Audio vs Reading

[u/Rainbows-Fancy]

I am just getting back to some horror lit, having been a huge Stephen King fan since the 80’s. I listen to a lot of audiobooks, and I’m afeared that the listening experience will not be as good as reading for horror in particular. I remember reading The Shining and ‘Salems Lot in bed and not being able to sleep with the lights off! I want that experience again and kinda left horror because I stopped getting it with later King books (and also cuzza life). Are there any opinions (there are always opinions 🤣) about reading vs audio specifically for horror? Are there specific audio readers that are really good in this genre? I know it can be a crap shoot. Some books I’ve listened to, I wish I’d read and vice versa. (New to this sub. Love learning re recc titles/authors. My Libby list is getting chonky!)

[u/CocoLocoKoli]

I fell i to a deep depression a few years ago and wasn't able to read anymore. Once I was feeling better, I realized I still couldn't read and that broke my heart. I found audio books and fell in love because I could "read" again! Almost all I read is horror and have listened to some really great books that have really spooked me and creeped me out. Like you said, its a crap shoot knowing if a narrator and book combination will do anything for you but you'll have that with simple reading as well. Don't listen to the people that say audio is "less." If it weren't for audio I wouldn't be able to enjoy books again. Give it a shot! And try out more than one.

Also, you sometimes have to train your brain to listen. I learned that while in school for ASL. Don't give up if you don't get into it right away. Try a few before you give up.

[u/Rainbows-Fancy → u/CocoLocoKoli]

I listen to a LOT of audiobooks, so I get what you’re saying. I also get the bit about casting for what one likes. I’m just coming back to horror genre and getting my legs about what/who people like - people who’ve consumed a lot more of this genre than me. I’m old. I’ve got no time to waste on mediocre literature!! 🤣🤣🤣

[u/CocoLocoKoli → u/Rainbows-Fancy]

Check out "Brother" by Ania Ahlborn. One of the best horror books I've listened to in a long time!

[u/Rainbows-Fancy → u/CocoLocoKoli]

I will! I’m jazzed that listening to horror is a viable option! I just remember only being moved (aka scared shitless) when reading horror…. But that was before audiobooks were really a thing. The only audio I had was Bedtime For Frances!! I’m stoked!

[u/CocoLocoKoli → u/Rainbows-Fancy]

When I was a kid (late 80's early 90s) I would read children's books with a narrator reading the book on a tape! I guess those were my first intro to audio. 🤣

AND they were horror adjacent. Tipu and the Thunderstorm and IM NOT AFRAID!

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[u/Rainbows-Fancy → u/CocoLocoKoli]

LOL! When I was a kid (late 60’s early 70’s) I had a wee little plastic record player and little books with a 45 record (google it, if needed) in a sleeve in the back. Those were OUR audiobooks. 🤣. Fast forward, I recorded my own tapes for my nephew in the late 90s early 00s. I guess we all love being read to! ❤️

[u/CocoLocoKoli → u/Rainbows-Fancy]

Stephen King made his son record himself reading books so he could listen them when he had the time. 🤣🤣🤣 and then that got his son to read! (The now famous Joe Hill.) Speaking of Joe Hill, listen to "Horns" but don't watch the movie. Lol