An Ear Opener - Audio Books

I had an eye operation towards the end of 2015 and afterwards found it more difficult to read. I knew this would be temporary.  Meanwhile my priority was to find an alternative way of reading.  I first went to the audio section of my local library and initially borrowed two audio books, one on CD, the other a Clipper Playaway device with a pre-loaded audio book.  The latter needing only a battery and earphones.

The narration of both books by professional actors was entrancing (A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini and Lustrum by Robert Harris).  I sat and listened as if I was fully engaged in reading; doing something else while I was listening was not an option.  I was hooked!  This experience opened a door for me to the power of hearing the human voice in telling a story.  I  now understood that I wanted to share my poems audially alongside the written words.   This I have now started to do and have updated this blog with audio files for the poems already shared and an audio file for this posting.

In addition to CDs and Playaway, our library provides the option to use the Borrow Box app to download ebooks and audio books to a device of one's choice, i.e. computer, iPAD/iPhone, Android device or MP3 player.

Borrow Box is perfect for anyone who has restricted access to libraries or book shops as one can download and read or listen without having to travel.  It is also easy to use. There is no additional cost for this service.

Thanks to Cork County Library and any other libraries out there who provide this wonderful service.

Bernadette Gallagher
31 December 2015

You may listen to the above posting here.

Worthwhile listening:
The Listeners' on BBC Radio 4 ...listening is about more than hearing.
Self Portrait by Brian Friel on BBC Radio 4 Extra.