Maybe you should slow the speed down.

From my experience the book is just super boring, and it’s just white noise. If you want to know what happens still read the summary and then listen.

Yeah maybe. I just can’t ever listen so they aren’t an option for me. I gave up, yes

I'm the same way. I absolutely do not absorb books by listening to them.

Same here, don't worry. I have trouble to follow even those books I already read a few years ago.

I’m not good at listening/not an auditory learner, so I struggle with audiobooks in general. I have to stick with easy-to-digest audiobooks. I wouldn’t stand a chance with non-fiction, unless it was with a topic I was already knowledgeable about.

Maybe it's just another lousy book from Patricia Cornwell. You should try something from a better author before writing off the format.

I can listen to audio books but I have to be in the right mind and doing certain tasks to absorb them. For example, I can listen when I'm driving to or from a familiar place or cleaning but not if I need my focus on whatever task I'm doing.

I have grown to love audiobooks. I've learned you must have a good narrator. I just listened to narrator on that and its a no for me. Think of it as someone reading you a story. That's not something most of us remember. O think my first ones were Born a Crime and The Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek. Both pretty easy to listen to but not being used to it. I did use Go Back function more.

Also. Only listen doing mundane things. Washing dishes, laundry etc. Exercise or walks. Raking leaves.

You might love it. Listen to the samples.

>. I usually listen to audiobooks while driving or working out like most people do

concentrate on books or activities.

there's a balance.

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there is only one brain absorbing words.. so it can't be too busy doing other things (like counting reps) if the book is too dense.

Same thing would happen to me. I can’t even sit through a lecture.

I can’t listen to audiobooks. My mind wanders and, just like you, I have no idea what I was listening to!!

I can listen to podcasts, though.

You may want to try a newer audio production by a very experienced and skilled narrator. As someone who has listened to over 1000 audiobooks, I can tell you that narrator/recording quality is just as variable as writing quality. When listening to an audiobook, not only does the writing (story, prose, etc...) have to hold your interest, but the narrator has to also pull their weight. Project Hail Mary is a recent release that has widespread appeal with a very experienced and talented narrator.

Also, you need to perhaps manage your expectations with respect to "remembering the contents of a book." That's not how memory works. You can't expect a single exposure (video, audio, or print text) to translate into defacto-knowledge that you can call upon days, weeks, or months later. Memorizable facts require spaced repetition, but even then, there's a decay in memory after repeated exposure to the information ceases.

As far as listening while you drive vs. listening while you work out, cognitive science doesn't support the active processing of auditory inputs while you are engaged in exercise. You might be expecting too much of yourself. Driving, on the other hand, particularly highway cruising and highway road tripping (not actively navigating or dense urban traffic), is a fairly automatic "background" activity cognitively speaking, so it makes sense that focusing on audiobooks is less arduous under these circumstances.

So, to summarize: there are a lot of factors that go into audiobook enjoyment. If you are still interested, I hope these talking points are helpful.

I am not an auditory learner, so it took me a bit to get into audiobooks.

Foremost, you have to find when is best for you—I listen to them on my commute to work and while doing chores that don’t require thinking, like laundry, dishes, gardening, etc. I cannot just sit/lay and listen to an audiobook—my mind wanders. (But, I know lots of folks who cannot listen to books while driving).

Secondly, you can speed up and slow down books. (This has also helped me to like more audiobooks, so sometimes the pacing is brutal, and I can change it). I am also able to listen to books faster now than when I started—I feel like I had to train my brain!

If it’s something you want to do, you absolutely can with practice! Don’t give up!!

I agree with Laura9624. A good narrator can make all the difference. My eyesight is not as good as it used to be and having been an avid reader my entire life audiobooks have been a godsend. I've given up on listening books I've loved for years due to crappy narrators . Don't give up yet!

I couldn’t handle audio books until I realized I could adjust the speed to be much faster. It’s hard for me to pay attention when stories move slowly. It feels boring. By making the narration faster, it immediately became more engaging and almost conversational. I started at 1.5 speed, but now I mostly listen at 2x speed!

Audiobooks put me to sleep! Every single time. Funny enough i like scary story podcasts with the sound effects and all. But audiobooks i just can’t do. I want to like them bc i they seem like a quick way to digest material but just not for me🤷🏾‍♀️

Not all books work on audiobook for me. I read A Brief History of Time on paper in college. I reread it as an audiobook and even though I'd already read it, I got nothing from it. The book is just too dense for me to read as an audiobook. If I get distracted for a little bit, it's a big deal.

Lighter books are great. I listen to them while driving, working out, or doing chores around the house. It would also matter what kind of driving. I'd not listen to one in busy traffic.

Perhaps short stories or essays might be better audiobook genres for you where they have self contained bite sized cutes you can consume in whole in individual sittings and not have the need to follow a long literary thread.

Sounds like you may be more visually inclined. I have a very high auditory inclination. So audiobooks work great for me.

There are some narrators whose voices or style you just don't click with. I was very lucky, early on (cassettes fed into the car radio, be sad for me) to come across Patrick Stewart reading A Christmas Carol, completely mesmerizing; and Ron Moody reading Oliver Twist. Moody played Fagin on Broadway, and performed all the voices in his full-length narration. Stunningly awesome. Of course, I approached these with lowered expectations, Dickens, you know, a yawn, dutifully making up for what I failed to read in school... And THEN, these audiobooks and subsequent ones were so good that I'd had to pull over (NYC traffic) when I couldn't concentrate on the road. Feel free to try and discard different narrators; maybe even start with a story you like and know. Look at your interface, Hoopla and Libby allow you to slow the reading speed; I had to do that for Picture of Dorian Gray.

Born A Crime was superb! I love Trevor Noah!

I have a similar issue, except I start to space out when I'm reading physical books. For me listening to someone's voice really helps with getting through a book. Typically when I listen to audiobooks I'm not doing anything strenuous, I'm usually just relaxed on the couch.

My reading is 80% audiobooks and has been for years. I still have trouble with some. I have a few thoughts about it and tips that help me.

1. I have to speed them up or I get lost in my own thoughts.
2. Bad voices can ruin perfectly good books, if you don’t like the voice acting it’s going to be hard to have a good experience.
3. It’s a skill, just like print reading. I have gotten better at it over time. A brain can reshape to become better at processing audio information, but it’s work at first.
4. Nonfiction is harder in audio I usually read it in print unless it’s narrative nonfiction.
5. I try to start books when I’m doing something very boring, like dishes. I sometimes have to restart a few times, but that also happens to me with print. Once I get going I’m usually able to do slightly more difficult tasks and still focus.
6. Books that jump perspectives frequently without any audible indication are not a great place to start.

I wouldn’t be able to read nearly as many books if it weren’t for audiobooks so I do think it is worth pursuing if you want to read more books but have limited time you can spend looking at print.

For me it’s all about the narrator. Most of the books I DNF are audiobooks.

I’ve listened to some outstanding non-fiction audiobooks. Endurance comes to mind. That read more like a novel, honestly. Absolutely riveting.

I generally drive or am working out while I listen. There are some times where my brain wanders or I get distracted by idiot drivers so it is harder to go back and re-listen to what I missed. I have recently been listening to books I’ve already read. That helps if I miss portions since I’m already familiar with the story.

Personally I can't listen while driving or working out unless I'm already very invested in the story. Especially driving since I'm so focused on the road and what the other cars are doing. My husband listens to books while cooking, and I can't do that either.

Like another comment said, try doing mundane things. I can walk around the neighborhood while listening. Sometimes I fold laundry or do very very boring chores. I can't multitask with my thinking and have just embraced it.

Also - I don't know if this is your problem, but I will mention it in case it helps - I get bored to tears listening to things at 1x speed. I bump up the speed on audiobooks to 2x and that help keep the story moving fast enough that I stay focused.

I can't audiobook or podcast. Processing spoken language takes my full mental capacity and even at it's peak I can always read several times quicker. Without my full and undivided attention I may as well be listening to white noise.

I attribute this partially to books and (non voice acted) video games being the primary media I consumed as a kid. I never really watched TV/listened to radio. I also think it is some mild kind of neurodivergence.

Similarly, I find music with lyrics in English either distracting or annoying. I happily listen to music with lyrics in other languages though.

I have learned over the years, that I choose the audiobook based on the person(s) reading it. A first rate audiobook has first rate readers who are professional actors. When you have several readers each playing a part it’s like being at a play. Don’t try to listen to too many chapters at once. I usually listen during my daily walks. Try it that way. Slowly.

I couldn't listen to audiobooks until I could.

That being said the audiobook I listen to have to be simple or I will just be hopelessly lost. I usually opt to listen to YA novels.

I also have to be in the right mindset--like I can't listen to them to or from work, or at the gym-- but I can focus pretty well when I'm in the shower, out for a walk, or doing chores.

The only audiobooks I ever listen too are always thrillers. And I listen to them while I’m doing a dull task like dishes/laundry, so I can easily zone out and listen to them. Try doing a chore or project while listening and see if that works

Its a completely different skill from reading. I have struggled with full length books, but do fine with short stories and podcasts, probably because they are less intricate and short fiction has fewer characters to keep track of.

I tried many times with audiobooks, even with books I’ve read, I couldn’t pay attention, usually 40 went by and I was “what did I just hear”.

The only kind of audiobook I like it’s called 讲古，it’s basically a man or a woman telling a book, instead of reading it word by word, he or she would make it sound like a story your grandma is telling, in great details and never miss anything. Growing up I owned some cassette tapes, listened to them again and again.

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I can't do audiobooks. They're too slow. Like a book that I can read and retain in 2-3 hours is 9h on an audiobook and I never end up retaining any of it.

So, they aren't for me so I don't do them. I understand that they're a godsend for a lot of people, but I'm not one of those people.

True, a good narrator makes all the difference! Being hearing impaired doesn’t help matters. I find that if I don’t like the voice or someone doesn’t pronounce consonants properly I have a hard time. I borrow my audiobooks from the library so if it doesn’t work for me I can send it right back.

An example of an audiobook that worked for me was World War Z. Various actors narrating. It was incredible!

I have to be doing something. Washing dishes, walking the dog, etc. I can't just sit and listen. Until- I'm hooked and need to finish: that's when I can just sit and listen

Hero Club was the first i just sat and finished , but I miss my TTRPGs bad

I accidentally trained my brain to absorb audiobooks. I say accidentally because didn’t intend anything going into it, I was just bored with my options at the time, and drove for work. At first I had no retention whatsoever, but I enjoyed listening while it was on so I kept doing it. About three months into it I noticed I was remembering more, and a few months after that I started to have about the same visualization with audio as I did with reading.

This was over 15 years ago and 95% of my reading is still audio. My reading comprehension wasn’t affected, I just got used to being able to do chores or puzzles while getting in my books. I also got the bonus of being able to understand verbal instructions much better than I used to, and when I went to college I learned more from the lectures and had an easier time taking notes.

I've listened to Flinx Transcendent by Alan Dean Foster. I was excited that it was published. I was looking forward to it. The nearest PB was some 400 km away. (About 250 miles) Local bookstores din't have it. But Audible had it available!! I downloaded it and started to listen.

🤔😖😝 I did listen to the entire thing. I hated every second of it. As soon as possible, I bought the PB version and read it. Because I'd listened to it, I should have known the entire story, but enjoyed the book much better.

Not enjoying audio-books isn't anything wrong with you. Maybe they're just not your "thing". Until I cannot read anymore, I'm going to be reading from paper. I have read online, & kindle app. They don't thrill me, but (even) they're better than audio-books.

Maybe give it one more try, then go back to written? Your choice. Good luck

Such a great story, well told!

Yesl! We're all different and need to see what we like. I read WW Z on kindle but I heard its much better on audio. Some are much easier to understand with great narration.

Yes. I seem to lose track of the story.

My guess is that because you have driving habits (or workout habits) that never included audiobooks, you're just practicing what's comfortable & not really paying attention to the words. But if you're naturally more visual than auditory, audiobooks probably aren't for you. You're not the only one btw.

I can’t visualize audiobooks enough for it to be worth it for me. No reason to force yourself.

It’s the narrator. They can make or break a book.

Also, some authors words sound better out loud. Others sound better read silently.

I like audiobooks as an alternative to podcasts when I am walking or on a long drive. If I listen to audiobooks at home, I tune out.

Same, I used to think audiobooks weren't for me, but I just needed them at 1.2x instead of regular.

Did you give up on audiobooks?

I never started. Honestly, I just don't have the patience to listen to people talk for long periods of time. I think I would lose interest in the story really quick. Never listen to podcasts either.

I find that non-fiction is more difficult to retain, especially if it tends to list a lot of facts. Fiction is easier to remember if the story is interesting. Neither will work if I'm doing something that requires concentration.

Reading a physical book is something you're actively doing. Listening to an audiobook is more like something that's happening around you.

It's a lot easier in the latter situation to just... tune it out.

I don't do audiobooks because some books straight up don't work with the format. Sometimes the medium of print itself is part of the story.

Honestly the main advantage of audiobooks is the same as its main disadvantage - you can focus on something else while they're playing. I prefer to give books my all

A current favorite is a memoir/interview with Paul Simon Miracle and Wonder. Narrated by Paul Simon and Malcolm Gladwell; not only insights into music, but music performances as well!

Same. I find some audiobooks are ok if the chapters are short and the topic jumps around a bit chapter to chapter (like a podcast). I listened to Under the Banner of Heaven on a road trip and was actually able to pay attention. It jumped around enough to feel podcast-y.

I find it crazy it's the opposite for me. One look at a page and my brain shuts down. I sometimes listen to music (no voices just ambient) while I listen to audio books as well.

Well I sent back that audiobook I was listening to Libby. I think I am done with audiobooks. This is like my third time trying them. I guess taking things in an auditory manner is not for me (well I can listen to podcasts though)

I can’t listen to an audio book unless it’s a book I’ve read before and I’m killing time in the car because this happens to me

I can't listen to very many fiction books - too many unknown characters and plot points. I can't hold it all in my head.

But biographies are terrific in audiobooks. The number of people is smaller, somewhat known to me already, and I'm usually aware of some of the life events of the subject.

I do really enjoy listening to old favorite books of all kinds. I mostly remember what's coming, and just enjoy the retelling of the story.

I find it really depends on how fast the story moves and how interesting the narrator is. I’d recommend giving Project Hail Mary a try - the mystery hooks you in and the voice keeps you engaged because the narrator is quite animated. I’d also recommend listening with intent for the first few chapters of a book and then multitasking when you’re further into it. Hope that helps!

are you actively or passively listening?

I can listen to nonfiction audiobooks. There’s too much dialogue in fiction and it drives me crazy to hear the same person read all the dialogue for all the characters.

I know that I can't always stay tuned into a podcast, so I have never tried an audiobook. I prefer to read the book. With the book in my hands. Paper. Not ebook.

I can't listen to audiobooks either and gave up on them.

I listened to Stephen Hawking's "A brief history of time" when I was commuting to graduate school. I enjoyed it, but didn't retain much (ok, anything) and almost drove off the road a few times, trying to grasp what he was saying.

LOL, just posted this comment above: I listened to Stephen Hawking's "A brief history of time" when I was commuting to graduate school. I enjoyed it, but didn't retain much (ok, anything) and almost drove off the road a few times, trying to grasp what he was saying.

I can’t do it. My mind goes for a walk and it’s also why I hate talking on the phone…. I get distracted and then I’m not paying attention and before you know it I just agreed to help someone move into a 5 floor walk up exchange for food.

I can’t follow the plot line if I am reading anything or otherwise trying to concentrate. But I recently found audio books and I am enthralled. I am on my 5th book in a week-so 50+ hours. I actually structure my day so I can listen and “get things done”. I have completely cleaned out my storage room including sorting the coffee cans of fasteners into one for wood screws and a second for metal screws,nails…. I have an hour drive to work 3 days a week. I also had to drive 7 hours this weekend. I have a different problem. With the books in my ears I get so enmeshed in them that there is a transition period back to the real world which can be jarring at times depending on what is happening in the book.

I love what you said about it being a learned skill. I think this is so true. When I first started listening to audiobooks, I was very particular about which I chose. Memoirs worked well for me- or books that are short and not very dense. Agatha Christie for example. Now I can listen to most things on audio but I do pay attention to length still.

Yes, short and easy, a favorite genre or rereading a book from childhood are all good ideas for starting. If SPQR had been my first audiobook I wouldn’t have made it to a second one.

The only audiobook that I listen to are autobiographies, especially when read by the author. I tried listening to a few fictions like you and could not retain anything.

Definitely depends! I, like you, tend to drift on audiobooks, especially new ones no matter the subject matter. However, if it's a book I read when I was younger I'll actively seek out the audio version. Stephen King I can pay rapt attention to. Anything else is soothing, but I ain't retaining diddly.

I started with books I had read before. It helped me get more used to them and it wasn’t a big deal if I zoned out. I listened to Harry Potter while at the gym and running.

Agree with all of this! Especially: Speeding up was absolutely key for me.

I took a class on learning (I know that sounds weird. It was one of those "How to help your child navigate their academic career" things...) they said you really only retain 10% of what you hear, and that's if you're really paying attention. If you split your attention by doing something else (driving, cleaning, etc), it's even lower. I can only listen to audio books that I have a low level of investment in because I miss so much of what's going on. I prefer non- fiction, and a lot of the time I'll listen to it twice so I can make sure I get more info. So don't worry about not being able to remember what you heard. You can probably train yourself to focus on it better, but like you said, they might not be for you.

It takes practice and you have to go back sometimes I think k you're pretty normal.

I listen while running.

I was near deaf as a kid and cannot do auditory-only anything. My mind definitely wanders and I gave up on audiobooks within 15 min.

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Audiobooks help promote memory. Anyone can learn to audiobook, audible learning is a muscle. It takes time. I've taught multiple people to strengthen their memory via audiobooks. Naturally this boosts their ability to learn and speed because they can now go through audiobooks.

Push through, it's worth it.

I used to think that I could never listen to an audiobook because I could never retain what I was listening to. Then, I discovered that if I was doing a mundane task (like cleaning the house) the physical actions that I’m doing are so repetitive and don’t require much thinking that I can focus on the audiobook while going through the motions.

I’m actually a housekeeper so discovering this have been life changing for my job! It’s such repetitive easy work that your mind goes numb, but with an audiobook, I can clean on auto pilot and tune into the plot! I still do find my mind wandering sometimes while listening, but nowhere near as much as if I’m just chilling and listening. I’ve even adapted to be able to listen to audiobooks on long car rides where I’m driving on the highway.

Long story short, maybe you just need to find that task where your brain can focus on the story. Or maybe a certain type of book is needed, something that can grab the attention better? I find that my mind wanders most when I’m not interested in a stretch of the book or a part that is too stretched out with little action. Anyway, I hope you can find what works for you and if not, at least we all still have our trusty paper books which I really do prefer. Something about holding the book and seeing the words on the page makes the story come alive in my mind so much more vividly than an audiobook. It’s like the audiobook version is grey-washed in my mind while the paper book is flushed with colour.

I might suggest listening to a chapter or two at a time. Then replay it. I've sometimes found I missed some things by being distracted. I do listen, after all, while driving or working on something.

You can learn it. It's like people think audiobooks are an "easy" way to consume books, but really understanding what I'm listening to has always been more difficult for me than reading.

Digesting what you listen to is a really good skill to have though. I certainly wish I had had it at uni! However I only got into audiobooks last year, autobiographies and non-fiction were the way for me. Fictional novels I still struggle with unless it's something fairly simple (like more conventional whodunnits) with short chapters.

Maybe try something like I'm Glad My Mum Died it's probably the most engaging audiobook I've ever listened to. Read by the author no less and the chapters are super short (a few minutes.)

I often have to listen to the same part of an audiobook half a dozen times, or more if I'm really stressed. My mind is always racing over something (contributing to insomnia). Sometimes one sentence in a book will trigger a memory and a winding train of thought, and on the next listen, that same sentence will remind me that that's what started my mind wandering in the first place, and so on.

Eventually, I get sucked in and can concentrate for longer periods. Because they force me to listen, I use them for sleeping. Taking my mind away from everything else helps me fall asleep and stay asleep.

I've also found that playing simple games that don't require much thought allows me to concentrate better on the audiobook for some reason. And it tends to be easier in my experience to concentrate on books that are really funny, especially if you're driving.

Edit: tbf my mind also wanders while I'm reading. My eyes will drift across and down the page almost on their own and I will not have read any of it.

I had to train my brain to listen to audiobooks. When I first started, I only listened to books I'd already read or ones I knew the storyline. Eventually, it got to the point where I could listen to new things.

I can't just sit and listen, though. I struggle to focus on a single thing, so I listen in the car or working with my hands.

Its a skill, like print reading. True. I often go back and reread a paragraph or page in print. Its the same with audio.

It’s a myth that your brain can do 2 complex things at once - it can’t it just dips your concentration in and out of both the tasks. Often if I pull out of a junction I have to rewind my podcasts a bit as I’ve been concentrating on the traffic and not my podcast. You might get on with the medium but only when not distracted by other tasks.

Someone made a study, according to which listening to audio books has almost all of the benefits of reading, but only if you concentrate on it as you would to reading a book - multitasking easily takes your mind partly or totally off it.

I listen to audiobooks often. I would never consider listening to them while driving. Driving is an activity that requires more attention, not less. Weeding and housework are just fine. As for the Stephen Hawking book, I also tried listening to it. I had to stop because some subjects are so deep that they require contemplation.

My brain actually does this with written books. I can barely retain anything. As long as the audiobook has a good narrator voice I can listen all day. I listen while I'm working (uber eats & door dash). A bad voice can kill an audiobook.

I tried listening to this one as well and found the readers voice would make me drift away from listening, i think it depends highly on the reader

You're fine - audiobooks are still likely something you'll enjoy.

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I find that when I drive, I'm more likely to let my mind wander - usually because I see a visual cue that reminds me of something else I need to do, etc and my brain goes down that path. That's fine if that happens, I just back up to the last point that I remember. Same thing happens usually when I'm doing something that requires a little more concentration/brain power. I always listen to audiobooks when I'm doing my barn chores at night but sometimes wrangling the right alpacas into the correct barn stalls causes me to lose focus in the story. Again, easy fix, just back up a little and I'm good.

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I agree with many others that speeding up the narration helps me a lot as well. I listen to most things on 2.5X, but sometimes jump as high as 3X depending on the narrator. My library has some "Playaway" audiobooks available (basically it's a little MP3 player with the book loaded into it) that I don't like because the fastest speed available is too slow for me.

Same, for me it's narrators who are older British men that are impossible. I'm someone who needs subtitles with David Attenborough, so there's no way I'll keep my attention span if I don't understand half of what they're saying!

Totally agree with the multiple narrators, case in point I LOVED Daisy Jones and the Six.

This used to be more of a problem for me. I used to go back whole chapters because I was confused, but then I realized I hadn't really missed much and if I'd kept listening it would've eventually made sense. Now I'll often back up 20 or 30 seconds to the first thing I recognize when my mind wanders. Honestly I have to do the same thing when reading physical books: my mind will wander and I back up a paragraph or page or so. For me it was just a matter of adjusting and getting used to a new medium I think...

this is it right here, most think you can absorb an audio book while driving, driving in itself is a major task and needs focus, audio books are for walking or just sitting having a coffee where the main task is listening to the book, if you listen to an audio book while doing other tasks you will not absorb it all, kinda like you don't read and drive, its the same thing, you cannot visualize the book and focus on driving at the same time and do both well.

sitting and listening to an audio book is the same as reading it if done under the same conditions, most people like to combine it with other activities then say it didn't work.

I love them, but I have to listen to a sample first. If the voice/reading style (I'm not 5, don't make funny voices FFS) puts me off, I'll not be able to enjoy it. I also avoid listening to anything too challenging. I love Pratchett, the Rivers of London novels, or non fiction like The drunken botanist

I hated audiobooks before, now it’s the only way I “read”. I do not have the time or energy to sit down and read anymore (two small kids etc.) like before when I could read for hours. My first audiobook was the Harry Potter series, and Stephen Fry is amazing when he reads. A few years ago I started “audiobooking” for real. The narrator is everything though.

I listen to audiobooks when I walk, do the laundry, cook, clean and when I play Minecraft or do some jigsaw puzzlexD I need to do something mundane while I listen, or else my brain floats.

It took me some time to get used to listen, but now I love it

Adhd probably

Same "problem" and I gave up. Can't do the interview/talking podcasts either but enjoy a lot of theatrical ones and can do the investigative/documentary-ish ones. Can't do cliff notes of books either like blinkist. I think it's just your learning/info retention style.

Avoid Capital by Piketty is my advice then.

But seriously, I zone out too and wonder what I listened to and lose track of details now and then. And then I find it's hard to backtrack to where I lost it, whereas flipping pages and scanning to reorient myself in the story is easy--but I'm old and grew up with dead-tree books.

It might be the reader. Don't give up. Go to the library and check out a few more with different authors and readers to see it's the medium or the messenger.

Yep. My mind starts wandering and if I am in a bed, I will fall asleep immediately.

I usually only remember half the book during my first listen. I retain more during the second go

It's a skill. It gets better with time.

I will need subtitles 😂

Yeah I.. did that a lot. Usually put on an audiobook while I'd doing something else and all of a sudden I realize I've been zoning out for the past couple of hours while doing some routine task like cleaning the house.

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Of course audiobooks are not for everyone but both narrator and content make a huge difference.

Best audiobook I've ever read was probably Born A Crime written and narrated by Trevor Noah. I'd really suggest you give it a try. If it can't hold your attention then I don't think there's hope left for you lol

I only listen to audiobooks of books that I already read and want to reconnect with. Otherwise I tend to phase out

I heard a tip once that listening to the audiobook at a higher speed actually tricks your brain into paying more attention.

I do a lot of driving so I listen to a lot of audiobooks, usually at least at 1.5x speed. I feel like it’s helped me.

The only audiobooks I can listen to are ones read by the author. That usually means celebrity memoirs. I've tried fiction, but my mind just wanders.

I also can't listen to audiobooks. I zone out and can't pay attention, let alone remember anything. Give me text any day of the week :)

I’m the same way. I can listen to simple “summer reads” but if I’m going to try to absorb a subject to learn or understand I have to read them or listen while doing almost nothing else. My audiobooks are all books where you could skip a chapter and not really miss it. Stuff to understand is words on paper/iPad and stored next to my stereo.

I do audiobooks mostly as re-reads. Sometimes if I'm driving I can pay attention enough, but for the most part I can't. So it's often rereads or things I'm not sure I'm going to be interested in in the first place.

I have the same problem with audiobooks and podcasts. I'll hear people telling me they listened to this audiobook or this podcast while they were doing something else (driving/working out/cooking etc.), and I always ask myself how they're able to retain what they heard, or even engage with it. Apparently it's a non-issue for some people, but trust they you're not alone OP. These flavors of content delivery are just not for everyone. I gave up a while back and consumed my books the old fashioned way. As for podcasts, I don't listen to them.

I use audiobooks to sleep. Originally, that was not my intent, but it works so well, that’s the only reason I listen now. Podcasts, though, like you say, are just fine and keep me engaged.

When I listen to audiobooks I just capture the big picture I don't remember the details.

I was thinking about it too 😃

Good progress

It takes about 90s and the sound is filtered out as background noise and I will focus on something completely else. I can't listen to podcasts either for the same reason. Gaining knowledge through an audiobook seems impossible to me.

Yeah, it makes me feel better when I see from time to time here that others have the same issue, and I am not the broken one.

I’ve found audiobook to be very hit or miss. Recently I’ve started listening to them (sped up) while following along in the print book. I know that may seem to defeat the purpose but it makes it a more immersive experience for me and allows me to focus a lot more on both mediums.

Classic visual learner! You need to see the words. Some people need to see the words and listen at the same time. Brains are amazing.

I've mostly given up on audiobooks for fiction and some nonfiction. Only thing I've found to enjoy with them so far are memoirs read by the author.

Yeah, for the most part. It's why I can't do audiobooks personally.

You, all of you, take in visual information more easily and completely than you do audio alone. It's just how you're wired.

I have found only one audio book I enjoyed -- a book I had already read and loved. And, I read along as it was narrated. Most of the time, audiobook narrators read far too slowly for me. (The book was Among the Living, by Jordan Castillo Price, book 1 of a paranormal gay detective series.)

I was the same way with audio books and ended up to resorting to just reading. I found I’d have to draw more attention to focus on what was happening and if not, I had to restart the chapter. I am also super picky when it comes to who is reading the book and if their voice “matches” the dialogue.

I personally tried for a while but I kinda gave up on audiobooks, especially when it comes to fiction. I have listened to a few non-fiction books, and it was easier to follow, but I still struggled.

The only thing I actually was able to enjoy was theater. Still ended up unsubscribing to the service.

Or a problem with Patricia Cornwell?

Sometimes, even reading, for me, still makes me forget 80% of the book... I can't concentrate on audiobooks. Perhaps this can be about habit, I couldn't read e-books until I started with baby steps.

You might want to try playing with the speed. Try somewhere between 1.3x and 1.7x, I've found that when the speak faster my mind engages the audiobook more and I actually get more out of it!

Number 2 is especially accurate! It can also happen with bad pronunciation! If I’m getting into the book, the last thing I want is to be jarred out because of someone saying the word wrong! I’m not talking about fantasy names or terms, those will get a pass from me, but with normal everyday words, that’ll throw me right out of the book and sour the experience! It especially sucks when it’s an absolute favorite book!

Another is when they abridge the book, especially when you know the book well, the abridged version just misses so much context! There’s information that is actually relevant that just gets left out, and I really wish they’d go back and offer an unabridged version for those of us who truly love the book!

Edited to add in the second half of my comment that my ADHD decided to draw a blank on! Sorry!

It's probably a good indication. My wife can't listen to audiobooks either, despite being an avid reader. I guess it's just something that doesn't work for some people.

I can only audiobook while driving. I have some long, flat, straight, boring ass drives in my life. Even then I'm only attempting fiction, where if I miss a sentence or two I haven't really lost much, usually, that I can't pick back up from context.

About to start the three-body problem in a week or two. I gather that one's tough to keep up with on audio... We'll see

It greatly depends on the narrator. Best one I’ve ever listened to was IT by Stephen King. I think Stephen Weber narrates it

I do remember the books I've listened to, but I came to the conclusion audiobooks aren't for me as my mind ended up wandering while listening, so I had to keep coming back, sometimes a whole chapter. Somehow I find it harder to focus on audiobooks (and podcasts), any chance this is what happens to you?

Dune is also a great audiobook

Like several people have noted there are certain types of books that I can’t listen to- unless I’m dedicated to JUST listening. I find that lighter fiction, YA, even middle grade novels work well for me if it’s a first time read. I love a good heavy sci-fi or fantasy book, but listening to them while doing anything else doesn’t work for me. Good luck finding something that does work for you!

I exclusively read fiction and generally huge tomes of books. I only use audio books to "re-read" books. I've tried adio books on books I have not read and simply can't paint a picture in my mind, I recommend you try a book you read a while ago that you would like to revisit.

Listening is different and takes some adjustment. You need to keep pumping words into your ears until the pathways form, if you want to make that adjustment. It took me more than 3, that's for sure.

For a while I would lose focus or get sleepy, and don't remember much at all from the first few audiobooks I listened to. I relistened to some of them and it was almost like a new book, but I listen to so many more books now than I would ever have time to read. I listen when driving to places I know, but if I am following new directions I can't really focus on the book, so don't listen at those times. I listened to the entire Malazan Book of the Fallen, a notoriously large, complex, and layered series, and am actually surprised by how much I got out of it.

I didn't even want to get into audiobooks, I was against them, but I had a 3 free month trial, got the books and ignored them for years until I finally wanted to read one of them and didn't want to buy it since I already owned it. Now I listen to so many.

Also, get a library card and find out what apps they use, you can borrow audiobooks right to your phone, it is awesome.

I had this problem until I figured out that I can absorb the material while I'm driving and I have the reading speed adjusted to what my brain needs. Even still, if I'm sick or recovering from being sick I probably won't be able to listen.

Totally agree! 2X is where it's at! I still sometimes find my mind has wandered and have to go back a few minutes, but increasing the speed has helped immensely.

I’ve always found that I have no trouble listening to podcasts or non fiction audiobooks, but my mind wanders too much for fiction. Every once in a while, something will grab and hold my attention enough, but it’s not very often.

I have to listen to them on 1.25x or 1.5x speed. Otherwise my mind wanders and I get bored and then I have no idea what’s going on. Maybe try that before giving up on them?

It's a slightly different skill to reading, and you just need practice. I suggest books where it won't hurt your enjoyment too much if your mind wanders a bit to start out with. Eventually you'll get just as good at "reading" with your ears as with your eyes, and you'll be able to listen to audio-books while doing chores or even shopping. I swap between listening and reading on a kindle, and if you held a gun to my head I wouldn't be able to tell you which parts I read and which parts I listened to.

I didn’t like audiobooks until I sped them up. My mind used to wander without them sped up

I love audiobooks, but I definitely wouldn’t be able to focus on one while driving. (Tried it a few times. It’s nope.)

I can only listen when I’m doing something that requires absolutely no focus, so either nothing at all, folding laundry, or while I’m eating.

As a person who’s not good at auditory processing in general, it was definitely harder in the beginning, but got a bit easier with practice. (But still, no listening and driving!)

It takes longer than just reading a written book, but often my eyes hurt too much, so the ears will have to take over. If I find myself zoning out, I rewind immediately. I don’t wait until I’m completely lost. If I zone out a lot, I stop listening and wait a few days until I’m in a more focused frame of mind.

Some people retain information visually others audio. You're just more if a visually connected person.

It could be the book. I listen to a lot of audiobooks and occasionally I have issues remembering certain books. However this isn't a pervasive issue. I recommend reading some sort of plot summary every so often if you are having difficulties. I have read spark notes along with the book if it is a complex book and that has helped sparked more interest in a book I am struggling with.

This happens to me with fiction audibooks as well; I can't focus on what's going on in the story and focus on something else at the same time for some reason. I can't stand them; the Graphic Audio ones are even worse, with the sound effects and music and stuff it all just gets scrambled in my head the same way a loud crowd in a touristy area would.

I can do non-fiction audiobooks depending on the narrator or subject occasionally, and I don't mind podcasts either.

For most books, I almost exclusively read either physical print or ebooks.

I've learned that audiobooks are really best for light fiction. Even then, starting a new book or series can be difficult for me through an audiobook alone. One thing I've done sometimes is check out both versions of a book from Libby and start reading on my e-reader. Once I'm invested in the characters and story the audiobook is much easier to pay attention to, and I can switch to the audiobook after the first few chapters.

Can't listen to audiobooks or podcasts. Also, can't deal with "learn by watching this youtube video". I WANT MY TEXT DAGNABBIT AND IF YOU NEED TO SHOW ME SOMETHING MAKE IT A STATIC IMAGE.

I can't easily follow audiobooks because they block out all other sound and allow my internal dialogue and thoughts to run amok.

Try listening (you might need some good speakers or a nice amp) in the shower, or somewhere else where your mind won't be multitasking so hard.

I used to listen to [a book written by Milkshake Duck before 'the incident'] for a half hour or so as I got ready for bed and then another half hour while I was lying in bed. I felt that really helped me wind down.

If none of that works, maybe audiobooks aren't for you. In which case, you can STILL enjoy audiobooks, you'll just want to pick books you already know. I enjoyed reading Moby Dick, but now I just listen to the audiobook every few years; it's great, and if I miss some due to a wandering mind, that's fine.

I do a mix of reading/audio. Helps me absorb the info better. I can’t do audio for more than a few chapters in a row though or I’ll start getting lost. Also I can only do audio with certain mindless activities. Working out usually isn’t good for them for me.

Maybe not for you, or you need to find the right conditions. I only listen to audiobooks driving back and forth from work. Any other time I can’t keep focus on them but during my commute I don’t have any problem.

I have to concentrate when listening to an audiobook so that I don't wander too far off the story.

I quite often listen while cleaning or gardening - both are things I can do without thinking. If I try to listen while doing more difficult (thinking) tasks like cooking or driving, I have a harder time keeping track of the stories.

That all said, I listen to almost exclusively fantasy books where small remarks can fill in holes or names can be confusing, so concentrating is important.

I can't do audiobooks. My brain can only focus on one thing at a time, and when I listen to stuff I am always busy with something else, so I doesn't work when I have to retain the information. I'm not an auditory learner at all. Even with stuff I am super interested in, I zone out during audio/video compared to reading text.

When you listen to nonfiction, try taking notes. We generally do that when we read nonfiction, at least by underlining. So do the same with audiobooks. Your brain doesn't automatically start remembering things better because you're listening to it. You have to use all the same techniques you do with print books.

I listen while I am knitting or walking. Have to be doing something with my body. Sometimes while walking I might get a bit distracted by a thought but then i just go back a bit. I find that the narrator has to be good. Andy Serkis made me discover new things in the Lord of the Rings even though i must have read it about 40 times.

Without audiobooks I wouldn't be the "reader" I am today. I probably wouldn't have graduated highschool... What you're describing reminds me of when I'm reading a book without an audio companion.

Maybe the narrators are the problem.

I used to have this problem. I'd try to choose nonfiction books that were basically a series of vignettes, as I could keep track of what was going on better if I could get each chapter in a different sitting. I gave up on audiobooks for a while until this past year. For some reason, something seemed to click and I can keep track of the plot better.

I'm wondering if part of the change is due to the books I'm selecting. I started getting into audiobooks when my friends were reading Becoming by Michelle Obama and I really wanted to hear her read it out. I was able to keep track of progress pretty well. Shortly after my library had a long wait list for a book that was immediately available as an audiobook. Since then, I've been doing a lot of relatively short novels.

I love them too. I listen every day.

I have the Audible app which allows me to take short notes when I stop. Helps me to pick up the thread next time I read.

That works for me too.

They're so great. Really add to life. I love it that someone reads to me while I do stuff.

I love audiobooks. Other people I know hate them for the same reasons as you. I have the same issue as you when the audiobook isn't interesting. I would suggest trying a couple more audiobooks or listening to a book you've enjoyed reading before, to properly compare the two mediums and decide if audiobooks are for you or not.

> chapters are short and the topic jumps around a bit chapter to chapter (like a podcast). I listened to Under the Banner of Heaven on a road trip and was actually able to pay attention. It jumped around enough to feel podcast-y.

I do find the reader of an audio book makes a world of difference as to rather or not I pay attention. There are some great ones of course but I find more that have an irritating voice or I just tune them out.

I know what you mean. I would always go for the book that I can read. I have never liked being read to ever since I was able to do it myself. It may have something to do with not having control of the speed - at least for me.

Thanks! I totally agree. I find a book I want to read and listen to the sample. And I've listened to favorites that I read years ago but never if the narrator isn't good! It just ruins it.

True. Starting out, start slow.

Yes and no. You're not holding a book. Someone else is reading to you so your brain isn't doing that, only taking in the story. Sort of right about multi tasking- I wouldn't drive in high traffic areas. But I listen before I get to town on a road I know well with traffic mainly deer and wild turkeys. I can do dishes or laundry easily and listen well. Any automatic chores. Or garden etc. If I'm weeding, no problem. If I'm thinking about where to plant something, pause it.

I listen to a lot of audiobooks. I do sometimes zone out and miss stuff. I’ll often rewind. I also mainly listen to easy books and nostalgic favorites

It really depends on a few things. For one, if you're a night shift person... Typically audiobooks are your best friend because physically reading puts a lot of people to sleep. Just my thoughts.

I listen to audiobooks 8 hours a day at work, and I read about an hour a night before I go to sleep. I feel like I get as much out of audiobooks as I do reading, although I do occasionally go back and re-listen to a chapter or section if I get interrupted during it. It’s possible that audiobooks just aren’t for you.

I love audiobooks, but narrators can be a real problem for me. Most of them are great to decent and I rarely stop reading a book because I don't like the narrator.

I checked out the narrator of your book, listened to a minute or so, and was almost immediately annoyed. I also thought she sounded familiar, so I checked her out. It turns out that she narrates "The Bean Trees" by Barbara Kingsolver. I have read three of Kingsolver's books and loved them, so downloaded Bean Trees last summer. I tried and tried and tried to listen, but omg the narrator just drove me nutso. Sooooo, perhaps you should try another fiction book. :) Do a search in this sub for "suggest an audiobook" and you will find plenty of suggestions. And, as mentioned in another comment, start with "Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir. :)

Also, I totally forget books altogether after a couple of weeks and always have. When I read print books, I would usually have to go back a few pages to refresh where I left off, and I do the same with audiobooks.

Some books do not pair well with audio books. Some narrators are inferior to others, because everyone is human with our own unique styles. Also, the subjects of the books may not have drawn your attention as much as other subjects would. If I were you I would research on Google for the highest rated narrators and try some of their work and see whether your listening experience changes. just a thought?

I knit while I listen to audiobooks so I often listen to them twice.

Since I am older I am cognizant of brain function. If I am listening to a book with four similar characters I make an effort to remember who is whom.

I've been listening to a lot of women in WWII/WWI books they are often based on real events. I don't remember having this problem in the past but it was about two years ago I began reading books with multiple main characters.

I don't often read non-fiction but recently read Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain. It is very good and I have enjoyed listening to it more than once.

I have found YouTube very helpful as I have increases what I knit. I often have to look at different vids to get one that sinks in.

Though there are somethings that I've yet to concur on YouTube or written. They take you just so far and then stop and I am left with but what comes next?

I listen to audiobooks. It’s often my preferred method of reading because I have poor eyesight. Here’s a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• The narrator’s voice matters. If the voice is annoying, it will detract from or ruin the book.
• It takes practice to read this way but you can improve listening comprehension and retention.
• Your mind will wander sometimes. That’s why rewind (there’s some version on every app) is crucial.
• Start with books that are extremely engaging. If you’re bored or “floating away” too much, try a different book.
• If the narrator is speaking too fast, use the speed button, which is also available on every app.
• If you’re reading (listening) in bed, use the timer.

Audiobooks aren’t for everyone. However, they are fantastic for people like me who have visual impairments or anyone who wants to read while doing other things. My local library has a great application that enables me to listen (read) to as many books as I want.

I can listen to and enjoy nonfiction…pretty much a long form podcast. But I can’t do fiction audiobooks. Same issue…just can’t retain it or keep my focus without the page in front of me.

Listening to audiobooks is a skill that can be improved, similar to reading words off a page. It's fine to have preferences, but the statement "audiobooks just aren't for me" sounds just as silly as "reading books just isn't for me".

I can’t do audiobooks at all. I get distracted and lose my place.

I’m an ELA teacher, and the thing about reading text is that we don’t just run our eyes over the text one time from start to finish and instantly comprehend it. Reading is an active process where you’re frequently needing to stop, think, reread, look back, and look up words in order to comprehend. You HAVE to be able to stop, think, and reread in order to fully comprehend what you’re reading. Seriously, try it - pick a paragraph and read it by scanning your eyes over it one time, beginning to end, one word at a time, without stopping or going back at all. Then stop, reflect, and see how much you understood…

A lot of my students would use audiobooks to support while they also read the text with their eyes - that way, the audiobook does the work of decoding the text, but they can still see it, and if they need to pause to comprehend, they can easily do that without losing their place. I hope someday there will be high-quality apps that combine ebooks and audiobooks so people can do this very easily.

I also hate having to watch videos or listen to speakers to get information - I much prefer to read it at my own pace. It’s so much easier and faster for me to make sense of information that way.

I can’t do audiobooks either. I tried to do The Night Circus over audiobook and it just didn’t work for me. I get so bored.

I can do podcasts but those don’t require remembering what you just heard a day ago. It’s a quick bite of audio and then is over. The moment I need to work in continuity I need the written word.

I always make sure that I'm something like busywork (chores/cleaning the house, low stakes knitting, walking/driving) when I have an audiobook on or else my mind wanders too.

I've found that when I'm doing something I don't need to focus on but keeps my body busy it let's my mind be able to focus on the narrator instead of getting distracted.

I also always make sure to take a break and turn off my audiobook when I catch myself not listening.

Another vote for not beg able to follow an audiobook! I don't have nearly the capacity for retaining what I hear over what I read. We'll run them for long car trips, but otherwise, I just don't.

I listen almost exclusively to audio books between chores and a long-ish commute. I love them. If I do need to read a "paper book" it's always an ebook. I'm always floored by the number of books still being printed. Apparently we are not that worried about the environment! LOL

Don't give up.

Remember that listening is a skill. It's something you have to actively do, have to practice, have to get better at by doing it.

Listening is not a passive thing that just happens. You must choose to do it.

Choose. Practice. Do it more. if you can't remember anything about a chapter in an audiobook, rewind back to the beginning of the chapter and make yourself listen to it again.

It's a skill. Skill requires practice and effort. That's all this is, no cause to give up

I can't put books on while I'm doing other things and take anything in. I will listen on walks or in the car (passenger) as I can focus on the words that I am listening to but the second my attention is on something else, it loses me.

I also have to pick the narrator carefully as I will tune out different people.

Books I have read before, and have a good narrator, will be used to go to sleep to.

It doesn't mean they aren't for you, necessarily, just that you need to be more selective in when you are listening to them and if it is background noise or something you are actively listening to.

What I will say OP is that maybe it’s just not the right time for you. I go through about two phases a year where I can get into audiobooks, right timing right mood, and then I’m over them. Don’t give up hope and try again in 4-6 months!