Reading on the Run (Audio Books)

After years of barely tolerating my morning commute by listening to redundant versions of the daily news (which I had already read over coffee), I recently stumbled upon the not so newfangled technology of the audio book.  Since then, audio books have provided a thrilling forum through which to keep my mind challenged while making the most out of what was otherwise wasted time in my daily schedule. 

For example, by buying Bob Woodward’s latest expose as a book on tape and listening to it at the gym, I was able to thoroughly exercise both my mind and body in the time it used to take to complete only one of those tasks.  And I finished the book before it was even out of the news.  Likewise, when packing for a business trip, whether driving or flying, I am sure to bring along several audio books on CD.  Not only do they provide interest as I travel, they also make for great conversation when I arrive at my destination.  

 You Can Search for Audio Books at Amazon Here!

In the past I would unwind after a long day or week by watching television, a medium of entertainment I have observed precipitously deteriorating in recent years.  But I was disinclined to pick up a book in the evening or on the weekends simply because I was worn out from so many hours of staring at figures on a computer screen at work.  Now, my wife and I select an audio book that interests us both to listen to for a while after dinner.  With our eyes and hands unoccupied we are free to either relax and listen or to get to work on one of our endless home improvement projects. 

These days, at any given time, I am reading at least three books: one I listen to in my car driving to and from work, one I take to the gym with me, and one my wife and I listen to at home when we really can’t stomach another “reality” show.  I enjoy the boon of being the most well-read person I know; moreover, being up to date both on current issues and topics of historical relevance gives me invaluable perspective on the daily news. 

Well, I would love to share more but I just learned that Barack Obama’s Audacity of Hope is available as an audio book on CD.  I hope you will excuse me; I have some reading to do.