My passion for listening started about a year and a half ago with podcasts. It wasn’t until then that I realised how much I enjoyed listening to informational pieces which tell new and exciting stories. And then this whole thing would so easily escalate to listening to audio books after I discovered the audio book app Storytel. It’s a database of thousands of audio books from such a wide range of genres that it would take me a lifetime to listen to them all.
What I love about it
It gives my eyes a rest. Reading books is fantastic. Nothing can fully replace the excitement of touching and hearing the sound of the turning pages. But when most of my time is concentrated around computers and cell phones, I need to give my eyes a rest. Like lie on the beach or by the pool with my bluetooth speakers on instead and listen to a book. Or while traveling, or being stuck in traffic.
It’s another opportunity to learn something new in a moment I wouldn’t typically be able to. Like who reads while in a traffic jam? But one can certainly listen to something soul enriching like a book.
Improves my listening abilities. Reading requires concentration, but so does listening. And listening is such an important human quality in our everyday life, as well as in building relationships with people.
I need (almost) no Wi-Fi. I mean I need Wi-Fi or mobile Internet to download the audio book to my bookshelf, but after that I don’t need Internet connection to listen to it. Imagining my next long distance flight! Or tripping to a country with high mobile Internet tariffs. Super convenient.
There are also ebooks available in the app. I had no idea when I signed up, but this only came as a bonus.
It is super affordable. Like €9.99/month subscription rate that can be canceled anytime. And it has got a 14-day free trial. You can try and decide for yourself.
What I’m listening to this Summer
THE & HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE
Stephen R. Covey
I’ve known for this book for ages. I have had it as recommendation a million times, but I never got to read it. It’s actually a twenty-year old bestseller with over 25 million copies sold worldwide. It’s a must for everyone who wants to accomplish more and be more, and would devote some 13 hours of listening to it.
21 LETTERS ON LIFE AND ITS CHALLENGES
Charles Handy
This book challenges a few questions on both the opportunities and difficulties the next generation faces. How will people cope with change in a world where the old certainties no longer apply? What goals should they set themselves? How will they find purpose and fulfillment in their lives? The author is quite frank and open and yet optimistic, pointing out in the direction of the answers to those questions. I feel like listening to it are very well-spent 4 hours and 24 minutes.
NO ONE IS TOO SMALL TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Greta Thunberg
This audio book is an accumulation of Swedish student Greta Thunberg’s speeches that hav made history around the world. Greta is a sixteen years old Swedish girl who refused to go school last year in protest against climate change and the lack of action against it. Her actions sparked a global movement against climate crisis. This has even won her a Nobel Peace Prize nomination.
This audio book is important to listen to by everyone, because it tells the truth of what’s going on and how people have been neglecting the problem. An hour of open talks that remind us it’s time to wake up and really change for the sake of our children and their future.
BECOMING
Michelle Obama
I still can’t believe how much I have been postponing this one! I’m so eager to get know the story of Michelle Obama’s life. From her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to the White House, Michelle inspired so many people around the world with her kindness, realness and ability to unite women. She helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, and became a powerful advocate of women and girls around the world. I’m planning to start this one within the next few days and literally can’t wait.
THE WOMAN I WANTED TO BE
Diane von Furstenberg
I was recently gifted A Signature Life by Diane von Furstenberg, in which Diane openly tells the story of her life, challenges and success. You can find Diane’s two books (which I believe are pretty much the same just featuring different titles) on Storytel – both to read and listen to. I certainly recommend you give this book a try. Diane’s story is very captivating and extremely inspiring for all women who seek to be independent.
WHAT THE MOST SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE DO BEFORE BREAKFAST
Laura Vanderkam
I mean who doesn’t wonder what the most successful people do before breakfast? According to Laura Vanderkam mornings hold the key to taking control of our schedules. If we use them wisely, we can build habits that will allow us lead happier, more productive lives. All in just 1 hour.
What you wouldn’t expect I’m listening to
Children’s literature! I realised that traveling can be easier for kids with the right audio book on. Or even bed time stories get easier for parents. I was so happy Alexander loved the idea of listening to children’s audio books. I feel like all the parents here should give the free trial a try for that reason.
Do you listen to audio books? Would you?
Denina ♥
*In collaboration with Storytel. All opinions are mine and fully authentic.
