L is for Library Love & Listening to Books #AtoZChallenge

by Donna Huber

I have been listening to books since I was born. I vividly remember sitting on my mom's lap and being read to as a child and when there wasn't someone to read to me I had records that came with many of my books that I would listen to me. I know I'm dating myself with the records, but do you remember those read along books? You know, the ones that would ding to tell you turn the page?

It is no wonder when I got my first job and it had a nearly 2 hour commute (one way) that I returned to audio books. Audio books also came in handy when I wanted to re-read Harry Potter prior to a new release, but the waiting lists for the print editions would be way long. (I loved Jim Dale's reading so much that I've checked out the audio books a couple of times just to hear him read it).

I've been able to stay ahead of my reading challenge this year, because I've been devouring the audio books, which I can listen to at work.

Since it is also National Library Week, I thought I would show a little Library Love. Unless I receive an audio book for review, all my audio books come from the library. My library offers a digital library through Overdrive so have a catalog of audio books at my finger tips day and night.

Do you listen to books? Do you love your library?

Here are some of my favorites that I've listened to so far this year:

Love Letters Home by Debbie Macomber

I discovered Debbie Macomber over Christmas when I listened Dashing Through the Snow. In additions to Love Letters Home, I've also listened to the Last One Home and Silver Linings. I have not been disappointed yet and I hope to find more of her books on offer through my library's digital service.

If you are looking for heartfelt women's fiction to listen to while folding laundry or working in an office, then definitely pick-up one of Macomber's books.

Buy Love Letters at Amazon

The Thousand-Dollar Tan Line (Veronica Mars #1) by Rob Thomas

Did you love the Veronica Mars television series? Did you see the movie? Then you must read the first book, which picks up shortly after the movie. A bonus to listening to the audio book? It's read by Veronica Mars herself...well, Kristen Bell. Everything that there was to love about the show is contained within the pages of this book and I for one am looking forward to additional books.

Buy The Thousand-Dollar Tan Line at Amazon

Cover of Snow by Jenny Milchman

One of the best mystery/suspense novels I've read recently. It sucked me right in and I didn't want to stop listening to the story. Though it did make it hard to divide my attention on my work so this one should probably be kept for mindless tasks - like washing dishes.

The town Nora lives in a creepy. The whole time you know the town is covering something up, but how sinister is it? Is there anyone in this town that can be trusted?

Buy Cover of Snow at Amazon

As I mentioned in my post last week about the audio book The Turn of the Screw, I get in my dose of the classics mostly through audio books. I've listened to two this year that I've been on my reading list.

The Divine Comedy by Dante

I was familiar with the circles of Hell as they are often referenced in pop culture, but I didn't have a desire to read this epic until I read Sylvain Reynard's Gabriel's Inferno. The main character is a Dante specialist and there are a ton of references to The Divine Comedy.

I'm torn between whether it would be better to listen to or read it myself. Listening to it, definitely gave me an appreciation for the writing. The language and flow is a thing of beauty on its own. However, to really reflect on what is being conveyed I think reading it myself would be better. I found myself thinking intently on what had been said only to realize that the narrator had gone on without me.

Buy The Divine Comedy at Amazon

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

I know a number of the readers of Girl Who Reads love Jane Austen. But I'm not one of them. I tried to read it when assigned in high school but couldn't get into it and just said I wasn't a Jane Austen fan. However, I felt I needed to give it another chance in case my taste had changed as an adult. Sorry. Nope. Just not my thing.

The audio book was well done and I can see why people enjoy Austen so much.

Buy Pride and Prejudice at Amazon

Currently, I'm listening to Kathy Reich's Speaking in Bones. I'm missing the television show Bones and while the Temperance Brennen of the books is a poor replacement for Emily Deschanel's Bones and there's no Booth, the books are growing on me. I've listened to several of the novellas while waiting for the next book I have on hold. This one was good timing as there are continual references to taxes needing to be done.

Buy Speaking in Bones at Amazon

What are some of your favorite audio books? All of the above books, I checked out of my library's digital library. If you don't know if your library offers such a thing definitely ask! (Mine also offers ebooks)

Donna Huber: founder & publisher. Donna is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour. She reads most genres, but her favorite books are psychological thrillers and stories that highlight the survival of the human spirit against unbelievable circumstances. 

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