SciFi and Fantasy Book Club discussion

For Scribd and Storytel and BookBeat, I have questions!

What's the selection like on those? And is it a borrow service, meaning I would have access to their library but wouldn't be able to retain the books if my subscription ends etc?

Also, are they read by professionals? (I'm unwilling to try Librivox again because I'm picky about readers.)

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I also found a service called Chirp, but I've not tried it yet. https://www.chirpbooks.com/home

Tomas wrote: "I'd add a simple and very unspecific tip: use your commute (unless you're driving, don't read and drive for your own sake)."

When I was in LA back in ‘91 I saw a guy in convertible Mercedes with the vanity license plate “RKO VP” who was shaving and reading Variety while driving. o.0

Storytel/BookBeat have the same audiobooks that are sold anywhere digital audiobooks are sold. Selections aren't as good as say Audible, but there are tons of group books and new/hyped books. You can see what books they have without signing up.

You don't own the books, as soon as you stop your subscription, you lose access to them. I still buy books from Audible, if they're ones I want to "own". (As much as you can own digital content.)

Good to know, Anna, thanks!

More info on Chirp - Looks like it's a discount audiobook service, without a subscription/membership fee, and you just buy the books outright at the discounted price. So far I'm seeing pricing ranging from $0.99-$4.99 US, though the prices vary VERY widely. NYT Bestsellers are much higher (A Clash of Kings is $40!)

It does look like each deal is only valid for a promo period, and then it goes back to regular price.

They do offer a money-back guarantee if you don't like the audio, as long as you notify them within 7 days.

Looks like they do have an app for listening, but reviews look like the app is pretty buggy.

Nanu wrote: "edit: I answered before seeing the rest of the thread, but I feel like deleting it would be worse, so I am sorry for jumping the gun..."

It's all good! :D

The Humble Bundle usually has one audio book sale a year too and that's usually quite a deal with multiple books for a price you set yourself

Faith wrote: "Another source for inexpensive audio books is Chirp. They are part of bookbub and you can get daily emails about the current discounts.

https://www.chirpbooks.com/home"

Faith, I totally missed this post. I'm all like "Oooh, I discovered Chirp!" Silly me.

Have you used it? Do you think that the app works well?

Have you tried immersive reading? I do like audiobooks, but only if I read the book along. You can speed up narration and finish the book faster. I feel I am much more focused when I listen and read at the same time. There is the problem of pricing, though. But I read many books in public domain using Livrivox app and downloading the PDFs.

Becky wrote: "For Scribd and Storytel and BookBeat, I have questions!

What's the selection like on those? And is it a borrow service, meaning I would have access to their library but wouldn't be able to retain ..."

Scribd is a borrow service. Ive found lots of scifi/fantasy options. New as well as old things i don't have at my library. I think it's always a one month free trial so you can see if you like it before you commit.