Review by annieeb -- Audiobooks.com Book of your Choice
Posted: 16 Dec 2016, 11:43
[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Audiobooks.com Book of your Choice" by Audiobooks.]
3 out of 4 stars
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I was sceptical at first to get an audiobook because of my love for physical books. In the past I have had an e-reader but eventually stopped reading it because I prefer to hold books in my hands and have them on my bookshelves. I found, however, that I enjoyed audiobooks more than I thought I would. They soon appealed to me because I could fold my laundry in my dorm room or run on the treadmill or finish my dinner all while listening to the book through my headphones. After downloading the free Audiobooks app, I was able to download the book to my phone where I did not need wifi or service in order to listen to it. I was pleasantly surprised to find the author of the book I chose as the narrator. When deciding between reading a physical book or listening to an audiobook, having the original author as the narrator would be a big plus in the audiobooks column.
The narration was clear and easy to hear through my phone. I also enjoyed how it showed up on my phone as if it was a music program. I was able to pause it simply by pressing the pause button that showed up on my lockscreen and the same with pressing play. I liked being able to choose to listen to a book as if I were listening to music: simply find it in the app and press play. The layout of the audiobook is also very clear on the Audiobooks app. Instead of strictly having a large file to listen to, it is broken up into the book’s chapters or Tracks. The listener does not have to press play for each chapter. The app clearly displays how long each chapter will take to listen to, where you currently are in the chapter, and how long it will take to read the whole audiobook. The book I chose was six hours long and I enjoyed every minute of listening to it.
I have downloaded both the Audiobooks and Audible app. For the most part, I found they are both the same with only a few differences. Both apps cost the same amount: $14.95 per month. One difference is that the Audiobooks calls each chapter a Track while the Audible app has each chapter titled. Another difference is that in order to receive more than the one free book Audiobooks provides, members purchase additional credits that count towards books. On the Audible app, members receive 30% off additional purchases as well as free memberships to the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times.
In regards to keeping an audiobooks app for future use, I am conflicted for a few reasons. I love the idea and discovered I love listening to audiobooks more than I thought I would. I may like to try another book before deciding whether to keep my subscription. For my free book included in the free trial month, I chose an autobiography by a celebrity I enjoy. For my next book I would like to try a fiction book. I wonder if I would enjoy that just as much as the autobiography or if I would rather read the words off of the pages of a fiction novel.
I was also slightly disheartened to discover I only have access to one free book a month on both apps. I completely understand that giving members unlimited free books each month would be a bit extreme but for some reason, that was what I was assuming. As a college student, I am not sure I would be willing to pay $14.95 per month for one audiobook. I may prefer to purchase a physical copy of the book I want instead because the prices would usually be about the same. I do like the offers Audible offers such as the 30% off and free subscriptions. If I had to choose, I would choose to keep the Audible app over Audiobooks simply because of the additional deals and the chapter titles labeled for each chapter.
Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to my audiobook. I never thought I would be one to want to listen to books on my phone instead of reading them but Audiobooks and Audible changed that for me. Even if I do not keep my subscription because of financial reasons while I am in college, I may subscribe again in the future because of the convenience of listening to audiobooks. I rate both apps a 3 out of 4. I love the layout of their apps and the concept of audiobooks. I understand why there is a price to pay per month but at times I may prefer to purchase a physical book for about the same price as the monthly subscription. I have loved the experience, however, and suggest other book lovers to try the app because they may find they also love audiobooks.
******
Audiobooks.com Book of your Choice
Audiobooks Free Trial
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3 out of 4 stars
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I was sceptical at first to get an audiobook because of my love for physical books. In the past I have had an e-reader but eventually stopped reading it because I prefer to hold books in my hands and have them on my bookshelves. I found, however, that I enjoyed audiobooks more than I thought I would. They soon appealed to me because I could fold my laundry in my dorm room or run on the treadmill or finish my dinner all while listening to the book through my headphones. After downloading the free Audiobooks app, I was able to download the book to my phone where I did not need wifi or service in order to listen to it. I was pleasantly surprised to find the author of the book I chose as the narrator. When deciding between reading a physical book or listening to an audiobook, having the original author as the narrator would be a big plus in the audiobooks column.
The narration was clear and easy to hear through my phone. I also enjoyed how it showed up on my phone as if it was a music program. I was able to pause it simply by pressing the pause button that showed up on my lockscreen and the same with pressing play. I liked being able to choose to listen to a book as if I were listening to music: simply find it in the app and press play. The layout of the audiobook is also very clear on the Audiobooks app. Instead of strictly having a large file to listen to, it is broken up into the book’s chapters or Tracks. The listener does not have to press play for each chapter. The app clearly displays how long each chapter will take to listen to, where you currently are in the chapter, and how long it will take to read the whole audiobook. The book I chose was six hours long and I enjoyed every minute of listening to it.
I have downloaded both the Audiobooks and Audible app. For the most part, I found they are both the same with only a few differences. Both apps cost the same amount: $14.95 per month. One difference is that the Audiobooks calls each chapter a Track while the Audible app has each chapter titled. Another difference is that in order to receive more than the one free book Audiobooks provides, members purchase additional credits that count towards books. On the Audible app, members receive 30% off additional purchases as well as free memberships to the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times.
In regards to keeping an audiobooks app for future use, I am conflicted for a few reasons. I love the idea and discovered I love listening to audiobooks more than I thought I would. I may like to try another book before deciding whether to keep my subscription. For my free book included in the free trial month, I chose an autobiography by a celebrity I enjoy. For my next book I would like to try a fiction book. I wonder if I would enjoy that just as much as the autobiography or if I would rather read the words off of the pages of a fiction novel.
I was also slightly disheartened to discover I only have access to one free book a month on both apps. I completely understand that giving members unlimited free books each month would be a bit extreme but for some reason, that was what I was assuming. As a college student, I am not sure I would be willing to pay $14.95 per month for one audiobook. I may prefer to purchase a physical copy of the book I want instead because the prices would usually be about the same. I do like the offers Audible offers such as the 30% off and free subscriptions. If I had to choose, I would choose to keep the Audible app over Audiobooks simply because of the additional deals and the chapter titles labeled for each chapter.
Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to my audiobook. I never thought I would be one to want to listen to books on my phone instead of reading them but Audiobooks and Audible changed that for me. Even if I do not keep my subscription because of financial reasons while I am in college, I may subscribe again in the future because of the convenience of listening to audiobooks. I rate both apps a 3 out of 4. I love the layout of their apps and the concept of audiobooks. I understand why there is a price to pay per month but at times I may prefer to purchase a physical book for about the same price as the monthly subscription. I have loved the experience, however, and suggest other book lovers to try the app because they may find they also love audiobooks.
******
Audiobooks.com Book of your Choice
Audiobooks Free Trial
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