An audiobook is a recording of a book's contents read aloud and recorded. Typically, audiobooks are downloaded directly onto your computer or media player, but they are also available on cassette tape and compact disc. Downloading is more popular simply because it's cheaper and sometimes even free, depending on where you shop. The iPod boom has also created a new desire for audiobooks because they are more accessible for portable use.
One cool asset about audiobooks is that you can actually rent them just like you would a video. Some companies offer monthly subscriptions where you pay a fee and can rent as many audiobooks as you would like during that time period (no shipping charges either!). With unlimited access to thousands of books, it gives customers a chance to branch out and try books that they might have been hesitant to pick up in the past because they would have to pay for it.
Many people may be hesitant to choose audiobooks over actual paperback books due to the fact that they're less engaging and for those who are "lazy," yet it could also be argued that it's more intelligent than watching a full season of Real World on your couch, not to mention the fact that they are a great time saver because you can multi-task while listening to them.
Being able to listen as opposed to reading the story gives people a chance to clean, cook and run errands at the same time. It's like killing two birds with one stone. Think of it this way, you could even learn a new language while running some errands!
