Being read to

Happy New Year everyone. I fervently hope 2018 is kinder and brighter than 2017 for all of us.

I ended the year with a post about reading. It’s been a long time since I last posted, and the interim has been filled with family, friends and plenty of books.

I have stumbled upon what is probably old news for many: free audio books and free apps to play them on my phone.

Anyone who knows me is well aware that my TBR list is a towering pile that will eventually be the reason I come back to haunt the still living (especially, the resilient few still spending time in libraries or bookstores)! Which is why the idea of audio books has always appealed to me. Imagine being able to read a book while chores demand the use of both hands and both eyes. And this while the ears are unoccupied. In addition, I love having books read to me. The only hitch: the non-availability of audio books at reasonable prices in a developing nation.

Or so I thought. Because I stumbled upon LibriVox and discovered that there are people who actually give up time to record a book with no expectation of any remuneration. I was amazed. I have already finished reading two books and am impressed by the quality of the readings. These are not dry, dull recitations but tales narrated with animation, likely fuelled by a love of the story. These might not all be audio artistes with the ability to mesmerise, but they are definitely fellow book lovers who will attempt accents and even bravely hum a tune, where needed, to make the whole experience rather enjoyable.

Of course, most of the books are classics or ones whose copyright has expired. However, given that most of the classics listed as ‘books to read before one dies’ have remained unread while my mortality clock ticks away, I am still thrilled with this option. I am grateful to both LibriVox and the many volunteers who make time to do this for fellow readers, who might often be too absorbed in a book to remember to thank them. I hope they keep up the good work.

My spectral form might still need to browse a library or two, but my reading list is dwindling at a slightly faster rate now because I can read even when I cannot. A good start to the new year, I think.