Friday, September 18, 2015

Autumn, audio books and reading..................


Autumn is on my mind as it is popping up on so many blogs.  Autumn is far from Florida, and will be for a few more weeks, maybe even a month or two.  I love Autumn, it is my favorite season which I find ironic living where I do in Florida.  As of the beginning of October I will decorate for Halloween and Fall, but for now I will have to make do with these beautiful sunflowers I bought at the market today.  I found the glass polka dot jar in the three dollar bin at Target earlier this week, a fun combination for the hopefully cooler days ahead.

One of the things I absolutely love to do is read.  I find so many of you out there in blogland do too.  As my reading time is limited due to work, Little Buddy, and my overall level of fatigue I find it hard to read as many books as I would like.  I am on the road for a couple of hours a day, driving to patients homes, driving, driving and more driving.   I used to listen to music in the car but it just became so irritating to me, all the crazy beats, and of course all the commercials.  I find when I listen to audio books I get to hear the book, do something productive with my travel time and stay calm while driving.  Well that is until I recently listened to Broadchurch, I wasn't to calm listening to this book!  

I know many of you feel that audio books aren't for you because you like to make up the sounds of the characters in the  books in your own mind, I do too, but for me audio books are a life saver.  I enjoy the take the person reading the book has on the characters, sort of like when I watch a movie based on a book, it might not be the way I had envisioned it in my head but it might be great just the way it is, even if it isn't my way.  I listen to these books through my public library system, with an app on my phone.  It is brilliant as I am listening to books I may never have thought of reading, and they are free.  If I don't like it I just return it and I am not out a whole bunch of money. 

So in honor of audio books and books in general I would like to recommend a few.  I just finished listening to Broadchurch this afternoon.  Oh my what a story!  I managed to have not seen the show and had no idea who did what, if you haven't seen the show, or maybe even if you have, this is one fantastic thriller. 

One of my favorite authors is Liane Morality.  I have listened to Three Wishes, and Big Little Lies this year and both of them are terrific.  I have read many of her other books as well, all of them are wonderfully written, terrifically detailed, and so full of interesting characters. 

I listened to one or two of the Bridget Jones books even though I had already read them.  They made me laugh out loud in my car.  There is something to be said about a book that makes you giggle while you are driving.  

There is something about a mystery listened to in audio format that is very exciting.  I have listened to many of the John Grisham books this year as well as The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins.  The Cormorant Strike series by JR Rollins were fabulous in audio format.  I loved the gruff voice of the lead character.   

Not to make you think that I never pick up a book, actually I try to read every night, here are a few I have read that I really enjoyed.  My favorite of the year so far is Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandall.  I really loved this book and could not wait to whisk myself off to bed to read it.  

A new to me author Brian Freeman, wrote The Bone House, which was fascinating to me as it takes place in Door Co. Wisconsin where my SIL's live, and where we visited this past summer.  The book also takes place in Florida, it was very exciting and well written.  

Sarah's Key by Tatiana  de Rosnay was a fabulous read.  I know I am late to the party on this one.  The Baker's Daughter by Sarah McCoy was also brilliant., taking place in the same era.  

All in all I have listened/read 38 books so far this year.  Many of them were okay or good but not good enough for me to recommend.  Those listed above made the cut and are the best of the best. 

One of the books I knew I would struggle with is Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee.  There has been so much press about this book already I won't go into to much here.  Even though I told myself not to I read it, and believe me I think Harper Lee had this manuscript set aside for a reason.  She was just figuring herself out writing this book, a first draft, trying to find her way.  When I think of it that way it makes sense to me.  Thank goodness she did find her voice in To Kill a Mockingbird, my favorite book of all time.  

Now we have another block buster coming out in the Millennium Series by Stieg Larson, will you read the fourth book in the series even though the author died before he was finished writing it?  Lots of controversy here as his long time love did not want it published but his brother and father did, and hired someone to finish it  Time will tell on that one for me, but I have to say I am no hurry to get it when it comes out.

Tonight I am starting a new book to read before bed and this weekend will download an audio book for my travels to and from work.  There is just so much out there read and/or listen to.  Tonight I am also working on this baby blanket, I am at the half way point!

Read any good books lately?


34 comments:

RedSetter said...

Hi Meredith,

I love audiobooks too as you know but haven't listened to any of your selections so I must have a look into these recommendations. Your blanket is lovely and its a pity you cant come over and crochet along with me as it is definitely headed to autumn here.

Take care,
RS

Mylittlepieceofengland said...

I've never tried an audio book, I think the closest I've come to one is my husband reading out loud to me, which is rather nice. Getting very autumnal here, bed socks have made a reappearance xx

Annie Cholewa said...

Audiobooks are perfect for me because I can't knit and read at the same time. Thank you for the recommendations Meredith :o)

Teresa Kasner said...

I would like to recommend "Stoneheart" by Baer Charlton. I actually know the author as his wife belongs to the Portland Women's Forum as I do.. and we always have an author's program each year. I was impressed with Baer's program on his books and got this one on my iPad. It was a bit of a hard start for me, thinking it was more of a "man's" book... but I kept on and was really amazing how it grew and turned into something pretty amazing. I just bought "Whistling Past the Graveyard" on your recommendation. I will begin reading it after I'm done with 2 books by Kate Morton that I bought together, the first is "The House at Riverton". Have a super weekend, my friend. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Andrea Ostapovitch said...

That vase is perfect with those sunflowers. Really fun. I walk a lot with my dog out here in the country, and when the weather gets cold, I use my elliptical. Audio books would sure be a refreshing change from my playlists, even though I do try to keep them refreshed. Thanks for the great idea, not to mention all the recommendations. Now to see if I can get books on my phone...

Anonymous said...

I am reading All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. And, judging by the comments from all the places I've been reading this book, millions of folks are reading it too

I am loving it. The characters are very likeable and the chapters are short. You want to keep going and going, even though you know you really should turn out the light and go to sleep.

I just bought the Millennium book for Steve yesterday. Right now he's in the middle of a Robert Crais book, so it will be a little while before he starts the new one.

Jennifer Hays said...

I love to read too and I do often listen to audiobooks, especially child-appropriate ones (but not necessarily children's books). I often play them during the day as a way to build in a little downtime for me and my kids. I used to do it religiously every day after lunch for a few years after my daughter dropped her afternoon nap; it was the only way I could get her to chill out on the couch and be calm and quiet so I could do school stuff with my son. We listened to many, many books that way. I hope you have a good weekend, Meredith.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I love to read and always have a book handy. I use the library mostly since it really saves money. Audio books aren't for me, my mind wanders and then I'm like what happened? So reading it is best for me.
hugs,
Linda

Gracie Saylor said...

Thanks for all the suggestions, Meredith. I still haven't taken advantage of audio books or the library's supply. The last good book I read was a cookbook [and I don't like to cook] a NY friend sent me last week, pictured in my last post. Happy Weekend! xx

mamasmercantile said...

I love to read but find I read more in the cooler months as I am in the house more. The next time the library bus comes I may have a look at the audi books and see how I get on with one, I usually favour music whilst I am cleaning/baking getting jobs done but I will keep an open mind. The sunflowers are beautiful. I am visiting towards the end of October and so am hoping for some nice weather.

Amy at love made my home said...

Yesterday while being a passenger I was reading the newest of the Bridget Jones books and was laughing out loud a lot!! I am not that far in, but I would recommend it as I imagined when I was reading it that it would make a very funny audio book, so I think you would like it! I like reading, but I like listening too, it is different, but good! A good way to keep entertained and make the most of your driving time! Hugs my dear, I will e-mail! xx

Jo said...

I used to read lots then after I had the children I lost interest in trying to follow another plot! I like to read on holiday. The baby blanket looks relaxing... Jo x

linda said...

I love sunflowers I didn't grow any this year but my neighbour did and I can see them from my bedroom window they are that tall. Thank you for the audio book recommendations, I did try once but hated the voice of the narrator and that put me off, I must try it again. Have a great weekend. :) xx

Claudia said...

I'm just about to finish The Girl in the Spider's Web and it's really good. I think the author has done a great job of continuing the series. I have the newest Cormoran Strike mystery on reserve at the library (though it doesn't come out until October.) Louise Penny's newest is next in line and don't forget that Jan Karon has a new book that comes out next week.

xo
Claudia

Janet said...

I too have discovered audio books. Like you I am able to borrow and download them to my Kindle for free from our library. I thought I wouldn't enjoy them because I like the feel of a book in my hands but I'm finding them very entertaining. There's so little time to sit and just read a book, so it's a great way to access literature.
Thanks for the book recommendations, I'll be giving them a try.

Karen said...

My husband and I like to listen to audio books when we travel. We have a road trip coming up soon, so I'll be off to the library to pick one up before we go.

I just finished "A Man Called Ove." I loved it.

ellen said...

I am always reading. I just last week finished Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan and I did love it.
Wishing you a perfect weekend.

Babajeza said...

On my "vacation" I have a lot of time to read. I bought all books (11) at Fripe Prix Renaissance for 1.50 dollars. There is only one I stopped reading, and one was just wonderful. I like stories about families and communities and how they manage the problems we all know. :-) Have fun listening to audio books. I know many people who would not read a book but love to listen to them, for example my youngest brother. Hugs, Regula (enjoy your weekend and take a nap!)

Bridget said...

Thanks for these suggestions, Meredith - I've read some of the them, but will look for some of the others.

I love Anne Lamott books. They are spiritual without being too holy, really funny, and just enjoyable. She writes in a truly accessible way. And I can tell you from having gone to one of her lectures, she is hilarious!

Right now I am reading a book called Dying in the Wool, by Frances Brody. It features a female sleuth who is trying to find out what happened to a mill owner who disappeared. The books take place after WWI and this one at least is really interesting.

Have a good weekend!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the recommdations! I am always looking for new books. I will have to try some audio books.

Betsy said...

AsI red this, Dennis has his nose buried in a book and I have three piled on the end table by my chair in the trailer. All of our kids are avid readers too. When we moved 23 years ago we had 67 cartons of books! And that was after I whittled them down. Mandy and Jamie's spouses are amazed at how many books they own and we have boxes of Alex's books stored for him u til he settles in a permanent spot. So yep. We love books here in the Queen house. I used to listen to audio books all the time on my hour commute when I worked. I still do at home sometimes. That way I can knit/crochet and "read" at the same time. I was just gifted a HUGE box of books by Karen Kingsbury who is a Christian fiction writer. I'm working my way through those and a read along book that I'm doing in a Ravelry group. Happy reading my sweet friend.
Blessings,
Betsy

Between Me and You said...

Hey Meredith, the last audiobook I tried to listen to in the car was 'Anna Karenina' and I almost fell asleep at the wheel!!!Not that I didn't find it interesting, just that the Narrator's voice was extremely sonorous! I could have written those Bridget Jones books myself! Anyhoot, at the moment I'm dipping in and out of three books. 'I'll take you there' by Joyce Carole Oates, for 'epic-ness' and because I happen to think she is the leading American Novelist and should rightfully have a place amongst those other giants of the literary world (all male, as a matter of coincidence!), 'Missing Julia' by Catherine Dunne, for a bit of mystery and 'Hello Gorgeous', the unofficial autobiography of Barbra Streisand, I love looking at the pics! I'm with you on 'Go Set...'. I gave up after three pages.Those colours in the baby blanket are so lovely. Have a great weekend, Meredith. xxx

Summer said...

I love your sunflowers..the last of summer, Autumn is getting nearer everyday here, I love the color changes of the leaves in Autumn, Beautiful.

CJ said...

I just leafed through the fourth Millenium book in the bookshop today. However I've only read the first one at the moment, so I need to read 2 and 3 next. I never seem to have enough time for much reading. I have bought a handful of audio books that I listen to in the kitchen sometimes, but it never works particularly smoothly. I hope you enjoy the rest of the weekend. CJ xx

kathy b said...

Loved loved loved Deep Down Dark. Love your baby blanket. I m going to APP night at my library on Friday to learn how to use their app for books! I can knit to audio. Prefer non fiction these days...any thoughts?

Joyful said...

For someone so busy I think you've done really well to have read 38 books this year. I've only read 27 and fallen behind in my reading goals. I guess there is a small chance I can make up for it, lol. I always intend to listen to some audio books but haven't had much success there. I think because I listen at my desk computer and I feel "tied" down there. I could read on my ereader but somehow like the paper book better. Good thing we have many options.

I do love your sunflowers. They are such a sunny and happy looking flower. Our weather has dramatically changed here from just over a month ago. Where we had no rain we are certainly making up for it. I hope it stops soon for a few weeks because we usually get rain at October's end for several months!

Enjoy your autumn and all your projects.

Pammy Sue said...

Wonderful entry! I will refer back to this and try to read some of these books. I love getting into a groove and reading several in a row. It's been a while since I read anything. Thanks for the recommendations!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

You've read/listened to a whole lot more books than me. I did finish one this summer. And nearly finished another. At present have several on the go but am not consistent in keeping up with any of them. I've been trying to listen to audio affirmations lately, but the sound starts to grate on me after awhile. I crave peace and quiet. Only listen to the radio in the car and never watch tv. So for the most part, I'm just listening to the sounds of daily life when I am home. The hum of the a/c, birds chirping, Jingles meowing when she wants something, the tap tap tap of my fingers on the keyboard. :) Have a great day!

Changes in the wind said...

Like you, I love to listen to audio books while I knit. We have different tastes but love that you and others shared and I even found a few through the comments:) I wish more bloggers that read would join "Goodreads" and then link it to their blog. It allows others to see what you have read and how you have rated them.

Caffeine Girl said...

I love to read, too. I do enjoy audiobooks -- largely because you can knit to them! I've been blogging about Nixonland, which I loved but is not for everyone -- 36 hours of U.S. history!

I just placed a hold on Whistling Past... at your recommendation.

Gillian said...

I'm trying to get back to reading more and really enjoying it. I think audio books are a great way to 'read' a book. I recently finished reading A Pearl in the Storm. It was very interesting!

handmade by amalia said...

I love reading but I never got into audio books, luckily I'm not on the road that much. But I love listening to poetry and have the most adorable audio book of Winnie the Pooh with Jodi Dench narrating.
Amalia
xo

Unknown said...

The trees are turning in beautiful West Michigan! Leaves are falling and although this week is hitting 80 or so most days, the nights are cooling into the 50's. My favorite season! I have always believed that a gift giving occasion is not complete unless it includes a book. Unfortunately, my husband is not a big reader of books. BUT, I have gotten him totally hooked on audiobooks. He travels a lot during the week, many times overnight and he is really enjoying listening to audiobooks now. He's gone through all 3 of the Steig Larson books and now has the 4th one. He is currently listening to The Girl on the Train. He's also enjoyed Gone Girl and Dark Places. It's so much fun sharing notes on books we read now! I have the Nook app on my iPad and I love to read on it. But there are some books that must be read in book form - Harry Potter, The Inheritance series by Christopher Paolini, books I like to read over and over. Love the baby blanket, and so sorry for your migraines. Take care.

elns said...

I am just really learning to appreciate audiobooks. The library has been a great resource so far, but I need recommendations and this is fantastic.