This & That: February 28, 2023
How I audiobook.
Hi there readers!
In this edition of the newsletter, I share a bit about how I finally got into audiobooks, the Anderberg family’s favorite reads of February (including from our 7, 5, and 2-year old), and a few great links.
Let’s get right to it!
Something I’m Thinking About: How I Learned to Enjoy Audiobooks
Though it’s by far the fastest growing market/format in publishing, I was really late to audiobooks. For a long time I just wasn’t interested. Even when I did become intrigued, I just couldn’t figure out the right rhythm or the right books.
So I assumed that audiobooks just weren’t my thing.
But the impulse to keep trying stayed with me. Every few months I’d snatch up some deal on Audible, download a couple books, and try again.
After a few years of sporadic audio attempts, it finally clicked last winter. I found the right genre, the right routine, and the right tools.
Since then, 10-15% of my reading has been in audio form and I’ve come to really enjoy the experience.
Here’s what has worked for me:
Genre — I stick with non-fiction. I tried fiction for a while, but found that I was annoyed when I lost focus for a few minutes and something big happened. With non-fiction, it’s less of an issue to miss bits and pieces here and there. Through some trial and error, I’ve also learned that big history books on audio aren’t for me. I just zone out too easily.
Routine — I quickly realized I couldn’t listen to books with kids around even though I can read physical books surrounded by chaos. I listen to audiobooks while on solo walks, doing mindless chores around the house (dishes, laundry, yard work, etc.), and when I’m driving around town by myself.
Speed — Though listening at 1.5X speed took a little getting used to, anything slower than that now feels glacial.
Tools — Audible and Libro.fm quickly get expensive, so I’m really glad I figured out how to get audiobooks through the library. Our system uses Axis360, but Libby is a popular one too. I mostly enjoy that I can try books without committing. I do a lot of experimenting, so if I get one-third or even halfway through a book and decide it’s not working for me, I don't feel like I’ve wasted money.
I’m quite glad I kept trying. Finding my groove with audiobooks has opened a new world of reading experiences and allowed me to take in even more books. What’s your audiobook routine? I’d love to hear!
The Anderberg Family’s Favorite Books of February
Jeremy — I didn’t read much non-fiction in February, so I’ll give two standout novels: Jade Legacy by Fonda Lee, the final book in her epic Green Bone Saga trilogy, and Rebecca Makkai’s I Have Some Questions for You.
Jane — The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb. My wife quite enjoyed the mix of musical appreciation with enough mystery to keep the pages turning.
Graham (7 years old) — Who Was Harry Houdini? by Tui Sutherland. Graham continues his torrid pace through the “Who Was?” series. Houdini was his favorite this month.
Willa (5 years old today!) — Pokemon Super Deluxe Essential Handbook. You wouldn’t believe how many hours of entertainment this book has provided our two older kids. She has also really enjoyed multiple readings of All Around Arendelle.
Bo (2 years old) — The little one has been really into Baby Shark Sing-Alongs, even if he did rip the cover right off.
Miscellany
🔭 Seeing Jupiter and Venus dominate the night sky on an evening walk this week inspired me to download the Sky Guide app. It’s really fun to play around with and the kids think it’s fun too. Plus, it’ll come in really handy on our Spring Break trip to Utah in a few weeks.
✏️ The secret to writing? Practice, practice, practice — over many years. I don’t love Matt Yglesias, but his mantra of “I will write again the next day” should be on a plaque in every writer’s office (or, ya know, a sticky note on their laptop).
🍻 Our social lives are wildly important to our wellbeing, yet we don’t give social time as much thought or intention as other areas of our life. Here’s a stirring case for bringing back the casual hang-out.
🧓🏽 Related, this list of 100 tips for a well-lived life from 100 centenarians is really delightful. As you might expect, a lot of it is related to community, family, and simple pleasures.
🎨 I’m not a “design” person, but I’ve come to enjoy playing around with Canva for making banner images, weekly galleries for this newsletter, and even random stuff for my kiddos. It’s by far the most intuitive, beginner-friendly design software I’ve used and I have yet to need any of the paid features.
Thanks so much for the time and attention — I deeply appreciate it.
-Jeremy
Happy Birthday to Willa!