I’m really into talking books at the moment. A friend gave me a copy of Shirley Valentine read by Willy Russell (would it surprise you to hear that my friend is going through some marital difficulties?) and I suddenly realised I could catch up on years of reading by doing it in the car.
I strongly recommend you try one of Bill Bryson’s – so long as it’s read by him. I tried Notes from a Small Island read by another American, who clearly knew nothing about Britain. His pronunciation was excruciating. When he spoke about the See-vern Bridge, I winced, but when he referred to the duo,Morrycumby and Wise. I had to dump it. I’ve since listened to it read by the author himself, and it was fabulous.
It doesn’t always follow that books are best read by their authors. I listened to one by Edna O’Brien who had a rather breathy and precious style of speaking. She also used the word brutalness…and I thought, doesn’t she mean brutality? Exactly. I couldn’t find it in the dictionary, either.
Most recently, I listened to Popcorn written by Ben Elton and superbly read by John Sessions. The book was full of brutalness but very funny. Sessions’ delivery was so exceptional, I felt like I was watching a film. Hats off to Elton and Sessions.
The downside of talking books is, if you listen to them at bedtime and nod off, you lose your place. With a physical book or a kindle, at the very worst, you wake to a page you may have dribbled on, but at least you know where you’re up to. If you nod off listening to a talking book, and you’re a bit of a gambler, you can enjoy the uncertain lottery of rewinding and forwarding to your next starting point.
But in the car, beware. It’s very easy to miss a motorway exit or two. As I learnt to my cost when I once found myself heading into Wales. Over the See-vern Bridge, naturally.
6 thoughts on “The beauty of talking books”
I either love or hate talking books. That depends totally on who is doing the reading. Sean Bean is wonderful…. Your voice would suit your story, so I hope you branch out into doing talking books as well.
Thanks, Beth. I did wonder about branching into talking books but wow! how long would that take? I used to do a bit of voice-over work and when reading long scripts (I’m talking half an hour in run-time, much shorter than a book) suffered a painful stiff neck from having to sit VERY still at a microphone for hours. And the microphone was so sensitive it used to pick up every tummy rumble. Still considering it, though!
I’m looking forward to receiving my Amazon order and reading Millie’s Game Plan!
Thank you, Joyce. I hope you enjoy it.
I love them too. I listen to them while I’m cooking and there are so many available on the online libraries. I love your blog and Millie’s Game Plan looks fantastic. Good luck!
Thank you, Sarah. Yes – ‘reading’ whilst doing housework sounds like a win-win situation. xx