| Reading a book has long been a source of | | | | an audio book in the car on long journeys. |
| relaxation. However, in this modern age of | | | | The length of the story is always given on |
| computers, the internet, DVD movies, and MP3 | | | | the cover of the box so I can pick one that |
| players the simple act of reading a book has | | | | will finish in time for my journey, so I |
| taken a backseat. People want something more | | | | don't miss the ending! |
| interactive than just pages to turn. Kids are | | | | |
| certainly more interested in playing their | | | | It isn't simply stories that are available as |
| latest games console game. We seem to be | | | | audio books, but language lessons too. |
| turning away from the joy of reading a good | | | | Imagine learning to speak a number of key |
| book, but there is an answer. Audio books | | | | Japanese phrases whilst you do the ironing, |
| have been around a long time, but are | | | | or mastering basic French whilst doing the |
| relatively unknown to most people. There is a | | | | vacuuming?! The possibilities are endless |
| misconception that audio books are designed | | | | with the number of portable media players |
| for people with eyesight problems. This is | | | | that are available now. You can have the |
| one of their uses, of course, but it is far | | | | enjoyment of your favourite novel, short |
| from the full story. | | | | story, or language lesson whilst still |
| | | | carrying out your daily chores. Audio books |
| Audio books are available on either cassette | | | | are available from most major bookstores, as |
| tape or CD. The beauty is that the whole | | | | well as over the internet. There are books |
| story is narrated, often by well-known actors | | | | for people of all ages, including kids, and |
| and actresses. It is like having your own | | | | include modern novels as well as the |
| private play. The variety of audio books is | | | | classics. If you are a member of a local |
| immense, and there is bound to be one that | | | | library, you will also find audio books to |
| suits your tastes. The real bonus of | | | | hire, for a nominal fee, so you can try it |
| listening to an audio book is that you can | | | | and decide if you really want to buy one. |
| play it wherever you want to. I enjoy having | | | | |