May
27
Written by:
host
5/27/2010 9:40 AM
In my house, there's an ongoing debate. After finishing an audiobook, should you say you have "read" the book or "listened" to it (or both)? Regardless of where you come out on the question (I'm a fan of "read"), audiobooks are a terrific way to pass the time, learn something new, and have fun while you drive, exercise, or work around the house. I almost never leave the house without at least one audiobook on my phone and/or iPod, and I frequently have one checked out on CD from the library as well. Here are some great sources for audiobooks, including several that charge little or nothing, plus a peek at the last two audiobooks I listened to (and loved!)
- Audible.com is the best-known audiobook store. I've been a member on and off for years because of their superb selection, service, and quality.
- Amazon, of course, has a massive number of audiobooks, in multiple formats (even cassette for those who are tech holdouts.)
- iTunes is becoming a very popular source for audiobooks among those who also love podcasts and music, and eMusic
is a great option for those who don't use iPods or prefer non-Apple formats.
- Audiobooks.com claims to have the largest selection of audiobooks.
- Many publishers sell audiobooks directly, and from time to time they offer special sales and even freebies. Here are a few: Tantor Audio, Brilliance Audio, Bolinda Publishing, HighBridge Audio, Penguin Audio, Blackstone Audio, Hatchette Book Group, Random House Audio, Harper Audio
- Cokesbury does have a selection of audiobooks on CD, but they aren't always easy to find. Visit the Different Voice Cokesbury Store, and start by searching using keyword: audiobook.
- LibriVox provides free audiobooks recorded by volunteer readers. The books are in the public domain.
- AudioBookStore has a large collection of books for download or rental.
- Your public library undoubtedly carries audiobooks in CD and cassette formats, and quite possibly offers free digital downloads as well from one or more services. (The only downside: library licenses for digital downloads typically allow you just one week to listen to the book.)
- Your local denominational resource center likely has a selection of audiobooks available with your membership.
What am I currently listening to, by the way? Linchpin: Are You Indispensible? by Seth Godin. I love, Love, LOVE his books, and Linchpin is one I can't recommend enough. (I even occasionally gave it as a graduation gift this year.) If you'd like to know how to make your work your art, if you're searching for a new job and want to do something amazing, or if you just feel like listening to something really inspiring, I hope you'll read or listen to Linchpin.
I also just finished Kate Braestrup's Marriage and Other Acts of Charity, a memoir about love and marriage in her own life and in the lives of the persons she works with (Braestrup's a Unitarian minister who works for the Maine Warden Service.) It's a very moving book that I intend to listen to again soon and think you'd really enjoy.
What are some of your favorite audiobooks, especially ones that have been helpful for your ministry? Please add a comment below with your recommendations.
~ by Tim Gossett
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