My fellow reading enthusiasts: I feel I must tell you about a fabulous app I have been enjoying, so you can enjoy it, too, if you wish! It's quite possible you are already familiar with it, as I am rarely aware of the newest amusements technology has to offer, but--just in case--I'll give you the good news.
The app is called "Libby," and, once you download it onto your mobile device, you can enter your library card number and "check out" e-books and audiobooks. For free. :)
Now, yes, I know . . . there is nothing quite like holding an actual book in your hands as you read. But, if you've been with me long enough, you know I've become a reluctant-but-strong proponent of e-reading. And now . . . are you ready for this? . . . I'm also into audiobooks. Yes, siree!
If I'm not listening to podcasts while I do housework and such, I'm often listening to an audiobook. I love them because I can "read" great books when I can't actually read, you know? I always listen to audiobooks at +1.25 or +1.50 speed. They sound maybe a little weird, but not too bad; and I can get through more books faster. Genius! (No, I'm not the genius. I heard about this app AND got the idea for "speed-reading" from The Money Saving Mom. You should totally check her out!)
Normally I have two books going at the same time (I know, I know--I haven't been updating here or on Instagram about what I've been reading, but stay tuned!). I read one fiction and one nonfiction, and one of these is an audiobook, while the other is a book-book or e-book. If you follow me on Instagram, you may remember that I made a goal for myself to intentionally take more time each day to read. I feel encouraged by my progress!
Are audiobooks "cheating," as far as reading time goes? Meh. Maybe in a way. But, to me, the power of a story--true or not--is in the words. I'm taking in the words, either way. And I try to stay balanced between real reading and listening. The major positive for me is that I'm getting twice as many books consumed, if not more, than I would without audiobooks.
Anyway, back to Libby. I highly recommend this app if you aren't against e-books and audiobooks. On my Kindle, Libby isn't available, but OverDrive (the maker of Libby) is, and somehow they link together. For my local library system, you can have three books checked out at once, and they are removed after three weeks, if you don't "return" them before. You can put books on hold and request new titles.
Here are the links: Libby; OverDrive
What are your favorite books these days?
Happy reading!
No comments:
Post a Comment