Aural Pleasures 102 – “How” to Select an Audio Book

In Aural Pleasures 101, we looked at the “Why” and “Where” to buy audio books, so you now know that you can get them free through your local library, at a relatively low cost from eBay, and at varying costs from online sites and brick and mortar bookstores.

Now let’s look at “How” to select audio books. I think these first two “Hows” are the absolute most important:

Many audio books will be offered in Abridged and Unabridged formats. Do NOT buy the abridged format. Really, I can’t think of any reason why someone would want to listen to only bits and pieces of a story that isn’t a school assignment. Stick with the UNABRIDGED format.

Listen to a sample before buying. I can’t tell you how many books have sounded interesting until I heard the narration sample. As noted in Aural Pleasures 101, ALL audio books sold through Audible.com can be sampled, and no matter where you ultimately plan to purchase a Brilliance Audio book, head to AudioBookStand.com first to hear a sample. Unfortunately, unlike Audible.com, Brilliance/AudioBookStand doesn’t always make a sample available, so, unless you are familiar with both the narrator and the book, think twice before purchasing.

I often select audio books by browsing through the new releases by category on Audible.com. Sometimes I’ll find a book that is already on my print to-be-purchased list. Sometimes I see a book that just sounds interesting, so I’ll listen to the sample and then head out to find reviews on the print version. Other times, I’m in the mood to buy a book that I’ve read and enjoyed in the past (not necessarily an all-time favorite).

Because Brilliance audio books are more expensive, I seldom just browse AudioBookStand anymore and tend to go there only to see if a specific book is available in audio and/or to listen to sample audio. If you are just starting out though, it will be worth your time to browse and familiarize yourself with what Brilliance/AudioBookStand has to offer. As I said in Aural Pleasures 101, be sure to sign up for the Brilliance and AudioBookStand email lists so you know what’s being released and what’s on sale.

If I previously enjoyed an audio book in a series, I watch for the release of the next print book in that series because the audio version usually follows within a week or two (sometimes the same day).

Many people listening to their first audio book are surprised to discover that there is usually only one narrator. Yes, there are some multiple narrator or even multi-cast performance audio books, but those are rare, particularly in the Romance genre. The best narrators will create distinctive voices for each character and another voice for their narration. But, just like listening to someone reading aloud, the results will vary widely between narrators.

When the right narrator and the right story mesh, the result can be unbelievably engrossing and entertaining. Mediocre books can be elevated by a talented narrator. But, unfortunately, even the best of stories can be a disappointment with the wrong narrator. And, although you may have enjoyed a particular narrator in one book/series, that does not necessarily mean they are the right “fit” for a completely different book/series. So take the time to listen to that sample first!

If you are an audio book newbie, you may also be disappointed if your first audio book experience is a beloved book or series that you’ve read countless times. The characters probably already have distinctive voices in your head and it’s doubtful that the narrator will come close to meeting your expectations.

Conversely, since an audio book forces the listener to slow down and “read” at the narrator’s pace, you will almost always discover things you never noticed before or see scenes in a different light when listening to a favorite book in audio format. So consider saving those well loved books until after you’ve enjoyed a few newer selections.

Pay close attention when ordering audio books, particularly from a seller that offers multiple formats. In addition to print and ebook formats, Amazon (see the “Also Available in” box on each book’s Amazon page) will often list CD abridged, CD unabridged, cassette unabridged, MP3 CD unabridged, and expensive library editions. Sometimes there is a big difference in price between CD unabridged and MP3 CD unabridged, but usually they are fairly close. It’s up to you which format to buy. If the price is close, I usually choose CD over MP3 CD just because I don’t want to worry about compatibility issues, but I know others prefer MP3 because it means fewer CDs.

Or you could just forget about everything I just said and let someone else make your audio book selections. Sybil, uber Harlequin fangirl that she is, sent me an interesting link. Harlequin has partnered with Audible.com (see Aural Pleasures 101) to create The Monthly Harlequin AudibleListener® Plan: TWO Harlequin Blaze novels will automatically be sent to you each month for $9.95 a month. If you are a Harlequin Blaze fan, that’s a GREAT price for two audio books, but personally, I think you can easily find a better MP3 player deal than the one they are offering. Add one to your Christmas Wish List so your family can stop whining that they don’t know what to get you. Take note that they are offering a FREE Harlequin Blaze audio download of Just Dare Me by Stephanie Bond! Did I mention that it was completely FREE?! [WOOT!] If you aren’t already registered with Audible, you’ll be prompted to create an account before the audio book can be downloaded into your Audible library.

So there’s my “how” of selecting audio books. Come share your tips for making a selection. And, if you buy abridged audio books, PLEASE tell me why, because I REALLY can’t figure out why they are even offered.

Don’t miss:
Aural Pleasures 101 – “Why” and “Where” to buy Audio Books – Tell us why you listen to audio books.

Coming next:
Aural Pleasures 103 – “What” Audio Books are Recommended – Get ready to share your recommendations and warn us about the duds.

Read more from Bev at Cubie’s Confections.