I spend a lot of time with my headphones on. Walks, folding laundry, winding down at night—you get the idea. When I’m not playing music or tuning in to a favorite podcast, I’m listening to an audiobook. And before you ask, I do read books too. You know, the old-fashioned kind you pick up at the bookstore or library. It’s not that I’m lazy, Audiobooks are easier to take with you and they also add a whole extra layer my imagination can play with. When the narrator is awesome, it’s just like I’m watching a movie inside my head (and I haven’t even tried out the full-cast editions that have recently been added on many of the apps). In fact, I’ve even caught myself replaying scenes in my head like I would if I’d watched an actual movie. Hopefully that doesn’t make me crazy…

I’ve tried a few different apps, but Audible is the app I like best (so far). Like a lot of apps, they share an annual review of your activity. I’m a Marketing nerd, so, of course, I love stats and get excited to see what Audible has to share with me about my listening habits every year (knowing full well it’s really a marketing strategy). Plus, I’m terrible at keeping track of the physical books I read. Maybe there were some benefits to writing all those book reports for my English teachers back in the day. Anyway… last year I listened for an average of 81 minutes per day and consumed a total of 21 books (almost 2 a month). I’m not a particularly fast reader. I would likely have only gotten through half of those the old-fashioned way.

If you're wondering, Fantasy is my go-to. Has been for years. There’s something about magic, shapeshifters, and fairy realms that just works for me. I also seem to have an affinity for strong female characters and underdogs who eventually come out on top. I’m sure that’s linked to some childhood trauma—I never quite got over being the kid everyone picked on—a tale for another day. It may be fiction, but somehow there’s always just enough reality mixed in to make the impossible seem possible.

Real life is messy and chaotic, and honestly, usually pretty exhausting (especially right now). But in fantasy, no matter how complex the storyline is or how many twists and turns there are, it always works out in the end. And, the really good stories always manage to improve my state of mind. In fact, I’ve learned a lot about myself by reading fantasy.

There are a lot of options in the world of fantasy and you may be wondering, “How does she choose"? Well, there is, in fact, a method to my madness. After years of reading, I have a “short-list”. This is how I refer to the authors I keep coming back to. When a writer from this list publishes anything new, I’m buying it, simple as that—the only question I need to answer is “what format”. When you find a writer who creates characters you’d genuinely care about and builds worlds you can see yourself in, you stick with them. If you’re a fan of fantasy, you know the genre includes a ton of series-based books. Of course, I need to read every one in order. Yup, I’m that person—I can’t start in the middle and I can’t stop at book 6 if book 7 gets released. Besides, most of the series books end with questions or some sort of cliffhanger. What sane person wouldn’t want to keep reading to find out what happens next?

I’m also a total sucker for cover art. Yeah, I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but here’s the thing—a great cover is like a movie poster. If I don’t know the author, the cover art is why I pick up a book (or click on it). Of course, an engaging title is also a must—I am a “word” person, after all. If the title and cover art speak to me, I’ll read the description or teaser copy. And, ultimately, that’s what seals the deal.

I’m currently listening to “Turns of Fate” by Anne Bishop and have about 2 more hours before the book ends. BTW, Anne Bishop is on my “short-list”. I’ve read almost everything she’s ever written. “Turns of Fate” is the first installment in her newest dark, urban fantasy series (The Isle of Wyrd). The audiobook is narrated by Jesse Vilinsky, who gives each of the characters a unique voice. If it isn’t already obvious, I’m loving it and can’t wait to find out what’s next in the series. I’m not a professional reviewer, but I feel compelled to say that if you’re drawn to engaging characters, addictive storylines and a plot that keeps you guessing you should definitely read (or listen) to this one!

You might have already guessed, my Audible wish list is out of control. Currently, 202 titles and counting. Not to mention the 30 (or so) additional books I have reserved on Kindle. There are a few non-fiction titles on the list, but fewer than a handful, and, of course, the list includes a few new publications from my “short-list”.

A Closing Thought:

The thing about a wish list that long is that the question isn’t really which book I’ll choose next. It’s which book will rise to the top after I reach the end of my current literary excursion? Right now, I’m leaning toward “The Naturalist Society” by Carrie Vaughn (from my short-list) or “Conform” by Ariel Sullivan, which is a dystopian novel I learned about from Voices at the Table.

What I know for certain: There’s always another story to discover and we can always benefit from an excursion now and then. Happy Reading (or listening)

P.S.

Do you prefer reading or listening to books? What’s your go-to genre? What are you currently reading? Inquiring minds want to know. Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear what’s on your nightstand, e-reader, etc.