Tag: audiobook

Ashton’s Literary Ramblings: Katherine Applegate: The One and Only Bob

Posted on by Ashton

So awhile back, I wanted to try an audiobook. I wanted a book that I didn’t really have to concentrate on but that would be interesting enough that if I had tuned out I could get back into it easily enough. I came across, Katherine Applegate‘s The One and Only Ivan. I thought to myself, what could it hurt.

Well, truth is, it hurt me. The One and Only Ivan is an absolutely amazing story and it still touches my heart and even occasionally makes me tear up when I think about it. While I was a little put off about it being a juvenile book, it didn’t stop me from being entertained and captivated by the story of Bob, Stella, and Ruby.

Thankfully, Katherine Applegate understood that Ivan just had to be shared with more people and is now adapting the book for the big screen with the help of Disney. The movie will star Angelina Jolie and Bryan Cranston and will premiere August 21, 2020 on Disney +. I am so excited to see this amazing animated film!

However, she also decided to write another story and she made it the sequel to the One and Only Ivan. and I am so so excited to listen to the audiobook of this one as well!

Published May 5, 2020

 

Bob sets out on a dangerous journey in search of his long-lost sister with the help of his two best friends, Ivan and Ruby. As a hurricane approaches and time is running out, Bob finds courage he never knew he had and learns the true meaning of friendship and family.

-Goodreads

Ivan is in it and so is Ruby and that is enough for me to get behind this book and read it–or in my case-listen to it as well! Katherine Applegate will surely entertain even the most serious of readers with this and hopefully, she doesn’t tear my heart out like she did with The One and Only Ivan, I mean, thankfully, she gave me my heart back, but still.

 

Awesome Audiobooks

Posted on by Shelby

You probably already know that you can download digital titles right to your smartphone or tablet with OverDrive, but did you know about the extensive audiobook collection available for download on the Indiana Digital Download Center? One of my favorite things to do is to download audiobooks right to my phone so I can listen to them while I’m driving or working around the house; it’s so convenient to have books right on my phone, which I already take with me everywhere anyway.

If you’re new to OverDrive and aren’t sure where to start, please stop by one of the branches in the Aurora Public Library District or give one of them a call so we can walk you through the process. The first thing you’ll need to set up with your account is a pin number, which you might already have. This number is what you type in when you renew your books online. If you aren’t sure if you have a pin — or if you’ve forgotten it — a staff member can set up a new one for you in seconds.

Whatever you’re in the mood for, OverDrive has it. You can search by title, author, genre, new releases, and titles available now. I really enjoy listening to memoirs because they are usually read by the author.

If you’d rather listen to audiobooks on CD, we also have a large collection of those for you to check out as well. At the Aurora branch, the audiobooks on CD have recently moved upstairs into what was formerly the Paperback Room when paperback fiction books were integrated into the regular fiction collection. You can browse the selection by stopping by either the Aurora or Dillsboro branches, or by searching our catalog online. If there’s an audiobook we don’t have that you’d like to listen to, you can always put a request in through Interlibrary Loan.

If you aren’t sure what audiobook to try first, I recommend listening to a book you’ve already read. That way, you know what happens already so if you find yourself zoning out, you won’t be missing anything. Many library patrons read the book and listen to the audiobook simultaneously, which can be helpful for you to be able to flip back and forth if you do miss or forget something. You can be immersed in the story wherever you go when you just can’t put the book down.

It seems like people either really love listening to audiobooks or they really hate it. I think that anyone can love an audiobook if they have an awesome narrator. Even if you don’t think you’ll like listening to someone read to you, or you’ve tried audiobooks before and can’t seem to get into them, I encourage you to try just one more time. Ask any of the staff at the Aurora Public Library District for recommendations! We’d be happy to help!

Happy Listening!

National American Heart Month

Posted on by Shelby

Going hand in hand with Valentine’s Day, love, romance, and National Library Lover’s Month, February is also National American Heart Month. The Aurora Public Library District is here for you for all of your heart questions and answers.

According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease and stroke, remains the leading cause of global deaths every year, with 17.3 million deaths. And while many cardiovascular issues can be genetic, there are still many preventative steps you can take to protect your heart and your health.

Educate Yourself

Read up on all the information you can find about your heart and heart health. Learn how the cardiovascular system works so you can keep your old ticker in tip-top shape. Learn the signs and symptoms for certain heart diseases so you can be on guard for yourself and your loved ones. Visit the American Heart Association website for more information.

Dietary Changes

I’ll be the first to admit that greasy cheeseburgers and salty french fries are delicious, but we’re harming ourselves by constantly eating convenient junk foods. Check out heart-healthy cookbooks filled with recipes and tips for you to keep your heart safe. Become familiar with what you’re putting into your body and eat smarter by cutting back on portions, lowering your sodium intake, and adding colorful fruits and vegetables to every meal.

Be Active

I know, I know — it’s cold out and we don’t want to do anything but sit on the couch and binge-watch Netflix. Of course it’s perfectly fine for you to relax after a long day, but everything in moderation. Make it a personal goal to get up and move at least once a day. It’s super simple! Just start walking! You can change your life (and your waistband!) by simply walking for a few minutes everyday. And as you get healthier, you will want to walk for longer and farther. While you’re walking, running, or burning calories with an intense cardio workout, listen to an audiobook you can check out from the Indiana Digital Download Center.

Be Mindful

Your heart health journey doesn’t start in your diet or in your walking feet; it starts in your mind! It starts with the conscience decision to better your health for yourself and others. This means getting enough sleep, reducing stress (incorporate yoga and meditation into your routine), and knowing your body’s limits. Take it slow! Rome wasn’t built in a day, so why should a complete lifestyle overhaul take place overnight? It’s okay to make yourself as a priority sometimes by taking a personal day to have a massage or simply unplug your electronic distractions. And of course, don’t skip out on your yearly checkup. If you are feeling concerned about something, don’t put off that doctor visit.

Give your heart a little more love this February by celebrating National American Heart Month. As always, Happy Reading!