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I was so hopeful. When I had a free Audible trial last year, I chose Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid as one of my free picks. I’d heard it is THE book for people who struggle with audiobooks. I’d heard the full cast brings the book to life, that it’s easy to follow and not get confused, that it reads more like a documentary than a book. And I LOVE documentaries—especially about bands and music. It seemed like a guaranteed five-star experience for me.
But then I kept putting it off, Daisy Jones appearing at the top of numerable TBR posts. I was determined to finally tackle it this summer!
I do enjoy listening to podcasts, so it seems like I should enjoy audiobooks, as well. I also had the hardback of the book, so I knew I could read along or switch back and forth if necessary. I started the book by listening, and I did immediately like that the characters’ voices were distinct. But, I didn’t find myself eager to get back to it. I basically had to force myself to listen. So I tried reading a few pages instead. And I found that I did enjoy being able to read at my own pace, go back when I needed a reminder of who a character was, and just see the words on the page.
I didn’t give up entirely on the audiobook, I just relaxed my intentions, not feeling too guilty when I reached for the book instead of the audiobook. It did take some pressure off, allowing me to switch between the two depending on the situation. I found I was mostly enjoying the story, the voices of the cast of characters on the audiobook carrying over to the print version. It still wasn’t unputdownable for me, though.
Until it finally became, I just need to finish this book. I was bummed it wasn’t wowing me like I hoped it would, that once again I would be in the minority. I was somewhat prepared for this since I was one of the few who wasn’t in love with Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, but I’d really had high hopes since Daisy Jones was about music.
And so after finally finishing Daisy Jones and The Six—which took thirteen days!—I’ve come to the conclusion that several factors have contributed to my lackadaisical response:
Mayyyybe some of TJR’s books just aren’t for me? While I’ve enjoyed her books, I’ve never rated one over 4 stars. I seem to find myself underwhelmed since I read my first TJR book, One True Loves. I always seem to wish I knew the characters better, that I had more of their inner monologue. I’m always excited about the plot, the setting, but the characters seem to leave me wanting more.
Or maybe I’ve just seen too many musical documentaries? There was nothing ground breaking for me in Daisy Jones. In fact, I think truth was better than fiction in my experience. Many of the characters seemed to be predictable with little to no surprises. With the exception of Camila, but I’m still not sure I liked her much. Karen was by far the most interesting character to me.
Or maybe I’m just a visual reader?? Maybe I need to see the words. I’m a slower reader, so that would make sense. Sometimes I like to reread a sentence. Or like I said before, I need to go back to refresh my memory.
By the end of the book, I was ready to give up on audiobooks. BUT once I thought through the above reasons, I realized it might be more about the actual book than the method of reading. I did enjoy having the option to listen to the book when I had other things I needed to do. But, unfortunately, it’s not feasible to have a physical AND audiobook version of every book, so it makes more sense for me to stick to hard copies. But that doesn’t mean I’ll never listen to an audiobook again. I’ll just make sure it’s not one I’m overly hyped about.
Are you an audiobook fan? Any other books you’d recommend I give a try? I’m a glutton for punishment. Let me know in the comments!
Happy Wandering!
It could be all of those things, but I’m thinking it was a matter of this author probably just isn’t for you. I would try a different audiobook and see what you think. Maybe search out a narrator that is good for you.
Great advice! I have listened to and enjoyed nonfiction audiobooks read by the author, such as Amy Poehler and Mindy Kaling, so maybe recognizing the narrator’s voice helps me.
A lot of people love Julia Whelan. She did the Bridgerton books and is very good. It also helps me to speed up the narration to 1.4 or 1.6.
Oh ok. A Bridgerton book would probably be a good one for me to try on audio. I did speed up Daisy Jones and that helped a bit. All those long dramatic pauses we’re getting to me. 😃
I found that not every kind of story works for me in audio format. Contemporary romances are the best for me because they don’t tend to have as many details as other types of stories and are easier for me to follow. I have also had audiobooks save a story for me. I DNFed a book, and later listed to the audio rating it 4.5 stars.
Oh, that’s interesting that you tried a DNFed book on audio and it worked for you! Romance is my favorite genre and I haven’t tried an audiobook in the genre, so it makes sense that I should. Great tip!
It took me a while to get into audiobooks. At first I listened them and followed along with the physical copy, but like you said that’s not feasible so I stopped listening to audiobooks altogether. But then I found out that I love listening to romance novels in specific and I’ve been using audiobooks a lot more this year.
I think in your case it was a matter of the book rather than the format.
I personally loved the narrators for the Bergman Brothers romance series so maybe try those books if they sound lile something you liked.
I wasn’t a fan of Daisy Jones and the Six either so you’re not alone on that.
Romance is my favorite genre and I don’t think I’ve ever listened to a strictly romance audiobook. The Bergman Brothers series is at the top of my TBR so maybe I’ll give it a try on audiobook! Relieved to hear I wasn’t the only one who didn’t fall hard for Daisy Jones. I was so bummed about it after all the hype. 🙂
some books are definitely better than others, and it’s all about finding your niche. hopefully you find something that sparks your interest!
Yes! I’m determined to not give up yet. 😉
Yes, I’m a really visual reader, which is probably why I don’t really “get” audiobooks. Not into podcasts either, for that matter. It might be my dyslexia, which actually doesn’t make sense, if you think about it. You’d think that someone who is dyslexic would find listening to books easier than reading them. But mine is mild, and I like saying the words in my head when I read, which helps me picture the action. Does that make sense to you?
Makes total sense to me! I think it’s just feels like a lot of extra work for me to listen to audiobooks. I seem to have to focus more and make sure I’m not easily distracted. I may try something from the romance genre or a book I’ve already read, and then if those don’t go well, stick to physical books. Ha!
As someone who struggles with audiobooks mostly because I’m quite picky with my narrators and I also mostly always need to follow along with the physical or ebook, I totally get the struggle! But it does sound like perhaps it had more to do with it being TJR’s book rather than the audiobook itself? I would definitely recommend giving another audiobook a try (maybe by an author that you know you love?)—it might work out differently! Hope you find something that catches your attention 🙂
Trying an author I know I love–or maybe even something that would be a reread–is great advice! I do know I enjoyed Mindy Kaling and Amy Poehler’s nonficiton books on audio, so I think the narrator does play a big part for me. I’m determined to not give up yet! Haha!
I don’t listen to a lot of audiobooks because I struggle to concentrate on audiobooks if I can be easily distracted – which is why I tend to listen to them most when I’m driving – and so much of whether or not I enjoy an audiobook is down to the narrator. One thing I do love, though, is re-reading books via audio! 🙂
Re-reading is a great tip!! I don’t know why I haven’t thought of that. I’m also easily distracted, which does make it hard to concentrate. I’m not giving up… yet. 😉
It could be that audiobooks aren’t for you (which would be fine) or that the author isn’t for you (also fine) or that the narrator wasn’t for you (again, still fine). Before giving up entirely, I’d suggest trying another one—maybe get an audiobook from your library so that you can try it guilt-free? I would recommend going with an author you already like, and picking a book with a single narrator. Full cast audiobooks are a different experience, I’ve found.
But it will come down to learning your preferences. I’ve found that while I enjoy audiobooks, I do NOT like romances as audiobooks, as sexy scenes read aloud make me uncomfortable.
So many great tips here, Nicole! I think I’ll try an audiobook from one of my favorite authors next time. Maybe even one that would be a reread. And borrowing it from the library makes so much sense!
I hope you find something you like!
I have found that only certain genres work for me in audio form – usually memoirs, romances, and middle grade reads. I have also found that certain audiobook narrators really make a book better. I have never hated an audiobook narrated by Julia Whelan!
I have enjoyed nonfiction audiobooks by Mindy Kaling and Amy Poehler. I think it was because I was comfortable with their voices. Several people have recommended I try a romance audiobook. And that makes sense since romance is my favorite genre. And thanks for the narrator recommendation! I’ll search some of hers out. 🙂
You know I am a huge audiobook fan and most of the books I “read” these days are audiobooks. First, I want to say that I tried to listen to Daisy Jones and did not finish it. I tried to do a read/listen and it didn’t work for me. I love full cast books, but this one was not for me. Having said that, the narrator is very important and if you don’t like the voice or if something hits the wrong way, I can’t finish listening and will switch to reading. Two of my favourite audiobooks over the last few years are Where the Crawdads Sing and The House by the Cerulean Sea. I did start with cozy mysteries and romances which were shorter and easy to listen to. Now I listen to all genres. But, audiobooks are not for everyone, so if you don’t enjoy it, don’t force yourself, Dedra.
I feel better knowing the Daisy Jones audiobook didn’t work for you either. Especially since I know how much you love audiobooks. I’m thinking a romance or cozy mystery would be the best place for me to start. Or start OVER with audiobooks. 😃 I’m not ready to give up yet! Thank you so much for your advice!
I hope you find what works for you, Dedra.