Many thanks to Alaine at Royal Reviews for hosting the 2010 Audio Book Challenge!
I joined at the “Addicted” level, committing to listen to 12 audiobooks in 2010. The next level up was “Obsessed” at 20 audiobooks. I came close to that (with reviews of Room, Matterhorn, and Earth pending), but met my “Addicted” level with the following:
- The Whole Truth by David Baldacci
- A Change in Altitude by Anita Shreve
- Sundays at Tiffany’s by James Patterson
- Selected Shorts: American Classics by Symphony Space
- Brief Interviews with Hideous Men by David Foster Wallace
- A Long Stone’s Throw by Alphie McCourt
- The Unnamed by Joshua Ferris
- Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater
- What the Dog Sawby Malcolm Gladwell
- Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley
- The Time Traveler’s Wifeby Audrey Niffenegger
- Backseat Saints by Joshilyn Jackson
- Homer & Langley by E. L. Doctorow
- The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova
- The Island by Elin Hilderbrand
While I still tend to download CDs (my own, or borrowed from the library) to iTunes, then my iPod, I did try some other formats this year. I enjoyed Matterhorn on ”Playaway” (borrowed from the library), and listened to a few books and short stories via MP3 download direct to iTunes.
If you listen to audiobooks, be sure to check out the Audiobook Jukebox site maintained by @BethFishReads and @Audiobook DJ. This site has reviews cross-referenced by title, author, narrator, genre, etc.; a great resource!
I’ve also subscribed to AudioFile magazine, so I can browse the latest audiobook reviews and offerings (a print subscription includes access to the online archives, very nice for ease of searching).
Although I don’t plan to join an audiobook challenge in 2011, I do plan to continue to listen to audiobooks - they’re a super motivator to keep me on the treadmill or folding laundry (and other ‘mindless’ housework).
I think I listen to one audiobook for every three print editions I read … what’s your ratio?
I think you did a great job with the challenge. I think I listened to maybe 4 or 5 audiobooks in 2010. I’m going to try for more in 2011.
Wasn’t this the best challenge? I think I hit the 20 mark somewhere in April! Ha! I am listening to The Island right now actually. Not my favorite but nice and light. Way to go on this challenge. I love it when people love audios!
Way to go with this challenge! I participated in this too (made it to the 6 audiobook level). I have no idea what my ratio of audiobooks to printed books is … probably not too good, considering my commute is drastically reduced than it was in the beginning of the year. Because of that, I’m probably not joining an audiobook challenge next year either.
Mary – I’m not in the habit of always listening when I have down time, but when I do — boy those loads of laundry fly by!
Sandy – Hey, audio queen! I wasn’t crazy about THE ISLAND either. One of the towns on the Cape was mispronounced, which really bugged me. I liked Aunt India the best (found the other women very whiny!)
Melissa – well, you must be happy about a much shorter commute!
I will have to join the challenge in 2011. I have quite a commute to work and have listened to over 50 audiobooks this year (some nonfiction though..does that count?). I can’t get enough! I probably listen to 5 audiobooks for every print book I read.