I typically listen to several audio books at once, and right now I’m listening to five. All of them very different…
Christians know what Jesus Christ has done — but who is he? What is his deepest heart for his people, weary and faltering on their journey toward heaven? Jesus said he is “gentle and lowly in heart.” This audiobook reflects on these words, opening up a neglected yet central truth about who he is for sinners and sufferers today.
Where to begin… I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Nothing short of transformational. Paul David Tripp says it so well when he shares, “I have read no book that more carefully, thoroughly, and tenderly displays Christ’s heart.” Amen.
The house cleaner of a famous author must carry out her employer’s shocking last wish.
I’m enjoying this novel. Interesting characters, and a primary character I definitely care about. That said, I’m having an easier time not coming back to it as often. However, I adore narrators with English accents so listening to this one is pure delight. I’m planning to finish it, only maybe not before some of these others.
Based on his most popular sermon series, New York Times best-selling author Timothy Keller delivers an extraordinarily insightful look at the keys to happiness in marriage. The Meaning of Marriage showcases Keller’s vast understanding of the Bible and how it can not only be relevant to relationships today but also form the foundation of a modern, healthy, loving, and long- lasting marriage.
I’m listening to this book along with someone else, and we’re discussing it from time to time, which I’m really enjoying. Marriage was God’s idea and his invention, and yet the world has long sought to reframe that definition. And never more than in the last decade. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to marry or who needs to be reminded of the wisdom in God’s design for a man and woman in this covenant relationship.
Zero day: a software bug that allows a hacker to break into your devices and move around undetected. One of the most coveted tools in a spy’s arsenal, a zero day has the power to silently spy on your iPhone, dismantle the safety controls at a chemical plant, alter an election and shut down the electric grid (just ask Ukraine).
For decades, under cover of classification levels and non-disclosure agreements, the United States government became the world’s dominant hoarder of zero days. US government agents paid top dollar – first thousands and later millions of dollars – to hackers willing to sell their lock-picking code and their silence.
Then the United States lost control of its hoard and the market.
This is NOT a novel, but almost feels like one at times. I forget who recommended this to me, but I’m definitely enjoying it. Even though “enjoying” is not the right word. The Zero Day described in this book is real and more than a little disconcerting, but I’m being educated in world I know little about.
A post-apocalyptic thriller of the after effects in the United States after a terrifying terrorist attack using electromagnetic pulse weapons (EMPs). In a small North Carolina town, one man struggles to save his family after America loses a war that will send it back to the Dark Ages.
Even though I’m not far into it, I am riveted by this story. And slightly terrified. I heard the author interviewed on THINQ and listened to the book sample, then dove in head first.
So which camp are you in?
1) I NEVER listen to audio books—and please, for the love, Tammy, don’t ever post about them again!!
2) I OCCASIONALLY listen to audio books, but still prefer a print book—pretty much like doughnuts over broccoli.
3) I ALWAYS listen to audio books, adore them, cannot live without them—bring ’em on! Just like Chick-fil-A nuggets and waffle fries!
And have you read any of these? Or do you have a recommendation?
Much love from Nashville, friends! So glad we’re in this together.
Tammy
Speaking of audio books…
Have you listened to any of these recent FOCUS ON THE FAMILY releases? : )
Tamera Alexander
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2)
I listened to The Messy Lives of Book People a while ago, & have just started reading a print copy today. Already I am finding things I didn’t pick up when listening to it, probably because I am doing other things at the same time,
rather than giving it my full attention as when actually reading. I very, very seldom repeat a book – & hadn’t intended repeating this one – but am still enjoying it : )
Recommendation: The Boys in the Boat : Nine boys and their epic quest for gold at the Berlin Olympics, by Daniel James Brown. The book must surely contain a lot more than the film, there is just so much to this story – & all true!
How cool that you’re finding things you missed on audio, Rob. I’m sure I do that too. THANK YOU for your recommendation. That book is already on my list and I cannot wait. Especially considering your hearty endorsement. Thanks for sharing today.
I am in camp number two. I listen to audiobooks pretty regularly, but only one at a time. And I’m also usually reading a paperback book, and something on my Kindle in the same period!
I am just getting into The Long Match Home by Tosca Lee right now.
That would be The Long March Home!
Thank you! I figured that out when I looked it up for the sample. 🙂
Love that you’re a “multi-reader,” too, Patty. I haven’t read that one by Tosca Lee yet. I’ve got it on my radar now. ; )
#1 – but I don’t mind you posting about them. I’ve attempted to listen to books in the past, but my mind wanders too much and then I have to rewind to find my place again, only to going off on another rabbit trail a few seconds later. I much prefer the ‘voices in my head’ 🙂 while reading and holding a physical book in my hands.
***only to go off ***
LOL, Amy. I get that! Even though I love audio books, I have to be in the frame of mind to listen. If my mind is racing, then nope. Won’t work. But if it’s a book that holds my attention, oh gracious, what a wonderful thing to escape again and again into that world (as I’m driving or cooking or getting ready in the morning). Hugs to you, friend.
Have never tried audio books, don’t think they would work for me, but could be wrong. Your book A Million little Choices was read by our book club for January and we all dearly loved it.
Thank you, Judy! Please pass along my thanks to your club too. If you do another one of my books, I’d love to join you via Zoom! ; )
I like audio books when I’m in a hurry or in the car . . . but I pay more attention to the words (the writing) and the story when I’m reading a paper book. I like ebooks for travel on a plane, but hate it when I run out of power. :-). Each form has its plusses and minuses, and I’ll take them all!
Agree on the pros and cons, Angie. And yes, I sometimes miss SEEING the cadence of the sentence in writing. I learn better that way, and we’re always learning. But most of the time, TIME is of the essence and I want to read the book but have no opportunity to sit down for it. So…audio book it is! 😉
Oh, I am definitely in Camp #3. I listen all the time. I usually have one novel and one non-fiction going. At this moment, I have three books:
(1) IT IS FINISHED by Charles Martin, a 40 day devotional. This is an amazing book. I cannot put into words how it is stirring my heart and showing me the truth, not only of what Jesus accomplished on the cross but of the depth of my sin that He paid for. How much it cost Him to redeem me. It is worth reading any time, but reading during the weeks leading up to Resurrection Sunday is even more powerful.
(2) STREAMS IN THE DESERT by LB Cowman & James Reimann. This is a favorite devotional that I have read many times since “discovering” it in 2005. God has used it to guide me through some dark valleys in my life over the years.
(3) LADIES OF THE LAKE by Cathy Gohlke. This novel takes place over about 30 years in the early 20th century. Four girls become friends in a boarding school, beginning in 1905, but tragedy happens, including WWI. I’m not sure exactly what happened yet or who betrayed who and why, but I’m very caught up in finding the answers.
Camp #3 all the way, Robin! LOVE that! And appreciate all the recommendations. Streams in the Desert is a longtime favorite too. So good.
I love audiobooks. I first started listening to them when we moved and my mother-in-law’s assisted living facility was far enough away that I chafed at the time spent in the car. Listening to a book made the time fly by. Now I listen to them while getting dressed, curling my hair, dusting, and with a timer on as I go to sleep.
Most narrators are good and can bring much more out of the story than I would have gotten by reading. Plus, I don’t always think in accents when I am reading, and hearing the conversations with whatever accent is in the story adds another level of enjoyment.
I mainly only listen to fiction or biography or memoir. If I am listening to nonfiction that’s not a story, I feel like I need my pencil, highlighter, and post-it notes at hand to get the most out of them. Plus my mind wanders when listening to nonfiction.
Audiobooks are also good for long classics, which tend to meander or have more description than modern books. I don’t mind the extra words so much if I am doing something with my hands while listening.
Such good points, Barbara! You’re so right about the narrators. They can bring so much. And I tend to agree on the non-fiction unless it’s something like the books above that I’m reading simply to gain some general knowledge. But I could never “listen” to a historical book that I’m reading for research because I have to be able to underline, highlight, write in the margins, etc… So we’re alike in that.
Yes, too, on the classics. I listened to The Count of Monte Cristo recently (over several weeks while in the car) and it was great. But sitting down to actually read it? Not going to happen anytime soon.
I love audiobooks. Several of these sound intriguing, especially the one about the postapocalyptic US. And I’ll take some Chic-fil-A sauce with those nuggets and waffle fries, please!
LOL, Kelly. You always make me smile. I have TRIED to like the CFA sauce, and just can’t. But everyone else seems to love it! 🙂 Try that book out. Just the sample even. I think you’ll be intrigued.
I just had to comment. Really? Donuts over broccoli? Ha, ha! I love both but prefer books over audio. I am a visual learner, and while I would listen to audio books—if I could be in a deserted place with NO distractions! I tried to listen to one once, but I needed quiet and no interruptions. SIGH. Alas, that is NOT my life. My husband practices his singing (with guitar) and I can hear it anywhere in the house except when I close the door to the WC (Polite term) and that is the only thing to sit on–not comfortable enough to want to sit there very long. 🤣 When we had dogs, I couldn’t even close the door without a sympathetic observer getting in. My daughter is pretty good at observing “quiet time,” but I rarely have any. Thank you for the suggestions and I have done a devotional on “Gentle and Lowly” and enjoyed it immensely.
LOL, Lauraine. Just keeping it real. And oh, so funny about the WC. There are definitely seasons of life and sounds like you’re in a busy one, my friend. Love that you enjoyed Gentle and Lowly too. So good! Hugs to you and thanks for sharing today.
I can only listen to one book at a time (as opposed to reading several!). And I can only listen when I can’t do anything else–so in the car or the plane or the bathtub or pool! But I do enjoy them. I read Gentle and Lowly. Very good. I’m currently listening to Everything Sad is Untrue.
Thanks for that recommendation, D’Ann. I just downloaded a sample. Looks VERY interesting! Appreciate you, lady.
I ADORE audiobooks! I always have one going in addition to whatever hard copy books I’m reading. A couple of recent audiobooks I loved were Becky Wade’s Rocky Road( the male narrator is perfect!) and Courtney Walsh’s My Phony Valentine.
Cool that you listened to Becky’s book and Courtney’s too. And yes, I’ve heard about the male narrator, LOL. I got tickled at that. Thanks for sharing today…and for sharing my love of audio books, Melissa!
I’m #3–big audiobook fan! I’m glad you mentioned Gentle and Lowly. Our church gave that book to my son (and all the other kids in the youth group who graduated from high school in ’22). He didn’t end up reading it, sadly, so I have it. This post gave me motivation to dive in. 🙂
Oh Becky, you’ll really appreciate it. It’s a treasure! Hugs to you and I continue to pray for you, friend. For continued wholeness of health and a flood of strength and stamina. : )
Girl! I thought I was multitasking by listening to one audiobook while working on other things…but five!?! I wouldn’t be able to keep them straight, lol. I just finished by second audiobook (Under the Tulip Tree) which has advantages, but I really enjoy curling up with the physical book. I’m so excited that our book club has chosen your new book for our March read! Yay, can’t wait!!! I think you would remember a number of these ladies : ) Sending love from A-town.
I’m in the #2 camp. About the only time I listen to audiobooks is when I’m driving somewhere on a long trip by myself and when I’m “proof-listening” to my own books after the narrator has finished her work. Otherwise, I much prefer a print book to hold in my hands. I really enjoyed The Messy Lives of Book People, which was a book club selection. And of course, I ESPECIALLY enjoyed A Million Little Choices.
Yes! I couldn’t get by without my audiobooks. It isn’t that I prefer them over print. I love print books! I can read a book faster that way. Rather, I love books so much that I want to make use of every spare moment I have to enjoy them. This includes while in the car or cleaning house— thus listening to audiobooks while doing those things. Both versions have their place.