How To Read Twice As Much In Half The Time

I love reading. I’ve always been a book worm.  In school I would start a new book every few days.

While I still try to read as much as possible, I’m a little ashamed to admit down to about one book a month (if that!)

The slower I progress through my book list, the more guilty I feel.

The problem with reading is that it doesn’t really fit in with our “on-the-go” lifestyle. You can’t read a book while you walk (unless you are exceptionally talented). Which is why I’ve started listening to audio books.

When you’re no longer constrained to sitting down to read, it’s much easier to make time to learn something new or escape to a far off land in a book.  

Perfect times for stealing a few minutes for listening are:

• In the car
• At the gym
• On your walk to work
• While you’re doing housework
• In line at the store
• Whenever someone cancels a meeting with you (Nice way to turn a negative into a positive!)

I’m currently listening to 10% Happier by Dan Harris. He’s a newsman for ABC and was very skeptical about meditation.  But now he’s hooked.  I’m engaged because we’re in the same business but also because I’ve been trying to make meditation a “habit” but haven’t been able to do it.  I’ll let you know how it goes when I get to the end of the book.  (He has an app by the same name too)

Here are some audio book services for you to check out:

Audible – This is the service I use. Audible is linked up to Amazon and sells digital audio books, radio and TV programs, and audio versions of magazines and newspapers. They have the most extensive collection of audio content available so you can stay up to date with all the latest releases.

My only issue with it is I think they take advantage of their monopoly on the market. Audible costs $14.95 a month, which only entitles you to one “free” audio book, and you have to pay for any extra books. I don’t think it’s a great system for the consumer – yet here I am using it…

LibriVox – If Audible is a little out of your price range you can try this free app. The site allows volunteers from all over the world to read and record public domain texts. They have over 8,000 books in their library. Since the work is done by volunteers, the recordings are not always the best, but it’s a great place to start if you’re curious.

Skybrite – a brand new startup that aims to compete with Audible. It’s not quite free, but the $9.99 monthly fee gives you unlimited access to their entire book collection. So no paying for extra books.

Skybrite may not have as many books, but it makes up for it with a range of other programs. It also offers audio courses, spiritual talks and even stand-up comedy routines. So it’s good if you are looking for a more diverse service.

How do you listen to books on the go?