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Hearing Can Be Reading

After being bored to death during my long, morning commute, I actually heard a news story that got my attention. It seems audio books are becoming increasingly popular with commuters. Since then, books on CDs have provided an interesting way to keep my mind challenged while making the most out of what was otherwise wasted time in my daily schedule.

For example, by buying Bob Woodward’s latest expose as a book on tape and listening to it at the gym, I was able to thoroughly strengthen both my mind and body in the time it used to take to perform only one of those tasks. And I finished the book before some people even heard it was out. Likewise, when packing for a vacation, whether taking the train or driving, I am sure to bring along several audio books on CD. Not only do they provide interest as I travel 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 getting worse in recent years. But I rarely decided 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 scanning so many reports at work. Now, my 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 relax and listen or to do some of those household chores that we're always putting off.

At any given time, I am reading three books: one I listen to in my car during that commute, one I take to the gym with me, and one my wife and I listen to at home when we really can’t stand to view another situation comedy. I enjoy the prestige of having a reputation as the most well-read person in the neighborhood; 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.

I'd like to share more but I just heard that former senator John Danforth's provocative book is available in audio form on CD. I'm sorry to end this, but I have some reading scheduled.

---------- Audio, paperback and hard cover books can be found at www.99Books.US.

 

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