Review and Thoughts on
Books vs Audiobooks
A while ago, when ebooks became all the rage, there was a heated discussion between actual books vs ebooks.
Most of what I saw was actual book lovers' reaction to the seeming demise of their beloved bound books.
I didn't react to this because I didn't, and still don't, own an ebook reader. There wasn't much to defend since ebooks didn't factor in my life.
Today, a new form of "reading" had emerged in AUDIOBOOKS.
This isn't anything new at all and a good many had enjoyed it.
In the past, audiobooks were created for passing the time in your car whilst neck deep in a traffic jam or for the visually challenged.
It's only recently that audiobooks had entered into the mainstream with applications like audible.com for mobile devices.
I still remember that not long ago, I converted a lot of my books into something my ipod video could read.
This ipod video is still with me but I had ceased reading on it completely.
I was enticed to sample an audiobook from audible.com via the youtube beauty gurus I follow.
They all rave about their wonderful reading experience with audiobooks and, oh hey, there's a promo code for a free audiobook to anyone who wants it.
I jumped on this band wagon and acquired my first audiobook in a long time. It was the last book of the Divergent series by Veronica Roth. Sadly, it was not a very engrossing read and I failed to finish it.
Mind that I nearly failed to finish the second book of the series, Insurgent. But I feel like it's easier to force myself to finish it when in book form.
I've decided to try again with Cocaine Blues, A Phryne Fisher Mystery by Kerry Greenwood.
There's a lot of publicity around this 1920s mystery series because of the TV show made after it.
I am a great fan of the TV show and had decided to experience more of Phryne Fisher via the books.
IN BOOK FORM:
I love the writing style.
It was witty and stylish similar to a strong-independent-woman vibe. There's a bit of flak from Miss Fisher's inability to doubt herself. She shows very little outward "faults" and wouldn't think anything she does is inappropriate or is a mistake.
Because she is a woman ahead of her time, she often deeply offends those around her.
This is the kind of writing and character that I enjoy reading about.
I am already well acquainted with self-doubt and do not feel the need to read about them.
Instead, I suggest reading about strong-willed characters who embody everything you would want to be but are too afraid (?) to be one.
IN AUDIOBOOK FORM:
Unlike my experience with Divergent, I was so engrossed with the audiobook form of Cocaine Blues!
It took half the time for me to finish the audiobook if I had read the actual book.
Stephanie Daniel read the audiobook and did a wonderful job. I thought it was funny and engaging.
I listening to the book in bed, in lieu of my night time read. It worked just the same.
There are some things that I missed on, however. I feel like some of the witty verses were lost.
Because I am Pratchett trained, I prefer well crafted verses more than anything. I feel like Kerry Greenwood had a very similar style. No wonder I love the book so much!
The storyline is simple, much like Pratchett's, and the gold is on the verses.
The storyline is simple, much like Pratchett's, and the gold is on the verses.
Unfortunately, one cannot savor them in audiobook form.
VERDICT:
Audiobooks can be enjoyable afterall.
However, we must be reminded that we are using entirely different faculties.
There's a large difference between audiobooks and actual books.
If you're reading a book that focuses on exciting writing styles, e.g. satire, it is much better to grab the actual book.
If you're reading a book that focuses on plot development with a lot of adventure chucked in, then audiobooks would be just as enjoyable.
Never dismiss a book because the audiobook was not to your liking.
Again, these are two very different things.
FULL DISCLOSURE?
In my opinion, it would be best to disclose if you've read the book or if you've listened to the audiobook.
Although they have the same content, there is a great difference between reading and listening.
I believe this is enough to affect opinions on the subject matter.
One might have enjoyed the audiobook but couldn't get through the actual book.
Still, there's no harm in listening to the audiobook instead.
It's all about preference.
** SPOILER ALERT**
Please stop reading from here onward.
SYNOPSIS
Miss Phryne Fisher is Australian born but had ascended to the aristocracy (she holds the title of "Hon.") via World War I casualties.
Several of her male relations didn't quite make it out, and the title with the fortune made it to her father instead.
She had been different from the start with her scandals and inappropriate modern views.
The life of a London aristocrat bored her, so when she was offered to investigate the daughter of a Colonel living in Australia, she had jumped to the task.
Early on in the book, we are introduced to Phryne's detective skills.
The Colonel had witnessed her skills in detecting and had been highly impressed and sent Phryne out to Australian society.
Her primary task was to find out why Lydia seemed to be thoroughly ill when she was with her husband and makes a miraculous recovery every time she is away.
Phryne arrives in Australia with Dr. Macmillan, a woman doctor and dear friend who shares Phryne's feminist views.
Along the way, she's befriended taxi cab drivers Bert and Cec. She has also acquired a maid, Dorothy or Dot.
Her investigations turn serious when she is embroiled in Princess de Grasse's own investigation of a cocaine ring based in Australia.
She has amorous moments with Sasha, Princess de Grasse's grandson (?) who was not the sharpest christian in the bible.
Bert and Cec are also caught up with a nearly fatal abortion that Phryne chooses to take on so she could obtain the two men's help.
As mentioned, Phryne's character is very strong-willed.
She appears to be highly educated, could drive and even fly a plane.
This is to support Phryne's character's penchant for adventure. This is highly believable for me since she has the monetary capacity and interest to do those things.
What I would have liked to see is more of Phryne's background.
When did she learn those things? Etc.
All in all, this is a highly enjoyable series.
I highly recommend Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood book series.
I highly recommend Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood book series.
xo, Pau
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