Now that I’m back to having a commute that means I listen to the radio a lot more. While I’m a big fan of NPR and can listen to it for hours, I remembered that I had an audio copy of The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry so I thought this would be the perfect time to give audio books another chance.
I liked the speaker much better than the other two audio books I tried but I really found myself getting distracted by traffic, by things I saw along the way, etc. I kept losing track of where I was in the story. Maybe the only way audio books will work for me is if I’m just hanging out with a cup of tea and listening to the story! I don’t know.
For now, I’m not sure I’ll go back to the audio of this book. I think I’d rather just listen to the news or some music. Christine recently posted about some new music so I’d love to check out some new tunes.
But speaking of NPR, I have to brag a bit about my Christmas present. Yes, I finally got my Christmas present from my husband. No fault of his of course, just a mix up with the delivery. Anyway, I got an NPR Radio! I’m so excited… All Things Considered, The Diane Rehm show, This American Life and many more favorites I get to hear all the time now. I think I may have mentioned that moving from Dallas one of the biggest things I missed was our local NPR station because I couldn’t get some of those shows here. So now when I’m bookbinding I can enjoy my shows again.
I also must say thank you everyone for stopping in. I know I’ve been behind on blog visiting and answering comments and emails but still trying to get used to a new routine and all. Looking forward to catching up soon!
I’m interested to know what you think of this book as I nearly ordered it and could still do it!! And it IS difficult to keep listening to a story in a car at a busy junction – better to keep your eyes on the road than be captivated by a plot twist and end up bumping the car in front! 🙂
I think listening to audios is a practiced art. I found it difficult to concentrate too at first, but now I listen to audios while driving, walking, cleaning the house, weeding the yard, cooking dinner and doing my hair. (I know, it may be a sickness) You might give it a little more time to get used to it…
I love NPR! I listen mostly in the car and frequently find myself unwilling to get out when I’ve reached my destination. I’ve not been good, however, at listening to audios, but haven’t given up hope.
I really enjoyed The Lace Reader when I read it a couple of years ago. I’m waiting for her next novel which should be out this year.
I just can’t do audio books. My concentration only lasts a couple of minutes and then I have to rewind it as I have lost the plot.
Glad to hear you got your present; it sounds fab.
I can do audiobooks in the car if I’m not the one driving. I’m with you though on being able to listen to NPR for hours. I’d never heard of an NPR radio, but it looks really cool.
I definitely can’t listen to audiobooks. I would get to easily distracted. I really enjoyed The Lace Reader and was recently reading about her new book coming out this year.
I LOVE your NPR radio. What a wonderful gift…..
I do love NPR! And KERA is awesome. We were sad to leave our incredible Alabama Public Radio when we moved out here, but Kris Boyd has helped make the transition easier. 😛
I like audio books once in awhile…like when I’m sitting crocheting or sewing and can listen. I do find them a bit distracting in the car when, like you, I’m driving. And I do think that the reader is vitally important on how the audio book is received. I listened to one recently where the reader talked so fast I found myself leaning forward trying to understand what he was saying–not fun!
Enjoy your new NPR radio!
Sorry to hear that your commute is too distracting for audio books. I hope you get back to the lace reader. its a good book. Happy commuting.
I really enjoy audio books when I’m driving. I don’t find them distracting when I’m driving. But I can’t listen to them at home. I tend to get up and wander out of the room to do a chore.
Oh! You’re back having a daily commute? I missed that update – congrats.
Honestly I’ve never tried an audio book because of the situation you described. I just don’t think I could concentrate.
I didn’t know an NPR Radio existed. That is just perfect. I want one…
Thank you for sharing that information. I do like to listen to book on tapes when I am quilting. The narrator has a lot to do with me paying attention though. My favorite is Jeff Woodman. (if you have not read “Extremely Loud and Incredible Close” by J. Safran Foer I would recommend for you to get it on CD. It is memorable). Have fun with your new toy. I am jaleous!
I mean jealous…
Horray for NPR. I get another twist on the news. Ialso watch Bill O’Reilly on Fox, once in awhile, to get another viewpoint.
Cool gift! And I need to listen to the Dallas NPR more often, but I usually don’t think about it or I’m in the car with the fam, and there’s much talking going on.
I like to listen to NPR too! I used to.. but i have not listened it for a long time now.
I am sure the radio is great! Enjoy!
I have the same issues with audio books. at one time, while trying sme book, i fell asleep and well .///
I like NPR as well. I do listen to audio books, but I try to pick ones that don’t require too much concentration, because I tend to get distracted as well. I end up backing up the CD pretty often. But I find it worth it anyway.
I love audio books. My car radio is broken and I am in my car a lot so I listen to books while I drive. I also download books to my MP3 player to listen when I go walking or when I am knitting. I probably don’t get as much from the story as I do when I read the books but it works for me. And that NPR radio is very cool! I am also a big NPR fan. enJOY
I don’t think I would be able to drive and also listen to an audio book–at least not in busy traffic! I like to walk and listen, but I’ve been too focused on not slipping on the ice and snow, so I’ve left off my MP3 player. Very cook radio–I’d not heard of it before…now I want one too! 🙂
I’ve never heard of the NPR Radio. How cool is that?!!! I wish it weren’t quite so expensive. I’d love to give it to my dad for his birthday. Maybe I can get my brothers to chip in…
I have a fairly short commute (12 minutes, or so), but I’ve started listening to audio books while bopping around town and heading to & from work and the gym. It may take me months to complete one book, but it’s so much nicer than listening to all the annoying dj chatter. Right now I’m listening to The Help. I can’t stop raving about how wonderful this audio version of my #1 read for 2009 truly is. I’d go as far as saying it’s even better than the printed book. The outstanding cast (4 readers) brings the story to life. I feel like I personally know the characters. If you get a chance, get a copy. You won’t be disappointed.
Enjoy your gift. Sounds like a great way to pass the time.
Also, you’ve won Shanghai Girls on my blog! Congrats! Please email me at diaryofaneccentric at hotmail dot com with your mailing address.
I loved THE LACE READER. I read it in print … I can’t listen to audiobooks while I’m driving because I get distracted; I save them for treadmill/walking.
Brunonia Barry has a new book coming (May, I think) It’s called THE MAP OF TRUE PLACES and takes place in the same area (my neck of the woods).