Audiobooks have become a popular way to consume books in recent years. They offer the convenience of listening on-the-go, while also providing an immersive experience that allows listeners to fully engage with the story. However, for those who are new to the world of audiobooks, getting started can be intimidating. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of audiobooks, how to listen to them, and where to find them.
What are Audiobooks?
Audiobooks are an increasingly popular way to consume books, offering listeners the convenience of being able to listen to their favorite titles while on-the-go. In essence, an audiobook is a recorded version of a book, typically narrated by a professional voice actor or the author themselves. Audiobooks are often available in a variety of formats, including CD, MP3, and streaming, and can be listened to on a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart speakers, and dedicated audiobook players.
History of Audiobooks
Audiobooks have many benefits. One of the biggest benefits is that they are convenient. Unlike traditional books, you can listen to audiobooks while doing other things like driving or cleaning. This makes it easy to listen to more books and fit reading into your daily routine.
Another benefit of audiobooks is that they can be just as engaging as reading a physical book. A good narrator can bring the story to life, adding emotion and depth to the characters and scenes. This makes the listening experience immersive and enjoyable.
How to Choose a Right Audiobook?
With so many choices, one can feel overwhelmed, however below are some key points to consider.
- Genre: Consider your interests when choosing an audiobook. If you’re a fan of thrillers, look for audiobooks in that genre. If you prefer romance or non-fiction, focus your search on those categories.
- Length: Audiobooks come in a range of lengths, from a few hours to several days. Consider how much time you have to listen to an audiobook and choose one that fits your schedule.
- Narrators: The narrator can make or break an audiobook. A skilled narrator can bring the story to life, while a poor narrator can make even the best book difficult to listen to. Look for audiobooks with narrators who have good reviews and reputations.
- Reviews: Before choosing an audiobook, take a look at the reviews. Many audiobook platforms allow listeners to leave reviews and ratings, so use this feedback to gauge the quality of the audiobook.
- Sample: Most audiobook platforms allow you to listen to a sample of the audiobook before purchasing. This can give you a good idea of the quality of the narration and whether the book is a good fit for you. We have a huge amount of free audiobooks and free eBooks.
- Series: If you’re starting a new series, it’s essential to listen to the audiobooks in order. Check to see if the series is complete before starting, so you’re not left waiting for the next installment.
- Authors: If you’re already a fan of a particular author, look for their audiobooks. You’re more likely to enjoy an audiobook if you already enjoy the author’s writing style.
- Format: Consider the format of the audiobook. Do you prefer CDs, MP3s, or streaming? Make sure the audiobook format is compatible with your preferred device.
How to Listen to Audiobooks?
Find a quiet space
Choose a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted to listen to your audiobook. This can be a comfortable chair, your bed, or a quiet room in your house.
Use headphones
Using headphones can enhance your listening experience by blocking out external noise and helping you focus on the narration. They also allow you to listen to audiobooks in public without disturbing those around you.
Adjust the speed
Most audiobook platforms allow you to adjust the speed of the narration. Some people find that listening at a faster speed helps them focus, while others prefer a slower speed to savor the story. Experiment with different speeds to find what works best for you.
Take breaks
Listening to an audiobook for an extended period can be tiring. Take breaks every 30 minutes to an hour to rest your ears and give your mind a break.
Bookmark
If you need to stop listening, make sure to bookmark your place. Most audiobook platforms allow you to save your progress, so you can easily pick up where you left off. We do not have bookmarks yet but you can save the book for listening later on by pressing the ‘Like’ button.
Engage with the story
Listening to an audiobook can be just as engaging as reading a physical book. Pay attention to the narration, and imagine the scenes in your head. Engage with the story and characters to get the most out of your listening experience.
Take notes
If you’re listening to a non-fiction book or a book you plan to review, take notes as you listen. This can help you remember important points and quotes and make it easier to write a review later.
Where to Find Audiobooks
There are several places one can visit online for audiobooks
For mostly paid audiobooks you can visit following list:
- Audible
- Apple Books
- Google Play, etc.
To listen an audiobook for free, many resources can be found at Public libraries and their audiobook offerings, for this visit following:
We also have many free audiobooks from above public domain sources.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this comprehensive guide has highlighted the various benefits of audiobooks and how to get started with them as a beginner. Audiobooks offer a convenient way to consume books while doing other tasks, provide an immersive experience, and offer engaging listening experiences. With the increasing availability of audiobooks, there is no better time to start listening to them.
To make the most out of your audiobook experience, it is important to find a quiet space, use headphones, adjust the speed, take breaks, bookmark, engage with the story, and take notes. By experimenting with different techniques, you can find what works best for you and become a seasoned audiobook listener.
After reading this, you can confidently start your journey with audiobooks and enjoy all the benefits they have to offer.