Book Nook Cafe

message 1: by Alias Reader (new)

Dec 31, 2023 11:04AM

Alias Reader (aliasreader) | 27712 comments

Here is the thread to discuss audio books, Podcasts, and YouTube.

Share your thoughts and tips right here. :)

Have you listened to a terrific audiobook? Did you find a terrific audiobook narrator ?

Did you find a great podcast or YouTube about books and reading ?

We want to hear all about it.

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message 2: by Alias Reader (last edited Jan 07, 2024 09:33AM) (new)

Jan 07, 2024 09:32AM

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message 3: by Lindsey (new)

Jan 07, 2024 10:16AM

Thanks for sharing these Alias!

I hadn't realized there were so many book-tubers! I've enjoyed watching lots of year-end wrap-ups and 2024 TBR lists on YouTube and Instagram.

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message 4: by Alias Reader (new)

Jan 07, 2024 12:44PM

You're welcome, Lindsey.

Yes. It's a whole community. I wish there were more non fiction booktubers.

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message 5: by Alias Reader (last edited Jan 25, 2024 03:52PM) (new)

Jan 07, 2024 01:36PM

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message 6: by madrano (new)

Jan 07, 2024 02:31PM

Wow! So very many book bloggers. Thanks for all the links. Surely there is someone for every reader.

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message 7: by Alias Reader (last edited Jan 14, 2024 09:30AM) (new)

Jan 12, 2024 10:14AM

I saw this online.

We are excited to announce The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast

The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast is a place for book lovers – and those who wish they loved literature a little more – to be inspired by the bookish confessions of global literary heroes.

Authors from all over the world have shared their own literary treasures with us; revealing their favourite writers, most treasured books and earliest reading memories. Who does Sir Ian Rankin read when he is low? Where does David Baddiel stash his fiction and which masterpiece has Ann Patchett given up on again and again? This brand new series delves into the homes and hearts of the authors that we love the most.

The Queen’s Reading Room Podcast lands on January 8th on all platforms.
https://thequeensreadingroom.co.uk/

--------------------------------------------
Queen Camilla chooses unexpected novel for next instalment of Reading Room
The book is about the late Queen and the-then Prince Charles being taken hostage
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/114...

The Lords' Day (Harry Jones, #1) by Michael Dobbs

The Lords' Day by Michael Dobbs

SavidgeReads
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxl5s...

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message 8: by madrano (new)

Jan 12, 2024 02:18PM

Amusing choice, imo.

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message 9: by Alias Reader (new)

Jan 14, 2024 09:13AM

My 10 Favorite Audiobooks
abookolive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nWZG...

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message 10: by madrano (new)

Jan 14, 2024 11:40AM

I like it when these book people podcasters also write out the list in their comments.

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message 11: by Alias Reader (last edited Jan 18, 2024 10:06AM) (new)

Jan 15, 2024 07:34PM

I've been adding on to the Best of list in post # 5. Since that is getting a bit long I thought I would start a new thread. I find these Best of 2023 lists a fun way to find new titles. As I find more best of Lists or year end reviews I'll add to this list.

Ruby Granger
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KOec...
Ruby is studying at Oxford for her Masters degree. I believe her undergrad was in literature. I know her area of interest is the Victorian age. Anyway, she has a few current titles you will recognize but you will also see a lot of poetry and books that some may think are a bit esoteric. I follow her on YouTube and enjoy her channel.

Tyler Braun
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbDET...

* e m m i e *
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyFdi...

Marilyn Maya Mendoza
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mE2cb...

Brannon Kirk Huang
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QeDc...

Ben Reads Good
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6vAM...

Jen Campbell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gphfe...

CarolynMarieReads
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfypS...

Better Than Food
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyMPs...

Man Carrying Thing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hMCU...

Top biographies
Steve Donoghue
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJu0K...

Charlie Brook Reads
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-y_Q...

Booksaresick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWlm1...

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message 12: by madrano (new)

Jan 16, 2024 09:44AM

Wow! I really like that Granger covers all the books she read last year. Good idea. She also covers myths, short stories and such, which is welcome. It was also wonderful that she reviewed books from our far past and from authors totally new to me. And Poetry!

I haven't even tried the others but i know where to find them. Thank you, Alias.

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message 13: by Alias Reader (new)

Jan 16, 2024 10:17AM

You're welcome. I knew the poetry would call to you. :)

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message 14: by madrano (new)

Jan 16, 2024 10:59AM

:-) You "get" me, Alias.

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message 15: by Alias Reader (new)

Jan 22, 2024 02:49PM

If you want to read more demanding books, I thought this video had some good ideas.

10 Tips to Triple Your Reading Volume in 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kpKW...

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message 16: by Joy (new)

Jan 23, 2024 06:35PM

Questions for the audiobook aficionados: how do you select audiobooks--eg, which books to read vs listen to, which narrator, etc.?

I've been hesitant to try audiobooks for 2 reasons. First, I feel like I'd be getting the narrator's interpretation of the book. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but what I love about books is that I get to experience them the way I interpret them. I'm happy to watch the movie/TV version afterwards and often enjoy someone else's interpretation, but there's no way for me to wipe the slate clean if I start with someone else's interpretation.

Second, when I'm reading a book, that's the only thing I'm doing. I may read quickly/superficially if I'm not super interested/engrossed, but I don't multi-task. It's difficult to imagine just listening to a book and not doing anything else concurrently. But when I listen to podcasts while doing something else, I'm rarely paying full attention and end up missing bits and pieces or having to rewind. Seems like this would detract from the book experience.

All first world problems, of course, but am interested in others' thoughts on this!

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message 17: by madrano (new)

Jan 24, 2024 05:44AM

Joy wrote: "But when I listen to podcasts while doing something else, I'm rarely paying full attention and end up missing bits and pieces or having to rewind. Seems like this would detract from the book experience...."

You have perfectly described my own dilemma, Joy. I do not use audiobooks or podcasts because i am unable to do two things at once without slighting one quite a bit. Kudos to those who can. I'm a reader who reads every single word, so i feel the loss of seeing the words as i read.

Still, my eyesight has been an issue this month, so i've had to consider this issue. I'm thinking that if i just close my eyes when i listen, the problem will not present itself. Of course, it's also likely i'll fall asleep. lol

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message 18: by Alias Reader (last edited Jan 24, 2024 06:21AM) (new)

Jan 24, 2024 06:16AM

Joy wrote: "
when I'm reading a book, that's the only thing I'm doing. I may read quickly/superficially if I'm not super interested/engrossed, but I don't multi-task.
."

I can only listen to an audiobook if I am exercise walking outside or on a treadmill, elliptical at the gym. I can't focus well if I cleaning, cooking etc. This is only my problem. Others have no problem multi-tasking.

I am very particular about the type of book I listen to on audio.

1- it has to be a linear story line or I get lost.

2- I can't have too many characters if it is fiction or people if it's non fiction.

3- I find non fiction easier to follow. However, most non fiction I want to take notes or highlight so that can be a problem.

4- This is weird, but I also like to read the text while I listen to the audio. I do that for some big biographies and some non fiction. Of course this slows me down but I think I retain more. I don't do this often but when I do it has been a plus for me.

5- I used to belong to Audible but I found I wasn't using it enough. I rather spend the $15 a month on an eBook. I usually buy eBooks that my library doesn't own or if they are a big non fiction book that I want to take my time reading. So I am now back to using the library for my audio books.

6- A narrator can make or break a book. A terrific narrator can take an okay book to a 5 star book for me. One example is the fiction book The Girl Who Saved The King Of Sweden.

7- if you enjoy motivational, How To or inspirational books, audio can be a wonderful way to go. If I'm exercising and listening to a exercise motivational book it adds a lot to my exercise session. I've enjoyed all of Ryan Holiday books on audio.

8- If you enjoy podcasts, you probably will enjoy non fiction audio books.

9- Note you can speed up the audio or slow it down. I didn't realize this. Now many audiobooks I speed up just a tiny bit.

10- Sometimes if a book isn't working for me, I will switch to audio. Often the narrator will give me that extra something that I was missing or even help me to better understand the book.

All in all, I would say give audio books a try. Get them from your library. See if they work for you while doing various tasks. For me, like I said, I can only do walking and listening to audiobooks.

Joy, let us know how your experience with audio books goes.

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message 19: by Joy (new)

Jan 24, 2024 03:16PM

madrano wrote: "I'm a reader who reads every single word, so i feel the loss of seeing the words as i read."

I'm with you...I like to get totally immersed in a book and I'm better able to do that when reading than when listening.

I'm sorry to hear about your eyesight problems and hope it resolves/improves soon. If listening with eyes closed does work for you, let me know and I may try it too :-)

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message 20: by Joy (new)

Jan 24, 2024 03:30PM

Alias Reader wrote: "I am very particular about the type of book I listen to on audio."

Wow, this is super helpful. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience/insights with audiobooks!

I tried hard to get into podcasts because so many of my friends recommended them and there are many that have interesting or innovative content. But I really struggle to focus on what I'm listening to if I'm doing anything else at all, even if it's something as basic as walking. My brain must just be wired such that any other sensory input takes precedence over sound!

I eventually gave up on podcasts altogether and am uncertain I'll be more successful with audiobooks, but will give them a try. I have a ridiculously long flight coming up in March, which might be a good time for this.

Will start thinking about potential options. I just started American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer but could put that off until my trip, especially since The Thursday Murder Club just became available at my library (I've been waiting for it for ages!).

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message 21: by madrano (new)

Jan 25, 2024 06:05AM

Joy wrote: "I'm sorry to hear about your eyesight problems and hope it resolves/improves soon. If listening with eyes closed does work for you, let me know and I may try it too ..."

Thanks, Joy. It's conjunctivits (Pink Eye), my only case ever, and it seems to be getting stronger, not weaker. The excessive watering is the bigger issue as i read, of course.

We were fortunate to go on a 30-day cruise (Florida, through the Panama Canal & Alaska) several years ago because we lived in an inner cabin, meaning no windows. I was immersed in a nonfiction book just before leaving, which i completed in audio on the ship. Listening in the dark, on my bed, i could focus and understand all that was happening. So,i know that will work.

Alias listed some of her audiobook perimeters, which are worth noting. In the earlier part of this century, i tried audio books while cleaning house. It worked ok, but i felt i was missing the sense of being part of the book. However, the cleaning went much faster. Cooking while listening was out of the question, though.

The ultimate insult, btw, was that i was listening to an abridged copy of the book! I wasn't aware they did that. If they still do (& i have no idea), Beware!

Her reason # 4- This is weird, but I also like to read the text while I listen to the audio. I do that for some big biographies and some non fiction. Of course this slows me down but I think I retain more. I don't do this often but when I do it has been a plus for me.

This makes sense to me. I've done an audio or two while alternating reading a book with my eyes but seldom together. I like this idea.

All the other audiobooks i've listened to have been on road trips. They make the miles fly but i wouldn't listen to something i really wanted to read. The books we selected were either rereads for me (To Kill a Mockingbird--Harper Lee, traveling in the US South and opinion bits, such as When You Ride Alone You Ride With Bin Laden: What the Government Should Be Telling Us to Help Fight the War on Terrorism--Bill Maher.)

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message 22: by Joy (new)

Jan 25, 2024 03:40PM

Deb, that cruise sounds amazing! I can see how an audiobook would work well in that scenario.

Thanks for the tip about abridged versions--I certainly wouldn't have thought to check for that!

Will come back to this thread once I've had a chance to try an audiobook and let you and Alias know how it turned out. And hope your conjunctivitis gets better soon!

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message 23: by madrano (new)

Jan 26, 2024 05:02AM

Thank you, Joy.

I look forward to your post after you've given audiobooks a try.

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message 24: by Alias Reader (new)

Mar 05, 2024 08:36AM

Bono's 'Surrender' Wins Audiobook of the Year at 2024 Audie Awards

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/b...

Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story by Bono

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message 25: by Alias Reader (new)

Mar 06, 2024 12:36PM

*** Cross post from another thread.

I recently listened to the Read Well podcast. The guest was an audiobook narrator. They discussed how read for yourself like a narrator.

Read Well is on YouTube or you can listen whenever you listen to podcasts. For example, I use Spotify.

The host of Read Well is an advocator for slow reading not just speed reading just to say you read a book. His day job is in accounting.

Learn to Read Like an Audiobook Narrator | EP 39
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiCXx...

Here is one show where he discusses why reading fast might not be the best idea. Perhaps if you need to read quickly for work then it might be useful. Personally I read to learn new things and for pleasure. So I am not in a race to read quickly.

Here is one show where he reacts to another author / podcaster's goal of reading quickly. He is the author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson

***Warning, Manson, like the title of his book, he does throw around the F word.

Reacting to Mark Manson's Video: How to Read Faster
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCGTm...

Personally, I am a big highlighter and depending on the book, I will also make notes. Even if I never look at the notes again, I do feel it helps me to retain a bit more. Also if I am making notes, I will then realize if I don't really understand something and I can review that part again or use YouTube or Google to help clarify things for me.

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message 26: by madrano (new)

Mar 07, 2024 07:38AM

Alias Reader wrote: "Here is one show where he discusses why reading fast might not be the best idea. Perhaps if you need to read quickly for work then it might be useful. Personally I read to learn new things and for pleasure. So I am not in a race to read quickly...."

I've never understood speed reading, although i took a couple of lessons for it in my youth. You skip words! Horrors! I like the construction of sentences, the flow. How one achieves enjoyment by speed reading is beyond me, unless it's about adding more books to your Books Read pile.

My husband speed read for much of his life, for work, that is. As far as i know he didn't do so for book reading, unless it was something he was reading for work.

Of course, this isn't to say that skimming is the same as speed reading. I'll skim when a book goes into details about stuff i already know or the author has explained previously.

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message 27: by Alias Reader (new)

Apr 06, 2024 10:41AM

This is from the, Read Well Podcast. The host is Eddy.

I talk about reading slowly, but why does it matter? You can watch YouTube summaries, purchase cliff notes, and conspire with ChatGPT to say that you’ve “read the novel.” In high school, we were assigned Hemingway’s beautiful book, The Old Man and the Sea. Most of the students cheated and rented the movie.
I’m working on my book notes for René Descartes, A Discourse on the Method, and I came across a passage that made me smile. “For it is not enough to possess a good mind; the most important thing is to apply it correctly. The greatest minds are capable of the greatest vices as well as the greatest virtues; those who go forward but very slowly can get further, if they always follow the right road, than those who are in too much of a hurry and stray off it” (5).
I love tech and what it does for me, but for some reason, what Descartes said about slowing down to stay on the right road makes sense. Every time I speed up, I make mistakes in my obsession to get things done. The older I get, the more I realize that I want more from a book than finishing it – I want to learn something from it.
Until tomorrow, read slowly – take notes – apply the ideas.
-Eddy
——
Works Cited:
Descartes, René, and Ian Maclean. A Discourse on the Method of Correctly Conducting One’s Reason and Seeking Truth in the Sciences. Oxford University Press, 2008.
A Discourse on the Method by René Descartes

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message 28: by madrano (new)

Apr 06, 2024 04:43PM

Alias Reader wrote: "The older I get, the more I realize that I want more from a book than finishing it – I want to learn something from it...."

I took the above quote from what you shared, Alias. In some ways i feel the same way. I want to learn something from my reading. My question is whether this has been true through most of the reading i've accomplished as an adult but that only now i realize this is what i've been doing.

It's off topic, a bit, from what Eddy means but the words struck a chord with me. I feel this even in my fiction reading, i want to learn something. This may explain why i find contemporary fiction, particularly about the years in which i've lived, less interesting. I'm not learning from them.

Thanks for the excerpt.

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message 29: by Alias Reader (new)

Apr 06, 2024 08:55PM

You're welcome, deb. He does have a good podcast. I also just signed up for his weekly newsletter.

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message 30: by Rachel (new)

Apr 09, 2024 06:06PM

Alias Reader wrote: "This is from the, Read Well Podcast. The host is Eddy.

I talk about reading slowly, but why does it matter? You can watch YouTube summaries, purchase cliff notes, and conspire with ChatGPT to sa..."

Thanks, Alias. That quote hit home for me as I find myself rushing around. I wonder to what end? That has been something that has affected my whole life. Life is sweeter (and smarter) if taken at a slower pace.

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message 31: by Alias Reader (new)

Apr 09, 2024 06:42PM

Very true, Rachel.

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message 32: by Alias Reader (new)

Apr 11, 2024 12:17PM

Recently people have read and mentioned the author
There There

Tommy Orange

I just wanted to give a heads-up that there is a nice interview of him on the Book Case podcast that dropped today.

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message 33: by madrano (new)

Apr 11, 2024 02:54PM

Thank you, Alias.

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message 34: by Alias Reader (new)

Apr 11, 2024 03:39PM

You're welcome !

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message 35: by Rachel (new)

Apr 11, 2024 05:40PM

Alias Reader wrote: "Recently people have read and mentioned the author
There There
Tommy Orange

I just wanted to give a heads-up that there is a nice..."

Thanks for the alert about Tommy Orange.

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message 36: by Alias Reader (new)

Apr 12, 2024 08:06AM

You're welcome, Rachel !

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message 37: by Rachel (new)

Apr 12, 2024 05:34PM

I listened to the interview with Tommy Orange. He is an interesting guy and I enjoyed hearing his thoughts.

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message 38: by Alias Reader (new)

Apr 12, 2024 05:37PM

I'm glad you enjoyed it, Rachel.

I wasn't familiar with Orange until folks here mentioned him. I now have him on my TBR list.

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message 39: by Stephanie (new)

May 01, 2024 09:39AM

I didn’t realize YouTube had audio books! I’ve been listening to YouTube music while I work so it isn’t so quiet in the house 😂. I will have to check put some books!

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message 40: by Alias Reader (new)

May 01, 2024 01:01PM

Stephanie wrote: "I didn’t realize YouTube had audio books! I’ve been listening to YouTube music while I work so it isn’t so quiet in the house 😂. I will have to check put some books!"

Do let us know if you hit upon some good ones, Stephanie.

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message 41: by Rachel (new)

May 01, 2024 05:25PM

Alias Reader wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "I didn’t realize YouTube had audio books! I’ve been listening to YouTube music while I work so it isn’t so quiet in the house 😂. I will have to check put some books!"

Do let us k..."
Are the ads on Youtube audiobooks?

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message 42: by Rachel (new)

May 23, 2024 05:45PM

A Well-Behaved Woman

This was well narrated and an interesting listen.

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message 43: by Alias Reader (new)

May 23, 2024 05:47PM

Rachel wrote: "A Well-Behaved Woman

This was well narrated and an interesting listen."

Nice review, Rachel.

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message 44: by madrano (new)

May 24, 2024 12:33PM

Rachel wrote: "A Well-Behaved Woman

This was well narrated and an interesting listen."

Your review asked a good question, Rachel. Most of the women initially aimed toward wanting “in” with older, original New York Society. Have you seen HBO’s The Gilded Age? It covers some of this. Such impositions! And energy!

That written, i would have liked seeing that Ball!

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message 45: by Rachel (new)

May 25, 2024 06:09PM

madrano wrote: "Rachel wrote: "A Well-Behaved Woman

This was well narrated and an interesting listen."

Your review asked a good question, Rachel. Most of the women initially aimed toward wanting ..."

I saw and episode of The Gilded Age on HBO when I was staying at a hotel. The sets and clothes were to die for.

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message 46: by madrano (new)

May 26, 2024 09:19AM

Truly, Rachel. The older cast members shine but i feel the younger ones fail to impress me. Seeing the services rendered by staff fascinates me, too.

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message 47: by Rachel (new)

May 26, 2024 05:29PM

madrano wrote: "Truly, Rachel. The older cast members shine but i feel the younger ones fail to impress me. Seeing the services rendered by staff fascinates me, too."

Imagine having all that help, if a person of the age were lucky enough to be in that group. But at the same time imagine needing someone to help you dress and do your hair.

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message 48: by madrano (new)

May 26, 2024 08:35PM

The key point may be “need”. I suspect i would soon become annoyed! lol

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message 49: by Rachel (new)

May 27, 2024 05:57PM

madrano wrote: "The key point may be “need”. I suspect i would soon become annoyed! lol"

Totally annoyed especially in the morning. I am pretty much go away and leave me in peace for the first couple of hours during the day. Even when I was working I got up early so I could read for an hour and relax into the day.

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message 50: by madrano (new)

May 28, 2024 10:45AM

It’s neat that you learned that about yourself, Rachel. My husband & i were married three years before he realized how long it took me to function each morning. To be fair to him, some of that time he was away in the military.

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