So You Wanna Try Audiobooks? Read This Before You Waste a Credit

by Audiobook Obsessed | May 14, 2025 | 🎧 Audiobook Life

Let me guess—you’ve finally decided to dip your toe into the audiobook pool, but the moment you open an app, it’s like staring into the abyss. Thousands of choices, and you only get one credit a month. One precious credit. Blow it on a snoozefest, and you’ll be salty until the next billing cycle. I’ve been there. Let’s make sure you don’t end up there too.

Step 1: Pick the Right Genre (AKA: What Movie Would You Watch?)

Don’t overthink it. Don’t pick books you should be reading. You’re not in high school English anymore. Go for what actually excites you.

• Love action flicks? Spy thrillers? Apocalypse survivors punching their way to justice?
• Rom-coms with sarcastic inner monologues?
• Murder mysteries with weird detectives and too many plot twists?

Start with what you already know you like and branch out from there. This isn’t a “grow your mind” journey. This is a “stay sane while folding laundry” situation.

Step 2: Choose Your Weapon (App)

Here’s the dad-approved breakdown of audiobook apps:

• Audible – Paid subscription, new releases, big-name narrators, exclusive stuff. Great if you’re serious.
• Libby – Free with a library card. Yes, libraries still exist. Great for older titles, random finds, and testing stuff before you commit.
• Barnes & Noble Audio, Audiobooks.com, etc. – Same deal as Audible. All around $14.95 a month for a credit.

Pick whatever works. If they’ve got the book you want, it really doesn’t matter. Just… if you’re still playing CDs in your truck, this post may not help you. Bless your heart.

Step 3: Series or One-and-Done?

If you’re just getting started, I recommend standalone books. No commitment, no cliffhangers. You want a story that wraps up before you forget what the main character’s name was.

That said, some series—like the Jack Reacher books—let you jump in anywhere. No need to start at book one. Perfect for commitment-phobes.

Step 4: Go for the Hook (Or Regret Everything)

Some books start slow and “build tension.” Cool. Problem is, I’m usually building IKEA furniture while listening, and I need something to happen—preferably with explosions or betrayal—within the first 30 minutes.

Here’s the rule:
If I’m not hooked in one hour, I bail.
Life’s too short for a boring narrator whispering about someone’s tragic childhood for five chapters.

Step 5: Author Schmauthor (At First)

When you’re new to this, don’t stress about authors. That’ll come later. But if someone you actually trust recommends a book, go for it.

And if Dave from accounting tells you to listen to the latest “life-changing” productivity book—run. Dave’s on his fifth try at keto and hasn’t read a real book since college. 

Step 6: If the Book Sucks, Quit

I used to force myself to finish bad books because I paid for it. Big mistake. Now, if it sucks after an hour, I’m out. Libby is perfect for this because it’s free. No guilt. Just move on.

You can always come back later once you’ve built up some audiobook tolerance.

Why Audiobooks Are Awesome: The Perfect Start to Your Listening Journey

by Audiobook Obsessed | Apr 25, 2025 | 🎧 Audiobook Life

Let’s face it: reading with your eyeballs is so last century.

Books are great—don’t get us wrong—but audiobooks? Audiobooks are the multitasking superhero you didn’t know you needed. Want to feel productive while folding laundry for the third time this week because your kids think clothes belong on the floor? Boom, audiobook. Want to pretend your commute isn’t a soul-sucking abyss of brake lights? Boom, audiobook. Want to work out but not think about the fact that you’re working out? You get the idea.

For anyone with a packed schedule or a low tolerance for sitting still (hi, yes, it’s us), audiobooks are the perfect gateway to more stories, more learning, and more fun. Here’s why we’re obsessed—and why you probably will be too.

The Magic of Audiobooks

Accessibility and Convenience

You can’t stir spaghetti while flipping pages. You can, however, follow a dystopian rebellion while sautéing onions, vacuuming the hallway, or avoiding eye contact at the gym. Audiobooks fit seamlessly into your day—no bookmarks required.

Got a packed schedule and zero time to read? Great. Audiobooks were made for you. (Okay, not you specifically, but it’s a flattering thought.)

Immersive Storytelling

Think of the best audiobook narrator as your personal hype squad for fiction. A good narrator doesn’t just read—they perform. They breathe life into characters with different voices, accents, and just the right amount of dramatic flair.

Pro tip: the narrator can make or break the experience. We’ve started following certain narrators like groupies at a rock concert. No shame.

Audiobooks also hit you right in the feels. A well-timed pause, a perfect inflection, or a whisper during a tense moment? Chef’s kiss. The emotional connection is real—and sometimes stronger than with print books.

Expanding Literary Horizons

Audiobooks are the best low-commitment way to try something new. Want to dip your toes into sci-fi without needing a translator for all the spaceship jargon? Try listening instead of reading—it’s way less intimidating.

You can also revisit those classics you pretended to read in high school. (Yes, we’re talking about Moby-Dick.) Or discover new authors and genres you never thought you’d enjoy—like cozy mysteries, thrillers, or historical fiction narrated in a crisp British accent. Fancy.

And hey, want to learn a new language while doing the dishes? Pick a book in Spanish or French. Learning and productivity? Who even are you?

Relaxation and Entertainment

Let’s be honest: life is stressful. Listening to a great story is like a mental bubble bath—minus the soggy paperback. Audiobooks help you unwind, zone out, or drift off to sleep without staring at a blue-lit screen like a caffeine-fueled raccoon.

And don’t underestimate the entertainment value. A good audiobook can be just as gripping as your favorite TV show. Except you don’t have to fight for the remote.

Getting Started with Audiobooks

Ready to dive in? Here’s how to get started—no tech wizardry required:

• Libby (our favorite freebie): Connect your library card and go wild.
• Audible: The big name in audiobooks, with tons of exclusives.
• Audiobooks.com: Another great option with a solid library.

Start with something you want to read—not something you think you should read. This isn’t a homework assignment. Pick what actually excites you. Thrillers, romance, space dragons—go where the dopamine takes you.

Embrace the Audio Revolution

Audiobooks are more than a trend. They’re a lifestyle, a mindset, a way to sneak more stories into your day without sacrificing your sanity.

Whether you’re scrubbing the bathtub, power walking through your neighborhood, or hiding from your responsibilities under a blanket, there’s an audiobook waiting for you.

This website was made for people like us—people who love stories but don’t have time to sit still. So come join the fun. Share what you’re listening to. Swap recommendations. Complain about the ending of that one book we all regret finishing.

Because let’s be honest—life’s better with a good story in your ears.