As a lifelong physical book devotee, transitioning to eBooks felt like a challenge. I loved visiting the library, browsing the shelves, and discovering hidden gems beyond my planned selections. When my library didn’t have a physical copy, I’d occasionally use the Libby app to read an eBook—but I still preferred the feel of a real book in my hands.
Then, at a neighborhood book club meeting, a conversation changed everything.
A fellow member convinced me I was missing out by not using audiobooks. The benefits were hard to ignore: they made reading more convenient while multitasking, and—most enticing—they helped people read more books.
That was all the motivation I needed.
The Author Who Helped Me Crack the Audiobook Code
Despite my struggles with audiobooks in the past, I was determined to make them work for me. And the person to help me? Agatha Christie.
I’ve always loved mystery and suspense. I’ve watched every episode of the Hercule Poirot TV series with David Suchet, along with several Amazon Prime adaptations (The Pale Horse, The ABC Murders, Ordeal by Innocence, The Witness for the Prosecution).
Yet—I had never read an Agatha Christie book.
So, when I gave audiobooks another shot, I started with Christie’s works. The fact that many of her titles were only 5-6 hours long (versus the standard 10-14 hours for some fiction) made them much less intimidating. Even better? They were narrated by Hugh Fraser, the actor who played Poirot’s friend Hastings in the TV series.
The Audiobook That Changed Everything
The first audiobook I chose was One, Two, Buckle My Shoe, a Hercule Poirot mystery narrated by Hugh Fraser.
At just five and a half hours, it felt like the perfect length—not overwhelming or too time-consuming. I started listening on a quiet evening, curled up with my dog and a cross-stitch project or another of my crafts.
Fraser’s narration was mesmerizing. His accent, perfect Poirot impression, and dynamic character voices made following the story effortless and engaging. Unlike previous audiobook attempts, I stayed focused. Sitting still instead of multitasking helped me absorb the details, and by the end, I was hooked.
3 Reasons Why We Can Struggle with Audiobooks
If audiobooks haven’t worked for you before, you’re not alone. Many readers give up because of three key mistakes:
1. Starting with Books That Are Too Long
Before finding my rhythm, I was intimidated by 10-14 hour audiobooks. Ironically, I wouldn’t blink at reading a 300-400 page book in print.
I’ve since learned that 8 hours or less is my audiobook sweet spot. Finishing a book within 2-3 days keeps me engaged, helping me remember key plot points and avoid distractions.
2. Not Connecting with the Narrator
A great narrator can make or break an audiobook.
After listening to book podcasts, I realized most audiobook lovers have favorite narrators—just like Hugh Fraser became mine for Agatha Christie books. Finding the right narrator makes the experience immersive, exciting, and enjoyable.
Not sure if a narrator is right for you? Always sample an audiobook before committing. Listen to their voice, pacing, and tone. Once you explore enough audiobooks, you’ll discover narrators whose voices you naturally connect with.
Need recommendations? Anne Bogel’s blog, Modern Mrs. Darcy, has many posts about audiobooks and narrators.
3. Picking the Wrong Genre
My first three audiobooks were nonfiction, and honestly? It was a disaster.
Once I switched to mysteries, I found myself excited to finish the book. Eventually, I returned to nonfiction—but only if the topic really interested me or if the author narrated their own book (when done well, this can make nonfiction much more engaging).
Like physical books, if an audiobook isn’t capturing your interest, set it aside. There are no rules—just find what works for you.
Making Audiobooks Easier to Enjoy
Some people say they can’t concentrate on audiobooks. The reason? They’re often multitasking—driving, exercising, or doing chores while listening.
Instead, try sitting down with an audiobook as you would with a physical book. Get comfortable, relax, and just listen. If you prefer doing something while listening, choose a low-effort, rhythmic activity—like my cross-stitching.
Rediscover Reading
Audiobooks have transformed the way I experience books, helping me read more and explore stories in a whole new way. While I once struggled with distractions and the wrong choices, adjusting my approach—picking the right narrator, book length, and genre—made all the difference.
If you’ve ever dismissed audiobooks as “not for you,” maybe it’s time for another try. Start small, find a narrator you enjoy, and experiment with different genres. Before you know it, you might just discover, like I did, that audiobooks can be an incredible way to rediscover the joy of reading.
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