in Books, Conversation of the Week, Featured
Conversation of the Week: Audio Books and Celebrity Readers
The first question I should probably ask is: how many of us are actually listening to audio books? Personally, I remember listening to a very bad rendition of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas back in high school, and it turned me off them to this day.
Recently though, sources (meaning my Uncle Bob) have informed me that a wide group of celebrity readers are now common, and the readings are actually quite enjoyable. I’m basically a book guy, I don’t even own an e-reader yet, but I wouldn’t mind hearing Sean Penn reading Bob Dylan’s Chronicles: Volume 1 and Paul Newman reading The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
I’m told Jim Dale does a fantastic job with the Harry Potter Collection, but I’m not really a fan so I probably won’t listen to those either.
However, with a growing list of celebrities including the late Johnny Cash, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, Oprah Winfrey, Uma Thurman, Sean Penn, Hugh Jackman, Neil Patrick Harris, and Samuel L. Jackson all adding their unique styles to a variety of books and short stories, I believe I might have to give the audio book another shot.
So, the Conversation of the Week – Audio Books yes or no? And who do you think is the best/coolest celebrity reader?
DEEPER DIVE
Read how our own Jada.Bradley made a case for audio books.
Check out Audible.com and simplyaudiobooks.com; they both have a great selection.
Daniel Beyfuss posted on October 3, 2011
I read somewhere that Burt Reynolds is doing audio books! First on my list.
Shannon posted on October 3, 2011
I’ve never listened to an audio book. To me, it’s not comparable to reading. But the first person to pique my interest in audio books is Sarah Vowell. I’ve never read any of her books but I heard her speak at the National Book Festival last week and apparently she goes the extra mile for her audio books.
Twitter: @Shannon_RHP
Gia Manry posted on October 3, 2011
I listen to audio books when I run. Some celebrities work well with a book (let’s face it: Go The F*** To Sleep wouldn’t have been a thing without Sam Jackson); some don’t…it’s never really bothered me either way.
I would say that David Sedaris, who does the readings for his own books, is really fun to listen to. He’s got deadpan down pat!
Gia Manry posted on October 3, 2011
Oh, and the audio book of America: The Book by the Daily Show crew (circa 2004) was fantastic as well. I keep meaning to grab
Gia Manry posted on October 3, 2011
(oops, accidentally hit submit early!)
I’ve been meaning to grab the audio book of the second Daily Show book, Earth (The Book).
Daniel Beyfuss posted on October 3, 2011
Yes, David Sedaris, I forgot about him, he’s killer on NPR.
Drew posted on October 3, 2011
I think I listened to Lord of the Rings on tape back when. But I’d be interested in listening to Sam Elliott read a western like Warlock or Deadwood.
Felicia.Pride posted on October 3, 2011
For some reason, I could see Burt Reynolds doing something funny.
Daniel Beyfuss posted on October 4, 2011
I think Burt did some kind of survival guide.
Gia Manry posted on October 4, 2011
You know, Daniel, you mentioned Jim Dale and Harry Potter audio books, and I’ve heard they’re good…but I don’t think I could deal with audio books that are quite that long. My favorite audio books were all pretty short.
Daniel Beyfuss posted on October 4, 2011
yeah, I’m thinking long road trips that’d put you to sleep. put me to sleep anyway.