2 weeks Ago
One book led me to anger (about serial killers that was so awful that I stopped after the first chapter) but I have thoroughly enjoyed most of the others, including Bill Bryson’s Road to Little Dribbling. However, I did notice a few errors here and there, most notably Bryson’s narrator’s mispronunciation of the word "Minoan" when referring to that famous ancient Greek civilisation. The reader kept saying "MinoNan".
Leni Ella writes: “I listen to books in the car as so much driving is involved with the job. Some people read audiobooks like it’s the first thing they’ve ever read. Having said that I’ve listened to some absolute beauties too.
” She adds: “‘The Dutch House’ read by Tom Hanks was like being read to by a friend because his voice is so singular and familiar. Both the Obama books were excellent and inspiring listens and I also enjoy Sara Cox reading her own stuff.” (Image: Sarah Walker) I do find that when writers narrate their own work, it is much more meaningful because it adds an extra dimension that you do not get through written words on a page.
Through their voice, you hear their emotions and feelings as they read the sentences they have composed. It particularly comes across in autobiographies, where the writers are revisiting experiences and memories they have actually lived through. I first realised this when listening to Dave Grohl’s autobiography, The Storyteller (Grohl is the lead singer of the Foo Fighters, a band on my bucket list to see which I achieved earlier this year).
Hearing him recall certain events in his life in his own voice where his tone, speed and volume would change depending on what he was reading, made the whole book burst with life. You could hear his emotion at the birth of his children, the shock and grief when Kurt Kobain died, the unbridled thrill of doing his first stadium concert. (Image: Newsquest) Clare Powell, a self-confessed "ranter", says: “I am new to audiobooks.
I'm enjoying David Mitchell (the comedian) ranting in 'Thinking About It Only Makes It Worse' (having listened to his 'Unruly' first). He is a magnificent ranter but also an amusing historian. I highly recommend it.
” In the same column I referred to Bill Bryson’s condemnation of grammatical errors made by people who should know better. Clare went on: “My guilty failure when writing is the excessive use of the exclamation mark!! However, my English teacher told us that creative writing allowed for certain grammatical 'hiccups'. The rule is not to start a sentence with 'and', 'but' etc.
, but sometimes it is acceptable. He then quoted from a very famous piece of literature which, over 40 years later, I have no hope of remembering! I do remember his words of wisdom though.” Lynne Wheatley confesses: “I am one of those people who just can't enjoy audiobooks.
” But my column did bring to mind her 1940s school days: “Our English teacher in 1947 was a demon. You did it her way, no deviation, spelling mistakes written out 100 times. I was an avid reader so soon got the hang of correct English.
My first job was proof reading, and I loved it. My ‘driving nuts’ is spelling mistakes, especially on social media. I remember way back, with my small grandchildren, when they would write in schoolbooks with spelling mistakes.
I used to point out the odd error, but was told, “Oh it doesn't matter as it's not an English lesson." WHAT? I could see my English teacher turning in her grave. I must say, you've whetted my appetite, I might yet try the audio.
” It has occurred to me that audiobooks are a clever way for people who have problems with their eyesight to enjoy books they can’t see. Not everyone who has impaired vision knows how to read Braille, and I’m sure many of you who used to see perfectly well but no longer can, will miss being able to indulge in a good book. My previous paragraph obviously begs the question, how are you reading this column? Maybe it’s time that I did an audio version.
Do you have opinions, memories or ideas to share with me? Contact me via my webpage at countrymansdaughter.com, or email [email protected].
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