, but her The Raven Cycle, not so much. Then again, I think that was mostly Will Patton’s fault.
I like to listen to audiobooks while doing random chores around the house too. Apparently, I haven’t been doing much around here lately, though, because I haven’t managed to finish the book I’ve been on for ages! LOL!
Nicole recently posted…Seeker by Arwen Elys Dayton – Review
I’m having the opposite problem; I can’t stop listening, but no chores are getting done. We have two dogs, so what’s the point? They are just going to leave fur all over my clean floors. Screw it!
Shhhhhh I am not really here!
Listen all the time while doing most things! It is most of my reading these past few years. The only time I don’t listen is while I am forced to interact with people by talking or such lol
Felicia The Geeky Blogger recently posted…#FitReaders: Weekly Check-in Feb 27 2015
LMAO! How’s that work project going? 😉
I usually put an audio-book on when I’m ironing but I always find I am distracted so I never fully appreciate the story – I only iron once a week as well (little bits in between) so it generally takes 6-7 weeks to finish one book. I actually just cancelled my audible subscription for this very reason.
A great post! Sharon – Obsession with Books
Sharon – Obsession with Books recently posted…Review: Breathe, Annie, Breathe (Hundred Oak) by Miranda Kenneally
Look at you being a good homemaker! I gave-up on ironing a looong time ago. Wrinkle proof clothing is where it’s at!
“my lawn tractor doesn’t have a cupholder which makes drinking beer tricky. I’m in desperate need of another source of entertainment.”
LOL! You need one of those beer helmets.
I have to do something mindless while listening. If I don’t, my mind starts drifting. But I don’t like listening while out and about because I like to be fully aware of my surroundings.
Christy recently posted…My Life As a White Trash Zombie by Diana Rowland
I actually thought about buying one of those helmets. LOL! But, my neighbours already think I’m kooky enough. Could you imagine!?
I have a tough time listening to audio books. I want to try listening to them but it hasn’t happened for me yet.
julie recently posted…New Uses for Old Boyfriends blog
Keep at it, you’ll get there eventually! All it takes is one awesome narrator to fall in love.
Audiobooks are my life!!! I couldn’t live without them. I always have my phone stocked with books and I listen whenever I can. Always in the car (when I don’t have my chatterbox son with me. ;)), while doing chores, and even sometimes at work! I get easily distracted though, and sometimes realized I missed part of the story and have to rewind, so I try not to do anything to mind-consuming while listening to an audiobook. 🙂
I LOVE posts about audiobooks!! lol
Lisa recently posted…Blog Tour Author Interview + Giveaway: When Joss Met Matt by Ellie Cahill
My iPhone has been giving me grief lately which stresses me out to no end because if I my Audible app stops working I might cry. Guess it’s time to upgrade. I’m psyched that this post got such good feedback; I wasn’t sure because I know lots of peeps are reluctant listeners. Thanks for weighing-in!
I’m listen while I do just about everything. My concentration has gotten so much better through the years. I can surf sites like Pinterest and Tumblr while I listen and never miss a bit of the audio. I can format post and work on the blog. I can’t write reviews tho. that demands all of my attention and more…LOL
I can’t watch TV in a few other things while listening..hehe, but that list is shorter.
Lupdilup recently posted…Dead Heat Audiobook by Patricia Briggs (review)
Pinterest! YES! I do that too. 🙂
I can’t write reviews while listening, so you’re definitely not alone in that. And, TV. LOL! You really have tried it all. 😛
OMG, yes!
I can do pretty much anything unless write reviews or read something like emails or check out my blog feed. But I listen while I do other computer stuff, cook, clean, wash, drive, etc.
Nereyda recently posted…Audiobook Review: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard!
I do believe that you have it all under control audiobook-wise. Carry on!
I’m trying, LOL! I had a similar post a few weeks back — I’m trying out a few audiobooks this year as one of my reading goals. With my first attempt, I tried to multi-task, (which was one of the reasons I wanted to try audiobooks, because I normally love multi-tasking, LOL!), but I kept getting distracting either by the book or by the task. I think I need more practice! I enjoyed my audiobook while driving alone, though! Great post! 🙂
Tricia recently posted…Golden Son (Red Rising Trilogy, #2) by Pierce Brown
You know what they say: practice makes perfect! Keep at it, and I’m sure you’ll be a pro in no time. Audiobooks weren’t an instant hit with me either, but I didn’t give up, and look at me now.
Hold on, is there another way to listen to audio books? YES lol I only multi task when audio-reading since I mostly listen when I drive. I also sometimes listen at work, or when blogging at home. When we were moving I packed while listening. I don’t think I’ve ever not done something else while listening.
Julie recently posted…That’s what HE said Thursday- February 26, 2015
I’m such a busy body, I can’t imagine JUST listening. I’d feel like I was wasting a perfectly good opportunity to get shit done.
These all sound like great ways to listen. I’ve only taken baby steps and listened to Chloe Neill’s Some Girls Bite and really enjoyed it. I need to WALK and listen more, because … butt + too much chair time= butt looking like a chair seat. Lol. Cleaning house would be good too. Drinking a beer and mowing the lawn (are we talking acres here?) sounds more like it though.
Happy Friday, Jessica 🙂
Kim { Book Swoon } recently posted…Young Adult Book Review: The Sin Eater’s Daughter by Melinda Salisbury
You clearly have enough problems doing one thing at a time, like say reading a blog post because Jessica doesn’t listen to audiobooks, so she wasn’t the author of this one. LOL! I forgive you though. 😛
Sorry Carmel! I did not mean to be rude or anything – I loved the post. I guess I better not multi-task anymore when reading a blog post:(
kim { Book Swoon } recently posted…Young Adult Book Review: A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
Ugh, your husband cooks? When I tell the husband to cook, he orders pizza. >.> I actually had to BEG him to cook last night (and we survived, look at that).
I do most of my audiobooking at work which is great and not so great. Not so great becuase I’ll get super distracted and into work that I’ll forget what happened in teh story. I have to do a lot of rewinding, but I don’t mind. 🙂
Amber Elise recently posted…Book Review: Dangerous Girls
It was established early on in our relationship that we’d either live off frozen food, or he needed to take over the cooking. Whenever I notice that I’m too focused on what I’m doing, I turn my audiobook off, or stop working. Heh
I need to listen to more audiobooks. I generally listen to them on long road trips and in the summer I listen while using the riding lawn mower (we have a giant lawn). 🙂
Chrystal recently posted…I Mustache You Some Questions…
I cut my grass, and several of my neighbours in exchange for free rent, so the payoff is worth it. Doesn’t change the fact that it’s b-o-r-i-n-g though!
I haven’t listened to audiobooks too much mainly because my mind tends to wonder while I am listening. It i hard to pay attention to the story. I am listening to one now, but I have to really focus. I can listen while I work out or while I am surfing the web. But anything more than that and I get a sudden case of ADHD. Ha
Cynthia recently posted…BOOK REVIEW: If You Find This Letter
They are for sure an acquired taste, but when audios are the only way that you can squeeze in a book, you make do! Life doesn’t also cooperate.
Ic an’t even listen to audio books without getting distracted so there’s no way I would be able to multitask lol
I do have a friend who is a professional baker and she listens to her favorites while she bakes. She finds it calming but it’s not a big deal if she gets distracted and misses something.
I’m not sure that I agree with that; if you forget an ingredient while baking stuff can go horribly awry. Then again, there’s a reason why I don’t cook in our household. LMAO!
Ha! No – I mean that’s why she listens to books she’s already read while cooking. It’s comforting yet if she misses a plot point or sentence while cooking it’s not a big deal since she already knows what happened.
Aaah, ok gotcha! That makes more sense. I’m a disaster in the kitchen, so I needed clarification. 😀
That’s the reason why I love audiobooks, I can do other things while enjoying my books… cleaning, cooking, running, exercising, crocheting…
Couple of months ago I bought the JayBird BlueBud X wireless headphones. BEST investment ever! I love them!! No tangled cables, no getting caught anywhere while moving, they stay in place and are okay at noise canceling. I recommend them.
BookaholicCat recently posted…Movie Trailer: Tomorrowland
Nice! I am still shopping around hoping for a sale because the darned things are expensive, but I will keep those in mind. Thanks for the recommendation. My cord gets stuck on drawer knobs all of the time whenever I wash dishes. So annoying!
That’s another reason why I love them… no more cords stuck anywhere. 😉
BookaholicCat recently posted…Hot Off the Press: March 3rd Releases
I haven’t given audiobooks a try yet, but when I do I imagine I’ll probably multitask, whcih is also one of the reasons why I am not sure if they are something for me. When I read a book I can give it my full attention, but it seems weird to sit still on the couch with headphones in and not do anything except listening, but if you’re doing other chores you can’t 100% focus on the book. Maybe I’ll just have to give it a try, for some mind numbing chores listening to a book at the same time might be a nice distraction.
Lola recently posted…Review: Owl and the Japanese Circus by Kristi Charish
Sometimes it’s nice to just close your eyes, and get lost in a story, especially after a long day of staring at a monitor, and your smartphone. It’s easy to get a little too comfy though, and fall asleep. I’ve woken up a couple of times only to realize that I listened to an entire title in my sleep.
I have been meaning to purchase my first audio book for AGES now, but I just can’t decide on which one should be my first! It would be perfect to listen to on my long commute, especially since I’ve been getting very bored of the songs I have lately. I’m definitely going to look at audiobooks today – I’ll probably make my very first purchase! 😀 Great post Carmel!
Anna recently posted…Review: Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines
Oooh, how exciting! Make sure you pick a good one otherwise it could ruin you for all future audiobooks. Listen to samples, read reviews…
I listen during all the tasks that you mentioned (except the tractor mower, I don’t even have a lawn!), especially while walking to and from work. It’s about 30 minutes one way so I can get a good amount of listening in! The other major listening time I have are when I go grocery shopping. I always bring a list, and I find it so boring if I don’t have something to listen to!
Danya recently posted…Review: Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop
I rarely go grocery shopping because again, #1 is the chef, so it only makes sense that he buys the ingredients he needs. Every so often he drags me along though, and won’t let me listen. Meanie!
Since audio book is my primary source of reading books, I actually don’t multi-task. I find myself being so sucked into the world, that I am unable to concentrate on anything else. During the winter I’ve tried knitting while listening, but I get so drawn in that dropping stitches becomes a terrible problem! So, I still haven’t finished that scarf I promised my husband two years ago! ;]
I’ve only recently really gotten into listening to audiobooks regularly myself. I’d listen to them sometimes in the past, but then, I’d get fidgety and end up buying the book to finish it. They never seem to read as fast as I did, and this is before I realized I could speed narrators up. I listen to audiobooks during my commutes to and from work–well, wherever I go really. My husband is the cook of the house, and we have a dishwasher. But I’ll listen while loading up the dishwasher and manually washing the things that can’t go in the dishwasher. I listen while doing cleaning and laundry. I listen while shopping. I also listen while I’m gaming as long as I’m not doing anything that requires a lot of brain power. I can get away with it sometimes in my office, but my job is highly interactive and requires a great deal of focus most of the time, so I only get to really listen during lunch breaks and sometimes during the afternoons after everything’s done. I used to have a little bit of a hard time just sitting and listening while doing nothing else, but I’m getting better at that.
Tiara recently posted…Tough Traveling – Vampires
I definitely multitask with audiobooks. For me it’s mostly the commute to work, but I also listen when shoveling snow, mowing the yard, or during walks in the park (which I probably shouldn’t do because I totally wouldn’t hear a mass murderer sneaking up on me).