Audiobooks: One Year In Review

Wednesday, April 04, 2018
For the past year I have been lucky enough to have a BookBeat subscription and within that time I listened to around 32 audiobooks so I think I can give you a well rounded opinion on not only the BookBeat audiobook service, the app and my experience of listening to audiobooks but also my picks for some of my favourite audiobooks as well. If you want to keep up to date with my reading and ratings, let's become friends on GoodReads.

BookBeat 
Let's start with the service on the whole which I'll be honest and say that I adored! When I was contacted about trialing the BookBeat services/app, I was very excited but a little apprehensive as I hadn't tried audiobooks at all before then but the app (including the layout, the style of the service etc) was fantastic.

One of the main things I love about BookBeat, as well as the easy to navigate app and range of audiobooks, is that you don't have credits or a fee per audiobook - you pay a monthly fee of £12.90 and for that price you can listen to as many audiobooks as you want which is amazing and much more freeing and flexible compared to the other audiobook services out there.

Additionally, the app is free and it's so easy to use and browse! There is a great range of audiobooks from children's books and YA to non-fiction, fantasy, classics and every other genre in between. I love how easy the listening experience is, how you can switch between audiobooks and you can rate each audiobook when you've finished - it also keeps a log of the audiobooks you've finished.

Experience of Listening To Audiobooks
As I've mentioned, this is my first ever experience of audiobooks and my thoughts on audiobooks before I started using BookBeat was that it seemed almost like cheating...I have no idea why I thought that as audiobooks still take time to listen to and they require concentration and attention. My favourite things about audiobooks have to be that they contribute to my GoodReads reading goal so it means that I far surpassed my yearly goal last year and I can listen to audiobooks in situations where I can't read a physical book, for example, when I'm cooking, baking, cleaning or taking blog photos.

Favourites Audiobooks
My audiobook experience has been amazing overall and I've listened to some fantastic audiobooks that I'd definitely recommend but there have been a few flops; however I think that is to be expected as we can't expect to like every single book and I've found that certain genres just aren't for me in audiobook form.

My favourite audiobooks from the past year have to include: Spellslinger by Sebastian de Castell, Shadow Show edited by Sam Weller, Victorians Undone by Kathryn Hughes, Ancient Wonderings by James Canton, Coraline by Neil Gaiman and Borne by Jeff Vandermeer.

Sadly, my least favourite audiobooks include the History/Philosophy In An Hour series which I think is a great idea and they're very quick reads but these very short non-fiction audiobooks just aren't for me because they seem pointless as they are too short and very forgettable.

Use the following link to get a free one month trial

Overall, subscribe to BookBeat, you won't regret it! I will definitely re-subscribe in the near future!

Have you tried BookBeat? Do you listen to audiobooks? 

23 comments

  1. I've never listened to any audio books before, thank you for sharing

    Candice | beautycandyloves.co.za

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  2. I love audiobooks so much! Over half my reading this year has been in that format. I love my local library app as well, since it lets me borrow/reserve 4 audiobooks at a time so I can get through a lot!
    Imogen’s Typewriter. <3

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  3. This sounds like a great app and a great option for people who maybe need to listen to audiobooks instead of reading physical books.

    Jenny
    http://www.jennyinneverland.com

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  4. I've never tried an audio book before, maybe I should!xo

    Char | www.charslittleblog.co.uk

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  5. I listen to podcasts but I really need to try audio books!

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  6. I think I am going to have to subscribe to this, I really want to get into audio books!

    Danielle xx
    http://www.fashionbeautyblog.co.uk/

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  7. To me nothing beats the actual physical book. I love a paper book! But audio is great for in the car! :)

    Erin || MakeErinOver

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  8. I've never heard about this one before, I usually borrow books from my library though overdrive. great post!

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  9. I don’t read books but maybe I should try audio books in the background x

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  10. I’ve never tried an audiobook before but it’s a great idea.

    http://littlemissmelanie.com

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  11. I don't listen to audiobooks. I tried in the past but I didn't like they way they were read. Maybe I just haven't found the right tool for listening.

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  12. I can't get in to audio books, I'm too easily distracted! x

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  13. Do you have any tips on how to get the most from audio books?x

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  14. I don't really like audio books. I much prefer a physical book that I can keep & love forever.

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  15. I have never tried an audio book before!

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  16. I’ve never listened to an audiobook but I’m intrigued by th concept x

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  17. I am the same it felt like I was cheating. But I love the idea of listening to them like you when cooking and cleaning etc x

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  18. I've never listened to an audiobook before as I much prefer holding a physical copy of the book I'm reading but this sounds like a great service! xx
    www.imjustagirl16.co.uk

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  19. I love a good autobook! 🌸✨

    With love, Alisha Valerie x

    | BLOG | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM |

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  20. I have to say I prefer to sit down and read a physical book but I imagine that people who spend a lot of time in the car or traveling/commuting would find this brilliant! xx

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  21. Not really into audio books...honestly prefer the feel of a good solid book in my hands x

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  22. Not really ever got into them ! Maybe I should give them a god though x

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  23. I've always loved the sound of audiobooks but just never got into them! Need to give them a proper go!
    Chantelle x
    The Girl In The Tartan Scarf

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