Migraines, Audiobooks and Me
Audiobooks are a great way to experience stories. Listening Books member Colleen tells us how she started enjoying them after reading print became difficult.
I honestly cannot remember a time when I did not listen to a story or play. As a student, the BBC Radio 4 production of Sherlock Holmes with Clive Merrison sealed my love of listening to the spoken word. I was transported to their Baker Street rooms, or onto a train hurtling along to the latest scene of the crime. I was 100% there.
These stories became so familiar, the characters so full of energy and life, that I would long for Sunday evenings when the next story was available. Years later, the stories were available to buy on cassette. I was in heaven.
Many years later, I developed migraines and vertigo. As a result, I found reading increasingly tiring. Remembering my favourite characters from those years back, I was so keen to explore the wider world of audiobooks. A friend had recommended Listening Books, and after I joined I found a new world opened up for me. Thousands of books - where do I begin?
To my surprise I found childrens classics that I had never read as a child, and decided this was my chance to catch up a little. Wind in the Willows became a joy to listen to - Richard Briers as Ratty was perfection. One day I discovered the Agatha Raisin series by listening to a sample. I laughed out loud at some of the situations Agatha gets herself into. I could relate to her character in more ways than I dare to admit!
Listening Books is so much more than a charitable audio service. Their CDs or downloads can become a lifeline when life throws up it changes or challenges. For me, however, my lifelong love of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's work goes on. Listening Books offers so much more than just Holmes and Watson - there are short stories by the great author! I have just requested the CDs and cannot wait. Listening never stops!
Thank you so much to Colleen for sending her story to us!
Listening Books is a UK audiobook charity. We provide an online and postal library catering for anyone who struggles to read print or hold books. If you or someone you know struggles to read due to an illness or disability and you’d like to find out more about becoming a member of Listening Books, head over to our ‘why join’ page, email info@listening-books.org.uk, or call us on 020 7407 9417. You can also find out about our free membership options.
Want to read more stories from Listening Books members? Try How An Audiobook Charity Changed My Life.
