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What are Audio Books?

A Kaminsky
A Kaminsky

One of the great benefits of being able to record sound is to make books available for listening. With the advent of audio recordings, many people were able to hear literary classics read aloud, and to experience them for the first time.

Audio books are, of course, books read aloud and recorded to be listened to on some kind of player. As sound technology has changed, audio books have changed, as well. No longer are they available only on volumes consisting of 14 or 15 vinyl LPs. Now, books are available on audio cassette or CD.

Commuting drivers may enjoy listening to audio books.
Commuting drivers may enjoy listening to audio books.

Talking books are books created for the use of the visually impaired. They are produced in a variety of formats, and some need a special player to be used. Many visually impaired people are able to receive players free, and these machines enable them to play their talking books independently, without the help of a sighted person. CD technology has revolutionized the talking book industry, since data can be compressed to fit much more information on a single disc. Many talking book players will also play music CDs, so the visually impaired person has a multi-use machine.

Audio books are often available on CDs.
Audio books are often available on CDs.

Audio books, of course, can also be used by visually impaired people, but are most popular with travelers and busy individuals. Thousands of titles are available in hundreds of categories. The traveler just pops in the cassette or CD and listens as the book is read. Audio books are popular on long commutes and on trains or airplanes - anywhere people can listen to a personal music player.

Audio books are ideal for someone who doesn't have to space to store printed versions.
Audio books are ideal for someone who doesn't have to space to store printed versions.

Many audio books also feature famous actors reading the books. Some are even read in the format of a play, in which different actors take the parts of the characters in the book. They may also feature sound effects or music to help enhance the listening experience. Some book clubs have started offering audio books as part of their subscription service. Libraries also have audio books available and they may also be purchased online or at any book store.

Those who feel they do not have time to indulge in the pleasure of a good book may find audio books to be the next best thing.

Discussion Comments

anon337030

Are audiobooks and CDs the same? Can I play audible books on a iPad tablet? Is there a special app? Can I play them on a kindle?

I do not have a mp3 player. I am older and not much of a computer person -- yet. What are e-books? Are they the same as audible books?

lawnmower

surflover00- You can purchase audio books at many locations. Many book retail stores will sell audio books. Check with your local Barnes and Noble or Borders bookstore.

You can also purchase audio books at many retail locations such as Walmart and Kmart.

You will also want to check online as well. Check online marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon. You will also want to conduct a general Google search. Many online websites specialize in selling books of all types, including audio books.

surflover00

Where can I buy audio books?

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    • Commuting drivers may enjoy listening to audio books.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Commuting drivers may enjoy listening to audio books.
    • Audio books are often available on CDs.
      By: Patryk Kosmider
      Audio books are often available on CDs.
    • Audio books are ideal for someone who doesn't have to space to store printed versions.
      By: Andrzej Tokarski
      Audio books are ideal for someone who doesn't have to space to store printed versions.
    • Audio books are available through local libraries.
      By: stokkete
      Audio books are available through local libraries.
    • Audio books are available on audio cassette.
      By: Oleksiy Mark
      Audio books are available on audio cassette.