According to the Audio Publishers Association JUNE IS AUDIOBOOK MONTH!!! You probably know that I’m a HUGE audiobook fan, or as my son just yelled out…NERD! But he is too–so I thought I would have him be a guest blogger today to talk about the supreme awesomeness of audiobooks!
Jamison is 11 years old and he’s dyslexic, making audiobooks, not only a pleasure, but an integral part of his ability to enjoy reading. Since he’s bugging the crap out of me right now–“I thought I was going to get to say something”– I think it’s time to turn over this post to him…
Curled up in bed and listening.
“I think audiobooks are cool because I am dyslexic and it is hard for me to read, so when I read audiobooks it helps me to understand the words. Sometimes I listen and read the books at the same time which helps. I also think it’s interesting to hear the character’s voices in an audiobook. I may make mistakes when I read or not pronounce the words right, so I really like hearing how they are suppose to sound.”
As a mom of a child with dyslexia, I’m thrilled to have audiobooks to share with him because his vocabulary, comprehension and areas of interest are in a completely different place than his independent reading level. Audiobooks give him access when I’m not around to read to him–or if he wants to read the ERAGON SERIES for the umpteenth time. *head thunk* Audiobooks have enabled a child who has an extremely difficult time reading in a traditional manner– to consider himself an avid reader–a book lover. In my opinion that makes audiobooks priceless.
Well, you heard it from two audiobook nerds–it’s time to get your ears on and listen to a great book!!!!
In honor of Audiobook Month…What’s you’re favorite audiobook? What’s the weirdest thing you’ve done while listening to an audiobook? If you’ve never tried it–why?
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That’s the best use for audio books I can imagine. So cool that Jamison isn’t denied the pleasure of reading just because he’s dyslexic. 🙂
I love audio books for long car trips. We used to listen to them on our 8-hour car trips to the beach every year with the kids. Douglas Adams (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, et al) was a particular favorite of the whole family.
I missed an exit listening to Harry Potter and the next one was like 32 miles down the road. *head thunk* #totallyworthit
You know, I’d never considered using audiobooks in that way before…but that’s completely awesome! I’m so glad he still gets to enjoy reading, because no one should ever be denied that pleasure.
I only recently started listening to audiobooks…for me, it’s all about who is reading it. My husband was actually just listening to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy read by Stephen Fry, and I sort of got to listen to half of it. Such a hilarious book, and we love Stephen Fry, so it made it that much more enjoyable!
Nothing worse than an irritating reader!!!! But when it’s good–it’s theatre for my brain!
Love Jamison’s explanation of why audiobooks are cool! And it’s so great that he can enjoy books so much because of them!
This is how I see it – it’s all reading, no matter what the format. Bound books, audiobooks, ebooks, even listening to a storyteller – all are ways to enjoy stories and the power of words.
I haven’t listened to many audiobooks. The last few times I went on a long car trip, I did bring books on tape (that shows how long it’s been since I’ve been on a good trip, lol!) And when I’ve tried to listen to audiobooks at home, I have to be doing something, like cleaning. If I just sit there and listen, I tend to fall asleep!
Kim & Jamison, what are your favorite YA/mid-grade audiobooks that you recommend?
I’ll ask Jamie what his are, but some of my favorites were Harry Potter, The Help, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Please Ignore Vera Deitz, The Cane Chronicles. I think books with accents or really difficult names are great to listen to.
How can I resist those words of wisdom – or that face! 🙂 I’ve always listened to music, or my own characters, chattering in my head (does that count as an audio “pre-book”? 😉 But now I think it’s time to take the plunge! Thanks for sharing!
I love it when I’m folding laundry or cleaning because I feel like I’m getting away with reading extra LOL!
Hiya! >.^
I’ve only listened to an audio book once: Destined by Aprilynne Pike. Personally I prefer to have the hardcopy to read because I read faster than the person that narrates the audio books so it just makes more sense for me to read it 😉
Shannon
It’s interesting Shannon, because I’ve heard more than one quick reader say this, but I’ve recently discovered that I read on the slow side so it’s never been a problem for me. In fact, I feel like it allows me to keep up with my reading.
I listen to audiobooks all the time because I hate the radio (they play the same 6 songs over and over and over…) The Harry Potter books are great on audio, as was The Tale of Despereaux, Freak the Mighty, Fat Kid Rules the World, The Princess Diaries, and The Help (an actual adult book!). The reader makes or breaks the audio for me. The actress who read The Hunger Games literally put my students to sleep.
Harry Potter and The Help!!! Yes!!! Now I loved the Hunger Games on audio. I find I have the most trouble when I switch to the next book, but I adjust over time and I’m usually okay with most readers but often hate one voice that they do.
I never really listened to audiobooks before this past year since I could always read the book much much faster. I discovered though with walking around campus I could listen to about an audiobook a week so I felt like I was being more productive 🙂 I also started listening to them on my way to book signings since it’s about 2 hours each way for me.
My favorite audiobook has definitely been Please Ignore Vera Dietz by AS King – I loved that one! The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann was also an awesome audio, the narrator was amazing!
We’re kindred souls. <3
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