Treasure trove

Lately, I’ve been enjoying good books on my daily commute. This newfangled autopilot for cars is a great invention. . .

Seriously though, I’ve discovered a lovely way to pass the time en route to and from work. I got a little 1 gig mp3 player for Christmas and along with it, a gizmo that broadcasts whatever I’m playing on a very short-range FM band. And I do mean short range; it’s about ten feet. The car stereo picks it up and hey presto! No more gawdawful commercial radio.

Now all I needed was something to which to listen. Music works some of the time, but what I’ve found most entertaining are audiobooks. It’s about a 20-30 minute drive to work, usually good for a chapter or two each way. Well-narrated by skilled voice actors, these are a wonderful way to wake up and unwind to and from the office.

Best of all, they’re free. Go check out www.audiobooksforfree.com. Their “bearable quality” download I’ve found perfectly fine for the car and pretty good at home too.

So far, I’ve listened to Dracula, Dracula’s Guest, The White Company, Sir Nigel and The Flying Dutchman. All excellent.