Audiobooks, podcasts, and non-music audio media are hard for me to fully absorb, but since it is #AudiobookAppreciationMonth I'm going full in. I've already DNF'd two, but I think the third attempt is the charm. Georgia Beers' Starting From Scratch has changed my mind about audiobooks.
This audiobook had my full attention. I laughed, I cried, I even had a few spontaneous outbursts while listening too (think, “OMG!” and “Noooo!”). I’m sure as I continue to explore the world of audiobooks more I will find more favorites. But for now I can strongly recommend Starting from Scratch by Georgia Beers, narrated by Georgia Beers. She did an amazing job. The story itself was quite good. The characters were interesting and well developed. Each character’s voice was distinct, but not over done. There was humor, emotion, surprise, all the things that keep you engaged with a story.
As someone who has difficulty absorbing auditory only materials I think a few other things play into what makes a great audiobook as well.
- The narrator/voice actor. I think this is a given. We all have certain tones and sounds that turn us off or draw us in. One of the audiobooks I quit had voices with a bit of squeaky trill that just didn’t fit with my ears. I knew after a few words I wouldn’t be able to concentrate.
- Characterization. I’m all for characters having a unique voice/sound, but there is no reason for a regular grandma to be sounding like a squeaky witch in a non-paranormal story. This was the case in one of the audiobooks I tried to get through and, let me tell you, I just couldn’t take it seriously after that. The characterization was so out of pocket I laughed the entire chapter and not in a good way.
- Clarity. If the audio is crackling and buzzing, I’m OUT! Immediately. It’s like when someone calls you while driving and they have the window rolled down and all you can hear is wind and road sounds. I’m not listening to that. My brain can’t handle all that extra noise.
- Volume. The audio has to be at a consistent volume the entire way through. It just makes it easier to hear and follow the story. Nothing worse than having a normal volume in one chapter and the next sounding like you’re at a concert.
I would love some audiobook recommendations if you have them. What are your favorite books to listen to? Leave the names in the comments.
*Note: after writing this post I was compelled by another audiobook, which I did finish, but I kinda hate-listened to it because I just had to know the outcome. So, in that way the story was compelling enough for me to finish.
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