I have had one of the most productive reading years since I was in high school thanks to getting hooked on audio books.  I notice that facial expressions change when I tell people that I am listening instead of actually sitting down and reading the book.  Well, here is what I have to say to scoffers…   Audio books have changed so much in the past few years.  I have found that most often listening enhances the story for you, giving the characters a real voice.  There are some very talented vocal actors out there.  Stephen King is a strong advocate of audio books and says that “audio perfects reading.”  I have been mesmerised by the readers in what might have been a not so interesting or dry read.  I have sat in the garage many times unable to stop listening before I had to go in to work or when I got home.  Sometimes I un-plug the iPod from the car adapter and put my headphones on for the walk into work or the house.  I have even started listening while I am cleaning.  Amazing how that can even make doing chores more pleasant!

Above is a photo of my “reads” of 2006 and I highly recommend the following in no particular order:

• Arthur and George by Julian Barnes
• Bliss by O.Z. Livaneli
• The curious incident of the dog in the night by Mark Haddon
• I am Charlotte Simmons by Tom Wolfe
• Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
• Terrorist by John Updike
• Everyman by Philip Roth
• Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem