Discussions Only We Know - Audiobooks

Discussions Only We Know

Audiobooks

Do you listen to audiobooks? Why or why not? And here's a question for you...when you do a review of a book, do you always disclose if it was an audiobook? Why or why not? Do you think it's unethical not to disclose that fact?

I do listen to audiobooks, though not as often as I'd like. Audiobooks are expensive and my book funds are tight as it is. I do occasionally come across some audiobooks from the library or the occasional source that offers free listens. And my sister lets me have access to her audiobook library.

I’ve discussed a good bit recently about how I’ve been in a bit of a reading funk. I’ve been annoyed with almost every book I’ve picked up lately. But I’ve found that I can tolerate and let things slide while listening to an audiobook that I might have been more critical about had I read the book myself. So I actually wish I were able to experience more audiobooks right now, and maybe that would help me get out of this funk.

I used to take issue with audiobook narrators. When I read I, obviously, hear my own mental voice reading the way that I talk. But audiobook readers obviously have a different voice. And they read the way that they talk. Often times I find that audiobook narrators will place the emphasis in a sentence on different word than the one I would have if I had been the reader, and sometimes this can change the meaning of the sentence. Take the following sentence as an example with emphasis placed on four different words. Each slightly changes the impact and feeling of the sentence.

I am not in control.
I am not in control.
I am not in control.
I am not in control.

Now there's nothing to say where I would have placed the emphasis is the "correct" place, but it's just something that I tend to notice, especially if I'm listening to an audio version of a book I'm very familiar with.

But I'm pretty much over that. Now I've found that audiobooks are an excellent way for me to experience books while MULTITASKING! I have a limited amount of time in my day available to read--trust me, I squeeze out every minute I have. But audiobooks allow me to listen to a book while doing something else. I used to be able to listen at work with no problems. Sometimes work requires more brainpower now and I must focus on thinking rather than listening. It just depends. But I can definitely do housework or vacuum the pool in the summer while listening. I painted the garage while listening to an audiobook once. I have purged my closet while listening to an audiobook. I've cooked dinner while listening to an audiobook. I’ve done the dishes while listening to an audiobook. You get the idea.

I've also found that I end up getting my all-time favorite series on audio in addition to paper/kindle copies because I like to re-read, and with the more blogging I do the less I find time for re-reading. Audiobooks allow me to re-experience books without taking away from my regular, limited reading time. You can tell which are my most beloved series by which ones I have on audio.

Occasionally, I'll find a series like the Stephanie Plum series where the audio narrator really improves the series. I can't imagine not hearing Lorelai King narrate the Stephanie Plum books. I actually read One for the Money, but instead of hearing my own mental voice, I actually heard Lorelai King—or at least my impression of her. Jim Dale does a good job with the Harry Potter series as well. And we all know that I’ve gone on and on about Carter Finally Gets It and how I probably wouldn’t have really liked the book without Nick Podehl. I actually checked book 2, Carter’s Big Break, out from the library hoping just to move along in the series, but I didn’t get past the first chapter because I wanted it on audio. It wasn’t that the writing wasn’t good…I just need Nick to make it better.

I'm not sure if I think it's unethical not to reveal that you listened to the audiobook versus actually reading the book. At some level I don’t see how that matters, but I think it's always wise for you to disclose it. It’s definitely 100% needed if you feel like the narrator influenced your overall opinion of the book for good or for bad. Besides that, you have the opportunity to not only critique the book itself but the audiobook, narration and set up as well.

But I’m fully aware that audiobooks aren’t for everyone. My sister-in-law has tried several times, and she just doesn’t enjoy them. But then again, I have friends who either don’t really enjoy reading or don’t feel like they have time to read who love audiobooks. As a matter of fact, at least three of my real life friends who enjoy books have found that audiobooks are just about the only way that they can find the time to experience the books that they always want to get around to but otherwise wouldn’t have the time. It’s totally a personal choice, much the same as physical book versus e-reader is a personal choice.

Are you an audiobook fan? Or not really? Do you multitask when listening? Or can you only focus on one thing at a time? Are there any awesome audiobook recommendations that you have for me? What is your audiobook source? What do you guys think? Let me know!

Ruin Me - Review

Ruin Me (Nova, # 5)

By: Jessica Sorensen

Published: January 19th 2015

253 pages

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary

Source: Personal Kindle Library

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--A part time student, CNA, and caretaker for her slightly deranged mother, Clara McKiney doesn’t have time for a relationship. That’s why her friends with benefits arrangement with sexy and ridiculously charming Jax Hensley works perfectly.

But Jax has other ideas.

The moment Jax met Clara he was instantly drawn to her wittiness, confidence, and gorgeous smile. Even though he agreed to the friends with benefits arrangement, he secretly hopes for more than their weekend hook ups.

When Jax's estranged mother mysteriously disappears, he sees an opportunity to spend more time with Clara. After convincing her to return home with him, a new agreement is made. One road trip and week together to find out why his mom vanished into thin air.

Things are about to get complicated.

Jax is Avery’s brother from Wreck Me. He didn’t have a huge role, but he was a fairly prominent side character. Even still, it was obvious that he was a great character and one that I wanted to know more about. Jax was always helping Avery with Mason, and Jax basically looked to Avery as his mother figure since their mom was a drug addict. Needless to say, there’s a lot to explore here.

Jax and Clara have a friends with benefits relationship that is more benefits than friends. I struggle with relationships where the physical has a better foundation than (or sets the foundation for) the emotional aspects. Clara doesn’t want more than the physical. She’s struggling to balance school, taking care of her mother who has brain damage from a car accident, and paying the bills. So Clara doesn’t think she really has time for another more. Jax, of course, wants more from day one. If I read a book where the physical relationship is well established before the emotional, I tend to prefer these to be books where the male in the relationship knows he wants more than the female. Even though this is backwards from what you normally think, I like it because I always want to root for the good guy. That’s more believable to me (even though I do love a hot, bad boy turned good).

Jax receives a disturbing phone call from his mother. She basically tells him she’s afraid that this drug dealer is going to kill her because she owes him some money. Jax can’t just ignore that. So even though his mother has never done anything for him, he sets out to find her. And he miraculously talks Clara into going on the trip with him. But Jax isn’t being completely honest. He’s hoping that this trip will bring them closer. He’s hoping that Clara will let down her guard and let him in a little. Of course, that’s essentially what happens.

Jax and Clara were both easy to read from. They both had a lot of past history that Jessica Sorensen explored. Each was likeable in their own ways. But the conflict of this story just wasn’t up to par. The confrontation with Jax’s mom was so easy, and Jax was all of a sudden able to move on with his life. Clara’s idea that her past and what she's currently dealing with would cause Jax to “run away” was so ridiculous considering everything that Jax has shared with her about his own history and past. Clara’s life doesn’t compare to what Jax has gone through. And to throw in the past boyfriend that left her and thus being her number one fear of letting Jax in just didn’t logically make sense.

Favorite quotes:

-“If you don’t like my cockiness, then you should probably lay off with the staring. Seriously Clara, you’re stroking the crap out of my ego.”

-“You keep saying things that give me hope.”

Ruin Me was good for the mood I was in. I wanted light and quick. Even though the subject matter was kind of heavy, it was nothing compared to the earlier Nova books. I did have a few issues, namely the conflict. It was just too easy which is often a complaint of mine with Jessica Sorensen books. Ruin Me gets 3 Stars. Have you read Ruin Me? What did you think? Let me know!

Waiting on Chasing River

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Chasing River (Burying Water, # 3)

By: KA Tucker

Expected Publication: July 7th 2015 by Atria Books

320 pages

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Armed with two years' worth of savings and the need to experience life outside the bubble of her Oregon small town, twenty-five-year old Amber Welles is prepared for anything. Except dying in Dublin. Had it not been for the bravery of a stranger, she might have. But he takes off before she has the chance to offer her gratitude.

Twenty-four-year-old River Delaney is rattled. No one was supposed to get hurt. But then that American tourist showed up. He couldn't let her die, but he also couldn't risk being identified at the scene—so, he ran. Back to his everyday life of running his family’s pub. Only, everyday life is getting more and more complicated, thanks to his brother, Aengus, and his criminal associations. When the American girl tracks River down, he quickly realizes how much he likes her, how wrong she is for him. And how dangerous it is to have her around. Chasing her off would be the smart move.

Maybe it's because he saved her life, or maybe it's because he's completely different from everything she's left behind, but Amber finds herself chasing after River Delaney. Amber isn’t the kind of girl to chase after anyone.

And River isn't the kind of guy she'd want to catch.

I've loved KA Tucker books, but the previous two books in this series haven't been my favorites. I'm hoping this one is much better and back to the KA Tucker I love. What are you waiting on this week? Let me know!

Top Ten Characters I'd Like to Check in With

Top 10 Tuesday is a post hosted by The Broke and the Bookish and this week's topic is Top Ten Characters I'd Like to Check in With.

So I was scrolling through my read books list and I kept thinking “oh I want to know more about X” but then I would realize that there’s a whole other book out in the series, and I could totally find out more if I’d just pick up the next or last book in the series. *sigh* So many books, never enough time. Here we go...

1. The Weasley’s specifically George (Harry Potter by JK Rowling)– to see how they’re coping with the loss of Fred.
2. The Vampire Academy/Bloodlines crew (by Richelle Mead)– Admittedly this series hasn’t been over long, but there were some recently developments that I need to know more about.
3. Jasper/Connie/Howie (Jasper Dent by Barry Lyga)– They went through so much. I’d like to see how college went and what they’re doing with their lives. If they’re still a threesome or if they’ve kind of split ways.
4. The characters from Before I Fall (by Lauren Oliver)– Did Kent fall in love again? Did the rest of them turn into halfway likeable people?
5. Charlie's brothers (On the Fence by Kasie West)– I loved them all. And I'd really like to read about each one of them.
6. Perry & Arya (Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi)- Just to check up.
7. Eleanor & Park (by Rainbow Rowell)- I mean come on...with the way this one ended. I need to know if they find a way back to each other. Or if they move on to fall in love with other people. What happens next?
8. Lincoln & Lila (Crossing the Line by Katie McGarry)- Their novella was so short. I just want more. Have they found a way to see each other regularly?
9. Nastya & Josh (The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay)- Where are these two and how are they?
10. Maddie & her man (I can't remember his name) (Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein)- Maddie went through so much in Code Name Verity and Rose Under Fire. Where did her life go after the war?
11. Lucy & Shadow (Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley)- They basically had one night together. The book covers such a short span of time. I want more.
12. Puck & Sean (The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater)- How are things going on Thisby? Have there been any more races? Have either of them raced?
13. Clay (Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher)- Man...bless his bones with what all Hannah put him through. How was finding love and moving on for him after that?

Which characters would you like to check up on? Let me know!

Wreck Me - Review

Wreck Me (Nova, # 4)

By: Jessica Sorensen

Publication: October 22nd 2014

350 pages

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary

Source: Personal Kindle Library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate link. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Once upon a time there was a girl named Avery Hensley who thought she’d found the guy—the one that she thought she was going to spend the rest of her life with. They got married young and had the most beautiful son in the world.

Life seemed perfect.

But not everything is what it seems.

Turned out the guy had another side to him, one Avery didn’t see coming. He wrecked her and broke her into a thousand pieces that she had to put back together again. She swore off guys from then on, vowing never to let anyone hurt her or her son again. She built a wall around herself and planned on never letting anyone through it again.

But then she meets Tristan Morganson. He wrecks Avery in a different way, the kind of way that makes her feel free again, the kind of way that makes her think not all guys are bad. But can Avery trust him enough to let her wall come crumbling down?

First off, I don’t know that anyone would want to pick up Wreck Me without reading Tristan: Finding Hope first. At the time that I read Tristan: Finding Hope, I kind of wondered the same thing. I mean that’s where Tristan and Avery actually meet, and there’s a good bit that happens as setup that is really necessary to know when going into Wreck Me. I can’t say that I was fully paying attention to whether or not someone could read Wreck Me without having read Tristan: Finding Hope first, but I can definitely say that I wouldn’t advise it.

As often happens when I’m reading a series and there’s a side character that has a pretty prominent role, I tend to try to figure out what that character is thinking and feeling based on their actions. But often times once I’m able to read from that character’s perspective, things aren’t quite the way I imagined them. I’ve been getting mixed messages about Tristan throughout the series. During Breaking Nova and Saving Quinton, Tristan seems to be Quinton’s gateway into this life of drugs and various other horribleness. While meth is a no joke drug, Tristan’s preferred drug of choice seemed to be heroine, which Quinton doesn’t branch out into until he’s hit rock bottom. But yet, Tristan didn’t ever seem to have the emotional reasons that Quinton did to get into drugs in the first place. And Tristan went to rehab and got clean first. Yet as I said, all is not as it appears. Turns out, Tristan does have emotional reasons (even though no reason is good enough) to seek solace in drugs. And just because Tristan got clean first doesn’t mean anything. He shows how truly difficult it is to stay clean and how addiction always stays with you.

Avery’s history is no picnic. She grew up around drugs. Her mother is an addict and all she ever wanted to do was “get out”. Get out of that house, get out of that town, get out of that lifestyle. So she latches on to the first hope she sees for escape. It just happens to be via an unworthy man. Though Conner doesn’t appear to have any addictions when he and Avery first meet, he gets dragged into that world, and Avery allows herself to get pulled in as well. Avery would have to have had such a background, I think, in order to make a good match for Tristan. Tristan would have a much harder time trusting that she’s not going to view him as complete trash had she not had her own history of mistakes behind her.

Tristan and Avery’s story does have a little too much parallel for me. Jessica Sorensen not only swaps narrators between both characters, but she also chooses to insert flashbacks from both characters too. For some reason, I don’t seem to mind when a character is having a memory. Yet, I find myself annoyed when the past is written as if it’s the present. You know…like time-jumping. That just doesn’t always sit right with me. So add to that the fact that Tristan and Avery were often experiencing very similar circumstances and events “at the exact same time” throughout their pasts and present. I don’t know…I guess when two characters’ lives are too similar or they think the same word-for-word thoughts I just find that hard to believe. So this aspect of Wreck Me wasn’t my favorite.

I did enjoy that Tristan and Avery had a pretty slow building relationship. A connection was already there from when they met before, but they took time to get to know each other. Each one had to come to terms with their past and find a way to share what they’d been through with the other. It felt authentic. But once things start happening they happen perhaps a little too quickly. The physical boundaries are blown. And the conflict of Avery’s ex-husband, Conner, just seemed to be solved too easily for me.

Wreck Me was a pretty enjoyable read. I was hooked into the story quickly once I got started, and I didn’t really want to put it down. I had a few small issues with the parallels of Tristan and Avery’s pasts, the jumps in chronology, and with how quickly things wrapped up, but that didn’t really change my overall feel of the book. Wreck Me gets 4 Stars. Do be aware about language though. Jessica Sorensen’s characters have no qualms with the f-bomb. Have you read Wreck Me? What did you think? Let me know!