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Free Audio Books: Download Great Books for Free

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Re: Free Audio Books: Download Great Books for Free

#51

Does anyone else have an issue with audiobooks as literature? Like, if I'm not able to control the pace at which I'm paying attention, it's problematic. I can't guarantee I'll pay 100 percent attention to noise that otherwise would almost be background to me. Regardless, the selection here is pretty bad-ass.

Not too long ago I finally gave podcasts a try. For a while I was hooked. Most importantly, in Spotify it was trivially easy to increase the speed from 1x to 1.25x and 1.5x. After a while, for certain sections I could listen at 2x and still understand everything, and it was much more engaging! As long as I could control the playback speed, I think I could get into audio books, too (though I haven't yet. My commute is short...)

Re: Free Audio Books: Download Great Books for Free

#52

Does anyone else have an issue with audiobooks as literature? Like, if I'm not able to control the pace at which I'm paying attention, it's problematic. I can't guarantee I'll pay 100 percent attention to noise that otherwise would almost be background to me. Regardless, the selection here is pretty bad-ass.

I love audiobooks for forcing me to keep going through material. I’ll reread sections often in print. Not being able to do so as easily with audiobooks helps me by keeping me going through material. Sometimes it’s the difference between having a “click” and not. Or keeps me going when my attention might otherwise slip by reading too much into something that’s not there.

If it feels like audiobooks aren’t having an impact on you then I’d suggest trying to relisten to them and not treat them as a once-through.

Re: Free Audio Books: Download Great Books for Free

#55
post #11

Also, most public libraries have extensive audiobook and ebook archives, and there are apps that bring all that content straight to your phone. If you live somewhere that has library access, you can greatly and easily expand your access to books, new and old through that method.

Even if you don't live somewhere that has library access, there's a number of options available. Here's a few options: https://weightywords.net/best-non-resident-library-cards-for...

https://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/EBook_Lending_Libraries#Wid...

If you're in the US some cities will give access to their library system as long as you live in the state. Overdrive has a good UI, and with waitlists, I always have something to read.

Re: Free Audio Books: Download Great Books for Free

#56

So, what software/app do you guys use to consume audiobooks? I haven't found a decent one that works with external downloads.

on ios LibriVox doesn't support external files but seems to list many of the free audiobooks from the link above.

Re: Free Audio Books: Download Great Books for Free

#58

Does anyone else have an issue with audiobooks as literature? Like, if I'm not able to control the pace at which I'm paying attention, it's problematic. I can't guarantee I'll pay 100 percent attention to noise that otherwise would almost be background to me. Regardless, the selection here is pretty bad-ass.

not really. i'm absolutely addicted to audiobooks[0][1] -- to the point where 95% of all books i consume are audiobooks.

it took me a while to get "used" to them but now i can easily focus on them while doing chores (washing the dishes, walking the dog).

[0]https://i.imgur.com/w1EiD66.jpg

[1]https://i.imgur.com/oFj5fvX.jpg

Re: Free Audio Books: Download Great Books for Free

#59

So, what software/app do you guys use to consume audiobooks? I haven't found a decent one that works with external downloads.

On Android, Listen Audiobooks [1] is my go to and has been for years. As long as your books are DRM free it's the best UX I've had.

[1]: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.acmeandroi...

Re: Free Audio Books: Download Great Books for Free

#60
post #36

What do you use to listen to audio books files? Some normal audio player is rather cumbersome, due to missing progress tracking.

For android I use "Listen Audiobook Player". Automatic progress tracking for multiple books, and generally all round great for daily audiobook usage.

I also use Listen Audiobook Player [1]. Loaded with well thought out features. The app also saves your progress/stats in a json file in your audiobooks directory, so you can easier move it to a new phone/tablet whenever you want.

[1] https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.acmeandroi...

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