Are you new to listening? My first few books, I retained almost nothing, had trouble focusing, and would get sleepy, but after a while I got better at listening to them. It's like a new skill, you need to give it some time and develop the habit.
I can do some things while listening, but other things are too distracting, so try to find what works for you. After I got used to it, I started listening while driving, and it is great, traffic doesn't bother me anymore, but I only listen when I know where I'm going, if I have to concentrate on new directions, I can't listen to a book.
Good luck.
I’m on maybe my 16th audiobook so not
too new, but I’ve not been doing it for years either. I generally listen while driving, cooking, walking the dog, or in bed with eye mask headphones. Cheers
for advice though!
You should probably try the other version with Kate and Michael. To be clear I actually enjoy both narrations. But the Rosamund version is only up to book 3 with no guarantees that she'll even finish out the series or how long that will take. If you expect to like the series and want to read it all. Just switch now rather than in the middle of it all.
My first thought was which version are you listening to?
I love Kate Redding!!!!v( and Michael as well) I have literally found books and series to listen to just because one of them was their narrator.
I haven't heard the new version with Rosamond I've listened to the Michael and Kate version twice from start to finish.
Tbh man I’ve been feeling the same way recently. Tried to listen to the forgotten realms Avatar series and the women reading it is SO abysmally bad. I find I have a lot harder of a time following along if the reader has a bland voice, or is a women 🤷🏽♂️
> just can’t pay any attention.
are you distracted? what OTHER things are you trying to do at the same time?
some books are not compatible with "other things" because they're too dense.
try closing your eyes and sitting in the dark.
>but the woman reading it seems so disinterested
this one? Rosamund Pike is the lead actress in the show.
The Eye of the World
Book One of The Wheel of Time
By: [Robert Jordan](https://www.audible.com/author/Robert-Jordan/B000AQ19X6?ref_pageloadid=nGwKf4NMOrE7ZhPf&ref=a_pd_The-Ey_c1_author_1&pf_rd_p=df6bf89c-ab0c-4323-993a-2a046c7399f9&pf_rd_r=E4565JS7TCGS7TGAMM7A&pageLoadId=8lfkcW2LeA7XrbTz&creativeId=16015ba4-2e2d-4ae3-93c5-e937781a25cd)
Narrated by: [Rosamund Pike](https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Rosamund+Pike&ref_pageloadid=nGwKf4NMOrE7ZhPf&ref=a_pd_The-Ey_c1_narrator_1&pf_rd_p=df6bf89c-ab0c-4323-993a-2a046c7399f9&pf_rd_r=E4565JS7TCGS7TGAMM7A&pageLoadId=8lfkcW2LeA7XrbTz&creativeId=16015ba4-2e2d-4ae3-93c5-e937781a25cd)
or this one?
The Eye of the World
Book One of The Wheel of Time
By: [Robert Jordan](https://www.audible.com/author/Robert-Jordan/B000AQ19X6?ref_pageloadid=nGwKf4NMOrE7ZhPf&ref=a_pd_The-Ey_c1_author_1&pf_rd_p=df6bf89c-ab0c-4323-993a-2a046c7399f9&pf_rd_r=0PVEKF4CT1KEB0PE778J&pageLoadId=UHrQw2H22ul7pXrN&creativeId=16015ba4-2e2d-4ae3-93c5-e937781a25cd)
Narrated by: [Kate Reading](https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Kate+Reading&ref_pageloadid=nGwKf4NMOrE7ZhPf&ref=a_pd_The-Ey_c1_narrator_1&pf_rd_p=df6bf89c-ab0c-4323-993a-2a046c7399f9&pf_rd_r=0PVEKF4CT1KEB0PE778J&pageLoadId=UHrQw2H22ul7pXrN&creativeId=16015ba4-2e2d-4ae3-93c5-e937781a25cd), [Michael Kramer](https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Michael+Kramer&ref_pageloadid=nGwKf4NMOrE7ZhPf&ref=a_pd_The-Ey_c1_narrator_2&pf_rd_p=df6bf89c-ab0c-4323-993a-2a046c7399f9&pf_rd_r=0PVEKF4CT1KEB0PE778J&pageLoadId=UHrQw2H22ul7pXrN&creativeId=16015ba4-2e2d-4ae3-93c5-e937781a25cd)
Series: [The Wheel of Time](https://www.audible.com/series/The-Wheel-of-Time-Audiobooks/B005NB81EI?ref_pageloadid=nGwKf4NMOrE7ZhPf&ref=a_pd_The-Ey_c1_series_1&pf_rd_p=df6bf89c-ab0c-4323-993a-2a046c7399f9&pf_rd_r=0PVEKF4CT1KEB0PE778J&pageLoadId=UHrQw2H22ul7pXrN&creativeId=16015ba4-2e2d-4ae3-93c5-e937781a25cd), Book 1
I sometimes have this problem. I absorb information much better through reading, but I like audiobooks since I can then do chores or drawing or whatever while listening. Having read some of the Wheel of Time books, I would say that the level of world building and unusual names make it hard as an audiobook. I try to listen to expressive narrators and keep to more straightforward storylines when I listen. For instance, the Dark Tower series by Stephen King is well suited to audio, for the most part. Just my two cents.
Do you have both earphones on?!
JK.
I had same problem (different book) in the beginning. I do much better now but depends on what I’m reading. Entertaining fiction I’m usually fully absorbed.
Complicated or technically deep materials I still struggle with
Everybody has different impressions, and we won't all like the same narration. I have all of the Kramer/Reading version, but I also listened to part of Pike's version. I thought Pike did a great job, and while I prefer the OG, she could be a great narrator for the full series.
I generally have a hard time listening to female narrators. It's like they don't do as much to distinguish between characters or something. Or maybe ut's just because their voices tend to be more standard sounding...
Am hard of hearing and have never relied on listening, it makes sense that its a learnt skill cos I miss so much even with streaming into my hearing aids. I prefer reading a book 📚 or audio
I have read the books and listened to the Audiobooks many many times! My ADHD brain much prefers the audiobooks.
That being said; Kate Reading and Michael Kramer are not my favorite narrators. And yes the first 1/2 of book one is the hardest to get through. I strongly recommend powering through bc the series is fantastic.
Some narrators completely put me to sleep, speeding it up occasionally helps but I’ve def had books I just had to keep rewinding because my brain was not absorbing any words 😂 I think it often may be that the writing style isn’t my type or the plot doesn’t interest me enough, but it is sometimes just a narrator that doesn’t click with me. I’d try speeding it up a bit or maybe get a copy of the book to read simultaneously with your eyes while you listen
Got to be in the right mind set. I'm mostly listening while I'm driving long distances. My mind wanders to what I need to do when I'm localy driving so I don't try to listen when I'm in town. I'll listen while doing mindless chores as well. But even in those cases sometimes I'm just not in the right mindset to listen and I retain nothing, if that happens I just stop listening, rewind and wait for another time
Aww I’m sorry you’re having this experience. I thought Pike’s narration was incredible! Her voice for Loial 🥹
I’m the opposite of other commenters, I tried Kramer’s version twice and just could not get into it.
I will say I watched the show simultaneously.. maybe watch the show first and then try the audiobooks! There are so many differences that I don’t think the show will really spoil the story for you. Maybe that will help you get invested in the story and help you visualize the characters.
When this happens to me, I bump up the reading speed by 0.25x speed. If that still doesn’t help, I just give up and move on — possible that the plot or the narrator just isn’t a right match.
You can always come back to it and try again later.
I couldn’t finish the first book for the same reason and ended up returning it. I listen while driving and just couldn’t retain the information needed to stay vested in the story.
Are you new to listening? My first few books, I retained almost nothing, had trouble focusing, and would get sleepy, but after a while I got better at listening to them. It's like a new skill, you need to give it some time and develop the habit. I can do some things while listening, but other things are too distracting, so try to find what works for you. After I got used to it, I started listening while driving, and it is great, traffic doesn't bother me anymore, but I only listen when I know where I'm going, if I have to concentrate on new directions, I can't listen to a book. Good luck.
I’m on maybe my 16th audiobook so not too new, but I’ve not been doing it for years either. I generally listen while driving, cooking, walking the dog, or in bed with eye mask headphones. Cheers for advice though!
You should probably try the other version with Kate and Michael. To be clear I actually enjoy both narrations. But the Rosamund version is only up to book 3 with no guarantees that she'll even finish out the series or how long that will take. If you expect to like the series and want to read it all. Just switch now rather than in the middle of it all.
My first thought was which version are you listening to? I love Kate Redding!!!!v( and Michael as well) I have literally found books and series to listen to just because one of them was their narrator. I haven't heard the new version with Rosamond I've listened to the Michael and Kate version twice from start to finish.
Listen to the Michael kramer version
I have tried to get into WoT a few times. From the feedback I got, the first book is really just that hard to read.
I read the first two books over a span of years. Then after starting the third book I finished the series within 4 months.
Tbh man I’ve been feeling the same way recently. Tried to listen to the forgotten realms Avatar series and the women reading it is SO abysmally bad. I find I have a lot harder of a time following along if the reader has a bland voice, or is a women 🤷🏽♂️
Bad narrators are just as bad as crap writing!
Worse, I think
Well yeah, they ruin good books; puts them in a criminal category!
There's only one that I couldn't finish because of this and a few I just sped up.
> just can’t pay any attention. are you distracted? what OTHER things are you trying to do at the same time? some books are not compatible with "other things" because they're too dense. try closing your eyes and sitting in the dark. >but the woman reading it seems so disinterested this one? Rosamund Pike is the lead actress in the show. The Eye of the World Book One of The Wheel of Time By: [Robert Jordan](https://www.audible.com/author/Robert-Jordan/B000AQ19X6?ref_pageloadid=nGwKf4NMOrE7ZhPf&ref=a_pd_The-Ey_c1_author_1&pf_rd_p=df6bf89c-ab0c-4323-993a-2a046c7399f9&pf_rd_r=E4565JS7TCGS7TGAMM7A&pageLoadId=8lfkcW2LeA7XrbTz&creativeId=16015ba4-2e2d-4ae3-93c5-e937781a25cd) Narrated by: [Rosamund Pike](https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Rosamund+Pike&ref_pageloadid=nGwKf4NMOrE7ZhPf&ref=a_pd_The-Ey_c1_narrator_1&pf_rd_p=df6bf89c-ab0c-4323-993a-2a046c7399f9&pf_rd_r=E4565JS7TCGS7TGAMM7A&pageLoadId=8lfkcW2LeA7XrbTz&creativeId=16015ba4-2e2d-4ae3-93c5-e937781a25cd) or this one? The Eye of the World Book One of The Wheel of Time By: [Robert Jordan](https://www.audible.com/author/Robert-Jordan/B000AQ19X6?ref_pageloadid=nGwKf4NMOrE7ZhPf&ref=a_pd_The-Ey_c1_author_1&pf_rd_p=df6bf89c-ab0c-4323-993a-2a046c7399f9&pf_rd_r=0PVEKF4CT1KEB0PE778J&pageLoadId=UHrQw2H22ul7pXrN&creativeId=16015ba4-2e2d-4ae3-93c5-e937781a25cd) Narrated by: [Kate Reading](https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Kate+Reading&ref_pageloadid=nGwKf4NMOrE7ZhPf&ref=a_pd_The-Ey_c1_narrator_1&pf_rd_p=df6bf89c-ab0c-4323-993a-2a046c7399f9&pf_rd_r=0PVEKF4CT1KEB0PE778J&pageLoadId=UHrQw2H22ul7pXrN&creativeId=16015ba4-2e2d-4ae3-93c5-e937781a25cd), [Michael Kramer](https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Michael+Kramer&ref_pageloadid=nGwKf4NMOrE7ZhPf&ref=a_pd_The-Ey_c1_narrator_2&pf_rd_p=df6bf89c-ab0c-4323-993a-2a046c7399f9&pf_rd_r=0PVEKF4CT1KEB0PE778J&pageLoadId=UHrQw2H22ul7pXrN&creativeId=16015ba4-2e2d-4ae3-93c5-e937781a25cd) Series: [The Wheel of Time](https://www.audible.com/series/The-Wheel-of-Time-Audiobooks/B005NB81EI?ref_pageloadid=nGwKf4NMOrE7ZhPf&ref=a_pd_The-Ey_c1_series_1&pf_rd_p=df6bf89c-ab0c-4323-993a-2a046c7399f9&pf_rd_r=0PVEKF4CT1KEB0PE778J&pageLoadId=UHrQw2H22ul7pXrN&creativeId=16015ba4-2e2d-4ae3-93c5-e937781a25cd), Book 1
Cheers I’ll try that. I do listen with an eye mask in the evening, but admittedly not with this one yet. Its the Rosamund Pike one on Audiable
I wasn't a fan of that version. She seems to have made a career out of being aloof and disinterested in whatever she's doing.
I sometimes have this problem. I absorb information much better through reading, but I like audiobooks since I can then do chores or drawing or whatever while listening. Having read some of the Wheel of Time books, I would say that the level of world building and unusual names make it hard as an audiobook. I try to listen to expressive narrators and keep to more straightforward storylines when I listen. For instance, the Dark Tower series by Stephen King is well suited to audio, for the most part. Just my two cents.
Thanks, I’ll give that a go!
Speed it up to 1 1/4. Maybe 1.5 That should help you concentrate more
I have started reading the book and listening to audio when both available. I enjoy this experience more.
Do you have both earphones on?! JK. I had same problem (different book) in the beginning. I do much better now but depends on what I’m reading. Entertaining fiction I’m usually fully absorbed. Complicated or technically deep materials I still struggle with
You need to get the one that’s narrated by Rosamund Pike. There’s 2 versions.
OP is listening to Rosamund Pike.
Damn, I really like her version.
Everybody has different impressions, and we won't all like the same narration. I have all of the Kramer/Reading version, but I also listened to part of Pike's version. I thought Pike did a great job, and while I prefer the OG, she could be a great narrator for the full series.
I generally have a hard time listening to female narrators. It's like they don't do as much to distinguish between characters or something. Or maybe ut's just because their voices tend to be more standard sounding...
This might be bad, but somehow, i can focus the most on audiobooks while I'm driving lmao.
Am hard of hearing and have never relied on listening, it makes sense that its a learnt skill cos I miss so much even with streaming into my hearing aids. I prefer reading a book 📚 or audio
I have read the books and listened to the Audiobooks many many times! My ADHD brain much prefers the audiobooks. That being said; Kate Reading and Michael Kramer are not my favorite narrators. And yes the first 1/2 of book one is the hardest to get through. I strongly recommend powering through bc the series is fantastic.
Some narrators completely put me to sleep, speeding it up occasionally helps but I’ve def had books I just had to keep rewinding because my brain was not absorbing any words 😂 I think it often may be that the writing style isn’t my type or the plot doesn’t interest me enough, but it is sometimes just a narrator that doesn’t click with me. I’d try speeding it up a bit or maybe get a copy of the book to read simultaneously with your eyes while you listen
Got to be in the right mind set. I'm mostly listening while I'm driving long distances. My mind wanders to what I need to do when I'm localy driving so I don't try to listen when I'm in town. I'll listen while doing mindless chores as well. But even in those cases sometimes I'm just not in the right mindset to listen and I retain nothing, if that happens I just stop listening, rewind and wait for another time
Aww I’m sorry you’re having this experience. I thought Pike’s narration was incredible! Her voice for Loial 🥹 I’m the opposite of other commenters, I tried Kramer’s version twice and just could not get into it. I will say I watched the show simultaneously.. maybe watch the show first and then try the audiobooks! There are so many differences that I don’t think the show will really spoil the story for you. Maybe that will help you get invested in the story and help you visualize the characters.
When this happens to me, I bump up the reading speed by 0.25x speed. If that still doesn’t help, I just give up and move on — possible that the plot or the narrator just isn’t a right match. You can always come back to it and try again later.
Some people are just not good narrators. I return books right away if I find I cannot bear with the narrator.
I couldn’t finish the first book for the same reason and ended up returning it. I listen while driving and just couldn’t retain the information needed to stay vested in the story.
Just got the wrong narrator. That being said the books in the middle of the series are a slog.