Is listening to an audiobook “reading”? While not “reading” in the traditional or neurological (due to different processing in the brain) sense; but an excellent alternative when you are driving, exercising, otherwise engaged in an activity where you are unable to “read.”
As an avid reader, I often have several books started at any given time and one of them is likely to be an audible book. This summer I’ve listened while painting, weeding, exercising, and driving. As confession is good for the sole, I confess I’ve listened to some excellent books and then there are the duds. My summer thumbs up / thumbs down list follows.
Those on the thumbs up list all share common features. They had an engaging plot, likeable characters and were well written. Park Avenue Summer and Down River are not to be missed. They are excellent! So, thumbs up for:
Park Avenue Summer
Down River
The Mulberry Tree
The Spitfire Girls
The Malta Exchange
The Girl From Berlin
Single Malt Murder
Honorable mentions to : The Mother in Law and Berlin Calling
Those earning a thumbs down also shared certain characteristics including a wandering plot, need for a good editor, and characters who were not rootable. Both The Golden Hour and Wunderland held so much potential. Yet, they both fell flat. I kept thinking get on with it!