Hearing Is Be Reading, Too
I hated my drives to and from work. All I could do was listen
to the radio regurgitating the news that I had already read about in
the newspaper....But a friend of mine at work told me that he "reads"
audio books on this way to work. Since then, books on CDs have turned
that wasted time every day into a time when I can think and learn.
Purchasing Bob Woodward’s latest expose as a book on
tape and listening to it at the gym, I was able to thoroughly exercise
both my mind and body. And I finished the book before it was even out
of the news. Likewise, when packing for a seminar out of town, whether
driving or flying, I am sure to bring along several audio books on CD.
They keep things interesting during the journey, and they also make for
great conversation when I arrive at my destination.
In the past I would unwind after a long day or week by
watching television, a medium of entertainment I have observed
precipitously becoming less stimulating in recent years. But I wasn't
likely to pick up anything with words on it in the evening or on the
weekends simply because I was worn out from so many hours of reading so
many memos at work. Now, my lovely wife and I select an audio book that
interests us both to enjoy for a while after dining. With our eyes and
hands unoccupied we are able to either unwind and listen or to
straighten the house.
These days, at any given time, I am reading at least three
books: one I listen to in my car during that commute, one I take to the
gym, and another my wife and I listen to at home when we really
can’t stomach another crime drama. I enjoy the boost of being
the most well-read person I know; moreover, being up to date both on
current issues and topics of historical significance gives me an
invaluable perspective on the news of the day.
Well, I would love to share more but I just heard that Bob
Newhart's new book is available in audio form on CD. I hate to rush
off, but I have some reading to do.
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Non-fiction audio books can be found at www.99Books.US.
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