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Are audiobooks for you? The pros, the cons, and why they’re worth a try


Lately, I’ve seen a lot of discussion about audiobooks. Some readers love them, others can’t stand them. It reminds me of when I first got my Kindle. For years, I barely touched it because, to me, reading had to involve turning real pages.


Then, during the pandemic, I gave eBooks a proper chance. I struggled at first, not because of the stories, but because of how I was consuming them. It took me time to adjust, and eventually, they became part of my routine.


And just when I got used to eBooks, audiobooks started gaining popularity. So, over the past few years, I’ve been trying to get into them, and I’ll admit, it's been an entirely different challenge, but a surprisingly positive experience.



Do audiobooks change the reading experience? Absolutely.


I’m not giving up my eBooks or paperbacks anytime soon, but I’m also not dismissing audiobooks. In fact, one of my favorite reads was an audiobook: His & Hers by Alice Feeney. It was an incredible experience and, to this day, remains the best fiction audiobook I’ve ever listened to.


So, what are the pros and cons of audiobooks? And if you’re hesitant, is there a way to make the experience work for you?


The downsides of audiobooks (and how to overcome them)


The Narrator’s Voice Matters

When I read, I imagine the characters’ voices in my head, usually in my own accent. Hearing a narrator’s voice instead can be jarring, especially if their tone, accent, or pacing feels unexpected. I almost DNF’d an audiobook simply because I wasn’t prepared for a thick Southern American accent. Not because I disliked it, but because it threw me off so much that I spent the first five chapters adjusting instead of following the story.


Tip: Always listen to the sample before purchasing an audiobook. Most stores and author websites have snippets available, mine included! Give it a try and see if it suits you.


Pacing Can Be an Issue

Some audiobooks feel too slow or overly dramatic. But narrators have to ensure clarity, and sometimes that means exaggeration or a slower pace.


Tip: Adjust the speed! Most audiobook platforms let you speed up or slow down the narration. Once I found my ideal pace, it made a huge difference.


The perks of audiobooks


Hands-Free Reading

No need to hold a book or dog-ear pages. You can listen while driving, cooking, working out, basically anytime. Plus, your progress syncs across devices, so you can switch from Kindle to phone without missing a beat.


No More Mispronunciations

Ever read a character’s name completely wrong in your head? With audiobooks, you don’t have to second-guess! The narrator does the work for you.


Immersion Like Never Before

Listening to an audiobook, especially before bed, allows you to fully relax and experience the story, like a personal performance.


So, are audiobooks worth it?


For me, yes. If I didn’t think they were valuable, I wouldn’t have had my own books produced as audiobooks. They offer a different way to experience a story, one that can be just as immersive, emotional, and exciting as traditional reading.


I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do audiobooks change the way you experience a story? Love them or hate them? Let’s discuss in the comments!


And if you’re curious, why not give my short novella a try? Listen to a sample below, you might just find your next favourite way to read.




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