There is a sort of freedom that comes from being able to take along a book while you clean, exercise, create, or travel. There is a freedom that comes from being read to, because you are reaping the benefits of hearing the story while not having to do any of the work. You get to go adventuring with the characters while still having your own adventure (yes, folding those piles of clean clothes can be an adventure!).

There are some who say that audio books should not be considered reading – I disagree. There are many books I have tried to visually read but for some reason or another have been unable to finish. Yet, when I allowed my ears to do the reading, I found that the plot or the ideas presented were easier to understand.

If you have never listened to an audio book I would encourage you to do so. Find an audio book for a book you have tried to read, one that you want to read, and, I hope, you will find yet another way to enjoy literature. (Now, fair warning, not all audio books are of the same quality, so if you find what you believe is a dud, don’t attempt to slog through it – try another one!)

The following are a few of my favourite audio books:

The Chronicles of Narnia series by C. S. Lewis, narrated by various actors including Sir Kenneth Branagh and Sir Patrick Stewart – Though different narrators in a series can sometimes be off putting, I think it works for the Narnia books since, although all take place in Narnia, they each have a different feel to them.

The Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling, narrated by Jim Dale – Using different voices for all the characters, Jim Dale does an excellent job delivering the suspense and wit J. K. Rowling weaves into her stories.

The Ramona Quimby series by Beverly Cleary, narrated by Stockard Channing – Stockard Channing reads all of the books in this series in a way that endears the character of Ramona to the reader.