15 reasons why audiobooks are amazing

Audiobooks have so many things going for them and there's loads of articles out there about their recent rise in popularity. But what if you're yet to give audiobooks a try? Or don't know what they can offer you? Well let these reasons persuade you.

And for all current audiobook listeners, this post is about revelling in the vast array of benefits audiobooks have and maybe discovering some new perks.

1. Audiobooks are a great way to rediscover the classics and books you loved as a child.

If you haven't revisited any Roald Dahl lately, or dipped back into Ballet Shoes, then you're missing out. These audiobooks come with some excellent narrators that will immerse you in the story and help you discover these stories anew. As children's books, they're also generally pretty short, which means they're great for an in-one-go listen. Adults' classics such as Charles Dickens and Jane Eyre are also great to listen to whether you've read the story before or not. Reading these in print might not be for everyone, but listening to them can be.

2. Audiobooks mean that you can 'read' a book while walking/cleaning/driving etc.

Okay, so maybe you've seen someone read a print book while walking before, but generally books are better enjoyed when you're not crashing into things. Audiobooks are great for being able to 'read' books wherever you are and whatever you're doing - within reason of course. When you have a book to listen to, traffic is no longer mindless and washing up no longer a chore. And because you can listen when out and about, you've got a new incentive to go for a jog! (Obviously the jog is not a necessity.) So regardless of what you're doing, if you'd rather be reading, or just want a bit of entertainment, then audiobooks can be just the ticket.

3. Being read to can give you a warm fuzzy feeling and provide some often much needed company.

It's a big old world full of people, but there are times when we all feel alone. Unfortunately, the comfort and companionship we need is not always as easy to come by as we'd like. That's where an audiobook can lend a helping hand. In need of a companion for a road trip? Sorted. Want a kind voice to lull you to sleep? Done. Whatever your age or situation, an audiobook can be there for you, always ready to read you a story.

4. Audiobooks can be enjoyed by those who struggle to read or hold print books.

The accessibility to books that audiobooks provide is incredible. Everyone deserves to be able to delve into a story regardless of their eyesight or physical or mental ability. That audiobooks open up published materials to a wider audience, is a great reason why they should be championed. No one need miss out on the latest best seller!

5. Audiobooks can help with learning and languages.

Reading in a new language can be tough - whether that's because you're six years old or because you're studying a foreign language. As a native speaker you usually learn to listen first, and audiobooks can help children to read both by listening when reading along and by improving vocabulary and pronunciation. And if you're learning a second (or third, or fourth...) language, hearing the language spoken can be really important to cement your memory, and you get the same vocab and pronunciation benefits too!

6. Audiobooks can help reluctant readers get into books

This isn't about transitioning from audiobooks to books, but about using them to complement each other. A child (or teen or adult for that matter) who struggles to read may not have experienced the joys of stories and fiction found in books. And they may not feel that reading is worthwhile. Sometimes listening is just the ticket. It can be a way to find out what sort of books you enjoy and for some people it might make them want to give reading a try.

7. Audiobooks fit in your pocket.

So a CD probably wouldn't fit in your pocket, but MP3 players are tiny and smartphone phones are often super convenient. So for those who can download an audiobook, it's pretty easy to take it everywhere. It needn't weigh anything or take up any space (well, apart from a bit of your device's memory), and so you need never be without a book by your side.

8. Concentrating on the story being read to you can make you a better listener.

The more you practice something the better you get, so it makes sense that listening to an audiobook can help you improve your listening day to day. At work, with friends, with family - really listening to people is an amazing skill to have. So why not improve it while enjoying a great book!

9. You can listen to audiobooks in the dark.

No lights? No problem. You want to stay up and your roommate wants to sleep, so you pop on a pair of headphones and listen to your book in the dark! Making you the best roommate ever.

10. Audiobooks can be paired with a love for print books to allow you to read even more!

For some people, reading the written word has no contender. Well, why see audio and print as competitors when they can be teammates! As you can multitask with audiobooks, you can get through more of your to-be-read list and tackle some long books that you may not have the time to read in print.

11. Children and teens can enjoy a higher level of book in audiobook form than they might be able to read.

Not all teens can get through reading a classic on paper, but that doesn't mean they wouldn't enjoy the story. Likewise, younger children can hear and love stories that might be too difficult for them to read. Of course, audiobooks are a supplement for parents or carers reading to children rather than a replacement, but what a welcome addition they can be.

12. Audiobooks can help you to understand different perspectives.

All types of books can expand how you see and understand the world, but I couldn't leave it out as it's such a great part of audiobooks. They can also help you use your imagination and provide an escape from everyday life, as well as being entertaining and subliminally educational - and who doesn't want to learn things without even trying!

13. Audiobooks make it easier to enjoy fiction books when you're studying.

You're perhaps less likely to reach for a book in your downtime if you've spent all day making notes, trawling text books or poring over academic papers. An audiobook, though, can provide the change you need to relax without meaning that fiction books are shelved indefinitely.

14. Audiobooks can be great replacements for things that require screen time.

This is true for both children and adults - we could all do with giving our eyes a rest from time to time. Bombarded with televisions, computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones, sometimes it's nice to let our eyes drift off and let our ears pay attention.

15. Great narrators can bring books and their characters to life.

When you find a brilliantly narrated audiobook it's a great feeling. You know that this safe pair of hands will guide you through the story effortlessly and make the book all the more magical. You can also pick up some skills for any reading aloud you might do yourself. And the icing on the cake is that you sometimes get to hear the author read their own book.

Do you enjoy audiobooks? What do you think the best thing about audiobooks is?

This post was written by Holly Newson