Listen to a Book in 30 Minutes

By Kaite Mediatore Stover

From The Readers' Advisory Toolkit

Edited by Jessica E. Moyer and Kaite Mediatore Stover

Forthcoming from ALA Editions, March 2009

The precursor to the following guidelines, “How to Read a Book in Five Minutes,” has many mothers. The late Jane Hirsch of Montgomery County (MD) Department of Public Libraries developed these guidelines which were expanded by Lisa Sampley, Springfield-Greene County Library, and published in the Fall 1998 Missouri Library World. Further modifications have been made by Mary K. Chelton and Joyce Saricks.  

These guidelines are suitable for books on cassettes, compact discs, Playaways and digital audio. Unlike printed material, audiobooks are much more difficult to “judge by their covers.” The narrator of an audiobook can be the sole deciding factor for a library patron. It is this quality of “listenability” that the evaluator should hone in on. The character and plot information can be gleaned from perusing the printed copy of the title. The audible qualities, narration and pacing and character voices, are of primary concern when engaging in this Readers’ Advisory exercise.

Tools Needed

1.    Audiobook

2.    Listening device

3.    Notebook or other place to jot down notes

Step 1.  Audio Cover

For cassettes, CDs and Playaways start by reviewing the cover. It’s harder to look at the “cover” of a downloadable audiobook, but is possible to view the record, which usually includes an image, either of the book jacket or the audio cover.

a.    Is it attractive?

b.    Does it give the viewer a suggestion as to the contents?

c.    Is it the same as the print version of the book?

d.    Is the narrator’s name prominently displayed?

e.    Does the case/website clearly state if the audio book is abridged or unabridged?

Step 2.  Jacket blurb

Unlike a print book, there is only one place for an audio book blurb, the back of the case. This isn’t very much room and the blurb may be short.  Again, use the record for digital audiobooks.

a.    If the print version of the book is available, have that to peruse the flyleaf.

b.    Look for a description of the book and a profile of the reader.

c.    Who is the narrator?  Are previous works listed?

d.    Are any “extras” listed as well (i.e. author interviews, music, sound effects)?

e.    Does the reader get a sense of the story?

f.    Are key elements of the plot revealed?

g.    Can a fiction type be assigned based on the blurb?   

h.    If it is a digital audio, editorial and listener reviews may also be included.  Don’t forget to read these, they can be quite informative. 

Step 3.  Length

Consider the length of the recorded book.

a.    How many tapes or CDs are included?  Or if it is digital how many parts are there to be downloaded?

b.    How many tapes or CDs are included?

c.    Approximately how many hours of listening time will be required?

d.    Are the tapes/CDs clearly marked on at least one side?

e.    Does the amount of listening time correspond to the abridged or unabridged formats?  If you are not sure, compare the size of the book to the length of the audio.  Even the shortest adult mysteries are usually at least 4-5 hours in their unabridged format. 

Step 4.  Listen to selections 

a.    Start with the first chapter (10-15 minutes, or 3-4 CD tracks.)

b.    Does the narrator immediately start reading the story or is there promotional, copyright or informative material to listen to first?

c.    Does the narrator hook the listener immediately or does the listener need time to get into the story?

d.    How quickly does the narrator read?

e.    Is the pace too slow or too fast for the type of story?

f.    Is the reader doing more narration or performance?

g.    How well does the reader distinguish between characters?

h.    Does the narrator use accents or unusual vocal inflections? 

i.    Skip to another tape/CD/track/section in the audio book and listen for any irregularities in the story.

j.    Listen to portions of the last tape/CD/track/section. Is the reader’s voice still recognizable and full of energy?

k.    Is it easy to follow character changes?

l.    Does the story still flow?

m.    Does it appear to mesh with the book description on the back of the case?

Step 5.  Extras

Are there any music or sound effects?

a.    Is there special music or sound effects for the beginning and/or end of the audio?  Do they “set the scene” and/or add to the listening experience?

b.    How is the end of a tape/CD or chapter signaled to the listener--with music or a straightforward announcement or no audible cues?

c.     Are there any recommendations made at the end of the audio book?

d.    Are there samples provided?

Step 6 Evaluate appeal, audibility, and narrator

a.    Is the book a good listen or a better read?

b.    If the book was abridged did it feel as if something was missing?

c.    Who was the narrator?  What other books has this person read?

d.    Who are the potential listeners?

e.    What other audiobooks have a similar listening experience?

f.    What kind of display might this be used in?