My only problem with audiobooks is: the narrators. Sometimes you listen to an audiobook that has a narrator who draws you into the story and you just can't pause it at all for anything and others you barely pay attention to the story until next thing you know that CD is over and you have no idea what happened after the first five minutes.
How is it that a narrator can make such a huge difference? Would you have enjoyed the story if you had read it in print format instead of listening to it with a horrible/monotone narrator?
This happened to me recently and I'll have a review post up about the one that I listened to recently and hardly paid attention too (after I watch the movie adaptation for comparison).
I will say that I have found a few narrators that I love... recently I've listened to Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins, narrated by Carolyn McCormick. Carolyn has a wonderful voice for narrating by putting feeling into the words and changing her voice for certain characters' voices.
Do you have any favourite narrators? Favourite audiobooks I should check out? Where do you get your audiobooks from?
I mostly borrow them from the library, though I found a few in my Mom's room during my last visit to see my Dad and I might see if I can borrow them sometime (I did sneak Twilight though). I also noticed that my library has the ability to loan audiobooks online (might have to check this out).
Narrators definitely play a big role in making an audiobook successful. I've hated a book because of the narrator but I've also loved a so-so story because of one too. I haven't listened to a lot of audiobooks but so far some of my favourite narrators are Rennée Raudman (Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews) and Lauren Fortgang (Elemental Assassin series by Jennifer Estep).
ReplyDeleteIt's so true. I will have to check those series out. Thanks for the recs!
DeleteOh narrators play a huge part! For example, I'm re-reading Ready Player One on audiobook this time, and instead of picturing the main character the way I'd imagined the first time, all I can see is Wesley Crusher as the main character because Wil Wheaton has such distinctive voice patterns! Note to self: Never get an audiobook with a famous narrator again!
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting to note. I guess with a distinct voice it can make you think of other characters they've portrayed. Never thought of that. :)
DeleteMy favourite narrator is James Marsden from the Dresen Files. Best ever.
ReplyDeleteI recently started listening to The Map of Time, and I think I missed most of the first chapter because my attention kept drifting away.
I borrow all my audiobooks from the library. My library has online option too, and I find it easy, and the wait times are usually quicker since less people use it.
Thanks Sarah. I'll definitely check out something narrated by James Marsden then. I always borrow mine from the library too and I love that I can get them online as well. :) Cheers!
DeleteI have tried listening to audio books but I just do not have the attention span for it. The fact that I have kids, including a toddler, may also have something to do with it as well. I'm a visual person so reading a book is my preferred reading format.
ReplyDeleteYa you have to be able to focus. I know that the days I am distracted I miss the entire story. But I do enjoy reading the written.
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