10 Reasons You Should Give Audiobooks a Chance
- 06/03/2025
- 14:08
- maureen
Audiobooks. For some, the very word raises eyebrows. Is that reading? I used to wonder the same. For years, I was a die-hard physical book lover. I loved the feel of the pages, the smell of a good book, how easily I could visualize everything I had just read, and it was the perfect way to spend a rainy weekend.
But then life happened.
I became a single mom working full-time, and suddenly, squeezing in time to read felt like a game of Tetris I couldn’t win. Still, I wanted to be well-read, so I joined a book club in hopes of keeping my literary life alive. My evenings, however, were a blur of dinner, homework, dishes, and maybe, just maybe—a page or two before I passed out mid-sentence.
Desperate to keep up with my newfound club, I asked my fellow book lovers if audiobooks were allowed. The response? A resounding YES.
And just like that, a new chapter in my reading life began. If you’re still unsure about audiobooks, here are ten reasons to give them a chance:
1. You Can Read While Doing Just About Anything
Commuting, cleaning, cooking, exercising, gardening—you name it. Audiobooks let you absorb a story while tackling your to-do list. A win, win!
2. They Help You Read More Books
When you add audiobooks to your daily routine, you’ll be amazed at how many more books you get through in a year—no extra time needed! I will even plug in to listen when grocery shopping, or while waiting in line to check out! A little hint here, I have increased the playback speed on my audiobooks. I usually have a 1.20 playback speed on Libby, and this change increases the number of books I can finish!
3. They’re Perfect for Tired Eyes or Individuals with Vision Impairments
If you’ve been staring at a screen all day, the last thing you want to do is read more text. Let your ears do the work and give your eyes a rest. And in many cases, readers who are experiencing issues with loss of vision can continue to enjoy books! No need to find books in large type ever again!
4. Narrators Bring Stories to Life
A great narrator can turn a good book into an unforgettable performance. Some even feature full casts, music, or sound effects—like a movie in your mind! There have been many occasions when I find myself saddened that a novel comes to an end. Some of my favorite audiobooks with a phenomenal narrator are Making It So: A Memoir (Patrick Stewart), The Dutch House (Tom Hanks), or The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music (David Grohl).
5. They Make Classics Less Intimidating
Ever wanted to read Moby Dick or Jane Eyre but felt overwhelmed? An audiobook can make these challenging reads more accessible and enjoyable. After finishing Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, (a modern retelling of David Copperfield), I had to revisit the Charles Dickens classic!
6. They’re Great for Book Clubs
Well, of course they are, that is how my adventure with audiobooks began! Can’t find time to sit down and read? Listen instead. It counts! You’ll still be part of the conversation, and maybe even finish the book first.
7. They’re a Gateway to Genres You Don’t Normally Read
Not sure you’ll like nonfiction, memoirs, or sci-fi? Try it in audio! The right narrator can make unfamiliar genres feel fresh and approachable. Personally, I am not a huge fan of romance, and through audiobooks, I have discovered I truly enjoy romance author Emily Henry, especially Book Lovers!
8. You’re increasing your vocabulary and pronunciation skills
This is a HUGE advantage! You will never have to worry about pronouncing a word or character’s name incorrectly again! This was completely handy in finishing Rebecca Yarros’ romantasy, Iron Flame, or the Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese.
9. Improve Your Listening Skills
I am not, by any means, an auditory learner. I prefer to read a manual or a textbook to learn. With audiobooks, I have to make myself pay attention to the narrator, and over time, I have found that I have become a better listener!
10. Audiobooks are great for people with learning disabilities
Audiobooks can level the playing field and remove obstacles for those who face challenges with dyslexia. They are a great resource for struggling readers of any age. And for our families with younger readers, remember we offer up Wonderbooks and Playaway Bookpacks! Read and listen at the same time!!!
Reading is about connecting with stories—no matter the format. Audiobooks make reading inclusive, flexible, and fun for everyone. Trust me—once you press play, you just might find yourself hooked.
Seymour Library offers Libby and hoopla (some restrictions apply), and we have a collection of audiobooks on CD and playaways, too. However, with the growing span of digital options, you are more likely to find audiobooks through Libby and hoopla. Want to know more about these apps? Stop by the library, and a staff member can help you set up your account with Libby or hoopla– plus, we love giving recommendations for your next great read!