’’Where is human nature so weak as in the bookstore?’’

Dunno who said it, but truer words were never spoken! :)

Books are indeed my best friend. Not people, dogs or cats or any other of the ilk. Don’t get me wrong......I love people and animals, both. T’s just that books are more manageable than capricious friends. For me, books, on paper or tape, are all treasures. However, I’ve found that while growing up and taking on more responsibilities my reading habits have taken a bit of a hit. I feel awfully guilty about not reading my usual book-a-week like I used to. I more than just miss my summer vacations in which I’d take long book loans from my school library and would wait for the holidays to come so I could be left alone in the world the books presented to me. Nary was a moment in those days that I did not have some book in hand or mind.

But alas and alack, those days are gone. I’ve begun working now (I wish it were in Barnes and Nobles) and the only time I have are the 4-odd hours of the evening. Albeit I do try to go through a couple of *pages* before I fall of to sleep, it’s still a demoralizing to see where I’ve come.

Enter the phenomenon of Audiobooks. I do a lot of driving over the weekend when I go to another city to visit my fiancé. I’ve begun to really look forward to these drives for the sole reason of being able to be lost in a book. Just like old days.

Except, this time I’m behind the wheel as opposed to behind a cuppa chai.

There are many reasons why paper, by far, is better than the tape. The primary one, in my opinion, is that you can take your time in savoring each word of the author’s pen. I like to re-read sentences that are especially well written or make an impact on me. Can’t do that when you’re listening to tape, unless you like the pestering task of rewinding.

Tape has the benefit of giving you the ability to do 2 things at one time. You could be cleaning, laundering, driving etc. while listening to a book. I’ve found it a great way to stay up with my reading. Plus, if you’re lucky your audiobook will have a good speaker, who is able to capture the emotions the author intended to be there.

If you live in the US, here are some sources I’d recommend for your AUDIOBOOK needs:

Audible

http://www.audible.com

How it works: You pay $14.95 for a basic membership or $19.95 for a premium membership. This allows you to download audio books onto your computer and listen to them whenever you please. You could burn this file onto a CD to listen in your car or discman. A little steep, I know, but if you spend that much on buying one book a month, at least with this you’ll have the time to read (listen to) it!

Books-A-Million

http://www.booksamillion.com

How it works: If you’d rather buy books as and when you need them, I’ve found that Books-A-Million usually has pretty good prices. Most other places have sky-high rates that range from $40-$80. Not here. Peruse their vast collection of titles for that one elusive one you want!


Conversely, my favorite sources for PAPER books, whenever I buy them, has always been:

Amazon
http://www.amazon.com

They need no introduction, do they? Most times, I’ve always bought the used copies because they’re almost always as good at new, but at 30% of the prices!

Half.com
http://www.half.com

Got all of my ridiculously expensive text books for college here at unbelievably low prices. This site is a godsend for students. Nevertheless, there’s scores of other books here also, that will more than satisfy your needs.

Barnes and Noble
http://www.bn.com

I know, I know. Many of you much be thinking I’m crazy putting the name of this well known book retailer here. There is a method to my madness. Their book sales are spectacular with best-selling books at low prices with free shipping! Just check out their ’Half Price’ and ’On Sale’ sections and you’ll uncover a treasure trove!


Well, that’s that. In conclusion, I can’t really choose between the two. A book’s a book. I love it any shape or form! Hope you find this review helpful/enjoyable. It’s back to my book, for me. :)

’’Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.’’
-Charles W. Eliot