Audiobooks are changing the way we consume books along with our definition of “reading.” They are an alternative to traditional reading but there are many more reasons why you should listen to audiobooks.
I’ve been listening to audiobooks regularly for about a year and they are now embedded in my routine. It started because I wanted to “read” while commuting but they are helpful even when I’m at home all day. I’ve read so many audiobooks in the past year and some of them have become my favourites.
So today, I want to push the audiobook agenda on y’all.
reasons why you should listen to audiobooks
Contents
There are several reasons to pick up audiobooks but I want to highlight how they improve our reading and lifestyle.
1. they allow multitasking
Previously, I always had to choose between reading and other activities. With audiobooks, the amount of possible time for consuming books has drastically increased.
Now I listen to audiobooks when going through my morning routine, doing illustrations, and even while doing chores at home. Audiobooks actually make me want to do boring activities because they are not so boring anymore.
2. audiobooks help when reading regular books is hard
There are some books that are just hard to read or your attention span may not be great. At those times, audiobooks can greatly help.
A ton of readers also listen to audiobooks and read at the same. They swear by it saying that it improves listening comprehension and helps keep their attention on the book.
Audiobooks make books accessible to everybody too. People who find reading hard due to any reason can now consume books without having to read.
3. they elevate the reading experience
Audiobooks with the right narrators just hit differently. I’ve listened to some audiobooks that I know I would have enjoyed lesser as print copies or ebooks. Some audiobooks also have audio effects to amplify the feeling.
Audiobooks also help with the pronunciation of characters names and other words.
4. audiobooks are convenient
All you have to do is press play, anywhere and anytime. There is nothing extra to carry around or fit in your bag.
Audiobooks are also very easy to get into. Once you play the audiobook, within minutes you’re fully immersed in the book no matter what genre.
5. audiobooks give your eyes a break
This is the biggest benefit for me and it should be considered as a big benefit by everyone. We spend so much time looking at screens, especially nowadays, and strain them. All of us need to give our eyes a break.
Audiobooks help reduce strain on the eyes because they don’t need you to actually read. You can just listen. Your eyes get breaks even as you smash your reading goals.
how to incorporate audiobooks into your routine
When starting out with audiobooks, it will take some time to get used to them and make them a part of your day. You can be thinking “when can I listen to audiobooks? I’m so busy!”
But there are several opportunities to listen to audiobooks even when one is at home.
The easiest way is to replace music with audiobooks. If you listen to music when doing chores or when doing other mindless tasks, replace it with an audiobook!
Here are some more specific times when you can listen to audiobooks:
- When you’re on a walk or are doing an exercise routine.
- While doing chores at home.
- In gaps of time between two schedules. I like to pick up audiobooks in between other scheduled events that have a small time gap.
- When you’re bored or tired. If you’re taking a break or resting by lying down, play an audiobook and close your eyes!
- During self-care routines. If you maintain proper skincare or other forms of self-care routines every day, these times are perfect for audiobooks.
- While pursuing another hobby like drawing, cooking, or photography.
- Right after waking up. If you need a little extra kick to wake up in the mornings, audiobooks can be good for that.
- Before going to bed. Calming books can help you wind down and relax before sleeping.
This is a limited list. Based on your lifestyle, there will be multiple times where you can easily incorporate audiobooks without compromising anything.
introducing Storytel
Storytel is the world’s first streaming service for unlimited listening/reading on the mobile phone. I actually started with Storytel last year and it was so convenient.
what I like about Storytel
The unlimited listening for a fixed price. It works like any other streaming service where you pay for a period of time and can listen to the entire catalogue in that period. So we can listen to several audiobooks for the price of one.
They also have an extensive catalogue. As of now, Storytel India has 2 lakh+ titles. Also, international audiobooks are available on Storytel immediately after release. You don’t have to wait for the books to come to India.
The catalogue includes audiobooks of several languages including English, Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Malayalam, Telugu, Urdu, Kannada and Tamil with an aim to add more languages shortly. It has a strong focus on regional content along with having the classics and bestsellers on the app.
The app is also super convenient to use with features like sleep timer, speed control up to 2x, bookmarks/notes and kids mode. You can Chromecast or connect to other devices through Bluetooth and listen.
They do have in-app reviewing as well. You can use emojis to quickly review a book based on how it made you feel. And you can easily share your current reads on Instagram stories.
As part of this post, I’ve got a limited period offer for y’all. You can get 90 days of listening at Rs. 375 by clicking the button below!
5 amazing audiobooks to start with
First impressions are highly important and that goes for audiobooks as well. Your first audiobook pick is quite important because it can get you instantly obsessed or can turn you away from audiobooks.
So here are some great audiobooks to start with that are guaranteed to get you obsessed with the medium.
The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai
The Right Swipe is an adult rivals-to-lovers romance between high-profile people of two companies in the dating industry. The story is amazing, the characters are amazing, and the writing is easy to get into.
I listened to this as an audiobook and LOVED IT. The book is one of my favourites in the romance genre. You can check out my review for detailed thoughts.
Love From A to Z by S. K. Ali
This book is about Zayneb and Adam who cross paths when they travel to Doha, Qatar and life brings them together more often. They have very different lives but grow closer to each other and get through obstacles together.
I absolutely loved this book and recommend it to anyone who has not read it. Besides the romance, the book deals with racism and chronic illness. It is a book that will pull on your heartstrings and remain in your thoughts for a long time.
The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi
This is a historical fiction set in Jaipur, India that will completely absorb you. It follows Lakshmi who ran away from an abusive marriage and lives as a henna artist with a dream of owning her own home. The book deals with casteism, abuse, sexism, and more.
The audiobook narrator has done such a good job of bringing Lakshmi and Jaipur to life. Every time I listened to this audiobook, I was transported into the scene and was entranced by the story.
The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee
This book follows five girls from very different backgrounds whose lives intersect in a stunning dystopian world where technology is highly advanced. It is a thrilling book that will raise the stakes and will not let you go until the end.
This was my first 5-star audiobook and I’m sure that I wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much if I had read it as an ebook or paperback. The narration just takes everything to the next level, especially the adrenaline.
The City of Brass by S. A. Chakraborty
If you’re a fantasy fan, The City of Brass is an AMAZING pick. It follows Nahri, a girl who lived a normal life, as she gets entangled in the world of the djinn and has to learn to survive under a legacy she wasn’t aware of.
The audiobook is magical, immersive, thrilling, and engaging. The world-building is top-notch and the characters are brilliant. It is slightly longer than the average book but is so worth it.
