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.