Audio Books - Podcast

Barnes and Noble eBook Readers Ups the Ante While Amazon Goes Global: Will Either Include Audio Books

admin@audioforbooks.com (AudioforBooks.com) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 02:38:32 +0000

eBook Lending May Give BN and Edge but Amazon is Going Worldwide

Barnes and Noble has partnered with Plastic Logic to create an eBook reader for spring release. Will it rival Amazon’s Kindle even as it hits worldwide distribution? And will either platform begin to include audiobooks as a standard feature?

Like its competitors, BN’s reader will be about the size of a trade paperback. It will offer clear text and graphics. This is pretty much standard in eBook readers. BN’s projected improvements include color graphics and book lending.

Barnes and Noble eBook Reader

Right now, eReaders all deal in grayscale for text and graphics. A color screen will certainly add to the “wow” factor in appearance. BN promises other advanced features, but has not yet announced specifics. One complaint of Kindle users is that it is impossible to loan a book that you have enjoyed to a friend.

BN is pursuing a way to loan eBooks purchased from their eBookstore. This could entail allowing customers to temporarily give a title to a friend. This could obviously affect sales, so the number of loans will likely be limited.

The BN eReader will not hit stores until Spring of 2010 and the price has not been announced.

On October 19, Amazon plans to sell the Kindle in Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia, and South America. The selling price of $279 USD will include global wireless download capability. The unit has a 6 inch display with 2 GB of memory to hold up to 1,500 books. It also has the integrated text-to-speech audio feature.

Most of the titles will be English language titles, with a few foreign language options available. Bestsellers will cost $11.99 USD, slightly higher than the cost within the US. The Amazon store sells from the US and purchases are made in US dollars.

Will Barnes and Noble be able to compete with Amazon? Will either company find a way to integrate a formal audiobook reader into their regular models? Time will tell… I’m still holding out…

By Dorothy Distefano

Amazing Audio Book Project on Twitter: Will You Contribute?

admin@audioforbooks.com (AudioforBooks.com) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 06:52:04 +0000

Neil Gaiman Teams with BBC Audiobooks America and Twitter.

Do you tweet? Twitter is a free social networking site that allows users to “tweet” their ideas, thoughts, or anything they like… as long as it is 140 characters or less.

This is not always as easy as it sounds. Condensing what you wish to communicate in a very limited way can be quite a challenge, but creating an audiobook sounds like a huge undertaking.

It has been projected that by the end of this year, 18 million people will be using Twitter. Not bad for a site that is only 3 years old. Twitter is used by people for personal communication, as well as business advertising and moneymaking schemes. I joined Twitter this year, just to find out what was so appealing. Now I’m hooked.

Twitter

You can follow actors, authors, musicians (be sure to see if the person you are looking at has been verified – there are a lot of impersonators out there), and companies. Following someone means that you will be able to view their tweets in your stream of Twitter information.

Now that you have a very brief Twitter background, let’s talk about this project. At 12:00pm EST on Tuesday, October 13, bestselling author Neil Gaiman will initiate the first entry in the world’s first audiobook generated by Twitter. After Gaiman tweets the first line, anyone can reply and add to the story.

The first 1000 tweets, after Gaiman’s, will be taken, edited, and arranged into a narrative. When the story is complete, it will be recorded (no mention as to who will be providing narration as yet) and available for free download from BBC America’s website, iTunes, and other online audiobook sites.

Are you curious? Interested in becoming involved? Here are the particulars: Get yourself a Twitter account if you don’t have one. Just go to twitter.com and sign up. Follow @BBCAA so you can see the first tweet. If you have an idea to contribute, make sure to begin with @BBCAA so that it appears as a reply to BBC Audiobooks America and includes the hashtag #bbcawdio, which identifies it as an entry for the book. That’s it! Just enter your idea and send it off.

By the way, while you’re on Twitter, be sure to follow @audioforbooks for tweets from this website. @audible.com has some interesting tweets with links to current audiobook news as well!

I am very excited to watch this play out and to hear the finished product. BBCAA will be updating their blog as the project move along, so be sure to check it out… What do you think of this project? Let me know!

By Dorothy Distefano

New Audio Book Releases for the Week of October 11, 2009

admin@audioforbooks.com (AudioforBooks.com) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:07:21 +0000

Great Audiobooks for Fall!

I must update you on the project that BBC Audiobooks America is coordinating with Twitter users and Neil Gaiman before I begin. Mr. Gaiman tweeted the first line of the story yesterday, ‘Sam was brushing her hair when the girl in the mirror put down the hairbrush, smiled & said, “We don’t love you anymore.”’

This set off a flurry of activity on Twitter. You can review the synopsis of the story thus far on the BBC Audiobooks America blog. I managed to squeeze in two tweets that were included. There is still time for you to join in!

There is a little something for everyone this week in audiobooks! Self-help, suspense, non-fiction, and science fiction titles are all included in our sampling for this week.

I think I made it clear that I am a Michael Connelly fan last week. This week, he released 9 Dragons, read by Len Cariou, and I can’t wait to read it! LAPD Detective Harry Bosch is back with a case that takes him half way around the world looking for answers. I can’t wait to go with him!

Deepak Chopra’s Reinventing the Body, Resurrecting the Soul: the author reads How to Create a New You. Chopra discusses the connection between mind and body in his latest alternative medicine text. He puts forth techniques to renew and reconnect with your inner self. I know that Chopra’s books are extremely popular, but I must admit to never having read one. I am, unfortunately, famous for buying self-help books and then not reading them. I’m hoping that my mind/body/soul/emotions will improve by the mere proximity of the texts.

And Another Thing… (Hitchhiker’s Guide Series #6) by Eoin Colfer and read by Simon Jones picks up the wonderful series created by Douglas Adams and furthers the adventures of Arthur Dent, the accidental participant in travels around the galaxy with Ford Prefect, writer for the Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. The series is preposterous and wonderful and I will undoubtedly be found laughing hysterically in the grocery aisle as I listen to it. (A small warning in case my next entry comes to you from the mental hospital)

The Trump Card: Playing to Win in Work and Life by Ivanka Trump and narrated by Samantha Mathis is basically more money in the Trump family pockets. Personally, I don’t care to read about the businesswoman, ex-model daughter of zillionaire Donald Trump. She works for him and makes loads more money than the rest of us.

As a side note: The Audiobook of the Month on iTunes for October is Stephen King’s Carrie. Just before Halloween… coincidence? Download the tale of horror for just $9.95 USD. Check Out Audible for all the latest releases.

By Dorothy Distefano

Audio Book Bestsellers for the Week of October 11, 2009

admin@audioforbooks.com (AudioforBooks.com) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:28:17 +0000

What’s New on the Audiobook Bestseller List?

Some titles have held their place on the list, and some new audiobooks have been added. Let’s take a look at the top selling books for this week.

Yes, Dan Brown’s Lost Symbol (read by Paul Michael) is still at number one. Did you really think it wouldn’t be? The hype is hanging on, despite a less than stellar review in this Sunday’s New York Times. No, I haven’t read it yet…

New on the list is Jonathan Kellerman’s Evidence (read by John Rubinstein). Evidence is the latest in Kellerman’s Alex Delaware series. I love the characters in this series. Delaware is a psychologist who consults with the LAPD to solve some of their more grisly murders. Teamed with friend, Detective Milo Sturgis, Delaware must try to help solve a double homicide. I’m already on the list for it…

Rough Country by John Sandford (read by Eric Conger) continues to have a presence on the bestseller list. I finished the book this week and really enjoyed it. There are plenty of twists and turns, and Virgil Flowers is just plain likable.

Another new title on the bestseller list is Half Broke Horses: A True Life Novel by Jeannette Walls (narrated by the author). I thoroughly enjoyed The Glass Castle and intend to read this fictionalized account of Walls’ grandmother’s life. My copy is in transit as we speak.

Diana Gabladon’s An Echo in the Bone: A Novel and Outlander (read by Davina Porter) are both seated comfortably in the top twenty. As An Echo in the Bone is the latest in the Outlander series, it is not unusual to see a jump in the first title. The Outlander series blends historical romance and time traveling in way that has fans clamoring for the latest installments.

While Michael Connelly’s latest was only released this week and is not on our list, his novel The Poet (read by Buck Schirner) is. Interestingly, this is not a Harry Bosch novel. This suspenseful book features crime reporter Jack McEvoy as he investigates the alleged suicide of his twin brother, a detective. Connelly is skilled at building suspense, so be ready to lose some sleep to those pages.

Shall I once again tell you how much I loved Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger (read by Bianca Amato)? There is something for everyone here… romance, drama, mystery, paranormal, and tangled relationships. Why aren’t you reading it yet?

Terry Pratchett makes an appearance on the list this week with Unseen Academicals: Discworld #37. I must admit that I have not experienced Discworld. I generally pick up the first few at the library, ponder them, and put them back. I’m not sure why…

There are lots of good books out there this week. Let us see if we cannot knock The Lost Symbol down a notch, hmmm? Check Out Audibles for all the latest best sellers.

By Dorothy Distefano

Audio Book Author Spotlight: David Almond

admin@audioforbooks.com (AudioforBooks.com) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 09:38:16 +0000

Young Adult audiobooks that Appeal to All Ages

This week I have chosen an author of young adult fiction as the focus of Audiobook Author Spotlight. David Almond manages to weave intricate stories with multiple themes into books that appeal too many, regardless of age.

My first experience with David Almond’s writing came as I was looking for a book for my family book discussion group. I happened upon Skellig at the public library and was completely enthralled by the story.

The main character, Michael, moves to a new home just as his sister has become seriously ill. In the new garage, he discovers a dying being. He looks like a tramp, but has some characteristics of an owl. Michael helps him to survive, and in return learns some incredible life lessons.

Author David Almond

The book is particularly attractive to me because it tackles amazing subjects about life, death, relationships, and beliefs, all within a tightly woven plot. Is Skellig a human? An owl? An angel? Some combination of them all? If you are looking for a book to share with a child 11-16 or so, this one is a winner.

Kit’s Wilderness is another of Almond’s unique novels. Kit has just moved with his family to live with his grandfather who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. The wilderness is where the coal mines used to be in the mining town. The mining history and a game called Death feature into Kit’s experiences in life and death.

This book is haunting and beautifully written. Parents who wish to open communications with children through literature will surely find this book has plenty to discuss.

The Fire Eaters features a boy whose seemingly perfect life begins to crumble as his father becomes ill. With his friends, the boy learns the power of miracles, family, and friendship.

The appealing thing about all of Almond’s books is that he does not write simple stories. These novels have layers of meaning open to all who are willing to look a bit further into the story. His narratives are never condescending and that is one key reason that the stories appeal across the ages. There is no tidy wrapping up of every loose end in his books.

This is why they are such wonderful works for discussion. Spending time speculating after reading that last page is nearly as fun as reading the books.

I highly recommend David Almond’s novels. They appeal to both girls and boys… and to adults as well.

By Dorothy Distefano

Audio Book News Updates

admin@audioforbooks.com (AudioforBooks.com) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:15:34 +0000

Barnes & Noble’s eBook Reader and a Twitter Audiobook

Last week, I chatted about two news items: Barnes & Noble’s new eBook reader and BBC Audiobooks America’s Twitter audiobook project. I’d like to start off the week with updates on both of these interesting projects.

Barnes & Noble appears poised to launch the new eBook reader this Tuesday, October 20. There have been numerous leaks to the press regarding features. The latest information indicates that the eReader, which uses E-Ink technology, will have two screens. The main screen, used for reading books, newspapers, or periodicals, will be about 6 inches in size. A smaller screen is located at the bottom and is an LCD touch screen. This screen will act as a keyboard and will contain the menu for the device.

As with Amazon’s Kindle, the B & N device will utilize a cellular network for content downloads. It apparently uses the Android operating system software for mobile devices. Although quite a bit of information (including photos of the new device) has been leaked, the price and name of the device are still a secret. Watch for B & N to make their big announcement on Tuesday.

Last week I also featured the project launched by BBC Audiobooks America and bestselling author Neil Gaiman on Twitter. At promptly 9:00 am ET on Twitter, Gaiman tweeted the following line: Sam was brushing her hair when the girl in the mirror put down the hairbrush, smiled & said,” We don’t love you anymore.” Twitter users quickly jumped in and began submitting lines to continue the story. BBCAA then quickly chose one of the submissions and posted it so that users could submit lines to be considered for the next entry.

I simply couldn’t resist becoming involved. I have managed to get 3 lines included from my personal Twitter account @WotV. It was fascinating to watch the story evolve. The creativity is astounding and the story has taken on a fairy tale style, with an evil Queen, a talking badger, and a sarcastic puppet. The story now has 11 scenes, all of which have been compiled and summarized on the BBC Audiobooks America blog.

The story will likely go on through midday on Tuesday, so if you have not had the opportunity to contribute, there’s still time. Remember, sign in to Twitter and follow @BBCAA. They will tweet each line as it is chosen. Submit your entries as a reply to @BBCAA with the hashtag #bbcawdio. Lines without these elements will not be seen by BBCAA and not considered for inclusion. When the story is complete, it will be recorded as a free audiobook. I’ll keep you posted on its availability.

Tuesday will be a big day this week with the B & N eBook reader and the BBC Audiobooks America project wrapping up!

By Dorothy Distefano

Audio Books and Encouraging Boys to Read for Fun

admin@audioforbooks.com (AudioforBooks.com) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:21:08 +0000

How to Boost Boys’ Interest in Good Books.

Have I mentioned that I have three sons? Usually, this fact is met with gasps of horror and murmurs of, “Oh my goodness.”

They are really wonderful young men, and they know that I am the Queen, and that I expect them to continue to be wonderful young men. Anyway, the three of them have qualified me as a semi-expert on the reading habits of boys… and audiobooks have a good-sized role.

Popular author Jon Scieskza, best known in my house for his picture book The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, is the National Ambassador of Literature for Young People. His successful Guys Read (guysread.com) program offers a unique look at the way boys read and how to encourage them to read more. The site also explores the gap in reading scores between boys and girls and reasons why boys may be struggling.

Audio Books and Encouraging Boys to Read for Fun

Guys Read is currently preparing to launch Guys Listen. Studies have shown that 30% of boys are auditory learners. The ability to use technology to listen to books may be motivating for those boys who are reluctant to tackle more traditional texts. With this in mind, Guys Listen intends to promote literacy through audiobooks.

In addition to being more appealing, listening to a book may also help boys with fluency and comprehension. Hopefully, this will improve the educational experience as a whole and help boys overcome some of the obstacles preventing them from reaching their full potential in the area of literacy.

guyslisten.com is in development. When it is online, it will allow boys to find and recommend audiobook titles. Until then, parents should encourage boys to take the time to visit Guys Read. There are extensive lists of books sorted by themes appealing to guys in reading levels from picture book to young adult. The site is bright and busy and definitely geared towards boys. It even offers downloadable bookmarks, book labels, book plates, and spine labels.

I love the motivating messages of this program. Calling attention to boys’ literacy issues, offering boy-friendly recommendations and choices, and encouraging role models are all big parts of Guys Read.

I am looking forward to visiting Guys Listen with my 12 year-old son when it is up and running. I’ll let you know what he thinks!

By Dorothy Distefano

New Audio Book Releases for the Week of October 18, 2009

admin@audioforbooks.com (AudioforBooks.com) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:30:08 +0000

Before we chat about the latest audiobook releases, I want to give you a quick update. Details of Barnes and Noble’s eBook reader, the Nook, will be unveiled today. It is reportedly available at a similar price as the Amazon Kindle, but will have the added advantage of access to the Google books library.

I will provide more details as they are announced. The Twitter project from BBC Audiobooks America is continuing as I write this. Hopefully things are moving towards a satisfying conclusion. It’s tough to tell…

New This Week:
The Scarpetta Factor by Patricia Cornwell (read by Kate Reading)
This is the latest installment in the crime series featuring Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta. This is the 17th book in the series and I am curious as to where things are going. I have read all of the books, but have found that my inner forensics lover seems to enjoy Kathy Reichs just a little more lately. Will I read this one? I will… if only to decide whether I will continue to follow the series or not.

The Wild Things by Dave Eggers (narrated by Dioon Graham)
This is an adaptation from the classic picture book, Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak and the screenplay by Spike Jonze. I happen to adore the original story and read it to my children, who also love it. I’m just not sure there is any way to perfect upon… the perfection… of the original.

Dead and Gone: Sookie Stackhouse Mystery #9 by Charlaine Harris (read by Johanna Parker)
Harris returns with a new vampire novel for the series behind the hit TV series, True Blood. In this entry, weres and shifters are preparing to reveal their existence to the general public.

Things lead to the murder of a were-panther, which spurs Sookie to use her telepathic skills to look for the murderer. Will I read it? Undecided. I read the first book of the series and, to my surprise, I preferred the television show.

I have a confession to make. I am relieved that there aren’t any audiobooks that I am dying to read this week. I just finished reading my son’s copy of The Hunger Games, which was great, and am in the middle of The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood. If that pile of must-reads gets any bigger, I may get buried alive…Check Out Audible for all the latest releases.

By Dorothy Distefano

Bestselling Audio Books for the week of October 18, 2009

admin@audioforbooks.com (AudioforBooks.com) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:46:15 +0000

New Audiobook Titles Break into the Top-Selling List.

By now, you may have had an opportunity to check out the Nook from Barnes and Noble. If not, check out their website. Of particular interest is the comparison between the Nook and the Kindle. I have submitted a question regarding the use of audiobooks with the new device and will hopefully have the answer by next week.

The #1 Bestselling Audiobook:

The Lost Symbol is knocked from its spot at the top of Audible.com’s bestseller list by Michael Connelly’s 9 Dragons (read by Len Cariou). I can’t wait to get my hands on the latest Harry Bosch thriller. Working for the first time in the world of Asian Gangs in South Los Angeles, Bosch may just be over his head when someone important to him is taken.

Also New:

Vince Flynn brings Pursuit of Honor (narrated by George Guidall) to the list this week. An action packed political thriller begins with terrorist bombings in Washington, D.C. Counterterrorism operative Mitch Rapp must work to find those responsible, while politicians deal with the tangled politics of the events. My husband loves Flynn’s books. I’ll have to put this one on his Christmas list.

New Adventure:

Clive Cussler’s Spartan Gold (read by Scott Brick) also debuts on the list this week. When treasure hunters find a bottle from Napolean’s legendary “lost wine cellar” they are determined to find the rest of the collection. Their competition is a half-Persian millionaire who believes the treasure to belong to him. I’ve never read Cussler, but I know his fans are pumped to read this one!

New Nonfiction:

Another new entry on the list is Bright-Sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking has Undermined America by Barbara Ehrenreich (read by Kate Reading). With the spate of self-help books encourage us to think positive to achieve our goals; Ehrenreich’s book is a complete surprise. The effects of positive thinking on our personal lives as well as on the nation as a whole are presented in a witty critique. Sounds interesting, doesn’t it?

It’s nice to see some new titles on the Best Selling Audiobook list, isn’t it? Check Out Audible for all the latest Best Sellers.

By Dorothy Distefano

Audio Book News Bytes

admin@audioforbooks.com (AudioforBooks.com) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:30:25 +0000

Book Lovers Rejoice!

This is the day I usually spotlight an audiobook author, but there are so many interesting news stories, I can’t resist sharing…

Nook News:

Details of Barnes and Noble’s new eBook reader, the Nook, were released and WOW! It looks like developers took a poll of all the things Kindle users wished they had and added them to Nook.

I contacted BN and confirmed that the Nook does play audiobook mp3 files as well as music either via headphones or speaker. This is a fantastic feature and makes the Nook very appealing… at least to me. I plan to wait until I read some user reviews before committing, but at first glance, the Nook looks darn good.

Nook vs. Kindle:

Nook eBook Reader

Here is a quick comparison, for those interested in what the Nook has to offer. Navigation is through a color touch screen rather than a 5 way controller. Library is displayed by book cover rather than list. The Nook has 3G and Wi-Fi capabilities. A huge plus is an expansion slot capable expanding the memory to up to 17,500 eBooks. The Google deal allows Nook users to download free public domain titles.

Bring your Nook to a BN store and free content and coupons will be available for download. Rechargeable batteries are replaceable. There are more distinctive operating system and visual features, but one of the most appealing is the LendMe technology. The Nook will actually allow users to loan copies of eBooks for a limited time with users of Nook, iPhone, iPod touch, Blackberry, PCs, or Macs.

News for International Kindle Users:

Those who invested in Amazon’s Kindle outside of the U.S. will find that they are eligible for a $20 refund. The price has been dropped from the initial $279 USD to $259 USD, the same price as it is in the US.

Latest Kindle:

The newest Kindle version has added a web browser, PDF document converter, and mp3 player. They have not indicated whether this enables the basic Kindle to support audiobooks, but it would appear that it will.

Book Price Wars:

Amazon, Target, and Wal-Mart are all determined to lure you into buying books from them. All three are taking advance orders for books from popular authors (Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Michael Crichton, and more) for under $9 USD each. Presumably this is in response to eBook versions of New York Times Bestsellers being offered for $9.99 as downloads from Amazon.

This will surely have a devastating effect on small, independent booksellers. I wonder if it will also drive down the cost of audio versions. At present, it appears as though the steep discounts may only apply to preorders. Audio version prices are not discounted.

I will be back to spotlighting authors next week!

By Dorothy Distefano

Price Wars and Publishing Tactics: Where do Audio Books Fit In?

admin@audioforbooks.com (AudioforBooks.com) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:01:37 +0000

One Publisher is trying a Unique Approach.

The interesting disparity between traditional book and digital book sales has some publishers seeking ways to manipulate consumers towards purchasing paper versions.

Last week, I mentioned that Wal-Mart, Amazon, and Target are among those who are offering presales of bestselling authors’ new releases at under $10. Audiobooks have apparently not yet figured into the big picture.

The most interesting reaction has been that of Scribner, the publisher of Stephen King’s upcoming Under the Dome. The hardcover goes on sale November 10th and can be purchased for around $9 USD. Recent reports say that the eBook version will go on sale six weeks later at the full price of $35. Incidentally, the audiobook unabridged version is priced at between $27-56.

The apparent reasoning behind the disparity between hardcover and eBook digital delay is that sales of hardcover books will increase and thus offer assistance to independent booksellers. The problem is, of course, the aforementioned price wars. While I am all for supporting smaller retailers, I am more likely to go for the deep discount.

The American Booksellers Association, the representative of independent bookstores, has filed a complaint with the US Department of Justice. They say that the deeply discounted books are “damaging to the book industry and harmful to consumers.” I just don’t know how the smaller venues can possibly compete against the slashed prices and increasing popularity of eBooks.

So where does that leave audiobook readers? No one has addressed audio versions in this mess. My feeling is, with the newer version of Kindle and the Nook supporting mp3 files, audiobook readers are going to find themselves in the digital arena. As more audio readers adopt eBook readers as the primary device (which may or may not happen) audio downloads may become tied to the digital version price.

I happen to be a fan of all three, paper, digital, and audio books. I always have at least one digital and one audio on my iPod and a hardcover by my bedside. I wonder if the strange and manipulative future publishing tactics will change that.

By Dorothy Distefano

iPods in Schools: Audio Books and More

admin@audioforbooks.com (AudioforBooks.com) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:06:57 +0000

Making Use of Students’ Love of Technology.

Why are schools so slow in incorporating technology? My children’s schools boast state-of-the-art computer labs, yet they still ban the use of iPods in most settings.

Millions of students own mp3 players. Imagine what could be accomplished if teachers were willing to incorporate them into the classroom. Audiobooks, podcasts, and so much more might just make kids more interested in academics.

There are several initiatives, grants, and tons of resources available for incorporating iPods and similar technologies into educational settings. Several colleges and schools have begun integrating iPods into the curriculum. For those wondering just how this could be useful, you must not have an iPod.

Apple iPod Touch

The latest iPod touch or iPhone has capabilities well beyond playing music. The obvious application that would be beneficial to students is the ability to play audiobooks of assigned literature.

This option allows students to make the most of their time while in study halls, between classes, or simply taking a walk. This is especially helpful with students for whom English is a second language. The ability to listen to text enhances overall comprehension.

Audible.com offers a huge selection of educational resources from SAT prep to SparkNotes Guides for classic literature. The VangoNotes section has a multitude of materials available to enhance the content of textbooks.

My son, a high school sophomore, has an iPod touch. On it, he not only has a myriad of music choices, but applications that have interesting and educational content. One app is a hangman game with SAT words. Podcasts from NASA and the Hubble telescope are other favorites. Imagine how cool it would be if his Physics teacher somehow worked viewing of those podcasts into the curriculum.

I’m not blind to the drawbacks. Of course, students will be tempted to veer away from the required content and to use the devices for entertainment. But if the content was tied to the iPod in an interesting and engaging way, wouldn’t the temptation be lessened? I read one article about a school that gave each student an iPod touch. The parents were required to sign an agreement to accept responsibility for the safe return of the device, or they would have to purchase a new one for the school. That’s one way to get parent support!

My kids are always plugged in. If a teacher offered them a way to do homework by using their iPod, my guess is that they would find it more interesting. In the meantime, I’m getting my son To Kill a Mockingbird on audio. Maybe he’ll listen to it between songs.

By Dorothy Distefano

New Audio Book Releases for the Week of October 25, 2009

admin@audioforbooks.com (AudioforBooks.com) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:12:16 +0000

What’s new in audiobooks this last week in October 2009? Read on…

I found myself reading more this week as I monitored my son’s illness (watching for H1N1 – thankfully it wasn’t) and really enjoyed Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins as well as The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood.

I’m moving on to Evidence by Jonathan Kellerman now as I review what looks good from this week’s list of new audiobook releases.

Heat Wave by Richard Castle (narrator not identified) I couldn’t figure out where I had heard the authors name until I read the book description. This is a media tie in to the television series, Castle. Richard Castle is a fictional character on the show who is an author who shadows a police detective to get material for his writing. Confused? Basically, this book has been written by a fictional character. I haven’t seen the show, but friends have told me that it is appealing. I enjoy mysteries, so I will most likely pick it up.

ESPN: The Company: The Story and Lessons behind the Most Fanatical Brand in Sports by Anthony F. Smith and Keith Hollihan (read by L.J. Ganser) I must begin by saying that I am not a sports fan. When my son and husband are watching a game, of any kind, I leave the room. That being said, my son is a true sports fan. This book strives to tell the story behind the successes and failures of the go-to network for sports news and coverage. I may as well get it now for him for Christmas, right?

Power of 2: How to Make the Most of Your Partnerships at Work and in Life by Rodd Wagner and Gale Muller (narrator not identified) This book emphasizes the benefits of collaborating with others at work and in personal lives. Research supports the eight elements put forward in the book that help partners succeed. These days, everyone seems bent on individual achievement, so the concepts here are intriguing. I think this one might be a great resource, especially as I prepare to send my oldest to college.

The Jonas Brothers Forever was released this week, but I simply cannot go there. Really. I have nieces and have been subjected to their music. My best guess is that if you are shopping for a girl between the ages of 6-17, they’ll want this. Don’t ask for any more information. Trust me.

By Dorothy Distefano

Audio Book Author Spotlight: Christopher Moore

admin@audioforbooks.com (AudioforBooks.com) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:12:32 +0000

Ready for Something Very Different?

I have toyed with discussing Christopher Moore for several weeks now. I have read most of his books and absolutely love his work. My roadblock was finding a way to describe him. How do you present an author who writes about everything from Jesus to vampires with equal sarcasm?

Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal (read by Fisher Stevens) was my introduction to Christopher Moore. Finding that the story of Jesus’ early years was woefully brief in the Bible, Moore decided to present what might have happened… if Jesus had a strange pal named Biff. Imagine if kung fu, demons, and sexy women were part of Jesus’ story. I know it’s kind of tough. Maybe you should just read it.

Audio Book Author Christopher Moore

The Stupidest Angel: A Heartwarming Tale of Christmas Terror (narrated by Tony Roberts) is easily one of my favorite Christmas novels. Of course, I can’t think of any other ones that include murder, an angel who is an idiot, and zombies, can you? Honestly, this is so bizarre and hilarious, you can’t help but laugh.

Recently, I thoroughly enjoyed Fool: A Novel (read by Euan Morton), Moore’s take on King Lear. Presented through the eyes of Pocket, the King’s fool, we see the folly of Lear’s ways as well as some heinous f… … Actually, the audiobook contains a warning that this is a bawdy tale with gratuitous shagging, murder, spanking, maiming, treason… Get the idea? Not for those who are sensitive to vulgarity.

A Dirty Job (narrated by Fisher Stevens) takes readers into the life of Charlie Asher, an ordinary guy until the day his daughter is born. When people start to drop dead around him, he suspects he has a new job: Death. And it is most definitely a dirty job.

To give you a taste of Moore’s other books, I think the titles will really suffice: Island of the Sequined Love Nun; The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove; Practical Demonkeeping; You Suck: A Love Story. There are more, but by now you have either closed this window and are shaking your head in despair or have closed the window so that you might go out grab a new book.

As for me, well, if you’ve all closed the window, I may as well go read a book…

By Dorothy Distefano

Moving Media, Including Audio Books, Into a New Age

admin@audioforbooks.com (AudioforBooks.com) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:49:46 +0000

Electric Literature’s Focus on Short Stories.

These days, it seems everyone has less time. We want everything delivered in short, easily digestible bites. Electric Literature is a brand new quarterly literary magazine that is seeking to bring the limelight back to the short story via paperback, Kindle, eBook, iPhone, and soon in audiobook format.

Founders Andy Hunter and Scott Lindenbaum want to give literature a new twist. With five great stories in each issue, Hunter and Lindenbaum use print-on-demand, as well as eBook, Kindle, iPhone, and audio formats. The basic premise is to provide a high quality publication that is available worldwide and will remain accessible. They strive to pay writers fairly and provide readers with great fiction.

Electric Literature

The real goal here is to make great stories widely available. Hopefully, this will remind people just how great short fiction can be. The magazine is getting rave reviews. It is using all available methods to reach readers. Will it work?

I have never been a huge short story person. I don’t know why… Perhaps it was some horrible unit in grade school in which we were forced to compare and contrast two short stories. Maybe it was a high school teacher who demanded a critique longer than the piece it was to be based upon. Most likely, once I learned to love reading, I wanted more.

I tend to feel short changed by short stories. I want the whole picture, or as much as I can get, especially if it’s good. I don’t want an hour of the characters’ day. I want the whole year. I finish a short story and I am unsatisfied, sort of like a meal that only consists of an appetizer.

I went to the iTunes store as I was reading about Electric Literature. My arrow hovered over the $4.99 USD price. Part of me was curious, but the other part of me knew I just wouldn’t read it. I’d skim it. I’d put it on my iPod with the intent to read it. I would probably even talk about it with friends. But I wouldn’t actually read it.

I applaud the efforts of Electric Literature. I love their ideas. I wish I was more open to short literature… My hope is that if you are open to it, you’ll give them a try. And if it’s really that good, let me know. Maybe I’ll go ahead and buy it after all.

By Dorothy Distefano

Audible Announces Upcoming Audio Book Blockbusters for November

admin@audioforbooks.com (AudioforBooks.com) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:44:11 +0000

Stock Up for Holiday Gifts!

November is just beginning, and Audible has released a list of some of the most anticipated audiobook releases for the month. Grab your Christmas list, because there are some amazing books on the way!

Fiction:

Stephen King’s Under the Dome is on the way in mid-November. When the town of Chester’s Mill, Maine is suddenly sealed off by an invisible force field, the good citizens attempt to find out why they have been isolated… and how much time they have.

This sounds like a return to classic Stephen King to me. I used to read everything he wrote. The last few years, I’m thinking right around From a Buick 8 which I couldn’t get through, I have been bored with him. The hype surrounding Under the Dome has me curious, so I will definitely be giving it a try.

James Patterson is releasing, I Alex Cross in November. While I have abandoned most of Patterson’s work, I have continued to read the Alex Cross series. It seems to be the only one that he writes without a co-author. I was not thrilled with the last entry, Cross Country, as I didn’t think it stayed true to its characters. I’m hoping that this one, involving the murder of Cross’s niece, is enjoyable. If not, I’ll be done with Patterson for good.

Breathless, by Dean Koontz, is on the way. I have mixed feelings about Koontz. I love his Odd Thomas books. His style of writing is so sardonic and wry, that it can get distracting. His books are always fast paced and thrilling, so I will most likely take a look at this one, about a mystery set in the mountains of Colorado, at some point.

Nonfiction:

David Sedaris: Live for Your Listening Pleasure, is on my Christmas list. That’s right – if you are shopping for me, pick this one up. Sedaris is so funny. I love the way he presents his eccentric family as well as his own idiosyncrasies. This collection contains some of his National Public Radio pieces as well as some of his short fiction and essays.

Last Words by George Carlin with Tony Hendra, is the autobiography of one of the funniest, and most talented comedians of all time. If you have never heard his “Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television”, check it out on YouTube… but not if you are easily offended.

Open:

An Autobiography by Andre Agassi is drawing attention in the US press. The US tennis star struggled with his confidence, relationships, and addiction issues. I remember watching Agassi win in1992 at Wimbledon. This should make for a very interesting read.

So, make out your holiday shopping lists, people! Audiobooks for everyone! Check Out Audible for all the latest releases.

By Dorothy Distefano

New Audio Book Releases for the Week of November 1, 2009

admin@audioforbooks.com (AudioforBooks.com) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:38:57 +0000

New Week, New Month, New Audiobooks

I always look forward to seeing what new titles are out there each week, don’t you? I’m ready to add to my list of books to read as the weather gets colder, so let’s see what’s new in audiobooks this week.

While I’m Falling by Laura Moriarty (read by Julia Gibson). If character based drama is your thing, this one sounds pretty good. Veronica Von Holten’s happy life as a college student is disrupted by her parents’ marital issues. Divorce, car accident, and other struggles ensue. I’m keeping this on my ‘maybe’ list.

Mr. Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange (narrated by Elizabeth Jasciki). So far I’ve seen Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Sense and Sensibility and Seamonsters, and now Mr. Darcy, Vampyre? I can see the logic of hoping that these horror elements lead curious readers back to the original classics, but I wonder if it works. My son has the zombie one, but has yet to read it. I think he just likes the cover. Mr. Darcy, Vampyre, picks up at the end of Pride and Prejudice and adds a family curse. Intriguing…

The Copper Bracelet by 16 bestselling thriller writers (read by Alfred Molina). This sequel to The Chopin Manuscript finds a former war crimes investigator working against a secret conspiracy. This audiobook is featured at a special price until November 24 on Audible.com. Included authors are: Jeffrey Deaver, Gayle Lynds, David Hewson, Jim Fusilli, John Gilstrap, Joseph Finder, Lisa Scottoline, David Corbett, Linda Barnes, Jenny Siler, David Liss, P.J. Parrish, Brett Battles, Lee Child, Jon Land, and James Phelan.

Ford County: Stories written and narrated by John Grisham. This collection of longish short stories (around 40 pages each) is comprised of seven of Grisham’s formerly unused plot ideas. An interesting idea, but you know how I am with short stories…

The Lacuna written and narrated by Barbara Kingsolver. The main character, Harrison Shepherd, was born in the US and raised in Mexico. Torn between the Mexico of Frida Kahlo and the US of J. Edgar Hoover, Shepherd finds his loyalties torn between two nations. I loved Kingsolver’s The Poisonwood Bible, so this is another ‘maybe’ for me.

The Humbling by Philip Roth (read by Dick Hill). Roth always delivers amazing works. Acting legend Simon Axler suddenly finds himself unable to act, an issue that eats away at his marriage and lands in a mental institution. His life intersects with two interesting women during and after his hospitalization, leading him to places he would never expect. Is it too late to add this to my Christmas list?

What new books will you listen to this week? Check Out Audible for all the latest releases.

By Dorothy Distefano

Audio Book Bestsellers for the Week of November 1, 2009

admin@audioforbooks.com (AudioforBooks.com) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:45:36 +0000

New Titles Break into Our List of the Top Selling Audiobooks of the Week.

While several audiobooks have maintained their status on the bestseller list, there are some new titles available. Let’s take a look at what’s new…

The Copper Bracelet by 16 thriller authors (read by Alfred Molina) is a collaborative effort. The first chapter was written by Jeffrey Deaver, known for his Lincoln Rhyme series, then passed on to the next author until each had completed one chapter.

Deaver then ties things up with the final chapter. This is a sequel to The Chopin manuscript, which is also on our list this week. Both novels follow former war crimes investigator Harold Middleton as he is drawn into mysterious circumstances. I have yet to read either. I’d love to hear from someone who has read either one so I know whether to pick them up.

David Baldacci is no stranger to bestseller lists as he returns with True Blue (read by Ron McLarty). A female police officer in Washington DC lost her job, her badge, and her freedom after being framed for a crime. Determined to win back her job, she takes on a high-profile homicide on her own. Yup, you guessed right. I do want to read this…

Charlaine Harris, author of the Sookie Stackhouse novels, is on our list with Grave Secret: Harper Connelly Mysteries, Book 4. Harper Connelly is a supernatural detective. Her ability to see the dead is put to use in solving their murders. Not on my list, but I know several people who are probably dying to read this. Poor word choice?

Heat Wave, by fictional author Richard Castle and read by Johnny Heller, is making an appearance on this week’s list. Castle is a character on the ABC television network show, Castle. I’m guessing this is a snowy weekend read.

The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution written by Richard Dawkins and narrated by the author and Lalla Ward, takes yet another look at religion vs. evolution. Scientific evidence abounds as Dawkins sheds light upon evolution. I’m not sure if there is anything new here that hasn’t been presented before, but it certainly sounds interesting.

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown, Nine Dragons by Michael Connelly, and The Scarpetta Factor are still holding strong on the list, as are The Help by Kathryn Stockett, An Echo in Bone by Diana Gabaldon, and SuperFreakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner.

Plenty of great titles to choose from! Check Out Audible’s Best Sellers.

By Dorothy Distefano

Audio Book Author Spotlight: Jeffrey Deaver

admin@audioforbooks.com (AudioforBooks.com) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:41:10 +0000

A Master of Suspense.

This week’s Audiobook Author Spotlight shines on suspense/thriller writer Jeffrey Deaver. With unique characters and amazing plot twists, Deaver takes readers on some wild rides.

The Lincoln Rhyme Series.

An accident on the job as an NYPD forensics criminalist has left Lincoln Rhyme quadriplegic. His brilliance is not dulled as he continues to consult with the police on particularly difficult crimes. With officer Amelia Sachs performing physical investigations, Rhyme offers analysis of crime scenes.

The first Lincoln Rhyme novel, The Bone Collector, was made into a move starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. It is interesting to note that in the novels, Rhyme is not African American. The movie isn’t bad, but the book is terrific.

I am looking forward to the June 2010 release of The Burning Wire, a new title featuring Lincoln Rhyme.

I highly recommend this series for readers who crave fast-paced intelligent thrillers. There are currently eight titles featuring Rhyme and Sachs. In the seventh novel of the series, The Cold Moon, Kathryn Dance is introduced.

Audio Book Author Jeffrey Deaver

The Kathryn Dance Series.

Kathryn Dance is an agent for the California Bureau of Investigation who specializes in kinesics. She uses analysis of body language to analyze suspects. As she interrogates subjects, she is looking for what they are saying with their bodies as much as their words.

Dance is on her own in The Sleeping Doll, facing a Charles Manson-like killer, as well as in Roadside Crosses, Deaver’s most recent release. I thoroughly enjoyed both of these novels. Roadside Crosses was particularly interesting for its use of current social networking trends, blogs, and Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) as crucial elements of the story.

The Rune Trilogy.

Admittedly, I knew nothing about the Rune Trilogy prior to writing this entry. And I just abandoned writing long enough to locate them on my public library web site. Manhattan is My Beat, Death of a Blue Movie Star, and Hard News all feature Rune, a young aspiring filmmaker who seems to be drawn into mysteries. I will be picking these up in… oh, about an hour.

Stand Alones and More.

Deaver has participated in the multi-author works, The Chopin Manuscript and The Copper Bracelet as well as writing several other stand-alone novels and short story collections. You know that I am no short story fan, but I admit to having read Deaver’s Twisted and actually enjoyed it…

Looking for a mystery loaded with action and plot twists? Check out Jeffrey Deaver!

By Dorothy Distefano

Audio Books Designed to Add Maximum Value in Minimal Time

admin@audioforbooks.com (AudioforBooks.com) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:36:48 +0000

What Will You Learn Today?

I’m intrigued by iMinds and iMindsJNR. These audiobooks are short, generally 5-8 minutes in length, offerings that provide information.

In fact, their tagline reads: Knowledge for Inquisitive Minds. With lines for adults and children, iMinds is offering an interesting diversion for those times when all we have is a few extra minutes to spare.

iMinds titles are available in a range of subjects. The Ideas and Concepts collection includes Murphy’s Law, Déjà vu, Stockholm Syndrome, and more. Politics, Law, and Business titles include Ponzi Schemes, Lobbying, and The US Federal Reserve. Other subject areas are The Arts, History, People and Places, Medicine and Invention, Sport and Action, Crime, War, and Conflict, Pop Culture, Science and Nature, Culture and Religion, and Mystery and Conspiracy.

Browsing the titles is really quite interesting. To find information on everything from Krumping (a style of dancing) to Joan of Arc condensed into less than 8 minutes seems like a trivia-buff’s idea of Heaven.

iMindsJNR titles, offered individually or bundled, cover similarly diverse topics. The Cold War, The Human Body, and Roman Myths are all offered. Most of the titles in the JNR series seem directed towards educational supplementation. History, science, and the arts are highlighted and the topics all appear to be those covered in my children’s elementary curriculums.

I have to wonder if these small snippets of knowledge are popular. I can see adults, especially those who are looking for very brief interludes or to increase knowledge of a particular subject. I tend to think that kids would be less likely to utilize these. While some students crave more in-depth understanding, 5-8 minutes isn’t likely to present any more information than they have gleaned from the classroom or textbook.

Personally, if I was curious about, say… Krumping, I would look it up online before I downloaded a brief audiobook about it. In the 7 ½ minutes it would take to listen to iMinds, I would have read a description and viewed 3 YouTube videos of Krumping. Same thing with the Bubonic Plague… minus the videos, of course.

The only way this would appeal to me is through the collections. I can totally see myself downloading the Genius collection. With 72 topics over 12 categories, this would probably offer some interesting content that could be experienced during those times when I’m waiting in the car to pick up my kids.

So, is there a desire for these individual scraps of information? I really am curious. If you listen to iMinds, I’d love to hear from you. audible iMinds

By Dorothy Distefano