| An audio book is a recording of the contents of a | | | | rent unlimited number of audio books per month for |
| book read aloud. In the old times, audio books were | | | | a monthly fee. For international listeners, you can |
| usually recorded on tape and were only available in | | | | download audio books directly into your computer |
| public libraries and bookstores. They were expensive | | | | and then upload them to your portable device. Many |
| and many popular books simply did not have audio | | | | audio book clubs also offer free audio book download |
| recording. Audio books have traditionally been used | | | | with free trial. |
| as an educational tool to help children to develop their | | | | Today, audio book is no longer used as a teaching |
| listening skill and vocabulary, and to stimulate their | | | | tool, it provides hours of entertainment to average |
| interest in reading. They have also been used for | | | | people. You can listen to a memoir with the author |
| those who have difficulty in reading due to language | | | | reading out his/her own writing to you. Listen to a |
| skill or physical disability. | | | | thriller with added intensity and emotion, or let your |
| But things have changed in the past few years. Audio | | | | children listen to audio books as bedtime stories. |
| books are now available in many formats. Some are | | | | When you are exhausted after a whole day work, |
| recorded on tape or CD and some as digital | | | | you can relax on your sofa and listen to your |
| downloadable files. Most of the new book titles are | | | | favourite novels. Or, while you are traveling on a |
| now available in audio format. The popularity of | | | | train, shopping in the mall, or waiting in the doctor's |
| portable media devices such as Apple iPod and best | | | | clinic, audio books can become your source of |
| selling titles such as the Harry Potter series also help | | | | enjoyment in many different occasions. |
| to increase public awareness and boost the sales of | | | | If you are not keen on reading because of a busy |
| audio titles considerably in recent years. | | | | lifestyle, or not being able to read due to some other |
| Audio books are no longer expensive either. Many | | | | reasons, an audio book would be a good choice for |
| audio book clubs offer different membership plans | | | | you. It provides an entertainment that is suitable for |
| for casual to avid readers / listeners. Like DVD / | | | | people of all ages, reading abilities and lifestyles. And |
| game rental, audio book rental service allows you to | | | | better still, it is more affordable than ever before. |