Audio Books -- My Practical Tips and Titles Worth Recommending

Audio books and I have spent a lot of time together in recent weeks. As a consequence I have gained an appreciation for this format, and for those artistic men and women with voices that make a book exceptional.

It took listening to a variety of audio books before it became apparent what made certain ones better than others. Thought you might like to know what I learned, and also hear my take on titles which made my recommended list, plus those that did not for an assortment of reasons.

Four Practical Tips on Audio Books

I wish I had known these tips when first starting with audio books as they save time and money. Pretty sure if/when you try an audio book, or buy one as a gift, these guidelines will prove valuable.

• The voice! Pay attention to the short bio, usually provided on back jacket, of the man or woman whose voice is used on an audio book. You want someone with more than decent reading skills. If his/her credentials mention drama or acting experience that’s a good indicator you’ll enjoy the audio. Once you have listened to a skillful reader—one who makes the story and characters come alive—it’s hard to accept anything of less quality. So make sure your reader is top notch.

• Screening for content. Unlike movies which have a rating system, there is none for audio books. Only until you listen do you know if it contains objectionable matter. At least with a hand-held book you can flip through the pages and do a spot check for these issues. Sad to say, I did not get beyond chapter one with a number of the audio books I checked out due to these precise reasons. Discovered yesterday on Amazon the option to listen to a “sample” of an audio book. That gave me an idea of the reader, but only a tiny taste of the story. Still, that did help.

• Availability. Did you know you can download audio books for free? I’m fortunate to have a county library which provides this service. There are also places online that make the classics and other genre available for free in audio format. Or you can sign up with places like Audible and for a flat fee per month download audio books. Often there is a 30-day free trial with subscribing.

• Bargains. Amazon and Barnes & Noble carry audio books and quite often online you can get them at a reduced price, and sometimes free. One of my best audio book finds was at the “Friends of the Library” store at my local library which sells used audio books; spent $2 for the audio version of The Broker by John Grisham which was in superb condition.   

Now, My Reviews:

State of Wonder by Ann Patchett – A story that took me to far-away places, with a plot line that involved science, eccentric characters, far-fetched events, and an ending that seemed odd. Still, I liked it, perhaps because the reader was better than average. (Warning: Occasional inappropriate language; morals issues.)

The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester-- Fascinating true story and mystery behind the formation of The Oxford Dictionary. The English accent by reader certainly fit the historical fiction with it's London and nearby locations. Though not able to complete the book before the library load deadline I do intend to check it out again, or perhaps even purchase the audio version. 

Still Alice by Lisa Genova –Liked this book from beginning to end. The author/reader did a nice job and impressed me by how she wove scientific data about Alzheimer’s into the story. Closed the book feeling I better understand this illness and how it impacts a family. (Warning: foul language)

Killing Patton: The Strange Death of World War II’s Most Audacious General by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard – This book may be very good, but I didn’t get past the second chapter due to the reader’s voice (Bill O’Reilly) and his lack of dramatic reading skills. I’d avoid the audio book and buy the book.

The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin – Anyone with a background in bookstores or publishing would find this fiction piece a good read. Story jumps around a bit, includes a few surprises, and is full of book recommendations which I found delightful and useful. Just wish it omitted its use of inappropriate language and a few sexual references which were not necessary. 

Believing God by Beth Moore – Content is good and definitely like the reader’s voice and clarity, along with Beth’s friendly way of presenting her subject. But found one annoying problem: the frequent references of Scripture passages. Understand why Beth includes them, but for an audio book they disrupt the flow of thought--sort of like how hiccups break up a conversation. Did not finish audio book for this single reason.

An Officer and a Spy by Robert Harris –If you speak French you are apt to like this story which takes place in Paris and is based on a true event from 1895. I’m only on chapter six but so far finding the story fascinating. Reader’s voice and ease with pronunciation of French names, streets, cities and more is well suited for this audio. (Warning: moral issues.)   



(Note: If you click on the book cover it will take you to Amazon should you want to know more about content, author and price.)

On my nightstand

These three audio books are on my nightstand waiting to be listened to: Rosie (Story about an 86 year old widow who wants to live a little!); The Little Guide to Your Well-Read Life (A short book to help you get more books in your life and more life from your books.); Stones of Jerusalem ("A tale of unselfish love, enduring faith, and God's transforming power" according to promo copy found on its back cover.

Now you know how I'll be spending my evenings in the coming weeks. If any of them deserve a 5-star review I'll let you know.


P.S. Have any books on your nightstand that's keeping you up late reading? If so, please jot a comment below!   

How Modern Mrs. Darcy and Audio Books Saved My Day

How Modern Mrs. Darcy and Audio Books Saved My Day

Pain has a way of altering our lives. Four months ago eye pain forced me to stop reading and wear sunglasses indoors. 

Turns out the cause is chronic Dry Eye Syndrome which my ophthalmologist informs me is “Not life threatening, nor does it have a cure, and in most cases prescription eye drops alleviate the pain, light sensitivity, and irritation.”

Unfortunately, I’m not one of those “in most cases.” My eyes still hurt. As a result books have remained closed and time at the computer cut way back. (Now you know why no posts have appeared here since January.)

Not one to give up so easily I started looking for ways that would allow me to keep enjoying books. Surely there’s a solution that will enable me to continue being an avid reader and blogger.

The Reading Solution

I tried a variety of possibilities: reading with sunglasses, enlarging the type on my Nook, reducing my laptops brightness level plus buying an anti-glare screen, and looking into acquiring glasses with prisms. None solved my problem.

Then one day I recalled a post I read awhile back at one of my favorite blogs www.modernmrsdarcy.com. There was my answer! I’ll listen to books. Ta da. Problem solved. Or so I thought.

Lucky for me, my local library is nearby and houses a modest collection of audio books. I checked out a few titles and later that evening slipped in a CD. Leaning back in my easy chair I got comfortable and began listening . . . but awhile later realized I had dozed off. Um, either I’m tired or this book is boring.

I try another title and get the same results. This is not good. I’m down to my final option, the bestseller State of Wonder. Oh, please, please, please be good.

Chapter 1 starts and the first thing I notice is that the reader’s voice is pleasant and versatile; she gives each character his own voice/inflection. Oh, I like that. The story transports me to the Amazon jungle and keeps me intrigued . . . three hours later I am still awake!

Two days later I finish it, thrilled that I have a viable solution and books can still be a part of my world. I’m happy. 

The Writing Solution

How I solved the dilemma of writing this blog came while at my writer's group where I spotted John speaking into his phone. Curious, I asked him if I could do the same thing with my computer. "Absolutely." Yay! I can keep writing my blog and be among the 5% of bloggers who start one and actually keep at it.

That same day I tested out the idea. It worked, but the process was laboring. I had to speak slowly and distinctly for the computer to learn my voice, but still there were errors. Growing frustrated I resorted to typing with my eyes closed instead! Actually, it was rather relaxing and gave me quick results as I type fast: 90-words-per-minute with few errors. Editing, not so much. That task calls for eyes wide open, and only for short periods of time to avoid aggravating my vision. But as you can see the blog eventually got done.

Lessons Along the Way

While I do not like pain, I do like a good challenge. Dry eye syndrome has certainly provided that. So has my self imposed crash course in audio books.

I’ll tell you more about that in my next post, plus give you a list of audio books I like/dislike. Currently I'm listening to An Officer and a Spy by Robert Harris--a story based on a true event in France, 1875. Sure hope it keeps me awake! 

P.S. Could use some book recommendations. Have you read anything lately that rates five stars? It does not have to be an audio book.

A 2015 New Year's Debate Winner!

I had a debate with myself this morning. Should I post this article today, or file it away for January 1, 2016? One side of me said, "No, save it for another day. We're already two weeks into the new year." The other side said, "Post it! After all, if popular blogger Holley Gerth can write about her special word for 2015 on January 14th, so can you."

And the debate goes to . . . Phooey on perfectionism, hurrah for delayed posts!

First, a short disclaimer: I wrote my piece over a week ago as a writer's group assignment and do not know Holly. This morning I was totally surprised, and delighted, to find we had penned something similar. She doesn't disclose how she came about her idea for choosing a word. Mine resulted from watching an eleven-minute video, “Discover God’s Theme for You in 2015," presented by bestselling author John Eldredge and ministry partner, Craig McConnell at www.RansomedHeart.com.

In summary, the two men discuss the practice of asking God for what He has for us in the year ahead. Hearing their individual experiences lent credence to this practice and sounded familiar. Each year I select a word and then read Scripture making note of every place it appears. One year I chose “favor.” Last year, “prayer”.  But they were my choices, not God’s, and done for a different purpose. This year I am going with John and Craig’s idea.   

This is not a mystical experiment. It is simply a desire to pay closer attention to God and what He intends for me. None of us knows what will transpire in 2015, but God does. I do know I want my heart and mind to be in sync with His. 

Here’s what I’ve learned in the initial days of this practice: Don’t expect God to tell you immediately what that word or phrase is. Most likely, that’s not gonna happen. Instead, set aside all your expectations other than the promise that He will inform you at some point. Until He does, simply go about your life, keeping alert to His voice. You will know. There won’t be any doubt or question when He reveals His theme for you. May take a few days, or a few months.  Maybe even longer. Leave the timing to Him.

For me, my word emerged while I read Scripture. It's a six-letter-word that starts with an L . . . Listen! As I pondered it there was no resistance on my part to embrace it. I welcomed it, ready to see God’s theme unfold. 

Pretty sure twelve months from now a remarkable story about God and that word will be revealed. No doubt all sorts of twists and turns, conflict, laughter, challenges, moments of boredom, tragedy, triumphs, and probably a surprise ending will comprise the story. 

Meanwhile, I am making short entries in a journal about any significant lessons, insights, events, or scriptures from each day. Already today I found a gem towards the end of Holley's blog, www.holleygerth.com -- "The desire to listen pleases Him (God) and He'll answer in His perfect timing." 

Why don't you join me, John and Craig, Holley and her husband, and many others by asking God what word He has for you in 2015? Aren't you curious to know what He's chosen?  

When you find out, do let me know!   

The DIY Button Christmas Tree

I first spotted this charming button tree on display at the front office of my church (Community Christian Church, Hemet, CA). Turned out to be one of the staff's contributions to add a bit of Christmas decor to an otherwise bland, business environment.

The first year it turned up I simply admired its uniqueness and clever use of buttons, something I randomly collect. The next year, I took a closer look and determined "I could make this!"  And so I did . . . once I got the OK to replicate it and create my own pattern.

Most of the materials I had at home: felt for the cut-out tree, wood block for the base, pillow stuffing, needle and thread, ribbon, paint, glue, and buttons. Only item I lacked was an 8" piece of dowel. A quick trip to a nearby hardware store, and 79 cents later, I had my tree's trunk.

My first attempt was a white felt tree covered with a variety of fancy white buttons. I also added a silver/blue bow at the bottom of the tree to dress it up. It turned out pretty -- good enough to give to my sister. My plan was to make more as gifts, but for this do-it-yourself (DIY) craft to succeed "textured" buttons are a must. I had a huge assortment of buttons in an array of colors, but few with a raised surface. So, production of handmade trees came to a halt.

When the original tree at the office made its appearance the third year I had a chance to tell Joni, its owner, how much I like seeing it each year. To my surprise she told me "I'm not keeping it. I told my husband that if he gets to buy new outside lights and decorations, then I get new Christmas decor for inside the house! When the holidays are over you can have it if you want it."  Of course I said, "Yes, I'd love it. Thanks."

Now, each December I put the tree out on display at home, and laugh as I do, for on the bottom of the base are these words: "Stolen from Joni Gott."

I'm not sure if the message was intended for me or someone else who might be inclined to walk off the premises with it. My guess is that Joni simply found a fun way to ensure the item got returned to its rightful owner at year's end. So, until the police show up at my door with a warrant for stolen property I intend to keep it! 


P.S. Do you have a DIY Christmas craft that others admire?  Here's your chance to tell me and others about it. 

"The Hiding Place" -- How It Impacted My Life, Part 2

Prisoner 66729 and Prisoner 66730. Those are the numbers assigned and tattooed on the arms of two, middle-aged sisters, Betsie and Corrie ten Boom -- the central characters in the true story, The Hiding Place.

Their crime? Hiding Jews in their home during Hitler’s invasion of Europe.

Their sentence? Imprisonment at Ravensbruck concentration camp, known today for its inhumane conditions and gas chambers. 

But God went with them. God sustained them. God used them. And God watched over them.

God also had lessons for them. One came as they entered their filthy, smelly, cold and dark housing for the first time. There were no beds, only planks of wood with soiled straw and blankets infested with fleas!  Here’s an excerpt, slightly condensed, which is both funny and profound:

#####

 “Fleas!” I cried. “Betsie, the place is swarming with them! How are we going to live in this place?”

“Show us. Show us how.” It was said so matter of factly it took me awhile to realize that Betsie was praying.  More and more, the distinction between prayer and the rest of life seemed to be vanishing for Betsie.

“Corrie!” she said excitedly. “He’s given us the answer! Before we asked, as He always does! In the Bible this morning. Where was it? Read that part again.”

“Here it is: ‘Comfort the frightened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all . . .’” It seemed expressly written for Ravensbruck.

“Go on,” said Betsie. “That wasn’t all.”

“Oh, yes: ‘. . . to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.’”

“That’s it, Corrie! That’s His answer. ‘Give thanks.’ That’s what we can do. We can thank God for every single thing about this new barracks.”

I stared at her, then around me at the dark, foul-aired room.

“Such as?” I said.

“Such as being assigned here together.”

I bit my lip. “Oh yes, Lord Jesus.”

“Such as what you are holding in your hands.”

I looked down at my Bible. “Yes, thank you, dear Lord.”

“And for the crowding here. We’re packed so close, that many more will hear.” She looked at me expectantly. “Corrie!” she prodded.

“Oh, all right. Thank you for the jammed, crammed, stuffed, packed, suffocating crowds.”

“Thank you,” Betsie went on serenely, “for the fleas and for –-"

The fleas! This was too much. “There’s no way that even God can make me grateful for a flea.”

“’Give thanks in ALL circumstances.’” She quoted. “It doesn’t say ‘in pleasant circumstances.’ Fleas are part of this place where God has put us.”

But this time I was sure Betsie was wrong.

   #####

But Betsie was right.  They learned later the guards refused to step inside their barracks due to the fleas! giving Corrie and Betsie the freedom to read the Bible aloud to others.

Sadly, Betsie died at Ravensbruck, and soon after her passing Corrie was released due to a clerical error. She lived another 40+ years travelling the world to tell their story, often saying, “No pit is so deep that Jesus is not deeper still.”

It’s a remarkable piece of non-fiction. One you continue to think about long after you turn the last page. For me, my mind kept returning to how they could face and endure such hatred and atrocities without succumbing to bitterness. Though there was a period when Corrie wrestled with God over the injustices and evil around her.

This book has influenced my perspective of God and how I see others. It's 

challenged me to live with a thankful heart and obey God even when I don't want to. And it's given me one other valuable treasure: A positive view of women who never marry.  

Wanting to know more about Corrie's post-war life I went on a search for other titles by or about her. Over the decades I acquired 11. Through them her life unfolded, providing additional facts and bits of wisdom about her Dutch upbringing, her broken heart over a man she had hoped to marry, her skill as a watchmaker, her far-reaching travels and ministry, her failures, her heart of compassion, and how she lived out the final five “silent” years of her life. 

Today, I realize that Corrie ten Boom was my mentor, via all her books, modeling for me what it truly means to trust and obey God.  No one has impacted me more.

P.S. Anyone read "The Velvet Room" or "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis? These two recommendations came in last week. Thank you Sharon and Denise for your comments.  Have a book you think is outstanding? 

"The Hiding Place" and How It Impacted My Life

If I were to ask you . . . "What book, other than the Bible, has most shaped your life?" could you answer instantly? 

Or would you require more time to consider your options? 

Seems like an easy question to answer, but I found it a challenge. I could easily name my favorite reads, but to identify books that truly altered my thinking or caused me to modify my behavior required time and reflection. 

In the moments I had to reflect I did a quick scan of my life, looking for evidence of any book's influence. It didn't take long before The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom turned up in my thoughts. "A ha, I think I have my answer!"

But then, Self Talk by David Stoop wandered in, casting doubt on my choice. Minutes later Prison to Praise by Merlin Carothers appeared, soon followed by Who Moved My Cheese?, the bestseller by Spencer Johnson, M.D. "Oh, I'm glad I didn't overlook that gem." 

When I thought I had reached a decision, my brain sent me another one to consider: The Maker's Diet by Jordan Rubin. And from out of nowhere came the memory of an unforgettable woman in Left to Tell by Immaculee Llibagiza. 

"OK, that's enough. No more titles. It's decision time. I choose The Hiding Place; the remarkable true story of a Holocaust survivor."

How that book impacted my life requires a separate post. So, stay tuned for my next entry where I will give you the details.  After that I'll write about the other titles I considered, as all marked my life for different reasons and deserve more comment. 


P.S. What book has shaped your life? Would love to hear your answer.

The Story of the Over-Due Library Book

A first grader made me smile today when a memory from my days as a librarian surfaced. Pretty sure a grin will turn up on your face too as you read about this incident with little Annie*.   

It was early in the school year when students are actually excited to visit the library and choose their own books.  As I checked in titles from classes that day I noticed that Annie, a beautiful, black-haired oriental girl with a sweet demeanor, had failed to turn in one of her library books. 

When her class arrived I instructed the other first graders, with the exception of Annie, to look for other books to check out.  I assured her she was not in trouble; I just needed to ask her a question. 

"Annie, did you forget to turn your book in today?"

"No."

"Did you leave it at home?"

"No."

"Is it in your desk in the classroom?"

"No."

"Is it in your backpack?"

"No."

Puzzled, I took a different approach.  "Annie, what happened to your book?" 

"I threw it away.  I didn't like it."

I so wanted to laugh. In her mind her actions made perfectly good sense. After all, if she didn't like the book how could anyone else. 

I couldn't fault her as it was apparent I had not done a very good job explaining how a library works.  Once she understood her response was short and simple: "Oh, okay."  And off she went to look for another title.

Each week we had students fail to turn in their books when due.  Occasionally, a few came back damaged. Sometimes their excuses were hysterical.  Here are three I will never forget: 

"My Dad ran over it with his truck." (Book was presented showing actual tire marks on cover to verify this child was telling the truth.)

"My cat peed on it."  (Kerplunk! That one immediately went in the trash.)

"The banana peel in my backpack did it."  (What a sticky mess. A brand new book that was salvaged, but truly lost its appeal.)

But the excuse most often voiced from kids facing a late fine was "My Mom forgot." Nice try, kids, but you checked it out, not your Mom. You are responsible and you have a fine to pay. End of story.

  
P.S.  *I changed the name to protect this delightful child, nor does she appear in the photo at top. The books above are a sampling of ones which made my "favorites" list. Read any of them?