Bored with listening to the same old songs all day? From the radio during your morning
commute to your iPod at work, it's hard to find something to listen to that is actually
stimulating. Here at BookSpot, we recommend giving audiobooks a try. They come in a variety
of forms, including mp3s, CDs and podcasts, so you can almost always find one to accommodate
your needs. And for the avid readers out there, isn't it time to give your eyes a break?
Check out the sites below to find your next mystery, classic, adventure or romance.
MP3
Many sites offer the option of downloading an audiobook directly from their Web site,
either for a small fee or, on some sites, for free. The great part about a download is that
you don't have to wait for anything to be mailed to your house; you can listen to the book
as soon as the download is complete. In addition, you can use programs like iTunes or
Windows Media Player to burn the files onto a CD, iPod or mp3 player and listen to your book
on the go.
- Audible.com
Download and listen to books in mp3 format, and then burn them to a CD.
- LibriVox
Free downloads of volunteers recording themselves reading chapters from books.
- Podiobooks.com
This site offers audiobooks in a podcast format, which you can receive through an RSS feed
or through direct downloads. Downloads are free, but you can give donations.
- iTunes store
iTunes users can buy mp3 audiobooks from the iTunes store and load them onto either a CD
or an iPod. Listen on the way to work, or take it to the gym!
CD or Cassette
Even though you have to wait for a package in the mail, ordering a CD or cassette can
be worth it. The book readers are professional, so the quality may be slightly better than
that of an mp3. Also, some sites allow you to rent the audiobooks instead of purchasing them,
so you can save money while still hearing a variety of stories.
Mixed Media
These sites offer the best of both worlds: downloads, CDs and cassettes to buy and rent.
Take your pick!
- Audiobooks.com
Buy, rent, or trade new and used CDs and cassettes. The site also offers book downloads.
- Books on Tape
This Random House division has both CDs and downloads for consumers, libraries and schools.
- Simply Audiobooks
Books, lectures, radio shows and intellectual programming are available as downloads, CDs
and cassettes, which you can buy or rent.
- Audiobooks.net
You can buy, rent or download books of all genres - and some of them are free.
--- O.W.
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