I have recently been introduced to the BookBeat app which allows you to listen to thousands of audio books at a very reasonable monthly price of £12.90. Even better there is no limit to the number of audiobooks you can get through a month! You can use BookBeat across five devices too.  So your children can also have it on their tablets but bare in mind that only one of you can use the app at a time.  This is no problem as when the kids go to bed, Bookbeat is all mine!

BookBeat app

The app is very user friendly, you can quickly get the hang of it and it’s easy to find new titles to listen to. You can search through bestsellers whether you fancy romance, a thriller or something for the kids to listen too. I was impressed with the large selection of both non-fiction and fiction books.  Everyone is well catered for at BookBeat.

I found it useful being able to sort through the provided lists by ratings, it’s likely a good read if it’s been well received by others. Although you can always make your own mind up.  Start a book and see how you get on, nothing ventured, nothing gained!

The two books I have finished so far I left scores for as I thought it might help someone else pick out a worthwhile audiobook to enjoy. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine was gripping, funny, sad and sweet all in one very original tale. I keep finding myself wanting to ask what a ferret would do? And take guidance from nature just like Eleanor now!!!

I like that the BookBeat app tells you as a percentage how far you are through the book. They really have thought of all the little details a reader would appreciate. With a physical book you can quickly see how much you have left so I value being able to do the same with BookBeat.  You can also alter the speed the book is read aloud.  I went for a happy medium of 1.25x speed.  Again its nice having the choice. If you prefer it read quicker or slower it’s simple to alter the settings.

Entertainment when travelling

For those long dull journeys on public transport listening to an audiobook can be a wonderful way to pass the time. I don’t travel as such but for me it’s been a real treat having the story playing whilst I do the housework. Folding clothes and putting them away isn’t such a bind now.  I can be thoroughly entertained whilst I am doing it. I really miss reading.  Generally its been hard finding time to squeeze a book into my schedule.  But BookBeat seems to compliment my hectic lifestyle and enrich it.

You can even download the books on to your phone or tablet so not having Internet doesn’t get in the way of enjoying your new relaxing pursuit!

I have found listening to an audiobook to be a calming pastime. Sometimes I find it very hard to switch off at night and go to sleep. Since using BookBeat I find myself drifting off much quicker.  I just nod off mid-story.  Fortunately, there is a sleep timer on the app, which is a considerate extra. The story can go off automatically in anything from 10 minutes up to 2 hours. If you do lose your place it’s easy to find it again.  You can either keep skipping back in 15 second intervals or use the bar which shows how much time has passed.

I think a BookBeat gift card would make a lovely Christmas present for everyone in the family. For the older members they can continue to enjoy great stories even when reading printed books becomes too difficult. Audiobooks are perfect for children too as they encourage quiet concentration.  My boys are lively lads so it’s nice for them to have moments of calm.

I have more posts about books if you wanted to read those.